Hot Safari

This design choice by developer Pragmatic Play was forward-thinking for its time. Rather than tucking multipliers away in a seldom-seen bonus round, they are placed front and center, defining the core loop. The potential for a Super Wild Bonus to add five wilds to the grid, combined with a 10x multiplier, creates moments of high-stakes drama. It is this blend of consistent low-volatility action with the potential for sudden, significant payouts that has cemented the Hot Safari game as an enduring title in the world of online slots.

How Does the Unique 6th Multiplier Reel Work?

The 6th multiplier reel is the defining element of the Hot Safari slot, applying a random multiplier value from 1x to 10x to the total win of any spin. This feature is always active, operating on both the base game and during the free spins round.

Unlike bonus features that require a specific trigger, this reel spins alongside the main five reels automatically. If a spin results in one or more winning paylines, the multiplier shown on the 6th reel is applied to the combined payout. This mechanic ensures that even modest wins from lower-value symbols can be substantially increased. A combination that would typically pay a small amount can become a significant reward if the 6th reel lands on a 5x, 7x, or even the maximum 10x multiplier. This constant potential for enhancement makes every spin engaging.

Understanding the Symbols and Payouts

The paytable in the Hot Safari game is a vibrant showcase of African wildlife, divided into high-paying animal symbols and traditional card ranks. Payouts are awarded for combinations of three to five matching symbols on any of the 25 fixed paylines, reading from left to right.

The Kings of the Savannah: High-Paying Symbols

The most valuable symbols are the majestic animals that roam the plains. The Elephant commands the highest value, followed by the Rhino, Zebra, Gazelle, and Meerkat. These symbols are responsible for the most significant base game payouts, especially when enhanced by a high value from the Multiplier Reel. For example, a five-of-a-kind Elephant win combined with a 10x multiplier results in a substantial payout.

Wild and Scatter Symbols Explained

The Lion serves as the Wild symbol, substituting for all other symbols except the Scatter to help form winning combinations. Its power is amplified when it lands on the middle row of a reel, as it expands to cover all three positions, creating a full wild reel. This greatly increases the chances of hitting multiple payline wins simultaneously.

The Baboon acts as the Scatter symbol. Unlike other symbols, it does not need to land on a payline. Hitting three or more Scatters anywhere on the screen triggers the Free Spins feature, awarding 10 initial spins. It also offers a payout of 1x the total bet when it appears.

What Are the Special Bonus Rounds in Hot Safari?

The game offers two primary bonus rounds: a re-triggerable Free Spins feature and the high-potential Super Wild Bonus. Both are integrated with the core mechanics of the Multiplier Reel and Expanding Wilds to create dynamic winning opportunities.

“Many slots have multiplier features, but Hot Safari's dedicated 6th reel is different. It's always active, turning even the smallest base game wins into meaningful payouts. Don't underestimate its impact on your session's pacing and bankroll.”

— Vlad Hvalov

The Unlimited Free Spins Feature

Landing three or more Baboon Scatter symbols anywhere in view activates the Free Spins round, starting you with 10 spins. During this feature, the gameplay remains similar to the base game, with the crucial 6th Multiplier Reel still active on every spin. The key advantage here is the ability to re-trigger the feature without limits. Landing another set of three or more Scatters during the round adds another 10 free spins to your remaining total, opening the door for extended play and accumulated wins.

Unlocking the Super Wild Bonus

The Super Wild Bonus is triggered when the “Super Wild” symbol appears on the sixth reel. This instantly adds one Lion Wild symbol to a random position on each of the five main reels. This injection of five wilds across the grid creates a high probability of forming numerous winning combinations. Furthermore, if any of these randomly placed wilds land on the center row, they will expand to fill their entire reel. This bonus can be triggered during both the base game and the Free Spins round, and its impact is magnified when a high multiplier is also present on the 6th reel.

“The Super Wild Bonus is the game's hidden gem. While the Free Spins are more frequent, this feature is where the massive win potential truly lies. A high multiplier on the 6th reel combined with five randomly placed wilds can lead to screen-filling wins unexpectedly.”

— Vlad Hvalov

Gameplay and Technical Specifications

The Hot Safari slot demo provides a clear and user-friendly interface typical of Pragmatic Play titles. All controls are located at the bottom of the screen, allowing for easy adjustment of bet sizes and access to the paytable and game rules. The low volatility ensures a steady stream of smaller wins, making it accessible for players of all experience levels.

Navigating the Bets and Interface

Setting your wager is straightforward. You can adjust the total bet directly, with options ranging from a minimum of $0.25 to a maximum of $200.00 per spin. The game also features an autoplay function, allowing you to set a predetermined number of spins to run automatically. The information button provides a comprehensive breakdown of the paytable, feature rules, and payline configurations.

Hot Safari Volatility and RTP Analysis

Hot Safari is classified as a low volatility slot. This means that wins tend to occur frequently but are generally smaller in size. This gameplay style is well-suited for players who prefer longer sessions and want to see consistent action on the reels. The presence of the Multiplier Reel adds a layer of excitement, as it can turn these frequent, small wins into more substantial payouts.

The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) is 96.17%, which is a solid figure that aligns with the industry standard. This percentage represents the average amount of wagered money that is returned to players over a long period of play.

Safari Secrets: Uncovering Hidden Details

Beyond the main features, a few details make the Hot Safari free play experience distinct.

1. The 100,000x Win Condition: The advertised top award is not a progressive jackpot but the result of a specific, perfect alignment. To achieve it, a player must land five Lion Wild symbols across the middle row on a single payline while simultaneously landing the 10x multiplier on the 6th reel. This combination pays out 100,000 times the bet per line.
2. An Early Blueprint: Released in 2016, Hot Safari was one of the titles where Pragmatic Play honed its signature style of incorporating reel modifiers and multi-layered bonus features. Its mechanics can be seen as a foundation for more complex games that followed in the provider's portfolio.
3. Anticipation Through Sound: The audio design is more than just background music. Pay close attention when the reels spin; the sound subtly builds in intensity when the 6th reel lands on a high multiplier, creating a moment of suspense before the main reel outcomes are even revealed.

Comparative Analysis: Hot Safari vs. Other Titles

To understand Hot Safari's place in the broader market of online slots, it's useful to compare it with other games that share similar themes or mechanics. The world of safari themed slots is vast, offering different approaches to the genre.

A good point of comparison is the Buffalo King Untamed Megaways game, another title from Pragmatic Play. The key difference lies in the mathematical model. Buffalo King uses the high-volatility Megaways engine, offering a fluctuating number of ways to win and a focus on massive, infrequent payouts during its bonus round. In contrast, Hot Safari's low volatility and persistent Multiplier Reel provide a more stable and predictable gameplay rhythm. Hot Safari is about enhancing frequent wins, while Buffalo King is about the thrilling chase for a single, life-changing bonus feature.

Another interesting comparison is the Le King slot demo by Hacksaw Gaming. While also featuring an animal theme, Le King adopts a completely different, cartoonish art style and focuses on cluster pays mechanics. Its bonus features are built around symbol collection and upgrades. This highlights how two games within the same broad theme can offer vastly different experiences. Hot Safari provides a classic payline structure with a unique multiplier twist, whereas Le King offers a modern, grid-slot experience.

Is the Hot Safari Game Worth Playing?

Hot Safari remains a compelling and enjoyable slot, particularly for a specific type of player. Its low volatility, combined with the ever-present excitement of the 6th Multiplier Reel, makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer longer gaming sessions with consistent engagement. The mechanics are easy to understand, yet the Super Wild Bonus and unlimited free spins provide sufficient depth and high-win potential to keep things interesting.

While its 2016 graphics may not be as cutting-edge as the latest releases, the design is clean, and the core gameplay loop is exceptionally solid. The constant possibility of a 10x multiplier turning a standard spin into a major event is a powerful hook. I would recommend the Hot Safari slot demo to anyone looking for a balanced and entertaining game that delivers frequent action with the thrilling potential for significant, multiplier-driven payouts.