Category: News

AI Trip Planning Tools Making Travel Easier

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) trip planning tools has transformed the trip planning experience for travellers, particularly for wildlife safaris, enabling more precise and memorable adventures.

Several leading travel companies like Expedia, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, and Discover Africa are already offering travellers AI travel planning tools to make the process easier, and the trend is expected to continue.

When it comes to safari trip planning, being able to predict animal movements, weather conditions, and optimal viewing times maximises guests’ chances of witnessing nature’s marvels in the most impactful way possible. To this, tailored recommendations to satisfied seasoned adventurers and the ability to support conservation efforts are some of the added benefits.

Here, we explore five cutting-edge AI tools that are changing the travel planning experience. 

1. Google’s Trip Itinerary Search

Let’s face it: most travel planning efforts start with a Google search. The search giant has dipped into the realm of AI with Gemini, its Generative AI answer to ChatGPT, which took the world by storm just over a year ago.

Now, Google’s new AI-driven tools for Search and Maps assist travellers in creating detailed itineraries and exploring destinations more efficiently.

An experimental AI-based function in search crafts personalized trip itineraries, including suggestions for flights, hotels, attractions, and dining. The function links directly to travel company sites for bookings, According to this review by Skift’s Justin Dawes. 

The updates in Google Maps focus on delivering richer destination information with local recommendations and lists of top dining spots (currently only available in North America). Photos and reviews use AI-enhanced capabilities to help discover notable aspects of places and even identify local dishes. Additionally, Maps users can now organize personalized lists of their favorite spots, further enhancing their travel planning experience.

The introduction of a translation tool, allowing real-time content translation without app switching, further underscores Google’s push for travel planning convenience. 

Google AI Trip Itinerary Screengrab
Google’s new AI-driven tools creates detailed itineraries to plan around. Source: Google.

2. TripAdvisor’s AI-Powered Recommendations

TripAdvisor’s Trips has enhanced its platform with AI to deliver personalized travel recommendations, drawing from users’ past interactions and reviews.

It effectively uses natural language processing to distill and summarize key insights from extensive user reviews, making it easier for travellers to make informed decisions.

The platform also supports collaborative trip planning, providing tailored suggestions that accommodate the preferences of all group members. The AI functionality is only available for select destinations, but the potential for easy trip planning as a global tool is clear. 

Tripadvisor's AI Trip Planning screengrab
Tripadvisor uses natural language processes to simplify and summarize important information from detailed user reviews, helping travellers make informed decisions more easily. Source: Tripadvisor.

3. Herd Tracker: AI Prediction Precision in Safari Planning

Wildlife tracking app HerdTracker has launched a new AI tool to more accurately predict where to see East Africa’s Great Wildebeest Migration, arguably one of the most incredible natural spectacles on the planet. This precision significantly improves the chances of unforgettable encounters, maximizing the value of what can often be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

The tracking app utilizes ten years of historical and real-time data to predict the location of wildlife herds. Developed with the safari-goer in mind, it allows tour operators and tourists to pinpoint the best times and locations for witnessing the Great Migration across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. 

HerdTracker also personalizes the safari experience with customized data-based recommendations for lodges close to the predicted areas and river crossings according to the user’s preferences.  Each itinerary is uniquely tailored to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities, aiding in managing expectations and trip planning efficiency.

Other wildlife tracking and data analytics players include WildTrack and SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), which also utilize technology to enhance wildlife conservation and tourism. However, HerdTracker’s focus on the Great Migration and its integration of comprehensive historical data sets it apart as a specialized tool for safari planning.

HerdTracker AI Tracking Tool
HerdTracker uses an AI Clustering Technique accurately predict where to see the Great Migration. Source: HerdTracker.

4. Kayak’s Virtual Travel Assistant

Kayak’s AI-driven virtual assistant, Ask Kayak, ispowered by the online travel booking platform’s historical data and OpenAi’s ChatGPT. Users can ask specific questions about flight routes or destinations for planned trips. Key features include comprehensive displays of flight, lodging, and car rental options alongside tools that suggest the optimal times to travel and provide essential destination information. For now, its options for African destinations are limited.   

In summary, AI will continue to shape travel planning and booking as more companies leverage its capabilities to improve overall trip management and provide a more efficient and tailored travel experience. 

Ask Kayak AI Tool Screengrab
Ask Kayak displays essential destination information along side flights, lodgings and car rental. It’s options for travel to Africa are limited for now. Source: Kayak.

Travel News Digest, 3 May: Flooding in the Maasai Mara, Turtles Rescued in Cape Town

This week’s latest travel news includes proposed changes to visa policies, flooding in the Maasai Mara, and conservation rescue stories from South Africa. Meanwhile, North Africa and Europe could be connected by an underwater railway line as early as 2030. Read about these stories and more as we wrap up the previous week’s travel news:

Airline and Aviation News:

A Delta Airlines aeroplane.
A Delta Airlines plane. Photo Source: Unsplash

 

  • Ireland considering ceasing visa-free travel for South Africans. Reports indicate that individuals from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are utilising South African passports to apply for asylum in the Republic of Ireland. With expectations of a surge in asylum seekers in the coming months, the nation might consider enhancing its current procedures.

 

  • Report says almost a third of African applicants were denied Schengen visas in 2022. Despite having the lowest number of applications per capita, Africa experienced a visa refusal rate of 30%, which is 12.5% higher than the global average. Mehari Taddele Maru, from the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute, asserts that “the European visa system exhibits evident bias against African applicants.”

Travel and Destination News:

A wildebeest herd crosses the Mara River.
A wildebeest herd crosses the Mara River. Photo Source: Unsplash
  • Heavy rains cause flooding in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Talek River overflowed, leading to significant flooding in Talek Town and submerging numerous tourist camps. Additionally, the collapse of the Purungat Bridge has disrupted communication and access. Fortunately, all personnel and visitors have been safely evacuated.

 

  • Firefighters smother Table Mountain fire. The Skeleton Gorge fire charred approximately 238 hectares of vegetation since it started on April 27th. Ongoing “berg” wind conditions persist in spreading the fire, yet firefighters have managed to contain the majority of active areas. Consequently, several hiking trails have been reopened.

 

  • Underwater tunnel could connect Spain to Morocco before 2030 FIFA World Cup. Various stakeholders are investigating the feasibility of linking Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed rail line to Spain’s existing rail networks through an underwater tunnel. Initially proposed in 1981, the tunnel’s construction could be finalized in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, slated to be hosted across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Conservation News:

A sea turtle hatchling on a beach.
A sea turtle crawls along a beach. Photo Source: Unsplash

 

  • Rescued Ukrainian lion arrives at sanctuary in South Africa. Four Paws Netherlands rescued Vasylyna from Ukraine after she managed to escape captivity in the war-torn city of Kharkiv. She has since been relocated to Lionrock, a spacious sanctuary in South Africa operated by Four Paws, along with another lion rescued from Montenegro.

 

Discover Africa’s Travel Experts are on the pulse of travel news and tourism trends across Africa. Get in touch to start planning your Safari bucket list adventure today. 

Delta Expands New York Service to Boosts US-Africa Flight Connectivity 

Tourism between the U.S. and Africa will see improved service and flight connectivity from U.S. carrier Delta Airlines. The carrier announced plans to restart its service to Nigeria from New York-JFK, and fleet upgrades for its Ghana and South Africa service have been confirmed.

 Expanded Delta Service to Nigeria

Starting 1 December, the airline will revive its daily service from New York-JFK to Lagos, Nigeria, complementing its existing daily flights from Atlanta. This expansion will see Delta offer up to 14 weekly flights to Nigeria during early winter and maintain ten weekly flights for the remainder of the season. The New York-JFK to Lagos, Nigeria route will shift from a daily to three times per week on 16 January next year.

Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning, emphasized that the move reflects the airline’s commitment to adapt to customer needs, offering more travel options and premium services. Passengers can choose from several cabin experiences, including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, and Comfort+ on the Airbus A330-200.

Upgraded Fleet for Ghana and South Africa  

Delta is also set to upgrade its aircraft on Ghana and South Africa routes. The New York-JFK to Accra service will see the introduction of the larger Airbus Airbus A330-900neo in late October 2024, increasing capacity by nearly 1,000 seats weekly.

Similarly, flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg and Cape Town will be upgraded to the Airbus A350-900, enhancing the customer experience with 40 Delta One Suite seats now available on the route. The airline operates 10 weekly flights year-round to Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT). The fleet upgrade comes into effect for the Johannesburg route from 20 June and for Delta’s Cape Town Route from 9 September.   

UPDATED: New Flight Routes Improving Access to Top Safari Destinations

Travel News Digest, 26 April: Namibia Adds Visa-on-Arrival in Walvis Bay, Uganda Deforestation Concerns

This week’s latest travel news includes updates from SAA, a heartwarming captive tiger rescue story, and insights into a new tourism initiative in Namibia. Meanwhile, petrol station-related crime is on the rise in South Africa and Lift will temporarily suspend its flights between Cape Town and Durban. Read about these stories and more as we wrap up the previous week’s travel news:

Airline and Aviation News:

An aeroplane lands in Paris, France.
An aeroplane lands in Paris, France. Photo Source: Unsplash
  • Lift to temporarily suspend flights between Cape Town and Durban. The regional airline has updated its winter schedule, announcing the temporary suspension of all flights between the cities from May 7th to June 12th. Passengers are being informed accordingly, and the airline assures that it will arrange alternative flights for those impacted during this period.

 

  • Strike threat disrupts hundreds of flights in France. According to Reuters, French air traffic controllers had initially threatened to strike on April 25th but eventually reached an agreement with authorities. Unfortunately, the resolution arrived too late to prevent numerous flight cancellations, leading to significant disruptions across France.

 

  • ACSA introduces mandatory physical searches of all persons wearing head coverings. The Airports Company of South Africa has announced that passengers wearing “fixed headgear, headwraps, hijabs, burkas, doeks, izicholo, or niqabs” will undergo physical searches at airport security gates. It assures that these searches will be carried out with sensitivity to recognised religious and cultural practices, though it acknowledges that they may cause discomfort.

 

  • Interim Chairman Derek Hanekom: SAA broke even in 2023. In an interview with ENCA, the former Minister of Tourism revealed that the national airline achieved break-even during the 2023-2024 financial year. Now, it is actively pursuing new investment avenues to support network expansion.

 

Travel and Destination News:

Flamingos in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Flamingos in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Photo Source: Unsplash
  • Namibia launches visas-on-arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism urged for streamlined immigration procedures for cruise ships following the arrival of over 1,000 passengers on the Queen Mary II at Walvis Bay this month. Many passengers experienced lengthy waiting periods. As a response, a new visa system has been implemented, removing the requirement for advance visa applications.

 

  • South African motorists warned as petrol station hijackings increase. Louis Nyahunda, a senior research fellow at the Tshwane University of Technology Department of Law, Safety, and Security Management, says there has been a significant rise in petrol station-related crimes in South Africa. Motorists are being urged to remain vigilant.

Conservation News:

A cheetah walks through tall grass.
A wild cheetah walks through African grassland. Photo Source: Unsplash

 

  • Deforestation forcing Ugandan wildlife to consume disease-ridden bat guano to survive. According to researchers, tobacco farming has led to significant selective deforestation in Budongo Forest, Uganda. This environmental impact has compelled animals such as chimpanzees, antelopes, and monkeys to resort to bat guano as a food source. However, bat guano serves as a significant reservoir for zoonotic viruses, prompting concerns about the potential spread of additional diseases from wildlife to humans.

 

  • “Boksburg Tigers” rescued and released to big cat sanctuary. For more than two years, the tigers endured substandard conditions at a residential property in Boksburg until their rescue by the NSPCA and Boksburg SPCA. They have since been relocated to the Isindile Big Cat and Predator Sanctuary in Fouriesburg, Free State.

 

Discover Africa’s Travel Experts are on the pulse of travel news and tourism trends across Africa. Get in touch to start planning your Safari bucket list adventure today. 

Norse Atlantic Adds New Direct Flight to Cape Town

UK travellers now have more direct routes to Cape Town to choose from, with the launch of the Norse Atlantic Airways flight between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

The service will operate seasonally with three weekly flights, starting on 28 October. The flight will arrive in Cape Town at 09:30 (SAST) on a Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday before departing for London Gatwick (LGW) at 11:45 (SAST). Norse Atlantic Airways will operate the service on a Boeing 787-9. 

UPDATED: New Flight Routes Improving Access to Top Destinations

The United Kingdom is Cape Town’s top international source market, followed by the United States and Germany. In 2023, two-way passenger traffic from the UK grew by 54% compared to 2022, with more than 360,000 passengers flying between the two destinations.

Cape Town is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, drawing tourists with attractions such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands.  The new direct flight route further extends the appeal of visiting Cape Town as part of a Southern African bucket list safari. Get in touch with a Discover Africa travel expert to find out more. 

Travel News Digest, 19 April: SA Airports Celebrated, Rhino Poaching Concerns, Cape Town ‘Big Six’ Appeal

This week’s latest travel news includes updates on two of South Africa’s airports winning Skytrax accolades and the latest rhino poaching figures. Meanwhile, Airlink and South African Airways continued to battle in court. Read about these stories and more as we wrap up the previous week’s travel news:

Airline and Aviation News:

An aeroplane at an airport for the Africa travel news digest.
An aeroplane at OR Tambo International Airport. Photo Source: Unsplash
  • Judge rules in Airlink case against SAA and former employee. Airlink alleged that a former staffer defected to the national airline, divulging confidential trade secrets along the way. The Johannesburg High Court has now ruled that SAA is obligated to purge any trace of Airlink’s intellectual property from its records and to not use it in any form going forward.

 

 

Travel and Destination News:

An aerial view of Cape Town.
An aerial view over Cape Town, South Africa. Photo Source: Unsplash

 

  • City of Cape Town introduces “Six Pillar Content Partnership Programme”. The objective is to place Capetonians “at the heart” of destination narratives. The initiative seeks to elevate Cape Town’s international visibility and allure and features esteemed partners known as the “Cape Town Big Six,” including the V&A Waterfront, Groot Constantia, Robben Island Museum, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Cape Point, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

 

  • SANParks reopens Wilderness Ebb-and-Flow Rest Camp after flooding. Extensive flooding caused by rain last week, shut the camp. Conditions have since cleared and several attractions in the Garden Route National Park remain inaccessible, including the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, Gallinule Bird Hide, Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail, Waterside Boardwalk, Woodville Big Tree, Outeniqua Hiking Trail, and Outeniqua canoeing.

Conservation News:

A wild tortoise in Langebaan.
A wild tortoise moves through the bush in the Western Cape. Photo Source: Unsplash
  • South African reptile species under threat, but better off than elsewhere. A collective of South African herpetologists has expressed concern over the heightened risk of extinction faced by indigenous species such as tortoises, chameleons, and vipers. They emphasize the urgency of implementing enhanced protection measures. Despite these challenges, they acknowledge that South Africa’s reptile population benefits from comparatively robust conservation efforts.

 

  • Rhino poaching in South Africa increased by 10.3% in 2023. Some 406 rhinos were killed on state land in 2023, with a further 93 killed on private land. South Africa is home to almost half of Africa’s critically endangered black rhinos and the largest population of near-threatened white rhinos in the world.

 

  • CapeNature reports back on Cape mountain zebra genetic rescue project. According to the organization, a male Cape mountain zebra named GB42 successfully sired a foal in January with genetic material from two of the three genetically distinct stocks. This was followed by another foal born in March, incorporating genes from all three stocks. The project’s objective is to reintroduce lost genetic diversity among Cape mountain zebras by amalgamating genetic stocks that had been artificially isolated from each other decades ago.

 

Discover Africa’s Travel Experts are on the pulse of travel and tourism trends across Africa. Get in touch to start planning your Safari bucket list adventure today. 

FastJet Adds Surcharge to Vic Falls Route

Fastjet flights between South Africa’s OR Tambo International in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe will be slightly more expensive from May. The route is a popular part of the Southern Africa safari circuit.

The airline announced on Wednesday that it would be charging R250 per leg, effective 22 April. This increase will apply to travel from 1 May to 31 December. It’s crucial to note that all pending bookings in the system must be ticketed by 21 April to avoid the charge.

UPDATED: New Flight Routes Improving Access to Top Destinations

The surcharges will be incorporated into the total IT fare, said Fastjet.

Route Fare Per Person:

  • JNB – VFA R4,300*
  • VFA – JNB R4,750*

Dollar exchange rate fluctuations and rising fuel costs, further exacerbated by the Middle East conflict, have pressured the airline to increase its prices. 

“Due to a significant change in the overall cost base over the last couple of years, with the Rand/Dollar relationship having shifted significantly and the price of aviation fuel having increased dramatically in this period, Fastjet, unfortunately, needs to impose a surcharge of R250 per leg, per person for travel from 1 May 2024 on JNB VFA and VFA JNB legs,” the airline stated.

‘Amazing Zimbabwe’

Whether the increase will impact the airline’s recent campaign,’ Amazing Zimbabwe’ to promote Zimbabwe’s hidden gems remains to be seen.

The campaign is centred on showcasing Zimbabwe’s “natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich heritage through four pillars synonymous with Zimbabwe’s Rich Traditions, Splendid Heritage, Iconic Sites, and Great People,” Fastjet spokesperson Nunurai Ndawana previously stated. 

*Flight estimates shared at the time of publishing. 

WTM Africa 2024: Increased Global Interest and Sustainable Tourism Focus

Africa’s travel and tourism sectors were on full display at the 2024 Africa Travel Week, which included the 10th edition of World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa). The event has seen a 53% boost this year compared to 2023.

The event organisers said that 88 countries were represented at the conference. This included 12 first-time participants Greece, Iran, Switzerland, Lithuania, Tunisia, Benin, Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, Colombia, and Peru.

Collective Africa Tourism Effort

South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille, during a streamed opening address, highlighted the need to take “collective measures” to grow tourism to the continent.

These included focusing on “safety, sustainability, and expanding tourism beyond well-known destinations to include the hidden gems of lesser-known towns and villages across the continent.”

Africa Travel Week includes shows like the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), WTM Africa, and Equal Africa. The show also features seven networking events and the support of 53 partners, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that drives ATW.

Focus on Meaningful Impact

Discover Africa’s head of product, Murielle Vegezzi, stated, “We have had very productive meetings with suppliers, either based in Cape Town or from other regions, that we will not be seeing at Indaba.” 

Vegezzi noted a marked trend of “connecting socially & environmentally conscious buyers & suppliers throughout the African tourism supply chain for more meaningful impact,” as shared by the African Travel and Tourism Association. 

Vegezzi said Discover Africa would place considerable emphasis on partnering with the best operators who ascribe to environmentally conscious best practices through valid registration for the sectors they work in and proven track records.

Lufthansa Ups Direct Flights to South Africa

Lufthansa’s connectivity to South Africa is rising. The German carrier is set to launch a direct flight between Munich and Johannesburg on June 4. This reintroduces a route last served by the airline in 2005.

The increased direct flights to South Africa bodes well for European travellers looking to visit South Africa. Some 245,259 German travellers visited South Africa in 2023, showing 42% growth compared to 2022. 

International Arrivals from lufthansa airline.
A look at international arrivals to South Africa for 2023 compared to 2022. Source: South African Tourism

READ: New Flight Routes Improving Access to Top Destinations

The airline group’s newly appointed Senior Director of Sales, Southern & East Africa, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea René Koinzack affirmed the company’s continued push to connect German travellers with Southern Africa – highlighting the uptake of Discover Airlines, a subsidiary of the Lufthansa group’s Frankfurt-Windhoek-Victoria Falls 10-flight weekly service, started in March last year.  

Brussels Airlines will offer 18 destinations in the sub-Saharan region, with direct flights to Nairobi and Kigali planned for the year ahead.

The Belgian airline is expanding its long-haul fleet with a tenth Airbus A330 and will again fly six times a week from Brussels to Nairobi from June 3, 2024. This takes the route back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the airline. Brussels Airlines is also increasing the number of flights to Kigali and is once again flying daily to the city of Rwanda.  

 

Ready to plan your safari? Contact one of Discover Africa’s travel experts today. 

Animal Attacks: How to Stay Safe on Safari

The thrill of seeing the Big Five is often the prime reason for going on a safari. Seeing these wild animals in their natural environment is awe-inspiring and creates unforgettable memories. Despite safari lodges, operators, and guides undergoing the necessary training and implementing safety precautions, these animals remain unpredictable, combining the thrill of a bucket-list safari with a degree of risk.

The recent death of an 80-year-old U.S. citizen, tragically killed by a bull elephant, is a stark reminder of this. The incident occurred during a Wilderness game drive in Zambia’s Kafue National Park on 30 March. 

Wildnerness issued a statement confirming the fatal attack.

“At around 09h30 on Saturday, the six guests were on the game drive when the vehicle was unexpectedly charged by the bull elephant. Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation were such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough” said Keith Vincent, Wilderness CEO.

The incident has spotlighted safety measures for Africa’s diverse safari adventures, from Big Five spotting and mountain gorilla trekking to more exposed walking safaris. These experiences can bring you face-to-face with some of the world’s most majestic wildlife. 

Guiding Training and Safety Measures: 

Very little industry data exists on fatalities related to wildlife safari experiences, as incidents involving the death of tourists are rare. Industry experts estimate that on average less than two deaths are reported a year, despite millions of travellers booking safaris annually. 

Safari safety across the industry isn’t regulated by one specific organisation. Instead, standards are set by various bodies and associations across the continent, including adherence to sustainable and safe tourism practices and industry certification for guides. These measures contribute to high safety levels in safari operations across Africa.

Game Drive and Lions | Photo credit: Katavi Wildlife Camp
Game Drive and Lions | Photo credit: Katavi Wildlife Camp

Here’s a guide to the most popular safaris, an estimated thrill level, and suggested safety tips to ensure you remain safe and secure during your experience: 

Big Five Safari Game Drives

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: encounters with lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos can all be unpredictable. Always remain within the vehicle, follow your guide’s instructions, and keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid attracting attention. When spotting elephants, maintain a safe distance, especially from mothers with calves. Males are susceptible to a condition known as Musth, which makes them more energetic and irritable. It’s crucial to have an experienced guide who can read the environment and the animal’s behaviour.

Night Game Drives

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: The cover of darkness adds an element of unpredictability. Staying inside the safari vehicle, using only the guide’s spotlight, and keeping quiet enhances safety during these thrilling excursions.
Spotting a leopard on a night game drive.
Spotting a leopard on a night game drive. | Photo credit: Supplied

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Gorilla trekking in countries like Rwanda and Uganda is a unique experience. A qualified guide will brief you on respectful behavior, such as not making direct eye contact and keeping a safe distance to prevent the transmission of diseases to this vulnerable species.  

Cheetah Encounters

  • Thrill Level: Moderate
  • Safety Measures: Cheetahs are generally less aggressive towards humans, but maintaining a quiet and still presence helps prevent startling them and ensures a peaceful observation.
  • Walking Safaris
  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Walking in the bush brings you closer to nature but requires strict adherence to the guide’s directions. Always walk in single file, stay quiet, and don’t stray from the group.

Bird Watching

  • Thrill Level: Low
  • Safety Measures: Birdwatching is generally safe, but being aware of your surroundings is essential, especially in areas where larger wildlife roams.

Hippo and Crocodile River Tours

  • Thrill Level: Moderate to High
  • Safety Measures: When in boats or on riverbanks, it’s vital to keep a safe distance from the water’s edge and follow all safety instructions, as hippos and crocodiles can be extremely dangerous.
Nile crocodile resting on a mudbank in the Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya.
Nile crocodile resting on a mudbank in the Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya. | Photo credit: Supplied

Rhino Tracking

  • Thrill Level: High
  • Safety Measures: Rhino sightings are a rare privilege due to their endangered status. Keeping a safe distance and remaining downwind ensures your safety and the rhinos’ comfort.

Wildebeest Migration

  • Thrill Level: Moderate
  • Safety Measures: The Great Migration is a spectacular event to witness. Observing from a vehicle and keeping to designated areas prevents disturbing the animals and ensures a safe experience.
Wildebeest migration, Image credits, Esirai Camp
A Wildebeest migration sighting. | Photo credit: Esirai Camp.

Basic Safari Safety Tips:

  • Always choose a reputable safari operator with experienced guides.
  • Stay in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
  • Listen to and follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
  • Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the environment.
  • Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could startle wildlife.

 

Remember, every safari adventure is unique, and respecting wildlife is paramount to ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience. Adventure awaits, but safety always comes first – contact us to discuss  any added concerns or considerations you might have about planning your safari.