safari activities

 

The African bush never sleeps, making dusk and dawn some of the most exhilarating times to be on safari. Antelope emerge to feed in the cool air, hippos leave their rivers in search of fresh grass, and predators such as leopards and lions use the cover of darkness to stalk their prey. Hyenas, meanwhile, prowl for an easy meal. Night drives also offer the chance to encounter an array of nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day, including civets, genets, bush babies, owls, porcupines and, with luck, even an aardvark. Guides use red-filtered spotlights to locate wildlife, as the light reflects from the animals’ eyes without affecting their night vision.

It is worth remembering that there may be long stretches without a sighting, but when wildlife does appear, the experience is often truly special. Guests may enjoy a sundowner in the bush following a regular game drive, before travelling slowly back to camp through the darkness for dinner. Alternatively, they can dine early before setting off from camp after dark for a longer night drive. All night drives are accompanied by an armed park ranger.

 

 A hot air balloon safari offers a truly unique perspective of the landscape, taking guests to places and revealing sights that simply cannot be experienced from the ground. Drifting silently over the African plains as herds of wildebeest race below, crocodiles bask in the early morning sun and vultures perch atop their nests is sure to be a highlight of any itinerary. Guests are collected before dawn—typically between 4am and 5am, depending on the distance from their camp—and transferred by 4x4 safari vehicle to the launch site. Flights usually take off at sunrise, around 6am, and last just over an hour.

The precise flight path is guided by the day’s weather conditions. On a clear morning, pilots aim to combine a low-level glide over the savanna, ideal for spotting wildlife, with a higher ascent that showcases the vast and magnificent scenery. At the end of the flight, the pilot will land the basket as gently as possible before guests disembark to enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush—the perfect start to the day.

The spacious wicker baskets are divided into compartments for comfort and security, with each balloon accommodating up to 16 guests. Flights are shared rather than privately booked. For safety reasons, some operators require children to be at least seven years old and taller than 1.2 metres to participate.

While rates may vary slightly, hot air balloon safaris typically cost around US$600 per person and must be booked in advance. If weather conditions are unsuitable for flying, the excursion will be postponed until the following day. Should this not be possible, guests will receive a full refund. We therefore recommend scheduling a balloon flight as early in the itinerary as possible, allowing time to reschedule if needed.

 

 A horseback safari offers a completely different way to experience the wilderness. Plains game such as giraffe, zebra, oryx, eland and gazelle do not generally perceive horses as a threat, allowing guests to ride alongside herds and get far closer to wildlife than they could on foot. Exploring on horseback also opens up areas that may be inaccessible by vehicle, making it an excellent option for clients who want to venture off the beaten track. Moving quietly through the bush without the noise of an engine encourages guests to notice more of their surroundings, creating a truly immersive experience. Horse riding is typically offered as a two- to three-hour activity in the morning and/or afternoon, in place of a game drive. Some operators also offer more challenging multi-day rides for experienced riders. While a basic level of riding ability is required, horses are carefully matched to each guest’s experience and confidence level. Guests simply need to wear suitable clothing; all other equipment is provided by the stables. It is worth noting that areas offering horse riding tend to have lower numbers of big cats, as their presence can make horses skittish.

 

 

 No visit to East Africa is complete without discovering the rich cultures and traditions of its people. As the birthplace of humankind, the region holds an extraordinary fossil record that offers travellers rare insight into our earliest ancestors. Today, East Africa is a vibrant tapestry of cultures that have evolved, mingled and flourished here for millennia.

Kenya is home to more than 40 tribes, while Tanzania has over 120, many with their own distinctive languages, customs and traditions. Although people across both countries embrace the opportunities of the 21st century, they also cherish the cultural heritage that shapes their identities. Exploring these communities gives your clients a deeper understanding of these remarkable places and the challenges they face.

We take a pioneering approach to responsible tourism. By establishing camps and lodges in areas where tourism has little presence, and by making long-term commitments to the people and landscapes around them, we help communities and wild places thrive. At Asilia properties with close ties to local communities, your clients can visit nearby villages and enjoy meaningful, authentic East African cultural experiences.

They may try their hand at herding cattle, barter for goods at a local soko (market), spend time with residents or listen to captivating stories shared by village elders. Many of our guides come from the communities themselves and take great pride in introducing guests to their homes, families, friends, traditions and way of life.

These are not commercial visits to cultural centres; they are genuine expressions of warmth and hospitality. Each visit is sensitively managed by the guide to ensure it remains respectful, unobtrusive and authentic. Meeting local people one-to-one can be deeply personal and moving, while also supporting the communities involved. It is one important step towards creating successful conservation economies.