Not all types of African safaris have to feature big game drives.
With our wide range of tours at Rainbow, there are many more ways you can get to know the continent's diverse wildlife population. From the largest elephants to the tiniest frogs and bugs, there are curious creatures of all different shapes and sizes, some requiring specific methods of safari in order to spot.
There are modes of safari that include walking and mokoro in addition to travel types like family, honeymoon and couple travel experiences. But what do safari holidays entail? Let's take a closer look at them, how they tailor your experience and which one suits you best.
1. Safari by Mokoro
Gently float along Botswana’s Okavango Delta floods in your mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) and spot an array of flora and fauna, from colourful reed frogs to macro-sized elephants. The silence of the boat means you can carefully approach the resident wildlife and capture the most picture-perfect photos.
A safari by mokoro is one of the most unique types of safaris as it takes to the waters instead of land. It's an immersive experience, one that envelops you in the delta's dynamic natural habitats of open clear water, swamps and river floodplains, giving you a front row seat into the lives of hippos, rhinos and more.
With our Botswana's Moremi and Okavango Delta Small Group Tour, you have a great opportunity to experience an African canoe safari. Head out on the water with your knowledgeable guide, who'll help you navigate the rich wetlands and get you as close as safely possible to spot the diverse wildlife.
"Joining like-minded people on this mobile tented safari, you’ll discover hidden gems within the bush with your experienced guide, seeking out once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences before returning to camp where a wholesome meal has been cooked over the open fire. You’ll even leave Botswana with new family members – I personally can’t rate this safari highly enough!" – Candice Buchan, Head of Rainbow
2. Fly In Safari
A fly-in safari is a type of safari adventure that allows you to fit in as much as possible into a single trip.
See more awe-inspiring animals and experience more incredible excursions as you make use of light aircraft to transfer between safari camps. On one day, you could be observing desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland, the next you may be watching a flock of flamingos at a lagoon on the Skeleton Coast.
Flight safaris also give you an aerial glimpse into the landscapes you'll explore on the ground. After seeing mammal species from a bird's-eye view, you'll get to learn about them closer up from your expert guide!
This is no different in our Namibia Fly-In Safari. After taking in the iconic red dunes and rugged desert scenery, you explore Etosha National Park, a haven for large concentrations of wildlife such as zebra. You can even take to the skies on an optional hot air balloon ride over the dunes at sunrise, with a champagne breakfast awaiting you at the landing site. Then pass over Deadvlei, home to a forest of petrified trees.
Suggested Reading: A Guide to Visiting Namibia
3. Walking Safari
Embrace the striking sounds and smells of nature as you journey with an experienced guide on foot through the wildlife-rich bush. While exploring areas inaccessible by car, you’ll come to appreciate the smaller things much more, such as elephant shrew or buffalo weaver, all from a different perspective. You'll identify tracks, learn about interesting insect behaviours and truly immerse yourself.
South Luangwa National Park is where you set foot on our Zambia Walking Safari. Explore seven ox-bow lagoons, home to hippo and lion, before walking through Kapamba, where elephant and buffalo reside.
4. Small Group Safari
Whether you're travelling with your partner or aim to explore the world solo, small group tours allow you to join like-minded travellers in visiting the most sought-after wildlife areas with knowledgeable guides.
For example, our Madagascar Wildlife Oddities & Icons tour is led by talented expert and author Daniel Austin ('Bradt Madagascar Guide', 'Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitors Guide' and more). Experience the island's phenomenally contrasting habitats – from humid rainforests to dry baobab forest and ‘tsingy’ pinnacle-fields – and expect a catalogue of rare wildlife sightings, including numerous lemurs, rare birdlife and wonderful herps.
5. Family Friendly Safari
A family friendly safari holiday is excellent fun for all ages. Children can learn about the importance of biodiversity from the resident safari expert while you get to spend time with your young ones and explore somewhere brand new. And let's not forget, with any family holiday to Africa, you have a great chance to form ever-lasting memories seeing some of the most magnificent wild animals on the planet.
The best African safaris for families are those which allow you to share your child's wonder. Being thrilled by seeing your first giraffe or hearing the roar of a lion is only amplified by their sheer joy and excitement.
One of the best safaris for families is Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari. As well as exploring the city of Cape Town and discovering lush scenery in the Garden Route, this self-drive combines all the top highlights with a wildlife-rich safari experience. Amakhala Game Reserve is a 7000-hectare area of great natural beauty, where animals such as lion, wildebeest, tortoise and over 16 antelope species all live.
Suggested Reading: The 10 Best Family Holiday Destinations in South Africa
6. Honeymoon Safari
A honeymoon safari is unlike any other. It's one of the most special types of safaris you can experience as you do so hand-in-hand with your partner: a true bucket list moment you and they will always remember. Watching a giraffe walking into the sunset is a magical sight you'll get nowhere else other than Africa.
Imagine waking up to the sounds of diverse birdlife chirping away in Kruger National Park or falling asleep under the starry Zambian night sky. These areas are perfect for creating the most intimate memories.
Not only that, but there are also plenty of wildlife to see on a day trip during a hot air balloon safari. From high up top, you may see extraordinary scenes of lions playing with their cubs or even the Great Migration.
Combining exhilarating game viewing with relaxation on dazzling, powder-white beaches, Kenya & Zanzibar Beach & Safari Honeymoon is a great example of a honeymoon safari. You also get to enjoy a romantic stay in a former Zanzibari palace and authentic game drive in a secluded conservancy.
By speaking with our Travel Specialists, we can arrange special private bush dinners and champagne breakfasts! Our preferred suppliers can also include surprises, discounts or complimentary upgrades. When it comes to your honeymoon, those extra details go a long way to making your trip perfect.
"My sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara was the perfect way to celebrate my honeymoon! From drinking tea while watching the balloons get ready to soaring high above a heard of wildebeest, the whole trip was spectacular.” – Kate Anderson, Africa Travel Specialist
Plan your Safari with Rainbow
By clicking on the enquire button or calling us on 0208 131 4527, we can help tailor-make your African adventure. Our Travel Specialists specialise in destinations they know inside out, many having deeply been immersed there for years, so they can curate transformative travel experiences.
