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Are they still around?

Been trying to contact this "highly rated" company for weeks and they don't respond. Noticed that the latest reviews are from 2019. I suspect that they are no longer in bushiness or don't want more clients. This "review" (and their web site) should be taken down!

Date of experience : 18 August 2023

This was by far the best safari

This was by far the best safari we have had. We can’t express enough how wonderful an experience we had far exceeding our Expectations. We visited Amboseli National Park with Our guide John .His knowledge, patience and his good mood, ensured we saw as many different animals as possible. The Lodges we stayed in had very delicious Food and the service unmatched! In one sentence: fabulous experience with African Sermon Safaris and we recommend them with our eyes closed! A thousand thanks to our driver John. Hakuna matata!

Date of experience : 01 November 2019

Amazing Southern Africa Tour!

We couldn't have been more pleased with our southern Africa safari tour arranged by Julia! Her game lodge choices in Sabi Sands, Chobe and the Okavango Delta were all remarkable settings, with comfortable accommodations and excellent meals, staff and thrilling game drives. All our transfers were like clockwork. During the planning stage, Julia listened to our concerns and was very responsive and wonderful to work with. We highly recommend the expert service, backed by many years of experience, that African Safari Company provides.

Date of experience : 04 June 2018

An incredible experience w/ 14 friends!

An incredible experience w/ 14 friends! 13 Friends and I had an incredible experience in South Africa thanks to the African Safari Co. They expertly planned our trip, down to hotel, activities, and transfers. We did not have a single worry during our trip and even if we had, African Safari Co. showed they are immensely capable of tackling any challenges and making our trip the best that could be!

Date of experience : 27 March 2018

The Best Safari Experience

I would recommend African Safari Co to anyone. They are excellent to work with as they are creative, knowledgable and make the planning and execution easy and fun. Once you arrive in Africa, you can see all their services, knowledge and connections come to life to you can enjoy your stunning adventure without worry! They take care of everything and help build you the experience you might not even have dreamed!

Date of experience : 03 April 2018

We had a wonderful experience with…

We had a wonderful experience with Julia. She was very patient with us through all the questions we asked while creating our custom itinerary. We could not have been happier with how our belated honeymoon/anniversary trip turned out- it was everything we dreamed of and more! Thank you!

Date of experience : 09 April 2018

Seamlessly planned with all our needs met!

Julia planned our whole two week trip and it was not only amazing but also all accommodations and events were exactly what we ever needed and wanted! Our experience was smooth and more than we could ever ask for.

Date of experience : 08 April 2018

African Safari Co is the best!

We had the trip of a lifetime. And African Safari Co made it so enjoyable and relaxing because the trip was planned perfectly down to every detail. Our accommodations were amazing, our excursions were fantastic, and all of the transitions with flights and drivers were so seamless. They are the best and I highly recommend!

Date of experience : 07 April 2018

Simply Amazing!

We had the most amazing experience working with Julia. She helped us plan the perfect African Safari, every day was a new adventure. I would highly recommend working with Julia and Africa Safari Co if you are looking to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience : 05 April 2018

Trip to South Africa

Best trip I have ever been on!! Well plannned out. Catered to fit both our budget and expectations for the trip of a lifetime. Once we got to Africa, every single step was coordinated so we didn’t have to stress about anything. Just relax and enjoy the experience.

Undescriable

My trip to South Africa was the trip of a lifetime. There is no describing how amazing the safaris were. I was constantly in awe. Capetown is a big, beautiful city that has something for everyone. Trip of MY lifetime.

Vacation of a lifetime

Our trip to Africa was planned to perfection in every way. Our trip guides, Safari camps, a flights were all as advertised. This was the best trip ever!!!

The world’s best safari companies – African tour operators

Safari. What an adventure!

But only when you do it right .

It’s not just the quality of the guiding and accommodation that makes a difference; it’s where and when you go .

The best safari travel agents provide you access to exclusive, wildlife-rich areas where you can fully connect with your wild side.

Over the last two decades, I’ve witnessed the good, the bad, the very bad, but also the very best safari companies in Africa .

As they say at National Geographic magazine: “in a time when travel dollars are stretched, it’s essential that an outfitter delivers the trip of a lifetime, the first time”.

That is why the tour companies selected below are the best of the best, because they deliver on the first experience .

10 of the Best African Safari Tour Operators

I have based the listing of the best Africa safari companies on my own experiences, along with National Geographic Adventure’s selection of the Best Adventure Travel Companies .

Out of hundreds of safari companies and tour operators surveyed, only the very top were chosen (based on criteria like education , sustainability , quality of service, and spirit of adventure ).

Best Africa Tour Companies

If you’re looking to have an unforgettable safari in Africa, then you better check out some of the best Africa tour companies below.

1. Micato Safaris

“The Travel+Leisure 10-Year Winner.”

Best For : Exclusive, private safaris. This company focuses on Eastern and Southern African countries.

2. Wilderness Safaris

“Creating Life-Changing Journeys.”

Best For : Exceptional safari experiences in Africa’s untouched wilderness.

Wilderness Safaris have around 40 luxury safari camps in over 5 countries , including Botswana , Kenya , and Rwanda.

They are committed to eco-friendly tourism , which is why these luxurious trips help protect biodiversity, conserve wildlife, and give back to local communities.

wilderness-safaris.com

3. andBeyond

“Leaving Our World a Better Place for 30 Years.”

Best For : Luxury safaris, though they do have broader options for families.

andBeyond have a luxury safari experience in 9 different countries in Africa , including South Africa , Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia .

andbeyond.com

4. Thomson Safaris

“40 Years of Wildlife Safaris.”

Best For : Safari in Tanzania. Their packages are well suited to every budget, which is why they are known as one of the best Tanzania safari companies.

Destinations include Mount Kilimanjaro , Serengeti , Selous Game Reserve , Olduvai Gorge , Ngorongoro Crater , Tarangire National Park , and Zanzibar .

thomsonsafaris.com

5. Mark Thornton Safaris

“It’s Not Only What You See. It’s How You See It.”

Best For : Tarangire and Serengeti walking safaris in Tanzania . This is one of the best Tanzania safari tour operators on the continent.

thorntonsafaris.com

6. Volcanoes Safaris

“The Number 1 Gorilla Safari Company.”

Best For : Gorilla trekking . Volcanoes Safaris is especially renowned for its gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda .

Volcanoes Safaris also organize trips to the DRC and Tanzania.

volcanoessafaris.com

7. Africa Adventure Consultants

“Safaris for the Discerning Traveler.”

Best For : A tailored multi-destination (multi-country) safari.

Destinations include (East and Southern Africa)  Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda , Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia , Zimbabwe , Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.

adventuresinafrica.com

8. Gamewatchers Safaris

“Exclusive Safaris in Africa’s Finest Wildlife Areas.”

Best For : Classic safari experiences in East Africa .

9. The Africa Adventure Company

“Your Passport for a Safari Trip to Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries.”

Best For : An East and Southern Africa safari specialist, this is one of the best-rated African safari tour companies for good-value first-time adventures.

africa-adventure.com

10. Africa Dream Safaris

“Experience Your Dreams.”

Best For : Activities concentrated in East Africa, including unique safari activities .

africadreamsafaris.com

More of the Best Africa Safari Companies

The above list is by no means exhaustive .

There are many other top safari companies that will also do a great job, but they do not fall within the top 10.

Abercrombie & Kent

If you are looking for the best luxury safari companies in Africa, then you have found the right one.

Abercrombie & Kent cater to those who want to experience luxurious travel but still rough it out in the African bush .

Norman Carr Safaris

Norman Carr Safaris operates in Zambia, specifically in South Luangwa National Park .

They are one of the original safari operators in this park, and the pioneers of walking safaris to promote eco-safari tourism.

Deeper Africa

As one of the world’s best African safari tour companies, Deeper Africa is an East Africa safari specialist .

Embark with them for an enriching experience guided by African wildlife experts.

African Portfolio

African Portfolio is best for first-time visitors to East and Southern Africa looking for simple safari itineraries .

They also have trips to Morocco and Egypt.

There is no standard route in Africa. After more than a decade of exploring, I still haven’t seen half the continent .

There is always somewhere new to go, and something new to try. So I really encourage you to live out the Africa of your dreams , wherever and whatever that may be.

It can be a little daunting at first. To get started, check out the safari planning pages on Africa Freak.

Once you understand a little about African safari check out these incredible safari deals – you’re sure to find a wildlife adventure like no other.

Used an African safari company’s services before?

Why don’t you share your experience in the comments section.

About The Author

Michael Theys

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19 thoughts on “the world’s best safari companies – african tour operators”.

For that time may be true but nowadays there’s lots of tour companies which offer best services with affordable price. You might also found them in Tanzania including https://luitours.com/ . You should pay another visit soon.

LuiTours & Safaris is Tanzanian Tour Company based in Moshi (Kilimanjaro) and Dar es Salaam, and it offers the most competitive rates on safari tour packages. https://luitours.com/ If you are looking for the ultimate safari experience, day trips or looking to relax on best Indian Ocean beaches of Zanzibar, our team will make sure that your holiday becomes unforgettable.

Elevate your adventure with upcoming safari company, standing out among the top ten best African safari companies. Expert guides guarantee exclusive wildlife encounters, from the Big Five to birdwatching delights in diverse destinations like the Serengeti and the lush Okavango Delta. As you sip sundowners against Africa’s breathtaking sunsets, rest assured that upcoming company is committed to eco-conscious travel and your safety and comfort. Capture every awe-inspiring moment on your camera, making memories that will last a lifetime. For me once used Tanzania Inside and Safari, and everything went well

There are so more amazing companies just like: https://www.sunstripafricasafaris.com/

We had an awesome experience the last time we visited Kenya and Tanzania. Our guides were incredibly nice and patient with us and very informative.

Thank you for having these selections.

Perhaps, there are so more amazing companies just like https://wildtravelsafaris.com . We had an awesome experience the last time we visited Uganda & Rwanda. Our guide Richard was incredibly nice and patient with us for the 2 weeks. He answered almost every question and made sure everything was in order as per the earlier agreement.

When it comes to Uganda or Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, you want to use https://wildtravelsafaris.com and also https://www.ugandatravelsafaris.com as an alternative platforms of them. They offer unforgettable journeys to gorillas. Give them an opportunity, you won’t regret it.

Thank you Michael for the insights.

We had an awesome experience the last time we visited Uganda. Our guide Tony was incredibly nice and patient with us. He answered all the little questions and made sure all was in order as per the earlier agreement.

When it comes to Uganda or Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, you want to use https://silverbackgorillatrekking.com , they offer unforgettable journeys to gorillas.

Give them a shot and you wont regret.

I have see that you point out 10 of the Best African Safari Tour Operators that is Great but there is another company that deserves space in the top 10 – Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris ltd, website https://www.footslopestours.com/ They organize the best private custom safari, honeymoon, Kilimanjaro climbing, hiking and trekking mountain family holidays in Tanzania. They have experienced safari guides and staffs are best in the industry.

In essence it’s a tough pick for the best safari companies as best is relative and times change. Moreover, companies evolve for better and unfortunately others for worse. There are also local based companies that have competence and overall good service.

Check out https://www.alphadeantoursandsafaris.com/ as well as https://www.africamagicalsafaris.com/index.php

It would also be nice to consider Kenya-based safari companies like Explorer Kenya Tours and Travel for honeymooners safaris, photography safaris and Kenya wildlife safaris. See them on http://www.explorerkenya.com .

This is not a definitive, or updated list of the world’s ”best” safari companies. I think A&K should surely make the proper list, along with & Beyond. But someone has rightfully pointed out that these companies are quite expensive. A few years ago, I enjoyed a fabulous African Safari in Kenya with Shoor Safaris ( http://www.shoortravel.com/ ) at much cheaper rates using the same properties I was being offered by a top US operator. So do shop around and book wisely.

Thanks for your comment Carol. Sure, it’s not a “definitive” list. At the end of the day, it all depends on what YOU’re looking for. Choose wisely and “safari njema”! 😉

Based on the dates you posted the article, that was true but now things have really changed. Those tour companies that are not keeping up with the advancement of technology especially online marketing are being overtaken by smaller operators who have invested heavily in online marketing.

Most of the companies listed above are very expensive. I found a newer tour operator based in the US that runs their trips out of an office in Tanzania. They where almost half the price of the quote I got from Micato and 35% less than Thomsons. Our trip was great. I guess that the others charge more because they have a name. Anyway, check them out and see if they can do your trip cheaper http://www.etripafrica.com .

Good Safari.

I have gone through the list of safari companies listed and while it is true that they do offer great services, I am not sure that they are the top 10. There are a number of companies operating regionally and internationally that offer just as good or better services.

Another thing is there are some good companies who have had their names sullied by one disgruntled client over the most minor issue. Tour guides are humans and something like a flat tire is something that is sometimes unavoidable. However, some clients since they book these tours way in advance a few things could have happened in the months leading up to the safari making them wish they hadn’t booked. Take the world economic crisis, a client books his safari one or two years in advance only to lose a job. So reviews by clients should be taken in totality not from one disgruntled client.

Hello Michael.

I have seen the list of the top 10 safari companies doing safaris in Africa. In Uganda you have listed Volcanoes only. There is another company that deserves space in the top 10 – Advantage Safaris ltd, website http://www.advantage-safaris.com . They organize the best birdwatching, gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking and family holidays in both Uganda and Rwanda. The guides and safari drivers employed by Advantage Safaris ltd are the best in the industry.

All safari goers should be a little wary of the ‘group style’ safaris on offer. Remember that you are trying to get close to wildlife and be sensitive as well as be educated. Larger groups, of say 16 people or more, in numerous vehicles can find this a little difficult. Large groups are often led by ‘an expert’ with driver/guides in the other vehicles. Whilst this keeps the cost per head down some the overall ‘life time experience ‘ can get a little diluted by sharing one so called ‘expert’ between 16-20 group members.

Tanzania is a wonderful safari destination but you cannot beat a small group of up to 8 visitors being guided by two excellent guides in two well equipped vehicles. Guides that know the back roads and want to explore.

Camp in remote locations, don’t be surrounded by cement in a lodge. It costs more but these basic rules can get a visitor closer to that dream vacation.

I agree that it is impossible to limit the world’s best safari companies down to a list of 10, especially when each safari company is focused on a different region and/or type of trip (adventure, family, honeymoon, luxury, etc.). In many cases it’s like comparing apples and oranges.

Thanks for the feedback, you definitely have a point here. Of course, they can't possibly make a "real" top 10 out of the thousands of safari companies out there. But then again, how would you do it? Did you check out their methodology? Basically, it is based on surveys that follow specific categories: education, sustainability, quality of service and spirit of adventure.

About the "trip of a lifetime" experience. This goal should always be on top of the list, totally agree with you. The question is: are they all going for it? I don't think so. I have read a few stories where people were really not well catered for. In my opinion, there are always companies out there that are looking for a quick buck no matter what… even if it has to be at the expense of their clients.

Not quite sure what you're trying to imply about the recession bit. Did you read that? Possible but am not aware of it.

Hello Michael,

Interesting topic that is being discussed here. I must say though that the premise of NG a bit of an awkward one is. 'Delivering a trip of a lifetime the first time'?? In my opinion a safari outfitter should ALWAYS try to achieve this goal the first time. Now NG suggests that there are a number of operators out there that are not doing their utmost to accommodate clients the first time and that they will only do so in times of recession.

I therefore dare to say that this survey is absolute nonsense, as NG will not have the possibility to survey 100's of operators. Why? Because they have other things to do than being a consumer watchdog on safaris. I am not implying that the mentioned companies are no good, I am just saying that out of all the thousands of companies selling safaris, you can not just make a list of 10.

What do you think yourself Michael?

Cheers from Holland.

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• World's Best

The 10 Best Safari Outfitters in 2022

When checking off a major bucket list trip like a safari, customization and convenience are top of mind for Travel + Leisure readers.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite Safari Outfitters.

Spotting the Big Five is the goal for many safari-goers. But chances of actually getting a glimpse of the elephants, leopards, lions, rhinoceroses, and African buffalos depend greatly on the company guiding the trip — especially its attention to the tiniest of details and its expertise on how to responsibly and carefully navigate on the African fauna's home turf. The best safari outfitters accomplish this with aplomb.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey , Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

This year, three new safari outfitters entered the top 10 that weren't on last year's list. Deeper Africa (No. 5) is known for going beyond the obvious (a trip to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo with more than 1,000 mountain gorillas, perhaps?), while Africa Adventure Company (No. 7) is operated by the author of a guidebook on the continent's wildlife who has more than three decades of experience, and Go2Africa (No. 9) is run by people born and raised in Africa . Customization options and personalized service were key for travelers. The "passionate" teams at Extraordinary Journeys (No. 2) took the time to understand what guests were hoping to get out of their safari experience and curate itineraries that were nothing short of "magical." One also called out the thoughtful conveniences — like car services and dayrooms in Nairobi — saying they added an elevated level of comfort that wasn't anticipated but "was a godsend."

The challenges of traveling during a global pandemic were also assuaged by the top companies, which, a reader, said addressed "every single one of [their] concerns and questions…before it came to mind," especially in a destination that can feel "complicated." One traveler complimented Extraordinary Journeys for making all the "intimidating" and "ever-changing rules" so "seamless."

Find the full list of this year's best tour operators, as voted by T+L readers, below.

1. Travel Beyond

After coming in fifth last year, this company — which runs tours in Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zanzibar, among others — rises to the top spot. In operation since 1975, Travel Beyond consistently impressed readers with its emphasis on putting travelers' needs first, by paying "close attention to all the details," and by working "very hard to get to know their clients' travel styles and interest." Its custom itineraries put responsible wildlife viewing and touring the area's unique scenery first, but also added in experiences like wine tastings and visits to historic landmarks to create "the most incredible adventures." A female solo traveler said they've planned "several once-in-a-lifetime trips" for her.

Score: 99.64

More information: travelbeyond.com

2. Extraordinary Journeys

Score: 99.29

More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com

3. Alluring Africa

Score: 99.19

More information: alluringafrica.com

4. Micato Safaris

WBA Hall of Fame honoree.

Score: 99.03

More information: micato.com

5. Deeper Africa

Score: 98.53

More information: deeperafrica.com

6. Wilderness Safaris

Score: 97.50

More information: wilderness-safaris.com

7. (tie) Africa Adventure Company

Score: 96.67

More information: africa-adventure.com

7. (tie) Thomson Safaris

More information: thomsonsafaris.com

9. Go2Africa

Score: 96.01

More information: go2africa.com

10. andBeyond

Score: 95.62

More information: andbeyond.com

Related Articles

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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World's Best Places To Visit

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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7 Day Safari

Experience a quintessential African safari in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania , gaze in awe at the pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru in Kenya or unearth the very best of South Africa at the infamous Kruger National Park. There's so much to discover on a 7 day safari in this great golden land.

7 day African safari tours with 2,027 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire (with Materuni waterfalls, coffee tour) - 6 Days

We saw all the animals that only was possible to see! It was as much as possible in time.

Big Five Luxury Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel

Staff all very friendly, accommodation better than expected and amazing experiences every day.

6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with FREE NIGHT at Nairobi Hotel)

The personalized itinerary perfectly catered to my interests, showcasing their expertise and knowledge of the region.

Tanzania Camping Safari

The campsites were awesome, but make sure you are okay sleeping in tents with 3\" foam mattresses.

5 Days Tanzania Budget Safari

The driver have experience over 15 year and they were very kindy, helpfully the they give us time to see everything.

Tanzania Camping Adventure

The animals were amazing, and the food was very well done and varied. Camp was set up for us and spacious.

5 Days Big Five Tanzania Camping Safari ( Tarangire, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area ) (all accommodation and transport are included)

The service we received was outstanding start to finish. We will definitely be booking again with Spider tours and safaris.

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Kruger Lodge Experience

Kruger is amazing, as was the game drive. I'd change my optional day's itinerary for another day in Kruger.

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)

The game drives were wonderful. The lodge itself and the food were outstanding.

5-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour

The lodge is beautiful and the people are wonderful.

• €30 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Premium Kenya

6 Days Kenya Budget Small Group Safari

The trip was enjoyable, we got really good accommodations and the safari drive was even better

• Great Migration

5-Days 4 Nights Lodge Safari Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

The accommodations arranged by Migration Venture Africa were top-notch, providing authentic and comfortable lodges.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Chitwan Jungle Safari 3 nights 4 days

We had a fantastic Stay at the Parkland Hotel. His passion was infectious and completely enhanced the Safari experience.

4 Days Amazing Kenya Safari

Kenya is amazing; wildlife, culture, hospitality, people, food, safety...we highly recommend it!

Reviews of 7 day Safari Tours

The safari to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area was excellent. The guide, Lewis, was quite knowledgeable, the accommodation better than other camp sites, and the meals very delicious. It also helped that we saw all five of the Big 5! In addition, we saw baby elephants rolling about in the mud, a pack of spotted hyena dealing with a carcass, and a male and female lion attempting to mate. Lake Manyara was a little disappointing because the heavy rains had stirred up the mud in the water and discouraged the birds from feeding there. I also felt that the guide was not as informative as Lewis. The visit to Materuni Falls was good although very muddy because of the wet weather. The food was excellent and the coffee tour very lively and entertaining.

Alles in allem war die Reise absolut großartig! Die Organisation war top, von Anfang bis Ende. Die Unterkünfte waren ebenfalls hervorragend ausgewählt und haben den Aufenthalt noch angenehmer gemacht. Besonders möchte ich unseren Fahrer loben – Iddi war einfach unglaublich! Seine Kenntnisse über die Region, seine Freundlichkeit und seine Fahrkünste haben die Reise zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis gemacht. Dank ihm haben wir alle Tiere gesehen, die wir sehen wollten, und er war immer darauf bedacht, auf unsere Bedürfnisse einzugehen. Wir hätten uns keinen besseren Fahrer vorstellen können. Ich kann diese Rundreise nur empfehlen und bin sicher, dass auch andere Reisende genauso begeistert sein werden wie ich.

My 6 day safari with Bon Voyage Safaris to Maasai Mara and Serengeti was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The professionalism, expertise, and passion displayed by the staff, coupled with the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, made it an experience beyond compare. I highly recommend Bon Voyage Safaris to anyone seeking an unforgettable safari experience in East Africa.

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African Budget Safaris   Reviews

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Reviews 4.9.

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Great first trip to Africa for my husband

Daniel was the main person who helped me plan and execute the plan. He was very helpful and friendly, and available for any questions or problems I had throughout the trip. That was very reassuring! However the trip went seamlessly, and all the connections were there and available when they were supposed to be - all the flights, hotel reservations etc. So that was great! Also we really enjoyed the 2 camps we were booked into - Flatdogs in South Luangwa, and Baines River Camp in the lower Zambezi. Both of them took amazing care of us, with super friendly staff and great food. The wildlife guides in the National Parks we were with were very knowledgable, and helped us find every animal we requested them to, including a chameleon! (How he saw a chameleon is still a mystery to me. The guides seem to have binoculars built into their eyes :-) ) We had a wonderful time, and will definitely use ABS for future trips. Thanks so much. I'm a bit sad that it is all over.

Date of experience : May 15, 2024

Reply from African Budget Safaris

Hi Barbara Thank you for the great review, it really does mean so much to me. I do hope you will be able to join us on another African budget safari sometime soon. What type of chameleon did you see, can you remember the name? Also if you have any images of your wildlife sightings from your safari that you wouldn’t mind sharing, it would be great to see just one or two of them. All the best and hope to hear from you again.

Not one regret! Do it!

African Budget Safaris’ rep Daniel’s interface and coordination with us throughout our planning and booking was first rate. This was followed by an incomparable safari experience by me, my wife, our two daughters, and my older father hosted by the Tanzanian Experience, and specifically — who ended up being our private driver and highly competent guide — Amani. Amani clearly took a personal interest in ensuring our experience was seamless and beyond 5 star as he showcased the beauty and wonder of his country and its wildlife. Hands down, I’d only want Amani again for my family and friends for future safaris.

Date of experience : May 29, 2024

Hi Justin Thank you for the 5-star review and great to hear that you had such an incomparable safari experience in Tanzania on our 7 Day Best of Tanzania Lodge Safari to Serengeti & More 7-13 April 2024 with our top ground handler and tour guide. Tanzania has so much to offer travelers, with its safari parks, mountains, captivating culture, beaches and islands in the warm Indian ocean. And there is still so much more to explore in East & Southern Africa, so hopefully you and the family will plan another visit using African Budget Safaris. Until then all the best and we look forward to hosting you on another Africa adventure. Team ABS

Amazing overnight Safari

We were a group booking. Unfortunately we were waiting for a passport and Chris was excellent in organising the paperwork. Everything was very clear with no issues with international bank transfer. Communication was great with speedy replies and assistance. Delays in arrivals were sorted and we did not miss out on anything.

Date of experience : May 19, 2024

Dear Louise, Thank you so much for the lovely review! It was an absolute pleasure to assist your group with the Safari booking, and I am happy to hear that all ran smoothly and as planned! Please keep us in mind should you have any future travel plans to Africa, as we would be happy to assist as always! Thanks again and Best Regards, Chris and the African Budget Safaris team

Wonderful experience with ABS

My family just came back from a trip to Victoria Falls, game drives in Zimbabwe and Botswana that we booked thru African Budget Safaris with Daniel. We loved their very helpful, detailed extensive website: that’s what caught our attention in the first place. Daniel was very responsive, knowledgeable and helpful. He was very understanding and accommodating to our situation with a child and gave us a great deal. We were very happy with a walking tour along Victoria Falls as well as a helicopter trip over it. Game drives in Vict Falls with Michael and with Bheki from Hwange Safari Lodge were super exciting and breathtaking. Both guides were very knowledgeable and passionate about what they were doing and deeply cared about all wild life and delivering the best experience to us. Our trip was very memorable. We were very happy with our choice.

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

Wow, thank you for your fabulous review of our 7 Day Victoria Falls, Hwange & Chobe Safari Tour and great to hear that your whole family enjoyed the full experience of game drives, Victoria Falls guided tours & More… We aim to please, many thanks from the team at African Budget Safaris

Responsive and Helpful!

Right away, we were assigned a consultant, Harriet, who lived in the city we were heading for. Being a local helped answer some questions we had about our arrival in South Africa and our connection to the tour we had booked. Every time we wrote to Harriet she responded overnight. Every time. At one point, we had an unexpected cancellation of another major component of our vacation that affected our safari, Harriet was there to help us manage changes with our booking. Payment with the secure payment partner was easier than expected. Good experience all around!

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

Thank you so much for your 5 star review and kind words. It was a pleasure to help you plan your safari and assist when your travel plans were temporarily de-railed. I’m pleased you enjoyed your stay at Sanbona and hope that you will be able to return to South Africa for another safari before too long. Best wishes, Harriet and the ABS team

Trustworthy

The company was great. Always helpful and I got fast replies to all my questions. The organisation of the whole trip was impecceble. Everything was pre booked as promissed. Will consider you for sure on my next trip to this lovely country.

Date of experience : May 08, 2024

Hi Corinne Isn’t Namibia just one of the most fascinating countries in Africa. Gorgeous Deserts and stunning Pans with multitudes of animals. Interesting people from Herero and Ovambo to the red ochre covered Himba. A true land of contrasts and magnificent sunsets. I am so pleased you had a wonderful time and so glad I could play a part in making this happen. Would love to see you visit again. Cheers from a sunny Africa, Bronwyn

An adventure

This is the third time I have used African Budget Safaris and have never been disappointed. They have many tours to choose from in many categories. This time around I chose to do an overland tour from Johannesburg ending at Victoria Falls. Overlanding is fun and an adventure and you get to leave behind home comforts and experience the African way of life and wilderness. You also get to meet new people from many other countries. No 4 star hotels here, you spend a lot of time travelling in a specially converted truck and this is where you eat 3 meals a day. Evening accommodation mostly is in fixed safe tents all of which have their own bathroom and toilet etc. I would certainly recommend African Budget Safaris and I would like to mention my agent here Claire Monson, whom for the third time now has arranged my tours with expertise and knowledge. She is very passionate being involved in the African travel business and I couldn't think of anyone better to communicate with whilst booking my safaris. Thank you Claire.

Date of experience : March 28, 2024

Thank you so much for you 5-star review, we are truly greatful. it was fantastic in assisting you with your third safari with us and we are so happy you had a great time. we cannot wait to welcome you back for your fourth Safari with us in the not so distant future Claire and the African Budget Safaris Team

Its always so easy to tell when one is…

Its always so easy to tell when one is on the receiving end of high quality customer service and that is what Claire whom I dealt with provided me. Over a prolonged period of time and with many changes made Claire always was there to assist. First rate experience for us.

Date of experience : April 14, 2024

I am so grateful for your 5-star review and very kind words dear Rob, thank you. It was an honour to play a small part in making big memories in sunny South Africa. With the warmest of wishes from myself and the ABS team 😊

This trip has been amazing. I did really appreciate the professionality and care of me during the hole journey and also before... all my questions always received quick and good answers. The guides were friendly and well prepare to any situation even when our truck broke in the middle of Etosha!! Food, accommodation, tents and truck were perfect for this kind of trip. Actually I was really surprised to find healthy and homemade food basically every meal and I had really good sleeps in my tent (the mattress make the difference ). About landscapes and activities.... well I've nothing to say. Namibia is such a wonderful country and with this tour we managed to see loads of different areas. I cannot choose which I loved the most!! I will definitely suggest your website and this tour. I know could be expensive but it totally worths it!!!

Date of experience : April 09, 2024

Dear Silvia Thank you so much for booking with African Budget Safaris and your 5 star review. I’m glad you enjoyed your safari and the time you spent exploring Namibia. With so many contrasting experiences it is difficult to narrow down a short list of highlights. I hope that we will be able to help you with another amazing African safari in due course. Best wishes, Harriet

Super helpful, fast, friendly, proactiv - a really great help!

Chris is super fast, friendly, all helpful informations, takes good care - all in all i feel so well taken care of with my wishes concerning the Safari. Thank you a lot!!

Date of experience : April 19, 2024

Hi Susanne, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. It was a pleasure to assist you with booking your safari, and I am always happy to give further advice where required. Please keep us in mind should you have any further travel plans in Africa, I would be happy to assist! Thanks again and best Regards, Chris and the African Budget Safaris Team!

African Budget Safaris Is Awesome

Hats off to Claire at African Budget Safaris (ABF) for putting together the perfect safari at a reasonable price. Incredible customer service to tailor our needs at a great price point. ABF values each customer and works hard to find the right safari at the right price. I cannot say enough good words to properly thank Claire and the ABF staff. 104 countries and all continents visited.

Date of experience : January 27, 2024

Thank you for your amazing 5-star review dear David! It has been such a pleasure creating this exciting safari for you and your brother to create fun memories together. The proof is in the pudding now so I can’t wait for May to roll around and for your Sabi Sands Safari to begin 😉 Cheers!! And wishes from myself and the ABS Team

A trip of a lifetime to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Cape Town

I cant say enough good things about African Budget Safari's and Claire. She went above and beyond to make our experiences exceptional. All her suggestions of hotels, activities and tours were perfect. Everything we did and where we stayed was fantastic! And every transfer, tour guide and lodge was perfect not one problem with any of it. I will only recommend African Budget Safari's for people traveling to Africa....no resaon to go with any other company...it was an amazing experience and value.

Date of experience : December 01, 2023

We cannot thank you enough for this wonderful, heartfelt 5-star review Mark, enkosi kakhulu, thank you very much! I truly loved creating your exciting itinerary and working closely with your group. Our fine team of hosts on the ground are the driving force behind these memorable experiences and adventures through Africa. We do pride ourselves in working with such professional, kind and caring crew. I cannot wait to share more of Africa with you or any friends and family you send our way. Yours in Africa, Claire & the ABS Team

Great service and guidance..

This was our first safari to Africa and we was seeking more of an adventure than a comfortable stay in luxury lodges. African Budgets Safaris salesrep Daniel understood what we was looking for and we bought the "11 Day Botswana Camping Safari - Delta, Chobe & Victoria Falls" which gave us a memory for life! The tour operator in Botswana: "Bushways Safari" gave us the best of service and our guide O.T. and the chef K.D. was so knowledgeable, friendly and professional so we give 5-star both to African Budget Safaris and their local partner Bushways Safari.

Date of experience : November 15, 2023

Hi Mikael & Anna Wow, thank you for the fabulous feedback. I am very pleased to hear that your 11 Day Botswana Camping Safari - Delta, Chobe & Victoria Falls was what you expected and more. We look forward to welcoming you back to Africa on safari again soon! Thank you once again for your feedback. We love to hear all about our clients’ trips!

Superb Assistance from African Budget Safaris

I contacted African Budget Safaris to book a stay at Sabina Wildlife Reserve. Harriet quickly responded and provided the needed information and kept me informed throughout the process of confirming the reservation and setting up travel to and from Sanbora. Payment was set up via a secure site. Our stay was simply amazing. If I am ever fortunate to return to South Africa, I will definitely be contacting African Budget Safaris to help plan that trip.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

Dear Larry Thank you for your 5 star review. You had some spectacular game viewing at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve and it is great that the guiding and accommodation exceeded your expectations. I hope you will be able to return to Africa in due course and look forward to helping you plan your next safari. Best wishes, Harriet

Wonderful experiences…

We flew from Dar Es Salem to Nyerere National Park for 3 nights in Lake Manze Safari camp and then another flight to go to Mdonya Old River Safari camp. The flights saved hours of driving and we saw wild life right from landing. The camps were very quiet without modern trappings; just comfortable tents surrounded by wild life and great meals by candle light. Guides and drivers were fantastic and very knowledgeable. All flights were on nearly on time and after the safaris we went to Zanzibar, staying in two luxurious hotels, quite different to each other and totally different locations but both memorable for all the right reasons. Best holiday ever!

Date of experience : October 08, 2023

Dear John, Thank you so much for your lovely review! I am happy to hear that all went according to plan, and that you had such a great time in both Southern Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a great pleasure to assist you in making this a reality! Please keep us in mind for any future travel plans you might have to Africa, as we would be more than happy to assist again, as always. Thanks again and Best Regards, Chris and the African Budget Team

Claire Monson planned and helped our…

Claire Monson planned and helped our family of 7 (ages 78-16) enjoy a very varied, exciting and most memorable trip to South Africa after a very unpleasant experience with another canceled travel company. All our Safari guides were soo devoted to our needs as well as safety. We enjoyed being educated by all we meet, hosts and new friends. The helicopter experience, village tour were the best. Thank you Claire!

Date of experience : August 22, 2023

I am SO appreciative of your wonderful review dear Diona, thank you! It was such fun planning this adventure for the family. We do pride ourselves in the crew we work with on the ground who time and time again provide our clients with first class service and unforgettable experiences. I bet Africa is already calling you back for more 😉 Stay very warm and well, with the happiest of wishes from myself, Claire and the ABS Team

Beautiful Botswana

We've just had an amazing trip to Botswana; Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. We went to Delta Camp and then Kwai River Lodge. The trip exceeded all our expectations. The guides were amazing and exceptional at doing what they love best. Claire Monson at African Budget Safari was organsied, efficient and very helpful during the selection and booking processes. It's a hassle-free process; I highly recommend them. Graeme Prevost

Date of experience : September 11, 2023

Your 5-star review is worth more than its weight in gold to us Graeme, thank you! It was an honour to play a small part in facilitating such an amazingly BIG experience for you and the crew 😉 It was exciting working with the gang to establish where you would be landing your own little plane, in the middle of the bush – For me this was a first! I had so much fun co-ordinating together with you and the ground crew to ensure that Botswana was able to shine and show off all She has to offer… And from the excellent feedback, I simply cannot wait to share more of this magic with our fellow incoming travellers! Onwards and upwards, thanks again Graeme and the Gang…. Hopefully this is the start of a few more adventures in Africa. Warmest of Wishes, Claire and the ABS Team

Make your travel budget go farther without compromising quality.

We had the pleasure of working with Harriet to arrange our travel, lodging, game drives, and tourist attractions in Sabi Sands and Tanzania. She communicated promptly and professionally, making a seamless trip for us. All details were as described and we were pleasantly pleased as many things exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend ABS to future travelers. They made our travel budget go farther without compromising quality.

Date of experience : November 01, 2023

Dear Sharilyn Thank you so much for your lovely 5 star review. I’m glad that you enjoyed your contrasting safari experiences in both southern and East Africa; it was a pleasure to assist with your African holiday planning. Best wishes, Harriet

Helpful, friendly, competent

Daniel from Africa Budget Safaris was very helpful, friendly and replied quickly. As the Safari I asked for was already fully booked, he immediately proposed another safari (which now I think was even the better choice) - great! The website offers so many different safaris that it's difficult to overview the offers, but that's why I'm very thankful for Daniels help.

Date of experience : July 24, 2023

Hi Kevin Thanks for the great review and good to hear you enjoyed the Kruger safari I suggested. With so much choice it can become a little overwhelming to find the right safari that is available and offers the highlights at the right budget that you are looking for and that is what we are here for. Hopefully, you will get to travel with us again, on another African Budget Safari soon. When you ready you know how to get hold of me 😊 Dan the travel man & team ABS

Epic Trip!!!

The Umkumbe lodge was fantastic. The game drives, service, food and atmosphere was exceptional. We couldn’t say enough great things about our safari experience. It was an epic trip. We also did a terrific wine tour that Claire with Budget Safaris arranged. Claire was also amazing she was so helpful and accommodated our last minute changes. Highly recommend!!!

Date of experience : June 09, 2023

It was all such a pleasure dear Debby! And unfortunately (or fortunately) due to the weather we have to reschedule your shark cage dive so you WILL be back 😉 And I will be here to assist once again… he he he. We are thrilled the safari experience met all expectations and then some, that is the bush, every day completely different to the next and so unique. As for Cape Town and the magnificent Winelands, always a winner to add onto the end of a busy safari experience. So happy you had a great time and appreciative of your kind words. Sending warm African wishes, Claire and the ABS Team

Traveller Reviews

African safari reviews by the bespoke african safari experts and travelers.

We’re pleased to share that our guests have rated us so highly on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot; the industry’s leading independent review site. The reviews of The Bespoke African Safari Co. that you can find on sites like TripAdvisor , Trustpilot, and Google are all genuine responses from actual clients, and we appreciate that they are just as autonomous as we are.

We’re proud to show off both the glowing testimonials attesting to the superiority of our service and the constructive criticisms that helped us grow as a company. We’re positive you’ll find both to be helpful.

Read Our Travellers Reviews from TripAdvisor & Trustpilot

Our holiday of a lifetime..

What a fantastic time we had. It just couldn’t have been any better. I was lucky in that this was my 4th safari, but it was the best, by far.

Sharon did a brilliant job in the organisation and selection of game parks and game lodges each one was outstanding in its own right. The vehicle was comfortable and allowed great views as we travelled around. Our Driver/Guide, Tony, was amazing. His knowledge of the area and the wildlife allowed us to learn and enjoy at levels we hadn’t expected.

If your thinking of a Safari then based on my experience I’d say book with The Bespoke African Safari Co , then make sure you get Sharon to plan it for you, and finally get Tony to drive and guide you around. You will have the holiday of a lifetime.

Kenya Magic

What a magical experience! It was late when the two of us finally decided to go to Kenya . Sharon handled everything with great professionalism. He answered every question and assured us that it would be an amazing trip – he was right. Each camp exceeded what we expected; the accommodations, food, and daily rides were all 5 stars. We saw the Big 5, and so much more. The guides at the various camps became our friends. They knew where to go and what to look for, and helped us take some amazing pictures. We don’t know if we could ever go to a zoo again with the same enjoyment. Kenyans are the friendliest people you’ll ever meet; “Hakuna Matata” truly is their motto. Thank you, Sharon, for giving us an experience we will never forget. We recommend this company without any reservations.

Service at top level

Sharon was amazing in planning our last minute trip to Kenya and Tanzania . He chose the best possible place for us in North Serengeti and Masai Mara. But what really stands out is he is always available at any time. Thanks Sharon!

Bunny Rescue

We travelled with The Bespoke African Safari Co. in July, 2023 and would like to share our experience which illustrates how extraordinarily helpful Sharon, the company’s sales director, is: Our tour went through Kenya ( Amboseli, Masai Mara ) to Serengeti in Tanzania . As we left our camp in the Northern part of the park, we accidentally left behind the toy bunny of our nine year old daughter. Given that this bunny has been with our daughter since she was born, this was a catastrophe! She was devasted and, given the remoteness of the camp, we had no idea how to organize its return. This is where Sharon jumped into action – he made contact with the hotel and organized the handover of the bunny to one of the pilots at the nearby Kogatende airstrip. The bunny then made its way to Arusha and from there to Namanga on the border between Kenya and Tanzania . Finally, it reached Nairobi where Sharon collected it and sent it with courier to London, where the bunny was received with open arms by our daughter. We still can’t believe the hassle that Sharon went through to safely return it to us and we are so very grateful! Thanks you to Sharon and everyone else who was involved in this “rescue effort”!!

Trip of a lifetime!! 🙂

Where do I even start with how amazing this trip was thanks to the detailed planning and professionalism of Joseph and all of the staff we encountered during our 10 day safari in Kenya and Tanzania ? We did not have to worry about a single thing once we arrived in Nairobi. All of the planned accomodations, transportation, and activities were executed on time with no issues. Joseph selected top notch lodging accomodations and was very responsive anytime we needed to confirm details or ask a question. Payments with this company were safe and the transactions were seemless. We were able to customize our trip up front with specific activities we wanted, and even when one activity was canceled (at no fault of The Bespoke Africa Safari Co. ) it was replaced with a private walking safari that ended up being even better than what we had planned. We saw the Big 5 and MANY more animals. Each day on safari was unique and exciting! Relaxing at our luxury accomodations each evening and falling asleep to the sounds of lion roaring, baboons calling, and hyenas barking amongst a host of other animal calls…was simply amazing :). We will never forget the memories made on this trip!

The best way to visit Africa is with The Bespoke African Safari Co.

I have nothing but compliments and thanks to Sharon and all his team on the Bespoke Africa Safari Co . They are kind, repectful and always ready to please all of our demands.

My itinerary was for 12 days in Kenya , Rwanda and Tanzanis , and everything went exactly as planned. All the lodges were 5 stars with the best accomodations, and as always in Africa: full of nice and kind staff.

The local transportation was in 4 x 4 jeeps with al the comfort that you might expect, and the local floghts that were arranged, deprat and arrived on time.

We havethe best time during the Safari drives, and got to see the Big five (many times!!!)

All of our drivers: Peter (Kenya), Sibo (Rwanda) & Abdul (Tanzania) were very kind and ready to answer any of our questions.

In adittion on the first day that we arrived the airline (Saudia) lost our luggage (no responsability of Sharon), but he did the impossible to get our luggage delivered to our hotel so something that was a really big issue was a minor discomfort thanks to the help of Sharon!!!

Thank you very much Sharon and the Bespoke Africa Safari Co. for the travel of our lives!!!!!

25 great days in East Africa (Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania)

As a photography enthusiast, I wanted to find a company who can work with me to tailor made an itinerary that is suitable for my needs. I was happy that I was able to work with the Bespoke African Safari Co. who tailor made an itinerary for me to explore and photograph Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania . I was happy with the communication from the start with the Sales Director Sharon who was professional, friendly and timely in all his communications. We just concluded our 25 day safari excursion and was totally happy with it. It was smooth when we move from one country to another and the Bespoke African Safari Co was able to coordinate all transfers, lodges and game drives to meet our needs. All lodges were excellent except for two that were Eco Lodges that we were not aware of. But Sharon was there to fix those small issues that we experienced through his partners and overall we had an excellent experience . The food was great, logistics were carried out with details and the game drives were excellent. The guides knew their parks inside out which is very important in any safaris. As a photographer I was able to capture some amazing images and you can check them out at Images by Reuben (On IG, FB and website). Gorilla trekking in Uganda was a mind blowing experience for us. We selected the parks based on our needs and Amboseli and Serengeti never disappointed us. Overall we loved our safari experience and want to thank Sharon and his team for a great itinerary and experience. All their guides did an excellent job with ethical guiding which is very important when you are in the wild. This trip was originally booked for last year and due to Covid, we were able to postpone without any issues through Sharon. All our deposits were transferred to this year and all went without any hazzle.

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The best new African safari camps

By Condé Nast Traveller

An African safari is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that every traveller should have. To be among some of the world's most captivating  wildlife  and untouched landscapes  on the planet, just a few feet away from leopards lounging on trees or gazelles gallivanting across the Lower Zambezi, is a feeling far unmatched by a cityscape. And with a host of new African safari camps, there isn't a better time to venture into the wilderness than now…

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti

Given its presence across Africa, safari brand Wilderness has taken its time to arrive in the Serengeti, but last summer it made its move, partnering with local walking-safari pioneer and TV regular Jean Du Plessis. Solar-powered mobile camp Usawa is designed to leave no trace. It was joined late last year by a second camp and, in July, will become part of a trio, all three easy to disassemble and use at any of the nine walking zones scattered across 5,700 square miles of park. The concept? Seamless private on-foot access to the Great Migration, Africa’s 1,200-mile odyssey of life, death and rebirth. Days at Usawa are a timeless tapestry of wild species amid endless vistas – from lions, giraffes, elephants and hippos to the mega-herds of wildebeests, zebras and elands; and the crocodiles and hyenas who lie in wait. Du Plessis’s knowledge of the terrain curates a Serengeti seemingly devoid of other humans. The six tents were designed by glamping pioneer Luxury Frontiers (Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Nayara Tented Camp) and cater for 12 around a central tent where campfire dining unfurls below sprawling, star-strewn skies. From the tents to the acacia-thorn light fittings, handblown glassware and ebony furniture, everything has been commissioned locally. While the animal kingdom runs through the barks and shrieks of its nightly playlist, guests enjoy a prime selection of mainly South African wines paired with international and regional treats, including the moreish Zanzibari urojo, a coconut- and dhal-rich spiced stew. Andrew Harris

Website: wildernessdestinations.com Price: from about £750 per person

North Island Okavango

If the name sounds familiar, that’s intentional. Similar to its Seychellois namesake, this retreat occupies its own island, is surrounded by wildlife and has all the starry qualities set to make it a dazzling success. Some of the team who worked on the lauded Indian Ocean launch more than two decades ago have since founded Natural Selection, the management company overseeing this, Botswana’s sexiest new lodge. Set in a community-owned concession on the edge of the Okavango Delta’s panhandle shared with only one other camp, North Island enjoys a degree of exclusivity – although game drives often meander into the neighbouring concession, where Natural Selection also manages Duke’s and Duke’s East. Wild dogs are among the top animal draws here, with several known active dens attracting the likes of BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, which filmed a sequence for Planet Earth III in the delta area. Spearheading a new trend for micro-camps, the lodge has three suites (with a fourth to follow in March) that horseshoe around a lagoon, fanning from an open-front dining area and marble-topped help-yourself bar – an ideal gathering spot for multigenerational buyouts. Especially glorious at dusk, a decking area snakes into the lagoon, negating the need to head anywhere else for a sundowner, and there’s a well-equipped outdoor gym and hot tub. Shaded by ebony and jackalberry trees, the villas sit on elevated wooden platforms tickled by reeds, with plunge pools, outdoor showers and wraparound verandas perfect for watching elephants munch on fallen fruit. Sarah Marshall

True Travel offers three nights at North Island Okavango from £7,700 per person all-inclusive, with regional flights and transfers.

Onduli Ridge

If the Flintstones were transported to Namibia , this is where they’d live: among the giant boulders of Damaraland in one of the least populated areas of the second-least populated country on earth. The landscape – part dry desert grasslands, part Mars-like miles of stone – is spectacular: scattered with rocks of all morphologies and colours, from black basalt to shards of glittering granite, and dotted with huge boulders and stunted, hardy trees. Ultimate Safaris’ Onduli Ridge sits on a neck between two inselbergs, with views from the rooms at dawn and dusk over wide, flat plains and, in the distance, the purply peaks of the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain range. Every room is spacious and set high up on a deck among the rocks. In some, the showerhead juts from a hunk of granite; in all, bathrooms are partly open to the hills and sky, and the bed can be wheeled onto the deck for stargazing. Ultimate Safaris is renowned for upskilling local workforces, and the cooks, trained from the community, turn out inventive and fresh food, from tapas lunches served on multilayered wooden platters to wood-fired pizzas cooked by the pool under the stars. Local attractions include the  Unesco-protected Twyfelfontein rock-art sites, the Doros Crater, created by a meteorite, a petrified forest and strange geological formations such as the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain. Plus, if you’re very lucky, desert-adapted elephants and wild-roaming rhinos. Lisa Grainger

Website: ultimatesafaris.na Price: doubles from about £825 all-inclusive

Angama Amboseli

In a land where everything is big, the only option is to be bold. Africa’s tallest mountain and some of the continent’s last big tuskers set the scale for Angama’s new camp, close to Amboseli, one of Kenya’s prime national parks. Here, 10 canvas-roofed suites arc around the base of Kilimanjaro, with bedside views of the semi-dormant volcano rising from a magical fever tree forest. Taking up exclusive residence in the community-owned Kimana Sanctuary, the camp is set on an ancient elephant migratory route, protecting an area increasingly under threat from agriculture. Built in partnership with NGO Big Life Foundation, which leases the land from Maasai communities, Angama’s first project outside the Mara has its biggest conservation focus to date, and the best place to get a grip on the story is the mushroom-shaped observation tower. Sink into a rocking chair with a sundowner and watch elephant herds parade across swamps while lights twinkle below Kili – a reminder of the challenges cohabiting humans and wildlife face. Every design detail of the camp pays homage to the elephants who regularly pass through: exterior walls are made from dung and concrete, curved surfaces resemble their physical form and textured table mats mimic their coarse skin. A proposed new road will make Amboseli National Park accessible within 30 minutes, although there’s enough wilderness and wonder inside the sanctuary. Along with game drives and elephant tracking on foot, this is a place to rest and relax; a safe haven for four- and two-legged guests. Sarah Marshall

Africa Travel can arrange a three-night stay at Angama Amboseli from £5,490 per person all-inclusive, with international flights and transfers.

Muzimu Lodge

For years, Gorongosa National Park offered basic rondavels and tents with the bare necessities, and a campground for the more intrepid. Those who visited the park – which has undergone a two-decade restoration – weren’t seeking private plunge pools; rather, the extraordinary nature and wildlife. Set at the southern tip of the Rift Valley, Gorongosa has a rich and varied landscape, its dense jungles and infinite savannah roamed by lions and wild dogs. But 2023 ushered in a new era of smarter hospitality with the opening of Muzimu, an intimate tented lodge connected via wooden walkways on the banks of a river bed. The property’s six canvas tents are simple and restrained, with locally made wooden headboards and desks, as well as pendant lights and lounge chairs in colourful printed fabrics. Their wooden decks overlook a thick tangle of palms and acacia trees. In the main spaces, extraordinary salads and home-baked breads created by local chef Vália Dimitri (who did a stint at The Pot Luck Club in Cape Town) are served at dining tables scattered across the deck. There’s also a giant fire pit for late-night stargazing and a tempting pool fringed with sunbeds for a post-drive dip. The traditional daily game drives seem almost mundane compared with the other excursions on offer: you’ll be up mountains; visiting local research labs and coffee plantations; on epic bike rides; and exploring deep limestone gorges and waterfalls. Mary Holland

Website: gorongosa.org Price: from about £770 per person

Fothergill Island

Lake Kariba is like an inland sea in Zimbabwe: a 1.38-million-acre man-made lake bordering Zambia, fed by the Zambezi river and surrounded by spectacular conservation areas. Two wildlife lovers took over Fothergill Island, within the remote Matusadona National Park, in 2019, and transformed it into the lake’s smartest camp, reopening it in 2021. The five one-bedroom canvas-walled suites, two two-bedroom suites and one three-bedroom private retreat are more like mini villas than rooms, most with an outdoor sala, plunge pool, ponds and pretty gardens protected by electrified elephant-proof fences. A practised team of staff serve modern multicultural cuisine, serious international wines and sundowners around a starlit boma and in upscale safari-style living and dining tents, with views over the pool and lake. The real treats, though, are the activities on land and water: game drives with sunny, well-read guides to track lions, elephants and buffaloes; bush breakfasts on sandy river beds over which gem-coloured sunbirds flit; sunset trips into river gorges teeming with hippos and giant crocodiles; and catch-and-release fishing excursions to try to snag the lake’s famously ferocious tigerfish. For the restless there’s a gym, yoga deck and running track; for children, archery, swimming and wildlife excursions with guides who ooze enthusiasm for this special wild spot. Fothergill has a landing strip for charters, and smart speedboats for whizzing to Kariba airport. Lisa Grainger

Website: fothergill.travel Price: from about £590 per person

Khwai Lediba

Striking the balance between creature comforts and adventure isn’t always easy. But African Bush Camps (ABC), helmed by Zimbabwean former guide Beks Ndlovu, has mastered the art of delivering smart, Champagne-popping safaris without compromising on the thrill of waking up in the wild. Its latest project, Khwai Lediba, in the Okavango Delta, is a prime example, bridging a gap between the company’s portfolio of high-end and expedition-style camps. Hidden in a quieter corner of Botswana’s community-owned Khwai concession – now booming with camps – it neighbours slightly more upmarket sister property Khwai Leadwood, opened by ABC in 2020. Both are a decent distance from the mobile campsites used by self-drivers and Khwai’s main airstrip, though a helicopter can provide faster transfers for an additional fee. Much closer is the Khwai River crossing into the Moremi Game Reserve, where most game drives happen, clocking up sightings of lions, leopards and wild dogs. When four-wheel fatigue sets in, walking safaris and breezy late- afternoon mokoro rides unfold in the concession. Elephants frequently pass quietly through, leaving telltale footprints on sandy paths leading to seven wooden-framed canvas tents, including one honeymoon suite and a family room, both with bathtubs. In the main sitting room, bright murals and thatch-woven lampshades foreground local artists. And shared dinners are the place for the local staff’s storytelling skills to shine. Sarah Marshall

Abercrombie & Kent offers three nights at Khwai Lediba from £4,250 per person all-inclusive, with international flights and transfers.

Loapi Tented Camp

South Africa

Loapi is the newest and smartest addition to Tswalu, South Africa’s largest privately owned reserve, in the arid Kalahari. The reserve has been a 25-year passion project for the South African Oppenheimer family, involving three high-end properties, as well as land restoration and conservation initiatives focusing on animals such as rhinos, pangolins and meerkats. Loapi is the most ambitious arrival yet: a collection of six sustainable standalone homes with private house managers, chefs, guides and trackers. Gapp Architects’ striking glass, steel and canvas houses, spaced at least 165 feet apart, are self-sufficient and can be dismantled and moved, leaving the land untouched. Inside, interiors by Cape Town’s Gregory Mellor are flecked with mohair tapestries, clay sculptures, carved wooden panels and textured umber and cream sofas. But it’s all just backdrop for the main view of golden grassy plains and rust earth that bleeds into distant mountains and a cloudless, electric-blue sky. Tswalu is not for the first-time safarigoer who wants to see the Big Five all in one day. But those searching for rare pangolins or aardvarks, black and white rhinos, wild dogs and cheetahs, may be rewarded. At night, guests eat alfresco – a private chef prepares bright butternut salads, droëwors and biltong, tapas treats or cauliflower soup next to a roaring fireplace – so as to stay in nature. It’s big and bold, and, without another soul to be seen, invites introspection. Mary Holland

Red Savannah offers six nights in South Africa from £7,962 per person all-inclusive, with four nights at Loapi Tented Camp, including international flights and transfers.

Jahnavi Bhatt

Paul Richardson

Connor Sturges

Mary Lussiana

Duke’s Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Thirty year ago, Jack’s Camp blazed on to the  safari scene , pioneering the under-canvas luxury safari in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans. Three decades later, sister camp Duke’s has opened in the northern Okavango Delta. It is named in honour of 80-year-old Sarefo “Duke” Sarefo, the official custodian of the land. The camp is set in the Moremi Game Reserve, home to hundreds-strong elephant herds, wild dogs, lions and leopards that occasionally lounge in trees. On the gin-clear water of the delta, which wiggles its way through the camp, sapphire-backed malachite kingfishers pose next to water lilies. They can be spotted from the camp’s mokoro dug-out canoes; from the sun-drenched deck and plunge pool; from the eight eccentrically styled tents (four more are in planning), with large decks for delta-watching. Inside the tents, wooden four-poster beds with scalloped canopies are topped with cosy feather-filled duvets and pinstripe linen. Paisley fabric is draped from the ceiling and vibrant floral cushions are scattered on armchairs. Bathrooms hark back to the 1920s, with brass fittings and mahogany dresser tables. There’s a theatrical vibe in the communal Bedouin-style dining area, where velvet sofas, Persian rugs and silky pouffes circle a low table often topped with silver tea pots and muffins. Sunlight floods in during the day; by evening it is transformed into a cosy lantern-lit dining area and bar.  Hannah Summers

Website:   naturalselection.travel/dukes-camp Price: From about £645 per person per night full board

Tembo Plains Camp

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

It wasn’t always so easy to sit and watch a relaxed bull elephant tug grass from the ground at the edge of the Zambezi before gently shaking it off in the river. But Tembo Plains Camp, in the Sapi Reserve east of Mana Pools, is the result of a remarkable relocation project by conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert and their Great Plains Foundation. Having seen the wildlife overpopulation in the Savé Valley Conservancy in Southern Zimbabwe, the Jouberts began Project Rewild Zambezi, an ongoing plan to relocate more than 3,000 animals 600 miles north to the under-populated Sapi Reserve, including 400 elephants, painted dogs, lions, buffaloes, impalas and more. Tembo Plains, tucked into a forest by a hippo-friendly stretch of the Zambezi, is a classically styled camp, with canopied beds and wildlife-friendly cameras provided in each of the four suites, as well as wooden decks and private pools looking over the river. The staff are some of the warmest in southern Africa, including charismatic manager Lloyd Mushure, who serves G&Ts and stories while angling for tiger fish or on canoe trips spotting hippos and crocodiles. In camp, the steady flow of the river provides a hypnotic backdrop to massages, fireside drinks and Zimbabwean dishes such as Lake Harvest bream curry.  Hannah Summers

Website: greatplainsconservation.com/tembo-plains-camp Price:  From about £860 per person per night full board

Sanctuary Tambarare

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya

In a corner of the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy, two females have achieved superstar status. Najin and her daughter Fatu are the last remaining northern white rhinos in the world. Their eggs are safely preserved in a hi-tech lab in Italy in the hope of continuing the species via IVF. For now, a new tented camp – Sanctuary Tambarare – offers a welcome base from which to visit these wildlife sensations, whose diets are lovingly and obsessively monitored and who are protected 24/7 by armed guards. Tambarare’s 10 luxury tents, each different but embracing a simple, golden-age-of-safari look, with billowing white curtains, are ensconced in fever trees under the shadow of Mount Kenya. Their deep-blue walls are dotted with Masai-inspired artwork, and there are private verandas with epic grassland views. Reports indicate that Africa’s rhino population dropped by a staggering 97 per cent in less than 30 years. In 1993, only 2,300 wild rhinos remained. Today that number has more than doubled, and Ol Pejeta is home to nearly 150 critically endangered black rhinos – the largest sanctuary for the animals in East and Central Africa. Here, you can ride horses alongside the rhinos and zebras, cycle across the Laikipia plains; walk past the hippos wallowing in the Ewaso Nyiro River or night-ride past polecats, bat-eared foxes and aardvark (a privilege banned in most Kenyan national parks and reserves). Tambarare can sign you up to meet the local anti-poaching canine unit (the bloodhounds are friendlier than you might imagine) and the park’s rapid-response team, who deal with everything from first aid to chasing bandits.  Divia Thani

Website:   abercrombiekent.co.uk/sanctuary-tambarare Price:  Abercrombie & Kent offers four nights all-inclusive at Sanctuary Tambarare and one night at Hemingways Nairobi from £3,995 per person

Sungani And Kulandila

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

When the Davy family decided to create their own safari camp (having run Anabezi, on the Zambezi, for relatives), the far south-western part of Zambia’s game-rich South Luangwa National Park was fairly untouched. But it had access to nearly 70,000 acres of wilderness and only one other camp nearby. In 2019 they took up the challenge, moving into a couple of tents and designing and building eight-bedroom Sungani, as well as the nearby private-use safari camp Kulandila. Both feel like elegant, welcoming family bush homes, efficiently run by mother and father Lynne and Paul. Their son Michael expertly oversees the walks, canoe trips, boat rides and game drives, while moreish meals are masterminded by former Singita chef Quinton Spocter – from French-patisserie-standard tea spreads to evening feasts that might include delicate Malay-spiced fish or fire-cooked beef. Each of Sungani’s spacious villa-style, canvas-walled rooms is linked by wooden platforms, below which animals can roam – by day warthogs and, at night, hippos waddling from their lily-covered oxbow lagoon. With netted beds, airy living rooms, big baths and outdoor showers, the classic tents are soothing spaces from which to birdwatch or lounge by a plunge pool before heading into the wild to enjoy prolific game: leopards, lions and wild dogs, and almost 500 species of birds. The delivery of a plane and the new Luangwa airstrip means the bumpy if interesting three-hour road trip from Mfuwe is now optional.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   sungani.com Price:  Doubles from about £1,965 all-inclusive

Mila Tented Camp 

Western Serengeti, Tanzania

It’s easy to become blasé about the herds of eland, topi, Thomson’s gazelle, zebra, giraffe and wildebeest grazing around this explorer-style camp in the western Serengeti’s Nyasirori area. Very close to the Grumeti River, where hippos jostle and giant crocodiles bask, it’s free of crowds even at the height of the migration. Brilliant year-round wildlife viewing is the reason Mila went from being a seasonal camp to a permanent one, debuting this May with five tents and a two-bedroom family option in the tawny grasslands. The interiors are romantic yet restrained, and natural fibres rule, from deep khaki Italian-cotton bedsheets to linen throws, slip-covered sofas and handwoven jute underfoot. Reclining leather chairs and bean bags are perfectly positioned to spot jackals and hyenas slinking across the open plains. Multiple mess tents mean not having to share space, so private dining is the norm, and everyone gets a private vehicle. Chefs rotate between Legendary Safaris’ camps, keeping standards high in the humble tented kitchens. An authentic Swahili feast wows as much as chilled pea soup with a swirl of chilli oil followed by seared beef or gnocchi, butternut churros and masala chai. When the morning safari is too good to miss, breakfast is delivered wherever you are – fresh fruit, croissants with pineapple jam, East African-style omelettes and strong Tanzanian coffee. This is the way to safari, with a real sense of intimacy with the wild, vast landscape.  Jane Broughton

Website: cartologytravel.com Price:  Cartology Travel offers seven nights from about £7,210 per person, including transfers

Camp Sossus

Sossusvlei, Namibia

It’s no surprise that the deserts of  Namibia are regularly used as backdrops for sci-fi movies; few places look as unearthly. On a 60,000-acre private concession bordering the World Heritage Site of the Namib Sand Sea, Ultimate Safaris’ founder Tristan Cowley has created an eco desert camp that makes this Mars-like environment not only habitable but comfortable. Every detail has been designed so visitors can connect with nature: the six newly redesigned canvas-and-mesh-walled rooms, clad with protective, rust-coloured “skins” made from recycled oil drums, now have open-air bathrooms with star beds so guests can shower and sleep under the clearest skies on the planet. Private outside areas have shaded day-beds sited to trap cooling westerly breezes for afternoon naps, and a deck has been expanded for sunset yoga, sundowners and lamp-lit dinners. Unlike at most other desert camps, here guests have the  family-friendly private reserve to themselves: to walk or mountain bike, to watch zebras and oryx graze on shimmering grasslands, to swim in spring-filled bush pools, to dine on summits with views of the rippling Tsaris Mountains and the mammoth dunes of nearby Sossusvlei. Best of all, Cowley is one of Namibia’s leading guides, and for Sossus, as with the camp he launched on Onduli Ridge in Damaraland last year, he has created immersive experiences from children’s botany walks and family cycle rides to astronomy lessons by the fire. The camp can be taken privately, as can Namibia’s most inventively designed home, The Nest, tucked up in the hills like a giant thatched bird’s nest.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   ultimatesafaris.na/camp-sossus Price:  doubles from about £435 full board

Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The site of the greatest migration on Earth, Serengeti National Park has become increasingly busy – with more than 40 vehicles at some river crossings. But because andBeyond’s Grumeti Serengeti property is in the far north-west, with few other camps around, wildlife spotting here is relatively private. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the rebuilt designer lodge. Strung above the Grumeti River, in which pods of hippos harrumph and baboons screech, 10 teak-clad modernist villas lie either side of an open-fronted living area, with decks dropping towards the water. As with the company’s other star project,  Lolebezi in Zambia , designers Fox Browne have made this Tanzanian outpost a showcase for contemporary pan-African design: kitenge-covered pouffes alongside hand-woven sisal tables; wooden bamileke tables from West Africa, beaded Namji dolls and a collection of artefacts. For those who don’t want to go on the twice-daily game drives (on which lions are pretty much guaranteed year-round, alongside hundreds of thousands of migrating wildebeest in June and July), there is a circular pool to laze beside, plus morning walks, in-room massages and yoga sessions. In the evening guests converge around a central domed bar lit by orbs of locally blown glass, before migrating to a boma dinner, cigars around a star-lit fire pit and late-night whiskies beside their private plunge pool.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   andbeyond.com/grumeti-serengeti-river-lodge Price:  from about £1,875 per person per night full board

Waterside At Royal Malewane

Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Along with enviable locations and pitch-perfect service, lived-in opulence has become a trademark of the Royal Portfolio’s South African hotel collection. Not too far from where it all began at Royal Malewane 22 years ago, this latest addition to Thornybush – a private game reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger conservation area – feels more like a private home than a hotel. Owner Liz Biden has gone all out to create lavishly layered spaces where jewel-bright colours enliven everything from rugs to walls, antiques to repurposed junkyard salvages. This is a theatrical, transportive experience that amplifies rather than detracts from the vibrancy of the surrounding bush, which crackles with life deep into the night. Even the luminous fever trees, towering above the thatched lodge on the water’s edge, look like they’ve been touched up. There are seven suites with one or two bedrooms, as well as a four-bedroom villa – all with solar-heated pools and air-conditioning that runs on solar power and recycled water. A buzzing open-air bar serves cocktails made with local spirits, and a sommelier picks bottles from the wine cellar to enjoy with seasonal menus. There are many reasons to stay in camp, including a library, lap pool, gym, yoga studio and spa, plus a games room geared to children of all ages – but there are also 34,600 acres waiting to be explored by vehicle or on foot. From birding to epic sightings of lion prides and wild dogs, every outing is amplified in the company of experienced guides and trackers who, collectively, have the highest professional qualifications in the business.  Jane Broughton

Website:   theroyalportfolio.com/royal-malewane Price: from about £1,035 per person per night full board

Mara Plains Camp

Masai Mara, Kenya

This small, remote camp combines a splash of Indiana Jones with a great dollop of luxury in the middle of  Kenya’s Masai Mara . Tents are spaced apart amid a cluster of acacia trees, where the only sound at night is the occasional snort of a buffalo. The place has the air of a Thirties film set, with wooden campaign furniture and Eastern-inspired carpets. But channelling wilderness camping on a seven-star level is the new Mara Plains Jahazi Suite, a spacious two-bedroom tented pavilion set on raised railway-sleeper decking (past which a steady stream of wildlife parades). An indoor dining area leads to a private outdoor veranda and copper baths to melt into. By night, Mara Plains is an enchanting place: candles glitter in lanterns as chefs prepare dishes of tender grilled lamb, potato fritters, passion-fruit roulades and cheese platters with homemade chutney. Breakfast is a treat of orange-zest-flavoured pancakes and fresh coffee served on canvas chairs outside. Game drives reveal a pride of lions sprawled on a rocky escarpment, a breathtaking sight as cubs frolic and snooze in the pampas grass. Other wildlife surprises include kudus, fork-tailed drongoes, hippos mating in the river and mongoose hurtling across rutted tracks. This is the African safari dream, remote and restful, skies with fleeting Daliesque cumulus cloud formations in a landscape untouched for millennia.  Geordie Greig

Website: africatravel.com/mara-plains-camp Price:  Africa Travel offers stays from £1,190 per person per night full board, including game-viewing activities, park fees, flights and transfers (minimum two nights)

Xigera Safari Lodge

Sitting in the richly biodiverse Okavango Delta, Xigera has lions, leopards and semi-aquatic red lechwes on its doorstep. What’s maybe more surprising about this opening from global operators Red Carnation Hotels is that it’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of South African art and design, curated in collaboration with Cape Town’s forward-thinking Southern Guild gallery. This commitment to art shines in everything guests see and touch, from handmade black clay coffee cups by Cape Town ceramicist Chuma Maweni to the dining tables with warped fairy-tale legs by Kenya-born artist Stanislaw Trzebinski. The food is a few notches above most safari fare: a team of five bake the lightest, flakiest pastries for morning game drives and six-course chef’s-table meals, with each chef given free rein to follow obsessions (one menu has a dish dedicated to the much-overlooked onion). Food waste is composted and given to local farmers for free, with vegetables purchased back from them. Herbs are bought from a female-run collective in Maun, the closest city. The 12 suites, reached by a series of raised light-impact wooden walkways, are so large that the super-king beds look modest. Each is different, but all have statement lamps, colourful patterned sofas and indoor and outdoor rain showers stocked with all-natural tulip- and yuzu-scented toiletries. A remote three-storey steel baobab tree with a roof deck can be booked to sleep out in the bush itself. Hannah Summers

Website: xigera.com Price:  Doubles from about £2,355 full board

Usangu Expedition Camp

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha is one of those wildernesses that safari lovers keep to themselves. Unlike the busy Serengeti, Tanzania’s second biggest park has just 12 camps, and no one had ventured to this particular corner for decades until this summer, when Asilia constructed a light-footprint camp in the Usangu Wetlands in the far south. Poachers roamed freely and unchecked rice farms on the park’s perimeter drained the Ruaha River. Conservationists hope the opening of an expedition camp here will halt this destruction with the help of visitors. When not relaxing in the four solar-powered, mesh-fronted rooms overlooking the plains, guests help guides with research on game drives. Each of the camp’s recycled ethanol-powered four-wheel-drives is fitted with technology to feed information back to the Eco-Research Centre: telemetry systems to track collared cats, GPS radios to pinpoint sightings and thermal night cameras to spot nocturnal creatures. Half of the 16 Tanzanian staff are young villagers who are relishing Asilia’s training – from guide Anderson Pakomyus Mesilla, who three years ago didn’t speak English and now reels off Latin tree names, to Aly Mang’unda, the 22-year-old chef, who creates delicious dishes using just a fire. Beside each room is a square-netted star tent, so guests can sleep with the Milky Way above and the sounds of lions and hyenas roaring and whooping around. Treats on game drives include huge herds of topis, alongside sables, roans and cheetahs.  Lisa Grainger

Website:   asiliaafrica.com/usangu-expedition-camp Price:  Doubles from about £1,290 full board

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Based in Cape Town, African Budget Safaris is an independent tour provider offering the more budget minded traveler the opportunity to enjoy remarkable African safaris.

What Makes African Budget Safaris Stand Out

They provide a way for budget travelers to experience Africa, including keeping an up to date specials and deals section. They offer a wide selection of tours beyond safaris such as overland tours, hiking tours, and city breaks. Whether you’re looking for an adventure trip or a comfortable self-drive itinerary, they have a lot of choice and flexibility.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling with African Budget Safaris?

African Budget Safaris are ideal for first time travelers to Africa who are interested in a safari designed by experts, and in a reasonable price range. This safari company is also a good place to start if you’re looking for a lot of options - for example if you’re not sure how long you’ll have for your safari, they offer plenty of choices from day tours to longer more inclusive packages.

If you are more interested in an exclusive, private, or luxury safari, you may not find quite what you’re looking for at African Budget Safaris, but it’s still worth a look. You may find that their expertise, friendliness, and ability to customize will still satisfy what you’re hoping for from a safari.

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African Budget Safaris operates throughout Africa, including, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar.

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There are multiple ways you can travel when you use African Budget Safaris. Accommodations vary from overland camping to guest houses and safari lodges. Activity and travel style vary from high adventure (motorbike safaris, hot air ballooning, and mountain bike safaris just to name a few) to more leisurely guided walks, game drives, and even self guided drives.

Why Choose a Tour with African Budget Safaris

The breadth of choice they offer makes it easy to find the kind of safari or African travel experience you’re looking for. They are based in Cape Town which means they are intimately knowledgeable about the safaris they offer and their travel experts can help guide you to the one that’s right for you.

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African Budget Safaris is an independent and privately owned company. We have no allegiance to any specific tour operator or public company. This means we are free to pick and choose the best possible travel products on offer.

We do not take payments from operators to have their products on our site. All the tours on our website are here because they represent the best African travel experiences available.

We are continually evaluating all of our trips, based on our own experiences and on feedback from our customers, which you can read on our TripAdvisor profile and also, in the near future, on our upcoming SafariBookings.com profile page.

We choose our travel partners carefully and only make use of operators who have a proven history of delivering on what they promise, and whose reputations are above repute. This gives us peace of mind in knowing that we can follow through on offering our travelers a great holiday. We buy our products directly from the suppliers and make use of our collective buying power to ensure that the savings we negotiate are passed on to you.

Dedicated to quality African travel packages & budget safaris

African Budget Safaris is an experienced team of African travel fanatics based in Cape Town, South Africa. Through years of bundu bashing up and down the African continent, we've tried every tour and safari package under the sun to sort the diamonds from the rough.

With all this African travel experience under our belts we can guarantee that all of the adventure travel tours, budget safaris, camping safaris, overland packages, city & short stay packages and self drive trips we carry are the best African budget travel packages available.

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All of our travel consultants are crazy about this continent and have excellent knowledge of the areas they send clients to. Knowing the tours on offer is part and parcel of working at African Budget Safaris, and this means regular trips to the bush for our sales and product team. Only once our people have a full understanding of the product are they allowed to consult to you the client.

Based in Cape Town

African Budget Safaris and all our travel consultants are based in Cape Town, South Africa. This means we are always close to our clients and any news relating to the areas they travel to.

Africa is a dynamic and ever changing continent and it’s of vital importance to us that our consultants are aware of any situations which might affect a specific tour.

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It is essential to us that we are open to feedback with regard to our tours and safaris. African Budget Safaris encourages any and all feedback, be it positive or negative, regarding your holiday experience.

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We are passionate about Africa and African travel. We are deeply committed to the renaissance of Africa, her wildlife and her people.

It is the aim of African Budget Safaris to continue our top class service and to ensure that you not only have a fantastic hassle free holiday, but also that you leave this great continent with a greater understanding of what makes Africa so special and unique.

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Safaris aren't the only tourist attraction in Africa. From cruises to wine tasting, here's what else you can do

A frica is blessed with some of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the world — a fact that entices tourists to book safaris year-round.

But safaris only scratch the surface of what the continent has to offer.  

From wine tours to vibrant coastal cities, other experiences await those who are willing to go beyond game drives and delve deeper into the core of the continent.

Mountains, dunes and rivers

For those who love hiking, Africa is blessed with many peaks — from Morocco's Mount Toubkal to the continent's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

But there's also Mount Nyangani in Zimbabwe, which has a skywalk atop the Mutarazi Falls, the country's highest waterfall.

South Africa's Table Mountain can be climbed in a matter of hours, but adrenaline junkies may prefer to bungie jump from Johannesburg's Soweto Towers , or the Bloukrans Bridge along the country's famous "Garden Route."

Africa is ideal for travelers who crave adventure, said Zina Bencheikh, managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Intrepid Travel.

She recommends Madagascar's Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, which has two geological zones called the "Small Tsingy" and "Big Tsingy," which in the local language of Malagasy, refers to a place "where one cannot walk barefoot."

"Big Tsingy Trek is not your usual hike!" she said, describing it as a "labyrinth of limestone formations that resemble a forest made of rock."

In Namibia, travelers can climb the iconic Dune 45 to admire the sand dunes of the Sossusvlei, explore the eerie white clay pan of Deadvlei , or hike through the picturesque Sesriem Canyon.

At Victoria Falls, along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, travelers can whitewater raft, bungee jump or swim at the Devil's Pool, which is on Zambia's side of the falls. Similar adventures can be found in Jinja, Uganda, where the River Nile begins.

Hot air balloons are a popular and adventurous way to explore too, with a bird's eye view of the berber villages of Morocco to Kenya's Masai Mara.

Explore the beach

African beach towns combine beauty and culture, in places like Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Ghana, Namibia and Egypt.

Mombasa, a coastal city in Kenya, is one example.  

"Here, you'll experience African, Indian and Arab cultures in one place. Fort Jesus is one of Mombasa's notable sites and was built by the Portuguese in 1593. In less than 200 years, the fort changed hands nine times," said Luciemarie Swanepoel, owner of African Sky of Diamonds Tours & Safaris.

She recommends visiting Zanzibar to wander the Stone Town's labyrinthine alleys along with Kenya's Swahili Coast, the historical Gede ruins, and the UNESCO-named Mijikenda Kaya Forests .

"Madagascar … is another island gem, with beaches like Nosy Be and Ile Sainte Marie boasting palm-fringed coasts and vibrant coastal villages," said Swanepoel.

Durban and Cape Town are two of the best beach destinations in South Africa, she said, adding that travelers can kitesurf, snorkel, kayak or search for dugongs and whales there.

Go on a cruise

From budget-friendly houseboats to luxurious all-inclusive boutique lake cruises, Africa has a range of unique boating experiences.

Cruises along the Nile, Zambezi and Chobe rivers, as well as a cruise along Rwanda's Lake Kivu, come highly recommended, as water journeys can offer a spectacular viewing platform for wildlife.

"During a river cruise, you may spot a herd of elephants wading through shimmering water, witness great buffalo gathering along the water's edge, and even observe crocodiles stealthily slicing through pools. Hundreds of hippos also wallow in the river with just their nostrils poking out," says Kate Powell, general manager of the houseboat company Zambezi Queen Collection.

Travelers can also cruise between villages, fish, and bask in the tranquil waters. 

"One can explore the Manambolo River on a pirogue, or wooden dugout canoe, under the shadow of towering rock cliffs [or] stop to explore a cave and the eerie tombs of the Vazimba, said to be the earliest inhabitants of Madagascar," said Intrepid's Bencheikh.

In addition to being a popular stop for world cruises, East and South Africa have their own ocean cruise routes which follow the coastlines and visit offshore islands. Silversea, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC have cruises departing from Africa.

The best places — and best times — to take a safari

Maritime journeys in Africa allow visitors to experience the continent's wildlife, cultures and landscapes from a unique vantage point, said Kevin Bubolz, Norwegian's vice president for Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa.  

"In Port Elizabeth, the Penguin Island Cruise excursion is a standout experience. You'll journey to the world's largest colony of African penguins in their natural habitat," he said. "If you're lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of playful humpback and bottle-nose dolphins."

Countries like Morocco, Namibia and Ethiopia have established wine regions. But South Africa is the continent's crown jewel.

"South Africa is renowned for its world-class wine regions, with the Western Cape being the heart of the industry," said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, Cape Town's tourism and trade agency.

"The areas around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl comprise the famous Cape Winelands, where visitors can tour historic estates, taste award-winning wines, and learn about the winemaking process."

Not only is Stellenbosch one of the best places for wine tours, it's also a culinary hot spot, known for its innovative food scene. Elmarie Rabe, the marketing manager at Visit Stellenbosch, advises travelers to select wineries that are committed to sustainable and organic practices.

"Also consider the traveling distance between farms, as Stellenbosch stretches over 60 square kilometers," she said.

The best time to visit is during the harvest season from late January to March, when the vineyards are in full swing. But every season has its own charm, she added.

"Spring offers lush landscapes and ideal weather, while winter is perfect for enjoying bold red wines by the fireplace. Summer provides sunny days perfect for outdoor wine tasting," Rabe said.

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.

Wonderful Wildlife without Wilderness

It’s extremely difficult to write an impartial review of the safari experience in your homeland. But I’ll give it a shot… From a purely wildlife viewing perspective, I would rank the country amongst the best in Africa. After-all there...

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Our first safari

My wife and I had a wonderful time on our first safari. All the staff that we met were more than helpful . We had a chance to see and learn about a lot of interesting things. We will certainly pass our experience on to our friends and...

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7-Day South Africa Luxury Tour

$3,184 to $3,700 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Franschhoek (Winelands) , Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger) , Hoedspruit Airport (Hoedspruit) , Hoedspruit (End)

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4-Day Kapama River Lodge Game Safari

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You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kapama GR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

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5.0 /5  –  28 Reviews

10-Day Kruger Park & Cape Town South Africa Safari

$5,182 to $5,785 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Cape Peninsula, Winelands, Sabi Sand GR (Greater Kruger) , Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

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Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

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Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

The Unique Burial of a Child of Early Scythian Time at the Cemetery of Saryg-Bulun (Tuva)

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In 1988, the Tuvan Archaeological Expedition (led by M. E. Kilunovskaya and V. A. Semenov) discovered a unique burial of the early Iron Age at Saryg-Bulun in Central Tuva. There are two burial mounds of the Aldy-Bel culture dated by 7th century BC. Within the barrows, which adjoined one another, forming a figure-of-eight, there were discovered 7 burials, from which a representative collection of artifacts was recovered. Burial 5 was the most unique, it was found in a coffin made of a larch trunk, with a tightly closed lid. Due to the preservative properties of larch and lack of air access, the coffin contained a well-preserved mummy of a child with an accompanying set of grave goods. The interred individual retained the skin on his face and had a leather headdress painted with red pigment and a coat, sewn from jerboa fur. The coat was belted with a leather belt with bronze ornaments and buckles. Besides that, a leather quiver with arrows with the shafts decorated with painted ornaments, fully preserved battle pick and a bow were buried in the coffin. Unexpectedly, the full-genomic analysis, showed that the individual was female. This fact opens a new aspect in the study of the social history of the Scythian society and perhaps brings us back to the myth of the Amazons, discussed by Herodotus. Of course, this discovery is unique in its preservation for the Scythian culture of Tuva and requires careful study and conservation.

Keywords: Tuva, Early Iron Age, early Scythian period, Aldy-Bel culture, barrow, burial in the coffin, mummy, full genome sequencing, aDNA

Information about authors: Marina Kilunovskaya (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Vladimir Semenov (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Candidate of Historical Sciences. Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail: [email protected] Varvara Busova  (Moscow, Russian Federation).  (Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation). Institute for the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences.  Dvortsovaya Emb., 18, Saint Petersburg, 191186, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Kharis Mustafin  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Technical Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Irina Alborova  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Candidate of Biological Sciences. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected] Alina Matzvai  (Moscow, Russian Federation). Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.  Institutsky Lane, 9, Dolgoprudny, 141701, Moscow Oblast, Russian Federation E-mail:  [email protected]

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