CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
Engage with the Maasai, Samburu, Himba, Hadza, and Bushman tribes and learn about their unique way of life, skills and techniques for foraging, herding and traditional hunting. From stories of ancient traditions and their languages, you will connect on a deeper level with the people and heritage of Africa, ensuring that your safari is a truly transformative journey of discovery with unforgettable memories.
The best way to truly explore the incredible landscape of the Okavango Delta, is to get out on a delta expedition onto its waterways in a motor boat, and spend your nights in a light mobile camp set along the water courses and channels of the Okavango. As you cruise along the channels and streams, the sights and sounds feed the thrill of adventuring through pristine territory. Expect spectacular sightings of the abundance of birdlife, Hippos, Elephants, Buffalo, Lechwe, Giraffes and many more large mammals that call the Delta home. Whether you are slightly adventurous at heart, or simply want to marvel at the pristine and remote wilderness, the Trans-Okavango boating expedition offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Boat safaris are available in Botswana
TIME OF THE YEAR
The dry months are best when water levels rise from July to October.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No special physical fitness is required.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restrictions for boat safari.
Although most safaris are done on land, large bodies of water in the African wilderness allow you to explore the arteries of life flowing through these great landscapes. The waters attract an abundance of species, and a boat safari provides a refreshing safari experience, whether it’s on a river or a lake. Viewing Africa by boat gives you a unique perspective as you are able to get up close to various species of wildlife.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No special physical fitness is required.
AGE RESTRICTION
Some local restrictions may apply to children under seven years of age.
Suspended high above the African terrain, a Sky-bed experience provides unrivalled stargazing and a front-row seat to nature’s nocturnal drama. As day transitions into night, the wilderness comes alive with sounds and sights rarely seen from the ground. Drift into slumber under a canopy of stars, serenaded by the wild. It’s an adventure that will leave you with unbeatable memories. Discover the enchantment of Africa from a whole new perspective.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No special physical conditions are required.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restriction.
To really appreciate the vastness and beauty of Africa, a scenic flight is highly recommended. Since its invention, the plane has been a popular means of transport in Africa. When thinking of Karen Blixen and the movie ‘Out of Africa’, the very image of the legendary bush plane is inseparable from this continent and safaris. Whether it is to admire the vast deserts and savannahs or tour the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, a panoramic flight by bush plane is a must for a complete African safari experience.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No physical condition is required for this activity.
AGE RESTRICTION
There is no age restriction for this activity.
For the ultimate authentic wilderness experience, fly camping lets you overnight in truly remote areas with your Guide. The campfire is the focal point of the fly camp that provides you with a star-gazing tent so that you can remain connected with the landscape around you and the big skies above.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No special physical conditions are required.
AGE RESTRICTION
All ages are welcome to fly camping.
Meet the Himba, the last of Namibia’s semi-nomadic pastoral tribes who live in the remote Kunene River Region. They are known for their striking appearance from covering their skin in a cosmetic mixture of butterfat and an ochre pigment.
Today, around 50 000 Himba continue to live by ancient traditions while managing to find a way to live side-by-side with western civilisation in neighbouring settlements.
Interestingly, the Himba language has no word for the colour blue and so they “see” only hues of green.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Namibia
TIME OF THE YEAR
A year-round activity
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No special physical conditions are required.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restriction.
Hiking in Africa transforms a safari into a unique and enriching experience. The continent’s diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid deserts, provide stunning backdrops, offering a range of ecosystems to explore. The rich biodiversity allows hikers to encounter unique and rare wildlife, and the cultural diversity of communities adds a meaningful dimension to the journey, enabling you to connect with people and traditions. The sense of adventure, coupled with the natural beauty, makes hiking in Africa an unparalleled experience.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Hiking requires certain physical strength, depending on the number of days and route taken.
AGE RESTRICTION
Day hikes have no age restriction, but longer treks might have a minimum age limit of 10 or even 12 years.
Aside from walking, horseback is perhaps the most natural way to explore on your African safari. The inaccessible path of the vehicles are highways for horses, and in the absence of engine sounds you are able to have closer contact with wildlife. As faithful companions of mankind in exploration of the world for millennia, horses continue to provide a reliable means of travel. The pace can vary from cantering alongside Wildebeest and Giraffes while watching the sun set, to a quiet trot through a herd grazing game. Experiencing Africa’s ever-changing landscape on horseback will create many moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Horse riding day tours are accessible to all riders, from beginners to experts. Multi-day tours are reserved for advanced riders.
Horse riding is not recommended for pregnant women and people with back conditions.
AGE RESTRICTION
Minimum age is generally 12 years.
Escape to the heart of the African wilderness with an overnight stay in a luxury mobile-tented camp. Nestled in pristine landscapes, mobile tented camps offer you the chance to be a part of the seasonal action of a region – such as the Great Migration or during the rutting season. Mobile camps provide the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Surrender to nature’s embrace as you unwind in well-appointed tents while being serenaded by the sounds of the wild. Wake to the breathtaking vistas of the African landscape, where each day is a new adventure. It’s an experience that connects you to the raw beauty of Africa.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No special physical conditions are required.
AGE RESTRICTION
All ages are welcome at African Safari Mobile Camps.
Chimpanzee encounters are always fascinating, entertaining and fun. While taking an intimate peek into the daily delights, follies and quirks of our closest relatives, you will recognise (and respond emotionally) to customs and behaviours much like your own. Chimpanzees are constantly on the move. When heard from afar, their hooting and shrieking transform the forest into an eerie place. Once among the troop, their blend of tenderness, camaraderie and social drama, is so recognisable and relatable, that it draws you into a wildlife experience like no other. Chimps are far more active than Gorillas and are often found high up in dense forests. It may take effort to find them, but once you do, you will be enthralled by their antics.
TIME OF THE YEAR
While this is a year-round activity, the best time is in the drier months of June to November when temperatures are mild and walking trails are easier. This is especially so for Tanzania.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
It is recommended that hikers are in good physical condition. A trek could last between 1 to 7 hours over varying terrains.
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for Trekking is 15 years of age.
Nothing quite prepares you for the first glimpse of black fur among the undergrowth of the thick forest. The adrenaline surges as you find yourself eye to eye with an imposing Silverback with inquisitive youngsters peeking through the foliage with even keener interest! On the Gorilla trek, you will watch these giants playing, teasing each other, eating, and slumbering in a manner that mirrors our own. Although powerfully built, they are shy, gentle animals and live in tightly-knit troops with one or two alpha males in each. Their close social bonds are on display as they groom each other or hug and tickle the young with obvious affection. Although Gorilla treks are thrilling, the journey through densely-forested slopes to find them can be quite challenging. However, the close encounter will positively impact you forever and is well worth any physical challenge.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Tracking the gorillas varies from 1 hour to 9 hours for an outing, requiring trekkers to be in good physical condition.
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for Gorilla Trekking is 15 years and older.
The endangered Golden Monkey is found solely in the montane forests of the volcanic Virunga Mountains chain, and are the focus of a long-term habituation programme to stabilise their numbers. These strikingly beautiful primates with shiny, reddish-gold coats, are fast-moving and live in social troops of up to 100 individuals. Trekking into the bamboo forests, you will witness their hilarious antics at close quarters, as they swing from tree to tree or chase each other in circles all around you.
TIME OF THE YEAR
Although a year-round activity, January to March or June to September will give you the best experience in Uganda, while May to October is recommended for Rwanda.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
The trekking terrain is not challenging, but you will need to walk for up to 5 hours at times, depending on their location in the forest.
AGE RESTRICTION
In Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park, the minimum age is 12 years. In Rwanda, children aged 10 to 12 years can trek if accompanied by an adult.
Lemur encounters are as varied and unique as their island home. Lemurs are a charismatic group of primates, represented by at least 100 species, all of which are endemic to the island.
Meet the cheeky lemurs in their natural habitat, whilst they leap through the forest with their beautiful striking coats, soft round orange eyes and delicate fingers. These heart-warming primates display interesting behavior, ranging from the Indri species which sing like a whale, to the Sifaka species who sashay across the sand like a ballet dancer.
Lemurs are oddly humanlike, which is no coincidence, as they too are primates, just like us. Whilst they are not as closely related to humans as Chimpanzees and other Ape species, they are still regarded as family.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Lemurs are found only in Madagascar, and it’s neighboring Islands.
TIME OF THE YEAR
The Lemur Experience is an all year-round activity. The Lemurs are most active when food is abundant in January to June, and October to November are excellent months to see baby lemurs.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
The Lemurs encounter is a walking experience; mildly fit walkers can easily do the activity and the walk is much more enjoyable for children as from 5 years old.
AGE RESTRICTION
There is no age restriction.
Photographic hides are game-changers for wildlife viewing and photography, offering you the chance to settle into a territory as part of nature and view the action at eye level. Hides are strategically placed, safely constructed and come in a variety of forms – be it a bunker with ground level viewing, a raised hut or a camouflaged heap of logs. Hides provide the perfect cover for intimate wild encounters, let you observe without being observed, and offer a rare opportunity to get those up-close, once-in-a-lifetime shots without needing to zoom in!
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No physical condition is required.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restriction but long periods of silence and patience are required.
Experience Africa from a birds-eye-view from a floating hot-air balloon. Waking up before dawn, you will climb aboard the balloon and float through the sky to catch the sunrise and the life below you slowly stir awake. From the basket you will glide smoothly through the air with the only sound from wind whipping past you and the occasional roar of heat from the balloon’s blaster. Enjoy the aerial views of wildlife, both in large herds and scattered across the sweeping African plains, from the ultimate vantage point. At the end of your flight, enjoy a luxurious breakfast in the bush, where you will have the chance to get back up close to the wildlife you spotted from above
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.
TIME OF THE YEAR
This is a year-round activity
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
This is a moderate activity with no physical fitness required other than the ability to lie in the basket before take-off and no fear of heights.
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for ballooning is 7 years.
A helicopter safari brings you swiftly to the most remote and wild landscapes and gives you a spectacular overview of Africa’s intricately-patterned landscape. There is no other means of transport that can showcase so much beauty in such a short time. From rolling savannah plains, desert deltas and coastlines to lush wetlands and gushing rivers, the African landscape is ever-changing. Helicopter flights not only offer incredible visibility from the air, but also allow you to land in remote places that are inaccessible by road, boat or even by foot.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No physical condition is required, although this activity is not recommended for pregnant women.
AGE RESTRICTION
There is no age restriction for this activity.
Whether you do it just for fun, are seeking an adrenaline-rush, or simply because it is the best way to access places where a car cannot go, a quad-bike tour will provide a thrilling adventure and allow you to experience unique locations at your own pace. On some of the more difficult terrain – especially in the desert – quad bikes are a great way to explore the roads and pathways less travelled. They will take you further and faster and give you more time to enjoy your African experience!
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific skills or physical conditions are required.
AGE RESTRICTION
There is no age restriction for quad biking. Kids must sit with an adult.
Night game drives through the African bush are thrilling. Staying in the wilderness after dark is exciting enough but moving about in it makes for a real adventure! This is the time nocturnal animals come to life; a time when the skies ignite with stars. On a night drive you may see Porcupines, Civet Cats, and the rare Aardvark. If luck is on your side, you might see Lions preparing for their evening hunt and setting off into the bush for a kill. A Leopard might be spotted on the ground, or Bush Babies may be seen leaping from branch to branch through the canopies, while Elephants trudge silently in the moonlight. This is one night out that you don’t want to miss!
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical conditions required. Some locations might get cold at night and require warm clothing.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restrictions for night game drives.
Possibly the most loveable creatures in Africa – made famous by Timon from The Lion King – are the Meerkats. These curious creatures may well regard you as a friend, and if you are lucky enough, may even climb over you for a better view. Most Meerkats live in underground burrows in large groups of up to 40 individuals, called a gang or a mob. They are a clever, weasel-like animal that is a member of the Mongoose family. Meerkat mobs spend a lot of time grooming and playing together to keep the family as a tight unit. Spending time with Meerkats will make your heart – and memories – smile.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Botswana.
TIME OF THE YEAR
These are semi-arid desert animals and are best seen during the dry months from May to October.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical conditions required.
AGE RESTRICTION
All ages are welcome to track Meerkats.
The Samburu live north of the equator in northern Kenya. They are closely related to the Maasai and speak their dialect of the Maa language. They are semi-nomadic and known for their traditionalist lifestyle, which includes religious beliefs, rituals, and tribal clothing that remain largely unchanged by Western influences. The traditional dress is a striking red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash. This is adorned with colourful beaded earrings, bracelets, anklets and necklaces. Each piece of jewellery the women wear represent her life experiences and status within the tribe. Dancing is a significant part of Samburu culture. Add singing to the dancing, along with the vibrant traditional costumes, and you are guaranteed a colourful and fascinating tribal encounter.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Kenya
TIME OF THE YEAR
An all year-round activity.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical conditions required.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restriction.
One of the best ways to enjoy Africa is to meet its people. With more than a thousand ethnic groups Africa is a melting pot of cultures.
The Maasai people are identified by their colourful red ‘shukas’, impressive jewellery, elongated ear lobes, and the ‘adumu’ jumping. Tall and elegant, their singing is an important part of the culture, as is the famous jumping dance ‘adumu’. The higher you jump, the higher will be within your warrior status.
Meeting Maasai people is a cultural highlight of any safari. From village visits to a stay at a Maasai run camp, there are plenty of ways to get close to these custodians of the landscape, learning about their traditional practices and tapping into their deep understanding of the landscape and wildlife around them.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical conditions required.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restriction.
The Hadza of Tanzania are among the last true hunters-gatherers of East Africa. They grow no food, have no livestock and live without rules – a lifestyle that has changed little over the past 10,000 years. The Hadza are reminders of how humanity is thought to have lived from as far back as 2 million years ago. Join these friendly people to forage or hunt and observe how they stalk their prey, use bows with poison-tipped arrows, and rely on their vast and intimate knowledge of the natural world. Watch as they interact with the Honeyguide to find a beehive; let them teach you about wild fruits, tubers, and medicinal plants. The Hadza live for the present moment only and manage to remain free from the trappings of the modern world.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Tanzania
TIME OF THE YEAR
An all year-round activity.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical expectation is required, however, if going for the experience of joining the tribe on a hunt, walking is required.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restriction.
The Bushmen, also known as the San, are the indigenous people of southern Africa. Largely hunter-gatherers, their territory used to span several nations. Theirs is one of the oldest cultures on earth, and they are thought to be descended from the first inhabitants of what is now Botswana and South Africa. The historical presence of the San in Botswana is particularly evident in northern Botswana’s Tsodilo Hills region. The San were semi-nomadic, moving seasonally to access water, edible plants and wildlife. Their rock paintings and carvings are collectively called rock art and are found in caves and rock shelters. An experience with the Bushmen is humbling. Let the San people show you their way of life, how they track animals, build huts, and discover their fascinating language, where every tongue click means something different.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Botswana
TIME OF THE YEAR
An all year-round activity.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical expectation is required, however some walking is involved.
AGE RESTRICTION
No age restriction.
An unforgettable Elephant Encounter awaits in Africa, as you fall in love with these gentle giants of the continent.
An Elephant Encounter is an incredibly intimate interaction, you will be left in awe as you walk side by side with the elephants, and you witness first hand, their intelligent and compassionate nature whilst blending in the elegance of their surroundings.
Feel, touch and awaken your senses as you interact with one of nature’s most majestic creatures.
During your experience you will learn about each Elephant’s own temperament, personality and character, from up close, you will be able to observe their immense physical features and impressive abilities.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Regarded as a relatively moderate activity, adapted for all ages with no specific physical fitness required other than the readiness to walk by their side and get up close!
AGE RESTRICTION
Some locations welcome all age groups whilst others have a minimum age for small children.
Staying on a houseboat is one of the most tranquil ways to experience Africa’s game-rich landscapes and waterways. Whether it be on the Chobe River in Botswana or at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, a houseboat offers you the opportunity to sit back, relax, float away under the African sky, and watch as wildlife comes to you. A houseboat allows you to explore places which are otherwise inaccessible.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No physical fitness is required, a Houseboat is however not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or who are wheelchair bound.
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for houseboats is seven years.
Embarking on a canoe safari leaves you wide open to the African wilderness and gives you a unique way of seeing the wildlife. This popular activity allows you to get out of the vehicle, stretch, get physical and paddle at your own pace. With professional guidance, you experience the beauty of Africa and its wildlife at water level. While paddling downstream you will see a variety of species coming down to drink, bathe or swim in the channels. You will marvel at the diverse eco-systems and relish each moment as you let the river dictate your course.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Though canoeing is a low-impact activity, it requires physical fitness. Make sure your preparation and skills are adequate for the planned paddling activity.
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for canoeing is seven years.
For a truly iconic African safari experience, you will want to take a trip on a symbol of the Okavango Delta – the Mokoro dug-out canoe! Sit back and relax as you journey through a maze of clear channels and opaque lagoons. Propelled with a Ngashi pole by a trained Guide, these traditionally hand-carved boats allow you the freedom to glide through the watery wilds. The mokoro lets you sit mere centimetres above the water, and as it is silent, you will merge with wildlife almost unnoticed. The silence of your craft will amplify the wilderness sounds, from the chorus of insects and frogs to bird calls and the breeze rustling through the reeds.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Mokoro dug-out canoes can be experienced in Botswana.
TIME OF THE YEAR
TTBA
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
This is an easy and relaxed activity with no special physical demands
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for mokoro trips is 13 years.
Explore the diverse and vibrant cultures of Africa on our Walking with Tribes experiences. Journey alongside indigenous communities, forging genuine connections and sharing in activities and moments of their everyday life. Walk hand-in-hand with tribal people and share in their wisdom to gain a deeper understanding of their heritage. This is an authentic, unscripted and transformative adventure, fostering mutual respect and lasting memories.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Walking with Tribes does not require special physical strength. However, you will need to walk for up to 4 hours at times, depending on location and time frame.
AGE RESTRICTION
There is no age restriction for Walking with Tribes.
Experience Africa like never before as you stroll through untouched landscapes and get up and close with wildlife. Every step reveals a world of wonder. Discover intricate details, from delicate flora to tiny, elusive creatures that are often missed when travelling in vehicles. Follow animal tracks through the untamed wilderness as your expert guide leads you on a journey of discovery, offering you a truly authentic perspective of life in the wild.
TIME OF THE YEAR
It is offered year-round in Kenya. It is limited to the dry season in Tanzania and Kenya (June to March), Namibia May- October and Botswana and Zimbabwe (mid-April to November).
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Walking safaris do not require special physical strength. However, you need to walk up for up to 4 hours at times, depending on location and time frame.
AGE RESTRICTION
The minimum age for walking safaris is 14 years.
Tracking Lowland Gorillas is one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences, allowing you to come close to one of our nearest living relatives in the wild. Lowland Gorillas are smaller and more agile than their Mountain Gorilla cousins, spending more time in the trees. Their habitat spreads over large areas of lowland forest and forest clearings. Undertaking the trek gives you the opportunity to explore the remarkable biodiversity of the rarely-visited western African forests that support an array of life, including primates, forest Elephants, Tree Pangolins, and other endemic species.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
The Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazaville) and the Central African Republic.
TIME OF YEAR
Although this is a year-round activity, we recommend tracking during the cooler winter months of May to September.
FITNESS PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Following undulating routes, expeditions can range in length from 1 to 8 kilometres. They last between 2 and 8 hours, including the time spent with the troop. Therefore, it is advised to be in good physical condition.
AGE RESTRICTION
Participants must be at least 15 years of age.
Rising with the smell of freshly brewed coffee that your tent attendant has left on your veranda, the golden morning light paints the savannah as you lazily take in the majestic beauty and sound of the bush that surround you.
Luxury camping is a real out of Africa experience, designed to strike a balance between being light and mobile enough to reach the best and most secluded wildlife locations, whilst providing everything discerning travellers might expect. This is true “bush elegance”, and it doesn’t get much better than this.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia.
TIME OF THE YEAR
An all year long option pending location.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical conditions required.
AGE RESTRICTION
Some camps have age restriction, please contact us to enquire.
The morning sun bathes the country side in a golden light, and the African bush slowly starts erupting with life, as the birds welcome the new day. The camp team is up early, a coffee kettle brewing over the camp’s fire, smiling faces welcome you as you gather around the dining area.
Wilderness Camping allows one to enjoy the basic comforts of camping and more. It isn’t about luxury, it’s about as authentic an experience as one can imagine. Designed to allow access to the most remote reaches of the bush, paving the way for an optimal and total wilderness experience.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana.
TIME OF THE YEAR
An all year long option pending location.
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
No specific physical conditions required.
AGE RESTRICTION
Some camps have age restriction, please contact us to enquire.
A Fly Camp means sleeping out in the bush, under the magical African skies. The camp has minimal facilities, set up beautifully with great food, a bucket shower and all the basic comforts that you will need for this unforgettable overnight experience.
A back-to-basics camp does not mean a lack of comfort. We have kept a few luxuries, so whilst you drift off to sleep, you can comfortably be hugged by soft duvets and down pillows. Dining is generous and wholesome, served with a cold beer or a cool glass of wine around the campfire.
Whilst you capture the moment, one can be immersed in the sounds of the African Savanna at night and appreciate the vast African skies and the majestic Milky Way. The campfire is the focal point of the fly camp, this is where we eat our meals, socialize and engage in entertaining discussions.
This experience will take you deep into the wilderness for a night or two. During your time at the Fly Camp, we conduct most of our activities on foot, allowing us to experience the bush on an interactive level rather than merely just observing from a distance.
COUNTRIES OF ACTIVITY
Tanzania.
TIME OF THE YEAR
All year activity, dependent on weather conditions
PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS
Most activities are on foot, so mild to moderate physical fitness required.
AGE RESTRICTION
Some camps have age restriction, please contact us to enquire.
