9 Types of Safaris in Africa for Spectacular Wildlife in 2025

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Did you know that there are more ways to safari than the classic game drive?

If you’re finally planning your bucket list to Africa, don’t shortchange yourself by sticking with the only classic game drive. There are several other styles of safari that are incredibly rewarding!

Going on safari in Africa is one of my favourite things on the planet, and I’ve been on more than I can count. I’d love to tell you that I have a favourite type of safari, but I’m a big fan of every one I’ve ever tried.

▶ I highly recommend that you experience as many as possible. Below I’ll describe 9 different types of safari are available so you don’t miss a thing!

You can decide which ones fit you, and you’ll be one step closer to you’re African adventure dream. Whichever you do choose, you’re going to have an incredible time!

I’d love to tell you that I have a favourite type of safari, but I’m a big fan of every one I’ve ever tried. I highly recommend that you experience as many as possible.

You need to know what types of safari are available so you don’t miss a thing! Here I’ll introduce you to the different wildlife safari types and what each of them entails.

You can decide which one fits you, and you’ll be one step closer to you’re safari dream. Whichever you do choose, you’re going to have an amazing time!

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Choose From 9 Different Safari Styles

An African safari is on a million bucket lists. Even the word safari is a bit magical. It conjures up bigger-than-life images.

Picture herds, packs, and prides of wildlife, wide-open skies, and never-ending savannahs.

Star-filled night skies over a silence peppered with lions’ roars. Grunting hippos and the sounds of distant scurries into the bush.

📖 Fact: The term ‘safari’ is a Swahili word meaning “journey”.

In general, a safari is considered an outdoor expedition with the purpose of observing wildlife. However, those expeditions can take several forms. Here are some of the main types of safaris in Africa.

1. The Luxury Safari

When you think luxury safari, think Out of Africa. Silver tea services and white linens, fine wines and gourmet foods.

This type of African safari will be planned for you down to the smallest detail.

• all transfers will be private and pre-arranged for you.

• accommodation is plush and comfortable. Even the safari tents will have fine furniture, every amenity, and bathing facilities worthy of long, bubbly soaks.

• butler/maid service is available to cater to your needs.

• game drive vehicles will be top-of-the-line and as comfortable as possible.

• game viewing from safari tents and lodges is spectacular, making any mealtime conversation utterly unnecessary.

• luxury safari properties are private, and visitors are restricted to the lodge’s own guests.

• if you are dividing your time between different locations, or if your safari location is remote, you will fly in and fly out in a light aircraft or helicopter.

This will save time, allow you access to remote locations, and afford a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular landscapes.

I don’t think that the topic of luxury African safaris can be complete without mentioning Rovos Rail.

The self-proclaimed “Most Luxurious Train in the World” is known for world-class journeys across Africa, from 2-15 days.

Apart from the actual train journey, which takes place in the expected lap of luxury, off-train excursions are available, ranging from viewings of Victoria Falls to guided game drives.

Here are some spectacular luxury safaris for you to choose from:

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2. Mobile Tented Camping Safaris

So your camp will move as the animals do, so you have the best possible view of the action.

• on some mobile camping safaris you’ll take part in the move. Guests may pitch in when it comes to cooking and cleaning up, also. This isn’t always the case, but if you have a preference, be sure to get the details before you book your trip.

• a tented type of African safari is a great way to be close to nature. You’ll hear the sounds of the African bush at night. There’s nothing like drifting off to sleep with the sounds of lions and hippos in your ears.

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3. Walking African Safaris

A walking safari, or bush walk, is the perfect way to see the wildlife on their own level.

Let me tell you, animals look a lot bigger when you’re not on the back of a truck.

Also, while you’re on the ground you’re moving at a slower pace, the guide has time to teach you about the bush and the animals.

You can learn things like how to recognize and differentiate different tracks and other spoor. Also which trees and foliage have medicinal properties and which are poisonous.

Walking safaris can be anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

They can be done in conjunction with a mobile camping safari. They can often be combined with any other type of safari, including luxury tours, too.

Routes can be adapted to your abilities and your preferences.

The Okavango Delta, in Botswana is a favourite spot for walking safaris. Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania are amazing, too.

South Luangwa, in eastern Zambia, is thought of as the birthplace of the walking safari. These are all fantastic locations to see your favourite animals on their own level.

Of course, you’ll want to avoid being eaten. Therefore it’s best to take part in an organized walking safari, instead of setting out on your own.

These are led by experienced guides who know how to navigate the wilderness safely.

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4. The Overland Safari

You may have seen oversized trucks in Africa with a lot of luggage strapped to the top. If there were also dozens of faces at the windows, chances are you’ve seen an overland safari vehicle.

These large vehicles are pretty rugged and built to travel long distances over rough terrain. Most overland journeys are long and involve visits to multiple countries.

If you’re looking to be on safari for a longer time period, say one month to a year, you may find yourself looking into an overland trip.

These sorts of journeys are popular with young people, but those of any age are welcome.

I enjoyed my own overland experience with people in their late teens/early twenties, retired folks in their late 60s, and a few in between.

The groups tend to be larger, but that isn’t always the case. This is a great opportunity for you if you love to meet new people from all corners of the globe.

Overland safaris are the most hands-on type of safari. Like most types of safaris, they can range widely in their comfort level.

However, they’re typically fairly basic, with everyone pitching in with all the chores. You will be involved with everything from food prep and cooking to cleaning up and packing up.

Accommodation may be tents that are set up at your new location each night, local hotels or guest houses, permanent safari camps, hostels, and/or bungalows.

The variety here is part of the fun!

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5. The Self-Drive Safari

The self-drive type of safari takes 2 forms:

Equipped Safari Vehicle

– You might choose to rent an equipped, safari-ready vehicle. This will be a 4×4 that is fully equipped with kitchen facilities. Included are a fridge and stove, washing facilities and a camping setup.

A chemical toilet may be a part of the package. These are all quite compact, to be unpacked and set out at your nighttime stop.

You will probably have a tent that folds out from the vehicle, perhaps a rooftop tent.

Check out Africa on Wheels for a fully equipped 4×4 with a rooftop tent. You might decide you never want to go any other way.

Many rental companies will allow you to return your vehicle at a different location from where you picked it up. This way you don’t have to double back.

This is a fantastic, fun option, but keep in mind that the roads you’ll be driving on may not be what you’re used to. You may be dealing with deep sand and poor infrastructure.

Many of the companies that rent out these vehicles will provide some training in dealing with the conditions in the area.

For example, you may be planning a trip through desert areas. This may mean you’ll driving directly through a lot of deep sand.

You’ll be instructed on things like how much air to let out of your tires and when is the best time to do it.

Strangers are often more than happy to stop and help out if you run into trouble. It’s a community where everyone tends to look out for each other.

*This video has some great advice for driving in deep sand and dealing with other situations while on safari.

Sedan with Separate Accommodation

– The second self-drive safari option is to simply rent a sedan. This is easiest if you’re exploring one of the parks that are designed for this sort of thing.

There are many parks that are perfect self-drive safari locations. A couple of the more well-known ones are Kruger National Park in eastern South Africa and Etosha National Park in northern Namibia.

I’d highly recommend either of these locations, especially if you’re new to the self-drive safari.

They both have good infrastructure, no 4×4 required, and a wide range of accommodations. There are also camping areas in the parks if you’d prefer to tent.

Both also have restaurants, as well as small shops where you can buy food if you’d rather cook for yourself.

🚙 My best recommendation for renting a vehicle anywhere in Africa is Discovery Cars. You won’t find more selection, better prices, or a higher standard of customer service from anyone else.

6. African Water Safaris

Mokoro

This is a lovely option for a shorter safari. The ultimate location for a water safari is the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

You’ll be chauffeured in a mokoro, the traditional canoe of the Batswana people.

These boats are propelled through the maze of Delta waterways by a poler. They stand in the rear and push a long pole against the bottom.

This is a great opportunity to see elephants, hippos, and all manner of other animals. They’ll all venture down to the water’s edge for a drink.

You will also have an amazing view of the bird life and diverse amphibian population in the area. The only sounds are the ripple of the water and the distant hippos and elephants splashing.

Polers are all local to the area, and very experienced in their job. There’s nobody better to show you the sights and to keep you safe.

Mokoro safaris can be day outings or multi-day trips. If you’d like to look into booking your own in Maun, contact the community trust.

✔️ If you’d prefer to have everything taken care of for you while you spend a few days revelling in the wilderness, then this 3-Day Okavango Delta Safari is for you.

Float through Botswana’s famous Okavango Delta, past elephants, hippos, and the area’s unbelievable bird life. You’ll even be treated to bushwalk in the heart of the Delta. Read these rave reviews!

Canoe

Another option for getting out on the water is a canoe safari. This is a popular way to go in places like the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.

A modern canoe ride is a beautiful and serene way to experience African wildlife from the water. It’s usually an added excursion with one of the other safari types.

You’ll get the chance to see the animals as they come down to the water’s edge to drink. They might even wade in to cool off from the heat of the day.

7. Horseback Safaris

This a unique mode of safari that is available across most of Africa. Some companies may offer a day trip on horseback, but the real fun comes from a one or 2-week mobile horse safari.

Your belongings will be transported by a support crew.

Meanwhile, you and your horse and your fellow travellers follow age-old elephant paths, or no paths at all, through terrain that isn’t passable any other way.

Nighttime accommodation may be lodges or tents. And, as with other types of African safaris, the comfort level varies according to the company you book with or the excursion you choose.

Meals are generally cooked for you out in the open, and you’ll fall asleep surrounded by the sounds of Africa.

A safari on horseback is not for the first-time rider. You need to be fit and experienced. Be sure to discuss with the company you book with, what level of rider you need to be to enjoy this type of trip.

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8. Cycling Safari

Cycling is a fantastic way to take a more active part in your safari. The animals that you’ll see depend on where you are, and to be safe it’s best to cycle as part of a group.

Of course, it’s all up to you. Parks in lowland areas tend to be full of a wide variety of antelopes, as well as zebras, elephants, and giraffes.

And believe me, they look much bigger from a bike than they do from the back of a safari vehicle!

Best places for cycling safaris, to see Africa from a whole new perspective:

• West Kilimanjaro in Northern Tanzania shares a border with Kenya’s Amboseli. Along with killer views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Maasai-owned land is home to elephants, hyenas and bat-eared foxes.

You’ll also get the chance to see herds of impala and zebras, to name just a few of the iconic animals that live in the area. Cycling alongside them is the thrill of a lifetime.

• Kenya’s famous Amboseli National Park is an ideal place for a cycling safari. Imagine seeing herds of elephants and antelope without the noise of a vehicle around you.

The Amboseli area has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Cycling here is an amazing way to meet and interact with local people as you ride through the villages and pass them on the road.

✔️ This 8-Day African Biking Safari is an epic adventure that you won’t ever forget. Your meals and drinking water are provided, and you can even request pickup from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

You’ll cycle through Amboseli Park and carry on to see some of the best cycling areas that East Africa has to offer.

• Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya is a beautiful place to cycle through spectacular scenery and see an enormous variety of wildlife.

The park is named for its heavy geothermal activity. You’ll see the plumes of steam as you ride through towering rock formations and plummeting gorges, passing giraffes and other wildlife.

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9. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

I think we’ve all seen pictures of hot air balloons drifting peacefully over the open plains of Africa. You might wonder what they can see from up there.

Of course, the answer depends on where you are. There are many places where you can enjoy a balloon ride.

You could take a flight over the annual wildebeest migration between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Or soar over the beautifully stark deserts and desert-adapted wildlife in Namibia.

A hot air balloon safari is part of a larger trip and typically lasts around 3 and a half to 4 hours, with about 1 hour actually in the air.

The price varies depending on your location and the time of year, but they can be a bit pricey in some places. East Africa tends to be the most expensive for this type of safari.

It is truly a magnificent experience, though, so if you do get the opportunity – take it.

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Summing It Up: 9 Types of Safaris for 2025

As you can see, there are many options when it comes ways to types of African safaris. Long or short, budget or opulent, your perfect safari is waiting for you.

Single supplements can still be an issue. But many safari companies have done away with these, so keep looking if you run into that problem.

An African safari, regardless of the type you choose, is one of the best experiences a person can have. My own personal opinion, of course, but once you’ve experienced one for yourself, I think you’ll agree.

Happy Travels!

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