While the classic game drive in a 4x4 safari vehicle is an undeniable thrill and a fantastic way to cover ground, East Africa offers a wealth of other unique and immersive ways to experience its stunning landscapes and get closer to its incredible wildlife. Upana Safaris encourages you to step beyond the vehicle and add some of these unforgettable activities to your itinerary:
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris (Kenya & Tanzania):
- Experience: Drift silently above the plains of the Maasai Mara (Kenya) or Serengeti (Tanzania) as the sun rises. Witness panoramic views of waking wildlife, sprawling landscapes, and, if timed right, the Great Migration from a bird's-eye perspective. Typically followed by a champagne bush breakfast.
- Why it's Special: Unparalleled photographic opportunities and a serene, magical start to your day.
- Upana Safaris Recommends: A truly iconic experience, especially during migration season.
- Walking Safaris (Various Locations):
- Experience: Accompanied by an armed ranger and knowledgeable guide, explore the bush on foot. Learn about tracking, smaller creatures often missed from a vehicle, plant life, and the intricate details of the ecosystem.
- Why it's Special: Engages all your senses and offers a much more intimate connection with the wilderness.
- Upana Safaris Recommends: Possible in designated areas of many parks, including parts of the Serengeti (Tanzania), Laikipia (Kenya), Lake Mburo NP (Uganda), and some private concessions.
- Canoeing & Boat Safaris (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania):
- Experience: Glide along rivers and lakes, offering a different vantage point for wildlife viewing. See hippos, crocodiles, elephants bathing, and abundant birdlife up close.
- Why it's Special: Peaceful, great for birding, and allows access to water-based animals.
- Upana Safaris Recommends: Kazinga Channel & Nile River (Uganda), Lake Naivasha (Kenya), Rufiji River in Nyerere NP (Tanzania). Mokoro (dugout canoe) trips in places like Botswana's Okavango Delta are a similar concept and can be part of broader Southern Africa extensions.
- Horseback Riding Safaris (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda):
- Experience: Ride through savannas and reserves alongside giraffes, zebras, and other plains game. Animals are often less skittish around horses than vehicles.
- Why it's Special: An exhilarating and eco-friendly way to explore, suitable for various riding levels.
- Upana Safaris Recommends: Popular in areas like Laikipia (Kenya), parts of Tanzania, and near Lake Mburo NP (Uganda).
- Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking (Uganda & Rwanda):
- Experience: An active adventure on foot through dense rainforests to spend time with humanity's closest relatives.
- Why it's Special: A deeply moving and profound wildlife encounter, unlike any other.
- Upana Safaris Recommends: Bwindi & Kibale (Uganda), Volcanoes NP & Nyungwe (Rwanda).
- Cultural Visits (Across East Africa):
- Experience: Respectfully visit local communities, such as Maasai villages in Kenya/Tanzania or Batwa communities in Uganda/Rwanda. Learn about ancient traditions, daily life, and local customs.
- Why it's Special: Provides a deeper understanding of the human element of East Africa and supports local livelihoods.
- Upana Safaris Recommends: Ensure visits are ethical and community-driven. We partner with responsible initiatives.
- Night Game Drives (Select Locations):
- Experience: Head out after dark with spotlights (where permitted) to seek out nocturnal animals rarely seen during the day, such as leopards, civets, genets, bushbabies, and aardvarks.
- Why it's Special: Reveals a whole different side of the African bush.
- Upana Safaris Recommends: Offered in some private conservancies in Kenya and select parks like Queen Elizabeth NP in Uganda (with special arrangements).
When planning your East African safari with Upana Safaris, ask us about incorporating these unique experiences. They can transform a great trip into an extraordinary one, creating richer memories and a deeper connection to this incredible part of the world.