There is just something about immersing oneself in the natural world while moving along effortlessly and observing the antics of the varied wildlife population of Africa on a water safari. From the low level of a traditional canoe or mokoro, the comfort of a luxurious houseboat or a particular sea-faring vessel, a water safari provides a unique angle.
On a canoe or mokoro safari, gliding and drifting along the continent’s rivers, lakes and lagoons, visitors will be able to engage with a myriad of creatures. These include those species at the top of the food chain like menacing crocodiles, floating hippos and swaying elephants.
A houseboat safari will give its patrons a glimpse into natural spaces that are otherwise inaccessible and bring them eye-to-eye with the water-dwelling species. There will be no rest for the weary with a plethora of birdlife, predators of all shapes and sizes and even lesser-known species inhabiting the local waters and lands.
On an ocean safari, from the comfort of a specially adapted sea-faring vehicle, visitors will be able to marvel in reverence at the unique characteristics of a smattering of aquatic species. The meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans at the southernmost point of Africa has created the ideal habitat for a great number of species, including sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and over a thousand species of fish.
Canoe and mokoro safaris offer a rare view of life in and along the rivers and lakes of Africa. As exciting and exhilarating as it sounds, such a venture should only be conducted with the assistance of tour operators with the necessary expertise. One should furthermore be at least moderately fit, especially if paddling under one’s own steam. To have a more relaxed outing, go the route of being steered by a ranger or guide.
For the most relaxing safari-experience, get into a mokoro, marvel at other aspects of the natural world and leave the steering to the experts. These dug-out canoes are traditionally made from sturdy wood and glide effortlessly through the water while being moved forward by a poler at the back.
Referred to as a game drive on the water while overnighting in a floating hotel, a houseboat safari is one of the most placid and meaningful ways to explore Africa’s wild ways. It offers visitors the ultimate fusion of a traditional game drive, admiring wondrous nature and breathtaking panoramas.
A houseboat safari will give its patrons a glimpse into natural spaces that are otherwise inaccessible and bring them eye-to-eye with the water-dwelling species. Not much sweat and tears are required as this is the most tranquil of safari experiences, from a viewing perspective that is.
Sharing an innate love for the wild and wonderful creatures of the planet they call home, guests from a variety of backgrounds marvel at the spectacle of life unfolding around them.
At the southernmost point of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans collide in a cauldron of creation, lies one of the most distinct marine ecosystems in the world. It is home to some of the ultimate creatures of the water and puts an ocean safari on the must-do list.
From the comfort of a specially adapted sea-faring vehicle, visitors can marvel in reverence at the unique characteristics of a smattering of aquatic species, including sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and over a thousand species of fish. There are vast stretches along the African coastline where visitors are sure to discover the local marine marvels, mostly from June till September when it is bloom time for mating and breeding.
From the Cape coast, all the way up the East coast of Africa and into northern shores of Egypt and Morocco, the antics of species big and small, powerful and dainty will create the most memorable of encounters.