When it comes to viewing exotic animals in the wild, Africa is an oyster. A safari to this legendary continent is considered to be the trip of a lifetime. Having said that, there are many who have exhausted the many thrilling destinations of Africa and are now looking for something out of the ordinary.
So if you are one of those who prefer to take the road less traveled, then here are some African getaways located in scenic and remote areas, where the wild animals feel totally at home and you are simply strangers in their vast backyard.
Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania
As a part of the Great Rift Valley, the three million-year-old Lake Tanganyika is the second largest lake in the world, after Lake Baikal in Siberia. Due to its age and isolation, it has today become one of the most scientifically rich and valuable habitats in the world.
Visitors come to Kigoma, the main settlement on the deserted shores of the lake, to gain access to two of Tanzania’s best rainforests reserves, Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe Stream National Park.
These remote areas are not easy to reach as the other famous parks of Tanzania as it involves travel first by air and then by boat, but it is said that the rewards far outweigh the efforts. This is because a vast population of chimpanzees and other primates as well as a wide variety of forest birds can be found here. Apart from this, visitors can get an insight into the biodiversity of this ecologically rich region. If you are nervous about going off the beaten path on your own, use the services of tailor-made holiday providers such as Far and Wild Travel for a unique as well as a hassle-free getaway.
Water-based experiences in Botswana
Try drifting along the serene waters of the Selinda Spillway surrounded by sounds of nature rather than fighting for position on the ever-crowded Chobe River with a horde of 4×4 vehicles. The Linyanti Wetlands of Northern Botswana, which drain into the Okavango Delta, is an extremely remote and wild area with just three private reserves, accessible to only those few people who have been booked to stay there.
This wet habitat full of floodplains and meandering rivers not only is home to a wide range of wildlife but offers some of the best birdwatching opportunities in Southern Africa. This year-round secluded destination is well represented by big cats and a sizable number of wild dogs. Night drives, game viewing by canoe and sunset cruises by motorboats comprise the range of diverse safari activities available at the Linyanti Wetlands.
Remote and wild safaris in Chad
Every step you take on a safari in the Zakouma National Park in Chad will be an experience. This 300,000 square kilometers of the raw African savannah is a virtual mecca for wildlife lovers, who like their things untamed and untouched. Due to political instability, Chad had remained off the tourist radar for a long, but if you are prepared to be adventurous, you will hold Zakouma in high esteem at the end of your trip.
A trip to Africa’s best secret destination promises to be an exclusive treat. A stay at Tinga Camp on the banks of Bahr Tinga promises great views of animals from the camp itself. The wildlife includes a thriving population of elephants and vast buffalo herds sought by the lions who roam the open plains in search of them. For birding enthusiasts, Zakouma holds around 400 species which include the Abyssinian ground hornbill and red-billed quelea in their thousands. So don’t forget your zoom lens and binoculars to feast your eyes on these stunning creatures.
Equestrian escapes in Laikipia
Your chances of spotting game on horseback are far greater than a traditional safari solely because of the exclusiveness of the experience. The Laikipia Plateau is home to the most number of endangered species than anywhere else in East Africa. While big cat sightings are not uncommon, there is a growing wild dog population which makes riding with them a real privilege for those lucky to encounter them.
A Laikipia riding safari is absolutely unique as you can ride across the entire plateau and not encounter any other tourist. This is an easy ride for all levels of ability in the company of professional guides. Imagine the thrill of riding a thoroughbred horse over the wild country dotted with animals against a beautiful landscape. The thrill of stumbling upon a leopard on a hunt or seeing a cheetah stalking an Oryx is what wildlife dreams are made of.
Go walking in Hwange
Walking inside the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is permitted only in a few private conservancies and is an awe-inspiring experience you are unlikely to forget. You will tread upon the same paths of the Hwange bushlands upon which the wild animals roam free. Observing their natural behavior from s safe distance with the interpretive skills of a safari guide infuses a sense of appreciation and achievement.
Hwange is home to a massive variety of birds, a high density of elephants and wildebeest apart from the regular sightings of lions and leopards. There is an excellent chance of observing the endangered painted hunting dog on this walking safari. A Hwange walk will take you to different areas each day to explore the bush and track big game through the rolling wilderness on foot, all without the crowds found elsewhere.
Explore the stunning marine life of the Quirimbas archipelago on a fully outfitted traditional dhow as you sail through the magnificent island of Mozambique. Your trip will begin from Mogundula Island, roughly a three hour drive away from Pemba airport. The local crew and a professional guide will take you to remote tropical islands and some of the largest mangrove forests in Africa.
The dhow will take you well off the trodden path to a collection of sandbanks in a pristine environment near fascinating rural fishing villages. Wildlife lovers can spot turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat, apart from a large variety of birds at the Ulumbwa estuary. The responsible crew members and the captain will ensure a safe distance between the dhow and
these creatures do as not to disturb them. Other activities include nature walks, snorkeling, swimming or simply relaxing on a beach and enjoying a massage.
Africa’s iconic destinations have delighted visitors for a long time, but for those who want a slightly different holiday experience minus the crowds, a safari in a virtually unvisited region is the only way where they can rekindle their adventurous spirit. Not only will these unfamiliar spots reward travelers with excellent game viewing (if not the best) than the well known tourist
haunts, but will also deliver a bush experience like no other.”
Mozambique dhow safari
Explore the stunning marine life of the Quirimbas archipelago on a fully outfitted traditional dhow as you sail through the magnificent island of Mozambique. Your trip will begin from Mogundula Island, roughly a three hour drive away from Pemba airport. The local crew and a professional guide will take you to remote tropical islands and some of the largest mangrove forests in Africa.
The dhow will take you well off the trodden path to a collection of sandbanks in a pristine environment near fascinating rural fishing villages. Wildlife lovers can spot turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat, apart from a large variety of birds at the Ulumbwa estuary. The responsible crew members and the captain will ensure a safe distance between the dhow and these creatures do as not to disturb them. Other activities include nature walks, snorkeling, swimming or simply relaxing on a beach and enjoying a massage.
Africa’s iconic destinations have delighted visitors for a long time, but for those who want a slightly different holiday experience minus the crowds, a safari in a virtually unvisited region is the only way where they can rekindle their adventurous spirit. Not only will these unfamiliar spots reward travelers with excellent game viewing (if not the best) than the well known tourist haunts, but will also deliver a bush experience like no other.
