If I tell you what, three years ago when we were starting up our entrepreneurial journey, looking for suppliers for safaris, we were quotes about $5,000 - $7,000, for a one-week safari in Arusha - Tanzania. However, with ardent grounds work, networking, and a persistent endeavour to serve our clients with the best accessibilty known, the most informative and the ultimate affordability in tourism, last year we bought our own safari in Tanzania for $1,250. Massive negotiations right? And guess what? We still provide clients a range of hotels and lodges to choose from.
Tell you a West African myth: in Bandia reserve, Senegal, 13 years ago, we embarked on a safari with our own driver in a regular second-hand car and we arrived at about 9 am. First dismay, there was no lion in sight! We saw so many giraffes, crocodiles, a rhino, we however missed the early hippopotamus who only show up graciously at early sunrise hours.
These myths are no longer a thing once you tour with Melanin Travels Magic on your African trips. We burst more than the safari myths; we burst budget myths around travel as well.
Come on now, plan your next African trip with us and consider the following safaris to start with.
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Here are a few different types of safaris you can consider:
1. Classic Game Drive Safari:
Typical with open 4x4 safari vehicles and experienced tour guides to tour with, these safaris often happen within the course of a day. This gives you the luxury to experience the varied wildlife and have a feel of the parks and vegetation from a cozy seat.
Most recommended parks and reserves:
I. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania:
This Tanzanian park is known for its big-five experience - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino & buffalos. The park is one of the most popular world destinations. It features the annual Great Migration which happens yearly with millions of animal species migrating from part to another in search of fresh grazing.
Think of the movie 'Hatari,' then you are thinking Serengeti already.
II. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania:
Home to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique safari experience. The enclosure of the crater houses abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, zebras, flamingos, and rare black rhinos. Interestingly, about two hundred and twelve kilometers away, mountain Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa, is just in reach to this area.
III. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania:
The most iconic thing prominent in this part are the baobab trees and vast elephant herds. Tarangire National Park is one of the beautiful destinations Tanzania has to offer. The park is known for its diverse birdlife, and large concentrations of elephants.
IV. Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania:
Lake Manyara National Park offers tourists a picturesque setting for a safari. The park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, huge family of birds, and a large population of hippos and elephants. Admirably about this place too is the flamingo-filled lake.
V. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania:
This reserve is one of the largest in Africa. Selous offers an untouched wilderness experience. It is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and a significant population of African wild dogs. Boat safaris along the Rufiji River are also a fun highlight.
VI. Mikumi Game reserve, Tanzania:
It is one of the largest national parks in the country and offers a diverse array of wildlife and breath-taking landscapes. It thus, features two distinct attractions when visited.
(i) Wildlife: Mikumi is home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeest, buffalos, and antelopes of many types. It also boasts of a significant population of hippos and crocodiles in its rivers and waterholes. Bird lovers can enjoy over 400 bird species in this incredible reserve.
(ii) The park is also popular for its scenic Landscapes; thus, affording plant lovers the beautiful hues of nature.
VII. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania:
Ruaha park is a less crowded park, offering a more secluded and authentic safari experience compared to the rest. It equally has a wide range of cats to enjoy the views.
VIII. Tsavo, Kenya:
Being the largest national park in Kenya, it is divided into two and has very interesting wildlife such as red elephants, maasai giraffes and other well known safari animals.
IX. Masai Mara, Kenya:
Masai Mara is an award-winning safari park, where the great migrations of Buffalos happen each year.
X. Mole National Park, Ghana:
The Mole National park of Ghana is popular for its elephants and its antelopes.
XI. Kafue National Park, Zambia:
Surprisingly, Zambia is home to about twenty (20) different parks with a varied range of game to see. The famous Victoria Falls is also accessible to the border with Zimbabwe.
2. Walking Safari:
For those seeking a more immersive experience, walking safaris provide an opportunity to explore the wilderness while slowly taking in the view. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you can trek and track wildlife, learn about the flora and fauna, and appreciate the smaller intricacies of the ecosystems.
Here are some destinations to find the most unforgettable walking safari experiences:
I. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
II. Kruger National Park, South Africa
III. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
IV. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
V. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
VI. Nairobi National Park, Kenya
VII. Ankarana, Madagascar
VIII. Fathallah, Senegal (Walking with the Lion experience for the brave ones.)
These are just a few examples of destinations in Africa where walking safaris are a highlight. It's important to note that walking safaris should always be accompanied by experienced guides for safety reasons and to minimize negative impact on the environment.
3. Photographic Safari:
Perfect for the photogenics, these safaris prioritize capturing stunning images of wildlife and landscapes. They are led by professional wildlife photographers or guides with extensive knowledge of photography techniques and wildlife behaviour.
Here are some destinations that are renowned for their photographic safari experiences:
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
5. Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
6. Etosha National Park, Namibia
4. Canoe or Boat Safari:
Explore rivers, lakes, or wetlands in a canoe or boat safari. It allows you to observe wildlife from a different perspective, including birds, hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic animals.
I. Blue Lagoon, Zanzibar
II. Mnemba Island, Tanzania
III. Wasini Island, Kenya (Dolphin watching.)
5. Hot Air Balloon Safari:
Rise above the plains and observe the wildlife from a hot air balloon. This unique experience provides breath-taking views and a sense of tranquillity as you glide over the savannah.
I. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
II. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
III. Namib Desert, Namibia
IV. Luxor, Egypt
6. Cultural Safari:
Combine wildlife encounters with cultural experiences by visiting local communities and learning about their traditions, art, and way of life. This type of safari promotes cultural exchange and understanding.
As per our knowledge and experience, this type of safari is typical with any of the top ten most visited African countries.
I do believe you have a bucket list already. While we handle the networking and fixing you something within your budget, we recommend you start parking your bags towards you next African trip and safari experience. With over
I. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
II. Materuni Coffee farming Village, Tanzania
7. Horseback safari
Imagine combining wildlife sighting and horse-riding! Loving it right? We have just discovered this type of safari while meeting up with some African Tourism boards in Zimbabwe and Kenya among other countries.
Places where you can enjoy this type of safaris:
I. Zimbabwe: Ride Zimbabwe (Varden Safaris)
II. Kenya: Offbeat Safaris
III. Botswana:
· African Horseback Safaris, Macatoo Camp,
· Delta Trail (Ride Botswana)
· Horizon Botswana
IV. South Africa:
· Ant's Nest and Ant's Hill
· Horizon Horseback Adventures and Safari
V. Tanzania : Zanzibar Horse Safaris
VI. Namibia: Namibia Horse Safari Company
VII. Zambia: Zambian Horseback Safaris
We hope to have inspired you!
Credits : Nadine from the Podcast Thetravelingblackwomen
Fancy help with planning your next African cultural and leisure getaway?
We have also expanded massively and can now help you plan some unforgettable holidays activities, transport and accommodation in the following destinations: Tanzania, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa , Sao Tome, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Turkey, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Congo, Nigeria, Benin. If you need help planning your next holidays whether you are a solo traveler, a duo, a group of friends or a corporate retreat. If you fancy a mixture of black heritage and leisure experiences, we got you!
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Client testimonials we have helped exploring & planning their Safari across Africa
Ayoka, Joanna and Friend & Family group trip to Zanzibar & Tanzanian Safari, October- November 2022, Travel planner service
"Good communication with Christina in Zanzibar for 3 weeks crazy prices I recommend we loved our stay"
Giselle and Family, London, UK, group trip to Zanzibar & Tanzanian Safari (Day trip to Migumi), February 2023, Travel planner service
"Christina- Melanin Travels Magic- was fantastic, so glad I found her!
I told Christina what I wanted to do and also asked for her advice. Christina put it all together effortlessly, no hassle, no stress and then sent me my itinerary.
Everything ran smoothly and with a child in tow, that's exactly what I needed!
The guides that Christina organised for me were also very good and on time.
Thank you, Christina, you took the hassle out of travel! I will definitely will book with you again. I have also recommended you to others"