Beyond the vehicle: the many ways to safari

Paolo and I love to go beyond the ordinary on safari and for us, that means getting out of the vehicle and really immersing yourself in the raw rugged beauty of Africa.

This is our niche - we specialise in entirely unique immersive experiences that lift the lid on aspects of Africa that most never get to experience. However you wish to travel, we’re pretty confident we can make it happen! Sure, we can deliver an awesome game drive into the heart of the action, but we love it when a client asks us to think out of the box. From off-grid motorbike trips and classic racing car safaris to itineraries dedicated to fishing or kite surfing, 

no request has been too adventurous and we've brought some wonderfully unconventional ideas to life!

This season we’re walking, running, biking, riding, sailing, paddling and flying across Africa, frankly having a lot of fun with our ever-intrepid guests. Here's a snapshot of our adventures so far, what’s to come and what our guides have captured along the way…

Safaris by land

As ever, we’re pulling on our trail shoes and trainers and stepping off the well-trodden tourist path this summer. Whether it’s an action-packed adventure with all the toys or an opportunity to take a beat and settle into the natural rhythm of life in the bush, a safari by land offers a deeper connection to Africa's wild places. 

• Walking - nothing beats exploring Africa on foot; immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness. This summer we’re trekking both the mountain slopes of Tanzania’s Greystoke Mahale to see chimpanzee and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to visit the gorilla; walking the rolling hills of Kenya’s Laikipia; and climbing the iconic red sand dunes of Namibia's Sossusvlei.

• Running - for those who crave a faster pace, we love nothing more than working out in the wild. There’s a certain magic to hitting the trails alongside world class Maasai or Samburu runners. This season we’re running across the vast Amboseli lake beds and tackling the scenic Borana conservancy trails.

• Horse riding - a riding safari is uniquely peaceful and intimate, evoking the spirit of classic African exploration. From Ol Malo, Kenya to Jack’s Camp in Botswana we’re saddling up for some epic rides into the wild this summer.

• Mountain biking - there's nothing quite like the freedom and excitement of being on two wheels. And no judgement if you opt for the e-bike - it’s hilly out there! We’ve been pedalling our way across Borana this summer.
• Quad biking - always a hit with the adrenaline junkies, quad bikes are great fun for really covering some ground and reaching remote areas. Paolo’s quad biking adventures across the endless expanse of sand dunes and salt pans in Namibia’s Sossusvlei proved to be the perfect way to appreciate the sheer scale of the landscape.

Safaris by air

Most of our trips incorporate private charter flights, and this summer our guests are very much airborne. Flying offers better flexibility, comfort and the consistency of a knowledgeable, experienced pilot. And from the air, your travel time also becomes part of the adventure, offering a bird’s eye view of Africa’s iconic landscapes below. This season’s aerial adventures include:

• Helicopter safaris - the ultimate in limitless freedom, offering access to some of Africa’s most remote spots. A helicopter safari is - by its very nature - completely bespoke, always with an element of spontaneity! This summer we’ve heli-ed across Botswana’s stunning Okavango Delta, Kenya’s North and the Aberdare Mountain Range and - next week - Paolo is leading another awesome heli safari taking in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria, Lake Natron, Nyerere National Park and the remote Mafia Island.

• Hot air ballooning - few safari experiences are as magical as drifting silently above the plains at sunrise, watching the landscape slowly come to life. This season we’ve ballooned over Namibia's Sossusvlei and Hoanib River valley.

Safaris on water

The ocean may not be the first thing that springs to mind when planning a safari, but Africa is home to some of the most stunning and diverse coastlines and waterways in the world. We’ve been splashing about in the Indian Ocean since childhood so know exactly how to deliver an incredible safari spanning Africa’s coast, rivers, deltas and lakes. Here are some of our top picks from this summer:

• Dhow safaris - a journey back in time that combines adventure with the timeless charm of laid-back life under sail. This season we’ve sailed Lamu’s mythical archipelago of beautiful, historic islands aboard Tusitiri Dhow, a meticulously-restored traditional wooden sailing boat. And while staying at Greystoke Mahale we’ve also explored Lake Tanganyika on some spectacular sunset dhow trips.

• Kitesurfing - one of our absolute favourite ways to experience the Indian Ocean. East Africa offers superb kiting, and we’ve had a brilliant summer introducing guests to our favourite spots in Lamu and Paolo’s home turf in Watamu.
• Canoeing & boating - a laid-back adventure, perfect for families. From winding mangrove creeks and tranquil lagoons to Botswana’s wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, we’re spending a good deal of this summer paddling through Africa's wild places.

• Paddleboarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding - with miles of sheltered coastline, the Indian Ocean is made for watersports, and we take all the toys on our ocean safaris. This summer we’ve been SUPing and skiing on Tanzania’s Fajove Island, around Kenya’s Lamu archipelago and in Paolo’s own backyard - the beautiful tranquil mangrove channels of Mida Creek, Watamu.

• Diving and snorkeling - the Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's most pristine coral reefs and an astonishing diversity of marine life. From first-time snorkellers to seasoned divers, there's something for everyone. We can’t wait to be hitting some of our favourite private island escapes this season! 
• Fishing - East Africa is home to some of the world’s best fishing spots and Kenya, in particular, is an angler’s dream, offering a heady mix of ocean, river and lake fishing. Paolo led a fantastic heli fishing trip across Kenya earlier in the season and Sean trekked up Mount Kenya with guests (and fishing rod on toe).

At Africa Born, we're always happiest when we're out in the wild: walking, riding, fishing, paddling, sailing and exploring. Africa rewards those willing to take the road less travelled. If that sounds like your kind of safari, get in touch - Paolo and I would love to chat.