Experiences

Classic Safaris

Authentic, tailor-made safaris throughout Africa

We carefully created unique travel experiences which capture the very essence of Africa. Whether your dream is to witness the Great Migration throughout the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, see the Big Five, trek endangered gorillas in the rainforests of Rwanda or to simply relax on a white, sandy beach – we are here to help design your perfect classic African adventure.

CLASSIC SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Our ‘not to be missed’ recommendations for your classic safari

Kenya

Home to the original safari, Kenya’s rebirth in recent years among the small personalized safari circuit, has resulted in top experiences in arguably the most densely populated wildlife region on earth. You will see the East Africa of the mind’s eye: single acacia trees on the sunset horizon, lone Maasai herding cattle, elephants with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra, tremendous populations of big cats.

Tremendous landscapes, iconic Maasai & Samburu people, very wide range of modes of safari, camps of character and perfect for first time safari travellers.

There’s no country more tied to the safari lore than Kenya.

Tanzania

Depending on what time of year you travel, we will recommend the best areas and camps to visit and which parts of the Serengeti National Park to go in order to maximise your chances of seeing the migration. We want to make sure you see abundant wildlife on your safari, and we do our utmost to deliver on a game rich experience.

Follow the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, experience the Big Five, enjoy a variety of unusual landscapes and stay in ideally located authentic tented camps.

Follow the path of the Great Migration

South Africa

Considered the gateway drug to the safari affliction, South Africa has it all within its bounds: stunning coastlines, diverse landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and prolific wildlife. In that sense, it is the perfect combination trip for those seeking a bit of everything.

Catering to all types – familieshoneymooners, single travelers – it is a versatile destination and each stop will be distinct and unique. The best combination is a visit to Cape Town, a meander through the Cape Winelands, and to Hermanus, and then a grande finale in the bush of Greater Kruger Park. Time-permitting, tack on an extension to Mozambique or South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coast.

South Africa‘s colorful people and welcoming culture make for a memorable adventure nearly year-round.

More things to do and see

Experiences for your classic safari
FOLLOW THE GREAT MIGRATION

From mid-July to October, the migration is usually concentrated in the northern part of the Serengeti where the wildebeest accumulate in the Mara River area. From December to March, the migration is usually located in the southern Serengeti where the wildebeest congregate for calving season.

Some of the mobile camps move twice a year to follow the migration, so will be located either in southern or northern Serengeti depending on when you visit. At other times of the year, the migration won’t be as concentrated, but there is still plenty of resident game in the Serengeti – we will advise the most appropriate locations to visit.

EXPERIENCE LOCAL CULTURES

The local culture of a country humanizes the experience, and adds a depth and personality that touches the soul. Wander the village of Mto wa Mbu, where several different tribes co-exist peacefully, and have lunch locally. Or walk among the Hadza, Tanzania’s aboriginal hunter-gatherer population, not genetically close to any other people, and have subsisted with little lifestyle modification for thousands of years.

There are chances to visit schools, meet the children, visit the hospitals, and village bars, or even residents in their homes. This gives you a real feel of the heartbeat of Africa – its colorful personalities, survivor mentality, and richness in the simple things. There are many cultural experiences to choose from, and we strive to ensure that they remain authentic, respectful and unobtrusive to the people.

ENJOY A RELAXING BEACH BREAK

Many travelers love to combine their safari with a little bit of relaxation on a beautiful stretch of coastline. Places where palm trees sway gently, and cocktails and sunsets make a daily exchange. Wind down in the tranquillity of an unspoilt beach destination; endless white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and a warm breeze drifting off the Indian Ocean. We searched far and wide to discover the most exquisite island getaways for you.

SEE THE ICONIC BIG FIVE

The Big Five – elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino – remain the most sought after species to see on the African continent. Although a safari is so much more than wildlife sightings only, seeing of one of these five incredible African animals can really change your life forever.

Although there is a wide variety of destinations to spot the Big Five, popular areas for travellers usually are Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater combined with the Serengeti, Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Etosha in Namibia or the Greater Kruger area in South Africa.

OUR HAPPY CUSTOMERS

"We’ve taken a lot of wonderful trips but this trip is now our best vacation ever!"

Mildred K. (USA), TRAVELLED IN JULY 2019

The perfect classic safari stays

Stay at carefully selected camps and lodges

Wide views over the Serengeti right from your own tent
Take a dip in the camp's pool, you might even spot wildlife from there...
Enjoy the swimming pool while looking over the Serengeti
Elegant, stylish guest tent interior

Sayari Camp

Serengeti, Tanzania

Located in the un-spoilt northern Serengeti area, Sayari Camp offers superb views of the Great Migration crossing the Mara River (typically from mid-July to early November) – with crocodile and hippo ever-present along with the abundant birdlife of the Serengeti. Non-migratory inhabitants include big cats, elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodiles, groups of numerous large antelopes and many other incredible animals. The whole experience is enhanced by the exclusivity of this remote area.

Sayari’s spacious, elegant tents have panoramic views of the never-ending Serengeti. With delicious food and a large swimming pool, this camp immerses guests in the bush without sacrificing style and comfort. Sayari is definitely one of our favourite permanent tented camps, for the combination of authenticity and luxury – not to mention outstanding guides!

The main area at sundown
Your bedroom view across the pans
The tasteful interior of the tea tent
Enjoy a sundowner on the pans
The camp's stylish tea tent
Learn more about the local bushmen
Meerkats!

San Camp

Kalahari, Botswana

Situated on the edge of the vast and stark Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the remnants of an extinct lake that once covered most of Botswana. San Camp consists of 6 elegant white tents that dot the shore of the enormous sparkling saltpan providing spectacular views. This camp exudes sophistication.

Combine with another camp in the Okavango Delta for a truly diverse Botswana safari experience. Offering guests the chance to explore and understand the Kalahari like no other place. Expert guiding, incredibly friendly habituated meerkats, unique desert species, old-world safari styling and superb cuisine all come together to create an experience that is completely different to any other.

Notten’s Bush Camp

Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger), South Africa

Family run, the property goes back four generations, so the knowledge and kinship with the land is far beyond skin deep. To say here is to be a part of this extended family. Walk with some of the region’s best guides, hear stories of decades ago, and stay in suites which bring the outside in, lending to the feeling of being integrated into this treasured wilderness.

One of South Africa’s most sought after wildlife areas, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, safari here is sure to deliver on game drive or on foot. With just 8 suites, you won’t share it with many.

Enjoy the views over the Zambezi right from your own room
Stunning views over the Zambezi river from the lodge's pool
Guest bedroom
Lounge area

Tongabezi Lodge

Livingstone (Victoria Falls), Zambia

A unique lodge in an unrivalled position on a wide bend of the Zambezi river, Tongabezi is peaceful, relaxing and one of Livingstone’s most exclusive retreats. Located just upstream from the Falls themselves and Livingstone town, you’re far enough away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a tranquil stay, but within easy reach of all the activities on offer. Privately owned and operated, you’ll experience personalised service and the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.

Accommodation at Tonga is in a selection of houses and cottages that are beautifully styled, and each has its own private terrace overlooking the river. The larger houses are perfect for families, whilst the smaller, romantic cottages are ideal for couples.

Giraffe Manor

Nairobi, Kenya

Giraffe Manor is situated only 20 kilometres outside of Nairobi city centre, with sprawling acres of beautiful gardens and surrounded by indigenous forest. The manor house was built in the 1930s, adding an element of history and charm to this place.

But the most charming bit of all is the giraffes wandering lazily through its twelve verdant acres – even popping their heads through the dining room window at breakfast – a unique experience for a safari traveller! This is a very high end option, and we find it better for those with time to spend two nights enjoying the lodge.

Aerial view of the main area
Indoor lounge at the Star Dune suite
Main area by day

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei, Namibia

In the heart of the Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert, surrounded by impressive mountains and sand dunes, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge feels like another world. Be surrounded by an oasis of total silence and tranquillity of the desert wilderness. 

The 10 beautifully styled guest suites offer an outdoor shower and a dramatic skylight over the bed for late night star gazing. The extraordinary clarity of light in this part of the world offers magical skies and exceptional stargazing.

Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge

Ngorongoro, Tanzania

A well located mid-range tented lodge just outside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. To get to the lodge you will make your way through local farmland and most likely there will be local children along the road waving at you.

The lodge will welcome you with fantastic views, a cosy lounge area, and great food largely sourced from their own organic garden. The swimming pool is fantastic for the kids, or cooling off after a long dusty game drive. Rhotia Valley is fairly basic, but for people who are a bit more budget conscious we book this lodge a lot, and always get positive feedback!

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