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Group safaris can actually be rather cheap and the price difference between a private safari and a group safari is quite extraordinary. Our post explains what you pay for on a luxury safari but then again, not everybody wants privacy.

You explorers may want to meet different people, perhaps make friends and share an experience with a collective group. Gap year travellers or just young students spending a holiday away with friends may decide to go on a group safari adventure, and you may end up meeting some of the most fascinating people.

To some, a private safari is… boring. Some people may wonder why people would want to pay more to stay hidden away on your own with the people you see every day (your family). Meeting new people can make you holiday more exciting, and you could end up with a friend for life.

There are many different types of safari packages, and one single safari provider could offer budget, first-class, deluxe and luxury holidays. Privacy is something you don’t get on most holidays, and by paying more you definitely get more peaceful surroundings, meaning your family are not hassled by other holiday makers.

You also get a personal service. Some people will be enjoying buffet meals, but you can have a much more personal service on a luxury safari. People will bring the food too you, perhaps have a restaurant set up just for you and your family and again it’s that element of privacy.

You also get the best tour guides. You won’t have to worry about your safety when you’re on a luxury safari and the guides are likely to be the best in the business.

Of course facilities like gyms, spa treatments, and private pools are also usually included, while some locations will even have butlers at your disposal.

One of the most watched videos of all time, Battle at Kruger is currently sitting on over 74 million views on Youtube. The video shows an unbelievable scene of a rare natural conflict between typical safari wildlife, lions, crocodiles and buffalo. The video has captured what any safari holiday goers can only hope to witness when they go, but when you do see it, it is something you will never forget. Videos such as this have provided a more raw side to footage. Combine it with footage obtained through the documentaries like Africa and safaris have never been more appealing. Safaris as a holiday destination are continuing to rise. If you are not sure if a safari is the right thing for you, check out some clips and see if you think it is worth seeing for yourself. You never know how many chances you have left to see the world. So why wait?

Different Kinds of African Holidays

Africa is an enormous continent, filled with different kinds of landscapes and many, many opportunities; African safari holidays aren’t your only option. Below are brief outlines of just a few of the other kinds of holidays you can enjoy on this magnificent continent.

Beach Getaways

Africa’s coastline is some of the most beautiful in the world. Countries such as Mozambique and islands like Zanzibar are fringed by some idyllic beaches. You’ll find shimmering turquoise seas and powder soft, pale sands – perfect for relaxing on, cocktail in hand. Many beach hideaways also offer an array of water sports including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, dhow cruising and fishing.

Cosmopolitan City Breaks

South Africa’s Cape Town is one of the world’s most fascinating cities, combining beautiful coastal scenery, cosmopolitan shops and dining, sandy beaches and the mighty Table Mountain. There’s a lot to do here and, despite it being a cliché, there really is something for everyone. Dine in some of South Africa’s finest restaurants, visit Robben Island, go whale watching, relax on the beach, hike Table Mountain – there are so many options to fill your days in Cape Town.

Desert Adventures

With some simply spectacular landscapes, Namibia is an excellent choice for a desert based holiday. Namibia’s landscape is incredibly unusual, people often return saying they felt like they were on another planet entirely! With towering red sand dunes, vast salt pans, enormous mountains, deep gorges and petrified forests, this is a place of fascinating landscapes. Visitors can also meet families of the fascinating Himba tribe, who will show you their traditions, customs and how they survive in this harsh landscape.

Trekking Primates

Coming face to face with one of our closest relatives, the gorilla, is a truly unforgettable experience. In Africa, you can see mountain gorilla in Rwanda or Uganda and western lowland gorilla deep in the rainforests of Congo. Families of chimpanzee live in the rainforests of the Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania.

If you’re seeking hot weather then Iceland may not be the vacation for you, but the fact is more and more people want a different type of holiday, and an Icelandic holiday actually has a lot to offer. The Blue Lagoon is a naturally heated spa, and while you’re there you can opt for treatments or perhaps just enjoy relaxation in a unique and different environment.

If you pay a visit during the winter months, then you may have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, while there’s also the opportunity to stay in an Ice Hotel, or go trekking. If you’re the type of individual that loves roaming around as you wish then Iceland is a great pace to enjoy a drive in the summer.

The roads are clear, there’s plenty to see, and you can then come away having seen most parts of this phenomenal country. Iceland is certainly not your typical holiday, but perhaps that’s what makes it so special, and it’s becoming a popular destination for all types of holidaymakers.

Many people visit Spain, especially for a summer holiday, and it’s a country that benefits from long periods of mostly warm and dry weather. If you’re looking for a holiday that has sunshine, but not too much, then a trip to Spain in April, May, September and October can be ideal.

If you’re the type that wants their holiday in Spain to benefit from the hottest weather, then June July and August are ideal, however, all of these months tend to benefit from up to 12 hours of sunshine a day.

This is probably why beach holidays in Spain have become so popular, especially the Canary Islands where the temperatures really do heat up. If you’re planning to go to Spain, know that the temperatures vary and you should consider the average weather conditions before you book, otherwise you may return wishing it was cooler, or wishing it was warmer.

A true holiday in South Africa will include the tasting of South African dishes. Some may seem quite strange but South Africans really do know how to pick their flavours.

Babotie is one type of food that is certainly worth a try. It’s made mainly of minced meat and egg while there are various spices added, and the spices will depend on individual making the dish. It’s a meal that goes down extremely well with rice and a glass of wine and we recommend you try it if you ever visit South Africa.

Mopane worms are quite out of the ordinary for anyone in Europe, but they actually taste great, similar to beef jerky. Mopane worms are actually caterpillars and they can be cooked in various sauces and spices, and they’re a bit of a bush delicacy. You should at least try one of these if you’re out in the wilds because you might actually be surprised with the taste.

Although the chances of being hurt on a safari are low, it’s important to stay safe, and keep yourself protected at all times. There are a small number of people killed by wild animals in Africa as well as in National parks, so take this into consideration when you’re on your safari.

You have to put trust in a safari guide, and even the most experienced guides can’t always prevent dangers, so the smaller your tour is the better. A privatised tour will ensure your guide has full attention on your and at least then you will not be in a party that’s out of the guide’s comfort zone.

It’s important to be especially safe on night time safaris. Animals are completely different at night, and they will violently attack any individual who makes them feel uneasy, and it could just be a persons’ physical presence that makes an animal lash out. Just remember while the majority of safari holidays have no problems, a small majority do so remember this on your safari and be careful.

After spending a week or so on a wildlife safari there’s really no better way to bring the holiday to an end than by paying a visit to Mozambique. Mozambique is an ideal location for those who are looking to unwind and relax after an enthralling wildlife adventure.

It’s a flight away and the fact that it’s difficult to get to for many people make it extremely private and secluded. When you arrive it will feel like paradise. There are deep blue waters, golden sands, coral fish and beautiful gardens, while you’re not going to be short of high quality accommodation.

There is a nice choice of hotels and restaurant and you can really get involved in the laid back Mozambique African culture. We recommend the Vamizi island because to simply oozes relaxation, and that’s exactly what you need after a busy week.

If there’s on type of activity that never fail to disappoint on a safari, it’s hot air ballooning. There’s no better way to capture glorious photographs over the African bush, and if you’ve never experienced ballooning before you’re certainly in for an adrenaline rush.

After hours or days of trekking, ballooning can be seen as a nice reward, while you’re still going to get plenty of views of the African wildlife, and some of the bets balloon rides are in countries like Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania.

Hot air ballooning and safari go hand in hand so if you’re looking to explore in a completely different way, then hop in the balloon basket and enjoy the ride. Sunrises and sun downs are the best times to go hot air ballooning, especially if you want to capture striking images from a height. Make sure you consider hot air ballooning on your next safari; it will be a journey you never forget.