Safari Basics

A safari is an unforgettable experience.

The  word “Safari” simply means “journey” in Kiswahili, but in English it has become a synonym for wildlife viewing in Africa. Africa has a lot of beautiful nature reserves rich in wildlife, and many people want to experience an unforgettable adventure in these magnificent surroundings. That’s why tourism infrastructure has developed well and you can choose between luxurious hotels, charming lodges or beautifully positioned camps where bungalows and huts of different quality standards are for rent. Most of these  safari camps also have a camping ground.

When you’re planning a safari in the bush, you can expect a splendid savannah grassland, woodland and scrubland, home of the ultimate big game. A trip to a river guarantees you to see a vast variety of birds and wildlife., as well as a lakeside that attracts flamingos and is frequently visited by hippos, buffalo herds, elephants and so on. Rainforests are packed with primates and are a haven for birds, butterflies and beasts of  all sizes.

When you’re on a safari in a malaria-sensitive area, you can minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents on exposed skin. Currently there are three effective anti-malaria tablets but you can experience some sides-effects from one of them, so test before you depart.

Where to go on a Safari

  • Africa
  • South America
  • Middle East
  • India

Types of Safaris

Safaris can be categorized based on the activities undertaken during the holiday. The common types of safaris are

  • Wildlife Safaris
  • Walking Safaris
  • Mountaineering Safaris
  • Desert Safaris

Activity Based Safaris that are popular include

  • Gorilla Safaris
  • Primates Safaris
  • Birding Safaris

Safaris rank among the best adventure and fun filled journeys that you can ever take. We bring to you all the information you need to plan a safari to different parts of the world. Also find the best safaris and wildlife holidays around the world. See amazing animals including wildebeests, gorillas, the big five and more in stunning destinations and enjoy an active adventure at the same time.
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Why consider a wildlife holiday for your next big trip?

Because you will:

  • Visit incredible destinations
  • See breathtaking wildlife
  • Experience nature in the raw
  • View stunning landscapes
  • Meet wonderful local people
  • Have amazing adventures
  • Gather a treasure trove of memories

Kinds of Safaris

There are many different types of experience on offer, which you can read about in the information below. The most popular are Africa Safaris – trips to the remote national parks on Africa. Africa safaris are also categorized mostly basing on the main theme of travel. Most popular Africa safaris include;

  • Big Five Safaris – Trips aimed at watching the big five animals
  • Photography Safaris – Enjoy wildlife watching and photography
  • Gorilla Safaris – Trips focusing on watching gorillas in Africa
  • Bird Watching Safaris – trips with focus on identifying birds in the wild.

Or, if you want to start searching for your perfect trip straight away, click on the destinations below for some great ideas and companies to book with.

Top Destinations

Wondering about the best places to enjoy a safari in Africa? Choosing a destination for your holiday is very easy. Here are the top countries where you can enjoy an African Safari

  • Botswana – the Okavango Delta offers some of the best game viewing in the world.
  • Kenya – just to hear the name Masai Mara you know you are in for an incredible wildlife experience.
  • Tanzania – home to world renowned Serengeti National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain; a fabulous destination.

Safaris Outside Africa

There are a few destinations where one can enjoy a wildlife safari. Here are some top places to enjoy a safari outside Africa

  • Galapagos – a unique destination with unique wildlife. No wonder Charles Darwin was so enchanted by these wonderful islands.
  • India – land of the tiger with a good chance of sightings in the wild. Take an elephant safaris in search of this magnificent beast and other fascinating wildlife.

The safari experience

When most people think of safaris, they imagine sitting in a jeep or 4WD truck, driving through the bush and across the savannah spotting amazing wildlife in its natural habitat.

They picture evenings spent in beautiful lodges or static camps beside water holes, watching with hushed breath as these same animals emerge from the bush to drink just metres away from them.

That’s great and a wonderful experience.

But for those of us who take a more active approach to life, and look for added adventure wherever possible, there’s lots more on offer on safaris and wildlife holidays and I’m here to tell you about it.

What are the options?

There are numerous means of tracking wildlife apart from 4WD vehicles.

Why not try one of these?

  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Horse Riding
  • Elephant Back
  • Canoe

How do you choose the right trip for you?

The Geo Adventure Travel Directory is just the place to find help and this is how:

Firstly – the destination pages listed above will give you a taste of what’s available.

Secondly –  Find some important points for you to bear in mind whilst searching for the best  holidays, whether you are looking for a conventional trip or something a bit more active.

Thirdly – I’ll tell you where to find out more and book your perfect trip.

Maybe I can inspire you to try something you hadn’t previously considered or even knew was possible.

So, what stirs your sense of adventure?

  • Getting up close to elephants on a canoe trip down the Zambezi?
  • Tracking the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo?
  • Galloping alongside a herd of wildebeest in Kenya?
  • Spotting zebras and giraffes while cycling in Tanzania?
  • Tracking tigers from the back of an elephant in India?
  • Island hopping in search of the unique wildlife of the Galapagos?

And these are just a taste of what’s on offer.