out of africa safaris

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Our lodge tours and camping safaris are for nature loving people who wish to concentrate on wildlife, unforgettable landscapes and the diverse people of Southern Africa.Our most popular tour is our "Southern Cross Safari" which takes guests on an amazing journey, with excellent food and high quality accommodations, from Cape Town to Victoria Falls in 21 days. We also offer shorter tours- there is something for everyone! Book us and see why we are one of the most trusted operators in Africa.

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Out of Africa • Great Migration • 8 Days

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$  5,489.00

Our group tours are also offered on a private basis, and can be customized: Our experienced travel consultants will design bespoke, private itineraries according to your needs and budget. 

• Description

Accommodation

Pre-tour information.

Witness the Great Migration on the vast plains of Serengeti National Park . Experience the breathtaking sight of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they embark on their epic journey spanning nearly 3,000 km in search of greener pastures. With predators in close pursuit and thrilling encounters awaiting, this safari promises a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Embark on a remarkable journey in the wild heart of East Africa, where the Serengeti National Park becomes the stage for one of the most astonishing wildlife spectacles on Earth—the Great Migration. Your adventure begins in Arusha, a vibrant gateway to Tanzania’s natural wonders. This bustling city serves as the starting point for many safaris and provides an opportunity to soak up the local culture and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Tanzanian people. From Arusha, you’ll venture to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem that boasts breathtaking landscapes and a diverse range of wildlife. As you explore the park, you’ll be greeted by towering baobab trees and herds of elephants, which are known to gather near the Tarangire River. Keep your eyes peeled for other sightings, such as lions, giraffes, and numerous bird species.

You will then travel to the Greater Ngorongoro Area. The highlight of the conservation area is the  Ngorongoro Crater, the largest caldera in the world. This area holds immense global importance for biodiversity conservation, as it is home to numerous globally threatened species and boasts a high density of wildlife. Additionally, the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals into the northern plains further contributes to the area’s significance.

Continuing your journey, you’ll make your way to the crown jewel of East Africa—the Serengeti National Park. This vast expanse of grassy plains sets the stage for the epic Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing lands. The sight of these majestic herds, stretching as far as the eye can see, it is a true testament to the resilience and harmony of nature.

While witnessing the Great Migration, you’ll also become part of the cycle of life and witness predator-prey interactions that unfold during this extraordinary event. As the herds make their way through the Serengeti, predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas lie in wait, ready to seize opportunities presented by the vast numbers of herbivores. This constant battle for survival creates an atmosphere of anticipation, as every sighting holds the promise of witnessing the raw power and agility of Africa’s predators.

Finally, your safari takes you to the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, standing majestically on the horizon. While not directly part of the Great Migration, this iconic mountain serves as a stunning backdrop of Tanzania’s natural wonders. Throughout your safari, you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and rangers who possess an intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. Their expertise will enrich your journey, providing you with insights into the behavior, biology, and conservation efforts surrounding the wildlife you encounter. This adventure promises to leave an unforgettable mark as you witness the raw power, resilience, and beauty of nature in its purest form. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the picturesque landscapes of Tarangire and the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro, this safari offers an experience that will forever be etched in your memories.

Arusha Hotel Arusha, Tanzania

Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tanzania Tarangire National Park

Fly Camp Greater Ngorongoro Area, Tanzania

Mobile Tented Camp Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Days 5 – 7

Mobile Tented Camp (Ndutu or Mara River) Northern or Southern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Africa Amini Life Original Maasai Lodge West Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

• 7 x Breakfast
• 6 x Lunches
• Accommodation and meals as mentioned in the itinerary or of similar standard
• Return airport transfers as specified in the itinerary
• Services of an English-speaking driver guide on the excursions specified
• Domestic or Regional flights as stipulated
• Activities and excursions as mentioned
• Park entrance fees and camp fees unless otherwise stipulated
• Laundry (except at Tarangire Safari Lodge)
• Flights: International & domestic
• Pre and post tour accommodation
• Drinks not mentioned
• Personal expenses such as gratuities, telephone calls, curios, travel insurance etc.

Get some rest on the first day of your arrival – you may need some time to adjust to a different time zone. Rather arrive a day early to rest and start off your tour refreshed and ready for adventure!

When you need to exchange your currency, avoid any exchanges on the street or in other areas that may seem suspect. Always note that even when people approach you with an, e.g., 50% premium exchange rate offer, this exchange is considered part of the black market and is illegal! Hotels, Camps and Lodges can change money, but sometimes the rate is slightly lower. We recommend that you visit an accredited Bureau de Change.

Credit Cards

Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most areas as well as at bigger hotels and lodges.

Hospitals and Pharmacies

The larger towns in Southern Africa have pharmacies and hospitals, but you should always make sure you have enough of your medicine in case the pharmacies/hospitals don’t stock them.

In most areas you can call internationally – however please note that some of the smaller areas may not have these facilities and international phone calls are costly. Also, built up areas and towns do have cell- phone reception!

Passports, Documents and Valuables

Please make sure that you keep your passport, documents and any other valuables with you at all times! We recommend that a copy of these documents should be made and kept in another safe place in case something happens to the originals. Never leave valuables alone and remember you are on safari, so expensive and valuable jewellery is not necessary.

Every area (any where in the world) can be unsafe at times. Please take common precautions at all times and never walk alone, especially at night or in run-down areas!

Remember to always check the amount of luggage you are allowed to take on the plane as well as on the Safari Vehicle – they may differ. We recommend that a soft bag is used instead of a hard suitcase as it’s preferable on safari. Most air flights allow for 20kgs and our scheduled safaris are limited to 15kgs per person. Don’t forget to put luggage tags on your suitcases (for the airplane and the safari).

Luggage and Medication

Please be advised that you should put any medication that you need (e.g.: diabetes medication) into your hand luggage, even with the strict regulations, airlines will allow that as long as you have a letter from your doctor.

What to wear

You are on safari and out in the bush so make sure that you are comfortably dressed with comfortable shoes. Always have a mix of clothing including; summer clothes, light raincoat, warm top and a hat.

Punctuality

Please be on time when you meet your vehicles for the game drives. If you run late you may delay the rest of the trip or miss something wonderful!

Always remember that the African Sun may look gentle but it is strong and can be harsh. Too much sun can lead to headaches, dehydration, nausea and dizziness. Rather look after yourself by using sun screen and a hat versus trying to get a nice African Tan.

Drinking Water

In built-up areas the water is safe to drink (mostly in South Africa) however, some areas it is not safe to drink the tap water at all! So we rather recommend that you drink bottled water at all times to prevent any illness. You may use the tap water to rinse your mouth when brushing your teeth! Ice is generally fine to consume, but sometimes it is better to be cautious. We advise you to rather drink bottled water at all times in Africa!

Food and drink

Africa is famous for its fruit and fresh vegetables – which can be enjoyed all around Africa. Fruit and Vegetables should be peeled before eating. Drinks (including spirits) and cigarettes can be bought in most areas but are normally quite expensive. On our Safaris we do provide most/all meals which are prepared by our guide or at a lodge.

Anti-malaria medication

A lot of areas in Africa are affected by Malaria – we strongly recommend that you take your anti-malaria medication. Take your medication exactly as its prescribed and directed, don’t skip any medication! At the end of your safari, if at any time you develop influenza symptoms please consult your doctor immediately.

Power and Electricity

Most places (hotels, lodges) have electricity. But we always recommend that you should take a flash light with you on safari. Always remember if you plug something in (e.g.: One of your appliances) there may be a different voltage! The usual voltage is 220-240 AC. If you appliance does not match this voltage you need to bring a converter with as some lodges may not have a converter for you to use…

There will be many amazing photo’s that you will want to capture along the way on your safari. But, you need to make sure you don’t take any photos of any people without their permission. Also, never take pictures of anyone/anything in the military, police force, armed forces, government, presidents or airports.

The animals in the bush and the ones that you may see on safari are wild and should not be approached! Animals may roam freely around so be observant and cautious when walking from place to place.

Tipping is not included in meals unless there is a service charge included in the bill – then you don’t need to tip. Normal tipping is 10% of the bill for drinks and food. Tipping for guides and drivers are always appreciated and range from US$5 and US$10 per day…

Driver-Guide/Safari Guide

Your driver and guide is complete with experience, information and knowledge of all the areas that you will travel to. Be sure to ask them lots of questions and feel free to chat to them about anything.

Serengeti Sopa Lodge • Serengeti National Park

Bustani House at Gibb’s Farm • Serengeti

Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort • Zanzibar

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‘Out of Africa’ Safari in Kenya

Inspired by the 1985 award-winning Hollywood film ‘Out of Africa’, this luxurious itinerary transports guests through Kenya’s wilderness to relive the movie’s famous scenes.

All year round

$8,870 per person sharing from.

Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > ‘Out of Africa’ Safari in Kenya

Trip Highlights

About this trip.

This luxurious safari in Kenya invites you to step back in time and relive the timeless scenes of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in “Out of Africa”. Lovers of the Hollywood film will be treated to an unforgettable adventure combined with age-old romance luxury hotels and camps in Nairobi, Ol Derkesi Community Conservancy and the Masai Mara. Here, you’ll visit the farmhouse once owned by Baroness Karen Blixen, stay at one of the oldest safari camps in existence, bathe in old-world canvas baths in the savannah, discover Kenya’s wild places in a vintage wooden-panelled safari vehicle and experience a private picnic on the Out of Africa Kopje – a nod to film’s renowned poster.

Your day-to-day breakdown of this trip

Day one – two, arrive jomo kenyatta international airport, nairobi.

Your ‘Out of Africa’ safari starts on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will meet you and assist you through customs for a seamless arrival. From here, you will be transferred to Hemingways Nairobi – a luxurious boutique hotel perfectly located a mere 15 minutes from the vibrant city center. The perfect starting point for an ‘Out of Africa’ safari, Nairobi served as the home of Danish author Baroness Karen Blixen-Finecke. After check-in, allow yourself time to stroll around the 10-acre grounds overlooking the Mbagathi River and as the sun is setting, sit on the wicker furniture on the spacious patio or visit the gym with a steam room and sauna. The bar has fantastic cocktails as well as Hemingway’s very own inventions. A full day private Nairobi city tour will be a highlight of your time in Nairobi, especially visiting the well-preserved farmhouse where Karen Blixen stayed from 1917 to 1931. We recommend visiting the Bomas of Kenya, a great place to learn about the lifestyle and culture of each tribe.

Where you’ll stay: Hemingways Nairobi

Considered one of the best 5 star boutique hotels in Nairobi, Hemingways Nairobi features 45 spacious suites each fitted with a private terrace overlooking the Ngong Hills and butler service. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s bar, swimming pool and inhouse Serenity Spa.

Experiences:

Explore Nairobi on a full day city tour. You will visit the Karen Blixen Museum to see her coffee farm and original 1917 farmhouse; the orphan-elephant rescue center – the Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and the Giraffe Centre. If time allows you will also visit the National Museum and Kazuri Beads Factory.

Continue your trip of Kenya

Day three – five, transfer ol derkesi community conservancy.

Wake up and enjoy a refreshing breakfast overlooking the Ngong Hills, before meeting your driver who will transfer you to Wilson Airport. From here, you will board a light aircraft flight to Cottar’s 1920s Camp – a historic camp dating back more than a century. The award-winning luxury camp is located in a private conservancy just one kilometer from the world famous Maasai Mara and boasts the vintage style of the bygone era, while providing you with modern facilities. During your stay, you can enjoy nods to the authentic safari experience. We’ve lined up a unique canvas bush bath set up in the savannah with champagne and an extra special sunset experience in a vintage wooden-panelled safari vehicle. You can also enjoy the services of a private butler with silver service, fantastic stargazing, educational talks, conservation experiences, coffee tasting and foraging. Dining is an opulent affair with three course dinners or romantic tables set up in the bush.

Where you’ll stay: Cottar’s 1920s Camp

Located near the world-famous Maasai Mara, Cottar’s 1920s Camp is the oldest safari camp in existence! The camp accommodates up to 26 guests in cream canvas en-suite sleeping tents each complete with beautifully hand-built four poster beds, gramophones, old style showers and safari antiques that ooze old-world sophistication.

Each day is tailored to your interests. Fill your days with day and night game drives, bush walks, conservation activities (Pangolin Talk, Predator Project, conservancy talk, Vulture Rehabilitation, Elephant Experience and more), visit a local school or Maasai Warrior school, run with a Maasai warrior or join your guide on an excursion to the nearby waterfall to swim.

Continue your trip

Day six – eight, transfer maasai mara national park.

After breakfast, a guide will transfer you to the luxurious Angama Mara – the site where many of the ‘Out of Africa’ movie scenes were filmed. The lodge is located high above the floor of the Great Rift Valley and boasts jaw-dropping views of the Maasai Mara . The property consists of 15 spacious tented suites with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to make the most of the dramatic views. Here you can relax on the iconic red chairs with a copy of ‘Out of Africa’ in your hands. We have lined up a private picnic experience which takes you to the crest of the Out of Africa Kopje. A nod to the film’s renowned poster, the old-world picnic includes canvas safari chairs, a wicker picnic basket packed with elegant snacks, sparkling wine on ice, a blanket and comfy cushions, not to mention panoramic views of the sun setting over the Maasai Mara. At the lodge you will also be taken to the plaque in honour of Denys Finch Hatton.

Where you’ll stay: Angama Mara

Located on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, overlooking the Maasai Mara, lies Angama Mara. The award-winning property consists of two camps of just 15 tents each, a private airfield and direct access to the Mara below.

Explore the Mara on daily game drives and guided walking safaris or spend time discovering the property’s fruit and vegetable garden, visiting the local village, or simply relaxing by the pool and library.

Transfer Nairobi

Day 9 marks the final day of your ‘Out of Africa’ safari in Kenya. After a delicious breakfast at your lodge, you will board a light aircraft for a 45-minute flight back to Wilson Airport, followed by the short road transfer to the international airport for your outbound flight home.

Make this itinerary yours

Like what you see? Each and every trip we create at Ker & Downey® Africa is tailored to suit you. Get in touch with our LuxVenture® Designers who can create something unique, just for you!

Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa +27 (0)21 201 2484 [email protected]

United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent

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Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa

+27 (0)21 201 2484 [email protected] United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent

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Out of Africa Adventure: Luxury Kenya Safari

Experience the romance and adventure of Out of Africa in real life. Visit 2 of Kenya’s most luxurious safari lodges for an old world-style African safari.

We designed this Out of Africa Adventure: Luxury Kenya Safari for a couple from Toronto who loved  Out of Africa  and wanted to experience the romance and adventure of the film in real life. We sent them to 2 of Kenya’s most luxurious safari lodges for an old world-style African safari.

Upon arrival in Nairobi, their Out of Africa Adventure began with a private charter flight to Segera Retreat. Segera is a treasured haven for Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife species, where a holistic approach to wellness ensures a revitalizing and authentic safari experience. They spent a relaxing evening in their luxurious villa, featuring the best of colonial and traditional styles, before their next 2 days of adventure.

While at Segera, they enjoyed personalized game drives in luxurious open-air vehicles. Having been on safari several times, they were able to seek out the members of the Big 5 they hadn’t seen before with the help of their expert guide. In between safaris, they indulged in restoring spa treatments and delicious gourmet meals at the lodge.

Next on their Out of Africa Adventure, they were flown to Angama Mara, a luxury safari camp situated high above the Great Rift Valley overlooking the plains of the Maasai Mara. They enjoyed an exciting evening game drive before retreating to their intimate and luxurious tented suite with breathtaking views of the valley.

In addition to wildlife safaris, our clients were able to interact with Maasai villagers in their traditional homesteads and try their hands at Maasai crafts and beading. They also enjoyed an unforgettable  Out of Africa  experience. Their Maasai guide led them to the top of the very same hill featured on the  Out of Africa  film poster, where a full colonial-style bush picnic was waiting. The exclusive and romantic picnic was a highlight of their trip.

After 6 magical nights indulging in an  Out of Africa -inspired safari adventure, their luxury safari came to an end. They were transferred to the airport to begin their journey home.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Kenya! Upon arrival at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, enjoy a private charter flight to Segera Retreat in the heart of Laikipia, one of Kenya’s most exciting safari locations. In a safari experience reminiscent of Out of Africa , enjoy a wide range of personalized activities in a landscape of savannah grasslands, waterfalls, rivers, and woodlands. Segera Retreat

Day 2 – 3 These days are yours to spend at your leisure. Enjoy game drives and walking safaris to spot the Big 5 of Africa, along with zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and much more. You can also enjoy helicopter tours over beautiful lakes and mountains, as well as cultural excursions to nearby villages and Segera-supported community projects. Between adventures, unwind in your lush and luxurious rooms or at the spa. Segera Retreat

Day 4 Today, enjoy a private charter flight to Angama Mara, inspired by the Swahili word for “suspended in mid-air.” This luxury tented camp sits high in the air overlooking the beautiful and wildlife-rich Great Rift Valley in the Maasai Mara. Settle into your modern, luxurious tented suite and enjoy an exciting game drive, followed by a relaxing evening lounging on your private deck overlooking the African plains. Angama Mara

Day 5 – 6 Spend the next 2 days on a wildlife safari adventure. Enjoy completely personalized safaris in the Mara Triangle. Take a hot air balloon safari for a one-of-a-kind adventure. You can also indulge in a special romantic treat: an  Out of Africa -style picnic. A Maasai guide will bring you to the very same hill featured on the  Out of Africa  movie poster for a luxurious picnic in the bush. Angama Mara

Day 7 Today, your Luxury Kenya Safari comes to an end. Enjoy a private charter flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will begin your journey home.

About this vacation

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Protect Your Trip »

12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

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Africa Adventure Consultants

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Named by Travel + Leisure as one of the top 10 safari outfitters in the world in 2023, Africa Adventure Consultants provides the best African safari adventures for individuals, couples, families and large groups.

Ready to create the perfect once-in-a-lifetime, custom luxury African safari vacation? Our award-winning safari adventures are available throughout all of East and Southern Africa, including popular destinations such as Tanzania , Kenya , South Africa and Botswana .

Our staff of safari specialists has more than 100 combined years in the travel industry and we visit Africa regularly to ensure the quality of our African safari vacations exceed expectations. We are ready to turn your dreams into a one-of-a-kind luxury African safari vacation!

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Big 5 safaris, custom safaris, family safaris, why choose africa adventure consultants, we are a denver-based safari company with consultants who organize exclusive, custom, award-winning safari adventures throughout east and southern africa..

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More reading, malaria-free safari options, visiting a maasai village, traveler’s corner: moms and daughter safari, should i trek chimpanzees or gorillas on my safari, top 3 destinations for your first safari, traveler’s corner: africa’s nature & cultures, what does a safari cost in 2024, desert vs delta – where to travel in botswana, conquering kilimanjaro: a journey on the machame route, traveler’s corner: a family bucket list trip, kent’s return to tanzania, ciara’s adventures in zambia and botswana.

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Out of Africa

• 2 LOCATIONS

Enjoy a five night flying safari; spend 2 nights at Loldia House in the Great Rift Valley followed by 3 nights at one of our  Masai Mara camps .

Nairobi to Great Rift Valley

When you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and driven (a two hour drive) through the scenically beautiful Great Rift Valley down to Loldia House , nestling on the shores of Lake Naivasha. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the lawn overlooking Mt Longonot. Enjoy the afternoon with game drives around the farm, or perhaps a boat trip on the lake. Or simply relax around our beautiful infinity pool which offers stunning lake views, or even book yourself in for some of our luxury spa treatments!

Great Rift Valley

During your time at Loldia, you can either opt for a full day’s activities on Loldia Ranch; these include birdwatching and boat trips on Lake Naivasha , visits to the local flower farm and a night game drive.

Or you can have a super early morning start and head off to Lake Nakuru National Park with a packed breakfast. Enjoy a morning game drive around Lake Nakuru, is famous for its abundance of flamingos and a large variety of water birds. The park was declared a rhino sanctuary in 1983 and is currently home to both black and white species which are regularly seen – along with good sightings of leopard. A picnic lunch is served under the Acacia trees overlooking the lake, or you can head back to Loldia for a late lunch. There is also the option to stop at Lake Elementeita on your way back, a soda lake which is an important breeding site for many threatened bird species and famous for its population of flamingos.

Loldia to the Masai Mara

Enjoy breakfast at Loldia, before heading to the airstrip where you will catch a flight with Governors’ Aviation over to Kenya’s World famous Masai Mara Game Reserve . It’s a short game drive en route to the camp and on arrival you can settle into your tent, have lunch and relax. Embark on a thrilling afternoon game drive at around 3:30pm and return in the dusk for drinks and chatter around the campfire before your dinner. Fall asleep to the night-time chorus of the Masai Mara!

Arise early each morning to make the most of your spectacular location. Each day will offer you the option of three game drives within the Mara National Reserve, immersing yourself in this rich wildlife destination.

Depending on what you feel like, we have a range of activities to keep you occupied either side of game viewing;  Masai village cultural visits , walking safaris , visits to some of our  responsible tourism community initiatives located nearby – or – you can simply sit, take a siesta or book yourself in for some of our safari spa treatments!

Masai Mara Game Reserve

For a particularly memorable and unforgettable experience, enjoy a surreal journey in a hot air balloon (please note that this is an extra cost), over the Masai Mara plains.

This adventure begins just before dawn; depart the camp at 5.15am to the balloon safaris launch site, which is located just behind Little Governors’ Camp. The fabulous sunrise flight lasts approximately one hour depending on weather conditions. On landing, sit down to a delicious bush breakfast, freshly cooked on balloon burners in the middle of the Mara plains. Toast your return to Mother Earth together with your pilot over a glass of sparkling wine. Game drive back to your camp.

Masai Mara to Nairobi

Enjoy a final early morning game drive, followed by breakfast in camp before heading to the airstrip in time for your  Governors’ Aviation  flight back to Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Accommodation

Loldia house, governors' camp, little governors' camp.

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Out of Africa

Your itinerary starts in Nairobi, with 1 night at House of Waine providing a chance to adjust to Africa time. You will then head north to Laikipia, home to some of Kenya's most unique wildlife including the reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra, for 3 nights at  Ol Lentille in one of their four private villas. This region is also home to the Samburu people and a wonderful opportunity to learn about their culture. Your safari will continue in the world famous Maasai Mara, at Mara Bushtops for a further 4 nights at this beautiful camp offering excellent wildlife viewing year round. You can also enjoy armchair safaris from private deck as an abundance of wildlife congregates around the adjacent salt lick. Other activities include bush walks, sundowners and relaxing at the spa.  Lastly, you travel to Kenya's beautiful coast for 4 days/ 3 nights of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation at Alfajiri Beach Villas. You can choose to swim, sunbathe and enjoy the spa or venture out to some local excursions, on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

At A Glance

• Meet our representative on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
• Private transfer to House of Waine Nairobi (± 45 mins)
• Stay at House of Waine in  a Standard Room for 1 night
• Breakfast included

House of Waine

Itinerary details.

Situated in along the Nairobi River in beautiful Kenya, the capital of Nairobi is East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city. It serves as an excellent starting point for African safari trips around Kenya. Located in the peace and quiet of Karen, House of Waine still retains much of the charm of a family home. Guests are assured of a relaxed and informal atmosphere where they can be free to do as much or as little as they like. Upon entering the gates one is transported to another place, one with a gentler, quieter pace, a private retreat where the only noise one will usually hear will be the sound of the local birdlife.

• Transfer from House of Waine to Wilson Airport (± 45 mins)
• Scheduled flight Wilson – Loisaba 10:20am – 11:20am
• Road transfer from Loisaba to Ol Lentille
• Stay at Ol Lentille in a Private Villa for 3 nights
• Twice daily shared safari activities
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner and local brand drinks included

Ol Lentille

Sandwiched between Mount Kenya and the northern deserts, Laikipia is where Kenya’s wild and semi-arid northern frontier country begins. Situated at one of Laikipia’s highest points, Ol Lentille consists of four luxurious villas which can host a maximum of 16 guests. Each villa is complemented by its own private staff, guide and safari vehicle. The lodge overlooks 40,000 exclusive acres of breathtaking African wilderness. With the land (and the lodge) owned by the local Maasai communities, guests enjoy unparalleled access to a deeply immersive cultural experience.

• Road transfer from Ol Lentille to Loisaba
• Scheduled flight Loisaba – Mara 9:05am – 11:00am
• Stay at Mara Bushtops in a Luxury Tented Suite for 4 nights
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and local brand drinks included

Mara Bushtops

The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. Mara Bushtops boats a sensational location in front of the largest natural salt lick in the Mara and perched on the side of a hill, with a scenic valley to one side. Set amid the Bushtops private Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara, Activities such as walking safaris, night game drives, a visit to our historic Masai cave, off road game drives, sun downers, bush breakfasts are part of the experience. Game drives are conducted in open converted 4×4’s and accompanied by a Ranger and Masai spotter.

• Scheduled flight Mara – Wilson 11:00am – 12:15pm
• Scheduled flight Wilson – Diani 2:00pm – 3:15pm
• Shared road transfer from Diani Airport to Alfajiri Beach Villas (± 15 mins)
• Stay at Alfajiri in the Cliff Villa for 3 nights
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and local brand drinks included

Alfajiri Beach Villas

The Kenyan Coastline is a tropical paradise where palm-fringed white-sand beaches welcome visitors who come for the tropical weather, the teeming coral reefs, world-class fishing and to be embraced by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The African designed villas at Alfajiri with high makuti roofs, located few steps away from the beach, offers the ultimate in beachfront luxury. Designed to feel like a home away from home, the villa is decorated with handmade hardwood furnishings and is surrounded by lush palm gardens for maximum privacy. Sea breezes gently flow through the open living area under a makuti roof, okra floor, wooden beams and impressive artifacts. Your private overflowing swimming pool sits right in front of your veranda merging into the ocean and the horizon.

• Shared transfer from Alfajiri to Ukunda airstrip (± 15 mins)
• Scheduled flight Diani – Wilson 10:55am – 12:35pm
• Road transfer from Wilson Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (± 45 mins)

Destinations

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Day: 1 Welcome to Kenya

A warm welcome awaits you upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our Moyo Guide.Thereafter, you will depart for Amboseli National Park which is located in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The Park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to free-ranging Elephants among other species.The other attraction of the Park is the spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest free-standing Mountain in the World. Dinner and Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.

Day: 2 AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Amboseli is a paradise of Elephants, a wonderful park with a big swamp fed by the underwater aquifers of the Kilimanjaro. We enjoy a pre breakfast game drive and one after lunch to see its majestic Elephants, Lion, Giraffe,Zebra and other plains game. In between the game drives enjoy its beautiful pool or just sit back and chill. Dinner and Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.

Day: 3 MBOSELI TO THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY

After a hearty breakfast, you will depart for Lake Naivasha which is the magnificent lake in the Great Rift Valley and it’s also home to 400 species of birds, arriving in time for lunch. After sumptuous lunch, have the evening at Leisure with an optional boat ride to see the bird life. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

Day: 4 THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY TO MASAI MARA

After a hearty breakfast, you will depart for the fabled Masai Mara National Reserve. The enormous reserve is actually part of the vast Serengeti plains famously known for its spectacular great wildebeest migrations and its home for the big five Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. Arrive in time for lunch at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge. After a sumptuous lunch, you will depart for an afternoon game drive to see the game of savannah. Dinner and Overnight at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge.

Day: 5 MASAI MARA

A relaxed rise followed by a hearty breakfast and thereafter a full day game drive with picnic lunch to see the varied game of the Masai Mara. This region is Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary where you will have the best opportunity of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant). Optional visit to a local Maasai village. Dinner and Overnight at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge.

Day: 6 MASAI MARA TO THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY

After a hearty breakfast, you will depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. On arrival at Nakuru, enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge. Thereafter you will depart for a game drive and visit the beautiful Park to see Lion, Rhino, the elusive Leopard, Zebra, Giraffe and of course lots of lesser pink flamingos. Lake Nakuru is famous for its huge flamingo populations due to the alkaline state of the lake. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge.

Day: 7 RIFT VALLEY TO NAIROBI

After a hearty breakfast you will depart for Nairobi. On arrival lunch is at an Indian Restaurant followed by an afternoon of shopping and dinner at your hotel. Relax at Boulevard Hotel or Glam Hotel for overnight stay.

Day: 8 Homebound

After a hearty breakfast you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your flight back home. Optional Excursions are available for this Safari.

• Arrival meet and assist and all airport transfers
• Accommodation on FB Basis throughout your safari and BB in Nairobi
• Transportation in a Safari vehicle with pop up roof ideal for game viewing with a window seat for every person
• Services of an English speaking Safari Driver guide
• All the Activities as listed in the itinerary
• All Park Entrance Fees
• All Conservation Fees
• Complimentary bottled water and snack hamper in all our vehicles
• Comprehensive tour documents and Wildlife Checklist.
• Any items of a personal nature such as drinks, tips, mineral water, laundry, telephones, extra meals etc.
• Personal Travel or Trip cancellation insurance
• International Airfare
• Please note that complimentary drinking water is not served during meals in Kenya.
• Most hotels offer two bottles of drinking water in the rooms on complimentary basis
• This Safari is conducted in a Landcruiser with 7 window seats.
• Our vehicles are not air conditioned as they have open tops.
• Maximum Baggage allowance on domesti safaric flights is 15 Kgs per person

Clothing and Footwear

• Cool Cotton Clothes for the day
• A Hooded Fleece
• Long trousers for the evening
• Comfortable shoes or boots for walking and a pair of flip flops
• Swimming suits
• Jacket or wind cheater for early morning and evenings
• Please pack soft bags.
• Please note that internal flights only allow 15 kgs of maximum baggage.
• Extra weight will have to be paid for directly by yourself

Other items

• Your medical needs and prescription
• Valid Passports and visas
• Moisturiser and Sun glasses
• Cameras and Batteries
• Binoculars are a must for good viewing
• Your personal smartphones or ipads as wifi is available at most lodges and hotels almost free
• Credit cards for check in
• Books to read on Safari
• Your insurance cards and numbers
• Insect repellent if you wish

Online Visas are available for most Nationalities on the Kenya Visa Portal http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html or on arrival. Both processes take equal time on arrival even if you already have an E Visa. Please choose the one that suits your clients best.

Please note that Indian citizens require a Yellow Fever Vaccination and Polio Booster Drops which must be certified in your Vaccination card

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This African Safari Takes You on a Land Adventure and a River Cruise-Here's What It Was Like

Safaris tend to be marketed like the movie Out of Africa , where Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, dressed in designer J. Crew khaki outfits, enjoy blissful, halcyon sunsets, surrounded by antelopes grazing on the plains and lions that occasionally hunt them, with the odd guest appearance by a zebra, elephant or hippo. The terrain is wild and dusty, with no people or shacks cluttering the panoramas.

A handful of providers still offer bona fide old-school safaris, or as close as you can get, by carefully curating privacy, luxury, and wildlife within their private reserves.

I had a very different waterborne experience in Botswana, spending a week in three Great Plains Conservation camps-the last on Sitatunga Private Island, a recently opened retreat accessible only by boat or helicopter. The first two camps, Selinda and Duba Plains , are longstanding outposts for Great Plains, which owns 15 properties across Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

The three camps are all "open," meaning no fences, with the number of "tents" kept purposely small to deliver on that private experience. The word "tent" is a misnomer. The multi-room suites look rustic but are designer-caliber, with stylized mosquito nets around the king-sized beds (and air-conditioning coming from the headboards), living rooms with leather couches, stocked liquor cabinets and Nespresso machines.

Beside the wood-clad showers and his-and-hers sinks are full-sized copper bathtubs, a luxury you wouldn't expect in a remote outback (the camps run on solar power.) On the outside deck are a plunge pool and Peloton bike. A professional Canon camera is provided to document the trip.

It's common to see elephant herds, baboons with babies clinging to them and warthog broods (it was the November birthing season) ambling 15 feet in front of the screened bedroom windows.

Selinda and Duba Plains use open Toyota Land Cruisers to reveal the wildlife across their protected lands. By contrast, Sitatunga is strictly a boating haven, located on a small lake fed by the large, slow-flowing Okavango River in the heart of northern Botswana's Okavango Delta.

There are myriad camps in this region, but Great Plains takes great pains to create a microcosm of this part of Africa, where your group feels like Karen Blixen seeing elephants, lions, and leopards for the first time. It's a far cry from the traffic jams of tourist buses several of our group experienced on other safaris.

On our twice-daily, three-hour drives on the bumpy, dusty trails around Selinda and Duba Plains, we encountered no other groups or, really, any signs of civilization outside the camps.

I'd come expecting a Disney experience, where the animals appear on cue. Instead, we had to search for them, including an elusive leopard keeping a wary eye on a group of baboons and two young male lions trying to take over the local Tsaro pride by killing off the lead male. (We saw the two lounging around under a tree in the hot mid-day sun, while the pride was off in another corner of the reserve.)

The week quickly took on a pleasant cadence: Breakfast, in the Land Cruiser by 6:30 to beat the unseasonably brutal heat, four hours driving on the trail, lunch, siesta, and the second jeep tour, followed by sunset cocktails (usually in the bush) and dinner at the camp.

By the end of the fourth day, we'd seen 150 species of mammals and birds, an impressive bucket list for anyone who has never gone on safari. The three-hour drives covered a lot of territory-Duba Plains is 88,000 acres-and the animals generally stayed to themselves in their local habitats.

We had a Lion King moment at Duba, where a dozen species, from elephants to antelope herds to vervet monkeys to a lonesome old Cape Buffalo, grazed close to each other on a watery plain.

The highlight reel was constant, but some of the favorites included tracking the leopard off trail, a few dozen elephants trotting past us on both sides of our open vehicle, a female lion and her two cubs napping in a tree, and a comical black bird we never identified, but called "Necky," thanks to the breakdance moves he used to seemingly romance one of our group, since there were no other female Neckys in sight.

I'd assumed the animals were tame-ish since we could get relatively close. Owner, our guide, had a more realistic theory: "If you get out of the jeep, they'll see you as a two-legged threat, and the situation will be very different." In other words, dangerous. The rules mandated staying seated and quiet in the vehicle and never approaching the animals on the outskirts of camp.

The first four days were about the animals, but the last three focused on the water. We arrived to Sitatunga by helicopter, a trip highlight since the pilot took a circuitous route across the ever-changing landscape, giving us a chance to see what the Kalahari desert region looks like from the air.

The boats at Sitatunga were a welcome change from the vehicles, partly because the heat had broken, but mostly they provided a sense of freedom that the land-based safaris couldn't.

The camp is located on a small lake connected to the Okavango River by narrow channels. We buzzed past monster crocodiles on sandbanks, African Fish Eagles flying overhead, enjoying the cooler air as the 22-foot aluminum boat made its own air conditioning at 30 mph.

As a boater, I loved it because there were no traces of the outside world at Sitatunga-smaller and newer than the other two camps-just a family of hippos in the lake, heads above the water but keeping a good distance in their corner. The water added a layer of serenity.

Great Plains's founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert designed Sitatunga differently than their other camps. It is smaller and more exclusive than the others, with four suites for eight people, defined by a rustic Robinson Crusoe treehouse style.  

The buildings and docks were built of repurposed wood (mostly old railroad ties) and infused with character by carved Senegalese antique doors, old Persian rugs, and recycled leather couches sourced from other parts of Africa.

The Jouberts, longtime National Geographic Explorers at Large photographers and documentary filmmakers, are considered rock stars in the safari world. They're known outside of Africa for their photography and films. But inside, they've established a long list of humanitarian and ecological initiatives that range from saving rhinos to creating all-female ranger groups in local communities that work on anti-poaching initiatives.

At Sitatunga, the couple wanted an indoors/outdoors feeling, designing the three A-framed suites (one is a double suite for families with an extended terrace) with large windows facing the lake, and a large dining/social hall with thatched roofs, and bamboo lampshades inspired by the woven-reed fishing baskets used by indigenous Bayei fishermen.

A life-sized wooden lion by a local artist is the centerpiece of the great hall, with a large wooden patio and deck out front to enjoy sunsets over the lake. The serene setting could've been out of the 1980's movie On Golden Pond , except for the hippos in the lake.

Over the next few days, we did several trips up and down the Okavango, including a two-mile walking safari through a riverside reserve where we landed by boat. It felt so freeing to be on foot and not in a jeep. Wildlife was all around (though no big cats-a bonus for the slowest runner in our group) and the quiet landscape and immediacy of the animals made it a special experience.

One of the high spots of the week was unexpected. I'd anticipated the cuisine would be decent with local influences, but the creative tasting menus were exceptional. They were developed for the Botswana camps by chef Kakole "Assistant" Mosiuoa, also head chef at Duba Plains. Chef K's ever-changing menus ranged from dinners with roasted lamb to vegan options, along with creative tapas lunches (several in Duba Plains's refrigerated wine cellar to escape the heat) along with sunset cocktails and canapes on the glowing savannah.

The apex meal was Thanksgiving dinner, where Sitatunga chef Herold Gaosikelwe served 17 Pilgrim-worthy dishes, family style, on the big dining table. They ranged from parsnip-and-sage soup to roasted chicken with cranberry stuffing, roast potatoes with pine-nut butter, pumpkin pie with a side of chocolate coffee mousse. Chef Herold even made time to whip up a delicious gluten-free chocolate cake for someone in the group who was allergic to wheat.

The dinner was excellent, but the real showstopper was the staff-from maids to managers-who came together at the end to serenade us with Botswanan songs and dances. They weren't professionals, but were doing their best to ensure we had a Thanksgiving we'd always remember.

Our group, consisting mostly of veteran travel writers, agreed the staff at all the camps were unusual, even among five-star resorts. Their warmth was genuine, the kind that can't be faked, and they took pride in making sure the stay was a bucket-lister. The best example was when Lizzy Bayani, the manager who accompanied us, brought a hot-water foot bath by helicopter for one of our party whose ankles had swollen in the heat.

While the week had its oohs and ahs, and lots of laughs at meals, the climax came the day before departure. Our ride in the mokoros, the local version of a dugout canoe, was supposed to be the "relaxing" grand finale. But our first view was a bull elephant mounting a female-a sight so rare that, among the three guides, only the leader, Letty, had ever seen it.

The bull didn't take kindly to camera-clicking, two-legged gawkers and went into anger mode. He didn't charge but was clearly ready. He got so worked up, in fact, that Letty directed us from the canoes to the jeep. Another guide muttered we'd be cursed after seeing the mating ritual.

Turns out he was right. The elephants eventually ambled away into the bush and then the guides pushed us, gondola-style, into knee-deep, three-foot-wide channels lined by Papyrus reeds. But when we emerged onto the river, we startled a bloat of hippos. With adults weighing as much as 4,000 pounds, hippos aren't always the lumbering gentle giants in children's books, especially when they feel threatened. Rather than waiting for trouble, the lead male goes on the attack.

It's possible in the low canoes, the big bull mistook us for a crocodile. It didn't matter. Just 20 yards away, it first made warning noises, opening its muscular jaws to a wide, head-crunching circumference, then disappeared under water, surfacing closer to us. It's one thing to be in a powerboat where you can push the throttle and speed away. It's another to be a sitting duck in three feet of water, with nothing but a guide pushing you with a pole.

That was the only time the trip could've gone sideways. It didn't, but the hippo was so incensed it followed us up into the channel, as the guides fast-poled back to the jeeps. Nobody felt like a casual observer after that close encounter, and one of the group was so pumped with adrenaline she was trembling. Still, what a great "Out of Africa" way to end the week.

Looking back, doing the three camps, with Sitatunga at the end, made the most sense, since the first two provided intensive animal exposure, while the last was more about seeing the area by water.

For those interested, we booked through Premier Tours (800-545-1910) in Philadelphia, which has specialized in organizing African safaris and trips to other remote parts of the world for more than 20 years. The cost during the dry season (low season) was $13,690 per person, including all internal flights and the helicopter trips to and from the camps. Roundtrip flights to Maun, the gateway into Botswana, were not included.  

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I've been on over 100 safaris across Africa and repeatedly see tourists make 11 big mistakes, from sleeping in to ignoring birds

• I've been on over 100 safaris and often see tourists make the same mistakes time and again.
• Some ignore birds, while others exit the vehicle to get closer to wildlife, which is dangerous.
• Here's my advice on what not to do on safari, plus tips to improve your chances of seeing wildlife.

I'm a travel writer living in Nairobi, and I've been on more than 100 safaris across Africa.

I currently live in Nairobi, Kenya, working as a travel writer and vlogger, and have been to about 15 countries in Africa over the last 10 years.

As part of my travels, I often go on safari where I'm always awed by how large elephants are, the cunning nature of hyenas, the agility of leopards, the social life of lions, and the beauty of lilac-breasted rollers.

I've been on well over 100 safaris for leisure or on assignment as a journalist, in countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and my home, Kenya.

On many of those safaris, I've shared vehicles with other tourists, and met travelers from all over the world, from the United States to Russia and Europe. I've also observed some common mistakes that people seem to make when they take this type of trip.

Here are the biggest safari mistakes to avoid, plus my tips for how to maximize your experience.

Most often, I've observed tourists become disappointed when they don't see wildlife.

I've been to most of the wildlife parks in Kenya, like Amboseli , Samburu , Shaba , Tsavo East & West , Meru , and Lake Nakuru National Parks .

I always find the big cats impressive here, such as lionesses chasing a zebra through the plains, or a leopard hauling its prey up a tree as hyenas circle below hoping it falls.

On a recent safari, I observed two-month old lion cubs, still too young to eat meat, lapping up blood from a gazelle that their mother hunted and dragged under the shade of bushes. This sighting was, however, at the end of a three-hour morning game drive.

Whenever I'm sharing a vehicle with other tourists, particularly first timers, I see some becoming impatient after a few hours without such sightings.

It's understandable; you've come to Africa for the safari of a lifetime, and want to see and photograph it all. But as I've learned, you can't set up an appointment with wildlife. Sometimes, a leopard remains elusive. 

I think you'll have a better time if you're able to relax and enjoy the sightings as they come.

In addition to being patient on drives, I don't think visitors communicate what they hope to see to their guide, or make enough attempts.

If there's an animal you really want to see, speak up.

Guides can use their expertise and knowledge of the landscape to drive to the areas where they know that you're more likely to spot the animals that you hope to see.

You should also plan to go on more than one game drive. For a two to three-day trip, I recommend going for both morning and evening drives, every day, to maximize your chances. 

One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is thinking they can get out of the vehicle to take photos with wildlife. It could risk your life.

While on safari, I've seen tourists in other vehicles get out in areas to try and get close to wildlife where park rules prohibit them to do so.

You should always stay in the safari vehicle, and if you need to get out, communicate that to your guide who knows the landscape and will advise if it's safe.

Rather than risk your life, there are other places you can go if you want to get up close with animals.

In Nairobi, I like to spend time with orphaned baby elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and watch them mud bathe and guzzle milk formula. Another option I recommend is to feed pellets to Rothschild Giraffes at Giraffe Center.

And at Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, visitors may join rangers to track the endangered southern white rhinos on foot, which will place you within a few feet of the animals.

Not only are experiences like these safe, but they still provide the thrill of an up-close encounter, and proceeds usually go back to the continued protection of the wildlife. 

Often, I meet tourists who only go to the most popular parks, and in the high season. Then, they complain about how crowded it is.

Some of Africa's best-known parks are Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. And I understand the popularity — all of these destinations have an abundance of wildlife and stunning landscapes.

According to Safari Outfitter & Beyond , who I've been with on safari a few times in Serengeti and Maasai Mara, the best time for a Kenyan safari is the high season from June to October, when sparse vegetation and limited water draws wildlife to waterholes making them easier to spot.

But because of this phenomenon, I've always found this time period to be busy and crowded, which can take away from the experience.

In my experience, guides tend to work collaboratively and radio one another whenever there's a sighting, and when word gets out that a coalition of cheetahs were spotted, soon there are 20 cars charging to surround them at the same time. I also find the parks become particularly busy during the annual wildebeest migration season, and lodges get fully booked as tourists travel to witness it.

I've seen first-timers then become frustrated that the experience isn't the remote safari they pictured.

If you prefer less crowds, choose a less popular park, or consider a visit at another time.

I've seen many tourists wrongly assume that Africa is hot all the time, and fail to pack warm clothing.

In my experience, visitors to Africa tend to have the perception that it will be really hot, all the time. I think this is probably because of documentaries and movies they might have watched where people are dressed as such, and that's how the landscape is portrayed.

But I've found that isn't always the case. I've experienced many cold nights in some parks, even if it's not the rainy season when it can be cold and wet.

According to Masai Mara , temperatures in that park can range between 52 and 82-degrees Fahrenheit, and I know it will feel quite cold when it hits that lower end.

I suggest that visitors bring warm clothing to layer like jackets, scarves, and even gloves. Plus, some safari vehicles are open on the sides, and in my experience, this can make it feel really cold when driving fast during the day, too. 

Another big mistake I've witnessed is choosing not to wake up early for game drives.

Guides have explained to me that the best times for game drives are the cooler hours of the day, around sunrise and sunset.

They say this is because it's when the weather is more comfortable for animals. During later parts of the day, guides have said that animals prefer to stay tucked away under the shade to avoid the scorching heat. This means it's less likely you'll see much action if you choose to head out only in the afternoon.

To increase my chances of seeing wildlife, I choose morning drives that require wake-up calls as early as 4:30 a.m. On those drives, I've shared a vehicle with others where I heard them complain that it's too early.

It definitely is, and the roads can be rough, and the drives can be long and tiring, particularly if it's several days back to back. But I know morning is the best time to go if you want to see as many animals as possible.

I've spotted wildlife later in the day, too, but whenever I've come across a pride of lions around midday, for instance, they're usually sleeping.

Discuss with your guide to figure out a schedule that works best for you. If you can wake up early, though, I find the sunrises over the African bush are always so spectacular. Why would you want to miss such beauty?

Ignoring bird life is another commonly-made mistake.

It took me around 30 game drives to finally get into birdwatching.

I started off indifferent, but now I squeal with excitement when I spot a Marshall Eagle with its large wing-span perched atop a tree at Shaba National Reserve in Kenya, or if I've eyed a small gazelle, or a kettle of vultures stealing a zebra carcass from a hyena.

I wish I knew sooner that birds are really cool, and I think many visitors make this same mistake because they become too focused on just large wildlife.

I finally came to this realization thanks to helpful guides I met who helped me learn interesting facts about birds and their social life, and now I'm always left wanting to know more. 

I don't think many people realize that there are many ways to do a safari.

With over 100 safaris under my belt, I've been on so many game drives that I started getting a little jaded about driving around and seeing animals from a land cruiser, every time.

So I decided to switch things up recently, and I don't think many people know there are other ways to see wildlife besides from a car.

I've now been on several hot air balloons, from which I've spotted elephants in Amboseli National Park with Mt. Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak in the background. And it was from a balloon that I tracked black rhinos through the mud one rainy morning in Borana Conservancy .

I've also enjoyed camel-back safaris, boat cruises, and sunset walking safaris, and recommend working them into your itinerary to experience different perspectives.

Please stop bringing plastic bags and bottles into the parks.

Countries like Kenya and Rwanda have banned single-use plastics including water bottles, straws, disposable cups, and cutlery in protected areas like parks, forests, and beaches.

You're often not even allowed to bring your plastic bag carry-ons through the airports. According to section 144 of Kenya's Environmental Management and Co-Ordination act , if you're caught breaking this law, there are severe fines of one to four years in jail, or a $16,000 fine.

And while I haven't heard of cases of tourists being charged or fined, I still often see them trying to bring these items into the parks, where they're usually confiscated.

I think it's better to just plan ahead and adhere to the law, and also to make more efforts to be respectful of the land to preserve it for generations to come.

I wish lodge guests would be more considerate of others and keep the volume of their music down.

In my experience, many rooms at overnight lodges are located really close to each other.

In a few instances, I've struggled to sleep or relax as guests next to me played really loud music.

I can appreciate a good playlist as much as the next person, but I wish more tourists would be more considerate of other guests.

I find going to the bush to be a time for serenity and disconnecting from the bustle of city life. Returning to blasting music detracts from that feeling, in my opinion.

Instead, turn your music off and take your stay as a chance to listen to the sweet cacophony of nature. And should you strongly desire to still listen to Drake over the hippos grunting in the distance, please just keep your volume at a reasonable level.

Finally, I think too many tourists don't take advantage of the low season when it's much easier to plan a safari on a budget.

In the low season between March and May when there is often heavy rain, the roads get muddy and vegetation grows tall and thick.

In my experience, this draws less tourists, and as a result, lodges tend to reduce rates to attract visitors. I've found you can save a lot of money if you visit then instead of high season.

So if you're looking to go on safari on a budget and don't mind getting wet from time to time, you might want to come during this period, since I've seen firsthand that the wildlife is still visible. I also think it's a unique time since the vegetation is lush and green, the bird life is abundant, and new calves are birthed. 

I've also seen that fewer tourist numbers means less congestion of vehicles in parks for a more isolated experience.

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We Stayed at Richard Branson’s Lush South African Estate — Here’s Our Review

Come for the winelands, stay for the safari — at Richard Branson's spectacular Mont Rochelle and Ulusaba Safari Lodge, you can do both.

Food and Drink

Activities and amenities, accessibility and sustainability, how to get the most value out of your stay, more than just one trip.

Courtesy of Mont Rochelle

Our longest journey as a family yet began in Boston at 4 a.m. on a Wednesday and ended a day and a half later, about an hour east of Cape Town, in the Cape Winelands. Known as the culinary and winemaking capital of South Africa, we had chosen to start our 10-day April trip to South Africa wandering through vineyards, chasing guinea hens, and gorging on local delicacies. And the region would not disappoint.

In 2014, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition opened Mont Rochelle, a 96-acre, 26-room, one-villa estate in Franschhoek. The property is split into two distinct parcels. On the far side, where the winery is located — we stopped in for a visit after a refreshing sleep on our second day — guests will find The Country Kitchen. With each stay, guests receive a complimentary wine tasting of the winery’s star performers, like the steely Mont Rochelle Sauvignon Blanc or the robust and reserved Miko Syrah.

We stayed on the secondary parcel, near reception. In that cozy corner, a fireplace was often burning in the cool fall mornings and evenings. Our Pinotage Suite room category included an ample living room with space both for a sectional sofa and two twin beds and a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed, as well as a large open bathroom with a double-headed walk-in shower and freestanding tub.

All room categories, of which there are five (beginning with the entry-level Shiraz room and ending with the Cap Classique Suite, which has its own plunge pool), come with complimentary use of the mini-bar and gifted bottles of white and red wine.

One sunny afternoon, when I retreated to the spa for a massage, my husband and boys headed first to the heated pool and next to the wide lawn for a game of cornhole. We spent two nights at Mont Rochelle, dining, on our first night, at Miko, the on-premises fine dining venue. While my husband and I enjoyed a multi-course tasting menu of venison, beef, and lamb, our children ordered from a curated kids menu — and then promptly went to snuggle on the restaurant’s fireplace-facing couch.

In the golden-hued final hours of our stay, as we surveyed the rosy light washing over the property, it was impossible not to feel quite lucky. Mont Rochelle is imbued with not only good fortune but also good cheer. It’s a delicious little getaway if you can spare the time.

Here, my review of Mont Rochelle — and what you should know before booking your stay.

Mont Rochelle

• The property’s spacious, comfortable rooms made for a warm and welcoming respite at the end of the evening — and our room opened directly into the garden.
• Mont Rochelle is practically within walking distance to the town of Franschhoek, where you can catch the Franschhoek Wine Tram to other neighboring properties for tastings. But you don’t have to walk into town because the concierge can arrange a shuttle for free.
• Every room rate includes two bottles of wine, a complimentary mini-bar, and a tasting at The Country Kitchen, the on-premises casual restaurant.
• Miko, the fine dining restaurant, serves impeccable cuisine and leans into a small garden outside the main building.

Jack Brockway/Courtesy of Mont Rochelle

Our 893-square-foot Pinotage suite had one large bedroom and a separate living room, a bar, a large bathroom with a walk-in shower and freestanding tub, and access to the garden. The hotel embraces a neutral palette, with flashes of color throughout, like a vibrant pop-art rendering of Nelson Mandela in the lobby bar. It’s a subdued space with light earth tones. Mont Rochelle takes a cue from the environment, which is mainly agricultural, preferring a more delicate decor and sensibility.

Mont Rochelle’s five total room categories are named for grape varieties and styles of South African wine: Shiraz, the entry-level accommodation, Merlot, and Cabernet are all traditional rooms, while the Pinotage and Cap Classique are suites. The latter also comes with its own plunge pool. Guests can also book the Manor House, a four-bedroom villa near the vineyard and tasting room at Country Kitchen. It can accommodate up to eight adults and six children in the bunk room and offers its own private pool.

Wil Punt/Peartree Photography/Courtesy of Mont Rochelle

There are two restaurants at Mont Rochelle. The resort hosts breakfast each morning at Miko , located near reception. Fresh fruit, tiny pots of verrine — essentially clotted cream with sugar draped in strawberry jam — cheeses, charcuterie, cereals, and yogurts are offered in a cold buffet, and guests are also invited to order from a hot menu.

For lunch and dinner, the restaurant is a more formal affair. On our first night, we dined at Miko and accepted the option for a tasting menu, a parade of perfect dishes: ash-cured venison loin with a leek purée, grass-fed beef filet with carrots, and a take on millionaire’s shortbread that was nothing of the sort.

adam slama/Courtesy of Mont Rochelle

Lunch at The Country Kitchen , though informal, was no less delicious. Chicken wings were licked with smoke, and corn ribs were so delectable that they didn’t stand a chance against my children’s appetites. Shaded by hibiscus and citrus trees, it is comfortable and lovely, exactly where one might while away an afternoon over a glass (or two) of wine.

Hannah Selinger/Travel + Leisure

Anyone can walk the grounds and experience the wine life at Mont Rochelle, which I did my first morning alongside Gustav Coetzee, the property’s farm and maintenance manager (the winemaker is Michael Langenhoven). Coetzee talked me through the vineyard’s complex history, the plots, and the growing practices. “We don’t let them bear fruit in two years, like most guys do,” he told me. “I push them for three, so you lose a year.” The result, he said, is more concentrated and flavorful juice.

Beyond the vineyard and attendant winery, guests can check out the good-sized pool with an outdoor bar and other outdoor amusements, like croquet and cornhole for kids and adults alike. A complimentary shuttle is available for rides in and out of the village — and also to wineries that are within a reasonable distance, should guests choose to visit, as we did neighboring Klein Goederust , where there is spit-fired lamb on weekends or Maison Estate , which serves deep-grooved oysters with their flights of wines (at an extra cost).

If guests wish to bring back a souvenir, a small gift shop at reception sells bespoke reminders of the area. The property also boasts a petite gym and an astroturf-covered, floodlit tennis court. Reservations are not required.

The Mont Rochelle Spa features two treatment rooms and a hammam, available for scheduled treatments and guests’ use if available. Africology, an eco-friendly brand that uses essential oils and plant extracts, works with the property on its signature spa products. Guests who choose the Spagista pedicure or the couples’ Devotion Journey massage will also be helping to support the property’s Kusasa Project ; 15 percent of the treatment price of these treatments is donated to support this project, which is a fully accredited independent primary school.

Mont Rochelle has limited all plastic bottles and now serves filtered water in branded, reusable glass bottles. The Winery and Vineyards are certified members of IPW Scheme, which ensures that South African producers focus on sustainable winemaking practices. The Winery and Vineyard are one of only 10 EnviroWines-accredited members, meaning that the cellar and vineyards have received distinctions for IPW audits since 2017. Mont Rochelle has installed Raptor Poles in and around the property, allowing raptors — environmentally beneficial birds of prey — to roost in these artificial perches.

“A professor at Stellenbosch University believes that they need at least seven meters to do their swoop, catch what they need to catch because they do sit on these poles, but they don’t pick up enough speed to catch the rodents,” Gustav Coetzee, who helped organize the program, told me on our vineyard walk. “I thought we could go a little bigger. They do attract my feathered friends.”

The property offers accessible parking, well-lit entry to the hotel, elevator access, ground-floor bedrooms, and curbless shower entry in dedicated rooms. Accessible rooms are outfitted with a shower seat and a hand-held, as well as a waterfall shower. There is also level access to the restaurant and bar and accessible seating within Miko, the primary restaurant.

Located just over an hour from Cape Town International Airport, guests require a car or hired driver to reach this property.

The property’s lowest rates can be found between May 1 and Sept. 30 of each year.

adam slama/Courtesy of Ulusaba Safari Lodge

Mont Rochelle wasn’t the only Branson property we enjoyed spending time at, either. From Franschhoek, we were escorted — with help from the luxury tour operator Ker & Downey — to Cape Town International Airport, where we caught a flight to Johannesburg and another, smaller flight to Skukuza, within Kruger National Park.

From there, a tour guide and driver named Pony drove us to Ulusaba Safari Lodge , a private game reserve in Sabi Sand, which lies adjacent to Kruger National Park. Branson’s 20-room-and-suite lodge is spread across two properties: Safari Lodge and Rock Lodge. There, we were met at reception by our field guide, Henry Woest, and our tracker, George Mnisi, who would spend three days showing us the incredible wildlife of the Sabi Sand reserve. (It didn’t hurt that our stay included the top-tier accommodation at Cliff Lodge 1, the 3,552-square-foot, two-bedroom villa that juts out over the rocks and overlooks the watering hole below.)

I treasured the stark contrast between the manicured fields of the Winelands and the gruff boundaries of the bush. Luxury has different meanings in travel. In Franschhoek, it’s decidedly rooted in food and wine, and at a place like Ulusaba, it’s in the deep-seated knowledge and hospitality of the staff. If it had not been for our field guide and tracker, perhaps we would have missed the chameleon on the side of the road in the dark or the jackal nested down in a field.

It was a stunning coda to a Branson adventure, with new surprises at every turn: leopards stalking prey in tall grasses, lions roaring feet from us in the ink-black night, venomous puff adders scooting across the road.

But there’s no way to adequately quantify a Branson experience in just a few words. It’s not either/or. Safari or Winelands. Garden or bush. In our visits, we found a resounding sense of hospitality that emanated from the Virgin portfolio and that we could take home with us, as sure as a souvenir, as sure as a memory of a sundowner from the roof of a Land Rover Defender overlooking the river. Is that a hippo over there? You never can tell. 

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