Unique African Safaris on Elephant or Horse Back

African safaris are amongst the most popular holidays in the world; not only do they offer the luxury and relaxation that so many tourists seek when booking vacations but they also offer something slightly different and novel. Traditionally, vehicle safaris and bush walks are the most popular and accessible ways of exploring a game reserve and observing the African wildlife, however in the last few years several game lodges have come up with other ways to treat their guests and have started offering elephant and horse-back safaris as part of their packages.

Elephant back safaris are unlike any other African safaris as they give guests the opportunity to come up close and personal with these friendly giants. Elephants are gentle and sturdy creatures which enjoy being part of a herd and feeling affection. For this reason, elephant safaris are conducted in a peaceful manner and guests are informed as to how they need to treat and react to the animals. Every guest will be allocated an elephant and can climb onto its back with the help of a specially designed ramp. Elephant back safaris will take guests away from the sounds of vehicles and technology, and will enable them to become one with nature while bonding with some of the wild’s most respected and tender big 5 members. Listen to the surrounding sounds of nature and gentle huffs of the elephants while observing the other beautiful wildlife of Africa and the landscape which has stolen many hearts and imaginations.

The elephants in these African safaris are treated with dignity and respect. And although the game reserves are run for the tourists who choose to visit them, they are also run as sanctuaries to animals which aren’t capable of living in the wild by themselves. Many of the elephants which guests will find ride have been nursed back to health by the game reserve’s guides and are now living as part of a herd with the other elephants in the park.

Similar to elephant safaris yet slightly more adrenaline filled are horse-back safaris. Guests are paired with a horse suited to their physique and personalities and are guided along tracks in the wild. Most game reserves ensure that all horses have had dressage training so that they remain calm and well-behaved when coming across a member of the big 5 instead of being spooked. The horses are all kept in the game reserve’s stables and are regularly groomed. These safaris are most popular amongst horse-lovers however in recent years have attracted the attention of holiday makers in search of a slightly different experience whilst venturing on African safaris. Trained horse-riders will be used to the twitchy natures of the horses and the swishing of their tails, however for tourists who aren’t accustomed to their personalities their safari experience will be all the more exciting and novel.

Visiting game reserves for the all exciting dream of African Safaris is something thousands of tourists enjoy every year. Elephant back and horse-back safaris enable us to have Safari experiences that are slightly different to the norm; not only do we have the enchanting encounter with the African landscape and have the opportunity to observe Africa’s unique wildlife, but we’ll feel one with nature whilst bonding with elephants and horses, and will be able to discover the wild whilst being a part of it.