Adventure Safaris and Game Drives

It is a journey in Africa that involves spending some time in the bush watching wild animals. So, basically, a safari is any trip into the wilderness to see wildlife.

Now an 'African safari' can be an adventure tour that spends some time in nature looking at animals and birds. Calling an urban or cultural tour in Africa a safari would still be inaccurate.

But, referring to a marine boat tour as an 'ocean safari' is somehow acceptable. First, let's take a look at the traditional Africa safari and how it has evolved...

Evolution of the Safari

Safari travel in contemporary Africa typically implies that the journey will include game viewing and some time spent in wilderness areas (game reserves and national parks). A traditional African safari is usually focused on seeing Africa's wildlife, but safaris are definitely not limited to game viewing.

The Modern Safari - Proudly Responsible

A safari still involves wildlife, but other than that the term has been re-purposed to mean something entirely new. Safaris are now for admiring wildlife and birds in the wild, along with a host of other adventures.

Safaris have largely developed into holiday trips that actually benefit the wildlife of Africa, by supporting local conservation efforts and wildlife sanctuaries. As opposed to hunting the animals, visitors get to encounter them and help make a difference in protecting the species. Safari companies either actively contribute towards conservation projects or help generate tourism revenue which is used to manage wildlife projects and game reserves.

Eco-tourism is a burgeoning industry seeing a broad shift towards low impact development and environmentally friendly safari travel. Safaris often stay at eco-lodges, where the ecological footprint is kept at to a minimum. 

The modern safari is also a socially responsible journey designed to interact ethically with local communities and have a positive impact on local economies. The cultural interactions offered by reputable safari operators do not exploit local people. The local communities benefit from sustainable tourism through employment and financial gains from selling goods and services (dance performances, guided trips and resource management etc). Some safari companies directly support social upliftment projects whilst others make use of lodges, reserves and other establishments that assist local communities.

What African Safaris are about:

In addition to game viewing and wildlife tracking, safaris are about:

• experiencing the local cultures of Africa
• exploring scenic places and natural wonders
• visiting historical highlights and sightseeing
• participating in adventure and outdoor activities

Most African safaris are overland trips,  which means that they travel between destinations by road. This isn't always the case as fly-in safaris are an option, along with canoeing, hiking, sailing and various other specialist safaris.

What is a game drive?

As the name suggests, a game drive is when you go on a drive in search of game.

When you go on safari in Africa, you will typically go on some kind of game drive, where you drive out to see the animals in their natural surroundings.

There will often be a driver and a guide, or a driver who doubles as a guide, while in some places it is possible to go on self-drive game drive, such as in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania or Addo National Park in South Africa.

Game drives: where, when, how

A game drive can vary a little depending on where you are in Africa and what time of the day you head out.

What do you drive in?

In East Africa, a game drive typically takes place in a 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser, where the roof can be lifted to allow you to stand up in the car and look out at the animals (when the car is stationary!). The good thing about this is that it puts you at a good height in relation to the animals and gives you a fantastic view. If you have a large camera with you, you can also rest it on the ledge of the car to take pictures.

In southern Africa, the safari cars are typically open, i.e. with either a roof and no windows or neither a roof nor windows. The advantage of this is that you really get the feeling of being at one with nature because it is so close you could touch it (please keep your hands inside, though!). What’s more, you can constantly survey the landscape and help spot the animals –