1.800.557.2841 1.800.557.2841
Specials Trip Finder Brochures Menu
Your trip start here!

African Safari Vacations plus much more

  • Lions up close in the bush
  • A leopard crossing road with tourists in jeep in background
  • Two hippopotamus fighting it out in the waters of Kenya
  • One of the worlds most endangered animals - the mountain gorilla
  • A cheetah and her cub in the Serengeti National Park - Tanzania

Wherever animals are found in large numbers, it is exciting to see them in their natural habitat. For the most part, this means travelling to parts of the world that are conducive to their survival.  The most popular game viewing safaris are to be found in Africa but not exclusively but an African safari is a good place to start your game viewing experience. 

The word safari is a Swahili word meaning journey when the indigenous natives would go hunting to provide themselves with food, hides etc.  Today a safari is not to harm but to view animals and in this eco-friendly way, it has a positive impact on and benefit to local communities through employment for local people as guides, lodge employees etc. 

Your African safari typically includes several game drives with an experienced driver/guide plus sometimes, a tracker. Usually, there are 3 types of game drives which take place in the morning, afternoon and nighttime. The morning game drive is usually taken early before the sun gets too hot. The afternoon game drive is usually taken later in the day for the same reason.  On a night drive, the dark brings out the nocturnal animals and the predators which are on the prowl looking for their next meal. 

Another style of game viewing is a walking safari. This can be undertaken as an alternative to one of your regular vehicle game drives. Nothing brings you closer to an African adventure quite like this. You walk with an experienced guide who will show you which animals are or have been in the vicinity by studying their tracks and footprints. 

You might want to consider a fly-in African safari. These are popular, especially in Kenya and Tanzania. You avoid long road transfers by simply landing on a private airstrip from the nearest major airport and your game viewing is immediately underway. 

In East Africa, the game drives will be within a reasonable range from the lodge or camp in the game park in which you decide to stay. It is highly recommended that to maximize your African safari, you visit other game parks to view a selection of different animals and terrains.  In Southern Africa, you can experience maximum enjoyment by deciding to stay at one location. It is known for its luxury accommodations sometimes with its own landing strip and territory. However, there is a mutual arrangement between lodges allowing safari vehicles to roam freely throughout each other’s territory.  Wherever you decide to go, 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 ideal is anywhere from 6 to 10 passenger vehicles.  The professionalism and experience of the guides are very significant as they need to be able to “deliver the goods” as it were, to lead you to some thrilling game encounters. 

In Africa, there are 1100 different species of animals and 2600 different bird species. Of course, these numbers are not found in any one specific game park but you will experience a satisfying number during any Africa safari vacation. Incidentally, Africa has the fastest, largest and strangest animals anywhere in the world. This also includes, sadly, a number of endangered species. 

Everyone has heard about the Big Five (lion, leopard, African buffalo, elephant and black rhinoceros).  These can be seen in either East or Southern Africa. It is a fact that there are more lions in Kenya and Tanzania than anywhere else but they are still in abundance elsewhere.  Botswana is home to approximately 80% of Southern Africa’s elephant population and huge herds are a common sight. Rwanda and Uganda are primarily known for their gorilla and chimpanzee populations and nothing beats a trek in these countries to come close to these primates. A major attraction on an African safari could be the Great Migration seen in Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The two game reserves are adjoined and literally, hundreds of thousands of animals travel twice a year, one north to south around October and one south to north around July, in search of food and water.  You might be fortunate to experience a rare sighting of a lion or a leopard sitting in a tree either asleep or just relaxing.  You might want to try wildlife viewing on the back of an elephant. This can be done in both Botswana and Zimbabwe.  Or perhaps you might like to enjoy a cruise safari on board a boat down the river in Botswana getting reasonably close to hippos and crocodiles. If you are a “birder”, there are literally thousands of different exotic species of birds in just about any of Goway’s African Safari destinations. One amazing sight is the vast number of flamingos which congregate in Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya totalling over 1 million.  

Any time is a good time to view animals. However, when considering an African safari, the weather might be a factor but not a hindrance. In East Africa, October and April are considered the wet seasons and are, for the most part, the off-season pricewise but the animals are still very much in evidence. In Southern Africa, it is rainy generally between November and March but again, not a major factor while viewing wildlife.

Most African safaris include accommodation in lodges be they basic or luxurious. However, there is also the ability to have tented accommodation. This is not your Boy Scout or family outing tent vacation. You don’t rough it as you get all the luxuries of a room with a comfortable bed and a complete bathroom more often than not.  This is a totally different experience as you are virtually out there in the bush listening to the thrilling sound of animals in the African night.  

Goway’s African safaris cover all the major countries offering excellent game viewing. These include in East Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi and Uganda and in Southern Africa, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

 

 

Read More

  • Cape Highlights & Safari

    Take in the wonders of the Cape region of South Africa, from the mother city of Cape Town and winelands, along the wonders of the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and ending with an African safari in a private game reserve.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,619
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • City Lights & Safari Sights

    Visit Cape Town and the spectacular peninsula. Then journey to Ivory Tree Lodge in the Pilanesberg. This African safari is an opportunity to have close encounters with a wide variety of big game, including the Big 5, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,313
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • East Africa Safari

    Experience the many highlights of East Africa with this family friendly African safari. Visit some of Africa’s most famous national parks, uncovering unique wildlife and cultural opportunities.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,067
    Trip Type:
    Locally Escorted Tours, Safaris
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Migration Safari

    This African safari is the experience of a lifetime. Follow the Great Migration, a natural phenomenon where over a million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate north each year.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,771
    Trip Type:
    Safaris, Small Group Tours
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Mara Bushtops: Stay of Distinction

    Embark on daily safaris in search of the world’s most incredible wildlife before retiring to a luxury safari camp on the edges of Maasai Mara National Park. This Kenya vacation at Mara Bushtops offers world-class accommodations and impeccable service in one of the world’s best nature reserves.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,466
    Trip Type:
    Game Lodges, Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Africa On Foot

    A true wildlife experience in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve combining walking and vehicle safaris through Big Five territory in one of the largest privately owned game reserves in South Africa.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 945
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Safaris, Single Friendly
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • African Sampler

    South Africa or Kenya for your African safari? With this unique itinerary, there’s no need to choose. Enjoy the culture and wildlife of the Masai Mara before flying on to Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,256
    Trip Type:
    Classic Itineraries, Game Lodges, Independent Travel Modules, Safaris, VIP Luxury Touring
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • African Trilogy: Kruger to Chobe

    Head on a safari adventure that includes three countries on one itinerary! Experience the wonders of South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana such as Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls, while enjoying the comforts of four premium safari lodges.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,261
    Trip Type:
    Game Lodges, Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Arathusa Safari Lodge

    Arathusa is located within the world renowned Sabi Sand Private reserve adjacent to the un-fenced Kruger National Park. It is perfect for the nature enthusiast who seeks an affordable intimate environment and warm hospitality on their African Safari.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,721
    Trip Type:
    Game Lodges, Romance & Honeymoon, Safaris, VIP Luxury Touring
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Best of Uganda

    Head on safari to Uganda to spend your days alongside gorillas and chimpanzees in majestic national parks. Get acquainted with Ugandan rhythms in Entebbe before heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see mountain gorillas in one of their few remaining habitats and exploring the diverse bushlands, marshes, and savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,445
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Safaris
    Uganda See Trip Details

  • Botswana Explorer

    Find out why Botswana is such a superb safari destination by visiting 4 different game reserves with equal time spent at each. This is the opportunity to come close to the animal kingdom on game drives and boat cruises.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,273
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    Botswana See Trip Details

  • Botswana Express

    What makes Botswana such a popular African safari destination? Three of the world’s best wildlife regions, plus year round excellent game viewing are the main draws. Discover Chobe, the Kalahari, and the beautiful wetlands of the Okavango Delta.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 7,465
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    Botswana See Trip Details

  • Campfire Adventures in Tanzania

    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$ 5,207
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Safaris
    Tanzania See Trip Details

  • Cape & Kruger Escape

    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$ 1,710
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Cape & Kruger Escape incl. Air

    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:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,629
    Trip Type:
    Air & Land Inclusive Getaways, Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Cape & Safari Dynasty

    This South Africa vacation emphasises the natural beauty of this incredibly diverse country, from African safari opportunities in the northwest, to the unrivalled environments and wildlife of the Western Cape.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,627
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    South Africa See Trip Details

  • Chiawa Camp

    On the banks of the Zambezi, Chiawa is a luxury safari camp offering the utmost comfort amid the wild 'real Africa' that is Zambia.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,295
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    Zambia See Trip Details

  • Chobe Chilwero: Stay of Distinction

    Deep in the heart of Botswana’s wilderness is Chobe Chilwero, one of the most enchanting places on earth. This intimate lodge offers luxurious accommodations, service and stunning sunsets.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,394
    Trip Type:
    Safaris, Stays of Distinction
    Botswana See Trip Details

  • Chobe Elephants & Livingstone

    Travel from Livingstone to the Falls and enjoy a tour before a sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Next, visit Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant concentration in Africa.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,867
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    Botswana See Trip Details

  • Chobe Elephants & Victoria Falls

    Chobe’s wildlife is very diverse. Only an hour from Victoria Falls, it is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa who assemble along the Chobe River during the dry season.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,855
    Trip Type:
    Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    Botswana See Trip Details

  • East Africa Safari Super Special

    Experience the many highlights of East Africa with this family friendly African safari. Visit famous national parks, uncovering unique wildlife, and cultural opportunities.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,466
    Trip Type:
    Safaris, Single Friendly, Small Group Tours
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Elephant Hills Jungle Lake Safari

    Spend 2 nights at the Elephant Hills Jungle Safari Camp staying in luxury safari tents. Come close to elephants at the camp and explore the surrounding jungle by boat and on foot. Marvel at the unparalleled exotic tropical beauty of the region.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 592
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Independent Travel Modules, Safaris
    Thailand See Trip Details

  • Essential Kenya

    Kenya is often described as the African continent in microcosm. You will see some of the best parks in Africa from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara, home of the “Big Five” and the Masai people.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,762
    Trip Type:
    Locally Escorted Tours, Safaris, Small Group Tours
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Essential Kenya Super Special

    Kenya is often described as the African continent in microcosm. You will see some of the best parks in Africa from Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara, home of the “Big Five” and the Masai people.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,605
    Trip Type:
    Safaris, Single Friendly, Small Group Tours
    Kenya See Trip Details

  • Essential Tanzania Super Special

    Tanzania is renowned for its magnificent wildlife, scenery and first class game lodge experiences. Spend time visiting famous sites like Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,110
    Trip Type:
    Game Lodges, Locally Escorted Tours, Safaris, Small Group Tours
    Tanzania See Trip Details
Trip Finder

What our travelers say

Trustpilot

Goway Toolkit

Need help planning your holiday? Our toolkit is a great place to get started.