Safari experiences

As the annual Okavango floods subside, drying pools are left throughout the Central Okavango, exposing thousands of fish. This is a remarkable time for seeing water birds in abundance, as they congregate around the many fish traps in the delta to eat their full. Hundreds of species are there to be seen, including the spectacular Fish Eagle and many 'lifers'.

We'd bet our hides, you've heard of the Big Five, but do you know about the Samburu Special Five? Swap Africa's biggest names for these unique and rare creatures on a game drive through sun-baked Samburu. Roll call...Grevy's zebra (who gather in a dazzle of black and white), the aptly-named long-necked gerenuk who startles by standing on its hind legs to reach the juiciest leaves and produces young throughout the year - keep your eyes peeled for a fawn taking its first tottering steps. Look out for Somali ostrich, long-horned Beisa oryx and striking reticulated giraffe as they meander down dry river beds. And the best part is, most of these animals can't be found anywhere else in Africa.

The vast Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s largest wilderness areas, and the perfect habitat for the infamous and energetic wild dogs. Even better, time a safari to see the dogs with their puppies at a den site from May to June, where the puppies come out in the mornings and evening to play and feed, providing amazing photographic opportunities. In the drier months between may and October, antelope and other prey species tend to concentrate around the water sources, making this a great time to see other predators, such as lion and leopard, too.

Lewa was one of the original conservancies in this area and so has an incredibly diverse spread of wildlife and a naturally high game count. Early morning and evening game drives across the undulating grassy plains and through lush acacia riverlines produces an abundance of wildlife including lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and buffalo. Lewa is also home to rare Northern species like Grevy’s zebra, oryx, reticulated giraffe and, most important it is a sanctuary for a large number of black and white rhino.

In Namibia's far north, you don't have to look far for the wildlife. In the early morning light or once the midday heat subsides, head out on a game drive where your seasoned guide will share the headline and low-key creatures of Etosha. Zig-zag between nearby waterholes where the big cats stop for a drink as herds of zebra and antelope gather in herds on opposite banks. Let your eyes wander across the plains where tall giraffes and tiny Damara dik-diks graze, and families of elephant stroll among the mopane trees. Not to mention the chance of spotting the endangered white rhino! Stop for a steaming cuppa or sundowner before returning to camp.

Where the glimmering waterways of the Central Okavango meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and antelope gather in the natural channels, lion and leopard are spotted often, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

Within the protected and super remote Linyanti, you'll explore the grasslands and marshy plains on a game drive. As dawn breaks or dusk approaches, your expert guide will lead you on a journey across this wildlife haven. Traverse the landscape in search of big cats, even bigger elephant and the incredible African painted dog on the hunt (visit between July and August to see the scampering pups). Stop for a refreshing cup of something hot or a sundowner before you return to camp.

With all the crowds hanging around the Masai Mara and Serengeti, it might be an idea to look for somewhere that's a little less known on the safari circuit, but also has an incredible wildlife on offer. Look no further than Ruaha in Tanzania in October, when the dry season ends and the wildlife in concentrated around the rivers, making excellent sightings practically to yourself. It can be hot and dry, so prepare yourself.

Where the glimmering waterways of the Delta meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive than Moremi. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather in the natural channels along with red lechwe, sitatunga and tsessebe, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

A safari in South Africa isn't complete without a game drive in the Kruger, a stomping ground of the Big Five and a plethora of other wildlife. Depart from camp as dawn breaks or in the cooler afternoon, as your guide introduces you to the wonders of the Kruger. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the hordes of plains game (especially in the centre of the park), hippo yawning from the river and the endangered African painted dog. Our pick for the best time to go is in the quieter months of April - May and October - November. Stop for refreshments under the limbs of a baobab before returning to camp.

Depart from camp with your expert guide and tracker in tow to follow the trail of the rare black rhino. Venture out in a 4x4 as your tracker susses out the location of these tough-skinned beauties, where you'll continue on foot. Learn the ropes of rhino tracking from the best and experience the thrill of seeing these secretive creatures in the wild and up-close. Watch in wonderment as they trundle amongst the boulders and nibble on a euphorbia plant as your guide fills you in on the hard-won conservation efforts in Damaraland.

Where the glimmering waterways of the Delta meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather in the natural channels along with red lechwe antelope, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

The acacia-speckled plains and waving golden grass of the Serengeti may be one of the most iconic safari scenes and what better way to see it all than with a game drive? Leave as dawn breaks or in the dusky afternoon, plaster your binocs to your face and get wildlife-spotting...There's a spectacular variety to see! The Serengeti is home to every member of the Big Five so expect to see soulful elephant wandering between the trees, lions snoozing amongst the vast herds of grazing buffalo. And your guide will be there to give you all the insider info. Every piece of the Serengeti offers something unique but whether it's spying on wild dog in the south, watching rhino amble through the brush in Moru Kopjes or losing your breath at the sight of big cats in Grumeti - it promises to be epic.

Perhaps the most elusive member of the Big Five, the leopard, ranks highly on most safari bucket lists and the private reserves on the western edge of Kruger are just the place to find them. Venture out on a game drive where your expert guide will take you to the known haunts of the local leopards. Although they are masters of camouflage, leopards spend their days draped over tree branches near the Kruger's coursing rivers. Keep your eyes peeled for its distinctive silhouette and swishing tail! We rate the October - November impala calving season to be the best time to do some leopard-spotting, and you may even watch in amazement as the big cat nabs their prey and drags it up a tree in a matter of seconds. Whether it's lazily snoozing under the leaves or in the heat of the hunt, seeing a leopard in the wild is unforgettable.

Depart from camp as the dawn breaks or after the midday heat subsides for a game drive across bold and rugged Damaraland. Amongst the volcanic mountains and forests of petrified trees, your expert guide will lead you on a search for desert-adapted elephant, quietly grazing black rhino and herds of mountain zebra (plus the pint-sized Damara dik-dik). You'll explore the designated concession areas (much of Damaraland is left for nature to enjoy) with a pitstop for snacks and a cooling drink. As is the case for much of Southern Africa, the dry season months of May to October provides the best wildlife-spotting.

Depart from camp as the sun peeps over the horizon or as the midday heat subsides to find the jaw-dropping herds of elephant Linyanti is famous for. Your guide knows the landscape like the back of their hand and will have no trouble finding the magnificent tuskers as they gather along the permanent water sources to cool off and rehydrate. This is especially true in the dry season from May to October! Explore the lush marshlands, open grassland and shimmering channels, with your binoculars at the ready to spot the tough-skinned giants of Linyanti. Before you head back to camp, sip on a warm cuppa or chilled cocktail!

Ruaha’s dramatic landscape is dominated by hills thick with towering baobab trees, some of them hundreds of years old. The call it the “upside tree” as it wiry top reaches for the sky looking much like its roots. Baobab’s produce a delicious fruit who’s spongy seeds are rich with vitamins that boast an array of health benefits. The powder extracted from these seeds is expensive over the counter, but free in Ruaha. It’s also excellent for munching on during long bush walks if you need an energy boost!

Within the super remote Central Kalahari, as dawn breaks or dusk approaches, your expert guide will lead you on a game drive journey across this untouched desert landscape. Traverse the Kalahari in search of big cats (including black-maned lion), meerkats surveying the scene from rocky outcrops and, if you're around between November and April, herds of gemsbok. Stop for a refreshing cup of something hot or a sundowner before you return to camp.

Where the glimmering waterways of the Delta meet the arid Kalahari in a twist of fate, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the plains. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather in the natural channels along with red lechwe antelope, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.

With the dew barely dry, rise with the sun as you float over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon. Besides puffs of heat to move you skywards, there is nothing but blissful silence as you soak up every inch of the landscape. Let the wind be your guide, revealing the untamed spaces of Tanzania where very little can hide from this vantage point. Ascend to heights of 1000 feet for the ultimate panoramic view or drop low enough to practically brush the acacias, as tiny moving specks become monochrome zebra, elephant bathing in the waterhole and scampering African painted dog. If you fancy seeing the rowdy herds of antelope and wildebeest begin to cross the mighty Mara River, August and September - are the prize months to go. This is a shared activity with other guests.

Where the glimmering waterways and rushing Khwai River wend across the reserve, there are few better places for an epic game drive. Take your pick from a dawn or dusk (or a combination of both) safari where your expert guide will take you on a journey across the lush landscapes, splashing through shallow waterways and exploring the mopane forests. Keep your binoculars at the ready to spot the world-famous wildlife of the Delta. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo gather at the river and floodplains along with sable and roan antelope, and the flash of an African painted dog makes for a startling sight! After a steaming cuppa or celebratory cocktail to finish, you'll return to camp.