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Africa & Middle East

Africa Safari Vacation

  • Zebras in Africa

Africa is an amazing continent in which to view animals as it lends itself to being the natural home for many exceptional creatures. The word Safari is a Swahili word meaning journey. Today’s safari is an occasion to see but not harm the local wildlife. This can be experienced on an African safari by staying in upscale lodges as well as less expensive communal accommodations sharing very basic dormitory accommodation. It all depends on one’s travel style and budget.

In Africa, there are 1100 different species of animals and 2600 different bird species. These numbers obviously are not going to be viewed in any one specific game park but there definitely will be a large enough number to thrill anyone on African vacations. By the way, Africa has the fastest, largest and strangest animals anywhere in the world. This also includes sadly, a number of endangered species.

Wherever you stay, most of your game viewing is pretty certain to be in a small vehicle with open sides and possibly an open top. You will usually share it with several other safari-going participants. The average size of a safari vehicle can vary but the average is anywhere from 6 to 10 passenger vehicles. Animals being dangerous might make you wonder if it is safe on an African safari surrounded by wild, sometimes ferocious and unpredictable creatures. In a safari vehicle, you are in the hands of a professional experienced driver/guide and will not experience any problems. Just don’t stand up or lean out of the vehicle. The professionalism and experience of the guide will be yours to benefit from as they will be not only knowledgeable but are trained to have almost a sixth sense as to where the animals are located or hiding. Animals do not run away or hide from safari vehicles as they are so accustomed to the constant game-drive vehicles in their territory following them around and not harming them in any way. They have no interest or concern for your safari vehicle. 

As a rule, there are three types of game drives on an African safari. There are morning, afternoon and night drives. The morning game drive is usually taken early before the sun gets too hot as many of the animals tend to want to hibernate as the day gets hotter. You will head off before breakfast which will be waiting on your return from the drive. You will not only have an enjoyable time but will really be ready for your first meal. The afternoon game drive is usually taken later in the day when the sun is not so hot. This is the time to enjoy a pleasant experience called the Sundowner. This is set up by your driver/guide right in the middle of the bush or plain. Your vehicle stops and he puts up a table laden with drinks and snacks. Jump down from your vehicle to enjoy a beverage while watching the sun go down over the spectacular and glorious African scenery. And what a perfect end to a day of a safari drive with game viewing. A night drive is an “animal of a different colour” as the dark brings out the nocturnal animals. It is also a time when the predators are on the prowl looking for their next meal. Because it is completely dark, you are equipped with a powerful torch and if necessary, your driver/guide will shine his headlights into the bush when he spots an animal. There is nothing like the excitement of seeing a pair of eyes gleaming at you out of pitch black. And once again, the animals will completely ignore you.

Something totally different is a walking safari which can be taken at most lodges with an experienced guide. A walking safari is exactly what it says. You walk instead of driving into the bush. Nothing can bring you closer to an African adventure quite like a walking safari. You will walk with an experienced guide with the aim to learn and appreciate the intricate details of the nature that surrounds you. The guide carries a rifle, but nothing bad has ever happened during one of these. You will learn how to tell which animals are or have been in the vicinity by studying their tracks and footprints. You will come close to some animals such as the giraffe as they snack on the leaves of a very tall tree. 

The ultimate Africa safari is through staying at a private lodge. You, more often than not, will be staying in your own building with exquisite furnishings and in close proximity to the main lodge building. You could well experience the opportunity to look out from your room, possibly with a verandah, and observe all kinds of animals (at a safe distance) while taking in the idyllic scene of the African countryside unfolding in front of you. Enjoy dinner in the evenings with fellow guests comparing notes of what has been seen and experienced during the day, possibly also in the company of the guides. 

Something different on an African safari again is sleeping in a tent for accommodation – a totally special experience. You are at one with the bush as you listen to the thrilling sounds of animals echoing in the African night. But don’t think you will be roughing it. Far from it - you will have all the luxuries with a tent with a comfortable bed and a complete bathroom more often than not.  Again, is it safe? Absolutely! The tented camp is cordoned off from the animal kingdom and there are guards watching to make sure no animal gets too close.

To avoid long road transfers or roads, especially in Kenya and Tanzania, which are not always in the best condition, a fly-in safari could be a convenient way to enjoy an African safari. You land on a private airstrip close to your accommodation from the nearest major airport and immediately, you are involved in your safari.  

In Southern Africa, the best times to visit on an African safari are from May to September as this is the dry season. However, the period from October to April, although the wet season, is still a time to enjoy animal viewing. It is when the landscapes turn green and also there are fewer visitors. It is also a time when the animals congregate at waterholes and rivers. If bird watching is of interest, this is when migratory birds are present. The rain consists of short, usually afternoon showers which will not interfere with your safari. 

In East Africa, safaris are fine all year round. The dry season is from late June to October and is also the time of the great wildebeest migration starting in the Masai Mara in Kenya in June and which lasts until they return from Serengeti in Tanzania in October. It is also when it is easier to spot the animals with plenty of sunshine prevailing. The low season consists of two rainy seasons - March to June inclusive when the rains are longer and October to December inclusive when the rains are shorter. Once again, these are the periods when the scenery is lusher and greener and the animals gather at waterholes. Migratory birds are around between September and April.  

An African safari is like no other experience and will never be dull. There are many countries to choose from that offer exceptional game viewing. These include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. And it should be noted that animals know no borders and are free to roam wherever they want (within reason).  

 

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Safaris Worldwide

  • Tanzania Odyssey

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore the most famous game parks of Tanzania on this exclusive small group journey. Search for elephants, lions, and migrating wildebeest on intimate game drives in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara and rest in premium game lodges each night.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,489
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Safaris Worldwide, Single Friendly, Small Group Touring
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Kenya Odyssey

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Explore some of the best safari game parks in Africa and stay in beautiful luxury safari camps each night. From Nairobi, connect to Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, and Masai Mara to head on game drives to search for the Big Five, visit Masai villages, and learn about animal conservation.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,732
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Single Friendly, Small Group Touring
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Cape & Kruger Escape: Cape Town & Greater Kruger National Park

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the most beautiful regions of South Africa on this adventure. Explore the Western Cape before embarking on an African safari through a private game reserve in Kruger National Park.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,699
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Migration Safari 9 Days: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & The Serengeti

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Experience the greatest natural show on earth with this Tanzanian safari during the Great Migration. Connecting to Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and both central and northern Serengeti, you’ll stay in first-class game lodges and head on game drives to see over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles migrating over the African savannah.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,569
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Victoria Falls, Chobe and the Okavango Delta

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Experience the wonders of Victoria Falls and Botswana. Start at Victoria Falls, where you’ll see the world’s mightiest waterfall. Then turn Westward to Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta to head on safari and see the many animals of Botswana’s swampy bush.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,867
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Botswana See Trip Details

  • Savanna in Style: Cape Town, Franschhoek and Sabi Sands Game Reserve

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: One of the most beautiful nations on Earth, South Africa boasts the spectacular Cape region, some of the world’s finest wines and unparalleled game viewing in its national parks. After enjoying three days in the ‘Mother City’, head to Franschhoek to enjoy some fine South African wine and take in the stunning scenery. Last but certainly not least, head on your African safari in the famous Sabi Sands as you search out the Big 5.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,819
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • East Africa Sanctuary: Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Masai Mara & More

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Experience unparalleled game viewing on this luxury safari across East Africa. Stay in exquisite safari accommodations as you head to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and the Masai Mara, among the world’s most famous game parks, and explore the stunning wilderness on daily game drives to see lions, elephants, and zebras.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 13,594
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Jambo Kenya Safari

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL-GROUP: Embark on an unforgettable journey through Kenya’s majestic landscapes and wildlife havens. This small-group safari features first-class tented camp accommodations and daily wildlife viewing that will help you spot elephants at Amboseli, hippos on Lake Naivasha, and the iconic Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,004
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Cape Highlights and Safari: Cape Town, Garden Route & Kariega Game Reserve

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Enjoy a stay in South Africa's Mother City; Cape Town before getting up close with African wildlife on the Eastern Cape. Visit the world's ostrich capital, sample the best of South Africa's famous Winelands, and follow the Garden Route to see South Africa in all its diverse beauty.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,849
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • East Africa Odyssey

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Embark on an extraordinary journey through some of East Africa's most popular national parks on this Goway exclusive small group safari. Get ready to witness breathtaking vistas and incredible wildlife as you explore Kenya and Tanzania and witness nature at its finest.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 8,579
    Trip Type:
    Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Safaris Worldwide, Single Friendly, Small Group Touring
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Hwange and Victoria Falls In Depth

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Experience the wonder of Hwange and Victoria Falls. Split your time between two game lodges in Hwange National Park and its surrounds and head on daily game drives. Then connect to an island lodge on the Zambezi River to explore the riverbanks and visit nearby Victoria Falls.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,113
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Safaris Worldwide
    Zimbabwe See Trip Details

  • Zambia Walking Safari: South Luangwa National Park

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Embark on a soul-stirring journey through Africa's untamed heart. Feel the earth beneath your feet as you trek through Zambia's wilderness, guided by seasoned experts unveiling nature's secrets. Be mesmerized by the raw natural beauty that is Zambia as you encounter all manner of creatures large and small on your guided walks and game drives before returning to your bushcamp, embracing the serenity of the wild. This trip is a testament to nature's wonders, a transformative experience that'll leave you humbled and inspired by Africa's breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 8,348
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Bucket List Travel Ideas, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Zambia See Trip Details

  • Mountain Gorilla Encounter 3 Day: Kigali & Volcanoes National Park

    MODERATE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Spend 3 days in the area made famous by Dian Fossey, the home of the world’s last surviving mountain gorilla population. Be one of only a few to see these gorillas in their own habitat.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,126
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Rwanda See Trip Details

  • Mountain Gorilla Encounter 4 Day: Kigali & Volcanoes National Park

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Spend 4 days in the area made famous by Dian Fossey, the home of the world’s last surviving mountain gorilla population. Be one of only a few to see these gorillas in their own habitat.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,823
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Rwanda See Trip Details

  • Tanzania Sky Safari by Elewana: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & More

    DELUXE | SMALL GROUP: The one and only Tanzania Sky Safari by Elewana includes all of Northern Tanzania’s core highlights and offers an unparalleled game viewing and cultural experience as you fly to and from each stop.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 12,559
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Romance & Honeymoon, Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Mountain Gorilla Encounter Uganda

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: African safari tours come in many forms, but few are as revealing or special as an encounter with Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas. Taken on its own or as an add-on to an African safari, it’s a life-changing experience.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,419
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Uganda See Trip Details

  • Ultimate Namibia: Sossusvlei, Damaraland, Etosha & More

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: This Ultimate Namibia safari affords you the chance to experience this magnificent country in a very personal way. You will have your own professional and experienced safari guide who will enhance your enjoyment of this unique country by ensuring a stress-free journey of discovery amid dramatic, ever-changing scenery.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,726
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    Namibia See Trip Details

  • Best of Zambia: Livingstone, South Luangwa & The Lower Zambezi

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Get a taste for Africa’s best on this Zambia safari. Start by visiting the majesty of Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe before exploring unmatched wildlife sanctuaries with luxury accommodation in the country’s west.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 10,568
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Luxury and Beyond, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Zambia See Trip Details

  • Soul Safari: Nairobi, Mt Kenya & Masai Mara

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Stay at world class properties, visiting both Aberdare and Mount Kenya National Parks, Sweetwaters Wildlife Sanctuary and Masai Mara, without compromising luxury on your African safari.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,142
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Safaris Worldwide
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Zimbabwe Highlights: Matobo Hills, Hwange & Victoria Falls

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Cross world wonders off your bucket list on this journey through Zimbabwe. Heading to Matobo Hills and Hwange National Park, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations and head on safari game drives to see elephants and rhinos. You’ll also gaze upon the majesty of Victoria Falls.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,157
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Zimbabwe See Trip Details

  • Kenya Sky Safari by Elewana: Amboseli, Loisaba & Masai Mara

    DELUXE | SMALL GROUP: Spend time at three luxury lodges situated in three of Kenya’s outstanding game parks, Amboseli, Loisaba Conservancy and the Masai Mara Reserve. At each lodge, enjoy day and night game safaris as well as walking safaris. Fly by small aircraft directly from Nairobi and between lodges.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 11,370
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Romance & Honeymoon, Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Lemala Migration Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro & The Serengeti

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Witnessing Tanzania's great migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A natural phenomenon where over a million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate north annually.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,458
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Small Group Touring
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Signature South Africa: Cape Town, Rovos Rail, Kruger & More

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the magic and splendour of Southern Africa on this 12-day luxury journey of South Africa. Starting in Cape Town, you’ll venture to the Cape Winelands, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era with 2 nights spent on-board the elegant Rovos Rail train.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 8,168
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Rail Travel Ideas, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Campfire Adventures in Tanzania: Arusha & The Serengeti

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: What caps the perfect day on an Africa safari? Swapping stories around the campfire in your luxury camp, of course. Enjoy the ideal balance of comfort and nature on this Tanzania safari.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 7,511
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Private Experiences, Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Essential Victoria Falls & Lake Kariba Safari

    DELUXE | TAILOR-MADE: Gaze upon mighty Victoria Falls, one of the world’s greatest natural attractions, cruise the Zambezi River, and head on safari game drives on the shores of Lake Kariba on this immersive vacation through Zimbabwe.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,858
    Trip Type:
    Safaris Worldwide, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Zimbabwe See Trip Details
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