It’s a truly unforgettable experience to get right up close to wildlife. And that’s only part of what makes an African safari such a must-do holiday. You’ll also stay in some breathtaking accommodation and have the chance to feel fully immersed in local culture. Here are five great options for making a booking today.
Sikeleli Africa Safaris
Want to stroll along the beaches of Mozambique or follow the magnificent wildebeest migration across the Masai Mara plains? Sikeleli Africa Safaris is a family-run business that specialises in individually-tailored luxury travel, with a team of Africa experts who can help you personalise and plan your adventure.
The company offers a number of suggested itineraries to help you create your dream safari experience in Southern and East Africa. For example, those who love being behind the camera will enjoy the Photography & Film Making Safari. Natural history photographer Trai Anfield will help you capture the beauty of the African landscape and wildlife. Or, if you have little ones in tow, there are family safari options with malaria-free game drive reserves and special camps with menus and activities designed for kids. Other choices include thrill-seeker and horseback safaris, and luxury and romantic experiences, from tented suites to candlelight dinners under the stars.
Scott Dunn
Whether you’re a family wanting to see your children’s excitement at witnessing their first elephant in the wild, or adventurers keen for a back-to-basics experience, the team at Scott Dunn is well-equipped to help you plan an unforgettable safari holiday. If you’re planning on travelling with older kids, head to East Africa, to Kenya’s Masai Mara, where you’ll be amazed by the numbers of animals living in the vast plains. Or, take a trip to Northern Kenya and walk with camels, sleep under the stars, visit local villages and schools, and even hand-feed a baby rhino!
One spot to stay at Masai Mara is Mara House. The three-bedroom property is located in the Mara North Conservancy and is a wonderful option for families. The stay comes with a butler, chef, guide and private game vehicle to take you to visit local villages and on daily game drives. Whatever takes tour fancy, the Scott Dunn team is passionate about Africa and its endless array of experiences, and can sort out your ideal itinerary.
Time + Tide
With properties in Zambia and Madagascar, Time + Tide is a luxury safari company that works closely with the local community to protect and share the land’s natural beauty. One of their popular locations is Time + Tide Chongwe House, located in Zambia on the Lower Zambezi. Facing the river and mountains, the two-storey four-bedroom house is available for bookings from mid April to mid November each year. Its interior is laid-back and relaxed, with river pebble accents and furniture made out of winterthorn trees. Guests can enjoy dipping in the pool or lounging by the deck, while watching resident elephants wading across the river. There are also many activities to look forward to, from day or night game drives and walking safaris to boat cruises and fishing.
Psst … Stay for five nights or more at Time + Tide Chongwe (Time + Tide Classic Zambezi Itinerary), and you’ll earn a complimentary night’s stay.
Wilderness Safaris
Wilderness Safaris plays a role in protecting nearly 2.5 million hectares of exclusive wilderness areas through its 35 luxury camps across six African countries. The company’s aim is to help biodiversity conservation and empower the local community. If you’ve got little ones in your group, there are a number of family-friendly camps with spacious family rooms and an exciting Bush Buddy programme to keep kids busy. Menus are inspired by the talents of local cooks, who focus on using quality local ingredients to create delicious and flavourful meals. Activities-wise, you won’t be disappointed with everything from game drives and water activities to scenic flights and bush dinners on the menu. Choose to explore as a group or arrange for a private tour for greater flexibility.
New Wilderness Safaris properties to look out for include Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park, which opens in May 2019, and King’s Pool and Jao Camps in Botswana that will reopen in June after renovations. Serra Cafema in Namibia also recently opened after a revamp.
C4 Photo Safaris
Enjoy snapping shots of animals and birds? You’ll love the safari offerings at C4 Photo Safaris. With a focus on destinations in southern and eastern Africa, this safari-company-meets-wildlife-photographer team organises photo tours to stunning destinations such as Maasai Mara, Serengeti and South Luangwa. Areas with rich wildlife are chosen for these trips, with the aim of allowing travellers to witness the best sightings possible.
If you’re hoping to spruce up your photography skills and techniques, you should opt for one of C4’s photo workshop trips. Each trip has a maximum of ten travellers, with 10 experienced photographers to offer tips and guidance. A popular destination during the winter months is Mashatu in Botswana, where you’ll be able to enjoy predator and bird photography experiences. Alternatively, choose to go on one of the custom photo safaris, which allow you to pick your preferred route, schedule and accommodation. On these personalised trips, you’ll have the opportunity to be tutored by one of the company’s professional photo guides.
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