Africa’s Most Extraordinary Wildlife Experiences

Africa offers numerous exceptional wildlife experiences to fulfil your bucket list. Initiate your journey by reaching out to one of our Africa Safari Experts, who will assist in designing an ideal trip itinerary for you:

1. The Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Migration – Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, Crossing Mara River

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a remarkable natural phenomenon, representing one of the last significant terrestrial wildlife movements globally, involving over 2 million animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, migrating in a clockwise direction across the Serengeti and Masai Mara in pursuit of fresh grazing grounds.

The abundance of tourists to Kenya and Tanzania annually is primarily due to Migration safaris, which rank among the most frequently booked itineraries in East Africa. The sole stipulation with the booking of a Migration is that timing is critically important. Regrettably, it is impossible to forecast the timing of animal movements, rendering migration one of nature’s most profound riddles.

The river crossings often transpire around July, when thousands of zebras and wildebeest navigate the Mara and Grumeti Rivers. Another notable aspect of the migration is the calving season, often occurring in February, during which thousands of calves are born within a two-week period. This occurs during the ‘green season,’ characterised by an abundance of fresh life, including numerous vibrantly colourful migratory birds.

The Wildebeest Migration is a continuous, circular phenomenon including diverse yet equally thrilling activities throughout the year, rather than solely between July and October, as commonly assumed. Our significant experience in orchestrating Migration safaris for over two decades enables us to position our clients optimally in timing and location.

2. The Annual Zebra Migration

Zebra Migration – Incredible Journey Through the Okavango Delta

The annual Zebra Migration is the lesser-known counterpart to the Great Wildebeest Migration. This enormous zebra migration in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert occurs biannually, with up to 30,000 animals migrating from north to south and subsequently returning from south to north, constituting the greatest migration in Southern Africa. It is a remarkable natural occurrence to observe in person.

Zebras migrate over the semi-arid terrain when it rejuvenates during the green season, coinciding with the onset of summer rains. The emergence of new grazing and rains induces the zebra herds to migrate to Nxai Pan from January to February, thereafter relocating to Makgadikgadi Pan in March and April.

Zebras traverse remarkable distances to access grazing areas; so, while this is not the largest terrestrial migration on the continent, it is the longest, rendering it one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences.

3. Whale Sharks, Turtle Nesting & Hatching on Africa’s East Coast

We swim with the Whale Sharks and watch turtles hatching on the beach.

Annually, from roughly November to January, colossal leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead, and green turtles migrate from the Indian Ocean to establish their breeding sites on the sun-heated sand along the East African coast. This tradition has occurred over millions of years and offers a unique opportunity to observe the egg-laying process and the hatching of these critically endangered sea turtles. Hatching generally occurs later in the season, as sea turtle eggs require an incubation period of approximately two months.

Experiencing this phenomena is hardly assured; however, you might be fortunate enough to awaken in the nocturnal hours to witness mothers labouring on the sand or hatchlings emerging and hastily scurrying to the sea. Remarkably, they automatically pursue the light reflected off the sea by the stars and the moon.

Mafia Island, located on the East Coast of Tanzania, presents an exceptional opportunity for an extraordinary wildlife experience in Africa: swimming with whale sharks. Whale shark sightings are virtually assured from November to March, coinciding with their arrival to feed on plankton in the narrow waterway between Mafia Island and mainland Tanzania.

With some fortune, you might have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks while they consume plankton near the surface. Conversely, diving off the coast of Zanzibar during this season presents a favourable opportunity to encounter the largest yet most docile type of shark in the world.

4. Trekking for Gorillas in Africa’s Rainforests

Why You Need to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks

Gorilla trekking is frequently defined as a transformative experience and is regarded as one of the premier animal encounters in Africa. Encountering the great apes of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda during an exciting trek through dense vegetation is a profoundly altering experience.

An expert guide and tracker will navigate you through the African jungles, traversing hidden trails and pursuing signs that culminate in observing magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural environment for one hour. The most advantageous aspect of gorilla trekking is that your participation aids in the preservation of these critically endangered species and the conservation of their environment. Participating on a gorilla trek contributes to the conservation of these endangered species and enhances the welfare of local communities.

The payment for your gorilla permit aids in gorilla conservation by financing reserve management, gorilla monitoring, and ranger salaries for forest patrols to safeguard the big apes from poachers. You assist local communities by bolstering local economies. By residing in local lodgings, employing local operators, engaging in local activities, and dining in local establishments, you contribute to the self-sustainability of the local communities.

5. Meet Habituated Meerkats

My Kalahari Meerkat Experience in Botswana: One climbed on my head!!!!

Timone, the iconic meerkat from the Disney classic The Lion King, is universally adored, correct? The endearing persona closely resembles reality. During a visit to Makgadikgadi in Botswana, you will get the chance to engage with meerkats and witness their amusing behaviours up close—resist the urge to become enamoured when one ascends atop you to survey its domain.

Meerkat interactions represent one of the most cherished animal experiences in Africa, with their appeal arising from their cute look, little size, and playful yet charming conduct, like as standing upright in the mornings to absorb warmth through their bare abdomens.

6. Ethical Animal Encounters

Adine Visits the Elephant Orphans at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya

Numerous remarkable organisations are engaged in the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of wildlife. These sanctuaries frequently provide distinctive opportunity for close encounters with species used to human presence. It is crucial to endorse only those institutes that provide compassionate treatment for animals, maintain scientifically-informed and humane environments, and facilitate ethical interactions that prioritise animal welfare.

In Nairobi, one can visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where rescued infant elephants are nurtured and rehabilitated for reintroduction into their natural habitat. Adjacent to the orphanage is the Giraffe Centre, a conservation facility dedicated to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Explore their breeding program and enjoy the experience of feeding them directly from the mouth, if you are bold enough!

The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary at The Elephant Camp in Zimbabwe houses a small herd of elephants that visitors can assist in feeding. Ethical interactions are also available in Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya.

7. Larger-than-Life Lions

The Truth About a Serengeti Safari (5 Things You Should Know)

The sovereign of the jungle requires no preamble. However, it may be unknown to you that there are subtle differences and rarities within the species Panthera leo. The largest lions in Africa, capable of instilling intimidation, are located in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and northern Botswana. To observe Africa’s greatest prides, consisting of approximately 20 members, visit the Central Serengeti in Tanzania, renowned for its mega prides.

In the Savuti, several prides are known to hunt sub-adult elephants as huge prey. In Kruger, giraffes are frequently hunted, while in Lake Manyara, lions’ meals comprise 60 percent buffalo.

Lions are famously inept climbers; nonetheless, several prides have adapted to ascend trees to evade insects, survey for prey, and rest. The optimal locations for viewing this phenomenon are Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and, intermittently, Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania.

The remarkable black-maned lions of the Kalahari represent another intriguing variant and are located at The Motse in Tswalu. Similar to black-maned lions, white lions display an uncommon colour variation; nonetheless, it is regrettable that only a limited number are believed to exist in the wild.

8. The Desert-Dwelling Animals of Namibia

My Trip to Namibia | Safari, Desert, and Coast

Aside from camels and jackals, few animals are commonly associated with arid environments such as deserts. One may be excused for thinking that elephants and lions could scarcely endure, much less flourish, in such an environment. In the sandy plains of Namibia, notable big game have adapted to their hard environment.

During your forthcoming Namibian safari, you may encounter desert-adapted fauna such as elephants, lions, black rhinoceros, brown hyenas, Hartmann’s zebras, bat-eared foxes, and wild desert horses. Nonetheless, they may exhibit distinct variations from the typical animal of that species, having undergone specific behavioural and physical adaptations to thrive in the Namibian desert.

Consequently, elephants acclimated to desert environments possess elongated legs, slender physiques, and enlarged feet. This aids them in traversing the extensive distances required to locate sustenance and hydration. Desert-adapted lions can endure far longer periods without water compared to their savanna counterparts. Desert rhinos possess elongated and slender horns, facilitating foraging in arid habitats.

Behavioural adaptations for both rhinoceroses and elephants involve smaller familial units to alleviate the strain on food resources. They have also become significantly more gentle and sensitive while foraging on flora, in contrast to savanna elephants, which tend to devastate the plants they consume.

9. Penguins & Whales in Cape Town

Intense Whale Watching in Hermanus!

Boulders Beach is a renowned tourist attraction in Cape Town, notable for its charming colony of endangered African penguins. These little, endearing creatures will permit you to approach within one metre of them on the seashore. The adjacent elevated boardwalk meanders through the coastal flora, offering an optimal vantage point to observe their nesting area from above, including the hatchlings during the breeding season. A secondary colony of endangered African penguins is located at Betty’s Bay, situated somewhat more than an hour from Cape Town.

If penguins do not pique your interest, the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus is renowned for its seasonal whale-watching from early June to early December. Situated a picturesque drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is renowned as one of the premier land-based whale-watching destinations globally. It features a prominent location and elevated cliff paths that provide views of the waters where southern right whales give birth and nurture their young. Boating expeditions provide the opportunity to observe the Marine Big 5: whales, great white sharks, dolphins, penguins, and Cape fur seals.

10. Zambia’s Bat Migration

The world’s largest mammal migration at Kasanka National Park, Zambia

Zambia hosts the greatest mammalian migration globally, which does not include wildebeest or zebras. The yearly Kasanka bat migration is a hidden gem of nature and one of Africa’s premier wildlife encounters. Annually, from October to December, Zambia’s Kasanka National Park has an invasion of around 8 million straw-coloured fruit bats migrating from the Congo to forage on pog mahogany, musuku, mufinsa, milkwood, and other indigenous wild fruits.

11. Chimp Trekking at Mahale & Rubondo Island

Chimpanzee Trek in Mahale National Park, Tanzania

Gorillas are not the sole great ape observable at close range in Africa. Mahale Mountains National Park and Rubondo Island are among the limited locations on the continent that provide chimpanzee trekking safaris. This highly gratifying activity is among the premier wildlife experiences in Africa, providing an adventurous opportunity to observe these amazing species in their native environment.

You will awaken early, don your hiking boots, and commence trekking the forested inclines of Mahale Mountain or traversing the woodlands of Rubondo Island in pursuit of this species of great ape; however, be prepared for a demanding endeavour, as this activity may necessitate hours of hiking through challenging terrain. Be aware that observing chimpanzees is contingent upon their movements, which fluctuate based on seasonal changes, food availability, and social dynamics.

12. Sightings of the Rare & Elusive Dugongs in Mozambique

Searching For Rare Dugong In Mozambique!

Dugongs are sizable, grey-brown, bulbous creatures characterised by flattened fluked tails, paddle-like flippers, and unique cranial forms; from some angles, they may be erroneously perceived as potatoes. These distinctive beings were previously prevalent in the waters of the East Coast and the western Indian Ocean, and are believed to have inspired the mermaid tale. They are currently exceedingly scarce in the region, with fewer than 400 residing in Bazaruto National Park and its adjacent coastal waters. This secretive marine animal is currently predominantly located off the coast of Mozambique, where it is fortunately protected.

13. Participate in Research Conservation Initiatives in Africa

Conservation has transitioned from a fashionable subject to an essential component of organisational activities. Companies in Africa’s safari industry are deeply committed to conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding the pristine environment and diversified fauna that render this continent an exceptional tourism destination. Numerous hotels and camps are now engaging guests in the protection of the destinations they visit, enabling active participation in conservation initiatives.

At Usangu Expeditions Camp, you can participate in a citizen science safari with the Tanzanian fauna Research Institute (TAWIRI), assisting team members in investigating the Usangu wetlands to enhance understanding of the environment and the conservation of its dependent fauna. You will get the distinct opportunity to participate in active projects in Usangu and acquire a deeper comprehension of the essential work being conducted in one of Africa’s final frontiers. Engage in research activities including as installing camera traps, conducting picture analysis for predator identification, and tracking collared lions via telemetry under the supervision of experts at Douglas Bell Eco Research Station.

During a visit to South Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve, you will engage in an innovative pangolin conservation initiative designed to reintroduce Temminck’s ground pangolin to a region from which they had previously been eliminated. This experience involves collaborating with a researcher from a specialised conservation team responsible for conducting health assessments and gathering essential data from an Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tag affixed to each pangolin.

Finally, in Marataba Conservation Camps within Marakele National Park, you will have the opportunity to engage in the identification, monitoring, tracking, and data collection of large species, including rhinoceros, elephants, and cheetahs.

14. Walk With Big Game in South Luangwa

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park

Situated in a rugged and isolated area of Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is the nation’s foremost wildlife attraction, teeming with large game, opulent campgrounds, and scenic, unspoiled natural vistas. This safari resort is distinctive because it is among the few locations in Africa that provides walking safaris—an adventurous experience involving a guided, leisurely exploration of the bush on foot.

South Luangwa National Park is acknowledged as the origin of the walking safari and continues to be Africa’s premier destination for traversing big game territory. While visiting South Luangwa, you will partake in an extraordinary wildlife adventure in Africa, navigating the difficult terrain on foot to observe several iconic African creatures, including substantial herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, and crocodiles.

15. See the World’s Last Remaining Northern White Rhinos at Ol Pejeta

Amazing Wildlife Safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

In 2009, the final surviving northern white rhinos were relocated to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Currently, just two of the seven persist – Najin and Fatu. Regrettably, both rhinos are female and incapable of gestation, rendering them the final representatives of this critically endangered species. Najin and Fatu reside in a 700-acre enclosure at Ol Pejeta, where they maintain their health through a nutritious diet enriched with fresh vegetables, while a specialised staff of armed protection ensures their safety around the clock.

Ol Pejeta provides an extraordinary African wildlife experience, presenting a unique opportunity to encounter Najin and Fatu in person. The custodians of these extraordinary animals will narrate their captivating tale, and all earnings from this endeavour are reinvested into ongoing attempts to rescue the northern white rhino species from extinction.