Wildlife experiences

Of all the Kruger's wild and woolly creatures, the Big Five induces the most gasps - and with good reason! At sunrise (or as sunset approaches), depart from camp on a game drive with your expert guide to track Africa's most famous quintet. Explore the rolling savannah, lush valleys and river banks where you may spy a languid leopard on a branch, elephant splashing in the water, rhino and buffalo snuffling in the grass and a pride of lion snoozing in the shade of a fever tree.

When it comes to conservation and unbelievably diverse wildlife, Laikipia has them both in spades. Take your seat on an open 4x4 in the early mornings and late afternoons, setting out to ogle more animals than you could imagine. Laikipia has some of the best wildlife in Kenya including the likes of giraffe, Grevy's zebra, cheetah and growing packs of painted dogs. Keep your binoculars poised to see the Big Five, including almost half of Kenya's black rhino population who graze in the shadow of Mount Kenya!

Southern Africa is crammed with scenes straight out of The Lion King, but we don't know if there's one quite as endearing as seeing a tiny meerkat wriggle out of their burrow to inspect the human in front of them. In the surreal Makgadikgadi Pans, you'll be escorted by a guide to the sandy home of habituated meerkats. These animated creatures aren't tame but they are certainly curious and might curl up in your lap on a chilly morning or use your head as a platform for a better view. It's fascinating to watch their eyes dart and noses sniff the wind as they keep a lookout for predators.

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.

The birdlife in Liuwa is extraordinary, and it’s not unusual to spend hours at a single waterhole, simply watching the avian comings and goings. Depending on the time of year, expect to see hundreds of pelican, wattled or crowned crane, geese and smaller waterbirds. Other "specials" include pink-billed and clapper larks and white-cheeked bee-eaters, and the park is also home to grey crowned cranes, recently classified as Endangered due to population decline. Keep cameras ready for the raptors too, including bateleur and martial eagles and greater kestrel.

African wild dog are a favourite amongst many safari enthusiasts across the globe. This highly endangered and rarely-seen carnivore can be difficult to find at the best of times. June is characterised by hot, still days, low humidity, low rainfall and more importantly; the perfect opportunity to encounter these animals. Head to the Ruaha National Park of Tanzania for the African wild dog denning season and dramatically increase your chances of meeting this charismatic animal.

Rhinos are under constant threat from poaching, and there are only a few places you can go to in East Africa to find them living safely and comfortably in the wild. Meru is one of these places. The thick vegetation and lush swampy riverlines make the Meru rhino sanctuary a real haven for these prehistoric giants. Forty odd rhinos, an equal mixture of black and white, are monitored closely by rangers working around the clock. With such large numbers, good, clear sightings of them are guaranteed.

Explore the papyrus swamps of Lake Victoria on a boat cruise in order spy the endangered shoebill stork. It's among these fluffy papyrus reeds where a number of rare, jurassic-looking shoebill pairs live, including a plethora of other incredible birdlife. If it's a more romantic setting you'd like, why not cruise the lake at sunset, where you'll nearly touch the equator.

Depart from camp as the morning breaks over the plains and the wildlife wakes, or after a siesta in the late afternoon, for a game drive in the bowl of the Great Rift Valley. And believe us, there's plenty to see... Keep your binoculars and camera on hand to spot vast herds of stamping buffalo, prides of lion peering out from the savannah and unmistakable swish of a leopard's tail in the treetops. The park is also home to rare white and black rhino! Trundle past Lake Nakuru where you'll revel in the birdlife, from the tiniest colourful bee-eater to the Verreaux's eagle soaring regally overhead.