Dreaming about an African safari? While they’ll always be a highlight, there’s more to this experience than daily game drives.
Get ready to update your bucket list – from mokoro rides through the Okavango Delta to hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara, our Africa travel experts weigh in regarding the most memorable encounters that await.
Stephanie: Fly camping in Tanzania
“Fly camping under the stars in the Selous, southern Tanzania.”
Recreate it: Choose a property known for its fly camping experiences (where you stay in temporary camps in remote areas, typically during multi-day walking safaris), like Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire National Park and at Chada Katavi in the heart of Tanzania’s remote Katavi National Park, both of which offer adventures off the beaten path.
Paula: Hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara
“My most memorable safari experience has been flying over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon, followed by a bush brunch among the wildlife. It was spectacular!”
Recreate it: Hot air ballooning has quickly become a must-do across Africa. You can experience this awe-inspiring adventure at like Kapama Southern Camp in South Africa (with three family villas, 17 luxury villas, and 15 suites) and Namibia’s Kulala Desert Lodge (with 23 thatched luxury chalets).
Robyn L: Seeing wildlife in Mana Pools National Park
“We visited Mana Pools National Park, Lake Kariba, and Hwange National Park. The level of professionalism of the guides was exceptional. Mana Pools was especially mind-blowing. It’s true wilderness!”
Recreate it: One of Zimbabwe’s most wildlife-rich parks, Mana Pools National Park is particularly famous for its large concentrations of hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and elephants, as well as a rich avian fauna, boasting over 350 bird species. The park is also home to several threatened species, such as lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. See these incredible creatures for yourself (ideally during the dry season between June and October) with a stay at world-class lodges like Wilderness Chikwenya (popular among photographers and known for its water safaris) and African Bush Camps’ Kanga Camp (near Kanga Pan – the only water source in the area available throughout the year, making it a hub for wildlife).
Nikki: Accepting a proposal at Samara Private Game Reserve
“There are too many to choose from, but one of the funniest and most memorable experiences was at Samara Private Game Reserve, with my now-husband having just proposed, and directly after saying yes, a clan of hyenas ‘laughing’ in the background.”
Recreate it: Planning on popping the question (or saying ‘I do’) in Africa? Team GILTEDGE is here to pull out all the stops to ensure an engagement getaway, wedding, or honeymoon to remember. While we can shower you with plenty of loved-up experiences, our top pick is a night spent under the stars in an open-air treehouse at Skybeds in Khwai Private Reserve, Botswana or Lion Sands Tinyeleti Treehouse in Lion Sands Game Reserve, South Africa.
Suzaan: A family safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
“It was such a rewarding experience watching my daughter having the time of her life on safari, spotting the big and small wild animals. A family safari in Sabi Sands is an unforgettable experience.”
Recreate it: Sabi Sands Game Reserve does family safaris best. We recommend a stay at Londolozi Founders Camp (the kids will love spending time at the Londolozi Cubs’ Den and going on customized kid-friendly game drives).
Rhynhardt: Watching cheetahs on the hunt in the Serengeti
“My absolute favorite safari experience was during a game drive. We saw two cheetahs stalk and take down a gazelle. It was such an incredible experience for everyone.”
Recreate it: There are over 500 cheetahs in the Serengeti and frequent reports of sightings in Ndutu and Namiri Plains, in particular. That said, if you have a knowledgeable guide’s help, you have a good chance of seeing these big cats regardless of where in the Serengeti National Park you’re staying. Our number one recommendation is Namiri Plains Camp, once a cheetah conservation initiative. The region around the camp is now crawling with big cats – cheetahs included.
Robyn J: Mokoro safaris in the Okavango Delta
“Mokoro safaris in the Okavango Delta in Botswana are wonderful. I loved being on the water and seeing game from a different perspective. It was precious family time in the bush. The kids were so excited and not even thinking about their phones.”
Recreate it: There are three ultra-unique ways to appreciate the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways: helicopter flips, hot air ballooning, and mokoro rides. Mokoro rides take you directly into the water in a traditional dugout canoe, allowing you to get much closer to wildlife during the high-water season (May to October). like Kiri Camp and Wilderness Jacana offer these specialized safaris.
Colleen: Tracking lions in Mala Mala Game Reserve
“My most memorable African adventure has to be one of my very first game experiences at Mala Mala in South Africa, surrounded by herds of hundreds of buffalo but an arm’s length away, tracking a lion chase in its entirety! It was truly amazing – forever etched in my soul.”
Recreate it: Mala Mala Game Reserve is a private game reserve located within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa. It is the largest and oldest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa, and most camps and lodges within it offer wildlife experiences that could lead to a memorable encounter like Colleen’s. Some other must-dos include walking safaris and evening game drives.
Desiree: Witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania
“It was a lifelong dream to finally see the zebra and wildebeest Great Migration in the Serengeti, Tanzania.”
Recreate it: The Great Migration is known as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ and there are plenty of ways to appreciate it. None come close to a mobile safari, though – where your camp actually follows the migration’s path. You’re so close to the action, you might as well be part of it. Mobile camps in the Serengeti include andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas and Wilderness Usawa Serengeti.
As you can see, our travel experts have been there and done it all – so who better to help plan your bespoke safari escape?