Best Destinations for Family Safari

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  Okavango Delta

  Welcome to the Okavango Delta

  The Okavango Delta is the crown jewel of the country and every Botswana safari should include some time here. It is a massive fan-shaped wetland which provides its inhabitants with one of the most pristine habitats on the planet. The Okavango River system which feeds it begins its journey in the highlands of Angola before it is swallowed up by the sands of the Kalahari. The area generally experiences two flood periods – the early floods (January-March) and the main floods (April-June). The first is caused by local rainfall and the second is brought on when the floodwaters arrive from Angola.

  The scale and magnificence of the Delta helped it to secure a position as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Although not a reserve as such, the wetland is surrounded by massive private concessions which are each home to very few camps indeed. Because of the nature of the terrain the area is accessed almost exclusively by fly-in safaris. This all equates to one of the most private and exclusive safari experiences available in Africa today.

  Through our experience, we have found that it is very important to carefully select which areas you visit here. In general, the more water there is within an area, the less big game there will be. These wet areas are incredibly beautiful and will give you a taste of the classic Okavango but they must be combined with a drier area elsewhere in the Delta or even in the Linyanti region for an injection of big game.

  We especially love the area around the northern side of the Delta (Duba, Vumbura, Kwara, Shinde) because the concessions here allow for a perfect combination of wet and dry activities (approx 30/70% mix). This also equates to an exceptionally diverse habitat which plays host to an incredible array of species. Further east, the Khwai concession still offers phenomenal game viewing with a much more affordable price tag due to the fact that it is not a private area. To the south-east the drier Chitabe/Sandibe concession offers possibly the richest big game viewing of all. Moving south and west, the concessions become more heavily inundated by the flood and the game viewing here becomes less reliable.

  The classic Okavango activity is a makoro safari. The locals have for centuries used these traditional dug-out canoes to travel around the Delta and they will allow you to slide quietly through the lilies in search of some of the smaller creatures which inhabit the area. You should definitely try at least one whilst you are there! The walking safaris here also tend to focus on the finer details of the ecosystem whilst game drives will allow you to cover more ground and see more big game. Finally, boating safaris will allow you to get around and explore more of the pristine waterways and channels in the shortest time possible.

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  Linyanti

  Welcome to The Linyanti Reserve

  This massive region lies just north of the Okavango Delta and consists of 3 enormous private concessions – the Kwando, Selinda and Linyanti concession itself. The area is famous for the massive herds of elephants and buffalo which roam through here on their path between Botswana and Namibia. The concentration of predators is also exceptionally high and interactions between lions, leopards and hyenas are fairly commonplace. Perhaps the most special sighting to be had here though is that of the African Wild Dog. As this is Africa’s second most endangered carnivore, many people come here in search of this species alone.

  We truly believe that this area competes with the Okavango Delta in terms of game viewing and at some times of the year even surpasses it! It is a place which has really captured our hearts. Few of the camps here are affordable but the high price tag will reward you with one of Africa’s most exciting and exclusive safaris. The one downside to the Linyanti is that it is dominated by mopane woodlands. In the wet season, these low bushes flush with fresh green leaves and this can make visibility a little more challenging from January to April.

  The first concession to mention is Kwando, which is the largest in the area, measuring an impressive 550,000 acres. Only two camps share this enormous tract of land – Lagoon and Lebala, both operated by Kwando Safaris. These camps are certainly very comfortable but this company focusses on the safari experience itself above luxury. There is very little in it but we slightly prefer the style of Lebala, whilst Lagoon offers more varied activities.

  Next is the Selinda concession, coming in at 320,000 acres. It is home to three main camps owned and operated by Derek and Beverly Joubert – world renowned National Geographic filmmakers. Under the Great Plains Conservation banner you will find Selinda Explorers (one of the most authentic camps around), Selinda Camp (a more classic style of safari) and Zarafa (which easily competes for the best camp in Botswana). Much further south Motswiri offers a great value for this area, where horse riders and more adventurous guests will feel right at home.

  The Linyanti concession itself is operated by Wilderness Safaris, who have built a great reputation for themselves as one of Botswana’s leading safari companies. Kings Pool sits at the throne as the most luxurious premier camp, whilst Duma Tau and Savute camp are set at a more classic level. We love DumaTau in particular for its modern and dynamic design. There is just a very special atmosphere to be experienced here.

  It is also worth mentioning an area which is actually part of the Chobe Forest Reserve but lies on the Linyanti River and has been partitioned off for the exclusive use of African Bush Camps. The Linyanti Bush and Ebony Camps here can also offer fantastic game viewing in the dry season and come in at a much lower price than the other camps in this area.

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  Chobe

  Welcome to Chobe National Park

  Ranking as the second largest park in Botswana, Chobe National Park is also one of the most famous. The elephant population here is the largest in all of Africa with approximately 50,000 elephants in the park at any one time. Their numbers are staggering and awe-inspiring, especially when seen concentrated on the banks of the Chobe River. Some very rare antelope also call this place home, including Sable, Roan and Puku. The boating safaris here are some of the best in Africa and offer a great chance to see hundreds of hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife from a very different perspective. The park is very easy to access with flights directly into Kasane and Victoria Falls/Livingstone are only an hour’s drive away.

  Unfortunately, because of this accessibility, the park is exposed to very high levels of self-drive and overland safari traffic. The worst of this traffic is usually focussed around the busy Kasane area. There are two notable exceptions which are worth considering here though. The first is Chobe Chilwero, which is the most luxurious lodge in the area and offers fantastic low season rates. The second is Chobe Game Lodge, which is the only lodge to be situated inside the park itself and enjoys a quieter riverfront location. However, if your budget is sufficient we would always recommend that you focus on the private concessions for which Botswana has become so famous.

  If budget is a concern, then two or three nights in Chobe can certainly help to bulk up your itinerary. In this case we would recommend staying further west in the Chobe Forest Reserve, either at Ngoma, Muchenje or Chobe Elephant Camp. These properties still offer access to the national park itself but, because they are situated outside, they are also able to offer night drives and walking safaris in addition to the usual game drives. You then have the added benefit of steering clear of the Kasane traffic.

  Further south-west, away from the Chobe River we come to an area known as Savute. This area has long been known for offering some phenomenal game viewing, fuelled by the rich Savute Marsh. This is the land of the elephant-hunting lions and a host of other predators including leopard and hyena. The wildlife interactions here can be incredible but unfortunately there is also a lack of diverse activities (game drives only) combined with no off-road driving and relatively high vehicle traffic to contend with.

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  Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

  Welcome to The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

  Within the Kalahari ecosystem lies a series of expansive salt flats protected predominantly by the Makgadigadi Pan and Nxai Pan National Parks. This area is exceptionally dry and arid, so game is usually sparse and difficult to find in the dry season (May – November). At this time of the year it is the smaller things which will fascinate you. Meerkats, aardwolfs, brown hyenas and aardvarks take centre stage whilst walking with the San Bushmen give you a real cultural injection. Some parts of this area are dotted with grass islands and salt-resistant palm trees but there are also places here which are so barren you may feel as though you have landed on the moon. In these parts there is an eerie silence. No insects chirp, there is no sound and if you look far enough you can even see the curvature of the earth.

  During the late rainy season (March-April) up to 25,000 zebras migrate into the pans from the Okavango Delta – a round trip of some 360 miles . This well-kept secret represents the second largest movement of zebras on the continent which are also followed closely by their predators. Whilst the numbers of game are undoubtedly greater in the wet season, there is an argument to say that the dry season is the best time to experience the real essence of the pans.

  The three most luxurious offerings in this area are operated by Uncharted Africa in a private concession to the east of the national park. Owner Ralph Bousfeld is one of Africa’s most renowned private guides and he personally ensures that his guides receive exceptional training. His father was a pioneer of safaris in Botswana and the flagship Jack’s Camp is named in his honour but we personally prefer the equally luxurious San Camp for its more light and airy feel. The comparatively simple Camp Kalahari offers a more affordable way to experience the unique activities on offer here.

  The Boteti River forms the western boundary of the park and draws wildlife in from miles around. It is at its best from June – November when the river becomes a series of pools and animals are forced to concentrate around it. There are two options for exploring this area. Meno A Kwena is another adventurous camp with a decidedly quirky flair and is run by another old safari hand, David Dugmore. Leroo La Tau is a more luxurious lodge with a beautiful situation on the Boteti.

  To the north, Nxai Pan National Park is a somewhat more subtle safari experience as the salt pans in this area are not quite as stark or expansive as Makgadigadi. The only camp here is operated by Kwando Safaris and can make for a great combination with the Delta or Kwando camps in the green season.

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  Mashatu Game Reserve

  Welcome to Mashatu Game Reserve

  Located in the remote far eastern corner of Botswana where the Limpopo and Shashe rivers meet, Mashatu Game Reserve lies in a vast landscape of open plains, grassland, riverine forests, rocky hills, marshland and majestic sandstone ridges. The reserve comprises 29,000 hectares (72,000 acres) of privately owned land in the conserved wilderness area known as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve and is where Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa meet.

  Mashatu, translated as "Land of Giants”, takes its name from the locally-sacrosanct Mashatu or Nyala berry tree (Xanthrocercis Zambesiaca). These magnificent dark green trees, which are found along the rivers in the reserve, provide refuge, shade and food to a vast array of wildlife. Mashatu, which is one of the largest privately owned game reserves in southern Africa, is home to one of the largest herds of elephant on the continent and provides excellent sitings of Africa's big seven giants including the giraffe, eland, ostrich, the kori bustard, the iconic baobab tree and the king of beasts: the lion.

  Mashatu enjoys an ecological biodiversity uncommon in other game reserves due to the diversity of the landscapes. Three members of the Big Five : leopard, lion and elephant are complimented by some lesser well-known, species, including the aardwolf (or “earth wolf”), the bat-eared fox, the African wildcat, the honey badger, the spotted hyena and the black-backed jackal. Mashatu is also home to more than 350 bird species, ensuring it is an alluring spot for those interested in bird life and bird photography.

  Travel to Mashatu Game Reserve

  • Daily flights from Johannesburg to Polokwane followed by a 2-hour road transfer to Pont Drift Border Post
  • A 6-hour drive from Johannesburg to the Pont Drift border post
  • A 7-hour drive from Gaborone in Botswana through the western boundary of the reserve
  • Direct flight from Johannesburg to Limpopo Valley Airfield on Mashatu on Thursdays and Sundays

  Best time to visit Mashatu Game Reserve

  • The dry season in Botswana is between May and October when you can expect warm sunny days and chilly night. Water levels in the Okavango Delta are also at their highest at this time creating perfect waterways.
  • November to April is slightly wetter but a great time to visit to see the beautiful green foliage. Animals also give birth to their young at this time.

  Best Lodges at Mashatu Game Reserve

  There are two camps at Mashatu Game Reserve - Mashatu Lodge (Main Camp) and Mashatu Tented Camp

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  Akagera National Park

  Welcome to Akagera National Park

  Akagera National Park is located in the northeast of Rwanda , around a 2.5-3 hour drive from Kigali, along the border with Tanzania and named after the river that flows along the eastern boundary. Since 2010, a joint venture with the African Parks organisation has seen Akagera start to return to its former glories and in our opinion is emphatically worth visiting for at least 2 or 3 nights!

  Although it would be a mistake to compare the wildlife viewing at Akagera to nearby Kenya and Tanzania, there are plenty of animals to see and a variety of activities. The largest attraction is certainly the fact that you are certainly off-the-beaten track and safari in Rwanda means this is one reserve where you can happily drive for hours without seeing another vehicle. Akagera is without doubt also one of the most scenic African reserves, with a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. It's forest-fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, rolling highlands and savannah plains combine to make Akagera an unmissable part of this beautiful country. 

  It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in central Africa. It houses a diversity of habitats in one park including lakes, marshes, savannah, mountains and woodland, which makes for spectacular scenery. Although founded in 1934, much of Akagera was re-allocated as farms and in 1997 the park was reduced in size from more than 2,500 sq km (nearly 10% of the surface area of Rwanda) to its current extent of 1,122 sq km.

  Akagera combines well with Nyungwe and Volcanoes to offer a great safari element to any trip and as it is home to many large plains game species, as well as species restricted to the Papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoebill. Akagera plays host to larger predators such as Leopard, Hyena, Side-Striped Jackal and Lion, which was re-introduced last year and we encourage you to read the story of Akagera's lions . Plans are underway for the reintroduction in 2017 of the Black Rhino too, and this will restore Akagera’s ‘Big 5’ status. 

  Other larger game include Elephant, Zebra, Topi, Buffalo, Waterbuck, Roan Antelope and Eland. Other antelope are Duiker, Impala, Oribi, Bohor Reedbuck, Klipspringer and Bushbuck. Primates include, Olive Baboons, Vervets and the secretive Blue Monkey are seen during the day, with Bushbabies often seen on night drives.

  Akagera is an important ornithological site with nearly 500 bird species due to its wide variety of habitats. The rare and elusive Shoebill shares the Papyrus with other rarities such as the exquisite Papyrus Gonolek and countless other water birds that inhabit the wetlands in large numbers.

  As a park under the guidance of African Parks Akagera has so much potential and by visiting you will be aiding in growing an important area of the country. We feel strongly about promoting the Rwanda safari industry and with camps like Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp and the new Magashi Camp (opening May 2019) these are a massive step forward in terms of offering a quality and authentic safari experience. 

  The guiding programme and park ranger development is superb in the park. There is a two-tier guiding system in the park with 10 park-employed guides and 15 community freelance guides. You will most likely have a park-employed guide who has guiding experience ranging from 2 to 12 years in Akagera National Park and has undertaken training in content, interpretive guiding and first aid in the past 2 years. Or, you can choose one of the Community Freelance Guides, who are enthusiastic and fast learners and have completed an in-house training and assessment programme. By choosing a freelance guide you are strengthening the relationship between the park and the local community, by stimulating economic development and allowing communities members living alongside the park to benefit from the tourism growth in Akagera. Both guides are dedicated to providing an authentic experience and support the success of the park and Rwanda safari as a whole. 

  Read more on the work of African Parks here - https://www.african-parks.org/

  Travel to Akagera National Park

  To reach Akagera National Park is around a 2-3 hour drive from the capital Kigali, which is a distance of just over 100kms. Leaving the capital Kigali after breakfast will mean you can reach Akagera in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive.

  Safari in Akagera National Park

  Safari in Akagera National Park is traditionally split into morning and afternoon activities. Most people will stay for a minimum of 2 nights, although 3 or 4 nights is the optimum time to spend at Akagera. This will allow you to have a couple of game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, a boat safari out on Lake Ihema and if time allows a guided walking safari or birding. In special circumstances, a 'behind the scenes' look at how African Parks run the park can be arranged, speaking to their rangers and staff who do a fantastic job of running Akagera.

  Best time to visit Akagera National Park

  • The dry season of June-October is best to visit with wildlife viewing in mind.
  • It's best to avoid the rainy season of April and May.

  Akagera National Park information

  Dominated by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering Akagera River, Akagera National Park (1,075 km²) is archetypal African savannah; tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland but above all, Akagera is big game country!

  Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes; lucky visitors might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena, and now even lion and rhino. Giraffe and zebra are frequent on the savannah and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park, most commonly the handsome chestnut-coated impala and the world's largest antelope, the statuesque Cape Eland. Alongside the picturesque lakes, pods of 50+ hippopotami grunt and splutter throughout the day, while outsized crocodiles soak up the sun with their vast jaws menacingly agape. And lining the lakes; some of the continent’s densest concentrations of water birds, amongst the parks over 500 recorded species.

  Although it is no match for the ‘big’ parks of Tanzania and Kenya in terms of wildlife numbers, Akagera far more than makes up for this with her outstanding scenic and natural beauty. In addition to having relatively no traffic, thus really off the beaten track, no other park has these many lakes and waterways and with the beautiful Rwandan hills in the background. Akagera is a spectacular park!

  The eastern side of the park is dominated by lakes and papyrus swamp, alongside the Akagera River which is roughly the border between Rwanda and Tanzania. This wetland is the largest protected wetland in central Africa. More accessible in the south, this environment is obviously very good for birding, as well as hippo and crocodile viewing and sitatunga also live in this papyrus environment.

  The west is made up of hills and mountain ranges with stunning views to the lakes in the east.

  The south is unique for its patches of dry forest thickets alongside the largest lake in the park, Lake Ihema. The south can be a high game area at certain times of the year, with herds of buffalo, zebra and giraffe often seen here. It was once a savannah grassland and formed part of the central valley, however, overgrazing in this area has caused the growth of an invasive species which has taken over large parts of the savannah. Most of the central valley is now outside the park, so it is in the habitat management plan to remove significant areas of this invasive plant and hopefully restore this area to its former glory and attract more animals back to the area.

  Towards the middle of the park is Mutumba, another special area. This is the highest part of the park and is made up of mainly high rolling grassy hills with stunning views. This area also has a lot of game. This is where you are likely to see eland and roan antelope - of which there are only 30+ in the park. In the north is Kilala, an expanse of savannah grassland, which never fails to have game grazing on the plain. Herds of buffalo, topi and zebra are always seen here.

  Akagera National Park weather

  • During the dry months of June-October temperatures range from 25-30 degrees Celsius, with these temperatures changing very little throughout the year.
  • Rainfalls and showers are possible throughout the year, however, heavier downpours are to be expected in the long rainy season of April and May.

  Best Accommodation in Akagera National Park

  Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Karenge Bush Camp are our favourite options which help support the park directly, being run by African Parks. With Magashi Camp opening in May 2019, this will be a fantastic high-end option for those who prefer more creature comforts, whilst still keeping that 'bush camp' feel.

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  Lake Kivu

  Welcome to Lake Kivu

  Lake Kivu is an incredible place to visit and a stunningly beautiful lake. Running for almost 100kms along the Congolese border, Kivu takes its place among the 20 deepest and 20 most voluminous freshwater bodies in the world. With no hippos or crocodiles and crystal clear, clean water, it is also one of the safest lakes in Africa. Rubavu (also known as Gisenyi) is a waterfront town located on the shores of Lake Kivu and at only an hour away from Volcanoes National Park , Rubavu is a great place to unwind after Gorilla Trekking adventures. Here you can sit on the beach, watch fishing boats plying the water, find interesting villages to explore, as well as see amazing birdlife set amongst true peace and tranquillity.

  Rubavu marks the beginning of the Congo Nile Trail, which extends 227 km to Rusizi in the south-west and it's capital Cyangugu. Along the route, there are plenty of biking and hiking trails too for those who crave more adventure. Rubavu is also known for its agro-tourism experiences, with many tea and coffee plantations nearby.

  Near to Rubavu, you can see how coffee is grown and brewed into a delicious cup of famous Rwandan coffee. Further down Lake Kivu and not far from Karongi (Kibuye), which is around half way between Rubavu and Cyangugu, is Rwanda’s own ‘Bay of Islands’ where many uninhabited islands are covered with natural woodland and even a remarkable colony of bats. 

  The best way to explore the area is by kayak and guided one / two day tours from both Rubavu (Gisenyi) and Karongi (Kibuye) are possible, as well as a fantastic four-day kayak journey between these lakeshore towns.

  In terms of accommodation in the area, our top picks are Lake Kivu Serena at Rubavu (Gisenyi), Paradis Malahide (close to Rubavu) and further down the lake - Cormoran Lodge at Karongi (Kibuye). Most people will either spend 1 or 2 nights relaxing pre or post Gorilla Trekking at Lake Kivu Serena or Paradis Malahide, or alternatively if travelling up from Nyungwe National Park , may stop for a night or two at Cormoran Lodge, before heading onto Rubavu (Gisenyi) - by road or kayak, and onto Volcanoes National Park from there. Many possibilities in this beautiful area!

  Travel to Lake Kivu

  When visiting Lake Kivu most people will either stay in the town of Gisenyi (Rubavu) which is around one hour from Volcanoes National Park, or the town of Kibuye (Karongi) which is at the 'mid-way' point of the lake if you are travelling up from Nyungwe National Park. Gisenyi is around a 3.5-hour drive (approx. 160kms) from Kigali and Kibuye is around a 3-hour drive (around 140kms) from Kigali. Gisenyi and Kibuye are around 100kms apart, which is approximately a 2-hour drive along the shores of Lake Kivu.

  Lake Kivu Activities

  From Gisenyi, there are many activities on offer. There are various guided expeditions possible including trekking or driving on designated routes along the lake, guided nature walks on Rubavu Mountain and guided tours of the bustling town of Gisenyi, which borders Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Various boat trips are also possible including boat rides to Lake Kivu Islands and the coffee farms, a trip to 'Paradise Islands' - a 30-minute ride with a potential for sundowner cocktails, or a boat ride to Kibuye, which is a 3-hour ride by speedboat. There is also many single-day and multi-day privately guided kayak trips possible on the lake.

  Alternatively, the Amashuza Hot Springs are a 15-minute drive from Gisenyi. The minerals in these waters are known to contain medicinal values and a soak is thought to heal muscle disorders and numerous other ailments.

  Best time to visit Lake Kivu

  • During the dry months of June-October temperatures range from 25-30 degrees Celsius, with these temperatures changing very little throughout the year.
  • Rainfall and showers are possible throughout the year, however, heavier downpours are to be expected in the long rainy season of April and May.

  Lake Kivu information

  Together with her 7,000 km2 catchment area and multiple islands and surrounding hills, Lake Kivu is gorgeous. Lying in the Albertine (western) Rift and covering most of Rwanda’s western border with DR Congo, Lake Kivu, the largest water body is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and the 6th largest in Africa.

  You can swim, take boat rides, hire a kayak and visit the local islands or simply lie on the beach and be mesmerised. In the evenings at Gisenyi, visitors can awe at the red glow atop the nearby Nyiragongo volcano across the border in DR Congo. It is still active!

  It is 89 km's long and 48 km wide, the lake’s 480m maximum depth makes it the fifteenth deepest in the world! Lake Kivu empties into the Rusizi River which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika.

  It is also one of the world’s only 3 known exploding lakes; it’s not going to happen today though, so no need to worry. Further economic importance derives from the lake’s estimated 65 billion m3 of dissolved methane gas which is extracted to run boilers at the Bralirwa brewery in Gisenyi.

  Sitting on its shores, the resort towns of Cyangugu, Kibuye and Gisenyi are ideal rest and recreation transit points between the primate tracking destinations of Nyungwe Forest and the Volcanoes National Park.

  Best Accommodation at Lake Kivu

  Our top picks for accommodation in the area are Lake Kivu Serena at Rubavu (Gisenyi), Paradis Malahide (close to Rubavu) and further down the lake - Cormoran Lodge at Karongi (Kibuye). Most people will either spend 1 or 2 nights relaxing pre or post Gorilla Trekking at Lake Kivu Serena or Paradis Malahide, or alternatively if travelling up from Nyungwe National Park, may stop for a night or two at Cormoran Lodge, before heading onto Rubavu (Gisenyi) - by road or kayak, and onto Volcanoes National Park from there. Many possibilities in this beautiful area!

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  Northern Tanzania

  Welcome to the Northern Parks of Tanzania

  The Northern Parks of Tanzania truly are iconic. Such an amazingly diverse set of areas and parks in this region meaning not only top game viewing for you, but a wide range of experiences and stunning scenic variation. 

  The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park are must see areas. We would always recommend the greatest emphasis on the Serengeti, then, depending on the time of year, including the Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National into your Tanzania safari. 

  We not only like to get clients to experience the key areas in the Northern Parks, but also to include additional experiences here. Including - visiting local Maasai communities, potentially hiking at the Olmoti Volcano and its ancient Maasai trails, visiting the Empakaai Crater and its thousands of Flamingos, and maybe spending time in the the eastern park of the Serengeti - an area home to large amounts of Big Cats and only recently made accessible to tourists, and also of course hopefully seeing the famous wildebeest migration!

  In terms of length of time in this area, anything from 3-10 nights could be considered and there are various routings whether that be by road or flying between parks by light aircraft. We can discuss this with you depending on your preferences, budget and travel personality. 

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  Tarangire National Park

  Welcome to Tarangire

  The Tarangire National Park at the right time of year is a must visit on any Tanzania safari. One of the four parks in the Northern Circuit, the park has a much more dense vegetation than others in the area, with its large acacia woodlands and signature large baobab trees. 

  Tarangire is often either missed out of many people's safari or just visited for one night, taking in the northern part of the park, which is dominated by the Tarangire River. If you are able to visit for 2 or 3 nights then heading to the south of the park is recommended. The southern area gets far less visitors, and is home to large and vast 'swamps' & plains in dry season, and allows you to get out walking with your guide. 

  The Tarangire is part of a much larger ecosystem and from November to May the majority of wildlife does leave the park to head north, however during the dry season of June to October the park is in its prime and a must visit. Large herds of Elephant roam the park, along with zebra, wildebeest and big cats including lion, leopard and often cheetah in the south of the park. 

  We highly recommend the experience and top guiding at Olivers Camp and it's smaller sister camp Little Olivers Camp in the southern part of the Tarangire. Swala Camp and Kuro Camp also offer top quality accommodation in the south of the park, with Ndovu Camp and Tarangire river Camp great choices for those with less of a budget towards the northern part of the park.  

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  Lake Manyara

  Welcome to Lake Manyara

  Lake Manyara National Park, one of the four main national parks on the northern circuit, is only around 90 minutes from Arusha and just shy of an hour from the Ngorongoro Crater. Although a small national park, it is scenically beautiful and contains a great diversity of animals and habitats, including the lake itself which expands and contracts in size depending on season. Lake Manyara is home to good numbers of game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra. The escarpment and forest also make it a good home for leopards and there is a healthy lion population often know to climb the trees. However, for most visitors the large troops of baboons that inhabit the park will be the most obvious upon entering Manyara.

  Lake Manyara is well worth visiting as it is en route to the more well known northern parks of the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, however due to its close proximity to Arusha often there are many day visitors and the northern section of the park can be rather busy. Often visitors will only pop in an out of the park in a rather rushed visit, so really if you are going to visit Manyara it is best to commit to delving deeper into the park or stay overnight there to make the most of this pretty park.

  If you do choose to stay in the Manyara area then we highly recommend Chem Chem Lodge and its smaller sister camp Little Chem Chem, which are located in their very own private concession in the wildlife corridor between Manyara and the Tarangire National Park. Alternatively, also deep in the park the fantastic Manyara Tree Lodge is a fantastic spot from which to explore the heart of the park.

  On the whole we feel if you are going to visit Lake Manyara then you much commit to a couple of nights to fully appreciate its beauty, or alternatively accept that a short half-day visit en route to the parks further north, will not be the highlight of any trip, but still will give you a scenically different experience to what you will find elsewhere in the Northern Parks.

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  Ngorongoro Crater

  Welcome to Ngorongoro Crater and Highlands

  Part of the wider Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera. It is quite rightly a World Heritage Site and is stunningly beautiful and home to some of the largest densities of wildlife anywhere on the continent, including the Big Five.

  At over 600 metres deep and covering an area of around 100 square miles the Ngorongoro Crater is an imposing sight and the views from the Crater Rim are sensational. It is home to around 25,000 animals including Black Rhino, Buffalo and Hippo. Wildebeest and Zebra are also present, as are a good number of lion considering the size of the area. Lake Magadi in the south-western part of the Crater is often inhabited by flamingoes.

  The Ngorongoro Crater is a must visit in our opinion for any trip to the Northern Parks, however due to its 'enclosed' nature and relative close proximity to Arusha, it can often be busy with safari vehicles. With this in mind as a general rule the earlier in the day you can visit the Crater the better, departing before it gets too busy, often shortly after lunchtime. In terms of accommodation there is a variety to choose from and the main choice is whether to stay on the Crater rim itself or in and around the nearby town of Karatu and its surrounding plantations, a very pretty area. If you are staying on the Crater rim then the stand out options are Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and The Highlands. Around the nearby town of Karatu we highly recommend Gibbs Farm and Plantation Lodge, or for those on slightly less of a budget Tloma Lodge.

  When staying in this area we actively encourage people to not only visit the Crater, but to spend 2-3 nights here and make the most of this highlands area by visiting local communities, nearby plantations, walks in the highlands, hiking at the Olmoti Volcano and its ancient Maasai trails, or visiting the Empakaai Crater and its thousands of Flamingos. You can also visit Olduvai Gorge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, a location that has proven invaluable in furthering understanding of early human evolution.

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  Northern Serengeti

  Welcome to Northern Serengeti

  The Serengeti National Park is home to truly incredible scenery and magnificent wildlife including the largest lion population in Africa. Famed for it's annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra the Serengeti covers around 5,700 square miles consisting of vast grassland plains, savanna, woodland and riverine forest. The park borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve and together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas they form the larger Serengeti ecosystem. This really is one of the most spectacular and iconic African safari locations!

  Some of the game in the Serengeti resides permanently in certain areas, however many more migrate and with this is mind careful planning is needed when visiting the Serengeti to avoid busier areas and make the most of your experience. We have therefore to help with this planning split the Serengeti into three areas - the Central 'belt' including the Western Corridor and Eastern area, and then the Southern and Northern sections.

  This part of the Serengeti lies north of the Seronera area and stretches for around 60 miles up to the border with Kenya and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. As it is so far North this area receives relatively few visitors, with it being a very long drive from the central area, and thus flying into this region being the preferred method of arrival. Of course this adds expense, but for those willing to head to the North the reward is well worth it - prime migration viewing between July and October with, if you are lucky, the spectacular and famous river crossings over the Mara River. Outside of migration time this is still a fantastic area to get away from the crowds in the Seronera area and the nearby Maasai Mara, with some of the best camps around in the Serengeti.

  In the North we recommend Sayari Mara Camp, which is located here year round and it's sister mobile camps Olakira and Ubuntu. We also like the Lemala Kuria Hills and Lemala Mara Camps, along with the Serian Camps and for those on a lower budget - Kaskaz and Nasikia Mobile Migration Camp. So many great camps in this area! We will happily find the right one to suit your tastes. 

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  Central Serengeti

  Welcome to the Central Serengeti

  The Serengeti National Park is home to truly incredible scenery and magnificent wildlife including the largest lion population in Africa. Famed for it's annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra the Serengeti covers around 5,700 square miles consisting of vast grassland plains, savanna, woodland and riverine forest. The park borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve and together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas form the larger Serengeti ecosystem. This really is one of the most spectacular and iconic African safari locations!

  Some of the game in the Serengeti resides permanently in certain areas, however many more migrate and with this is mind careful planning is needed when visiting the Serengeti to avoid busier areas and make the most of your experience. We have therefore to help with this planning split the Serengeti into three areas - the Central 'belt' including the Western Corridor and Eastern area, and then the Southern and Northern sections.

  Directly north of the southern plains lies the Seronera area, the central part of the Serengeti National Park. This is a beautiful area with wide open plains as far as the eye can see, dotted with kopjes / small hills. It is a stunning area, full of resident game and an incredible high density of big cats who stay here due to being able to live off the resident and migrating plains game. 

  Whilst the area is scenically beautiful and has superb wildlife viewing the downside is it can be very busy. The migration does pass through the area in April/May and October/November time and often is a good base from which to explore if the migration is nearby whether that be North, South, East or West. However, we feel it is best to locate yourself away from this main Seronera area if possible due to the high density of camps, larger lodges and therefore number of vehicles. By staying slightly away from the main area you can still access the wildlife of the area, but with good guiding stay away from the crowds.

  The Central 'belt' of the Serengeti includes the Eastern and Western areas of the park. The Western Corridor stretches out all the way to Lake Victoria and is home to the migration in May/June time. The area is home to two rivers - the Mbalageti and Grumeti - where the migration will cross over the crocodile rich waters! A fantastic location to experience the migration at this time of year. 

  The Eastern area of the Serengeti is not often visited and actually was closed to tourists until just a few years ago. It had been closed off for 20 years to allow the grasslands to replenish and the cheetah population to grow. It is now home to good numbers of big cats and in an area that is breathtakingly beautiful makes for an experience that is up there with the very best! Here we highly recommend Namiri Plains Camp. 

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  Southern Serengeti

  Welcome to the Southern Serengeti

  The Serengeti National Park is home to truly incredible scenery and magnificent wildlife including the largest lion population in Africa. Famed for it's annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra the Serengeti covers around 5,700 square miles consisting of vast grassland plains, savanna, woodland and riverine forest. The park borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve and together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas they form the larger Serengeti ecosystem. This really is one of the most spectacular and iconic African safari locations! 

  Some of the game in the Serengeti resides permanently in certain areas, however many more migrate and with this is mind careful planning is needed when visiting the Serengeti to avoid busier areas and make the most of your experience.  We have therefore to help with this planning split the Serengeti into three areas - the Central 'belt' including the Western Corridor and Eastern area, and then the Southern and Northern sections.

  The Southern Serengeti consists of vast expanses of short grass plains and smaller kopjes and rocky outcrops. The area stretches south to the Ngorongoro conservation area and Maswa Game Reserve. This area truly thrives and comes to life from mid-November to April time when the migration makes its home here to calve. At this time of year staying in this area is a real must! 

  In the Southern Serengeti we recommend Dunia Camp, a resident in the area year-round and then Olakira and Ubuntu mobile camps, which make the area their home at this time. Nasikia Mobile Camp is a fantastic option for those on a slightly lower budget, but still looking for that intimate, authentic safari camping experience.

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  Selous Game Reserve

  Welcome to the Selous Game Reserve

  The Selous Game Reserve in the South of Tanzania and has much fewer visitors than the famous Northern Parks of the country - Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara and certainly far, far fewer visitors than places like the Kruger National Park in South Africa. This means fewer vehicles and fewer people and therefore more of a wild, remote and quieter experience, ideal for honeymooners and families. The main draw here is the magical and serene experience of motorboat safaris on the Rufiji River and floating along its labyrinth of channels, lakes and streams that wind through this massive expanse of plains and woodlands. Add to this the game drives, walking safaris and option of fly-camping the Selous is a real favourite of ours for people looking for a more relaxed and diverse Tanzania safari experience. 

  The Selous is the largest game reserve in the whole of Africa and in terms of wildlife during our recommended 3-5 nights you should see Wild Dog, a real drawcard for the Selous. You should also come across Buffalo, Hippo, Crocodile and Lion, along with Leopard, if you are lucky, and also see Elephant and Giraffe in large numbers, often down by the river's edge. Added to this much more smaller game and a wide range of birdlife. 

  We would point out that you will not see wildlife as frequently as you would experience in say the Northern Parks like the Serengeti or in the Kruger in South Africa. In our opinion though this is a bit of a trade-off for fewer people of course and again a real plus of the Selous is that not only will you do the traditional 4 x 4 vehicle safari with guide, but you will have the chance to go out on guided walking safari (what an experience to track wildlife on foot) and also go out on boating safaris on the river, getting up close and personal with hippo and crocodile - this really is quite something. In the Selous the way you structure your day is also different, you are not normally out all day, activities are in the morning, then back to the camp or lodge to relax, have a swim and lunch, and then out again on an activity mid-afternoon to view wildlife. So much more relaxed than being out all day in a vehicle - again much better for honeymooners and families in particular. 

  There are various accommodation options. Much like in the Ruaha we believe the majority of camps here are well run, authentic in the bush camps at varying degrees of luxury. The management and staff of all the camps we endorse have created ambient and warm welcoming atmospheres, so it is a matter of suiting your style, level of luxury and personal preferences to your budget. In the core game viewing area of the park, we have our personal favourite Roho Ya Selous, the luxurious Sands Rivers Camp and it's smaller private sister camp Kiba Point, along with the fantastic Siwandu Camp, sister to Jongomero in Ruaha and the superb value for money Selous Impala Camp and Lake Manze Camp. Away from the main game viewing area, but offering less traffic and additional activities, like fishing and swimming in hot springs, are Selous Serena Camp and its sister camp - Mivumo River Lodge, which again, as with the other camps we recommend are small, intimate and personal with great staff, superb food and bonus of swimming pools to cool off in during the heat of the day. 

  If you are having a safari in the Selous we do highly recommend you combine this with time in the wild and remote Ruaha and/or time relaxing on the Islands or Coast, which are both only a short flight (approx 1-1.5 hours) away. 

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  Zanzibar Island (Unguja)

  Welcome to Zanzibar

  Unguja is the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelago and the largest of the three islands, including Mafia and Pemba, often called 'The Spice Islands.' Home to around 1.3 million people the islands main industry are spices, raffia and tourism. Visiting the island will not only mean relaxing on its beautiful beaches, but also it is well worth visiting the spice plantations, the Jozani Forest (home to the endemic Red Colobus Monkey, one of Africa's rarest primates with only around 1,500 left), and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the capital Stone Town. 

  A Zanzibar holiday will mean beautiful beaches, white sand and palm trees. The sea is ideal for swimming when the tide is right and there are great reefs for snorkelling and diving, especially around the Mnemba Atoll in the North-East and Menai Bay area in the South-West. With so many hotels popping up on the island over the last 10-15 years, we only recommend accommodation we know deliver in terms of experience and service.

  In the North, traditionally busier with more resorts and larger hotels, you do need to be careful on where you pick and we only recommend Essque Zalu, Kilindi and then slightly further down the North-East coast Matemwe Lodge, Matemwe Retreat and Matemwe House, and of course the top island retreat of Mnemba. 

  On the Eastern coast, which is full of long beaches, much more relaxed, and home to many water-sports, we recommend Breezes, Baraza, Palms, Zawadi, Pongwe and Zanzibar White Sands.

  Then further south, in the South-West area, which is much more remote, with smaller beaches and coves, and with a laid-back feel, we recommend The Residence.

  When on Zanzibar we do feel a night or two in Stone Town is well worth considering. With its rich culture, a mixture of African and Arabic, its narrow alleys, colourful and varied shops, fascinating spice and slaving history and vibrant atmosphere, it would be a shame to miss out on visiting the capital. We recommend Zanzibar Serena Inn and Zanzibar Palace here.

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  Pemba Island

  Welcome to Pemba Island

  Lying around 50kms north of Unguja and 50kms east of mainland Tanzania with a population of around 400,000 Pemba is a real gem of an island for those looking to get away from the crowds. For us visiting Pemba is really about giving yourself the chance to immerse yourself in island life. 

  The majority of Pemba is dominated by small-scale farming as the island is more fertile and hillier than Unguja. It is well known for its clove trees, with this being one of Zanzibar's largest exports, and the island is home to around 3.5 million clove trees. Locals also grow rice, bananas, cassava and much more on the island. Pemba is also home to some of the very best diving anywhere with untouched coral and abundant marine life. This is a major draw for visitors, along with those interested in game fishing and pure relaxation away from larger tourist areas. 

  On Pemba Island, we recommend the fun and exciting Manta Resort , or the Robinson Crusoe feel of Fundu Lagoon .

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  Zimbabwe

  Welcome to Zimbabwe

  Things to do while on a Zimbabwe safari

  • Zimbabwe is truly an authentic and adventurous style of safari 
  • Diverse and extraordinary ecosystems 
  • The highest standards of safari guiding on the continent 
  • Huge concentrations of wildlife and a diverse array of activities 
  • Offering some of the best value safaris anywhere in Africa 
  • Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and a World Heritage site 

  Zimbabwe - Africa's iconic safari destination

  Zimbabwe, in our humble opinion, is Africa's finest safari country. It boasts extraordinary and diverse habitats, ecosystems, wildlife and birdlife along with the continents best professional safari guides. The country also has an approach to safari tourism that others try to emulate and fall short more often than not.

  Zimbabwe is back to her best and we are all very excited to share her with you!

  Widely regarded for many years prior to 2000 as the ultimate safari destination, Zimbabwe’s tourism recovery over the past 7 or so years has been incredible. The tourism industry as a whole and the countries national parks and wilderness areas remain one of the most well organised and managed in all of Africa is a testament to the passion and commitment shown by all operators and stakeholders who stuck out the hard times.

  Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls - a bucket list item

  The Iconic Victoria Falls and the nearby behemoth of a safari park, Hwange National Park , attract most of the tourists to the country and have done so for many years due to their safe proximity to multiple border points. For the initiated among safari travellers, there is so much more to Zimbabwe and some gems that will blow you away.

  Mana Pools and Gonarezhou National Parks

  Mana Pools National Park in the north and Gonarezhou National Park in the south-east are perhaps two of the wildest and most untouched safari areas on the continent. Mana Pools is undoubtedly our favourite and the contender for Africa's best national park.

  Lake Kariba & Matusadona and Matobo Hills National Park

  Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park , on an exquisite and exciting houseboat safari option atop this watery wilderness. Matobo Hills in the south completes the set and is home to a number of the majestic yet endangered Black and White Rhino.

  Zimbabwe is a cost-effective safari

  The cost of a safari here is incredibly low considering the experiences on offer. In fact, many travellers are converted to Zimbabwe’s charms when they compare it to the higher cost of safari in Botswana. The two countries are in essence able to offer a very similar experience.

  Whilst the camps are not necessarily the most luxurious you will find, they are generally of a very high quality and retain a real air of authenticity and sense of safari identity. The spectacular Victoria Falls adds an extra dimension and makes a fitting beginning or end to any safari in the country.

  Staggering numbers of wildlife

  Wildlife numbers and the concentration of animals can be truly staggering between the dry season months of May – November. Elephant, in particular, can number in the hundreds at any one time and are some of the most impressive we have seen anywhere. It is also worth mentioning that Hwange National Park supports the largest diversity of mammals in Africa.

  In the rainy season months of December - April the herds tend to scatter somewhat but game viewing can still be very rewarding and the cost of safari drops even further.

  The best safari guide experiences in Africa

  It is the high quality of safari experience, authentic in its best form, and the highest possible standard of safari guiding that is most likely to strike you here though. Zimbabwean guides undergo a very thorough and extensive apprenticeship in order to obtain their professional licences. This process often takes between 4-6 years to complete and results in some of the best guiding skills you will find anywhere. They truly set the gold standard against which all others are measured.

  One of our founders, Clyde , is himself a Zimbabwean professional guide and we can speak first-hand for his complete dedication to the task of keeping others happy and enthralled on safari!

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  Mana Pools National Park

  Welcome to Mana Pools

  Things to do while on a Mana Pools safari

  • Africa’s finest and most exciting national park
  • Breathtaking scenery along the Zambezi river
  • Africa’s most remarkable walking safaris
  • Unique and diverse habitats
  • One of the best places to see wild dogs (painted wolves)
  • Some of Zimbabwe’s top guides in Mana Pools
  • Extraordinary safari camps
  • Luxury camps : Ruckomechi, Little Ruckomechi, Kanga Camp
  • Mid-range camps : Goliath Camp, Vundu Camp, Little Vundu, John’s Camp
  • Adventurous Camps : Zambezi Expeditions, Chitake Springs, Ruwesi Canoe Trail

  Mana Pools National Park - A World Heritage site

  Mana Pools National Park is a World Heritage site and Africa’s most sensational safari area! A bold claim we realise however the combination of some of the best game viewing alongside the most experienced professional guides, breathtaking scenery, the stunning lower Zambezi river and the most incredible walking safaris really do make this national park stand out.

  The river frontage which sits just in front of large areas of open, winter acacia woodland with their cathedral-like statures is like no other safari habitat. The feeling you get when you are there for yourself is not something we can accurately describe for you: it is something incredibly special.

  Walking safaris set Mana Pools apart from the rest

  It is the walking safaris here that set it apart. Several of Africa’s absolute top guides are found here. Having lived in Mana Pools for decades in some instances, these guides know individual bull elephants and lion very well indeed. So much so that remarkable close experiences on foot with both species, and wild dog too, are a regular occurrence but not for a person of nervous disposition.

  Raw wilderness with mobile camps at Mana Pools

  There are several "mobile camps" namely Chitake Springs mobile camp and Ruwesi Canoe trail that take the raw wilderness experience of Mana Pools to a whole new level that we believe is absolutely unique to Mana Pools. Being 5 metres from big bull elephants, huge herds of buffalo or even predator kills on your own two feet will have your heart racing at a thousand miles an hour.

  Other activities at Mana Pools

  This is all only possible because of the extraordinary skill of guides that have worked this park with these animals for years and years. Vehicle safaris, boat and canoe safaris make up the rest of the activities with 2 camps being able to offer night drives as well.

  Camps and personal safari personalities

  The camps themselves either sit in the riverine area of the Zambezi River or are set back in the bush along one of Mana’s four natural and large permanent “pools”. These pools help make the area so prolific for game viewing.

  There is no average or poor camp here nor any low-cost options. Deciding between them is usually determined by budget or your safari personality and you can be sure of a great experience regardless of where you choose to stay.

  Best time to visit Mana Pools National Park

  Mana Pools is not open year-round as the soil type when wet becomes a sticky bog. Ideally, the best time to visit this park is a little after dry season begins, around the end of June/middle of July, to give the bush a chance to dry up inland and nudge the game toward the permanent pools and the river.

  Equally mid-October to November, whilst sensational for game viewing, is extraordinarily hot. Hot enough to have a very serious conversation with us here at Tailormade Africa about your heat tolerances. Only a handful of camps have swimming pools and permanent plumbing for endless cooling showers.

  A wild sense of adventure

  Mana Pools is better suited to clients that have been on safari before or at the very least for those with a strong sense of adventure. It really is a wild frontier only fully felt whilst you are there. Mana Pools is so good that we recommend you plan your entire Zimbabwe safari around it. The rewards for doing so are potentially life-changing.

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  Murchison Falls National Park

  Welcome to Murchison Falls National Park

  • The best place in Africa to safari on The Nile River with numerous boat safari options
  • Stand at the top of the world’s most powerful waterfall then hike down the side
  • Chimpanzee Trekking in Budongo Forest
  • A wide variety of landscapes in which to follow safari trails
  • Good road and air access
  • Sport Fishing on the Nile for giant catfish and Nile Perch
  • Visit the nearby Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

  At its most narrow point on its nearly 7,000 km journey; the mighty River Nile squeezes itself through a mere 6-metre gap to create the powerful, unrelenting explosion of water that is Murchison Falls. 

  Murchison is one of Africa’s unique parks with a wide variety of river life including gigantic crocodiles, hippos, riverbank game and a plethora of birdlife, all of which can be admired up close on a boat safari. Traditional game drives can be had at dawn and dusk have a chance to spot predatory cats on the prowl for dinner.

  In the southern part of the park, Chimpanzees can be tracked in Budongo Forest, while near the park gates is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – re-introducing these magnificent giants back into Uganda.

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  Queen Elizabeth National Park

  Welcome to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Kazinga Channel – a great place to relax on the water and view elephants and birds.
  • Kyambura Gorge is a stunning jungle hike with a chance of spotting Chimpanzees.
  • Southern Ishasha offers a wild wilderness with resident populations of tree climbing lions.
  • Take part in experimental tourism tracking lions, taking part in a hippo census or studying mongoose.

  Bordered by the Rwenzori foothills, flanked by lakes and bisected by a river channel, Queen Elizabeth is one of the world’s most bio-diverse National Parks. Conveniently located between Kibale and Bwindi Forests this is one of Uganda’s most popular National Parks. Hippos lounging in the calm waters of The Kazinga channel nonchalantly watch elephants arrive for an evening drink. A wide variety of beautiful antelope and other game roam the plains, whilst in the southern Ishasha section – rare tree climbing lions rest in the boughs of Acacia and Fig trees.

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  Lake Mburo National Park

  Welcome to Lake Mburo

  • Scenic and pretty National Park with hints of Southern African terrain.
  • Lower number of predators makes it safer for walking, horseback and cycling safaris.
  • A lovely stop to break up the drive from Bwindi to Entebbe/Kampala.
  • Several species of antelope not found in other parts of Uganda such as Implala, Topi and Eland.

  Protruding Rock kopjes provide panoramic vistas across this picturesque National Park. The varied flora of Lake Mburo creates a habitat for animals not seen in other major parks such as Zebra, Eland and Impala. A safe environment for non-vehicle based safaris presents a range of active safari activities such as horseback, mountain biking and walking safaris.

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  Cape Town

  Welcome to Cape Town

  • One of the world's most enchanting and beautiful cities.
  • A cosmopolitan mix of beauty, nature, culture, history and culture. Truly something for everyone.
  • Ascend the beautiful Table Mountain by cable car or on foot. 
  • Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. 
  • Explore the shops and restaurants of the buzzing Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. 
  • Take a drive down the Cape Peninsula and visit the Penguin Colony of Boulders Beach.
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  The Winelands

  The Winelands

  • As close to heaven on earth as you will get!
  • Mountainous vistas, lush valleys, green rolling hills, bright sunshine, blue skies and crisp fresh air.
  • Endless Vineyards to explore, whether that be on a guided tour, during a long, lazy lunch or over a wine tasting.
  • Just one hour from Cape Town, so the perfect combination with a busy few days exploring the city.
  • An array of superb accommodations to choose from dotted around the small towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek.
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  The Garden Route

  Welcome to The Garden Route

  • One of the most scenic driving routes anywhere in the world, full of mountains, forests and sleepy, pretty towns to explore. 
  • Running roughly from the town of George to Port Elizabeth, the route is best spent over 3-4 nights. 
  • Endless activities on offer from hiking and whale watching to long beach walks, treetop canopy tours, and bunjee jumping.
  • Explore the towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and the magnificent nearby Tsitsikamma Mountains, full of indigenous trees, leading to dramatic cliffs and coves. 
  • Be sure to include the lesser known Route 62, the scenic route linking Cape Town and the start of the Garden Route, full of twisting roads, mountain passes and vineyards, and home to the Ostrich farms of Oudsthoorn and the Cango Caves.
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  Western Cape Wildlife

  Welcome to the Western Cape Wildlife

  • This area close to Cape Town and the Winelands is home to a wide variety of wildlife experiences. An ideal combination with these areas, if you are not keen on travelling larger distances, are short on time or are just fascinated by the variety in this stunning area of the country.
  • Head to Hermanus, 1.5 hours south of Cape Town to experience some of the best whale watching on the planet.
  • Enjoy whale watching in Hermanus between July and November either from land, by boat or from the air via a scenic flight. The whale viewing during the months of July and August vary from year to year with how many whales are present in Walker Bay and along the coast; however you are almost guaranteed of seeing whales in September, October and November.
  • Use the fabulous Grootbos Private Nature Reserve as your base to experience the 'Marine 5' - whales, sharks, seals, penguins and dolphins. Also home to 2,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, 100 endangered plant species and spectacular milkwood forest over 1000 years old. The lodges there are among the exclusive 'National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World'.
  • Explore the Western Cape's best Big Five safari experience at Sanbona Game Reserve, just a 3 hour drive east from Cape Town on the stunning Route 62. 58,000 hectares of Cape Fold Mountains, wide-open Karoo plains, indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3, 500 years. Also home to the very rare and unbelievably beautiful White Lion.
  • Head north of Cape Town, and spent time at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve. Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, the reserve is an ecological oasis and wilderness experience set among open plains, sandstone formations and ancient bush art sites dating back 10,000 years. Home to 150 kinds of birds, 750 plant species and over 35 species of mammals. The lodge here is like Grootbos among the exclusive 'National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World'.
  • Venture into the amazing Cape Floral Kingdom, which is the smallest of all plant kingdoms and yet has the highest concentration of species in the world. The area sees 1,300 plant species per 10,000 km². To put that into perspective, the Amazon rainforest has a concentration of only 400 species per 10,000 km².
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  Eastern Cape Private Game Reserves

  Welcome to The Eastern Cape Private Game Reserves

  • Area with many good quality malaria free, big five private game reserves. 
  • Most within an hour of Port Elizabeth and an ideal combination with time on Garden Route.
  • All privately owned and range in size from 5,000 hectares to over 25,000 hectares.
  • Each reserve operates independently and each one has its own stock of wildlife, with larger reserves able to manage greater numbers of animals, especially predators. 
  • Various numbers of lodges and accommodations on each reserve.
  • Although the wildlife population in these reserves is not as natural as some other areas, they still offer great game drives in a beautiful African setting and tend to be a little more affordable and perfect for first time safari goers.
  • Home to Addo Elephant Reserve, a expanse of around 180,000 hectares, and with around 450 Elephants, the greatest density of elephant per hectare in Africa. More suited to self drives however, local tourism and short day safaris.
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  Kruger National Park & Private Game Reserves

  Welcome to the Kruger Private Game Reserves

  • One of the great wildlife destinations, the Kruger region is home to a staggering wealth of wildlife in over 2 million hectares, dedicated to conservation.
  • We recommend one of the private concessions in the Kruger itself or one of the private game reserves to the west of park.
  • The main reserve itself is more for self-drive safaris, can often be busy in key areas on public roads, and often more for the local market and one day safaris with car hire.
  • For a superior safari experience look to the private reserves where carefully selected operators have a licence to offer all the benefits of a safari lodge on a private reserve with fewer vehicles and top accommodation.
  • The Sabi Sands Game Reserve at 65,000 hectares is one of the most famous private reserves adjoining the Kruger and is home to one of the highest concentrations of leopard in the world. Animals road freely between the Kruger and Sabi Sands, however there are no public roads for self-drive safaris and no day visitors are allowed. This gives the reserve a really exclusive atmosphere, with top accommodation on offer.
  • The Timbavati Game Reserve at 60,000 hectares, also adjoining the Kruger, is a mix of rolling savanna bushland, scattered with acacia woodland and dotted with waterholes. It is also home of the very rare and unbelievably beautiful White Lion. These lions have a recessive white gene and these rare lions have a pure snowy white pelt, commonly along found here and at Sabona Game Reserve in the Western Cape. Much like in the Sabi Sands, a select handful of top quality safari accommodation is on offer here. 
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  KwaZulu-Natal

  Welcome to KwaZulu Natal

  • Extraordinary diversity and beauty in this less visited part of the country. 
  • Unspoiled Indian Ocean beaches, vast mountain ranges, coral reefs, golf courses, craft shops and spice markets, big five game, whale watching, and the history of the battlefields, KwaZulu Natal has it all.
  • Home to Durban, the third most populous urban area in the country, and a vibrant seaside city. 
  • Explore the 200 kilometres of untouched sandy beach, coral reefs, and lake systems of the World Heritage coastline of the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park.
  • Hike in the beautiful Drakensburg Mountains, with peaks of over 3,000 meters and astonishing views. 
  • Take a safari in the regions top quality game reserves including Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Thanda and Phinda.
  • Visit the Battlefields with one of the expert guides to hear about the Zulu Wars - a most moving and memorable experience.