Going on an African safari is all about experiencing spectacular wildlife, and rejuvenating in the stunning wilderness, but there are some exciting activities that you can add to your safari experience, to make it more adventurous, unique, and immersive.
1. MEET THE LAST TWO NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS ON THE PLANET
Here, guests have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face to face with the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet, named Najin and her daughter, Fatu.
They live in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya under 24-hour protection from armed guards.
Guests are paired with a ranger and will learn about the rhino’s journey to Kenya from the Czech Republic and the conservation efforts in progress to save the species.
2. HORSE RIDING SAFARI
A horse safari is like no other experience. Without the noisy engine of a vehicle to disturb wildlife, you can move freely amongst the animals as if you are one of them, going from being a spectator to an active part of the landscape and nature. The adrenaline of riding alongside zebras, antelope, giraffes, or seeing elephants is quite an experience.
3. TRACK BLACK RHINO ON FOOT
A ‘thrill-of-a-lifetime’ experience: a walking safari tracking endangered black rhino on foot, accompanied by an expert guide and a highly-trained Sera Community Conservancy ranger leading you in safety to the locations of some of the 18 rhinos throughout the 54,000 hectares sanctuary.
4. ENJOY SOME OF THE BEST SNORKELING ON THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF ZANZIBAR
After a safari, you can jump on a short internal flight and be on the paradise island of Zanzibar. It is known for its rich beaches, culture, and historical attractions. However, it is also fantastic for snorkeling. Conditions and visibility in these areas are top-notch almost year-round.
Seeing fish up close, such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, and if you are lucky, you will be joined by dolphins
5. RUN IN THE WILD
For fans of fitness and adventure, there is no better run than a 5 to 7km route on the Ol Pejeta plains accompanied by armed rangers.
You’ll get a good idea of what it’s like to train to be a ranger and a great appreciation of their commitment and duties.
The run follows gentle terrain in the morning breeze and there is a chance that you will see all sorts of wildlife and big game such as elephants and rhinos.
6. VISIT A REMOTE COMMUNTY RUN ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
Visiting Reteti is a truly authentic experience. it’s the first Kenyan community-run facility that rescues orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, with the aim to release them back into the wild. Unlike other well-known sanctuaries, you will see very few if any other tourists,
Staffed by the local Samburu tribe who recognized the benefits of helping and conserving their wildlife. It provides a livelihood to them and it is one of the few places that hire women keepers.
Guests are paired with a keeper who will show you the behind-the-scenes running of the sanctuary.
The highlight is the feeding time of these rambunctious calves, who are bottle-fed individually by the keepers, You will also have the chance to meet any other rescued wildlife that resides at the sanctuary.
In the same vicinity as Reteti and worth a stop by is a massive rock with an elephant mural. By famous French graffiti artist, Youri Cansell. It is a tribute to the elephants that now call Namunyak home after being almost completely extinct in this area in the 1970s
7.HIKE UP MOUNT KENYA
Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro. it’s not as famous as Mount Kilimanjaro and being less popular it does have its perks, hikers may not cross paths with each other for an entire day.
Natural scenery defines East Africa, and a trek on Mount Kenya puts hikers right in the middle of it all. Craggy volcanic boulders, trickling creeks, crystal clear lakes, indigenous alpine flora, and looming summit glaciers offer a beautiful backdrop in any direction
Mount Kenya is made up of three main peaks, Batian(5199m), Nelion(5188m), and Point Lenana(4985m). There are a number of different trekking routes on the mountain that vary in length and offer a variety of different views and perspectives of the mountain and the surrounding country.
8. VISIT AND BUY CUSTOM CRAFTS FROM THE MAA PROJECT
The Maa Trust is a non-profit organization working together with community-owned wildlife conservancies in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. They work to increase the benefits of wildlife and conservation to Maasai families so that they appreciate and contribute to the protection of wild animals on their land.
Maa Beadwork is a social enterprise that has been established by The Maa Trust, as a sustainable alternative livelihood to generate income for Maasai women and their families. Beading is the tribal art and talent of Maasai, who have been famed for their adornment for centuries.
Maa Beadwork is the largest income-generating program for women that currently works with about 579 ladies.
From the income generated, women can improve the lives of their families by providing clean water, installing a solar power system to provide lighting for homework, and enabling children who previously could not afford to go to school, to start their education.
Visting guests can see the women at work and buy well-made handmade and custom goods.
9. BOAT SAFARI IN NYERERE NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
Float past crocodiles on the sandbanks and hippo pods in the shallows. It’s. a completely different perspective than on land, you can also combine a boat safari with a spot of fishing. The rivers hold a good population of tiger fish and various types of catfish. (catch and release)
10. INTERACT WITH THE CANINES OF AN ANTI-POACHING TEAM
At Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s anti-poaching canine unit, guests will Interact with the keepers, and learn about the training these canines undergo to become anti-poaching patrollers, you can play a game of human-canines hide and seek, trying to dodge the canines and finding a spot to hide within the Morani Information Centre. This is a fun way to interact with the dogs.
