Africa | The Adventure Travel Site

Discover Africa’s Big Five Safari Icons – Encounter the Giants

The Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—are Africa’s most famous wildlife icons. Spotting them on safari is the pinnacle of adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The Majestic Lion

Known as the “King of the Jungle,” lions are a must-see on any African safari. They roam the savannas in prides, exuding strength and power. Watching a lion in its natural habitat is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

The Gentle Giant – Elephant

African elephants are the largest land mammals on Earth. These gentle giants can be found in vast herds, gracefully moving through the bushlands. Encountering them up close offers a true connection with nature’s grandeur. If you’re planning to explore the wilderness and witness these magnificent animals, consider a hotel brand the likes of Minor Hotels for your stay. These types of hotel chains offer accommodations that bring you closer to Africa’s natural beauty, creating a comfortable and unforgettable safari experience.

Charles J. Sharp creator QS:P170,Q54800218, African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana) female with six-week-old baby, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Mighty Buffalo

Often underestimated, the Cape buffalo is a formidable animal with a fearless attitude. They travel in large herds, and their unpredictable nature makes them one of the most exciting Big Five animals to spot on safari.

The Elusive Leopard

Leopards are known for their stealth and grace. These solitary cats are difficult to spot, often lounging high in trees or blending seamlessly with their surroundings. Their elusive nature makes spotting one a rare and rewarding experience.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Adventures in East Africa

Embarking on eco-friendly adventures in East Africa unveils a mesmerizing tapestry of natural wonders and cultural richness, while fostering a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. The diverse landscapes of this enchanting region, from the vast savannas of the Serengeti to the lush rainforests of Uganda, provide a backdrop for responsible and immersive experiences that prioritize conservation and community engagement.

Singita Sasakwa Reserve

The Singita Grumeti Reserve, seamlessly connected to the Serengeti National Park, stands as a crucial component of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, established by the Tanzanian government in 1994 to safeguard the route of the annual Wildebeest Migration. Entrusted to the Grumeti Fund since 2002, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and community development, the reserve has seen remarkable achievements since Singita joined as the Fund’s conservation partner in 2006. Together, they have successfully restored populations of buffalo, wildebeest, and elephants in the region.

Usangu Expedition Camp

Usangu Expedition Camp, operating annually from June to November, is an authentic and seasonal camp nestled in the secluded and picturesque setting of Ruaha National Park, specifically within the Usangu Wetlands. Offering expert private guiding, a diverse array of safari activities, and a dedicated commitment to conservation, the camp ensures an immersive experience for visitors amongst all other safaris in East Africa.

Porini Rhino Camp

Porini encompasses a selection of genuinely eco-friendly lodges in East Africa, operating on environmentally conscious principles to minimize their impact on the surroundings. The camps under Porini are devoid of permanent structures, opting instead for eco-friendly practices such as solar power for electricity and sustainable charcoal for water heating – and can be visited when arriving in the region through SkySafari.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Kyambura Lodge stands as an exquisitely restored coffee-processing and drying shed. Positioned on the periphery of Kyambura Gorge, a refuge for endangered chimpanzees, this opulent property ranks among Uganda’s premier eco-lodges. In 2009, the lodge initiated the Kyambura Gorge Eco-tourism Project, dedicated to preserving the adjacent ecosystem. More recently, the project received substantial support from the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, contributing significantly to the protection and sustenance of Kyambura Gorge’s chimpanzee population.

How to Plan Your First Safari Tour in Africa

A safari in Africa is a thrilling adventure—a rendezvous with the untamed wilderness that promises a lifetime of memories. To ensure your first safari is everything you dream of, follow this guide to plan an unforgettable African escapade.

Choosing Your Destination

Africa has a vast and diverse wilderness, offering an abundance of options for exploration. Look into destinations like Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, or South Africa’s Kruger National Park, because each has its unique charm and resident wildlife, and you can decide what attracts you more.

The Type of Safari

Safaris come in various forms, from traditional game drives to African safari luxury tours conducted by operators such as SkySafari. Choose based on your preferences and comfort level with wildlife encounters, because each type brings its own different flavours and twists to make your experience a rich, insightful one.

Select the Right Time to Go

Wildlife in Africa – Photo by Harshil Gudka on Unsplash

Wildlife activity varies with the seasons. Research the best time for animal migrations, birthing seasons, or optimal game viewing. Consider the weather, avoiding extreme heat or heavy rains.

Find the Right Accommodation

Choose lodges or camps that suit your style, whether it’s luxurious glamping or rustic immersion. Many accommodations offer expert guides, enhancing your safari experience.

Trekking adventures in East Africa

Allowing for effortless weaving between gorgeously diverse ecosystems, from whimsical yellowwood forests and snow-capped meadows to dizzying gorges shadowed by breathtaking peaks, there’s no place like East Africa for the beauty-loving adventurer.

Take on Mount Kenya

From sighting tree-climbing lions in colonial-inspired national parks, snorkelling in with multi-coloured reef fish off Lamu island, racing 4WDs down ragged volcanic craters to scaling alpine vistas, immersing in equatorial wildflower meadows, and watching the mighty tide of migrating wildebeest, the African wilderness brims with exhilarating experiences. While climbing gigantic, glacier-topped Mt. Kilimanjaro isn’t for everyone, the gentler routes and breathtaking medley of terrains of Mount Kenya make it a must-have on your itinerary.

Dive into Ngorongoro Crater

Whether it’s thrillingly intimate wildlife encounters, decadent tropical beach antics, or eye-opening heritage escapades, East Africa warmly presents a rich mosaic of meaningful moments. An essential bucket-list safari destination, this staggering national park, with its beautiful crater lake, misty blue heights, and yellow-flowering forests, is home to a wonderous number of intriguing animals, from Africa’s majestic ‘Big Five’ to gazelles, wildebeest, zebras, and black rhinos.

Explore Volcanoes National Park

From adrenaline-high night safaris amid mysterious swamps to navigating bizarrely beautiful volcanic topography like the Danakil Depression, East Africa has many extraordinary excursions to compete for your attention. However, gliding through the rainforest and spending some one-on-one time with enormously endearing gorillas should be high on your list! For an all-inclusive African Safari proffering outstanding amenities, venture no further than SkySafari.

Hike Simien Mountains

If you’re looking for a UNESCO-listed heritage sanctuary complete with cinematic scenes ranging from blooming tropical gardens and rustic rural enclaves to ragged peaks, undulating pastures, and rare fauna, set your sights on the Simien Mountains National Park.