A small group of family and friends were keen to explore Africa together. We loved the idea of travelling with Bunnik Tours, but the existing tours were a little longer than we wanted, and the departure dates didn’t align with our plans.
So, we decided to explore another option: a privately arranged tour tailored specifically to our group.
And what a wonderful decision that turned out to be!
Working with Bunnik Tours, we were able to adjust the itinerary to suit our timeframe and budget, while adding some extra-special experiences along the way. Our wish list included Kenya, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Cape Town, with a little time to relax at the end.
The result? An unforgettable African adventure that delivered everything we hoped for — and so much more.
Overview
- Kenya
- Amboseli
- East Africa to Botswana
- Victoria Falls
- Cape Town
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
- Private Tour
From the moment we arrived, we were in good hands.
After a long flight from Australia via the Middle East, it was incredibly reassuring to arrive in Nairobi and see a sign welcoming us. We could finally relax. From that moment on, we knew we were in good hands.
After checking into our hotel and enjoying a quick briefing, we were ready to set off ‘on safari’ the following morning. With just 12 people in our group, we travelled in two safari vehicles, each with its own driver-guide — and these guides were simply amazing!
Their knowledge, enthusiasm, personalities and genuine passion for their country made such a difference to our experience. They were happy to share their stories, introduce us to their culture and help us understand the lives of the people who call Africa home.
Of course, we expected to see incredible wildlife, but discovering the people, culture and landscapes along the way added another dimension to the trip. It was a reminder that Africa is about so much more than the animals, which, of course, are impressive.
Kenya: Wildlife, wide-open spaces and unexpected surprises
Our Kenyan adventure began with a journey north of Nairobi towards the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Travelling through towns and villages was a wonderful introduction to the country, offering glimpses of everyday life, agriculture, local communities and a little of Kenya's history.
Our guides soon realised that we were just as interested in birds as we were in the larger animals, so their spotting skills were put to the test! Nothing escaped their attention. Our first night was already memorable, with beautiful views of Mount Kenya and the thrill of spotting rhinos. What a way to begin!
From there, we continued north over the hills into the drier landscapes of Shaba — home to the Samburu people. The roads could be rough, but the experience was well worth it. The scenery was striking, the wildlife plentiful, the accommodation excellent, and visits to local communities gave us even more insight into this fascinating part of Kenya.
One of the great advantages of travelling privately was the flexibility to fly between destinations rather than spend several days travelling overland. This saved valuable time and allowed us to enjoy longer in some of the places we had come so far to see.
Our next stop was the magnificent Maasai Mara, and it certainly lived up to expectations. The wildlife was incredible, and yes, we had already ticked off the Big Five!
I don't think I'll ever tire of seeing African elephants in their natural environment, and watching a river crowded with hippos wallowing in the muddy water, enjoying the morning sunshine, was quite something. These are the moments that stay with you long after you've returned home.
Just when we thought the experience couldn't get much better, another flight took us from the Maasai Mara to Amboseli National Park, in the shadow of spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro.
Amboseli: A moment that took my breath away
Amboseli was quite different to Shaba and the Maasai Mara. The landscape was dry and almost desert-like, and the large lake within the national park was mostly dry at this time of year. Both the animals and local communities were waiting for the imminent rains.
It was here that I experienced one of the most moving moments of the entire trip.
We watched a family of elephants walking across the dry lake bed, with dramatic storm clouds gathering behind them. Being able to observe these magnificent creatures so closely, in such a vast and beautiful setting, felt almost spiritual. It was one of those moments when you simply stop, take it all in and feel incredibly fortunate to be there.
And then there was another surprise: a mass sighting of flamingos with Mount Kilimanjaro towering behind! I certainly hadn't expected that.
From East Africa to Botswana: A whole new safari experience
After returning to Nairobi, we visited the incredible Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to find out about all the good work they do there. Very interesting and very cute. We then continued our adventure towards Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Adding Botswana to our private itinerary was an excellent decision. The landscapes and experiences were quite different from those we'd enjoyed in East Africa, and it was fascinating to see how the wildlife and environment changed as we travelled.
The beautiful Chobe River and the mighty Zambezi River provided a striking contrast to the dry plains and open landscapes of Kenya. Although we encountered some familiar animals, there were plenty of new sights and experiences to enjoy. Amongst other sightings we were lucky to see wild dogs, which our guides hadn’t seen for more than 6 months.
Our driver-guides in Chobe were equally impressive. They seemed to know exactly where to be and when to be there to give us the best possible wildlife viewing opportunities.
It's hard to overstate how much a knowledgeable guide adds to a safari. Their experience, patience and understanding of animal behaviour can turn an ordinary sighting into something truly special.
Victoria Falls: Unforgettable perspectives
Victoria Falls was another highlight, offering a completely different experience from the safari destinations. We chose to stay at the beautiful, colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel, with its wonderful views towards the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. It was a memorable place to stay and a lovely change of pace.
If you're visiting Victoria Falls, I'd strongly recommend experiencing the falls from several different viewpoints. We included the following three experiences in our itinerary:
- The falls walk: Nothing quite compares to standing near this mighty waterfall and experiencing its sheer power.
- The bridge walk: A fascinating way to learn about and appreciate the historic Victoria Falls Bridge and its spectacular surroundings.
- A helicopter flight: Seeing the falls from above reveals their immense scale and the extraordinary landscape carved out by the Zambezi River.
Each experience offered something different, and together they made for a truly memorable stay. It's amazing how seeing the same natural wonder from different perspectives can give you such a different appreciation of its beauty.
Cape Town: The perfect way to slow down
After so much travel and excitement, we wanted our final destination to offer a little rest and relaxation — somewhere beautiful where we could unwind while still learning about the local environment, history and culture. Cape Town delivered in spades.
Our guide was a wealth of knowledge, sharing personal stories and insights into the city's history that really brought the place to life. It's one thing to visit a destination and see its famous landmarks, but quite another to understand the people, stories and events that have shaped it.
We were fortunate to follow his recommendation to visit the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, which added another meaningful dimension to our time in the city. We also enjoyed some excellent local lunch spots along the way.
Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine, food and a little well-earned downtime
Finishing our African adventure in the Cape Winelands was the perfect choice.
After days filled with early starts, wildlife sightings, flights and incredible experiences, it was lovely to slow down and enjoy the spectacular scenery, equally spectacular wines and delicious food.
A long lunch at a local winery was the ideal way to round off our trip. There was time to relax, chat about our favourite moments and simply enjoy being together.
It was a fitting end to an extraordinary journey — and a reminder that a great itinerary isn't just about how much you can fit in. It's also about allowing enough time to savour the experience.
Why a private tour worked so well for us
Looking back, I think the real beauty of this trip was having the freedom to create an itinerary that worked for our group.
We weren't trying to squeeze ourselves into someone else's schedule or compromise on the places we most wanted to visit. Instead, we could tailor the journey around our available dates, budget and interests.
For us, that meant:
- Flexibility: We could adjust the itinerary to suit our timeframe and priorities.
- More time where it mattered: Flights between destinations reduced lengthy road transfers and gave us more time to enjoy the places we had come to see.
- A personal experience: Travelling with our own family and friends made the adventure even more special.
- Local knowledge: Our driver-guides brought each destination to life through their expertise, stories and genuine enthusiasm.
- A balanced itinerary: We enjoyed a wonderful mix of wildlife, culture, scenery, history and time to relax.
Most importantly, we had the reassurance of having a tour operator looking after the arrangements from the moment we arrived. That peace of mind made it easier to relax and enjoy every part of the journey.
Would I recommend a privately arranged tour?
Absolutely!
If you've ever looked at a tour and thought, "This is almost perfect, but I'd love to change a few things," it may be worth asking whether a private itinerary is possible.
You might be surprised by what's achievable when you work with a tour operator to create something around your own wishes, dates and budget.
Our privately arranged African adventure with Bunnik Tours gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, enjoy some truly memorable experiences and share it all with people we love travelling with.
From the rhinos and elephants of Kenya to the waterways of Botswana, the magnificence of Victoria Falls and the vineyards of Stellenbosch, every destination brought something different.
And while the wildlife was undoubtedly spectacular, it was the people we met, the stories we heard and the unexpected moments along the way that made the journey so memorable.
Africa had been on our wish list for a long time, and this trip exceeded every expectation. Sometimes, the best way to travel isn't to find the perfect tour — it's to create one.
All photos by Nicky Bevan
