Slow Safari: Why Less Is More in Africa
For a truly transformative safari, slow down the pace to find a deeper and more intimate connection with the rhythm of the wild
With its endless safari experiences, there are few places that can match Africa for wildlife spotting. But packing too much into an itinerary can take away from the magic of a journey. Discover why a slower pace is the best way to have a truly transformative African adventure.
The beautiful continent of Africa is famous for its varied landscapes and abundant wildlife. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush, green volcanic landscapes of Rwanda, the continent offers an incredible range of experiences. With so much to see, it’s tempting to fit as much as possible into one itinerary.
Ask an expert, and they’ll tell you there’s no better way to safari than to slow down. By choosing to spend more time in a single location, you unlock a deeper, more rewarding experience. Our specialists, among them Jamey Lowis, Emily Wallington and Tor Saner can help you find the perfect safari destination to match your pace, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari-goer, ensuring a more intimate and lasting connection with Africa’s unforgettable destinations. Soak up all the elements of a luxury lodge, tackle self-led nature hikes from camps or head out for after-dark adventures: there are many benefits to taking the ‘slow travel’ approach to your next safari.
Maximise wildlife encounters
Visiting many different places on a trip doesn’t always mean you’ll see more animals. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the longer you stay in one spot, the better your chances are. You’ll also be more likely to witness authentic animal behaviours. Our experience means we can recommend places that offer the variety you want without having to move every few days. Many of our travel designers’ favourite experiences in Africa have come from staying in one place for longer, such as lingering on walking safaris or observing chimpanzees in Tanzania where all tracking is done on foot in the company of skilled trackers.
A luxury lodge is the ultimate base for slow travel
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or planning a family safari for the first time, you’ll find a lodge to suit your travel style. At our go-to stays, there are a wealth of activities on offer beyond traditional game drives, all designed to let you explore your surroundings at a relaxed, unhurried pace. You can look forward to memorable experiences such as hot air ballooning, fishing or kayaking. Many lodges also offer opportunities to spend time with local people, learning about their culture or accompanying them on nature walks.
Exploring the Delta by boat
Follow Emily as she traverse the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways and shimmering lagoons on a guided boat safari experience.
After-dark adventures
A safari in Africa isn’t limited to the daytime. Once the sun sets, a new kind of magic begins in dozens of destinations across the continent. And with a slower approach to your safari, you’ll have time to make the most of all hours.
With their remote locations, clear skies and low humidity, destinations such as NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia and Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve offer the perfect conditions for stargazing. It’s no coincidence that Africa is home to several of the world’s best luxury hotels for this experience, where you can witness the night sky’s beauty free from the light pollution of cities. Night game drives often begin with dinner at your lodge before heading out at around 9pm. And, if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, some lodges offer sleep-outs. Why not enjoy a night sleeping beneath the stars in a treehouse or a hide found deep in the bush?
The stillness of a night safari
Your senses are heightened on a night game drive as you rely solely on a red filtered spotlight so as not to disturb the wildlife, especially those sleeping. We once drove alongside a herd of elephants, my heart racing, as all we could hear was their rumble as they communicated with one another and the flap of ears. Surprisingly, our guides were incredibly calm, as were the elephants.
Slow down to see more on a multi-country safari
For an unforgettable African adventure, visit more than one country. Botswana and Zimbabwe are an ideal combination for families with older children and multiple generations due to their sheer diversity. The trip offers everything from Botswana’s wildlife-rich Okavango Delta and stark Makgadikgadi salt pans to Zimbabwe’s diverse Hwange National Park and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls. Another great combination is Rwanda and Kenya. In Rwanda, you can embark on a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park and enjoy a more traditional safari in Akagera. This can then be complemented by a trip northeast to Kenya, where you can combine your gorilla sightings with visits to Amboseli for elephants, Lake Nakuru for pink flamingos and Samburu for rare species like Grevy’s zebras.
While a multi-country tour lets you see as much of this variety as possible in one trip, it can be hard to know where to begin. Working with our expert travel designers means they can handle all the details, explaining the distances and travel times between places to make sure you get enough time in each place and don’t rush. You might be surprised to find that some flights can take a few hours, and multi-country trips can sometimes take a whole day of travel. We make sure everything is clear from the start so you can relax and look forward to your adventure.
The art of unwinding
Safari mornings begin early, and the days can be long and exhilarating. This makes the chance to unwind a vital part of the experience, and luxury lodges are designed to be your sanctuary. End your day’s adventures by indulging in a relaxing massage at the spa, or enjoy a refreshing dip in a private plunge pool. Beyond the day’s excursions, a world of pampering awaits where you can enjoy a rejuvenating facial or a champagne breakfast in bed.
Time for genuine connections
When you slow down the pace of a safari, the human side of the experience becomes richer. Staying in one place for longer lets you connect more deeply with your guide and other local staff, learning their stories firsthand.
In the Mara Conservancies, you can learn to craft beautiful beaded items under the guidance of the Maasai. In Namibia, a stay in Kaokoland gives you the opportunity to meet with members of the Himba and Herero communities, learning about their cultures and traditions in a meaningful and considerate way.
Your safari can make a lasting difference
Travel that gives back
At Jacada, we seek to champion local and indigenous representation and respect for community rights in all the experiences we arrange. Our goal is to promote historical and cultural preservation, provide economic support and empowerment, and back educational initiatives that benefit both travellers and local communities.
Where can you find Africa's best-kept safari secrets?
In a world where travel has become increasingly accessible, the desire to get off the beaten path is no longer a niche pursuit, but a defining luxury. If you’re looking for a deeper, more authentic safari experience, we can recommend slowing things down in destinations that will see you trade a well-worn itinerary for the quiet thrill of a truly personal adventure.
For a true wildlife enthusiast, consider western Tanzania for a journey into remote and untamed landscapes. This is a place to extend the usual safari circuit and explore two rarely visited but stunning national parks. Katavi National Park, isolated and undiscovered by all but the most ardent safari-goers, offers an unparalleled sense of wild authenticity. Nearby, Mahale National Park invites you into its thick forests for the rare and magical experience of observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Getting of the beaten path
Explore a different side of safari in Katavi, one of the most remote national parks in Tanzania.
Walking safaris in Africa
If you loved the idea of slowing down in the wild, our guide to Zambia walking safaris dives into the birthplace of the walking safari. You’ll discover what to expect, how to plan and where to stay so you can experience Africa not at a whirlwind pace, but in full depth and detail.
Our guide to the best walking safaris in Africa highlights where across the continent you can explore wildlife-rich landscapes on foot – at your own pace, guided by those who know the land best.
