Dog lovers in Florida have quite a few options to choose from when it comes to dog-friendly beaches. Whether you’re looking for a place to take your four-legged friend for a swim or just want to enjoy a nice walk on the beach with your pup, there’s sure to be a spot that fits your needs. Looking for a place to take your pup on vacation? Check out our list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida!

Apollo Beach

This beach is located in Hillsborough County and is a great option for those who want to spend the day swimming and sunbathing with their dog. There is plenty of room to run around, and the water is shallow enough that your dog can wade out without getting in over their head.

Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park is located on a chain of islands in southern Pinellas County and is home to North Beach, one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Florida. This beach offers plenty of space for your pup to run and play, so you may even want to bring along their GPS collar if you want to spend the day there. You can even set up virtual boundaries so that you can kick back and relax. there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

St. Andrews State Park

This state park is located in Panama City Beach and offers a variety of activities for both you and your dog. There are two miles of beaches to explore, and dogs are welcome on all of them. You can also hike the nature trails or go fishing in one of the many lakes. Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash while you’re exploring the park.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island is another great option for those looking for a dog-friendly beach in Florida. This state park is located in Dunedin and offers four miles of beaches for you and your pup to enjoy. There’s also a nature trail where you can take in some stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash while you’re hiking.

Cedar Key Beach

This beach is located in Levy County and is a great option for those who want to avoid the crowds. Cedar Key Beach is a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a quiet spot to take your dog. The beach is located on an island, so there’s plenty of room to roam. Just be sure to bring your own food and water as there are no restaurants or shops on the island.

Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach is another great option for those looking for a dog-friendly beach in Florida. This beach is located in Flagler County and offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play. There’s also a dog park located nearby if you want to let your pup off their leash to explore.

New Smyrna Beach (On-Leash)

This beach is located in Volusia County and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. New Smyrna Beach is less crowded than some of the other beaches on this list, so it’s a great option if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. There’s also a dog-friendly restaurant located nearby if you want to grab a bite to eat.

Bahia Honda State Park

This state park is located in Monroe County and offers two miles of beaches for you and your pup to enjoy. Bahia Honda State Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, so you might even spot a manatee or turtle while you’re exploring the beach. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash while you’re in the park.

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is located in Key West and is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy some fun in the sun with their four-legged friend. This beach offers plenty of room to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Dog Beach

This beach is located in Jupiter and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Dog Beach offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Hobie Island Beach Park (Key Biscayne)

This beach park is located on Key Biscayne and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Hobie Island Beach Park offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Hollywood North Beach Park

This beach park is located in Hollywood and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Hollywood North Beach Park offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

This beach park is located in Fort Lauderdale and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Fort Myers Beach

This beach is located in Fort Myers and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Fort Myers Beach offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Bark Beach, North Beach Oceanside Park, Miami Beach (Off-Leash)

This beach is located in Miami Beach and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Bark Beach offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Canova Dog Beach, Indialantic (On-Leash)

This beach is located in Indialantic and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Canova Dog Beach offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

Pet friendly beaches in Florida: Lighthouse Point Park (Ponce Inlet)

This beach park is located in Ponce Inlet and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Lighthouse Point Park offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

#11 Pier Park Dog Beach, Panama City

This beach is located in Panama City Beach and is a great option for those looking for a quiet spot to relax with their dog. Pier Park Dog Beach offers plenty of room for your pup to run and play, and there’s even a doggie shower available so you can rinse off before heading back to your car. There’s also a pavilion with picnic tables if you want to enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the stunning views.

These are just a few of the great dog-friendly beaches in Florida. So get out there and explore with your furry friend! And don’t forget to pack the sunscreen!

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com

Florida is a state that is known for its beautiful beaches and balmy weather. However, this idyllic landscape is in jeopardy due to the impacts of climate change. Floridians are already seeing the effects of a warming planet, from more extreme weather events to changes in the distribution of plant and animal species. If we don’t take action now, the future of Florida’s ecosystem could be in serious trouble. In this article, we will explore how climate change is impacting Florida’s environment and what can be done to mitigate these effects.

One of the most visible impacts of climate change in Florida is the increase in extreme weather events. Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are becoming more common, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. These events not only cause physical destruction but can also have long-term effects on the environment. For example, Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage to trees in Florida’s forests, which could lead them to be more susceptible to future storms. Some species of trees that are important for wildlife habitat and flood control were destroyed by the hurricane.

Another impact of climate change is the rise in sea levels. As ice caps melt at an alarming rate around the world, coastal areas like Miami Beach are seeing higher tides and more frequent flooding. This has led to a rise in sea level that could eventually lead to the disappearance of islands like Key West altogether!

One major way climate change will affect Florida’s environment is through changes in ocean currents. The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Caribbean into key west; however, climate change models show this current slowing down as a result of melting ice caps. This could have serious consequences for Florida’s marine life, including coral reefs and fish populations.

So what can be done to mitigate these impacts? There are many steps Floridians can take to reduce their carbon footprint and help protect the environment. For example, we can all do our part to conserve energy and switch to renewable sources like solar and wind power. We can also reduce our reliance on cars and invest in public transportation or electric vehicles. By working together, we can help protect Florida’s environment for future generations. Thank you for reading!

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com

The benefits of solar energy in Florida are numerous. As energy costs continue to rise, Florida residents are exploring the use of alternative energy sources. Solar energy is one of the most promising sources of alternative energy because it is cost effective and environmentally friendly. It can be used for camping, on-reservation tours, beach days, RV camping, boat docking, hunting, wildlife watching, bicycling and dozens of other activities.

Solar energy in Florida is growing, as the price of photovoltaic cells has continued to drop in recent years. The most cost effective source of renewable energy in Florida is the solar-to-electric conversion system. This is also known as “back-up electricity” and the system works well for campers, RV’s and boats. Although there are limitations to the size of equipment that can be run on this type of system, they are very inexpensive. Many companies offer a free solar detector and adapter to install at your home or business to start using renewable energy.

A Florida solar farm is a group of homes or businesses that convert sunlight into electricity by using a solar power generator. These farms are becoming more popular as energy costs continue to increase, but you do not have to own your own farm to take advantage of solar power. Many companies offer low-cost electricity to their customers who install solar panels on their roofs.

Lighting is an important aspect of enjoying the visual beauty of the Florida sunsets. Low-voltage outdoor lighting can be installed along walkways or around the pool to increase the usability of the space. Low voltage lighting is cost effective, while at the same time offering good energy efficiency. Florida homeowners and businesses can take advantage of solar powered outdoor lighting by purchasing an outdoor LED grow light or a plant fixture that utilizes natural daylight to illuminate the garden at night. This low-voltage lighting is effective at producing bright, even lighting, which makes it perfect for growing herbs and plants during the night.

The Florida Office of Economic and Demography provides information on the demographics of the state of Florida. The data shows that the Hispanic population is growing rapidly in the state, which makes it a great place to build a solar energy generation facility. The statistics also show the number of residents who are over the age of 65, which has an increased amount of dependency on Medicare and Medicaid. Considering the growing aging population, it is important for Florida to develop affordable, efficient, and reliable renewable energy programs that will allow older citizens to supplement the federal government’s safety net.

Florida is home to two major solar energy production facilities, the Cape Coral Power Company and the Miami-Dade Energy Authority. Both companies contribute to the state’s clean air initiative, helping to reduce ozone air quality throughout the city. These companies also contribute towards the “going green” movement, as many Floridians strive to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable. The Renewable Energy Enhancement Act was recently passed by the Florida legislature, which includes tax incentives for the installation of renewable energy infrastructure in the state. As part of the incentive program, several businesses have already begun to install new technologies that make use of energy efficiency, such as photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines.

The University of Florida has established the School of Solar Energy, where students can earn a Masters Degree in Energy Efficiency. Located in Gainesville, FL, the school will provide up to twelve classes over the next three years that will teach students all facets of building and installing residential and commercial solar power lights. The school has received accreditation from the North American Society for Lighting Excellence and the National Solar Power Association. Students will learn about cost effectiveness, permitting, maintenance, operation, and other important aspects of the upcoming industry.

The city of Miami-Dade County is spearheading the effort to retrofit city lighting with energy-efficient lighting devices. The initiative is part of the Local Affordable Energy Initiatives (LAAE) initiative that seeks to reduce energy consumption through improvements to local government entities, leveraging funds from the citizenry, and providing incentives for citizens to become involved. Several cities, counties, and states are implementing these efforts with the hopes of reducing energy costs and improving environmental conditions. LAAE also hopes to raise the consciousness of residents to conserve energy use, and encourage new homeowners and renters to participate. The Local Affordable Energy Initiatives has received support from several national and local entities, and is expected to take effect in the coming year.

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com

Ziplining is an adrenaline-filled outdoor recreational activity. In some parts of the world, ziplining was initially used for observational purposes without disturbing the natural environment. Zip lining has recently become a popular recreational activity in a state that is typically dominated by beach tourism. A zip line is usually set-up on a slanting slope. The start point is high, whereas the endpoint is the lower part of the slope. Ziplines differ in length, depending on the intensity of the activity. They have two types of braking systems that help control the speed. 

You do not need to buy any equipment when going ziplining since they provide you with the equipment. Some of the gear you will be given include gloves, a helmet, and a seat and chest harness. Ziplining is generally a safe sport, but if you have any physical or heart conditions, you may want to consult your physician before you go ziplining. Listed below are a few tips that can help you prepare for your first ziplining adventure.

Appropriate Attire

When going for a ziplining adventure for the first time, ensure that you wear the appropriate attire. You may also want to consider the weather conditions. For instance, if the weather is hot, do not forget to wear sunscreen and loose-fitting clothes. 

If you decide to wear shorts, pick ones that are not too short to prevent the harness from brushing your skin. Ladies should avoid wearing dresses or skirts when going zip line since these are not safe or appropriate. Lastly, ensure you wear closed shoes to keep your feet protected.

Listen to Your Guide

It is important to pay attention to your ziplining guide. Avoid being on your phone or being distracted when they are giving out instructions. You may miss out on important information. The guides are put in place to ensure that you have fun, but you are safe while at it. They also teach you how to use the braking systems to be in control while on the course. 

If you missed something while the guide was explaining, make sure you ask for clarity purposes. The guides will generally explain everything you may need to know about zip lining before getting on the course.

Safety

As mentioned earlier, ziplining is generally a safe sport to partake in. You still, however, need to ensure that you are taking all the safety measures into place. For instance, as mentioned, you need to listen to your instructor carefully, but you also need to ensure you are always strapped into a safety line. When you are safely strapped into a line, you avoid getting injured should you fall when stepping off the course, and the line will also catch you in case you fall. 

Before you ask – no, you can’t take your dog along so that you can capture the world’s most epic selfie. You’ll have to leave your fluff ball in a safe place, securely on the ground. You should also avoid trying to take a selfie in any case while suspended in the air. Although you may want to capture the moment, it is not safe.

Instead, you can ask a friend, family, or instructor to take a picture of you as you zip line. You have to use both your hands to support yourself. By taking a picture with your phone while you are zip lining, you compromise on your safety.

You may be ridden with anxiety the first time you go ziplining but do not let this stop you. Get out of your comfort zone and experience the thrill and adrenaline that comes with ziplining. However, one of the most important things you should keep in mind before your first ziplining adventure is the reputation of where you are going to zip line. Ensure you do your research to ensure it is a reputable place or ask someone who often ziplines for a recommendation. Do not forget to let loose and enjoy yourself.

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com

Florida is home to a diverse array of wild animals. They come in all shapes and sizes, from big and furry to small and slimy. They can be familiar and friendly or elusive and majestic. The presence of these creatures and their habitats make Florida one of the most fascinating biospheres to explore. No matter how or where in Florida you venture off the beaten path in search of natural wonders, keep on the lookout for these amazing animals.

Florida Panther

Perhaps one of the most famous wild residents of Florida is the panther. These mysterious creatures have been designated an endangered subspecies since 1967, because of the very few wild panthers that still roam the Florida wilds. If you catch a glimpse of one, you should count yourself as one truly accomplished explorer. These tan-colored, stealthy cats are shy and reclusive, hanging out in dense ground vegetation such as forests, marsh shrub swamps, and prairie grasslands.

Bald Eagle

Florida is an epicenter of Bald Eagle nesting activity. This national symbol frequents Florida’s lake, river, and coastal areas – wherever there are suitable nesting places and plenty of fish. A large, dark brown bird with a striking white head and a large, hooked beak, Bald Eagles are most plentiful around Florida’s inland rivers and lakes and along the Gulf Coast. If you find yourself surrounded by big, tall trees near shallow water, be sure to have a lookout for these majestic raptors.

Alligator

If you find yourself near a pond, lake, river, or wetland in Florida, be aware that an alligator may be nearby. These large reptiles love to lurk beneath the waters and stroll along the banks of Florida’s inland waterways. If you encounter an alligator, you’ll know it by its size of 10+ feet, its dark green and grey color, and its huge, rounded snout. Even though they look sluggish, alligators can be unpredictable. If you see one, keep your distance but don’t forget to take time to marvel at this prehistoric wonder.

Salamander

Florida’s lush wetlands are home to a wide array of salamander species. These little amphibians hide under leaves and dart around streams in wetland environments. The rich variety of species that live in Florida means there are many kinds, colors, and sizes of salamander to spot. From Mudpuppies to Newts, Sirens to Giants, these colorful, slimy little denizens of Florida make a fun discovery if observed in their natural habitat and left undisturbed.

Turtle

Florida is an ideal habitat for a wide range of sea and land turtles. The varied climate and access to land and sea allow for lots of turtle species to thrive. The Gopher tortoise digs sandy burrows amid grassy, open plains. The Alligator Snapping turtle lurks in murky marshes, snapping up fish that pass by. Softshell turtles glide through lakes and ponds. Cooters swim up rivers and wade in muddy banks. And sea turtles arrive from journeys in the deep ocean to surf the waves and glide in the shallow waters of Florida’s coastlines, bays, and estuaries.

Florida is Full of Wildlife

Florida is one of the most diverse biospheres in America. From semi-arid savannas to sunny beaches, murky swamps to ghostly groves, thick forests to fertile grasslands, there are many varied locations to explore and adventures to be had. Whenever you venture into the wilderness of Florida, you will have an amazing encounter with some type of wild animal. You just need to be aware of their presence and keep your wits about you as the experience unfolds.

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com

EcoParks, also known as Nature Parks, are recreational facilities that feature nature trails and ecological tourism. With open hours from sunrise to sunset, you can choose to enjoy them at whatever fascinating time of day that suits your schedule and desired to view and whenever you want to get an unforgettable glimpse of the preserved beauty of the state.  

Florida is one of the planet’s most ecologically diverse places. The Sunshine State is known around the world for vacations that include theme parks, cultural, shopping, and other experiences, the real Florida and its natural lands are also available on self-guided eco-tours. 

Some of the outstanding Florida EcoParks are the following:  

Everglades National Park

The most popular and well-known destination is the 1,508,976-acre Everglades in the counties of Miami-Dade, Collier, and Monroe with its airboat rides on the “River of Grass” and the 99-mile “Wilderness Waterway. The Everglades is the largest United States tropical wilderness, the largest wilderness of any type that is east of the Mississippi River, and the western hemisphere’s biggest contiguous mangrove forest. It is a habitat for endangered and rare species such as the American crocodile, the manatee, and the Florida panther.

Thornby Park

This 40-acre wooded property in Deltona includes a 1,000-foot shoreline on the St. Johns River. There are 40 acres of wooded property and 1,000 feet of shoreline on the St. Johns River. Volusia County and the city of Deltona are co-owners via an ECHO grant that provided construction funding for an “Inspiration Playground” for children with disabilities. The nature trail is being expanded to an outdoor classroom, nature and historical features, and is also being upgraded to ADA accessibility with boardwalks, ramps, benches, and a bridge. There had been an eight-year struggle to keep the property from being changed into a condo development. 

Lakeshore Ecovillage 

Also in Deltona, plans are to have a multi-room lodge, a camp, mini-houses, a restaurant, tree houses, and bike and kayak rentals that will be intended for nature park enthusiasts.

Crystal River Archaeological State Park

At this 61-acre National Historic Landmark, you can discover a Pre-Columbian Native American temple, a plaza, six burial mounds that is one of the longest continuously Florida occupied sites, and a substantial midden. A midden is an archaeological term for a garbage or trash heap with concentrated artifacts which is the result of a deliberate discard of food remains, refuse, and domestic materials such as broken tools and crockery.

St. Vincent Island

This is a Gulf of Mexico National Wildlife Refuge in Northwest Florida on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. It is a 12,300-acre barrier island that is undeveloped and is a beautiful and pristine place with nine miles of beaches, many trails, and fabulous wildlife and birding viewings. It is the home of nesting shorebirds, San Bar deer, an exotic elk, and more. Additionally, there is a successful Red Wolf Recovery program in the “Island Propagation Site.” 

Punta Gorda

This Southwest Florida town is full of history and the old Florida charm as well as being the gateway to preserved land. Protected is more than 80% of the Charlotte Harbor coastline and is the nation’s 17th biggest estuary. Also, close to 200 miles of blueway trails provide paddlers with great birding and wildlife viewing.

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com

When it comes to Florida, you must know that it has a wide array of wildlife species that you can see. From giraffes, alligators, wildebeests, zebras, sloths, lemurs, and rhinos. This forms the basis of why it would be a great idea to try a safari experience in Florida. 

Safari experiences in Florida

A wide array of parks in Florida offer you a chance to get up close with your favorite animals. Note that we are not talking about zoos or amusement parks that mostly control their wildlife behind glasses. 

Some of the parks you may want to check out include:

• JN. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Lion Country Safari 
• Merrit Island National Wildlife Refuge 
• St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge 

What to expect

Drive through safari experience

Most Florida Safari destinations we have mentioned have a drive-through option. With a drive-through option, you are more likely to get more freedom. This is because you can get more access to more animals at your own pace. You can also have more personal time with your family, friends, or significant others as you enjoy the giraffes roaming around in the JN Darling National Wildlife Refuge or the zebras enjoying the sun at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.  

Remember that you will need to be precautious if you opt for a drive-through safari. It is essential to remember that even if you are free, you are still in the wild animal’s habitat, and thus, it is necessary to exercise caution in the long run. Some of the measures you can exercise are:

• Avoid making noise, hooting, and revving up engines is not something you should do as it antagonizes some animal species.
• Avoid approaching animals too closely  
• Avoid carrying fruit in a wildlife area. Some animals have a very keen sense of smell and will be curious to know what you are carrying in your car.

Benefits of going on safari in Florida are: 

It is budget and time friendly

Most people do not travel because they do not have the time or the money. With drive-through safaris in Florida, you get to save on trying to sync everyone’s calendar so that you can book a flight outside to go on safari. This makes it easy, and you will not have to spend money booking a hotel or for a place to stay. 

You do not have to worry about packing

Packing up a suitcase can be very hectic. You have to figure out what to leave or what to carry. You will mostly pack what you will need for the day. This takes off your mind from not having to worry about whether your luggage will arrive on time when you travel overseas for a safari. If you are going on a very short safari, you might consider using a backpack instead of a large bag. 

You spend less time planning for a safari

Think about it this way you do not want to spend more time worrying about logistics but your safari experience. Planning for a safari in Florida, you will only thing you have to worry about is driving to your park choice and what you have to carry for the day. Also, remember that short safaris are easier to plan, so opt for fewer days.

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com

The couple on horseback stand three feet away from the giraffe and her baby. Sitting silently on horses, they are an integral part of this environment. The moment is magical. The mother giraffe accepts the horses and doesn’t flee. That’s how it is when riding horseback in the nature park of Masai Mara. Walking safaris and driving safaris are other ways to see the different habitats, but they don’t provide quite the same experience one gets from seeing things from horseback.

The original way of going on safari was walking. Many people still prefer this type of trip. It’s one of the ways to become fully immersed in the smells and sounds of the environment. Experienced guides, who are usually armed, are essential. The animals can be unpredictable, but a knowledgeable guide can “read the surroundings” and know if an area is safe. Accidents are rare, but there is an element of risk to being on foot in animal territory. An experienced guide can also teach about the unusual plants and can track the animals. Usually, the walks are between two and four hours long and are open to guests over the age of sixteen.

Most people going on safaris go by vehicle to see the big game animals. It’s safe and convenient. A guide picks up the small group of participants and nothing is left to chance. Prices vary. Safari goers can choose to be greeted by native helpers at each stop with the tents and bedding all set up and dinner on the table along with wine, cloth napkins, and china. Less luxurious trips that serve regular camp fare and tented sleeping quarters are available. Seeing “big five animals” is almost guaranteed, and the guide will know exactly where to find them. For safari-goers who want to see as much as possible, this mode of travel works well. Participants can cover a great deal of ground and see many different animals and terrain.

The experience of being on a horseback safari can be unforgettable. Leaving the vehicle behind is a sure way of becoming one with the environment. It’s possible to reach terrain on the back of a horse where a truck cannot go. The idea originated in Kenya in the 1970s and has become more popular every year since then. People who have done the safari on horseback liken the experience to flying. The energy between horse and rider is tremendous. Riders are usually in the saddle for up to four hours, and the horses chosen for them are amiable animals used to traveling the different areas of the reserve and being around the wildlife. Participants don’t have to be experienced riders. It’s essential when booking, to be frank about riding ability and choose the right difficulty level of the ride. The experienced guide will want to keep everyone in a cohesive group and not have slower participants holing up the other riders. Safaris on horseback can be lodge-based or trail-based. The lodge-based rides end with a little luxury, perhaps with a massage and a gourmet dinner. The trail-based ride has more of a wilderness feel and participants sleep in tents, and the meals are a lot less fancy.

Taking a horseback safari from July through October is especially exciting for horseback riders. As well as mingling with herds of zebra, it’s a sure way to witness the yearly migration of millions of wildebeest and possibly canter along with them.

Justin Roberts

Justin always have the love of adventure and animals. It’s hard to count how many safaris he had visited and that includes Africa. Currently, he lives in Florida and works as a freelance photographer.

www.floridaecosafaris.com