If you think safaris are all about classic game drives, think again! Africa has a few unique experiences up her sleeve. From gliding through Botswana’s watery wonderland in a mokoro to saddling up for a horseback safari fit for royalty, this is where your wildest dreams meet the ultimate luxury. Throw in gorilla trekking, elephant encounters, and even old-world glamour on a luxury train, and you’ve got safaris with a twist. So, grab your best sunnies and let’s dive into five extraordinary ways to safari in Africa – all fabulously gay-friendly and guaranteed to make your heart (and Instagram) sing!
Africa is not a place... It’s a feeling
Mokoro Safaris
Get ready to glide, honey, because Botswana’s mokoro safaris epitomise serene adventure. The Okavango Delta is a natural wonder that doubles as Mother Nature’s masterpiece.
This dreamy waterway, crafted by rains from Angola and shaped by hippos and elephants, is best explored in a mokoro. A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe, and to preserve Botswana’s jackalberry and sausage trees from which it used to be made, it now comes in eco-chic fibreglass.
As you’re expertly poled along these tranquil channels, expect dragonflies dancing on the water, kingfishers perching gracefully on reeds, and the occasional hippo grunt, adding drama to the serene soundtrack. It’s a front-row seat to an aquatic theatre of life, with wildlife on land and water playing out their daily routines.
Glide on the watery ribbons in the Okavango Delta
The time for a mokoro safari is during the Delta’s dry season (June to October) when it’s at full flood, and the weather is divine – sunny by day, crisp at night. And don’t fret about logistics. Many luxury lodges offer year-round mokoro adventures thanks to permanent water sources nearby.
Horseback Safaris
Saddle up! We’re trotting into a world of pure magic on a horseback safari. This is no ordinary ride. It’s your chance to camouflage with the wilderness, moving in rhythm with Africa’s heartbeat. As you canter across the sweeping plains, the wind kisses your cheeks, and you’ll feel every bit like Prince Charming on a quest or maybe even Beyoncé on a regal reign. Forget prancing ponies, sweetie; this is all about strutting your stuff with serious style.
Get your country vibes going and gallop through Africa
From Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara to Namibia’s desert dreams and South Africa’s Kalahari splendour, the landscapes are as diverse as they are dazzling. Each gallop offers a new way to soak in the splendour of Africa, far from the hum of a safari vehicle.
Even our fabulous CEO, David Ryan, has felt the enchantment during a horseback safari at Tswalu in South Africa, and trust us, it’s an experience that will stay etched in your heart forever.
Elephant Safaris
Elephants are Africa’s majestic icons. They embody grace and power and never fail to captivate. As they roam the plains in tightly-knit herds, their fierce protectiveness and intricate social dynamics are mesmerising to witness. Watching multiple herds converge at a waterhole is like nature’s own soap opera, filled with drama, bonding, and the occasional splashy showdown.
But let’s be honest, nothing steals the show quite like the babies! These wobbly little explorers are all charm and curiosity, splashing in the mud and testing their limits with fearless (and often hilarious) abandon. You can’t help but swoon over their adventurous spirit.
Elephants parade across Africa, but we know where the numbers are high in concentration
For a truly fabulous elephant experience, Chobe National Park in Botswana is your go-to spot, boasting massive herds of these gentle giants. Just next door, Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park is equally magical, with a high density of elephants and a reputation for thrilling close encounters.
Then there's Mana Pools along the Zambezi River, which offers a rare sight – elephants standing on their hind legs to reach fruit high up in the treetops. And let’s not forget Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, where mega-tuskers pose dramatically against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, a true Instagram moment waiting to happen.
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking
Lock eyes with one of the last remaining mountain gorillas, and you'll feel your soul stir in a way words can barely capture – it's nothing short of sacred.
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills, offers these majestic creatures and rare golden monkeys, black-and-white Ruwenzori colobus, and the elusive L'Hoest's monkey. Trekking through the dense, emerald forests and climbing into the misty mountains feels like stepping into another world, a realm where nature reigns supreme and magic lingers in the air.
Spend time with one of the last remaining gorillas on the planet in Rwanda
For the ultimate gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experience, plan your adventure during Rwanda's dry seasons, from June to September or January to February. Trust us; the forest trails will be kinder to your fabulous footwear during these months. The rainy seasons might bring a touch of drama (read: slippery tumbles), but no matter the weather, Rwanda's spellbinding wildlife will leave you breathless. Ready to go bananas?
Luxury Train Travel
All aboard for a journey that's pure old-world elegance and timeless glamour! Luxury railways like Rovos Rail whisk you through some of Africa's most exclusive landscapes. We're talking about places no car could ever reach, offering you a front-row seat to scenery most can only dream of. Think private views, intimate moments, and a sprinkle of exclusivity, darling.
By day, the dress code is smart casual. But by night, it's all about serving formal chic. Onboard, the staff are like fairy godmothers, anticipating your every need while you relax in a plush suite adorned with Edwardian décor and draped in the finest linen. It's nostalgic perfection, evoking a golden era of travel that makes our hearts flutter.
Step into old-world charm aboard Rovos Rail, Image Credit: Rovos Rail
With routes that traverse South Africa to Angola, and Tanzania, and even coast-to-coast adventures, there's a journey for every romantic at heart. So, pop that bubbly and let the rhythmic hum of the tracks serenade you into bliss.
Let’s Plan Your Next Adventure
Ready to turn your travel dreams into Instagram gold, darling? We've got you covered! Our fabulous Travel Experts have crisscrossed the continent (yes, it's a hard life, but someone's got to do it) to curate the most extraordinary experiences just for you.
From insider tips to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, we'll sprinkle a little magic into every detail. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make your next getaway the stuff of legends!
