Exploration Safaris with Wilderness Safaris

A unique way to safari! There are various types of Exploration Safaris you can embark on and we are partnered with the leader in African Safaris, Wilderness Safaris. A company dedicated to responsible tourism throughout Southern Africa, Wilderness Safaris aims at sharing this wild area with their guests while at the same time helping the local communities to benefit from tourism and ensure the future protection of Africa’s spectacular wildlife heritage. Its wildlife, marine and heritage safaris in remote and pristine wilderness destinations are specialised, educational, explorative and fun. Wilderness operates privately in the Southern Africa’s finest Reserves in some 50 Lodges and Camps.

Wilderness Explorations are unhurried safaris under canvas, exploring some of Africa's most remote corners, yet with all the comforts and amenities. Their Exploration safaris take advantage of exclusive locations, mostly in private concessions, offering  guests a select, spectacular journey through pristine areas enjoying the most outstanding wildlife viewing in Africa. Here are a few Explorations to consider :

Namibian Mountain Bike Safari

A unique way for reasonably fit guests to experience the wilds of north-western Namibia: a combination mountain bike and vehicle safari, taking in wildlife and spectacular desert scenery on the way. The famous desert-adapted elephant and black rhino can be seen, while the spectacular wonders of Damaraland captivate cyclist and hiker alike. Relish that sense of achievement that is a part of pedalling one's way through the vast, changing landscapes and relax at the day's end, to evening drinks in the cool desert air. A support vehicle is in accompaniment in case cycling becomes too arduous for some!

Mana Pools Canoe Trail

This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi's shoreline, canoeing past countless hippos on the way! Each night is spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, ultimately finishing 65km downstream with many adventures to recall. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide. Support vehicles and staff assist guests and set up camp each day.

Kafue National Park

Explore the three major arteries of the Kafue National Park: The Kafue, Lufupa and Lunga Rivers. Traversing the course of the Lufupa River from its confluence with the Kafue, its mix of water from two different catchments clearly apparent, right up to the Busanga Plains takes one through the diverse habitats of riverine forest, miombo woodland, acacia- and palm-strewn floodplain, dambos and ultimately the plains themselves. This mix of habitats harbours a huge diversity of species from leopard and wild dog of the Lufupa woodlands to lion and cheetah of the Busanga Plains, Defassa waterbuck and yellow baboons of the riverine to lechwe and oribi of the grasslands. Game drives, nature walks and boating ensure an interesting and varied exposure to the environment and associated bird and mammal life in this trip that offers the best of Kafue.

The Great Wilderness Journey

At the turn of the century, explorers and adventurers made their way leisurely along the dusty paths of Africa. Experience a nostalgic camping / lodge safari that recreates the sense of a game-viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the great African explorers. The Great Wilderness Journey takes time to experience and explore Botswana's scenic northern areas: from the blue-green wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the diverse and wildlife-rich Linyanti and Chobe River systems, ending with the world-famous Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River.

ALL PHOTOS BY MIKE MEYER courtesy of Wilderness Safaris