Getting Around Kenya and Tanzania

  One of the questions I get asked a lot about travel in Africa is what do the safari vehicles look like. And while there are several varieties I thought I would expand this post to cover even more of the typical styles of travel while on safari, from planes to trucks to traditional sailing dhows.

Often when I tell people about pop up roofs and open safari vehicles it is hard for them to understand what I mean. They ask, "like a sunroof?", and "How can you have no doors when there are lions around?".  So here are pictures of both styles of safari vehicles and even one with a lion walking by, (it really does happen!)
  

Enjoying the pop top roof

 I have seen safari vehicles big enough for 24 people and I've seen a range of sizes down to 4 passenger vehicles that the more exclusive lodges use. Some of the newer models have electrical outlets for your camera batteries and iPhones, while others with a more photography focus come with bean bags that you can use to balance your long lenses on. Onboard coolers are also a nice touch. There is nothing like a cold Tusker beer after seeing some incredible wildlife in the hot, dusty, equatorial savanna.

 This picture on the left is off our sister vehicle in the Masai Mara which would be called an open safari vehicle. There are little half doors and no pop up roof. Luckily the big cats tend to look at the vehicle as one big animal instead of a container filled with little snacks. Blankets or a windbreaker can be nice in these open air vehicles during the cool early morning drives.

Small soft sided luggage only

  Now we are taking it up a notch to the massive fleet of small safari planes that service pretty much every park, reserve, and conservation area in East Africa. These planes are most often 12 seaters that can fill a bit cramped if you tend to be claustrophobic but just cozy otherwise. The view that you get from these planes as you crisscross the continent would be worth it even if you weren't using it as a means of traveling to a new destination. If you have fond memories of the magical plane ride in the movie 'Out of Africa' then this is your ticket to happiness.

Its almost like I'm flying this plane

 Plus these planes give you the added benefit of time. You can see way more of the Africa you want to see in a shorter amount of time by skipping all the miles driving between parks. Not to mention you avoid all of those pot hole filled roads in between as well. The locals might jokingly refer to these drives as the 'African massage' but I would say take a plane if you can and go see more animals! Or like we are doing here on the left, head out across the ocean to one of the many spice islands that dot the coast of East Africa. Zanzibar is the most well known of the Spice Islands but there are some real gems around it like Chumbe and Mnemba that those in the know will go to.

Traditional Dhows

Boat ride to the spice islands

 And if you do make it out to the coast you might get an opportunity to enjoy a boat ride out into the Indian Ocean. Again there are options. Small motor boats zip around island hoppers and scuba divers, while traditional wooden sailing dhows are my choice for relaxing sunset trips.

 Now if you want to get really wild and head out on elephant back or walking with lions that is when I start heading a little farther south towards the adventure capital of Victoria Falls. However, just across the border in Jinja, Uganda you can get all your adventure thrills with one of the top 3 day rafting trips in the world. You can read about that adventure here: Rafting the Headwaters of the Nile.

  All of these options and destinations might seem a bit overwhelming. I've had people tell me before that it is all of these unknowns that keep some people from traveling to Africa. That is what is so great about having someone like me help you plan and see it through from start to finish. If it is going to be a once in a lifetime trip, then we should make it the trip of a lifetime.

  Go beyond tours set up for the masses. Get personalized.