There’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise above the horizon on a gold-tinted savannah from the height and silence of a drifting hot air balloon. As you feel the blast of heat, and rise further into the air, you’ll see this unique, wild habitat from an entirely new perspective.
Driving safaris are no longer the only way to see this spectacular landscape – today there are a range of tour operators offering you the chance to witness this awe-inspiring world from the air, by horseback or even by foot. The best part is that with annual multi-trip travel insurance from a specialist like us, you can create your adventure as you go, safe in the knowledge that whatever you choose, you’ll be covered.
See Africa from a Hot Air Balloon
A balloon safari of the African wildlife reserves gives you a truly unforgettable experience as you are able to witness the movements of the animals when they are undisturbed by human presence.
Watch the way in which herds of antelope, zebra and even elephants move together through their natural habitat from your vantage point above them in the sky. Thanks to the quietness of the hot air balloon, you’re also more likely to see some of Africa’s camera-shy inhabitants, including regal lions that prowl their hunting grounds looking for food or relaxing and playing amongst their pride.
There are a selection of companies offering hot air balloon tours in both Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Take a Safari on Horseback
While watching from the air may give you an exclusive perspective, sometimes being down at the same level as the wildlife you’re watching can create a unique connection with the animals. Unfortunately the roar or a safari vehicle’s engine can be enough to ensure that you never get close to anything, and sitting still in one spot with the engine off relies on the animals you want to see approaching you.
For this reason a safari on horseback is a great option, particularly in areas that are inaccessible to vehicles like Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Here the horses are trained to drop their heads and graze when close to other animals like giraffes and zebras in order to indicate that they (and you) are no threat. In this way you can actually graze alongside some of Africa’s most beautiful creatures, almost as if you’re part of the herd.
Companies such as Okavango Mobile Safari offer dedicated horseback safaris.
Explore by Foot
There is no greater connection to your surroundings than to explore them by foot so that you can feel the earth, the shrubs and the grass as you pass them with a guide on hand to explain everything you are experiencing.
Of course there could be dangers and you’ll discover how it feels to use all your senses to stay safe and alert while out on the African plains. But don’t worry too much, you’ll be accompanied by a number of guides who know how to keep you safe and, of course, you’ll be covered by your annual multi-trip travel insurance with Let’s Go Insure.
Before you set out on your African exploration it’s worth bearing in mind that not all annual multi-trip travel insurance policies will cover these kind of alternative safaris. Make sure you take a policy out with a specialist insurance company like us that really appreciates the adventure of exploration.
Ethan Bailey is an experienced adventure traveller and insurance expert with the team at Let's Go Insure. Ethan’s passion is to inspire his clients to go just that little bit further, deeper and higher on their travels and his expertise in providing the ideal insurance cover allows them to do just that. If you're looking for the best annual multi-trip travel insurance Let's Go works with the most experienced underwriters, intermediaries and insurers to offer a range of competitive insurance without compromising on cover.
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