drive vs safari

Fly or drive safari: which is right for your trip?

By Asilia Africa | 22 July 2021

When planning your safari to Kenya or Tanzania one of the very first things you will need to decide is how to move around the region. We're taking a closer look at both fly-in and drive-in options and will consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Fly-in Safaris

Simply means being flown to each destination by light aircraft. There are several small airstrips within each national park that service different camps and lodges in that area. Often a flight will stop at many airstrips on route in order to take guests to where they need to be. Kenya and Tanzania have numerous aviation companies to choose from with excellent scheduled routes linking almost all the national parks you may want to visit. If you choose this option, you will be on a game package basis at the camp, meaning activities are included within the rate and the camp will organise their activities and use their own guides and vehicles. These activities will be shared with other guests, unless they pre-book and pay for a private vehicle.

Drive-in Safaris

Many of the best wildlife areas in Kenya and Tanzania happen to be relatively close to each other, making it possible to drive from one park to another in just a few hours. Driving allows you to see and experience more of the country, while offering time to develop a deeper connection with your guide, often resulting in a more tailored safari. If you choose to travel overland, you will arrive at each destination with your own private vehicle and guide and will be on full board basis at the camps, as all game drives will be done with your driver guide. Additional activities such as game walks, fly-camping, night drives, community visits and boating will be at an extra cost and usually need to be pre-booked.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING BETWEEN A FLYING OR DRIVING SAFARI:

Is there a cost differential between the two options?

This will depend on the number of people travelling. The cost of the vehicle and guide is the same for one person as it is for seven people. Therefore, the more people you have in the car, the better value for money it becomes. Here at Asilia, we have both five-seater and seven-seater vehicles available and generally find that for groups of four to seven people it is more cost effective to drive rather than fly. Conversely, for smaller groups of one to three people it is usually cheaper to fly, even if the distances that need to be traveled are relatively short.

How many days do you have on safari?

If time is limited, then it is often best to fly to maximise your time on safari. On the other hand, if you have a couple of weeks to spend on safari, then you may choose to go at a slower pace by driving, making stops along the way and seeing more of the country outside the parks.

How much luggage can you bring?

Light aircrafts have a maximum baggage allowance of 15kgs (33lbs) per person – including hand luggage. Solid sided cases are also not permitted as bags need to be soft sided to fit into the hold. With your own vehicle you do not have the same strict limitations, of course depending on how many people are travelling with you.

Are you scared of flying?

If you are travelling to Africa, there is no escaping the fact that you are going to have to catch a plane to get there, however some people are more comfortable on international aircrafts than light aircrafts. The small aircrafts used in East Africa usually only sit between six to 12 passengers. Their size means that the slightest movement or bump can be felt, and the pilot and cockpit can easily be seen. All this, coupled with the remote — and often bumpy — bush airstrips can be enough to dissuade someone with a fear of flying, so it’s always worth letting your agent or safari consultant know if you're afraid of flying before you book. For most people though, the experience of flying in a tiny plane is exhilarating and can really add to their overall experience.

Open- vs close-sided vehicles – do you have a strong preference? 

If you choose a drive-in safari, all of your game viewing will be done from a closed vehicle. If your clients choose a fly-in safari, it is likely their game viewing will be done from an open vehicle based at your accommodation (the exception is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where all vehicles must be closed). The safari experience does differ slightly between open- and close-sided vehicles.

Consider a combination

As with many aspects for a safari, it’s worth mixing it up and offering a combination of flying and driving so you can experience the best of both. For example, in northern Tanzania, a great compromise is to drive between Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater with a private guide and vehicle, before flying into the Serengeti to continue your safari. This is essential if guests are travelling to the northern Serengeti because it is too far to drive from the Crater in a single day. You can also choose to drive one way and then fly back to save time, but please bear in mind that it's not always the most cost-effective option because there is the cost of an ‘empty leg’, as the driver and vehicle will still need to return to Arusha, even if you don’t join them.

If this sounds confusing, don't worry, our experienced team of sales consultants are always on hand to advise you about logistics. Enquire today!

More Planning Your Trip Articles

What’s the difference? National Parks, Game Reserves, and Conservancies in East Africa

To most of us, a national park, game reserve, or conservancy are all the same...

Naboisho: Home To The Mara’s Newest Pool

Naboisho is now home to the Mara Naboisho Conservancy’s newest pool. During t...

Guest Blog: A Culinary Journey Through Asilia’s Naboisho Camp

I had the pleasure of visiting Asilia’s Naboisho Camp earlier this year for a...

Last-Minute Christmas Trip Planning? Where To Stay This Festive Season

It's that time of the year when festive season travel plans have been booked...

• Camps & Lodges
• Destinations arrow_right
• Special Offers
• Partner Properties
• Positive Impact
• Join our newsletter
• All Asilia Offer: Free Inter-Camp Travel
• Enquire Now arrow_right
• Asilia giving
• Popular Destinations

As featured in

The Safari Game Drive Guide

What to expect on a safari game drive & tips to improve your experience.

A game drive is the highlight of any safari, giving the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Africa and see the wildlife in their natural surroundings. Read our ultimate guide to safari game drives below, including tips for getting the most out of your game drive, plus some ideas for essential items to take with you.

Jump to a section: What is a game drive?  | What to expect | Game drive tips | What to take | Virtual game drive

What is a safari game drive?

Game drive (sometimes also written gamedrive) is a term that should be self-explanatory: The word  game refers to wild animals and the word drive refers to a drive with a vehicle!

In its most simple form, a game drive is a journey in a vehicle to observe animals in their natural habitat.

A safari game drive can be taken in your own car in national parks and game reserves that allow self-drive, or it can be a guided drive in a specialized game drive vehicle led by a professional range/guide to explain the wildlife and surroundings.

This page focusses on game drives run by safari companies, lodges and national parks in specialized safari vehicles, driven by a ranger.

Self-drive safaris allow you to take your own game drives whenever and however you want, but much of the information below is just as relevant to self-drive safaris as it is to game drives with professional rangers.

Up close to some blue wildebeest in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

What to expect on a game drive

Every game drive is different – which keeps things exciting – but the format of a game drive is likely to be quite similar, wherever you are:

• The time of day will usually be early mornings, late afternoon or at night – the coolest times of the day when most animals are more active.
• With the length and distance will vary, game drives last around 3 to 4 hours, and will include a break.
• With luck you’ll see a mix of different wildlife sightings, with stops to take in and photograph each African safari animal .
• You should get plenty of conversation with the ranger to learn about the animals you see, plus lots of other related info about the habitat, plants, birds, animal tracking, and if you’re lucky, the occasional amazing animal story or two.
• A break where you can get out of the vehicle and have a drink and a snack – usually somewhere with a great view of wildlife and/or the bush. On morning drives you’ll likely have a hot drink, and on afternoon drives the break is timed to enjoy the sunset with a refreshing sundowner. Unbeatable!

Rangers are usually in radio contact to share sightings with rangers in other vehicles also out in the same area.

In most places, there’s an etiquette once a sighting is shared, whereby no more than two or three vehicles will approach a sighting at one time so as not to disturb the wildlife, and avoid a scrum of vehicles.

At exclusive game reserves, you may well never see another vehicle whilst on a game drive, but in crowded national parks such as the Serengeti there may be a dozen or more vehicles vying for the best spot at a sighting.

Rush hour in the Serengeti, Tanzania after a lion kill

What do you drive in?

There are two main types of specialized safari vehicles for game drives. Which type you’ll have depends in large part on which country you’re in. Generally speaking:

• In East Africa game drives tend to happen in a 4WD Land Cruiser, with a roof that can be lifted so you can stand to get an unobstructed view o the animal. This puts you at a nice height for game viewing and gives you some stability for photography using the roof of the jeep.
• In Southern Africa safari vehicles tend to be open-sided 4WD vehicles, with a roof and no sides. This set up gives great 360-degree game viewing, even as you’re moving.

National park vs game reserve

Whilst the animals may be the same taking a game drive in a private game reserve or a national park, there are more rules to follow in a national park, which can impact the quality of your wildlife viewing. The two key ones are:

In national parks you have to stick to the established roads or tracks, whilst one of the coolest things about game reserves is that you’re allowed to head off-road to follow a major sighting.

In national parks (with some notable exceptions) you are usually restricted to game drives between sunrise and sunset only.

At a game reserve you can go on game drives after dark ( a night safari ), when the guide will often use a red light so as not to distress the animals’ night vision, or cause them distress.

Elephants on parade in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

6 Tips to get the most from your game drive

Whether you’re at a high-end lodge or doing a self-drive game drive there are a number of things to think about ahead of time to ensure you have the best possible game drive experience.

1. Have realistic expectations

Your game drive will take place in a game reserve or national park, not a safari park. This means wild animals living in their natural environment, spread over large ranges… which in turn means that sightings are never guaranteed – no matter how much you’ve paid for your safari!

You should also do some research – ideally, before you book your trip – into the type of wildlife there is (and isn’t) in the park or reserve you’re visiting. Is it home to the big five ? It’s no good heading off on a game drive hoping to see a leopard if there are no leopards there!

It’s generally best to have as few expectations as possible and be wowed when you do see that lion kill, or African rock python attacking an impala. If it’s a quiet drive without too much wildlife make use of time by speaking with the driver or guide to get them to share their wildlife knowledge with you.

Cheetah sighting in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

2. Patience is key

Whilst there are all sorts of ways to improve your chance of seeing particular animals, at the end of the wildlife spotting is often simply a waiting game. Whether you’re sitting by a waterhole or slowly trundling through the bush with your eyes peeled, having patience when on a game drive is critical.

Similarly, if you’re on a game drive with other people you may find the ranger will stay longer at some sightings that you would like, or not long enough with other animals. The ranger tries to keep everyone in the vehicle happy for the whole game drive, and this will likely require compromises. At the end of the day, you have to go with the flow and enjoy the game drive for hat it is.

3. Share camera duty

If you’re on a game drive and want to capture some great shots, having more than one camera at the ready will help. One person can take a camera with a good zoom lens and another a camera with a wide lens (or even just a smartphone). Having two people prepared to take a snap with different setting s mean you’ll get snaps faster, and end up with a better variety to look back on.

4. Use the time to improve your wildlife knowledge

During a game drive, you’ll be spending time with one or two rangers who will be experts on the local terrain and wildlife. They’ll likely have plenty of stories, and certainly have lots of information about the animals. The more you speak to them and ask them the more you can learn – which may well help you spot the wildlife yourself, or get a better picture… or just make you seem even more of an expert when you get home!

5. Consider carefully where to sit

Open vehicle game drives usually take between 4 and 10 people, in a vehicle with three rows of seats behind the driver, each one a little higher than the last. Sitting in the middle row of seats gives you the benefit of being raised for better animal sightings, but also within easy talking (and listening!) distance of the guide. Of course, where you sit comes down to personal preference, but the middle of the vehicle offers the best of both worlds… at least for your first game drive. If you’re lucky enough to be going on a few game drives then mix it up and see which one you prefer for next time.

Standard open-sided game drive jeep

6. Consider taking a private vehicle

A shared game drive of 4-10 people will do the job for most people, but you may want to consider paying some extra to take out a private vehicle for a game drive. This might make sense if you’re a keen photographer or birder, and your needs are different to the average guest.

And one bonus tip that we cover in more detail below is to make sure you take all the right stuff along with you, to make your game drive as enjoyable as possible.

Useful things to take on a game drive

If you’ve not been on safari before we have a couple of articles worth reading on what to wear on safari , and useful things to take on safari . These give some useful info in the context of what to have with you on a game drive, but here’s the short(ish) version:

Layers of clothing: If you’re going on an early morning game drive these can start out rather cold, but soon heat up as the sun rises in the sky. Bringing two or three layers will ensure you’re always feeling comfortable. If you’re on safari in winter or at elevation you may also want to consider a scarf and gloves for morning game drives.

Hat: A wide-brimmed or peaked for summer will give you maximum sun protection, whilst in the winter a warm hat is probably more of a concern.

Sunglasses:  Ideally a quality pair of polarized sunglasses to reduce glare.

A sturdy aid of walking shoes: To help you feel safe and secure when walking in the bush. Although most of your time on a game drive will be spent inside the vehicle, you may hop out for a comfort break, sundowner, or to get a closer view of interesting small flora or fauna that a guide points out.

Insect repellent: Particularly important when going on evening and night drives when mosquitos are at their most active.

Hand sanitizer: It can get quite dusty on game drives.

Sunblock:  Scent-free sunblock is recommended, to apply before you head out, and take some with you to reapply as needed.

Camera: This one completely depends on personal preference, and how much you want professional-quality photos as a reminder of your game drive. Whatever level of photographer you are, the general rule is to pack light so you can be nimble enough to catch shots quickly. Extra batteries and memory cards are useful, as is some sort of waterproof and dustproof bag to keep all your photography and electronic equipment in. See our guide to photography on safari .

Binoculars: With any luck, you’ll get up close to many animals on a game drive, but it’s likely you’ll also have sightings of wildlife in the distance… which is where having your own binoculars comes in handy. A magnification of at least 8X30 is recommended for comfortable game viewing.

Animal guide book: Your guide may well have a reference book or two, but nothing beats having your own animal guide book (and a bird guide book if that’s your passion!).

Water and snacks . Be sure to take drinking water out on every game drive with you in a refillable bottle. Nuts and dried fruit make for great game drive snacks. The excitement and fresh air can make for an appetite at times, so it’s good to have some nibbles to hand.

Small first aid kit: This might seem like overkill, but by definition when on a game drive you’ll be in a remote location. Your guide should have a basic first aid kit, but packing a light first aid kit including basics like aspirin, plasters, bandages, stomach relief meds, and anti-septic and anti-histamine creams will ensure you’re prepared for most eventualities.

Go on a virtual game drive today!

To get a flavour of what’s involved in a game drive you can check out the below live stream, brought to you by WildEarth &BEYOND Ngala Private Game Reserve and Djuma Private Game Reserve .

Each day they’re live streaming twice-daily, three-hour-long game drives where you can interact with guides by asking questions via YouTube or Twitter, using #wildearth. Safari times are 06:30 – 09:30 and 15:00 – 18:00, both CAT.

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
• Kenya safaris
• Namibia safaris
• South Africa safaris
• Tanzania safaris
• Uganda safaris

Safari basics

• Safari animals
• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
• Safari clothing – what to wear
• Safari rules & etiquette
• Wildlife spotting tips

Most read articles

• All about the ‘big five’ animals
• Collective nouns for animals
• Safari movies to watch before you go
• The world’s fastest land animals
• Apex predators
• 10 Fascinating African tribes
• The biggest animals in the world
• 17 Epic hybrid animals
• The world’s ugliest animals
• Why are flamingos pink?

Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Why is it called a game drive?

What is the difference between a game drive and a safari, receive photography and travel tips.

What is a game drive on safari? A definition

The definition of a game drive on safari is: ‘a guided excursion or self-drive by (preferably 4 wheel drive) open-sided safari vehicle in a National Park, reserve, or conservancy to spot and observe African wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat.’ A game drive (sometimes written as ‘gamedrive’) is one of the most popular ways to see wildlife in Africa from the comfort of a 4X4 safari vehicle. Other activities that are part of wildlife tourism are walking safaris , boat safaris, horseback safaris, and balloon safaris . All of them have their own charm and offer the chance of spotting wildlife, but safari game drives are the most common, and the chances of having spectacular sightings are the highest!  

The word ' game ' in 'game drive' refers to wild animals or wildlife. This term originally comes from the hunt on the most difficult and dangerous animals in Africa on foot. This is also how the term ‘ Big Five ’ game animals were coined. Nowadays, the term 'game' refers to the game of finding and spotting animals in the wild and the term 'Big Five' is used to describe the top five animals to see on a safari game drive . The word drive obviously refers to the drive in a vehicle. You, a driver, or a private guide will be driving the 4WD vehicle searching for wildlife. 

If you thought a safari is the same as a game drive, you're wrong. Basically, you can't go on safari in Africa without going on a game drive! Safari is a Swahili word meaning journey , but it’s also used to refer to the activity of seeing wildlife in Africa. The term game drive is clearly referring to the excursion of seeing African wildlife as explained above. 

The difference between a safari and a game drive is that a safari means the whole trip or itinerary and a game drive is an activity or excursion part of that safari itinerary where wildlife viewing is the main focus of the trip. For example; you are going on a safari for seven days, which includes 8 game drives. If a trip involves days without animal viewing, it’s for example a 7-day trip to Kenya , including a 3-day safari in the Masai Mara . This 3-day safari can include several morning or afternoon game drives, but also a safari walk.

RELATED:   What to expect on a game drive in Africa including important things you need to know to make the most out of your game drive!

What is a game drive as part of your Africa safari itinerary? Pin this article for later use!

• 1x Each Month! A newsletter with free photography & travel tips to help you make the most out of your trip
• Be the first to know about giveaways, for instance, free ebooks and downloadable travel images

Yes, I want to receive the newsletter 1x p/month

SkillSafariHub.com

Game drive vs safari:.

Exploring the Key Differences

In the world of wildlife exploration, two terms often dominate the conversation: game drive and safari. While both offer the promise of adventure and the opportunity to encounter Africa’s wildlife, there are subtle yet significant differences between the two experiences. Join us as we unravel the distinctions between a game drive and a safari, and discover which adventure best suits your travel needs.

Defining the Terms:

Before we get started, let’s look at clear definitions for both game drives and safaris. A game drive typically refers to a guided excursion through a wildlife reserve or national park, during which participants travel in a vehicle – often an open-sided safari vehicle – in search of wildlife sightings. On the other hand, a safari encompasses a broader concept, encompassing not only game drives but also other safari-related activities such as bush walks, boat safaris, and cultural experiences.

The Scope of the Experience:

One of the primary distinctions between a game drive and a safari lies in the experience. While a game drive focuses mainly on wildlife viewing from the comfort of a vehicle, a safari offers a more immersive and diverse adventure. In addition to game drives, safaris may include opportunities for bush walks led by experienced guides, allowing participants to explore the wilderness on foot and gain deeper insights into the ecosystem.

Duration and Intensity:

Something else to consider is the duration and intensity of the experience. Game drives are typically shorter in duration, ranging from a few hours to half a day, and may focus solely on wildlife sightings. Safaris, on the other hand, often span multiple days or even weeks, providing ample time for exploration and adventure. From dawn game drives to sunset boat cruises and nocturnal game walks, safaris offer a comprehensive and immersive wildlife experience.

Flexibility and Customization:

While both game drives and safaris offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, safaris often afford greater flexibility and customization. Participants can tailor their safari experience to suit their interests and preferences, choosing from a variety of activities and accommodations. Whether you prefer a luxury lodge with gourmet dining or a rustic bush camp with a focus on authentic wilderness experiences, there’s a safari option to match every traveler’s taste.

As our exploration draws to a close, we emerge with a deeper understanding of the distinctions between a game drive and a safari. While both offer the thrill of wildlife encounters and the beauty of the African wilderness, each experience presents its own unique charms and opportunities for adventure. Whether you seek the simplicity of a game drive or the richness of a safari, one thing is certain – the call of the wild beckons, and the journey awaits.

Share this:

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

TOP DESTINATIONS

• Kruger Park
• Okavango Delta
• Serengeti National Park
• Victoria Falls

TOP COUNTRIES

• South Africa

TRAVEL DEALS

View All Travel Deals

SOUTHERN AFRICA

East africa, indian ocean islands, top experiences.

• Beach Holidays
• Family Safaris
• Honeymoon Safaris
• Desert Safaris
• Luxury Rail Safaris
• Multi-Generational Safaris
• Positive Impact Safaris
• Photographic Safaris
• Walking Safaris

WILDLIFE SAFARI

• Big Five Safaris
• Birding Safaris
• Gorilla Trekking Safaris
• Migration Safaris
• Mobile Camping Safaris
• Horseback Safaris

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Comfort levels, property types.

• Tented Camps
• Boutique Hotels

Featured Safari Collections

• Ker & Downey Botswana
• African Anthology
• Red Carnation
• Time & Tide

GET TO KNOW US

• Meet The Team
• Pricing Explained
• Traveller Reviews
• Traveller Stories
• Why Book With Us?
• HerdTracker
• Safari Cost Calculator
• South Africa In 360
• Trusted Safari Partners

What are you looking for?

• Safaris & Tours
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Accommodations
• Why book with us?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.

Alternatively, we recommend...

Schedule a phone or Zoom call with one of our safari planners

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

How do Game Drives Work on a Safari and Will You Spot The Big Five?

Author: Matthys van Aswegen - 24 June 2020

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the Botswana Safaris & Visit Botswana & African Safari Collection

Game drives are the highlight of any African safari . Let’s be honest, game drives can make or break your experience. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself on a game drive with the gentle wind blowing through your hair, the smell of nature surrounding you and the exciting feeling you get when your guide takes you offroad to get a better view of a wildlife sighting. There is just nothing like it!

Are you planning a safari and confused as to how the game drives work? We’ve got you covered. We’ve curated some information that will give you a clear indication as to what you can expect.

Location of Safari

Most game drives all around Africa more or less work the same. However, there are some differences to bear in mind. If you are going on a safari in Southern Africa , you can expect your game drives to take place in areas surrounding your specific lodge. Most Safari vehicles in Southern Africa are open-sided four-by-four vehicles. This type of vehicle gives one much exposure to wildlife.

You often feel like you can reach your hand out and touch them (which we do not recommend at all). Going on a safari in East Africa you can expect game drives to be longer and more tiring. Your game drives here are more extensive as longer distances are travelled from one park to the next. The game drive vehicles in East Africa are enclosed. Photographers, do not worry! Most game drive vehicles here have pop-top rooves, allowing for some great photographs on your safari .

Amount of game drives per day

Generally, this is how a game drive would work: Upon arrival, depending on what time you arrive, you are usually welcomed with your very first-afternoon game drive. You might even be lucky enough to score a “sundowner” in the bush. The following days consist out of two game drives per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, lasting about three to five hours each.

On your day of departure, you can also have one last morning game drive before departing to your next destination. For example, if you were staying at a lodge for three nights, you score approximately six game drives. In other areas, you could have one long game drive per day, which usually includes a packed picnic lunch and lasts for about ten hours. These types of game drives are more popular in East Africa.

Amount of people on a game drive

The amount of people allowed on a game drives mainly depends on the lodge you’re staying at and the area you’re in. In Southern Africa, game drives generally consist of a maximum number of six passengers per vehicle (excluding the guide). This enables each passenger to have a “window seat”. In East Africa, you will find game drive vehicles can take a higher capacity.

Some game drive vehicles in East Africa can take up to 12 passengers, however, they prefer taking less than ten. As mentioned, this all depends on the lodge you choose, as well as the type of trip your on e.g. part of a group or on a private basis. No matter where you are, one also has the option to book your game drives on a private basis only. This would mean you have the vehicle all to yourself. This type of experience, however, does come at a large cost.

The Big Five

One expects to find the Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino) to be quite a mission, but this is not always the case. The number of days it would take you to spot the Big Five, all depends on the area and your guide. If you are in a Big Five rich area and you have a guide who knows a thing or two, then the possibility of you spotting the Big Five in just two days is highly possible. It is however recommended to give yourself at least three to four days to spot the Big Five, whether you’re in Southern or Eastern Africa .

A game drives depend on the lodge you’re staying at and the area you’re in. We would recommend the shorter morning and afternoon game drives, as game drives can often be quite tiring. The break in between each game drive is much appreciated. Game drives are an important part of any Safari, make sure you know what to expect so that you can truly enjoy all game drives at a pace and capacity that you’re happy and comfortable with. Happy game driving!

Honeymooning in Botswana

The Best Seven Day Kruger Park Safari Itinerary

Related Safari Tours

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and how many people you're planning to travel with..

Photographic Tour of Botswana

Botswana Chobe Moremi Okavango Delta Southern Africa

From $ 3615 /USD

Young Explorers Safari in Botswana

Botswana Central Kalahari Game Reserve Moremi Okavango Delta

From $ 8900 /USD

Zimbabwe and Botswana Ultimate Safari

Southern Africa Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Mana Pools Hwange Botswana

From $ 15700 /USD

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their africa trips with discover africa safaris, adelle bell was most helpful.

Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands Nature Reserve Safari Review

Peter, United States 21 Oct 2023

Excellent service.

5 Day Value For Money Botswana Safari Review

Jackie Jiang , United States 13 Oct 2023

Amazing experience..

10 City & Safari Cape Town Review

Erin Pinto Noronha, United Arab Emirates 26 Jul 2023

The greatest experience we've had using an agency.

4 Day Luxury Timbavati Safari Review

Colleen Klush, United States 27 Dec 2022

The staff was very helpful.

Wildlife Safari Review

ag, United States 02 Apr 2019

A wonderful time in sa and botswana.

South Africa and Botswana Adventure

Gerry, United States 10 Jun 2016

Registered Members of these Organizations

USEFUL LINKS

• Safari Tours
• Accommodation
• Why Book with us?
• Content Collaborations
• Safari Cost Estimator Tool
• Wildebeest Migration
• Privacy Policy
• Website Terms of Use

POPULAR COUNTRIES

• View All Countries

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

• View All Destinations
• Cape Town Holidays
• Kruger National Park
• Etosha National Park
• Chobe National Park

TRAVEL BLOGS

• Travel News Digest, 26 April: Namibia Adds Visa-on-Arrival in Walvis Bay, Uganda Deforestation Concerns
• The Best of Kenyan Cuisine: 10 Dishes to Savour on your next Safari
• Norse Atlantic Adds New Direct Flight to Cape Town
• Travel News Digest, 19 April: SA Airports Celebrated, Rhino Poaching Concerns, Cape Town ‘Big Six’ Appeal
• FastJet Adds Surcharge to Vic Falls Route

OUR LOCATION

• 2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530

• Happy Travelers
• Wildlife Safaris
• Mount Kilimanjaro
• Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai
• Popular Packages
• Join a Group

Game Drive vs Safari: What’s the difference?

May 26, 2023

Are you prepared for a thrilling excursion into the African wilderness? Join us at Our Planet in My Lens as we explore the exciting world of African safaris, with an emphasis on the thrilling experience of a game drive. Discover the essence of a game drive, the Big Five, and the enchantment of dawn and sunset drives, as well as nighttime delights. We also emphasize ethical tourism, environmental initiatives, community support, and important suggestions for a wonderful vacation. Join us on a remarkable adventure across the African savannah, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations.

African Safaris: An Unusual Adventure

An African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to see the astonishing range of animal species in their native environment. A game drive is a must-do activity on a safari, providing a close experience with Africa’s enthralling animals. It entails traveling in safari vehicles into national parks, wildlife reserves, or private conservancies with skilled guides.

The Exciting Experience of a Game Drive

It’s an adrenaline-fueled quest of wildlife sightings, bringing you up close and personal with Africa’s famous species, with the expectation of seeing majestic lions, charming giraffes, huge elephants, sleek cheetahs, and elusive leopards. Each trip offers an exciting opportunity to observe the grandeur of the African savannah as it traverses plains and twisting pathways.

Finding the Big Five

The Big Five are Africa’s most famous and difficult to pursue and hunt on foot. Spotting the majestic African elephant, the elusive leopard, rhinoceros, and the imposing Cape buffalo is an unforgettable experience. Seeing these magnificent species provides an unforgettable impression of Africa’s biological richness.

The Enchantment of Sunrise and Sunset Drives

Game drives at sunrise and dusk provide a unique viewpoint on the African countryside. The golden hues of the savannah at daybreak and dusk create a stunning backdrop for wildlife encounters. The gentle light accentuates the romance of the game drive experience as the animals rise to a new day or prepare for nighttime exploits.

Night Game Drives: Nocturnal Wonders

Night game drives reveal a new side of the African environment. Watch the animals of the night emerge from their daytime hiding places. With spotlights and professional trackers, you may glimpse the sleek African leopard, be mesmerized by the gaze of a bushbaby or aardvark, and dive into the mysteries of the African wilderness at night.

Embracing Conservation Efforts and Sustainable Practises in Tourism

We prioritize ethical tourism and conservation at Hekima Safaris. We contribute to conservation efforts by picking reputable safari operators and following sustainable practices, which help to maintain Africa’s unique habitats and valuable species. It is our collective obligation to protect biodiversity and ecosystems for future generations.

Local Community Support

Tourism is critical to the local communities that surround national parks and wildlife reserves. Taking a game drive benefits the local economy. 

Tips & Essentials for Game Drives

Choosing the Best Safari Location

Africa has a diverse assortment of safari sites, each with their own distinct charm and animal features. When arranging a game drive, it’s critical to do your homework and choose the best location depending on the species you want to see, the time of year, and your chosen degree of comfort. Whether it’s the huge plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti or Botswana’s beautiful Okavango Delta, picking the proper destination increases your game drive experience.

Packing for a Memorable Adventure

Packing intelligently is essential for a relaxing and fun game drive. Consider the African temperature while packing apparel, and include lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, bug repellent, binoculars, and a camera to capture the spectacular sights you see on your game drive.

Wildlife and Nature Protection

While getting up close to Africa’s majestic species is fascinating, it’s critical to respect their space and follow the restrictions offered by your safari guide. Maintaining a safe distance, avoiding unexpected movements or loud noises, and according to your guide’s recommendations are critical for the wildlife’s well-being and the preservation of their normal behaviors. Being a responsible visitor promotes the coexistence of humans and wildlife

A game drive on your African safari is an adventure that will leave an unforgettable impact on your spirit. It provides an opportunity to observe the untamed grandeur of the African bush, interact with iconic species, and make lifetime memories. Hekima Safaris celebrates the natural world’s treasures!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Embarking on a New Year’s Adventure: Summiting Kilimanjaro for a Spectacular Start to 2024 December 20, 2023

Discover the ultimate month for conquering Kilimanjaro! December 13, 2023

5 Essential Tips for Families Planning an Unforgettable African Safari Adventure July 24, 2023

Have Any Question?

Don’t hesitate to ask any questions related to safari, we are always here for you.

• (+48) 793-239-083
• [email protected]

On Safari: Drive or Fly?

Managing Director, Africa

My first safari was just over 20 years ago- an overland expedition through remote corners of Botswana and Zimbabwe. We traveled in 20 passenger trucks, setting up camp as we moved from location to location. We felt the intense heat of the day, sun searing our skin as our arms draped over the side of the vehicle and the dusty roads filling the air inside the truck with a thin layer of African soil. We were hot, dirty, and happy. There’s nothing quite like seeing the countryside out of your car window, passively observing life in rural Africa. It reminded me of long road-trips with my family growing up, sans I-pads and modern “tech.” We felt intrepid and the long arduous days made us feel accomplished. And for years following, as I travelled back and forth between Africa, this is all I knew – the life of an overlander.

I look back fondly at my time on the road, sleeping on top of my truck and under the African skies; it was the height of my young adulthood. The trips I helped lead eventually evolved to what I refer to today as a luxury driving safaris, which are essentially a trip in which a guide drives their clients from one luxury property to the next whilst providing context and continuity of service. Although time may pass more slowly transiting in a vehicle, it does foster a more leisurely experience and allows for road-side culture that would otherwise be missed when flying. There are certainly some benefits to this kind of trip; but outside of small pockets in Africa, the vast majority of luxury safaris are now utilizing light aircrafts to connect safari camps.

A flying safari is the ultimate “Out of Africa” experience. Harkening back to the days of Karen Blixen, the Hollywood interpretation of her life flying in a biplane over the Kenyan savannah is iconic! Nowadays, and often referred to as the workhorse of Africa, the Cessna Grand Caravan C208B is the aircraft of choice. Transporting up to 12 passengers between camps, flying is the safest and most efficient way to travel. Unlike pressurized aircrafts, the Grand Caravan is relatively low flying, which allows travelers to enjoy an aerial view of the landscape below. If you privately charter these small aircrafts for your party, it can become more than just a mode of transportation, but also a means of exploration. Scenic and low-level flying is possible with stops en route to your final destination, all of which enhance your safari experience.

For example, I am taking my family and in-laws on a Kenya safari in February 2022. We are staying in Nairobi and visiting Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Masai Mara and the Chyulu Hills in that order. On our flight from Nairobi to Lewa, we are stopping in Ol Pejeta Conservancy to visit the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos on the planet. Then, during the flight from Lewa to Mara, we are stopping in the Namunyak Conservancy to visit the Reteti Elephant Orphanage. En route to the Chyulu Hills, we have even booked extra flying time in order to have a scenic flight around Kilimanjaro. Opting to fly privately will open up a world of possibilities in some areas of Africa.

So, what’s my preference? My opinion has evolved over the years. Once upon a time, I was a die-hard overlander and loved my life on the road. I left like a modern-day explorer and every corner delivered a new adventure. These days, I prefer to fly between properties to maximize my time in camp and enjoying activities. This also may be due to the fact that when I travel with my family, time is no longer my own! Or perhaps I’ve grown a bit softer over time. Whatever the reason, I find flying in light aircrafts to be a romantic part of my annual pilgrimage back to the bush.

The exact details of your transfer will depend on the number of travelers, whether or not the transfer is private or share, routes used, and distance covered. You can speak with your consultant for specific information, but here are some of the things you should expect.

What You Need to Know About Road Transfers

• Often takes longer to get from place to place
• You get to see more of the countryside and local culture if/when passing through small towns or cities.
• Transfers are in a closed vehicle, car, or van
• Can be more cost effective
• In some destinations, you can plan a driving safari during which you are accompanied by the same guide throughout the entirety of your trip

What You Need to Know About Air Transfers

• Gets you to/from destinations faster
• Planes are small, most often carrying between 1-16 passengers
• Likely to be shared with other people and make stops to pick up/drop off passengers (unless a private charter is booked)
• Cessnas (most often, the Cessna Grand Caravan) are the most commonly used aircrafts
• Outside of airports, landing strips may be dirt or asphalt
• Light aircraft flights have strict luggage and weight restrictions
• Scenic flights and aerial views give you a perspective that you’d miss by road
• Travelers with an intense fear of flying should consider ground transfers
• Statistically faster to fly than drive long distances

Recent Posts

• Experiencing the Migration in Tanzania’s Southern Serengeti
• The Tapestry of Buenos Aires
• A Green Season Photo Album
• The Rising Costs of Air Travel
• An African New Year’s Eve
• South Africa
• Easter Island
• Galapagos Islands
• Myanmar / Burma
• Client Blogs
• Consultant Blogs
• Travel Beyond News
• Travel Planning
• TravelWays Magazine
• Uncategorized
• South Pacific

Safari Drive-Thru

The Virginia Safari Park, located in Natural Bridge, offers visitors the opportunity to see and feed animals up-close from their vehicles in the safari drive-thru attraction.

The Virginia Safari Park opened in the spring of 2000 because we felt there was a need and desire for people to be able to see wild animals in a much more natural environment than had previously been available.

In the Safari, you'll be able to see animals run and frolic with abandon on our 180-acre property. Take your time as you drive along the three miles of maintained gravel road. Feed the animals through your vehicle windows and be prepared to stop for them as they stroll across your path or even lie down.

Our animals are allowed to roam freely and act instinctively. This means you might see males competing with each other for the females’ attention, resulting in cute baby animals being born throughout the season. You could be among the lucky visitors who witness a live birth and the first steps of the newborn.

Feed the Animals

As you make your way along the road in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, stop every once in a while to feed the animals our specialty grain mixture.

You’ll never forget the experience of one of our huge bull elk or deer eating from your bucket of feed. Drive through as many times as you like to give everyone in your group a chance to have a memorable encounter like this.

Safari Village Walk-Thru

You may also like.

Animal Feeding

Village Walk-Thru

Animal Encounters

Houstonia Magazine

• Eat & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Style & Shopping
• Travel & Outdoors
• News & City Life
• Home & Real Estate
• Gift Guides
• Health & Wellness

These Are the Best Drive-Thru Safaris in Texas

By Catherine Wendlandt and Geneva Diaz March 21, 2022

Image: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Remember going to the zoo as a kid , 

wandering past exotic creatures that you’d only ever seen in movies like The Lion King ? All the magic and joy in the air, as you stand just outside enclosures of zebras, monkeys, and wildebeest, peering inside, ice cream cone in hand?  Well, at our state’s many drive-through safaris, the roles are reversed. Animals peer in to your vehicle as you hold in hand food meant for them alone to eat.

At these safaris, you can learn about animals from all over the world as they roam freely like they would in the wild—but, you know, all from the comfort of your own car and only a couple hours from home.

Here are seven drive-thru safaris worth a road trip from Houston.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Franklin Drive Thru Safari (@franklinsafari)

Franklin Drive Thru Safari

Franklin | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $20; Kids 2 and under free

Drive time from Houston: 2 hours

This 100-acre park is home to 500-plus animals. Watch for more than 50 different animal species on the mile-long drive. There’s also a 10-acre walking section where you might spot kangaroos, anteaters  camels, or Natalia, a baby giraffe. Get a feed bucket for $5, or make friends with the monkeys with a $2 cup of peanuts. You can go on a private tour of the park, but manager Amber Clay says most people’s favorite part is the Baby Room, where guests can play with some of the park’s exotic babies, such as lemurs and coatimundi, for an extra $20.  

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Brian Stephens (@grapelandsafarionline)

Grapeland Safari

13440 Us Highway 287 N, Grapeland | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $15.95; kids 1 and under free Drive time from Houston: 2 hours Nona Herring has been in the drive-thru safari business since the 1980s, when her family used to own a safari park outside of Tyler. Since 2005, she’s run the 59-acre Grapeland Safari, halfway between Crockett and Palestine. Bring your binoculars, get a cup of feed (free with admission), and try to identify the 38 species in the park and petting zoo: zebras, emus, axis deer and yaks among them. You can also bring your grill and have a cookout in the safari’s picnic area.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by The Exotic Resort Zoo, Inc. (@exoticresortzoo)

Exotic Resort Zoo

235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m | $17.95; $14.95 for kids Drive time from Houston: 3.5 hours Cars aren’t allowed to drive through this 127-acre ranch, but take a tour on one of its five trams to learn about the 500 animals and 40 species here—blackbucks, ostriches and Gomar, the kissing camel. The animals are friendly, especially when you’re armed with a $6 feed bucket (not included in the price of your ticket) . Owner Marilyn Bacque says that at any given time there could be 30 to 40 animals surrounding the tram, “begging for tidbits.” After your tour, check out the park’s two petting zoos, or stay the night in one of the ranch’s eight cabins and enjoy evening campfires and the catch-and-release fishing pond.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (@fossilrim)

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

  2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | $24.95 per person; $19.95 for kids;  2 and under are free Drive time from Houston: 4 hours  This 1,800-acre ranch is an oasis for 1,100 animals from almost 50 different species, but it also happens to have the largest cheetah breeding facility in the world, raising 18 to 20 cubs each year. It takes a couple hours to drive through the park, but there’s so much more on offer here, including 14 different tours (a bike tour and a Murder Mystery tour), photo workshops, tasty burgers at the Overlook Café, and even cool accommodations like the lodge, cabins, and bunkhouses. While Fossil Rim offers an almost unending list of educational activities for its guests, the center’s main focus is on conservation of species in peril. They’ve even reintroduced species back into the wild, like the scimitar-horned oryx in Chad in 2016. 

The price is $24.95 per person for a one hour, self-guided drive-thru experience. One cup of animal feed is included with the ticket. The price for a Public Guided Tour on one of Fossil Rim's touring vehicles is $39.95 per person for guests age three and older. Each person will get one cup of animal feed. Note: Due to the pandemic, all tickets must be booked online prior to your visit. Please check the website for any updates before your visit.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Cherokee Trace (@cherokeetrace)

Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari

  1200 CR 4405, Jacksonville | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $18.95; $13.95 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours On your drive through Cherokee Trace’s 5-mile trail, be on the lookout for Minnie the Yak and protect your feedbags from a camel named Rupert, a “professional thief” who will stick his head into your car and gobble the whole bag down. With 700 animals, 35 species, and 300 acres, it takes about two hours to go through the whole thing, but your feedbag is free, so go ahead and make friends with the bison, alpacas, zebras, capybaras and more. Cherokee Trace even has six alligators, which live in their own fenced-off enclosure and, yes, you can feed them.  Hours change depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (@naturalbridge.wildliferanch)

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. | $28.99; $19.99 kids; 2 and under free Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Life at Natural Bridge is a moving picture, says wildlife specialist Tiffany Soechting, with 500 animals and 40 species roaming freely throughout the 450-acre ranch.  It takes about 1.5 hours to drive through the conservation-minded ranch (you can drive-through again for free too), and about half of the species here are endangered, including a herd of scimitar-horned oryx, the gibbons and reticulated giraffes. In 2017, its staff went on a multi-national research expedition to South Africa to learn more about giraffe breeding in the wild, and are working to produce more outreach programs here in the U.S. Don’t forget to check out the petting barnyard and the great burgers and queso at the Safari Camp Grill. Hours change depending on time of year, so be sure to check the website before you go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Blue Hills Ranch (@bluehillsranch)

Animal Encounters at Blue Hills Ranch

2032 Blue Cut Rd N., McGregor | By appointment only | $60 per person Drive time from Houston: 3 hours Boasting 150 acres of bluebonnet hills, and just 15 minutes outside of Waco, is Blue Hills Ranch and Giraffe Sanctuary. Not only is this place the perfect destination for animal-lovers, but it’s also a prime location for a dream wedding surrounded by four-legged friends. Choose to stay overnight at the RV park, or rent an animal or pirate-themed cabin for the whole family to enjoy a weekend getaway. On the private tour called Animal Encounters , you’ll meet giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, otters, mini cows, and can even bottle feed the baby animals. Please note that tours are by appointment only and are booked up to 60 days out. If you’re just coming to take pictures, you will still be charged full price. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Related Content

Studio Kane Is Riding the Recovery of Houston’s Anime Scene

01/22/2024 By Jef Rouner

A Grand Mutton Bustin’ Champion Shares His Best Tips

02/29/2024 By Emma Balter

In the Wild

The Houston Area Keeps These Exotic Animal Rescues Busy

03/06/2024 By Meredith Nudo

The Underside

How the Houston Rodeo Deals with All That Animal Poop

02/27/2024 By Daniel Renfrow

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

Atlantic Coast

Beach Camping

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

Campgrounds

Travel Ideas

Accessible Travel

Eco-Friendly Travel

African American Heritage Travel

More Travel Ideas

Popular links.

Florida Webcams

Toll Roads Info

Travel Guides

6 drive-through zoos and safaris in florida.

Family trip: Lion Country Safari

By Jill Martin

Sure, there’s plenty of wildlife in Florida, but have you ever viewed a giraffe from the comfort of your car?

You won’t find big screens or bags of popcorn at these drive-ins, but they're action-packed and provide lots of entertainment. Silence your cell phone and enjoy the show at these drive-through zoos in Florida.

1. J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge , Sanibel Island

Sunbathing gators, green herons, white ibis and a crocodile call this four-mile Wildlife Drive home. Roseate spoonbills can be found here year-round.

2. Lion Country Safari , West Palm Beach

Florida’s only drive-through safari boasts 800-plus animals, including wildebeests, rhinos and the world’s largest herd of captive zebras. But the giraffes steal the show at Lion Country Safari.

3. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge , Titusville

Amazing wildlife viewing is easy with the self-guided map that lists numbered stops along Black Point Drive. See gators, otters, turtles and hundreds of bird species, including eagles.

4. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge , near Tallahassee

Rated five stars by birders, this seven-mile drive through zoo takes you past pinelands and salt marshes to Florida’s second-oldest lighthouse. Look for black bears, turkeys, deer and whooping cranes.

6.  Wild Florida , Kenansville

Features more than 200 animals, including exotics like zebras, sloths, lemurs and Watusi, and a walk-in bird aviary with pheasants, parrots and other birds from all over the world. Also: airboat tours, a drive-through safari park and animal shows.

Video tour of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Places to remember.

Tallahassee

Sanibel Island

West Palm Beach

Strategic alliance partners.

• FanNation FanNation FanNation
• SI.COM SI.COM SI.COM
• SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit SI Swimsuit
• SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook SI Sportsbook
• SI Tickets SI Tickets SI Tickets
• SI Showcase SI Showcase SI Showcase
• SI Resorts SI Resorts SI Resorts

Timberwolves absorb Suns' best shot, complete series sweep with Game 4 win

Anthony Edwards delivered another masterful performance.

• Author: Nolan O'Hara

In this story:

The Phoenix Suns gave the Timberwolves their best shot. 

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker came to play, turning in a pair of truly dominant performances. The Timberwolves shot just 5 for 21 in the first quarter, with Rudy Gobert sitting for much of it after picking up two early fouls. The game itself was a fast-paced, high-scoring affair — the type of game that typically plays right into the Suns' hands.

In the end, none of that mattered. 

The Timberwolves beat the Suns 122-116 Sunday night in Phoenix in Game 4 of their Western Conference first-round series, securing the first sweep in a playoff series in franchise history and winning their first playoff series in 20 years.

It was no easy task.

It felt like the Suns did everything they possibly could to steal a win in Game 4. Durant and Booker combined for 82 points, each pouring in bucket after bucket no matter how difficult the Wolves' top-ranked defense made things on them. Booker had 49 points while Durant had 33.

And they each had over 30 points before the fourth quarter even started. But every blow they delivered the Timberwolves were able to absorb. 

Related: Timberwolves' Chris Finch helped to locker room during Game 4

And Anthony Edwards again played the part of a closer. Whether it was the 3 he hit that put the Wolves up 105-101 with just over five and a half minutes remaining, or the mid-range jumper he hit a few possessions later to answer Josh Okogie's dunk. Or immediately hitting a 3-pointer after Royce O'Neale hit a game-tying 3 of his own. He made every play when the Wolves needed it.

One in particular felt like the final nail in the coffin. Jaden McDaniels, who had 18 points, hit a big-time 3 that put the Wolves up 113-109. Booker made a pair of free throws on the other end to cut it to two, but that set the stage for Edwards to throw down a monster dunk to make it 115-11 with 2 mintues, 12 seconds remaining. The game wasn't over there, but it sure felt like that was the end for the Suns.

Edwards battled throughout the night. He got poked in the eye, he rolled an ankle and changed shoes during the game, but he stayed in all night to finish with 40 points, nine boards and six assists.

But he didn't do it alone. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered his best performance since returning from a meniscus injury. Towns was seemingly the only Wolves player who could make a shot early on, and he didn't cool off when the rest of the team heated up, finishing with 28 points on 11-for-17 shooting and 10 rebounds. He delivered when Minnesota needed him to most.

The Timberwolves had an answer whenever the Suns attempted to make a run. It felt like momentum had shifted to Phoenix on a couple occassions. Booker hit a jumper at the buzzer to put the Suns up five at halftime. The Suns took a six-point lead in the third quarter, but just as it felt like the tide was turning towards the Suns, Edwards hit back-to-back 3s to tie the game.

Then McDaniels threw down a dunk to make it an 8-0 Timberwolves run.

The only thing that soured the night was when Timberwolves coach Chris Finch got his legs swiped out from under him when Mike Conley and Booker were running along the sideline during the fourth quarter, with Conley falling into Finch. He was slow to get up before being helped off the court.

Hope Chris Finch is OK. 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/Ey1c7fuw6N — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 29, 2024

Assistant coach Micah Nori handled head coaching duties for the remainder of the game. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that "it's feared" that Finch tore a patellar tendon in the knee during the incident. Nori said postgame there wasn't yet an update on Finch's status, but that "he's obviously in good spirits and so are the guys."

The Timberwolves will hope for a speedy recovery for Finch. They'll have some time off before they continue on to the second round of the playoffs for a likely matchup against the defending champion Denver Nuggets, who currently have a 3-1 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in their first-round playoff series.

Latest Timberwolves News

A-Rod hints that retiring KG's jersey will follow takeover

Nikola Jokic's Strong Statement on Anthony Edwards

Police Charge Ex-T-Wolves Employee With Theft of Exec’s Hard Drive

NBA Admits Missed Calls in Nuggets vs. Timberwolves

Report: A-Rod, Lore submit paperwork to complete purchase of Wolves and Lynx

THE 5 BEST Moscow Safaris

Safaris in moscow.

• Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
• Gear Rentals
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• District Central (TsAO)
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• District Eastern (VAO)
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• Lomonosovskiy
• Ostankinskiy
• Meshchanskiy
• Krasnoselskiy
• Maryina Roshcha (Jewish Quarter)
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Rybokhotsoyuz

2. Easy Russia Tour Guide

3. UTS GROUP

4. 365AltaiMongolia

5. #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD

6. Aviashop.Ru

7. Transsib Moscow

8. BASK TOUR

• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• #1 Russia -Tanzania | Zanzibar, Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Agency | BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO LTD
• 365AltaiMongolia

17 Accredited Drive Through Zoos and Safaris in the U.S.

After years of traveling around the United States, both with my family and without, I have run across many drive through zoos, safari parks, and wildlife preserves. As traditional zoos have transitioned to animal conservation and education over entertainment, there has been a shift to larger, more natural animal habitats and enclosures. The nice thing about drive through safaris and zoos is that most have acres and acres of land for animals to roam in a much more natural setting.

I constantly struggle with the benefits of zoos versus the negative impacts of keeping animals in captivity. Although I know many have different views, I see many benefits of these safari and wildlife parks from seeing the simple joy on a child’s face when they see an animal in person that inspires a lifelong interest in animal preservation, to the important research that these parks provide in understanding animal behavior and saving them from extinction.

That said, I do think we need to be careful about which establishments we support, which is why I have included only the zoos and safari parks that are accredited members of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America .

Drive Through Zoos & Safaris

I have intentionally left out a few safari parks, even ones that I have visited because greater research showed that they weren’t accredited by one of those two widely recognized organizations. (I found this article helpful in understanding the different types of accreditation and what it means.)

As of this writing, this list is only of drive through zoos and safaris that are accredited AZA or ZAA establishments or overseen by government wildlife entities. I have included drive through safaris and wildlife parks where you can either self-drive your own vehicle or take a safari tour or safari ride through the animal habitats.

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, Florida

Founded in 1967 as the first drive-through safari park in the United States,  Lion Country Safari is the largest attraction in The Palm Beaches. This park is home to more than 1,000 animals, which can be viewed along the 4-mile-long drive-through preserve and walk-through habitats on the 320-acre park. Animals from six different continents can be found at Lion Country Safari, including lions, white rhinos, chimpanzees, zebras, giraffes, and more.

After taking a scenic drive through the preserve, guests can enjoy the rides and attractions at Safari World. These include a boat ride on the Safari Queen, a paddleboat, miniature golf, a carousel, a Flying Elephant ride, and the Rio Grande Train. Safari World also includes Safari Plunge water slides, so guests can really make a day of their visit.

Lion Country Safari is located at 2003  Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, Florida 33470. Editor’s note: I was provided with a complimentary tour at Lion Country Safari, and I have also visited on my own. All opinions are my own.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of many attractions at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World . Ticketed guests can ride a guided safari vehicle through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species over 110 acres of plains, forests, and rocky wetlands. This is a quick 18-minute ride in which guests will see animals such as a hippopotamus, giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, zebras, and more.

Animal Kingdom is located at 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32830.

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari, Jackson, New Jersey

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari is an amusement park and animal preserve combined. Guests can explore this 350-acre preserve, containing 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes, and lions. This drive through safari takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete and covers the Americas, Afrikka, Wild Plains, Serengeti Grasslands, Black Bear Ridge, Kingsland, Tigris Asiana, and more.

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari is located at 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax, Pennsylvania

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is a 150-acre wildlife park and zoo in Central Pennsylvania. You can roam through the many wildlife habitats to see giraffes, tigers, zebras, baboons ostriches, gibbons, kangaroos, lions, and much more. Then, ride a Safari Tour and hand-feed wildlife such as bison, water buffalo, yak, eland, and watusi.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located at 760 Tobias Road, Halifax, PA 17032.

Cacoctin Wildlife Preserve, Thurmont, Maryland

While you can’t drive your own car on this drive through zoo, you can take a one-hour adventure ride on a safari vehicle through the Cacoctin Wildlife Preserve , which showcases exotic animals from six continents across twenty-five wooded acres and four different paddocks.

The Safari ride features African Zebra, North American Bison, Dromedary Camels, Asian and African Antelope, giant birds like Ostrich and Emu, European deer, Eurasian wild sheep, and unusual cattle, donkey and goat breeds from around the world.

Cacoctin Wildlife Preserve is located at 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge, Virginia

Visitors of Virginia Safari Park can drive their own vehicles over three miles of a maintained gravel road to see and feed the animals on the 180-acre property. These encounters include elk and deer, which are free to roam and interact with visitors and each other throughout the property.

Virginia Safari Park also offers giraffe feeding, a petting zoo, and a chance to see tigers, penguins, and kangaroos in exhibits on the walk-through safari. Please note that the Virginia Safari Park is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo, which is also located in Natural Bridge in Shenandoah Valley.

Virginia Safari Park is located at 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.

African Safari Wildlife Park, Port Clinton, Ohio

African Safari Wildlife Park  is home to giraffes, zebra, alpaca, bison, elk, and more. African Safari Wildlife Park offers both a drive-through and walk-through safari option. One cup of animal food per car is included with admission. The park is not open year-round, so check the website for current opening dates and hours.

African Safari Wildlife Park is located at 267 S. Lightner Road, Port Clinton OH 43452.

The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio

The Wilds spreads across 9,000 acres and is home to rare and endangered species from around the globe living in open-range habitats. This land that was once devoted to strip mining is now a private, non-profit safari park that combines conservation science and education programs. Guests can also enjoy immersive experiences such as zip line tours, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

Open-air safari tours take two hours and include a guided tour on an open-air vehicle with stops at Lake Trail and the Carnivore Center. Animals include giraffes, cheetahs, white rhinos, camels, trumpeter swans, zebras, oryx, and more.

The Wilds are located at 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732.

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, Ashland, Nebraska

The Lee. G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is also a wildlife preserve and part of Omaha’s famous Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. The Wildlife Safari Park offers a four-mile, drive-through North American wildlife experience.

On this safari, you can see bison, elk, wolves, prairie dogs, deer, eagles, pelicans, and more up close and personal. There is also a viewing deck overlooking the 40 acres of woodland hills and open grasslands that make up the Bison Plains. In addition, a nature-based playground offers opportunities to explore, play and learn.

The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari is located at 16406 N. 292 Street, Ashland, Nebraska 68003.

Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City, Kansas

The Lee Richardson Zoo is home to 300 native and exotic animals over 50 acres. The zoo is free to pedestrians or visitors can pay to drive through the park to see the wild animals.

Each animal is an ambassador for their wild counterparts promoting the understanding and conservation of wildlife and wild places.  Animals include lions, alpacas, addax, Amur leopards, camels, bison, ferrets, bobcats, elk, giraffes, jaguars, sloth bears, and so much more.

The Lee Richardson Zoo is located at 312 E Finnup Drive, Garden City, KS 67846.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, Texas

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a 1,800-acre wildlife center with self-driven or guided safaris. Altogether they maintain 1,100 animals of 50 different species including bison, cheetah, wildebeest, emus, kudus, giraffes, zebras, wolves, rhinos, and more in a natural environment.

Unlike other safari drive-thrus, Fossil Rim has a focus on conservation and they have even successfully reintroduced an oryx species back into the wild in Chad. Fossil Rim is also the largest successful breeding facility for the endangered cheetah in the world.  To date, they’ve had over 200 cheetah cubs which are critical for their conservation efforts. 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is located at 2155 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, Texas 76043.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Texas

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers an African safari, Texas-style, and is one of Texas’ most recognized family entertainment attractions. Visitors can join a guided tour or drive their own vehicle through 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and live oak trees.

The safari trek covers over six miles of the scenic Texas Hill Country and takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half to drive through. Guests will have a different adventure on each visit, witnessing the behavior of over 500 animals from 40 exotic, native and endangered animal species worldwide.

After the drive, families can walk through the giraffe barn and meander over to Lemur Island, the habitat of the Ring-Tailed Lemurs.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is located at 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266.

Bearizona Wildlife Park, Williams, Arizona

One hour south of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Bearizona covers approximately 160 acres. Visitors can drive through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest, viewing North American animals in natural habitats as they go. There are also more animals in Fort Bearizona, a 20-acre walk-thru area, in a zoo-like setting.

Bearizona Wildlife Park is located at 1500 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046 .

Camel Safari, Bunkerville, Nevada

Camel Safari offers guided safari tours that include guests riding either on the back of a camel, aboard our Safari Tram or on ATVs to view 40+ camelids up-close.

Located an hour north of Las Vegas, Camel Safari also offers evening VIP Sunset Safaris that include animal encounters while enjoying a stunning Mojave Desert sunset and roasting marshmallows for s’mores over a fire. Guided safaris are 2-hour interpreted tours.

Camel Safari is located at 2725 Rivercliff Road, Bunkerville, Nevada 89007.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Park, San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Park , located 35 miles away from the San Diego Zoo, offers a variety of drive-through safari tour options including a caravan, cart, and behind-the-scenes safari. Just note that you cannot drive your own car through this Wildlife Park.

In addition to the tour options, you can also enjoy experiences like zip lining, adventure courses, or even sleep overnight in the park on a camping adventure. Animals include rhinos, camels, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, lions, tigers, zebras, and more.

The Safari Park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017.

Safari West, Santa Rosa, California

Coined the Sonoma Serengeti,  Safari West  is a Wildlife Preserve and African tent camp fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Safari West’s 400 acres are home to nearly 1,000 animals, including African antelopes, primates, and predators, plus a variety of avian life from around the globe. Instead of driving their own car through this safari, guests can sign up for guided tours on retro-fitted safari vehicles.

Safari West also offers unique “glamping” accommodations within the preserve using custom-built tents imported from Botswana, which overlook a view of grazing antelope and giraffes. Twilight dining and wine-paired adventures are available as well as dining at the onsite Savannah Café.

Safari West is located at 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Editor’s note: I was provided with a complimentary tour and overnight stay at Safari West. All opinions are my own.

Wildlife Safari, Winston, Oregon

Wildlife Safari is home to America’s most successful cheetah breeding program, with over 235 Cheetah cubs. It is also home to over 500 animals of many different species including elephants, lions, bison, elk, wildebeest, brown bears, zebra, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, tigers, and more. Wildlife Safari is dedicated to the preservation and education of native and exotic wildlife.

The drive-through safari takes approximately one to one and one-half hours to drive through. The safari takes you past ostrich, Watusi cattle, lions, zebra, hippos, oryx, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. Then you will pass the land of bears, bison, and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America. Lastly, you will journey through the cheetah breeding grounds and past Sumatran Tigers, all from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Wildlife Safari is located at 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Washington

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre wildlife park featuring a tram tour that takes visitors through a 435-acre free-range area. Tram tours run 40 minutes and are led by a naturalist through meadows and forests with herds of Roosevelt elk, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou, and more.

Animal walking tours, keeper talks, Kids’ Treks, and hiking trails are all available. The Zip Wild Deep Forest Challenge offers five exhilarating zipline courses through a tree canopy.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is located at 11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville, WA 98328.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: December 23, 2022

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

University of Oregon Athletics

University of Oregon

Northern Colorado

Daniell Drives Ducks to Victory

04/28/24 | Softball

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

The R&K Guide To Moscow

The World Cup is upon us, but you could argue that it’s already a relic from another era, a time when Putin was looking for peaceable engagement with the West, before he annexed Crimea and unleashed his trolls on the world. But if ordinary Russians are supposed to play the part of pariah, they haven’t been told. It has been a long time since Moscow was this pleasant to visit. The city center is safe, sanitized, ready for your visit. Yes, the calm is a sign of an increasingly efficient autocracy. But we’ve known Moscow through many iterations, and for the casual visitor, this is one of the best yet. (Visit our St. Petersburg guide here.)

How To Do Moscow

Quick hits what to eat, quick hits what to drink, quick hits what to see, features from moscow, more city guides, r&k insider.

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

More From Forbes

Google issues ‘critical’ chrome update for all windows users.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

If you are a Windows user with Chrome installed on your PC, then this latest warning will impact you—it’s critical you update your browser as soon as you can…

Another critical Chrome update has just been issued

Updated 04/29; originally published 04/26.

Another Chrome security update has just been issued, with the Stable channel updated to 124.0.6367.78/.79 . This release includes a critical fix to the underlying graphics engine of the type that has allowed attackers to execute code on target machines in the past—albeit no news yet as to any exploitation this time around.

The update also includes two high-severity memory fixes—the kind typically seen in such updates. Google has acknowledged that such memory vulnerabilities in its core engine are the most frequently discovered and exploited. As usual, there is no further information “until a majority of users are updated with a fix.”

Given that Google has designated the first fix—essentially a vulnerability to potential code manipulation—as critical, it seems highly likely it’s a credible threat. And once the fix becomes public, it’s important that users update as soon as they can—the clock is ticking for any exploitation.

World War I Tactics Make A Comeback As A Ukrainian Gunner In The Back Of A Propeller Plane Shoots Down A Russian Drone

The giant grey ghost lizard went extinct 100 years ago or did it, amazon prime video s best new show arrives with a perfect 100 critic score.

Usually, a critical fix might have been the biggest Chrome news of the week, but not this time. The other news is that the death of Chrome’s dreaded tracking cookies has been delayed once again—this time into early 2025, at least.

The issue is Google’s need to balance the privacy of its users with the seemingly fair treatment of its advertisers, especially when it essentially plays both gamekeeper (as owner of the browser) and poacher (as the world’s largest ad machine).

“We recognize that there are ongoing challenges related to reconciling divergent feedback from the industry, regulators and developers,” Google said in a post mid-week, “and will continue to engage closely with the entire ecosystem.”

That’s a critical update of an entirely different kind.

The update comes as Google’s ongoing engagement with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) tries to carve a path through this messy situation. “We will not complete third-party cookie deprecation during the second half of Q4,” Google confirmed. “Assuming we can reach an agreement, we envision proceeding with third-party cookie deprecation starting early next year.”

Google is in something of a bind here, given its unique role in the industry. As web users become ever more privacy savvy, the gap between where Chrome is today and Apple’s Safari remains too wide. Chrome is an excellent browser, and its users rightly want to see it line up more closely with the alternatives.

Google seems to agree—notwithstanding its awkward Incognito Mode stumble—but it needs to find a compromise that doesn’t kill its ad model as well as those cookies.

Meanwhile, the bigger open question is around AI, of course, and just what this will mean for browser searching and advertising in the coming years. All told, by the time these cookies finally disappear, we may be in new territory anyway.

04/29 update: To be fair to Google, Chrome’s regular security updates—whether addressing vulnerabilities discovered by external researchers or by Google itself, front-end an ongoing program to improve the security of the world’s most popular browser.

As a recent example, the forthcoming Device Bound Session Credentials (DBSC) update should materially resolve the plague of session cookie theft, “by binding authentication sessions to the device... to disrupt the cookie theft industry since exfiltrating these cookies will no longer have any value.”

But these security advances are not always smooth running—and another such update, Chrome’s foray into post-quantum cryptography (PQC), seems to have hit a teething issue.

Put at its simplest, PQC aims to protect today’s data from tomorrow’s more advanced threats—the theory being that while today’s defenses are largely good enough, new quantum computing advances will likely break the best cryptography available today.

And while Google points out that “it’s believed that quantum computers that can break modern classical cryptography won’t arrive for 5, 10, possibly even 50 years from now,” the issue is the threat from “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later, in which data is collected and stored today and later decrypted once cryptanalysis improves.”

Google says that “the sooner we can update TLS to use quantum-resistant session keys, the sooner we can protect user network traffic against future quantum cryptanalysis,” and that “we are updating technical standards, testing and deploying new quantum-resistant algorithms, and working with the broader ecosystem to help ensure this effort is a success.”

But as Bleeping Computer reported over the weekend, “some ​Google Chrome users report having issues connecting to websites, servers, and firewalls after Chrome 124 was released last week with the new quantum-resistant X25519Kyber768 encapsulation mechanism enabled by default... The issue also affects security appliances, firewalls, networking middleware, and various network devices from multiple vendors (e.g., Fortinet, SonicWall, Palo Alto Networks, AWS).”

For now, “affected Google Chrome users can mitigate the issue by going to chrome://flags/#enable-tls13-kyber and disabling the TLS 1.3 hybridized Kyber support in Chrome,” but the option to disable PQC defenses will be removed once the technology is considered stable.

PQC hit the headlines earlier this year, with Apple’s announcement that it was updating iMessage to protect against the same threat. And while Apple presented this as a competitive advantage for iMessage over alternatives, the reality is that such technology is likely to become much more standard over the next few years.

But such tech is still fairly deep inside the rabbit hole, and you can expect many more unexpected issues as wider rollouts begin.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Will Messi play at Gillette Stadium? New England hosts Inter Miami: Here’s the latest

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are making the trip to New England, but will they play in Saturday night’s soccer match against the Revolution? 

Lingering concerns about the field surface at Gillette Stadium have raised doubt about whether they will play. Messi, who played on turf at Charlotte last year, appears more likely. Suárez, who has chronic knee issues, could be another story. 

Messi is second in MLS with seven goals scored, while Suarez is tied for third with three other players who have scored six goals. Inter Miami also enters the New England match ranked first in the MLS Eastern Conference and needing to accumulate as many points as possible before Messi departs for Copa America 2024 with Argentina this summer. 

“The players are all available. They are all able to travel. And, well, then we will see the formation to face New England,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said Friday without revealing his lineup. 

“We have already played in Charlotte, which was artificial, last year," he continued, adding it wasn’t a problem then for the club and its players. 

At least 64,000 fans are expected in attendance Saturday , which will likely set a team record for the Revolution, and potentially be one of the top three most attended soccer matches in Gillette Stadium’s 23-year history. 

How to watch New England vs. Inter Miami live stream 

Inter Miami faces the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday night. The game will be streamed via  MLS Season Pass on Apple TV . 

WATCH :  Messi and Inter Miami at New England on Apple TV

TICKETS :  See Messi and Inter Miami take on the New England Revolution at Gillete Stadium in Foxboro, Mass.

SHOP :  Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami gear from the MLS Store

More on New England’s playing surface before Inter Miami game 

The soccer playing surface at Gillette Stadium is the same field used by the New England Patriots for NFL games and similar to the turf Messi played on in Charlotte, a Revolution team spokesman told USA TODAY Sports earlier this week. 

"Same high-quality surface you’ll find at stadiums like Portland, Seattle, Charlotte – where Messi did play 90 minutes on the same type of surface," the spokesman said.

“All of my lower leagues, I’ve always played on turf,”  Messi said last August . “That was a long time ago, and it’s been a long time since I played on synthetic turf. But I have no problem adapting to turf again.”

Inter Miami is relatively healthy for New England match 

Messi’s Barcelona sidekick Jordi Alba will miss his second straight game due to a right hamstring injury. Midfielder Diego Gomez will miss the next six weeks with an ankle sprain. And midfielder Federico Redondo is still a month away from returning from a knee injury. Otherwise, Inter Miami is healthier than it’s been in a while. 

Messi will play in his fifth consecutive game since returning from a hamstring injury that kept him out March 13-April 6. Midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi also returned to the lineup to play sparingly in the last two games after sports hernia surgery. His presence, along with newly signed midfielder Matias Rojas, should help in Gomez’s absence. Strikers Leo Campana and Robert Taylor could return from hamstring injuries to play New England.

Asked how he feels about his team with some players returning from injury, Martino joked: "I’d like to start the 'ConcaChampions' tournament again."

Inter Miami was eliminated by Monterrey, which lost 2-1 to MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew earlier this week in the first of two matches in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal. 

Inter Miami upcoming schedule 

Here are the next five Inter Miami matches after visiting New England:

∎May 4: Inter Miami vs.  New York Red Bulls , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 11: Inter Miami at  CF Montreal , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 15: Inter Miami at  Orlando City , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 18: Inter Miami vs.  DC United , 7:30 p.m. ET

∎May 25: Inter Miami at  Vancouver , 10:30 p.m. ET