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African Tours
Does an African safari feature on your bucket list? It should! Africa has so much to offer, from spectacular scenery, friendly people and cultural treasures to blissful beaches. But above all else, it is the wildlife and safari lifestyle that will draw you back, again and again. Once you go on your first safari, Africa gets into your blood. You develop a deep longing to return to this magical continent, and to start planning your next African safari holiday. Be warned, Africa is very addictive!
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Top Rated Operator
8-Day Mid-Range Serengeti Migration Safari
$3,045 to $3,340 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Arusha (Start), Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha (End)
Lion King Adventures
5.0/5 – 1,313 Reviews
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8-Day Private Tour Mid-Range Lodge Mara Nakuru Amboseli
$2,632 to $2,850 pp (USD)
Kenya: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha), Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)
Zanzi African Safaris
4.8/5 – 16 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
5-Day All Inclusive Safari with Comfort Lodge
$1,759 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)
Mountain Warriors Tours and Safaris
4.9/5 – 390 Reviews
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4-Day Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimp Trekking at Kalinzu
$2,235 pp (USD)
Rwanda & Uganda: Shared tour (max 4 people per group)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Kigali (Start), Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas), Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP), Kalinzu FR (Chimps), Kigali (End)
Bamboo Ecotours
5.0/5 – 134 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
6-Day Namibia Highlights Flying Safari
$6,599 to $6,899 pp (USD)
Namibia: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Windhoek (Start), Sossusvlei (Sand Dunes), Western Etosha NP, Windhoek (End)
Wayfairer Travel
5.0/5 – 199 Reviews
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10-Day Kruger Private Reserves & Cape Town
$4,697 to $5,088 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Cape Town (End)
Safari Online
5.0/5 – 139 Reviews
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4-Day Lake Nakuru Masai Mara Sarova Hotels Luxury Safari
$1,874 to $1,978 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)
Estleon Adventures
5.0/5 – 154 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
7-Day Journey of the Wildebeest - Luxury
$4,210 to $5,720 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Arusha (Start), Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti NP, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End)
Soul of Tanzania
4.9/5 – 526 Reviews
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Best Seller
6-Day Okavango, Savuti and Chobe Expedition
$2,508 pp (USD)
Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Camping & LodgeYou Visit: Maun (Start), Khwai Concession (Okavango Delta), Savuti (Chobe NP), Chobe NP, Victoria Falls, Kasane (End)
Reflect Africa Expedition
5.0/5 – 23 Reviews
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7-Day Wildlife Big 5 Gorillas and Chimpanzees Safari
$2,475 pp (USD)
Uganda: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Entebbe (Start), Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas), Lake Bunyonyi, Equator point Uganda (Highlight), Entebbe (End)
Dav Safaris
5.0/5 – 156 Reviews
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3-Day Masai Mara Comfort Safari in a 4x4 Jeep
$851 to $1,389 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)
Queen Roseline Safaris
5.0/5 – 11 Reviews
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8-Day Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari
$3,353 to $3,715 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End)
Altezza Travel
5.0/5 – 84 Reviews
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Best Seller
6-Day Best Sopa Lodges Safari
$1,590 to $2,442 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Amboseli NP, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)
Meektrails Safaris
4.9/5 – 257 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
7-Day Luxury Safari All-Inclusive
$3,482 to $3,982 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)
African Big Cats Safaris
5.0/5 – 610 Reviews
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4-Day Primate Safari Uganda -Rwanda
$2,518 pp (USD)
Rwanda & Uganda: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & ResortYou Visit: Kigali (Start), Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas), Lake Bunyonyi, Kibale NP (Chimps), Entebbe Airport (End)
Kajie Safaris
5.0/5 – 170 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
9-Day Tanzanian Grand Safari - Elephants to Flamingos
$3,585 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Natron, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End)
Paradise & Wilderness
4.9/5 – 240 Reviews
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4-Day Luxury Safari Tour Greater Kruger & Panorama Route
$1,024 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Mavone Safaris
5.0/5 – 16 Reviews
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3-Day Masai Mara-Lake Naivasha 4x4 Safari with Sundowner
$963 to $1,501 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp
You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)
Bigmac Africa Safaris
5.0/5 – 54 Reviews
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4-Day Amaizing Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP+ Ngorongoro
$1,705 to $1,735 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)
Kimgoni Tanzania Safaris
5.0/5 – 130 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
7-Day Memorable Adventure in Tanzania
$2,380 to $2,390 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Central Serengeti NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)
Go Serengeti African Tours
4.9/5 – 417 Reviews
7 Questions About African Safari Tours
Answered by
Harriet Nimmo
Harriet is a zoologist with more than 20 years’ experience working in conservation communications. She has traveled extensively throughout central, eastern and southern Africa, and has visited most of Africa’s national parks at least twice.› More about Harriet
7 Questions About African Safari Tours
Harriet Nimmo
Why should I choose an African safari tour?
“There are so many reasons to choose an African safari. Going on safari is an unforgettable experience, offering a heady mix of adventure, thrilling wildlife sightings, cultural encounters and spectacular scenery. It is a chance to escape the fast pace of the modern world. You’ll retreat to a simpler, more peaceful way of life, reconnecting with the daily rhythms of nature. For me, the wildlife sightings provide the adrenaline that keeps me coming back, time and time again. Who can ever forget their first sighting of an elephant in the wild or realizing just how tall a giraffe really is? And there is something so primeval when hearing the roar of a lion under a glittering night sky. Finally, going on safari can help protect Africa’s wild animals and wild places. The more paying visitors, the more local people are employed and the more incentive there is to protect Africa’s natural wonders.”
1Which are the best African countries for going on safari?
“All the classic safari countries make wonderful destinations for African safari tours. These countries are Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. Which country you choose may depend on whether you’d like to combine your safari with another activity. For example you may like to add some beaches and/or Zanzibar in East Africa. Or perhaps Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe, or fine dining around Cape Town and the winelands of South Africa. If this is your first safari, South Africa is a good option. The private reserves bordering Kruger National Park can almost guarantee sightings of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino). South Africa also has good infrastructure and excellent levels of service. However, you will not get the sweeping savannahs and ‘Out of Africa’ scenes here. For these you need to travel to Kenya or Tanzania. Of course, these two countries also offer the incredible wildebeest migration. Note though, you need to travel here at the right time of year to see this. Zambia and Zimbabwe should also be considered. They have stunning national parks, including South Luangwa and Hwange respectively. Both countries are slightly more off the beaten track with less mass tourism. Botswana perhaps feels the wildest of the safari countries, although this comes with a price.”
2What time of year is best for going on a safari?
“The best time of year, and the peak season, for most safaris is the Dry season. This is when the bush is less dense, and the wildlife is drawn to waterholes. Generally the wildlife is easier to find and see at this time. The Dry season means bright sunny days, and cooler nights. Of course, as the Dry season is peak safari season, there are more travelers and prices are higher. Dry season generally falls from May/June to September/October. You may also wish to consider going during the Green season (also known as the Wet season or Emerald season). Although it may rain, often the showers are short downpours and then the sun comes back out again. It can be much cheaper to travel then, the bush is lush and green, and this is the breeding season for many of the animals. In East Africa, there are two Green seasons – the long rains between March and April or May, and the short rains from approximately late October or November into early December. In southern Africa the Green season is approximately from November to March. Temperatures can get very hot. Note that when it is wet there are more bugs and a greater risk of malaria.”
› Month-by-month review of the best time of year for a safari in Africa 3What wildlife can I expect to see?
“When it comes to seeing wildlife while on safari, this is wild nature and nothing can be guaranteed. You may see plenty of animals, including the Big Five. But there will be game drives when you don’t see very much at all. That will make the sightings you do see all the more special. The joy of safaris, and what makes them so addictive, is that you just never know what you might see around the next corner. If you listen closely to, and learn from your guide, you’ll be able to enjoy all aspects of Africa’s wildlife. Everything from baobab trees to dung beetle, to chameleon and cheeky mongoose. Don’t forget to also focus on the birds, as even a very quiet game drive usually delivers some great bird sightings.”
4What does a typical day look like on safari?
“All African safari holidays run to the same typical timetable. The best times to see wildlife, particularly predators being active, is at the beginning and end of the day. These golden hours at dawn and dusk are also the best times for photography. So be prepared for very early starts! You will usually be woken at dawn, and given tea, coffee, rusks or cereal. The aim is to get going on your game drive as early as possible at first light. The morning game drive usually lasts three to four hours, including a coffee and comfort break. You return to your camp or lodge for brunch. Then you are free to relax and take a siesta, or perhaps lie by the pool, during the middle of the day. It’s a good idea to bring something to read for this downtime. Later in the afternoon you will meet again for tea and snacks, before setting out on your second game drive of the day. This will usually include a stop for sundowner drinks, to watch the setting sun. The game drive then returns to your accommodations in the dark, using a spotlight to look for nocturnal (active during the night) animals. Evening meals are usually served just after returning to camp. In some countries night drives are offered after dinner at around 8pm. Such drives can be a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife such as genets. Unless you have paid for exclusive use, be prepared for sharing your game-drive vehicle with other guests. This can be huge fun (although sometimes you need to be quite tolerant). It is always a good idea to offer to swap around your seating positions during your safari.”
5How much will this safari cost?
“The costs of an African safari can vary enormously. You could pay anything from US$125 to US$1,000 per person per night, sometimes considerably more. Safaris can be an expensive holiday, and you generally get what you pay for. At the budget end of the spectrum are African safari packages where you join organized tours, departing on set dates, with other groups of people. South Africa and Kenya offer some of the best value-for-money safaris. Your choice of accommodations will affect the cost of your safari. Mobile safaris, where you sleep in tents, are great for groups of friends or families traveling together. Some safari lodges have taken luxury to the extreme, with private plunge pools etc. That said, you will probably have the same wildlife-viewing experience if staying in a more rustic lodge. It’s a matter of deciding what features are most important to you. If your reserve or lodge is remote, getting there will also impact the price. To visit the Okavango Delta, in Botswana, you can only fly into the Delta. There are no road transfers, so this adds to the price of your trip. The Serengeti is accessible by road, but this is a long, bone-rattling journey. It’s much easier and more comfortable to take a quick trip in a small plane. Whatever the costs of your safari, if you’ve experienced good service, do tip generously. A few extra dollars or euros will make a huge difference to your guide or lodge staff.”
6What should I consider when choosing an African safari tour?
“There are a lot of considerations to be taken into account when choosing an African safari tour operator. These include: If you are traveling with children, choose a family-friendly tour or lodge. In addition, you may prefer to choose a safari in a malaria-free area, for example in parts of South Africa. What type of safari do you want to go on? There are organized tours, departing on set dates, joining other groups of people. Or do you want an exclusive, tailor-made safari just for you? Are you happy to camp or do you want to stay in a luxury lodge? Your budget will probably determine your choices. Do you want to combine your safari with beaches, South Africa’s winelands, or a trip to Victoria Falls? This will help determine which country to choose.”
7Safari Reviews
HU
Tanzanian unforgettable safari
In short: We loved the whole thing! Six of us took part in the four-day safari tour. In detail: From the first contact, the staff were very helpful. We left Zanzibar to Arusha, then we went to the foot of Kilimanjaro to the Materuni...
HK
Reagan is caring and responsive; James and Steve are both professional safari drivers
For people who might be looking for a local travel guide for a private safari in Kenya and/or Tanzania, I recommend contacting Reagan from Nature Path Travels. My overall travel experience has been so smooth, and Reagan is caring and...
Extremely attentive to detail
Compass Odyssey were recommended to us by a friend and they proved an excellent choice. Although they are a small company they were super responsive and very flexible when it came to recommending and booking our Safari vacation across...
NG
He’s good at what he knows how to do
I like everything about the workers dedication during our tour we saw lots of animals among the big five which is very interesting
This is THE Safari Operator you would like
I did a last minute booking of the full day safari to Pilanesberg National Park. It turned out to be the most pleasant surprise. Ranger Martin is such a passionate and kind guide. We had all the fun of watching elephants, zebras, hippos and...
DE
Amazing tour guide Martin doing the job with love from his heart
Martin is amazing tour guide, he gave us a great information about the animals and their lifestyle. It feels like a riding with national geography
100 % recommended