Across Africa, travelers can experience wildlife and landscapes in completely different ways: on foot, by boat, from the air, or even on horseback. Each style of safari offers a different pace, perspective, and connection to the wild.

The modern safari has evolved beyond the traditional game drive. In this article we explore some of the popular alternatives, and how to choose the experience that’s right for you. Of course you can combine more than one during your trip.

1. The Classic Game Drive (By Vehicle)

This is the safari experience most travelers start with, and for good reason.

Game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles allow you to cover large distances and maximize wildlife sightings. Experienced driver-guides track animals, read landscapes, and position vehicles for the best viewing opportunities.

Best for:
First-time safari travelers, Big Five sightings, photographers

Where it shines:
Masai Mara, Serengeti, Kruger, Amboseli, Tarangire

Why it’s special:
You can encounter everything from elephants and lions to cheetahs and giraffes, often within a single drive depending on the park.

2. Walking Safaris (On Foot)

A walking safari completely changes your relationship with the wilderness.

Instead of observing from a vehicle, you move slowly through the landscape with an armed guide and tracker, learning to read footprints, plants, and smaller wildlife often missed on game drives.

It’s less about chasing big animals and more about understanding the ecosystem.

Best for:
Nature lovers, trekkers, those wanting a deeper connection to the bush

Where it shines:
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Laikipia (Kenya), Crescent Island on Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

Why it’s special:
You notice everything: sounds, tracks, scents, and the rhythm of the wild.

3. Boat Safaris (By Lakes, Rivers or Delta)

Some of Africa’s best wildlife viewing happens on the water.

Boat safaris offer a completely different perspective: elephants swimming between islands, hippos surfacing nearby, crocodiles along the banks, and birds everywhere.

Best for:
Relaxed wildlife viewing, bird lovers, photographers

Where it shines:
Okavango Delta (Botswana), Chobe River, Zambezi River, Selous/Nyerere, Lake Naivasha

Why it’s special:
You experience wildlife without engine noise and dust: just water, movement, and silence.

4. Hot Air Balloon Safaris (From the Air)

Few safari experiences are as unforgettable as floating silently over the savannah at sunrise.

Hot air balloon safaris usually take place at dawn, followed by a champagne bush breakfast after landing.

Best for:
Special occasions, photographers, once-in-a-lifetime moments

Where it shines:
Masai Mara, Serengeti, Namib Desert

Why it’s special:
You see the scale of Africa: herds moving, rivers winding, landscapes stretching endlessly.

Top tip: Balloon safaris are even more impressive during the great migration!

5. Horseback Safaris

Horseback safaris allow you to move through wildlife areas in a quiet, natural way, often getting closer to animals without the presence of a vehicle.

Some destinations offer multi-day riding safaris between camps.

Best for:
Experienced riders, repeat safari travelers

Where it shines:
Kenya (Laikipia), Botswana, South Africa, Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

Why it’s special:
You become part of the landscape rather than an observer passing through it.

6. Canoe & Mokoro Safaris

In destinations like the Okavango Delta, traditional dugout canoes (mokoros) glide through shallow channels surrounded by reeds and wildlife.

These safaris are slow, peaceful, and immersive.

Best for:
Those seeking a quiet, immersive experience
Couples and photographers

Where it shines:
Okavango Delta, Lower Zambezi

Why it’s special:
It’s one of the most peaceful ways to experience the African wilderness.

How to Choose the Right Safari Experience

The best safaris often combine several styles.

For example:

• Game drives + balloon safari in the Masai Mara

• Walking + vehicle safaris in Zambia

• Boat + mokoro + game drives in Botswana

A well-designed itinerary mixes perspectives and pace, allowing you to experience Africa in different ways.

Final Thought

There is no single way to experience a safari anymore, and that’s what makes modern safari so exciting.

From vehicles to walking trails, rivers to skies, each perspective reveals a different side of Africa.

The question isn’t just where you go on safari but how you want to experience it.

When creating your itinerary on Gotukio.com, you can discover the range of activities available at each destination. Don’t know where to start or not finding what you are looking for? Our team is always there to guide you.

Start planning your own adventure today!