5 Unique Safaris for Animal Lovers
Horse around in Namibia
Ride across Namibia’s dramatic desert landscapes from the mountains of Damaraland to the Skeleton Coast. The adventurous horseriders on the 11-day Damara Elephant Safari may encounter elephants, rhinos, lions and other desert-adapted animals, which are unperturbed by the presence of horses.
Soar high above Kenya
From a small plane, get a sweeping view of hippos lolling in Kenya’s Mara River, giraffes plucking leaves from treetops and elephants roaming the plains. Get to know more about these and other threatened species while travelling in style on Scenic Air Safaris’ nine-day Endangered Species Flying Safari. On land, you’ll be escorted by a guide and locally based conservationists while you track animals such as lions and cheetahs.
Take to the water in Botswana
Paddle a canoe along Botswana’s remote Selinda Spillway, which links the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti and Kwando river systems, on the four-day Selinda Adventure Trail. Pass within metres of wildlife, including herds of elephants and buffalo, as they come to the water’s edge to drink.
Go birdwatching in Zambia
The long-legged, stork-like shoebill is at the top of most twitchers’ must-see lists. One of the best ways to catch more than a glimpse is on the one-day Shoebill Trek in Zambia’s Bangweulu Wetlands, where the birds appear in August and September. After you’ve waded through waist-deep swamp, the sight of a shoebill and its nest is rich reward.
Spot lemurs in Madagascar
A group of lemurs is called a conspiracy so it’s fitting that you and your loved one plot an escape to their native home, Madagascar. On Time and Tide's seven-night Wild Romance trip, go lemur trekking on Nosy Ankao island and, after a helicopter ride to the mainland’s north, walk through the forest of Amber Mountain National Park looking for eight species of the tree- dwelling primates.
Photo credits: Namibia Horse Safari Company, Getty Images, Selinda Adventures
