Being active is not what many people will immediately think of when you mention a safari. Often, a safari conjures up images of siting in open vehicles being driven around to see the wildlife. However, there are many opportunities to leave the vehicle behind and get active in Africa, be it riding, walking or cycling – with plenty to suit every taste.
Riding Safaris
I often say I grew up on the back of a horse, and for me there is something particularly special about riding in Africa. Moving through the bush on horse back gives you an entirely different perspective and whether you are an advanced 3-day event rider or a complete novice, there are options to suit everyone.
Advanced riders can enjoy galloping through the floodwaters of the Okavango Delta in Botswana – a childhood dream that lived up to all expectations when I rode at Macatoo Camp – or ride through the wildlife rich areas of the Masai Mara in Kenya or the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Following a leopard through the trees, or seeing the herds of the migration, from the back of a horse is a thrilling experience.
For less experienced riders there are plenty of options in South Africa to Kenya. Ants Nest in South Africa is an ideal playground for children and adults alike, and for all abilities. With no lions or elephants and horses turned out onto the reserve, the wildlife, which includes giraffe, white rhino and buffalo, amongst plentiful other plains game, is comfortable with the horses ensuring wonderful encounters and experiences.
Walking Safaris
Getting out of a vehicle and walking through the bush is an extraordinary feeling. Stopping and seeing what is often overlooked when in a vehicle, such as the way a branch has been bent indicating the way a particular animal went, enriches the overall experience of your safari, giving you greater knowledge and insight into the whole environment.
Zambia is often considered the home of the walking safari, with extensive options on offer. The majority of camps offer morning walking safaris which can last a few hours – or longer if desired – and are an ideal introduction to seeing Africa on foot. Combine luxury bush camps by walking between them, don’t worry, your luggage goes by vehicle, or perhaps enjoy a night under the stars between two camps. An unforgettable experience. Longer, multi-day safaris are also on offer here as well as South Africa, which take you to remote reaches of a national park where few, if any others, will be.
For families with younger children where walking with larger wildlife is not allowed, try a camel-supported walking safari in Kenya. These walks, on private land, are run by Karisia Safaris and led by expert Samburu and Masai guides. In addition to the walking, activities such as camel riding, Masai beading and rock climbing are all available. All safaris are operated and run on a private basis to ensure your family or group have the most tailored experience possible.
Whether it is a short walk to stretch your legs and feel a little bit active, or a full walking itinerary, there is an option to suit everyone throughout the region.
Hiking
For those who want an active challenge then there are plenty of options. Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is perhaps the best known and most obvious. The highest freestanding mountain in the world represents a true challenge, wonderful views and an experience like no other. A number of routes are available to the 5,895m summit, and taking a longer option is highly recommended to enable your body to acclimatise to the altitude.
The stunning scenery, changing landscapes and wonderful guides who make the climb an enjoyable, and safe, experience, all combine offering an amazing week. The key is to take it slowly; enjoy the scenery, learning from the guides and enjoy the experience. This will also offer you the greatest chance of success – the slower you go the better your body can acclimatise.
For something entirely different, but which provides an alternative hiking challenge, there are a range of experiences to enjoy. Walking through the Rwenzori Mountains – known as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ – in Rwanda is an off the beaten track experience, and hugely rewarding. A day hike up Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania is often considered the most challenging day hike in Africa. Standing at 3,118m, this active volcano with two craters and one cone, offers extraordinary views from the top including the tips of Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Some of the most beautiful hikes are also rewarded with the opportunity of seeing chimpanzees or gorillas. Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in Uganda, or the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda offers incredible scenery with the ultimate aim of seeing the endangered mountain gorillas; a humbling and adrenaline fuelled experience. Equally, hiking through Kibale Forest in Uganda, Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda or the Mahale Mountains in Tanzania is both enlightening and exciting, very often you hear the chimpanzees long before they are seen.
Cycling Safaris
For those who like to cycle there are an increasing number of opportunities throughout Africa to take to two wheels. Cycling is an exciting way of experiencing an area and options range from short mountain bike excursions to multi-day mobile cycling safaris.
Borana Lodge, on Borana Conservancy in Kenya’s Laikipia Region, offers mountain biking and e-bikes to enjoy cycling safaris. Just one of the many activities offered on this reserve, this offers an exhilarating adventure, taking in the diverse landscapes and stunning views that the reserve offers, all whilst seeing wildlife as well. Suitable for seasoned pros or beginners, these rides offer the opportunity to cycle past herds of zebra – under your own steam or with the help of a small battery-powered motor on an e-bike.
For longer multi-day cycling safaris head to Botswana. A five day / four night experience, with two nights in a mobile camp, offers the opportunity to go further afield than staying in a permanent lodge. Exploring ancient elephants routes, sleeping under the incredible night sky of Southern Africa and seeing wildlife in it’s natural environment is an amazing opportunity. With back-up vehicle, charging facilities for e-bikes and basic bike maintenance facilities, this cycling safari is an engaging and different way of exploring the Makgadikgadi salt pans.
Other opportunities to take to two wheels include Cape Town, the Winelands, on the beach or in Victoria Falls.
If you would like to start planning an active holiday in Africa, or any other holiday to Africa or the Indian Ocean in 2025 or beyond, please do get in touch with Lucinda and she would be delighted to help.
