UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES

Probably the most popular kind, Big Five safaris mean setting out in search of elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. These animals are not all present everywhere – the best place to see them is the Greater Kruger area in South Africa. Many travellers choose a Big Five safari for their first trip to Africa. While other regions also have these species, rhino are not present everywhere and are seldom seen. Other Big Five options include KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, also both in South Africa.

Big Five safaris are suitable for all ages and accommodation can range from comfortable tents to extremely luxurious lodges.

Families are always welcome on safari and Biggestleaf Travel will that the group is in a child-friendly environment that also caters for those who may have medical or mobility needs. There are some age restrictions on activities (for example, pre-teens may not be able to go on nature walks) and lodges will require a private vehicle if children are under a certain age (game-drive vehicles are generally shared with other groups where possible to cut costs and environmental impact).

Families can opt for fenced lodges with babysitters or childminders. Many lodges, especially in South Africa, have kids’ clubs, swimming pools, play areas and pizza ovens while offering fun activities like archery, crafts or baking. Africa is the perfect place for kids, mom, dad and grandparents to have a blast!

If you want to kick your photography skills up a notch, consider going on safari with a private photographic guide who will help you get great images. While such holidays cost more because you have a private vehicle and cover the guides’ costs (such as transport and a very basic guide’s room in the staff quarters), you often get incredible sightings in return as they know the animals, areas and conditions very well.

Biggestleaf Travel works with a roster of well-known guides with excellent reputations who specialise in wildlife photography. They act as your travel companions, optimise sightings wherever possible and try to ensure you come home with awesome shots of your time in Africa.

Africa is perfect for a romantic time – after all, I fell in love with a South African! Just think about secluded tents with beautiful views, beds swathed in mosquito nets, outdoor tubs, golden sunsets… Yes, Africa is a great place for a honeymoon especially if you both love nature and the outdoors.

Many safari lodges have honeymoons specials, usually where one spouse stays free (there may be a time limit after your wedding but Biggestleaf Travel will make all those arrangements so you don’t have to worry). Even better, Africa is home to some incredible and affordable islands and beaches like Mauritius, Mozambique, the Seychelles and Zanzibar so you can end your safari with time on the warm Indian Ocean.

While you can obviously take great photos on any type of safari, photographic safaris are more specialist. The game-drive vehicle is modified so that all passengers have camera mounts and ‘window seats’. Some only have two passenger seats, both of which can rotate. Your guide will also have been trained on how to position the vehicle as optimally as possible for the light, conditions and sighting itself.

If you are a really keen photographer, Biggestleaf Travel knows of a handful of very upscale lodges that have media studios for editing and even printing your best shots. They can also ensure you stay at reserves that allow night drives and going offroad to maximise your sighting options, as well as sourcing lodges that allow all-day drives out in the field. Many lodges have very comfortable underground hides at waterholes and some even allow guests to spend the night photographing nocturnal animals that come to drink.

Walking safaris are for true nature lovers, passionate hikers and those who want to enjoy Africa on foot. Different to ‘nature walks’, which are short guided walks in the proximity of the lodge for an hour to two hours in the morning, walking safaris are days-long treks that can see you walk between lodges. Setting out in the cool of the morning, you walk until midday for a rest and siesta, then complete your journey in the late afternoon.

Walking safaris are exciting because you may encounter big game on foot – but don’t worry, there is always a qualified safari guide and an armed parks board ranger with you that make up the front and rear of the line. There is also a backup game-drive vehicle in case it is needed. This activity is only open to over-16s in good health with reasonable fitness.