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The small group difference
When it comes to exploring Africa, smaller really is better. Our Africa tours are capped at just 12 travellers, meaning you’re never one of dozens of people piling into a safari vehicle or jostling for a glimpse of a lion in the distance.
Our groups of 12 travel in two private 4WD safari vehicles, with just six travellers in each, meaning you won’t be sharing your drives with other lodge guests who may have different interests or priorities. Everyone gets a window seat, plenty of room to stretch out and a clear view when something exciting appears on the horizon. Because, let’s be honest, there’s nothing worse than finally spotting a leopard only to discover someone else’s head is blocking your photo!
A smaller group also means a more personal and relaxed experience. We can spend more time enjoying wildlife sightings, take advantage of smaller accommodation and get a little further off the beaten track. Rather than feeling like you’re simply passing through, there’s more opportunity to slow down, soak it all in and experience Africa at your own pace.
A Day on Safari
An early start!
Safari days tend to start early, but trust us, your alarm clock has never had a better reason to go off. As the sun begins to rise, we head out into the wilderness when the morning air is cool and the landscapes are bathed in that beautiful golden light. It’s also a wonderful time to spot wildlife as animals begin their day.
Dressed in light, layered clothing and sturdy shoes, and after a quick coffee or tea, it’s time to jump aboard your safari vehicle. The mornings can still be quite cold so we suggest you also bring a scarf and beanie. Some parks have open-top vehicles, while others use enclosed vehicles, depending on the environment and local regulations. Either way, you’ll be close to the action and ready for whatever wanders into view.
Keep your camera and binoculars handy because you never quite know what the next bend will bring. Our experienced local drivers and guides know the parks incredibly well and will help you spot the wildlife that can be surprisingly good at hiding!
Relax and recharge
After a few exciting hours on safari, it’s time to head back to the lodge for breakfast and some well-earned downtime. Grab a book, take a dip in the pool or simply sit back and enjoy your surroundings. You’ve got nowhere you need to rush off to, which is rather nice after an early start.
There’s more time to relax after lunch too. Catch up on some sleep, explore the lodge or simply soak up the scenery before it’s time to head out again.
Evening excitement
As afternoon turns to evening, we climb back into our safari vehicles for another game drive. The landscape takes on a completely different feel as the sun begins to dip, and the cooler temperatures bring another burst of activity from the wildlife.
Then comes one of those quintessential African moments: sundowners in the wilderness. There’s something rather special about enjoying a drink as the sun sinks over the savannah, before heading back to the lodge for dinner and an evening beneath the stars.
Go beyond the big sights with unique local experiences
Africa is home to some truly spectacular wildlife and landscapes, but the people, traditions and communities you encounter along the way are just as important to the experience.
Every included experience is already covered in the price of your tour, so you can simply turn up and enjoy it. From meeting local communities and learning about traditional customs to cooking, conservation and cultural experiences, these moments offer a chance to see a different side of Africa.
And because we travel in small groups, we can seek out experiences that simply wouldn’t work with a large group. For example, in Shaba, travellers explore Samburu Unity Village, a women-only community, to learn about ‘a day in the life’ of a Samburu woman and her children.
No cheeky costs: entry fees, permits and tipping included
We believe the price you see should cover the important stuff, which is why entrance fees to the national parks and reserves visited on our Africa tours are included in the tour price. The same goes for our independent and extension packages, where applicable.
We’ve also included the permits required for some of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences, including gorilla and golden monkey tracking in Rwanda. And these aren’t exactly the kind of permits you’d want to discover halfway through your holiday. For example, a gorilla-tracking permit can cost around US$1,500 per person, while a golden monkey tracking permit is around US$100 per person.
Tipping can also be one of those tricky parts of travelling. Who should you tip? How much? When do you hand it over? And did you just accidentally tip the wrong person? We’d rather take the guesswork out of it.
That’s why tipping is covered in the price of our African classic and short tours. There’s no need to spend your holiday doing mental maths every time someone brings you a plate of food. You can simply enjoy the experience, knowing the tipping has already been taken care of.
Our tours
Kenya & Tanzania | 21 days with airfares included
Step into the heart of Africa’s untamed wilderness. From the roaring lions of the Maasai Mara to the pounding hooves of wildebeests in the Serengeti, every rustle in the grass will set your heart racing as you uncover the beauty of the open plains. Chase the horizon on sunset safaris and experience the colourful customs of local tribes.
Special Experiences
- Meet a ‘laiboni’, a traditional Maasai Healer, and learn about the role of traditional healers in the community.
- Explore Samburu Unity Village, a women-only community, to learn about ‘a day in the life’ of a Samburu woman and her children.
- Take a Swahili cooking class in the heart of the Maasai Mara, including a visit to the herb and vegetable garden.
- Relax amidst the beauty of the Maasai Mara plains as we sip on sundowners and devour delicious canapes.
Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls | 23 days with airfares included
From the towering, sun-kissed dunes of Sossusvlei to thrilling wildlife encounters, this journey has it all. Experience wet safaris on the Chobe River, dry safaris through Etosha’s expansive plains and explore the lush Okavango Delta. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls, where nature’s grandeur leaves you breathless at every turn.
Special Experiences
- Relax with a sundowner drink at Elim Dune and watch as the sun sets over the vast plains of the Namib Desert.
- Enjoy a scenic cruise on Walvis Bay in search of Namibia’s ‘Marine Big Five’, made up of whales, dolphins, mola mola, leatherback turtles and seals.
Kruger to Cape Town | 19 days with airfares included
No place on Earth boasts diversity quite like South Africa. Watch waddling penguins on the coast of the Cape and snap pictures of the Big 5 in Greater Kruger National Park. Taste your way through Stellenbosch, explore the country’s complex history in Jo’burg, marvel at the Garden Route and more. Ready to go wild in South Africa?
Special Experiences
- See our closest relatives in their natural habitat as we tour the Jane Goodall Chimp Eden, the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa.
- Spend two incredible nights at the Kruger Shalati ‘Train on the Bridge’ hotel, which famously sits high above the Sabie River in Kruger National Park.
- Enjoy a sunrise Meerkat adventure, watching these charismatic creatures emerge from their burrows as the sunshine and warmth sets in for the day.
- Bask in the spectacular views at Glen Carlou Wine Estate, whilst indulging in wine tastings and a delicious lunch.
- Tour Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, one of the great botanic gardens of the world with over 7,000 plant species.
Cairo to Zanzibar | 23 days with airfares included
History, wildlife and relaxation — you’ll experience the best of Africa on this one-of-a-kind tour. Have your mind blown by the iconic sights of Egypt, don your safari suit as you spot the endless wildlife in Kenya and let your hair down as you relax on the fascinating island of Zanzibar!
Special Experiences
- Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the Giza Plateau
- Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis Bulls and home to centuries of cult activity.
- Navigate the waterways of the Nile to a Nubian village where we’ll visit the local market and meet a Nubian family in their home.
- Explore Samburu Unity Village, a women-only community, to learn about ‘a day in the life’ of a Samburu woman and her children.
- Take a Swahili cooking class in the heart of the Maasai Mara, including a visit to the herb and vegetable garden.
Discover Madagascar | 14 days
Come along and explore the hidden gems of Madagascar. Picture jaw-dropping landscapes, incredible national parks and an astonishing variety of wildlife. On our journey we’ll meet friendly locals, discover the creatures of the night, see the famous ring-tailed lemur and trek through lush rainforest. Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Special Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the iconic Lemur Island's wildlife, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.
- Visit a workshop where the locals craft miniature vehicles from recycled materials and witness an informative demonstration.
- Accompanied by a park ranger, hike through awe-inspiring canyons and oases of Isalo National Park taking in the lunar landscape.
- Experience a delightful cooking class in Antananarivo, uncovering the rich and delicious culinary traditions of the region, before enjoying your creations for lunch.
