While a great way to experience wildlife is certainly in the comfort of a jeep during game drives, there’s something lacking in this experience. The human touch, going back to your roots. This is something that only walking safaris in Africa can show you. Walking safaris in Africa are fast becoming a popular alternative attraction in Africa in 2021. 

With that in mind, there are several walking safaris in Africa that range from a few hours to a few days across the great expanse. Here’s our guide to some of the walking safaris in Africa for 2021! 

Great Walk Of Africa 

The most exclusive and exciting of them all. The Great Walk Of Africa takes place through the iconic Tsavo National Park of Kenya. This 160km odd walking safari also involves a few game drives but mostly you will be walking through the scrub jungle, some grasslands, and witnessing wildlife like no other. You’ll also be within close proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro, which makes the trek all the more special. 

Witnessing the Big 5 is entirely possible on this walking safari in Africa in 2021, since you’ll be spending so much time close to the wildlife. Along with them, you’ll see expansive herds of zebras, giraffes wandering around sampling the acacia trees, and so on.

Accommodation during the Great Walk is typically in the form of luxury tents will an ensuite private shower and washroom. You’ll also be served all meals and beverages and typically a sundowner to enjoy as you marvel at the sun setting over the great African landscape. 

The Great Walk Of Africa is not to be missed for the ultimate experiential walking safari in Africa for 2021. 

Kruger National Park

One of the most popular national parks for wildlife in Africa, Kruger National Park also boasts of a luxury walking safari that promises an experience like no other. Located Northeast of South Africa, Kruger is home to a whopping 130 odd mammals and nearly 500 species of birds which makes this walking safari in Africa one to be highly sought after. Walking safaris in Kruger typically last about 4 days. And while the majority of people line up to discover Kruger through game drives, a walking safari is more private and exclusive to give both you and the wildlife utmost privacy. 

Chiefs Island Walking Safari 

One of Botswana’s most unique experiences is the Chief’s Island Walking Safari. It takes place in the Okavango Delta, one of the most coveted areas for wildlife in all of Africa. Along with a walking safari in Africa, you also get to experience rides in a mokoro, a traditional dugout sailboat that the indigenous communities use here. 

You may get to see a lot of water residents along with the big 5 and a huge number of wildlife besides this. This trail is also doable year round making it perfect for your walking safari in Africa for 2021. The Chief’s Island Walking Safari also takes you through Moremi National Park which once again promises to close up encounters of wildlife. 

Expect this walking safari in Africa to be around 3 to 4 nights and of moderate difficulty. 

Great Serengeti Traverse

Walking through the Serengeti National Park to encounter wildlife firsthand is something that people would dismiss as impossible or maybe even unheard of. But the Serengeti Traverse leaves behind all the chaos and cacophony of the urban life and takes you on an adventure that promises to be isolated, exclusive, minimally luxurious, and overall something that will leave you enchanted for the rest of your life, choosing to come back to Africa again and again. 

Taking place over 10 days, there are no other people or vehicles on your journey through the Serengeti. In order to reduce the impact on the environment, minimal camping equipment and utilities are carried along with you. You will be accompanied by veteran guides that belong to the local communities, knowing the land as they have known for generations. 

Virunga National Park 

For a change of landscape, why don’t you move away from the South and move towards the Congo? These vast lush jungles are home to the world’s most enigmatic great ape, the Virunga Gorilla. These magnificent apes now live here in relative peace away from the path of poachers, and the only way to get up close to them is through an exclusive walking safari! You will be accompanied by a guide who will get you up close and personal to some of the gorillas although precautions will have to be taken. 

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Andaman islands are very popular all year-round tourist destination. There is a great abundance of white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, bright sunny tropical days with occasional bouts of rainfall, and warm and pleasant tropical weather all year around. The luxury tours to Andaman from Star Vacation India lets you get an amazing glimpse of the perfect family vacation or a romantic getaway with your significant other. The most amazing things to do in the Andamans include nature walks, sunset viewing, seaplane rides, swimming with elephants, and most importantly, watersports, which you will get to experience in your luxury tours to Andaman.

Touring the Volcano in Barren Island – This beautiful mud volcano can be visited by both waterways and roadways. The volcanic crater is around 250 to 300 meters wide and is walkable. The volcano has a lot of decayed underground matter which emits gas and hence emits natural gas and leads to the formation of this mud volcano. The mud submits above the ground is completely hardened as it is pushed upwards by the gas. You can witness the mud crater at the top or at the opening of the volcanic mountains. This is one of the most fascinating things to do in the Andaman Islands for a completely offbeat experience.

Image Credits: Andaman Venus Travel

Chidiya Tapu Visit – Chidiya Tapu is a beautiful beach in South Andaman which is located about 25 kilometers from Port Blair. It boasts of a magnificent sunset and people are not allowed to go into the water because the dwellers have spotted crocodiles in the sea waters over there. You can take a long beach walk in the evening while the sun slides off the horizon and you will feel really rejuvenated. Watching the sunset is one of the most beautiful things one can do in Andaman or at any beach location, it is indeed magical.

Image Credits: Pinterest

Island Trekking – Trekking is a standout amongst the most looked out for adventure experience sports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Trekking Camps are the right decision for nature-beaus who wish to appreciate the sun, ocean, and nature by spending calm occasions right on the shoreline. One can go trekking through the nature trail from Mt. Harriet to Madhuban and appreciate the uncommon life of the woods. There are other trekking courses too in the Andaman Islands. Some of the time, trekking undertakings are just a day or two long so you won’t get really tired. 

Image Credits: Andaman Tourism

Island Hopping –  Through only 36 islands are habitable out of 572 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, it doesn’t snatch the opportunity of island hopping from its visitors, because every island has something really unique and captivating to offer and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Start your journey from Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From here you can take the government ferries to travel to various other local islands. Some of the most important islands to hop for include Neil Island, Havelock Island, which also offer a plethora of water sports activities, in which scuba diving is one of the most adventurous and breathtaking.

Image Credits: The Luxury Signature

Dolphin Watching – Who does not love the incredible dolphins? Dolphin watching is among the most favorite things to do in Andaman for tourists. Those of you who are planning to spot some dolphins in the Andaman then don’t miss a chance to visit the Lalaji Bay Beach on Long Island, Jolly Buoy located in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Havelock Island to get an opportunity to spot some beautiful dolphins. Watch the playful dolphin tease and play with you as you watch them.  Discover the world of the dolphin from a different angle altogether. Discover and enjoy the marine life through the transparent glass while you cruise through the amazing island. You will totally end up in a magical world of surreal marine life. There are a lot of cruises from which you can choose from. Some of them are like Supersaver cruise, Grand cruise, and Sunset cruise which will let you watch the dolphins play in the blinding glory. The luxury tours to Andaman by Star Vacation will let you experience dolphin watching to its fullest.

Image Credits: Visittnt

Havelock Island – Havelock Island is one of the largest islands in Andaman comprising some of the most exquisite, pristine, and unspoiled beaches. It also boasts of a strikingly evergreen and dense forest cover. The island is mostly populated by Bengalis who have settled here decades earlier. The other part of the island is inhabited by the local tribes of the aborigines. There are hosts of activities which can be performed during a visit to the island like sailing, kayaking, trekking, scuba diving, banana boat sailing, etc. The transparent water and the pristine environment fills you with heavenly and surreal bliss.

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Smith Island – There are two twin islands in the Andaman Islands that together join to form one single group of islands. These twin islands are a must-visit for travelers around the globe. These lovely islands are in North Andaman, a couple of nautical miles away from Diglipur Jetty.  What makes these islands genuinely lovely and separates them from whatever remains of the islands is that these two islands are joined by a characteristic, sandbar which also separates them. It’s like in the event that you confront both the islands, you see a street kinda thing which is really a sandbar connecting and yet, separating both the islands. Also, accordingly, while strolling one can move from one island to the next from the sandbar. This white, sleek sand bar goes inside the ocean on the occasion of high tide and surfaces up again amid low tide and vice versa

Image Credits: Guide2travel

Kala Pathar Beach – Although quite small, this beach is another attraction in the Havelock Islands in the Andaman which is a favorite among the tourists. Kala Pathar shoreline is a moderately little yet exquisitely beautiful shoreline. Gleaming sand and water green waters make the place extraordinary and exquisitely pristine. The shoreline lies alongside a town called Kala Pathar and henceforth the name derives from it. You can spot dead corals on the shoreline which is the reason it is not excessively appropriate for swimming but rather sitting on one of these corals and watching the sun ascend in the morning or simply breathing in the new soft breeze blowing over the ocean is an activity in itself.

Explore Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park – The immense Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is located around 16 kilometers south of Port Blair. The entire park is spread over an area of 282 square kilometers and consists of 17 islands. The park stretches between Rutland Island and South Andaman Island and the islands are a part of the Rutland Archipelago. Out of 17 islands, only two islands can be accessed by visitors which are the  Red Skin and the Jolly Buoy Islands.  The boat service and the glass-bottomed floor boat service are good for reaching and traversing through these islands and you can even snorkel in the ocean and can spot an assortment of sea animals and corals on these islands, in the most untouched and unhindered form. A visit to the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a part of your tour itinerary with the luxury tours to Andaman by Star Vacation India.

Visit the Samudrika Marine Museum – You are keen on learning about the island’s ecosystem, animals, plants, marine life, and tribal communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then head to Samudrika Marine Museum which is situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from central Port Blair region. It is run by the Indian Navy and consists of five galleries catering to the different subjects of the region like the geography of the place, history, marine life, flora and fauna, and anthropology. The museum is also known as the Fisheries Museum and on your journey towards the main entrance, you will also encounter a skeleton of the gigantic Blue Whale which was washed ashore once on one of the islands of Nicobar.

Explore Limestone Caves – The Limestone caves of the Andaman Islands are located in the Baratang Island of Middle Andaman and are a day-long excursion. After reaching Baratang Island, you need to take a half an hour-long boat ride passing through mangrove creeks and stopping at Nayadera Jetty. After getting off the boat, you need to walk for a kilometer and a half through the winding picturesque tropical forest trails. The formation and unique structures in the limestone caves consist of calcium carbonate. The massive sedimentary limestone formations are a result of compression over centuries and millenniums of the gradual deposits of ingredients such as shells, skeletons, and corals which finally result in the formation of these beautiful structures. The entire route from Baratang Jetty to  Nayadera jetty is very beautiful and highly encaptivating.

See you with your family and your loved ones in our specially curated luxury tours to the Andaman Islands in 2021 which will let you experience the joy and bliss that these islands have to offer.

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Uganda Gorilla Trekking: 

Uganda is one of the few places in the world where you get to experience a wildlife encounter as close and as enthralling as possible. It is home to nearly 10 national parks and 13 game reserves where animals can live safe from the eyes of human predators. Amidst the vast tracts of forest in Uganda, there lies an aisle of paradise known as Bwindi. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a magnificent green swathe of dense rainforest, so ancient that it survived the last ice age. A recently proclaimed World Heritage site, it’s one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth and its unique, precious flora sustains roughly half of the world population of mountain gorillas – believed to number just 720. There’s also a substantial chimpanzee population and research shows that Bwindi is the only forest in Africa in which these two apes live together without conflict. 

Image Credits: Forbes

So how does one get to see these magnificent apes up close? A gorilla trek is an answer. You’ll be chaperoned by expert guides who know the animals innately and can get you within extremely close quarters of the gorillas. There are a total of 4 sectors within the park that contain a total of around 15 gorilla families that have been rehabilitated and are monitored closely by the park authorities. This is where one truly gets to observe life from a unique angle, that of a great ape. 

Where does this tour start from?

Ideally, your tour will start from Entebbe, in central Uganda, where you will then be transported to Bwindi to begin your trek.  

How long does this tour take? 

An Uganda wildlife tour that includes a Gorilla trek could take up to 4 nights to get the best out of your tour. 

What is the best season for this experience?

Uganda has 2 main seasons, dry and wet. While experiencing the forest during the rains is a surreal experience, first-timers to the outdoors may consider visiting during the dry season. 

Rajasthan: Camping Among Leopards

While there is a special allure to the sands of the Thar and all of Rajasthan’s intricacies, there is also a section that is little unexplored in this heritage state. Rajasthan harbors the Aravalli mountain range, an expansive group of mountains that also passes through Haryana and Gujarat. This exotic scrub jungle locale is the perfect home for all manners of wildlife, but especially for one of India’s most enigmatic big cats. 

The Indian leopard makes its home among the craggy rock formations and scrubs jungle of the Aravallis. Compared to its brethren elsewhere in India’s jungles, leopards here have a lighter coat that makes them almost impossible to sight on a jungle safari in Rajasthan. But they are most assuredly there 

 Image Credits: Leopard Nature Camp

An exquisite luxury camp like the Sujan Jawai that is nestled right next to the Aravallis gives you the perfect opportunity to try and sight the leopard in the company of impeccable luxury and Rajasthan’s best hospitality. Sujan Jawai is a sustainable luxury camp that has been heralded for its sustainable tourism efforts. With the help of the Rabaris, the local pastoral community whose penchant for animal tracking comes second to none, be assured that a wildlife sighting with them is pretty much guaranteed. 

Where Does This Tour Start From? 

Sujan Jawai is located near the Jawai Bandh in the Pali district, Rajasthan. This is the best base for all wildlife activities around the region. 

How Long Does The Tour Take?

In order to get the best out of your wildlife expedition, we recommend staying around the Aravallis for at least 3 nights. 

What Is The Best Season For This Experience?

September and October are typically a mix of hot and cold weather, while it does get quite toasty in the region by summertime. Post-monsoons and winter times are the best times to visit. 

Birdwatching And Diving in Costa Rica

The clouds descend upon you. There’s a sense of excitement in the air as you wait in the damp forests. This is Costa Rica, one of the world’s most vibrant rainforest locations. Nearly every year, a new discovery is hailed from these South American mountains. Costa Rica is the perfect destination for a wildlife tour that has a little bit of everything: Treks through jungles, snorkeling in the waters and jungle safaris abound. 

One of the most remote parts of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula, is where your adventure should truly begin. With an expert guide from your luxury hotel, you’ll be guided into the Corcovado National Park to try and sight wild gems such as the Resplendent Quetzal, Tapirs running through the undergrowth, and maybe, just maybe a Jaguar that bolts off into the lush Costa Rican jungle. 

Image Credits: Costa Rica Focus

And for those that want to hit the crystalline waters instead, Costa Rica offers some excellent diving and snorkeling options. You have a choice of completing a full PADI scuba diving course from world-class instructors or simply diving into the shallower waters and exploring the marine life that swims by your side. 

Where Does This Tour Start From? 

You will have to land in Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, where a private transfer 

How Long Does The Tour Take?

In order to get the best out of your wildlife expedition, we recommend staying around the Aravallis for at least 3 nights. 

What Is The Best Season For This Experience?

September and October are typically a mix of hot and cold weather, while it does get quite toasty in the region by summertime. Post-monsoons and winter times are the best times to visit.

Image Credits: National Geographic

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The snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is not only Africa’s but the world’s highest free-standing mountain at 19,341 feet or 5,895 meters. It is also the world’s tallest walkable mountain, and what a glorious enjoyable walk it is! To reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, one must traverse through five distinct climate zones ranging from Alpine deserts to Rainforests, and eventually glacial Arctic zone. Although it is very much possible to trek and climb Mount Kilimanjaro without any previous mountaineering experience, training or equipment, summiting the highest roof in Africa is not an easy task. 

Find a travel agency in Africa – The highly qualified experts say that only 65% of climbers make it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. You have a greater chance of success if you choose the right tour operator. According to the laws and customs of Tanzania, it is compulsory to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a guide only. Organised tours and guides offer a better experience and backup in case of an emergency, whereas local independent guides come at slightly cheaper rates. Tour operators vary from diligent to downright negligent, so it is of utmost priority to choose safety over cost in case of an emergency. Avoid low-end companies which offer tour operators and make sure to check the operator’s reviews and success rate before deciding.

Time Your Trip – Mount Kilimanjaro is trekkable all year long, but there are some months which offer a more comfortable experience and climb. Tanzanian weather patterns show us that there are two optimum seasons for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, from January to March and from June to October. During the months between January and March, the weather is cooler, and the routes are less crowded. From June to October, the weather is warmer, and the mountain routes are busier, and there is a lot of hustle due to the season coinciding with the Northern Hemisphere summer holidays. It is best to avoid the wet rainy months of April, May and November but warm clothing is essential for the trek all year round. It is ideal to book well in advance for peak season trips with the safest tour operator for the most pleasant journey.

Prepare for success – Although mountaineering training isn’t entirely necessary to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, a reasonable level of body fitness goes a long way for Mount Kilimanjaro. If you lack in this department, a few months of fitness training and stamina development would be an add on before your trek to Mount Kilimanjaro. Practice hikes can also help you acclimatise in your mountain boots and avoid the possibility of the development of blisters. Exertion at high altitude can also affect your body in various ways so it is best to check with a doctor and get a medical check-up done before the trek upon arrival to Tanzania. Comprehensive travel insurance is necessary for your trek, make sure your travel insurance plan includes cover for medical treatment and emergency evacuation by helicopter is needed.

Choose your route for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro – There are mainly seven routes that lead you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Each trail varies in terms of difficulty, scenic beauty and tourist traffic, and choosing the ideal route for yourself is the most important part of the planning process. The timings depend upon which route you pick with hikes taking anywhere between five to ten days. The routes with the highest success rate of reaching the summit are those which take longer and ascend at a gradual rate allowing the climbers and trekkers to acclimate their body to the changing climate and altitude conditions of the mountain.

The seven different routes to trek Mount Kilimanjaro –

Marangu – This route is known as the Coca Cola route, and is also the easiest route to trek Mount Kilimanjaro. It is traditionally considered the easiest with a gradual slope and communal sleeping huts located at strategic positions along the way. It takes a minimum of five days to climb, although success rates for this time frame are lower. Despite its reputation, experts do not recommend trekking via the Marangu route because it is the most crowded of all the routes and the least scenic route.

Machame – This route is also known as the Whiskey route and was opened as a tougher alternative to the Marangu route and has replaced Mount Kilimanjaro’s oldest and most popular route for adventurous climbers. This route can get pretty crowded, especially at bottlenecks in the rainforest section, but it is steeper and has a higher success rate than the Marangu route. You will need at least six days to trek the Machame route, preferably seven if you want to trek Kilimanjaro at a steady pace. The Machame route is the most affordable route too. 

Lemosho – As one of the mountain’s newer routes, Lemosho comes highly recommended by trusted operators like Thomson and Ultimate Kilimanjaro. It sees far fewer crowds than Marangu and Machame, standing out for its unparalleled scenery with panoramic views from all sides of the mountain. This route takes a minimum of six days, although eight to nine days is recommended. Plenty of time for acclimatisation and a daytime summit bid explain Lemosho’s high success rate.

Northern Circuit – Those with plenty of time to spare should consider the Northern Circuit. Kilimanjaro’s newest route takes nine days and virtually circumnavigates the mountain, making it the longest choice both in terms of time and distance travelled. The extra days spent at mid-altitude allow for plenty of acclimatization, which in turn leads to an excellent summit success rate. This is also the most remote route, with magnificent scenery including elevated views into neighbouring Kenya.

Rongai – Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It sees relatively few climbers and is a particularly good choice if you decide to travel during the rainy season as the mountain’s northern face sees the least precipitation. Cons include the fact that the scenery is not as varied as some of the other routes and the fact that the descent takes you down the crowded Marangu route. Rongai takes six to seven days to complete.

Shira – The Shira route approaches the mountain from the west and is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. The only difference is that instead of starting the trek at the Londorossi Gate, climbers are transported by vehicle to the Shira Gate at 11,800 feet or 3,600 meters. This allows you to skip the initial section of the climb but also puts you at greater risk of altitude sickness due to the relatively high starting point. This route takes between seven and ten days.

Umbwe – As the most challenging of the Kilimanjaro trekking routes, Umbwe is only recommended for experienced climbers who are confident in their ability to acclimatise quickly. It takes a minimum of six days and involves steep, difficult slopes with a rapid ascent profile. You’ll also be making your summit bid under cover of darkness. Because of this, Umbwe has a low success rate. However, it is also one of the least crowded and most visually impressive routes.

Pack Carefully for your trip – It is very important to find the balance between packing light and making sure that you have every essential thing that you need for your trek to Mount Kilimanjaro. Layers are crucial given the diversity of Mount Kilimanjaro’s climate. You’ll need sun protection for the lower reaches, and warm clothes for the summit. A good quality sleeping bag is essential, as is a basic first aid kit (your operator should provide more extensive safety equipment, including oxygen and a defibrillator). It is possible to rent equipment on-site, although quality and fit vary greatly. Remember to pack spare batteries for your camera, and photocopies of your passport and insurance documents.

Get acclimated with the altitude –  Altitude sickness is the single biggest reason for failed summit attempts on Kilimanjaro. The best way to acclimatise to the mountain’s extreme altitude is to choose a route that ascends gradually, taking six days or longer. Certain medications (like Diamox and ibuprofen) may help to lessen the effects of altitude sickness, while hydration (preferably with purified water) is also important. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of your training or fitness, and as such, you must recognise the symptoms. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Read up on the effects in advance and be prepared to descend if necessary, remembering that the most serious form of altitude sickness can be fatal.

Budgeting for your trip to Mount Kilimanjaro –  A Kilimanjaro trek can cost anywhere from USD 2400 to USD 8000 USDacclimatise per person. This fee should include camping, food, guides, park fees, and transport to and from the mountain. You need to make sure that your food is decent, that your guides and porters are fairly treated and well trained and that you get a good night’s sleep. While the shorter routes are cheaper, your chances of reaching the summit are significantly reduced as a result of poor acclimatisation. If you opt for a “good deal” make absolutely sure that your guides and porters are well-equipped to handle emergencies.

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Featured Image Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania Image Credits – uncorneredmarket.com

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