How to choose the best African Safari for your personality using the elements

Choosing a safari out of the multitude of incredible-sounding trips is hard. But fun! Believe it or not, it's a good idea to take both your personality type and destination preferences into consideration when choosing.

Okay, okay, we know that sounds a little esoteric, but actually, it’s something that really helps when choosing your safari … some are better suited to introverts who like their quiet time, while others are perfect for young bucks who’re keen on some adrenaline-pumping activities and socializing while experiencing the best Africa has to offer.

In this blog, we’ll suggest some safaris, firstly two by personality, and then four getting even more ‘shoo-wow’, using the four Greek elements. If your ideal safari isn’t in the list, fret not! Just get hold of one of the knowledgeable consultants and they’ll find the perfect fit. Who says safaris don’t also include a little psychosocial analysis?

Personality

Small Group Tours to Namibia

Surveying the Fish River Canyon

Has the hustle and bustle of modern city life got you down? Are you looking for some introspection, some quiet me-time? Small group safaris to Namibia are the answer. Known for its vastness and solitude, Namibia’s desert silence is interrupted only by the chirping of insects and birds.

Two oryx in Etosha

Covering an area of 825 615 km² and with a population of only just over 2 million, it really is a place of solitude. It is entirely possible to drive through the more remote areas of Namibia for a whole day, without seeing another soul.

The road to Spitzkoppe

Add to that, the spectacular scenery of Namibia, with the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the vast Fish River Canyon, the desert vistas of Etosha and the Skeleton Coast’s barren-but-beautiful coastal scenery, and you’re A for Away with your quietly beautiful safari.

The solitude of Sossusvlei

Suggested tours (all limited to a maximum of 12 travellers):

• Namibia Desert & Botswana Delta Safari
• Victoria Falls & Namibia Exclusive Budget Safari
• Cape Town to Windhoek African Safari

Extroverts: Overlanding between Cape Town and Vic Falls

Devil's Pool, above Vic Falls by Joe Pyrek

For the younger (or younger-at-heart), more extroverted traveller, group overlanding trips are the way to go. These trips are an adventure of a lifetime, with shared duties and travel experiences creating friendships that last a lifetime. It’s the perfect combination of nature-loving and party-time.

Rafting the Zambezi by Martijn.Munneke

Start in Nairobi, Kenya and work your way down, or choose a shorter trip starting further south: the options are endless. On Vic Falls Tours, get the adrenaline pumping with bungee jumping off the bridge that connects Zambia to Zimbabwe, white river rafting underneath it, taking a dip in the Devil’s Pool above the falls or a flip in a helicopter above the falls.

Okavango, Botswana by DAVID HOLT

Then it’s a trip to see the best of Africa’s wildlife and scenery as you make your way through Botswana and Namibia and back into South Africa to the beauty of Cape Town. Alternatively, choose to end in vibey Johannesburg and include the world-famous Kruger Park in your trip.

Whichever way you go, you’re assured of a fun time while experiencing the best that nature can offer in Africa.

Soccer-watching and pool-playing on tour by Stig Nygaard

Suggested tours:

• Kenya to Cape Town Highlights Overland Camping Safari
• East to Southern Africa Overland Camping Safari
• Cape Town to Namibia, Botswana & Kruger Overland Safari

Age factor 

Think you're maybe too old for a safari in Africa? Nonsense. Senior travellers are taking Africa by storm - exploring far and wide on trips designed for older travellers. See the Senior Safaris we feature for the budget-conscious mature traveller.

Or maybe you are on the other end of the spectrum as parents with young kids or teenagers. Travelling with kids in Africa does take more planning but family safaris are not only doable but highly recommended! Nothing beats the magic of sharing the miracles of nature with your children and experiencing the adventures of the African bush together. Families with young children need to choose their destinations and lodges more carefully, taking into account the activities available, safety issues, travel distances and age restrictions at certain camps. That said, many of our travel gurus have travelled in Africa with their children, so they can advise you on the ins and outs. Talk to a travel expert or start by browsing our budget-friendly Family Safaris in Africa.

Elements

Yip, we’ve chosen a couple of our best safari trips using the ancient Greek elements – earth, water, fire and air.

Earth

Are you looking for a truly wild African safari? Do you want to experience the splendour of the African bush? Put away your cell phones, get ready for some bundu-bashing and head to the parks of Zambia. Here, you can experience the earth as it was a thousand years ago – unspoilt, uncrowded, and filled with spectacular game.

Young lion, South Luangwa by Laura Kay

If ‘salt of the earth’ is more your style, Botswana Safaris are for you. Do a trip that includes the incredible Makgadikgadi salt pans, interspersed with magnificent baobabs.

Baobabs by abi.bhattachan

At Swakopmund, you can go sandboarding on the dunes. Be warned, this may result in ‘earth’ finding its way everywhere – including in your mouth – but it’s absolutely worth it for the thrill! A number of operators offer sandboarding, including Ultimate Sandboarding and Alter Action Sandboarding. Most Namibia Tours visit Swakopmund with some safaris departing or ending in this adventure hub.

Sandboarding, Namibia by Luke Price

Suggested tours:

• 7 Day South Luangwa Tented Camps Walking Safari
• Botswana Wilderness Camping Safari
• Victoria Falls & Namibia Exclusive Budget Safari

Water

Africa has plenty of water in some areas and none in others! If the water you love is of the salty kind, explore the sandy beaches and warm Indian Ocean on one of our Zanzibar Tours or trips to Mozambique.

Zanzibar by Mathias Apitz (Munchen)

Freshwater more your style? Take a mokoro trip and marvel at the beauty of the Okavango Delta, with its winding waterways, grunting hippos and prolific birdlife. We have plenty of affordable Okavango Delta Safaris to choose from.

Sunset mokoro trip by Lawrence Murray

If you’re looking for loud and wild, make sure that the breathtaking Victoria Falls are part of your itinerary. Here, you can really get your watery fix – get soaked by the fine mist that sprays off this majestic torrent of water or get really into it and experience white water rafting below the falls along the Zambezi River!

Victoria Falls, from the side by Ninara

If white river rafting (or tubing) appeals, get hold of Shockwave Adventures or Shearwater. Are adrenaline-pumping adventures not your thing? Why not go for a sedate sundowner cruise above the falls on the Zambezi Explorer or Wild Horizons boats.

Sunset on the Zambezi

Suggested tours:

• 14 Day Swaziland, Mozambique & Kruger Lodge Safari
• 7 Day Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Lodge Tour
• Zimbabwe & Zambezi Exclusive Overland Safari

Fire

Fireside chats are kind of a given on safari. There really is nothing better than enjoying a drink with fellow travellers and discussing your sightings of the day, around the fire. Overhead, the African night sky glitters and sparkles as friendships are forged.

African night sky by Ed Ralph

Some of our trips include bush braais (barbecues), served away from camp. The trip to the dinner and back often includes fantastic sightings of Africa’s nocturnal beasts.

Fireside by Hakon Thingstad

Suggested tours:

• 6 Day Kruger & Private Reserves Camping Safari
• 6 Day Kruger Park Treehouse & Private Game Lodge Safari

Air

Africa is filled with vast open spaces and plenty of air. One of our best safari experiences is up in the air–balloon rides over the Serengeti. Nothing beats floating quietly above this vast area feeling like the only people on earth. Get hold of Serengeti Balloon Safaris and experience something out-of-this-world. Alternatively, book one of our budget Serengeti Safaris - many of which give you the opportunity to book Serengeti balloon trips as optional activities.

Above the Serengeti by David Berkowitz

Helicopter flips and small plane trips are offered at various other places too, such as Vic Falls and the Okavango Delta. If your budget can manage it, do yourselves a favour and take a trip up in the air above Africa’s favourite landmarks. Alternatively, opt for a fly-in safari. The Zambezi Helicopter Company and Chikopopkopo are just two of a number of helicopter operators at Vic Falls. Our short Victoria Falls Tours to either the Zimbabwean or Zambian side of Vic Falls, include a helicopter flight and other exciting adventure activities.

Okavango from above by Kate 

If you prefer the feeling of the air in your face, go sky diving in Swakopmund – pure exhilaration. Get hold of Ground Rush Adventures and off you go!

Flying!

Suggested tours:

• Masai Mara & Serengeti Overland Camping Safari
• 7 Day Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Lodge Tour
• 7 Day Namibia Desert Overland Safari

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Whether you're shy or outgoing, a water sign or a fiery one – and even if you're not a great believer in the personality/element classifications – there's an African safari just waiting for you. With spectacular scenery, a plethora of activities, incredible animals and friendly people, what are you waiting for?