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Prices and hours, planning your visit to wildlife safari.

Escape on a wild African Safari Drive Through Adventure and get up close to Ostrich, Watusi cattle, Lions and Zebra. Venture through the homes of hippos and the land of the scimitar horned oryx. Your Safari journey will take you through Southern Africa where the Rhino and Giraffe rule. Carry on to interpretive wetlands, cleaning the local waters in reaffirmation of our commitment to the soil before venturing into the land of bears, bison and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America.

Take a trip past the incredibly inspiring African elephants and prepare to enter the land of emu, yak and white-naped cranes as your tour of the incredibly diverse wildlife of planet Earth continues on in Asia. Dare yourself to end your journey with a trip through a carnivore loop featuring Wildlife Safari’s top cheetah breeding grounds and ferocious Sumatran Tigers. All from the comfort of your own vehicle, rain or shine, year-round.

Free Village Keeper Talks & Presentations

Check out the Always Free Safari Village and be sure to join us for keeper chats throughout the day!

General Admission Prices

Adults: 23.95, children: 17.95, seniors: 20.95.

Children 2 & under are FREE

Wildlife Safari is a 610-acre Drive-Thru animal park. Driving your own vehicle, it takes about 1-1/2 hours to complete. You will receive a map of the park to enhance your experience and help identify animals with your admission. Group rates are available for groups of 12 or more which you can learn more about by inquiring with guest services at 541.679.6761 or [email protected].

Seasons & Hours

Open 363 days per year.

March – September Drive-Thru, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Last vehicle admitted at 6:00p.m.) Village & Gift Shop 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

October Drive-Thru, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last vehicle admitted at 5:00p.m.) Village & Gift Shop 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

November – March Drive-Thru, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Last vehicle admitted at 4:00p.m.) Village & Gift Shop 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas

Eat at Safari

Safari village cafe hours:.

March – September 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Grill closes at 4:30 p.m.

The Snack Shack is open until 5:30 p.m

October 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Grill closes at 4:30 p.m.

November – March 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Grill closes at 3:30 p.m.

For the safety of our animals and yours, NO animals are allowed in the Safari Village nor the Wildlife Safari Drive Through. Wildlife Safari offers free onsite (unsupervised) kennels for pets, and sells locks for the kennels for a $5 fee at guest services, inside of the gift shop. It is recommended to bring a water bowl as well.

Drive Thru Rules & Restrictions

• Wildlife Safari is located in Winston, Oregon, just minutes off of I-5.
• Animal Enrichment Encounter tickets do not include drive-through admission, which is required to participate in Animal Enrichment Encounters.
• Be sure to check out the Always Free Safari Village .
• Mothers get in free on Mother’s Day, fathers get in free on Father’s Day, veterans get in free on Veteran’s Day.

Wildlife Safari gives you the opportunity to take a trip to Southern Oregon to escape on a wild African Safari and get up close to ostrich, Watusi cattle, lions and zebra. Venture through the homes of hippos and the land of the scimitar horned oryx. Your journey will take you through Southern Africa where the Rhino and Giraffe rule. Carry on to interpretive wetlands, cleaning the local waters in reaffirmation of our commitment to the soil before venturing into the land of bears, bison and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America. Take a trip past the awe-inspiring African elephants and prepare to enter the land of emu, yak and white naped cranes as your tour of the incredibly diverse wildlife of planet Earth continues on in Asia. Dare yourself to end your journey with a trip through a carnivore loop featuring Wildlife Safari’s top cheetah breeding grounds and ferocious Sumatran Tigers. At Wildlife Safari, adventure rules daily.

• While ticket and enrichment encounter payments are non-refundable, should you need to reschedule our guest services department would be happy to assist you with an alternate time or an upgraded encounter.
• Encounter times subject to change, please call ahead for availability.
• Tickets for drive through admission do not expire, and are valid until redeemed.
• Enter the Wildlife Safari Drive Thru Animal Park at your own risk.
• No Open Top Vehicles (Convertibles and Jeeps must have tops up or on at all times)
• Vehicles must have full doors and working windows.
• No Motorcycles
• No pets are allowed in the Safari Drive-Through, nor in the Safari Village
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17 unforgettable African safaris

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with this guide to the best experiences in 11 countries.

Chobe National Park in Botswana holds one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

What images come to mind when you hear the words “African safari”? Sitting in the bush on a moonlit night, so close to a lion that you can feel the rumble of its roar in your chest?

Many travelers might conjure up visions of tented camps, gourmet meals under a baobab tree, game drives through golden savanna, and sundowners at the end of the day. But safaris can also involve self-guided rental cars , game walks, and fly-fishing. Safaris can be as varied as the continent of Africa itself.

One recent trend: expeditions that enlist travelers in the fight to save endangered wildlife. Tourists make a difference by joining rhino or lion conservationists at work in South Africa or accompanying researchers working on a chimpanzee habituation project in Kibale National Park in Uganda . ( Read about the dark truth behind wildlife tourism. )

Three zebras line a waterhole in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

No matter where you go and what type of safari you choose, timing is key. Once you’ve narrowed your options, look into the best time to visit. South Africa’s summer (December through February), for example, is prime safari season in that region. You’ll still see wildlife if you go during South Africa’s winter (June through August), but pack a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially before the sun rises.

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with our guide to top safari experiences in 11 African countries.

Spot animals in these natural wonders.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: South Africa ’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park makes a perfect home base for self-guided and first-time safaris. Stay in one of the park’s fenced camps, such as the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp on the northern bank of the Crocodile River. Head into the bush early to explore the Southern Circle, famous for its competing lion prides and their varied hunting practices. Don’t miss the nearby hippo pool, but be sure to stay in your car outside of the camp. ( Take a solo safari through South Africa’s wild grasslands. )

Hazyview: Not far from Kruger’s southwestern Phabeni Gate, Hazyview is a family-friendly hub for horseback safaris, zip-lining, safari golf, and trout fishing. Check in to one of the lodges, such as Hippo Hollow Country Estate , and then head out into the Kruger before sunrise on a self-guided game drive to scout lions and white rhinos. Break for lunch in the town of Skukuza.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: The rugged Timbavati is one of the private nature reserves that make up the greater Kruger area. Guests can choose from eight lodges there. An upscale chalet at fence-free Simbavati Safari Lodges , for example, is perfect for families. Wake up early for game drives, perhaps to search for African wild dogs . Mid-morning, kids head into the bush for a scavenger hunt with a guide.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Animals aren’t the only sights to track on safari. In South Africa’s Western Cape region, wildflowers provide the dazzle. The two lodges at Grootbos , part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World , sit amid the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, home to some 800 plant species. Watch for sharks and southern right whales from your suite’s deck. ( See the world’s best places for flowers. )

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Western Cape, offers a "flower safari" to guests.

Hlane Royal National Park: Head to Swaziland , a country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique , to see Hlane ’s fiercely protected rhinos and marabou storks. Stay in one of the park’s two lodges, Ndlovu Camp or Bhubesi, and enjoy self-guided drives on the safe game-viewing roads that crisscross the park’s flat terrain. Spot lions, hyenas, giraffes, and vulturess, then picnic at the Mahlindza water hole.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Black-maned Kalahari lions roam this reserve in central Botswana . Stay just north of the reserve at Deception Valley Lodge , where you can watch magical sunsets dip into the horizon from the deck of your chalet.

Chobe National Park: To the north of Central Kalahari, Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. And Chobe Game Lodge boasts the only all-female safari guide team in Africa. ( Meet the all-female anti-poaching unit saving rhinos and other wildlife. )

Elephants enjoy a sunny day in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Hwange National Park: All aboard the Elephant Express to tour the Ngamo Forest Area and Hwange National Park, known for its pachyderms and 400-plus species of birds. The two-hour safari rail trip is easily accessible to Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge . Check out the game-viewing underground hide at nearby Stoffie’s Pan. North from Hwange, a four-hour drive or a one-hour flight gets you to regal Victoria Falls, a thundering natural wonder you can hear long before you first catch sight of it.

Mana Pools National Park: Try a river-based safari in a kayak at this remote park. The best time to go may be in April, when large herds of elephants, buffalo, kudu, and the elusive eland return to the four (or mana in the local language) large permanent pools along the south bank of the Zambezi River after the rainy season. Accommodations in the park include lodges, thatched chalets, and campsites.

Namib Desert: A safari here means brilliant stargazing, silky sand, age-old views, and resilient desert animals such as oryx, bat-eared foxes, Burchell’s zebras, and loads of lizards. Stay at & Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , located at the desert’s eastern edge. Explore the Namib dunes on a quad bike, and hike a craggy slope to see ancient rock paintings in a nearby cave, making sure to pack water, a hat, and sunscreen. ( See eerie photos of a Namibian ghost town. )

Gorongosa National Park: Located in central Mozambique , Gorongosa has been brought back to life after suffering the devastations of many years of civil conflict. Today, when you visit, you become a part of one of Africa’s most successful wildlife restoration stories. Home to floodplains and preserved palm forests, Gorongosa has an amazing diversity of wildlife, from antelope to primates and huge Nile crocodiles, as well as lions, elephants, and hippos.

A female crocodile guards her nest of eggs beside the Mussicadzi River in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park.

Selous Game Reserve: Visit this off-the-beaten-track and tranquil reserve in southern Tanzania for walking safaris and traditional game drives. Then cruise the Rufiji River to watch for elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and brindled gnu. Stay at Beho Beho , a hilltop lodge that also has secluded tree-house accommodations for the extra adventurous.

Serengeti National Park: At Asilia’s Namiri Plains camp in northern Tanzania, visitors become part of the migration as they travel in a luxury mobile camp alongside herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Walking safaris get you closer to the action, with veteran Serengeti safari guides giving the play-by-play. The animals—often stalked by big predators, such as lions and cheetahs—follow one of Earth’s most ancient routes. And if you come too close to an animal, never run. Move away quietly.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Cross the border from Tanzania into southern Kenya for an iconic East African lodge experience at the Mara Plains Camp. About a 2.5-hour drive from the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, the eco-friendly camp was built by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert with their partners at Great Plains Conservation . From camp, you’ll head out on safari to watch migrating zebras and wildebeests make exciting and risky river crossings. You may even see a few big cats. ( Experience an air safari through Kenya. )

A lioness takes in the view of Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

Ragati Conservancy: Kenya may be a great place to see the migrations, but it’s also a surprisingly fantastic spot for fly-fishing. On the southern slopes of Mount Kenya (Africa’s second highest peak), the Ragati Conservancy has mountain streams stocked with glistening rainbow trout. What makes the Ragati worth the trip? Nat Geo photographer and fly fisherman Pete Muller says that while Idaho fishing is amazing, “anglers won’t encounter an elephant along the Lochsa!” Fishing in Kenya, he says, also gives fishing enthusiasts the chance to visit locations such as Aberdare National Park.

Rwanda/Uganda

Volcanoes National Park/kalinzu Forest Reserve: Rwanda ’s Volcanoes National Park allows a limited number of visitors per day to hike into the jungle to view endangered mountain gorillas up close, as they groom each other, play, and eat bamboo shoots and fruits. Keep your eyes open for golden monkeys too. Nat Geo Expeditions offers an itinerary that includes a gorilla trek, then heads north into Uganda for a chimpanzee trek through the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve near Queen Elizabeth National Park. ( Here’s how to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. )

Zakouma National Park: Intense wildlife experiences await at this park known for the number of animals that make it their home. A herd of more than 500 elephants and flocks of birds, such as the black-crowned crane, in the tens of thousands, congregate here. Zakouma had a tremendous comeback after enduring civil unrest in the region. Visit between December and April, and stay at traditional Camp Nomade, its tents decorated with local carpets and brass bells.

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Wildlife Safaris

Find Your Trip

Wildlife adventures & award-winning safaris.

The thrill of safari is not only about incredible wildlife viewing—many of us also want to learn more, give back, and go beyond the game drive. We work closely with our partners in Africa to bring you deep connections to the communities we visit as well as to the amazing wildlife you’ve come to see. Whether you’re looking for a classic “Big Five” experience, special access to hidden gems that see few safari-goers, or meeting the rangers and researchers pioneering conservation in their field, we have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for you. Hebu kwenda —let’s go!

What Makes Our Safaris Special?

• Our safari program is unparalleled, offering you a wide range of handcrafted itineraries to choose from. From active walking safaris, to luxury canvas tented camping, to conservation safaris where we participate in tagging and collaring endangered animals—we have the perfect safari for every traveler
• Our safari guides are world-renowned and bring Africa to life with their wonderful insights, a keen eye for wildlife spotting, and welcoming personalities
• We offer Small Group Adventures as well as Private Journeys in every country we operate so you can choose the travel style that is best for you
• Conservation and community involvement are at the core of every trip we run. We support a wide range of projects with leading conservationists and most of our trips get to see first-hand the work that this money is funding

Browse Safaris by Country

Check out some of our most popular destinations or browse all we have to offer.

South Africa

Featured Safaris

Small Group Adventure

Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari

From $10,195

Namibia Expedition

From $9,195

Botswana Wildlife Safari

Botswana, Zimbabwe

From $9,895

Wild Zimbabwe

From $7,795

South Africa: From Sea to Savanna

From $11,995

Great Elephant Migration Safari

From $9,295

Zambia Walking Safari

From $7,995

Private Journey

South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Hwange Private Safari

Zimbabwe, South Africa

Kenya Private Safari

From $8,595

Ultimate Namibia and Botswana

Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia

From $11,595

Tanzania Family Private Safari

From $7,195

Community & Conservation

Africa is a dream destination, but it is also a fragile one. Wilderness Travel supports—and our guests visit—the projects of leading conservationists including Jane Goodall, elephant expert Iain Douglas-Hamilton, and cheetah expert Laurie Marker. We have funded anti-poaching camps in Namibia and our special conservation safaris give you exclusive access to projects like AfriCat’s annual “Vet Check” of the big cats and Dr. Flip Stander’s extraordinary work with desert lions. Educating the next generation is also of critical importance, and we are honored to support schools throughout Africa. Your safari with us supports this work.

Africa’s Best National Parks

There is so much to see on this magnificent continent. Whether you are joining us for your very first safari or are a dedicated, lifelong safari-goer, you’ll find we have the most varied program imaginable.

Talk to an Expert

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our safaris. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Today's Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Your Safari Awaits

Plan your breathtaking visit to The Wilds, located in beautiful southeastern Ohio. Advance reservations required.

Plan Your Stay at the Wildest Place Around

Discover one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world! Grab your camera and board our open-air safari vehicles for an exhilarating adventure through open-range landscapes. Watch Video

Celebrate 30 Years of The Wilds!

Enjoy discounts throughout the year, and share your memories with us, too!

African Painted Dog

Persian Onager

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Learn at The Wilds

Explore wild spaces, learn about the natural world, and make lifelong friends.

Discovery Field Stations

Our youngest guests can have an adventure all-their-own before their tour of The Wilds begins!

Overnight Programs

Night hikes, campfires, and 'smores. Come spend a night out in The Wilds!

Scout Day Program

The Wilds offers customized adventures for Scouts! 

get a closer look

If visiting the Columbus Zoo isn’t enough, find out how you can become an important part of our growing family.

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Right Place, Right Time...

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Natural World Safaris

Wildlife safari vacations.

Natural World Safaris is a travel fixer, curating unique journeys and unlocking rare experiences in the natural world. We operate in over 40 destinations worldwide from the iconic savannahs of Africa to Earth's wildest polar fringes. Our travel style combines exploration with elegance on bespoke and small group specialist-led safaris.

Why Natural World Safaris for your safari?

We originally started back in 2005 as World Primate Safaris. Our CEO and Founder Will Bolsover spent many years in the jungles of Central and East Africa, working in the gorilla parks of Uganda and Rwanda, the Eastern Lowland Gorilla and mountain Gorilla Parks of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and tracking the chimpanzees of Tanzania in Mahale and Gombe. He was the first person to lead gorilla treks in Gabon working with Emmanuel de Merode who now runs Virunga National Park in DRC.

Today NWS is a global brand that retains its niche focus, designed to bring people into close contact with iconic wildlife species across six continents. We don't specialize in specific countries like other companies do - instead, we can take you to over 40 different destinations worldwide, focusing always on the wildlife experience. No one else had taken this approach to travel before, and we remain at the forefront of natural world travel to this very day.

Our specialist expertise is spread across the globe - speak to us to start designing your ideal wildlife safari.

Kenya Photographic Safari

Experience the Kenyan wilderness with acclaimed wildlife photographer Graeme Purdy as your expert guide, lending his expertise and assisting you in producing a collection of truly breathtaking images.

Botswana Photographic Safari

Small Group with Karim Iliya

Experience the Botswana wilderness with acclaimed wildlife photographer Karim Iliya as your expert guide, lending his expertise and assisting you in producing a collection of truly breath-taking images. Stay in two of African Bush Camps’s renowned safari camps, with some of Botswana’s finest guiding.

Mountain Gorilla Photography

Experience two mountain gorilla trekking experiences with our Specialist leader Donal Boyd on our exclusive 7 guest gorilla trekking photography safari.

Painted Wolves with Nicholas Dyer

Experience the Zimbabwean wilderness with acclaimed wildlife photographer, author and conservationist Nicholas Dyer in search of the Painted Wolves.

View All Africa

Fly-In Safari to East Greenland

On this 10-day expedition you'll join our expert photography leader, Graeme Purdy aboard MS Polarfront.

Land Based Swim with Killer Whales Safari

Swim with Orcas and Humpback Whales in the Wild Norwegian Waters with our expert guide, Joshua Barton.

Polar Bear Explorer

Join us in 2024 for polar bear cruises in Svalbard aboard the R/V Kinfish, where every moment is an opportunity for polar bear watching amid the stunning Arctic scenery.

Antarctic Citizen Science Voyage

An exciting journey throughout the Antarctic Peninsula, exploring incredible landscapes and watching for endearing wildlife, including Gentoo penguins, humpback whales, minke whales and much more. There are seven species of penguin and at least three species of whales that you could encounter throughout your journey so keep your eyes peeled at all times for glimpses of wildlife. When wildlife is spotted from the bridge, your captain will endeavour to manoeuvre towards the sightings wherever possible, or you may head out on a Zodiac excursion for better photographic opportunities.

View All Polar

Discover the Ultimate Gorilla Safari

We pride ourselves on having the best guides on all of our safaris...

The Best Time

To see polar bears.

Introducing Svalbard

Photography Departures

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Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure

On this adventure you will spend 7 nights on the Grand Majestic yacht, a luxury vessel specifically designed to explore the Galapagos Islands, getting up close with the Galapagos wildlife; from iguanas and frigate birds, to tortoises and boobies. Enjoy a relaxing few days in the Zuleta region, one of Ecuador’s true hidden gem. Spend time in the mighty Amazon Rainforest with expert guides searching for caiman, primates, scarlet macaws, sloth or even elusive wildcat.

Ultimate Patagonia Puma Tracking Safari

An exclusive tailor-made puma tracking safari in Torres del Paine National Park. Track the big cats in Chile in winter; the best time to see them in the wilderness of Chilean Patagonia, stay in luxurious accommodation too. Based in the exclusive Explora Patagonia lodge, and with breath-taking scenery on your doorstep, even if the puma eludes us, there is still plenty to see in this impressive part of Patagonia.

Luxury Wilderness Adventure

Explore tangled primary rainforest in the Osa Peninsula and encounter Capuchins, tree frogs and sloths in Corcovado. Unwind away from the crowds and explore the best of the natural world.

Steven Bobzien Jaguar Photography Safari

Join wildlife and travel photographer Steven Bobzien on this immersive safari into the heart of Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, in search of the elusive jaguar.

View All Latin America

Borneo Photographic Safari

Join us on this photographic safari, specialist-led by a seasoned professional in the realm of photography, Charlie Ryan. Capturing the essence of Borneo’s wildlife through his lens, Charlie’s work has been published in National Geographic, BBC, and Netflix.

Sri Lanka Ultimate Wildlife Safari

An adventurous safari exploring Sri Lanka's best wildlife havens. Seek out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, diverse bird species and more with visits to Wilpattu, Yala, Gal Oya and Udawalawe National Parks and the Sinharaja Rainforest, while also experiencing some of the islands cultural sights.

Undiscovered Philippines & Indonesia Safari

Cruise through the remote islands of the Philippines and Indonesia on a pioneering ship expedition as you discover the underwater world of the whale shark.

Snow Leopard Safaris

In Search of the Snow Leopard in Ladakh

In this high-altitude realm, nestled between the towering peaks of the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas, your journey unfolds against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and untamed beauty. Join us on an expedition that transcends the ordinary, where Ladakh’s unique historical legacy, multicultural markets, and serene Buddhist traditions converge.

View All Asia

Phoenix was excellent. She made my wife’s surprise birthday trip the “Trip of a Lifetime” for my family! Every aspect of this trip was phenomenal. Every host, guide and staff member were great. We felt a VIP treatment unlike any vacation we’ve ever taken. I highly recommend NWS to anyone who makes this journey.

I loved every minute of it! The whole trip was well organised, from booking through to the actual trip. The guiding was very professional and always with an eye to protecting the wildlife and the environment to the max. All done with great humour. NWS Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and professional, which is important to me.

Dealing with NWS is always a very easy and pleasant experience. You get it dead right for us each and every time we travel with you. We wouldn't even dream of using another agent ever again!

The four of us thought NWS did a terrific job organising our trip. Not long into our journey, we realized that organisation is imperative in India and Sri Lanka, and everything ran like clockwork. The guides were very good in each location, and we can never say enough good things about the drivers and guides in the parks. NWS did what they said they would do and got us close to the animals we wanted to see: tigers and leopards. NWS got us to the animals and we would definitely book with them again!

The guides and Kinfish crew made the trip perfect as much as the wildlife sightings we had. The Kinfish is so unique and the crew are very special which makes this trip stand out miles above other trips. We had such amazing, interesting and down to earth wildlife guides who went above and beyond for everyone. The bespoke combination of exclusivity and uniqueness of this is what makes the trip really stand out from the rest. The access to the wildlife is second to none and you do really feel like you are having the same access as the professional documentary makers receive.

NWS answered every question, got the balance between chasing paperwork and supplying information absolutely right. 10/10 is a fair score (no, really!) Of course, there is always room for improvement, but it soon became clear when I got on the ship that I had all the necessary documentation sent to me well in advance - this was via proactive email communication. So, I had all the correct documentation well in advance (others had not). The actual journey itself was superb from start to finish and the guides and crew were the best in the business without a doubt. They are all (every single one) very, very good at their jobs. This is my 2nd trip with NWS and I always feel that nothing is too much bother for the NWS people. Every question is answered, the team are helpful and the attention to detail is superb.

I had the most amazing time with NWS in Svalbard; the expedition leaders Mats and Hadleigh were great and got us really close to the wildlife and landscapes - the bear encounters were incredible (close and were able to watch them for literal hours demonstrating all sorts of behaviours), as were the opportunities to see walruses, seals, foxes and all sorts of birdlife. The ship was awesome, the open bridge policy was great and the crew were all lovely to chat to. The regular app updates on flight information, being able to see the travel docs etc. whilst on the boat (i.e. with no wifi) was also really useful.

Our trip was brilliant. Everything ran smoothly and our wildlife encounters were incredible! We'd love to travel again!

We are Natural World Safaris ...

Travel to Africa on safari with African Wildlife Safaris

An African safari is one of the most exciting and rewarding holidays you could ever experience. Discover the real spirit of Africa on our personalised, tailor made African safaris and tours ,  from up-close encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife to authentic cultural experiences.

The sheer abundance of animals will take your breath away, as well as the variety of species and the ease of viewing them. In addition to the famous gameviewing locations such as the  Masai Mara  in  Kenya , the  Serengeti  in Tanzania,  Kruger National Park  in South Africa, and the  Okavango  in Botswana, we also have intimate knowledge of some of the lesser known locations where incredible wildlife viewing can be experienced.

At the same time the continent has even more to offer: dramatic landscapes, colourful tribes, interesting cultures, and a wide range of outdoor adventures. From  Morocco  to  Madagascar ,  Cairo  to Cape Town, we offer a range of fabulous  African safaris, tours  and beach holidays.

There are also a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from. Whether you are looking for an experience staying in modest bush camps and lodges, or are wishing to travel in total luxury staying at exclusive premier tented camps located in the heart of prime game viewing locations, we have the expert advice to create the safari experience you are looking for.

We understand that every traveller is different, so we tailor our Africa safaris and tours to suit your requirements. You choose where and when you want to go, where you want to stay, and our experienced Africa staff will custom design an itinerary to suit your specific style, interests and budget. We also offer one or two escorted set-departures every year for those travellers who prefer to travel in a group.

Experience the diversity of a Botswana safari, from the Kalahari to the beautiful Okavango Delta wetlands...

Sail the iconic Nile River and spend an evening watching the sun set by the grand Pyramids of Giza...

Broaden your travel to Africa by visiting historical and cultural Ethiopia with a civilisation dating back thousands...

Safari in wildlife-rich parks such as the Masai Mara and visit the tribal lands of the Samburu people...

Visit the world’s fourth largest island, a strange and exotic land ringed by golden beaches and palm trees...

The land-locked country of Malawi is dominated by the Rift Valley and the astonishing expanse of Lake Malawi...

Experience a tropical island paradise of unspoiled white sandy beaches that give way to a warm turquoise sea...

Explore Morocco, land of mystery and romance, offers a profusion of historical, cultural and scenic splendours...

Relax on tropical islands, rimmed by sandy beaches and coral reefs, set in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean…

Discover Namibia's sand dunes and deserts, unique animals, nomadic tribes people and spectacular coast...

Experience the most unforgettable wildlife encounter of your lifetime – a trek to see the magnificent mountain gorillas.

The sovereign African nation of Seychelles is heaven for snorkellers, scuba divers and bird-watchers as well as a hideaway for honeymooners.

Search for big game in Kruger National Park, take a luxury rail journey or enjoy a gourmet experience in the Cape...

South Africa

Take a safari to the savannas of the Serengeti with its herds of wildlife, or trek to the top of Kilimanjaro...

Uganda is a country of snow-capped mountains, dense rainforests where gorillas and other primates roam free...

Walk with wildlife in Zambia's Luangwa Valley National Park, marvel at Victoria Falls, explore the Lower Zambezi...

Canoe in Zimbabwe‘s Mana Pools whilst elephants feed just metres away and visit the awesome Victoria Falls...

Best things to do in Africa

What are the best places to visit in Africa? What are the best things to do in Africa? When is the best month to travel to Africa? We are here to help, be inspired with our range of recommended Africa Safaris & Tours across our range of destinations including Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia, South Africa and Tanzania. This information provides a good starting point in planning your African adventure and has been chosen by our expert staff.

Wilderness Safaris Luxury Camps

Dedicated to sharing Africa’s wildest places with guests in a responsible manner, Wilderness Safaris operates on 2.6 million hectares of southern Africa’s best wildlife parks and reserves, using only camps that are designed to be as eco-friendly as possible, in some of the world’s best wilderness and wildlife locations. For more information, please view the following destination pages: Botswana , Namibia , Zambia & Zimbabwe .

Luxury Rail Journeys with Rovos Rail

Travel Agatha Christie style on opulent Rovos Rail which easily rivals the Orient Express. Re-live history and step back in time to the romantic days of pre-war rail travel with luxurious suites, lavish period decor and an elegant Victorian dining car. Journey from the historic railway station in Pretoria to beautiful Cape Town, or travel north to the renowned Victoria Falls. For details please view the following destination page: South Africa .

South Africa – Legendary Kruger Safari

For the ultimate wildlife experience there is little to rival South Africa’s Kruger National Park and its surrounding exclusive private game reserves. Offering an unrivalled opportunity to view Africa’s famous “Big 5” as well as wild dog, cheetah, and herds of plains game, famous lodges include Mala Mala, Sabi Sabi, Singita, and Londolozi. For more information, please view the following destination page: South Africa .

Kenya Safari – Masai Mara

The famous Masai Mara encompasses both a national reserve and a Maasai tribal area on Kenya’s south west border with Tanzania. It is considered to offer the best game viewing in Kenya due to its abundant species of birds and animals including grazers such as zebra, giraffe and elephant, as well as predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah. For more information, please view the following destination page: Kenya .

South Africa – Grootbos Private Reserve

The award winning Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers 5 star luxury accommodation overlooking the Cape’s famous Walker Bay where up to 160 Southern Right whales make their home between June and December. It is possible to see the “Marine Big 5” – whales, great white sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins – all in one day. For more information, please view the following destination page: South Africa .

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Trekking

An encounter with a family of mountain gorillas in the mountainous forests of Rwanda or Uganda is without doubt one of the world’s most inspiring wildlife experiences. These endangered primates live in the cool, mist-swathed forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, or in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. For more information, please view the following destination pages: Rwanda and Uganda .

Zambia Wild – A True Safari

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls are on the Zambezi River, and border the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Also called Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders) the falls plummet 108 metres over a width of nearly 2 kilometres into the deep gorge below and are considered to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For details, please view the following destination pages: Zimbabwe and Zambia .

Canoeing the Zambezi River

Experience the adventure of canoeing down the mighty Zambezi River through some of Africa’s most beautiful wilderness. Imagine the thrill as your canoe passes close to a herd of elephants drinking and bathing in the river, or a pod of hippo wallowing in the shallows. No method of travel could bring you closer to the beauty of the African bush. For details, please view the following destination page: Zimbabwe.

A jewel in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the tropical island paradise of Mauritius is both an exotic holiday destination and an ideal stopover en route to Africa. Dramatic volcanic mountains form the centre of the island, whilst most of the spectacular coastline is protected by a coral reef, and white sandy beaches give way to a warm torqiuse sea. For details, please view the following destination page: Mauritius .

Tanzania – Serengeti Migration

The unique Serengeti ecosystem is world famous for its spectacular scenery and wildlife. It covers 30,000 square kms and is the arena for the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. Every year over 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra and 400,000 Thomson’s gazelles migrate across these “endless plains” as they have done for millennia. For details, please view the following destination page: Tanzania .

Step back in time and explore the cultural treasures, rich history and spectacular desert landscapes of Egypt.A curious mix of old and new, Egypt offers fascinating historic sites, exotic culture, colourful souks, tantalising cuisine, a sunny climate and gorgeous beaches. For more information, please view the following destination page: Egypt

Recommended Africa Safaris

The following tours are private, independent and can be easily customised to suit your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin designing your personalised Africa experience.

African Safari Extravaganza

This epic itinerary encompasses an epic five-country train journey aboard the Rovos Rail, a safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti as well as a beach getaway on the Indian Ocean coast.

Antiquities & Wildlife

Explore the antiquities of Africa on this 16 day tour to Tanzania and Egypt. Explore the Pyramids of Giza and Marvel at the mighty Shypnx

Beautiful Botswana

Discover Botswana's most beautiful wilderness areas and an abundance of incredible wildlife on this luxury 10 night safari.

Best of Kenya and Tanzania

This safari combines the best wildlife experiences of Kenya and Tanzania, including the Samburu, Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Best of South Africa

Experience the very best of South Africa from vibrant Johannesburg and spectacular Cape Town to seeking out the 'Big 5' on safari and discovering the beautiful Cape Peninsula.

Cape Town and Garden Route Discovery

Experience the sites of Cape Town, Cape Winelands, the Karoo semi-desert and the lush forests and lagoons of the famous Garden Route.

Cape, Kruger and a Castaway Island

This 13 day African getaway has it all: Cape Town, the winelands, Kruger National Park and even a castaway island off the coast of Mozambique.

Exclusive Botswana

Take in the best of Botswana on this 12 day exclusive safari, travelling from the Makgadikgadi Pans through the Linyanti into the Okavango Delta.

Highlights of Botswana and Zambia

This trip combines Zambia's wild South Luangwa National Park and iconic Victoria Falls with Botswana's magnificent Okavango Delta and elephant-rich Chobe National Park.

Kruger and The Cape

Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.

Malaria Free Safari

This malaria-free South Africa safari means that you don't need to worry about taking medication on your holiday. This is an ideal option for families with young children or travellers with health concerns.

Mana Pools Canoe and Walking Trail

This thrilling safari provides incredibly close encounters with wildlife either from your canoe or on foot in Zimbabwe's stunning Mana Pools National Park.

Find out more about our tailor made African safaris. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists.

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Exploring the waterways of the Okavango Delta, Bushmen of the Kalahari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya, exploring the Serengeti, the great wildebeest and zebra migration in Tanzania, the world’s most magnificent ancient monuments in Egypt, the unique landscape and animals in the deserts of Namibia and the Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda.

What are the best things to do in Africa?

Stunning safari drives, walking safaris, Mokoro excursions and cultural experiences.

When is the best month to travel to Africa?

Generally the best time to Travel to Africa is during the dry season (May-Oct), but game can be seen year-round in many parts.

Is it dangerous to travel to Africa?

Africa is a huge continent with many countries and some are considered dangerous. Generally the Southern and East African countries are safe and peaceful such as Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. These are also the best countries to visit for seeing incredible wildlife and scenery. For more information, please contact one of our specialists .

Are African Safaris Dangerous?

African safaris can be exhilarating. Getting up close to animals in the wild is and experience like no other. Most African safaris are conducted in 4WD Land Rovers or Land Cruisers and therefore generally very safe. Some safaris can be done on foot or by Mokoro (traditional canoe) and this can create a higher level of risk however these tours are still considered safe as most animals keep there distant from humans. Guides can also carry rifles to be used as a last resort.

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All of our safaris and tours are tailor made.

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Into the Wild: A Comprehensive Guide to Immersive Wildlife Safaris

Introduction:

Embarking on a wildlife safari is a journey into the heart of untamed landscapes, where the wilderness unfolds its secrets, and the pulse of nature beats with unparalleled intensity. In this guide, we invite you to explore the world of immersive wildlife safaris, where every step is a discovery and every encounter with the animal kingdom is a thrilling odyssey.

From the sprawling savannas of Africa to the dense jungles of Asia, join us as we navigate the nuances of these adventures, offering insights and tips to ensure your wildlife encounters are not just sightings but immersive experiences etched into the fabric of your travel memories.

The Art of Choosing Wildlife Safari Destinations

Selecting the perfect wildlife safari destination is the pivotal first step in crafting an extraordinary adventure. Each region on our planet boasts unique ecosystems and habitats, offering a diverse tapestry of animal encounters. Dive into the iconic plains of the Serengeti for the mesmerizing Great Migration, or venture into the Amazon rainforest to witness the kaleidoscope of exotic wildlife.

Understanding the distinctive characteristics of each destination ensures that your safari aligns with your wildlife interests and expectations. Whether it’s the raw beauty of the African savanna, the mysterious allure of the Indian jungles, or the untouched wilderness of the Arctic, this section serves as your compass in navigating the world of wildlife safari destinations, guiding you towards a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Timing is Everything: Seasons and Wildlife Migration

In the world of wildlife safaris, timing is a masterstroke that transforms your journey into an extraordinary spectacle. Delve into the ebb and flow of seasons and the mesmerizing patterns of wildlife migration. Witness the rhythmic dance of the Great Migration in Africa, where herds of wildebeest traverse vast plains, or plan your adventure around the awe-inspiring movements of polar bears in the Arctic.

Understanding the natural calendar enhances the magic of your safari, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time to witness nature’s grand symphony. This section guides you through the temporal nuances, unlocking the secrets of when to embark on your safari for optimal wildlife sightings and unforgettable moments.

Safari Essentials: Gear, Accommodations, and Safety

Prepare for your wildlife safari adventure by mastering the essentials that enhance your experience. From selecting the right gear to ensuring comfortable accommodations and prioritizing safety, this section serves as your guide to a seamless safari journey. Learn the intricacies of choosing the perfect camera equipment to capture those breathtaking moments with precision.

Explore the world of eco-friendly lodges and camps, where sustainability meets luxury, providing a harmonious retreat after exhilarating days in the wild. Uncover safety measures that are crucial for both you and the wildlife, promoting responsible and respectful encounters. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to make the most of your safari, ensuring that every aspect, from gear to accommodations, contributes to an immersive and responsible wildlife experience.

Thrilling Encounters: A Glimpse into Safari Activities

Embark on a virtual safari through a myriad of thrilling activities that bring you closer to the heart of the wilderness. Whether you opt for a classic game drive, a captivating walking safari, or the ethereal experience of a hot air balloon ride, this section is your passport to a variety of immersive encounters. Feel the adrenaline as you track wildlife on foot, experiencing the sights and sounds of the bush in a profoundly intimate way.

Discover the unparalleled perspectives that aerial activities offer, providing panoramic views of sprawling landscapes and their inhabitants. Each activity is a brushstroke on the canvas of your safari adventure, offering a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the diverse wonders of the animal kingdom.

Conclusion: Making Memories, Preserving Wilderness

As your safari adventure draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the memories etched into the fabric of your journey and the profound impact of preserving the wilderness. This section explores the significance of responsible tourism and conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive mark on the environments you’ve explored.

Celebrate the wonders of the wild not just as a spectator but as a custodian of these precious ecosystems. By embracing responsible practices, you contribute to the ongoing legacy of these awe-inspiring landscapes, ensuring that future generations can also revel in the magic of immersive wildlife safaris. Let the memories linger, and may your journey inspire a collective commitment to the preservation of our planet’s extraordinary biodiversity.

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Wildlife tours

Go ahead and channel your inner Attenborough narration...

Get ready to witness some of the world’s most epic wildlife experiences, from the iconic migrations across the Serengeti to the mystical gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda to the cheeky penguins on Antarctica’s drifting floes.

With incredible local leaders guiding the way and wildlife experts accompanying you on game drives, bush walks and educational talks, these trips offer an unforgettable chance to come face to face with animals you’ve only ever seen on Planet Earth.

At Intrepid, we ensure that any interactions with wildlife are done responsibly and with the utmost respect. We believe that wild animals should be viewed—without our interference—doing what they do best: living in the wild.

Our entire range of wildlife trips promises unforgettable animal experiences. They also directly support the conservation of wildlife and the people who dedicate their lives to it. So, you can rest assured knowing that the money you spend by traveling with us is reinvested into the protection of the wildlife you see and the communities you visit, like the jewelry workshop run by a team of women in  Zambia  that donates funds for anti-poaching patrols.  

Is your lemur knowledge non-existent? Do you have any idea about the intricacies of Borneo’s jungle ecosystem? Can't tell the orangutans from the chimpanzees? On an Intrepid trip, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. On every wildlife trip, you'll have at least one local wildlife expert, from park rangers knowledgeable about mountain gorillas to Indigenous people with a special connection to the land, to accompany you on your game drives, bush walks or campfire sessions.

Traditional game drives, boat safaris and nature walks are all par for the course on our wildlife trips, but at Intrepid, our itineraries delve even deeper. We incorporate a range of unique opportunities for wildlife lovers, like a visit to a Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Zambia where officials investigate wildlife crimes (just like CSI but for animals!) or a talk about Antarctica’s ecosystem from a resident marine biologist on your polar cruise.

There are families, and then there are animal-loving families. If yours is the kind of tribe who could collectively swoon their way through The Lion King on a regular basis, or who, better yet, would rather spend a Sunday at the wildlife sanctuary than the local cinema, we've got an adventure or three for you.

From doing your research to never using animals as a photo prop, there are a few easy ways to become a  wildlife-friendly traveler . 

Listen to our co-founder, Geoff Manchester and founder of the Chiang Mai Elephant Nature Park, Lek Chailert, talk about our ban on elephant rides, and what you can do to protect wildlife.

You can also explore how The Intrepid Foundation supports local issues in destinations we visit.

We are not only giving back through offering safaris that make a difference but also partnering with conservation projects on the ground to raise awareness and important funding through  The Intrepid Foundation.

At Intrepid, we believe that it’s our responsibility to help preserve the planet for the next generation of travelers, as well as for the communities – and animals – that call these places home. That’s why we’ve worked with  World Animal Protection  to create a set of guidelines each and every one of our trips follows.  

We’re also working with the team at  Blood Lions  as a commitment to actively working towards a solution to lion exploitation by signing their ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge. 

We only visit facilities involving wild animals in captivity if the reason for the facility directly helps, and is in the best interest, of the animals involved. For example, rescue centres operating with the highest animal welfare and conservation standards possible. 

Did you know a portion of all national park fees (included in your trip price) go back into the conservation for the parks? In some countries, this can be a considerable amount and goes towards park upkeep, wildlife rehabilitation and protection, and funding for park rangers. 

Contribute in a very real way on your trip to Antarctica by undertaking scientific studies, recording cloud cover with NASA, participating in the ‘Happy Whale’ initiative (taking photos of whales’ flukes and uploading them to a special database), and conducting seabird surveys.

Our wildlife trips are specifically designed to include local communities, businesses and NGOs that are working to support the conservation of wildlife, or the people protecting the wild.

See the closest living relatives to human beings, in the depths of their jungle home. There are only two populations of mountain gorillas left in the entire world. The first lives in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, with groups scattered throughout Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, while the second population lives deep in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Alex has long held a fascination with the natural world and polar regions. A graduate of Cambridge in Natural Sciences, Alex had been a polar guide for over a decade and is the co-founder of the Polar Citizen Science Collective, an organization devoted to harnessing the research and data collection power of polar tourism. When not on a ship he can usually be found with skis or sticky rubber on his feet.

Growing up in a family with a conservation background, Twongyeirwe quickly developed a dream of becoming a wildlife ranger, working with mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda. He's been living that dream for 16 years (and counting), learning about gorilla behaviors, tracking their movements and passing on that knowledge to passionate travelers just as awestruck by the majesty of these animals as he is. 

Jessica grew up surrounded by sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, amazing landscapes, and friendly people on the Galapagos Islands so it's no surprise she turned to a career teaching people about the diversity, endemism, and the marine life of the region she's loved since she was little. When she's not working, you can find her scuba diving, snorkeling and exploring as much of this magical Ecuadorian world as possible. 

Eva is a polar scientist, with a particular passion for marine mammals. Her love for whales led to her graduating at the top of her class with a Master's in Polar Science from the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge. Researcher, Naturalist, Photographer, Educator, Surveyor, Skipper and Wildlife Officer, Eva has traveled extensively throughout all 7 continents, but her heart remains in the polar regions

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Kruger to Vic Falls

Galapagos Island Hopping

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Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join an Intrepid trip?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How safe are wildlife tours?

At Intrepid, the welfare of our people and our travelers is our highest priority, and we never put tours in a potentially harmful or dangerous position. To ensure that all travelers are safe while trekking or visiting wildlife conservation areas, there are a set of rules and regulations that everyone must observe at all times, which you'll be briefed on when necessary. Both your leader and the professional wildlife expert who accompanies you on specific activities such as gorilla trekking, will be happy to answer any questions you might have and make sure everyone's obeying safety precautions. 

Do I have to be fit to join a wildlife tour?

Our wildlife tours range from having a lower physical rating (2 out of 5 stars) to a higher physical rating (3 out of 5 stars) which indicates that you should have a reasonable level of fitness to be comfortable throughout your trip. Most wildlife trips visit at least one national park so you can expect to participate in a couple of walks or longer hikes. 

Am I guaranteed to see gorillas on my trek?

Animal movements can be unpredictable so we can't 100% guarantee that you'll see gorillas on your trek. Having said that, it's highly unlikely not to. You will be accompanied by a gorilla tracker on your trek and they'll have specific knowledge on how to find the gorillas and where they might be so you don't have to worry about a thing. 

What’s the difference between trekking gorillas in Uganda and trekking in Rwanda?

There's not a huge difference between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda when it comes to actually seeing the animals, but the terrain of both countries varies. Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park has a more open and less dense landscape than the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda so it can often feel easier to trek through. Uganda also experiences more rain and this can make tracks slippery and harder to navigate. Another difference is that the permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is more expensive than in Uganda and this can deter budget-conscious travelers. 

What vehicles do you use for Game Drives in Sub Saharan Africa?

The type of vehicles you'll travel on during your Game Drive is dependent on the style of your trip (basix, original, comfort, or premium) but all trips will use a 4x4 or alternate vehicle for at least one of those rides so you have the best opportunity to experience the wildlife from a unique perspective. If you want more details, check out the trip notes/itinerary information for your chosen trip. 

When traveling on an Intrepid wildlife trip, how does my money support local conservation efforts?

Regardless of the style, every single one of our wildlife trips directly supports the conservation of wildlife or the people protecting the wildlife. A portion of any National Park or Game Reserve entrance fee (which is included in your trip price) is also fed back into protecting and conserving the park's natural and cultural heritage. This money is crucial to safeguarding these habitats for wildlife to breed and survive together with its surrounding local communities. Our wildlife trips are also designed to seek out and support local projects, communities, and businesses that are actively working to protect wildlife, and educate and empower local communities to be custodians of conservation.

Will I get the opportunity for a range of different wildlife experiences on my trip?

Absolutely! Our trips feature a whole heap of fun activities such as Game drives, nature walks, and boat safaris, as well as unique experiences such as visiting a Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Zimbabwe (which is exactly what it sounds like - a unit investigating wildlife crimes) and sitting down to dinner with a local park ranger where you'll learn about life in the wilderness and their special relationships with the mountain gorillas (guaranteed to be one dinner conversation you've never had before)!

Will I get the chance to learn from a local wildlife expert during my trip?

You'll have access to your trip leader who already has an impressive base of knowledge about the countries visited in the itinerary, and the local flora, fauna, cultural, religious, and social aspects associated with them but we also use additional local guides and wildlife experts who have a deeper and more specific knowledge about the places you go to and the animals you see. This is to add to your overall experience and make sure you're getting the full, well-rounded picture so expect to spend some time with wildlife veterinarians, park rangers, naturalist guides, and conservation researchers. For some trips, you will be accompanied by these experts for the entire duration, such as on our Antarctica departures where there's a naturalist and marine biologist onboard. 

Which islands should I visit in the Galapagos to see the wildlife?

There's a good chance you'll see a wide variety of animals on any Galapagos Island since there are over 300+ different species that inhabit this archipelago. It's the sheer diversity and variety of life on land, in the air and under the water that makes the Galapagos such a drawcard for nature and wildlife lovers and each trip will give you the opportunity to experience as much of it as possible. 

See below for some of the animals known to frequent the Galapagos Islands:

Sea lions are found across all islands. 

Penguins are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, and Bartolome islands. 

Giant tortoises are found across Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana islands. 

Green sea turtles are found across all islands. 

Land iguanas are found across Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Plaza Sur, and North Seymour islands. 

Flamingoes are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Floreana, and Rabida islands. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid's wildlife trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania . Visit the park for a chance to view "Africa's Big 5"—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinoceros.
• Kruger National Park in South Africa . Sightseeing by day and relaxing in a luxurious safari lodge at night are both possible.
• Botswana's Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta . Luxurious safari camps and lodges surround them, where elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and hippo sightings are common.
• Hwange National Park , Zimbabwe safari resorts and camps. 
• Kafue National Park also has bush camps and safari lodges , as well as the Busanga Plains, which is an area that floods at different times of the year and attracts a lot of wildlife.
• Isalo National Park in Madagascar has extensive gorges, steep bluffs, and protruding rock formations, creating natural lakes and Jurassic landscapes. The native fossa is among the endangered species found in Isalo.

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• Antarctic Peninsula
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• Macquarie Island
• Peter I Island
• Neko Harbor

Whales of the Antarctic

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• hummingbird species
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Safari & Wildlife Expedition Travel Guide

Animal lovers rejoice! If you choose an Adventure Life wildlife or safari experience, you are guaranteeing yourself a front-row seat to the fascinating displays of animals in their wild and natural habitats. Our wildlife tours visit all corners of the globe, so no matter which animals intrigue you, we have a tour to match your interests:

• African Safaris take you across the plains and grasslands of the world's biggest continent, tracking the likes of lions, hippos, giraffes, gazelles, kudus , and more! Witness the Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests in Tanzania on a Serengeti Safari . Track gorillas deep in the jungles of Rwanda  and enjoy lemur sightings in  Madagascar .
• Trek across glaciers and navigate icebergs and fjords in dinghies to see humpback whales, King Penguins, and other rugged wildlife that thrives in the great white continent of the Polar Arctic and Antarctic . 
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine wildlife and coral reefs of the tropical beaches of the Galapagos Islands , the  Caribbean , and the South Pacific   as you snorkel and kayak in the crystal clear turquoise waters.
• Spot  pirhanas, caiman crocodiles, pink river dolphins, and anacondas​ in the  Amazon . Explore the rainforests of Costa Rica to observe jaguars, monkeys, bats, Jesus Christ lizard ,  tapirs, and Scarlet macaws​ .
• Witness the wild creatures that populate Canada and Alaska , like orcas, humpback whales, bears, and moose!
• Visit sanctuaries in Asia where pandas are protected, bred, and rescued.

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How to have an incredible safari experience without leaving the US

Dec 2, 2021 • 5 min read

These safaris get up-close and personal to America's coolest wildlife; An elk herd in the Grand Tetons, Wyoming kwiktor / Getty

Watching elephants roaming the grasslands of Kenya ’s Maasai Mara nature reserve, spotting lions in South Africa ’s Kruger National Park, stargazing from a remote lodge in Namibia —for many, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list adventure. As new variants delay safari trips abroad, some safari tour operators turn to destinations closer to home.

After COVID hit, and many countries' borders shuttered (including those in Africa) Elizabeth Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Extraordinary Journeys , decided to draw on her intimate knowledge of New Mexico to plan epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventures in the US.  She made North America a bookable experience on her itineraries that had focused on Africa, Antarctica and India. Born and raised in Kenya, her mother and co-founder, Marcia Gordon, is originally from New Mexico , and much of her family still lives in the southwestern state. For Gordon, the two locales share similarities.

“New Mexico is so wild, you don’t have as many people and it’s not touristy,” she says. “A lot of the scenery is similar – Africa is desert, or has cool formations. It always makes me laugh because when I’m in New Mexico, I feel like it's not the United States. It’s just something different.”

“If you wanted to go to Patagonia , why don't you see the Tetons this year?” Gordon says. “There are other alternatives – is everything you’re looking for abroad actually right here?”

Below, find the best US safaris that transport you to the depths of this country's stunning national parks, mountain ranges and other iconic terrains.

The rustic, natural wonders of New Mexico

The award-winning luxury travel company specializes in custom, off-the-beaten-path African safaris, so it’s no surprise that while borders were closed, Extraordinary Journeys applied those same planning sensibilities to its newly-offered US destinations. Touting its new domestic safaris, the company’s website notes, “Even though we might be itching to stamp our passports, now is time for a great reminder that our own country has some of the most diverse, isolated, dramatic and beautiful terrains in the world.”

Those terrains include the American Southwest, with an 8-night itinerary spent exploring New Mexico’s natural wonders. Highlights include traversing Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks and Bandelier national monuments, and Taos Pueblo, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The trip concludes with three nights at Vermejo , the Ted Turner-owned, 550,000-acre wildlife reserve in Northern New Mexico, where guests get a front-row seat to see herds of bison, prairie dogs, elk, deer, wild turkeys and horses.

Yellowstone and Jacksonhole: Glamping in the Old West

In the first half of a 6-night adventure in the Rocky Mountain region, travelers stay in a private luxury camp in Yellowstone , where they can see bears, wolves, otters, moose, and elk while on hikes and privately-guided geyser tours. The second half of the trip is set in Jackson Hole , exploring Grand Teton from a home base at the Amangani resort. From the secluded luxury property, guests take a guided wildlife safari through the region’s majestic terrain, and look for moose, bears, coyotes, elk, wolves and mountain lions.

A wintery Yellowstone retreat

The tour operator known for its tailor-made trips recently added a roster of US tours – several with wildlife-viewing highlights.

“Our travelers still want to get out and explore, perhaps now more than ever,” says Audley ’s Head of Sales and Service, Marc Dolman. “We’re privileged to have access to these beautiful wilderness areas, scenic drives, mountains and rivers right in our backyard, and we’ve been working diligently to do them justice, by creating a selective portfolio of stand-out excursions and accommodations that promise to create travel memories, like any of our trips abroad.”

The company’s Yellowstone in the Winter package fosters those memories with excursions like the tour of Grand Teton National Park at sunrise, where travelers can use a scope to scan for herds of elk and moose, bald eagles and sometimes, coyotes.

Day four of the 13-day trip takes the small group to snowy Yellowstone National Park to explore the terrain, including Old Faithful , via snowshoe or cross country ski. The guide-led snow coach ride spotlights otters, bald eagles, and wolves among the frozen waterfalls and misty geysers, while a sunrise trek through the Lamar Valley showcases an area dense with wildlife like moose, coyotes, bighorn sheep and bison.

Over breakfast of fresh fruit and hot oatmeal, expert wolf-tracking guides lead an excursion to see wolves playing and feeding. Several lodging options are available, but for a more genuine safari feel, Audley works with Under Canvas, offering luxe safari tents with hot running water, organic bath products and private decks, near Yellowstone and other National Parks.

The best wildlife experiences in the USA

Discover the grizzlies and wolves of Yellowstone

Natural Habitat Adventures , the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007, has organized trips with a focus on conservation, sustainability, and wildlife viewing for 35 years. Last spring, the company added the Hidden Yellowstone and Grand Teton Safari . Small groups – limited to 14 travelers, divided between two North American safari trucks – can spend the week with expert naturalist guides, discovering elk, bison, bighorn sheep, grizzlies, wolves, and more. One highlight is the serene float down Jackson Hole’s Snake River, watching for moose, beavers, osprey, and pelicans, surrounded by sweeping views of the Tetons.

You might also like: How the pandemic threatens rhino conservation How to be a responsible wildlife tourist These nine wildlife webcams offer access to your favorite animals

This article was first published Nov 1, 2020 and updated Dec 2, 2021.

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AWF Safaris Witness first-hand the magic of Africa & discover AWF’s impact on the ground

About awf safaris.

• 2021 Safaris

AWF Safari Leaders

Africa is home to the most spectacular and awe-inspiring wildlife and landscapes in the world. There is no better way to enjoy these incredible world treasures than by joining a safari to experience the magnificence of the continent first hand. With a presence of six decades on the continent and 20 years of crafting stellar safari experiences, African Wildlife Foundation is uniquely positioned to offer exceptional itineraries that blend outstanding wildlife viewing with chances to see AWF's projects and learn about critical conservation issues from the experts.

Prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

Conservation travel is now more critical than ever..

COVID-19 has been devastating and its impacts far-reaching, but some industries have been hit harder than others. Tourism, one of the primary drivers of economic growth on the continent, was brought to a virtual halt overnight. The resulting ripple effect is vast, and the effect on wildlife economies is massive.

How can you help? Book your 2023 safari and be one of the first to help pick the tourism industry back off the ground. By booking, communities whose livelihoods rely on tourism will be directly supported. While traveling, you will learn first-hand how AWF is working to make an impact in the areas we travel. 

Inquire About AWF Safaris

2023 60th anniversary safaris.

Book now and get ready for your adventure.

Kenya: Tsavo, Samburu & Masai Mara

Our Kenya safari showcases the absolute best of Kenya, with visits to three renowned wildlife rich areas: Amboseli, Samburu and the Masai Mara. As we observe wildlife in its natural habitat your AWF leader will share conservation issues facing the parks, conservancies and reserves. We kick this 10-day safari off with a visit to AWF’s headquarters in Nairobi and a visit to the Sheldrick elephant orphanage. We then head out on safari to behold some of the most outstanding wildlife rich parks, reserves and conservancies and learn about important AWF legacy work that has taken place over the last 6 decades in Kenya. This includes conservation enterprise work, conservancy work, and the Charlotte Fellows Program which AWF created – providing a platform for powerful local conservation leadership.

Kenya Safari dates: January 24 - February 2, 2023 Maximum participants: 10

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Tanzania Family Safari

This AWF Tanzania Family Safari offers the perfect blend of activities, sights and experiences to keep travelers of any age inspired, amazed and engaged. The design of this trip is intended to bring your family together while giving you room to experience the wonders of Africa together. See lions, giraffes, ostriches, elephants, warthogs, zebras, crocodiles, and more wildebeest than you can count as you explore Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing areas. And learn about important conservation issues as you witness AWF’s impact when visiting pivotal projects in the Serengeti and Manyara Ranch.

Tanzania Safari dates: July 1 - 10, 2023 Maximum participants: 10

AWF Safari Leader

Craig R. Sholley

Craig R. Sholley's experiences with wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. He has worked and traveled extensively since that time providing conservation expertise in a variety of world arenas. As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970s, Craig studied mountain gorillas at Rwanda’s celebrated Karisoke Research Centre with Dian Fossey. Returning to the U.S., he redirected his interests designing natural history educational programs and wildlife tours for the Baltimore Zoological Society. Concurrently, Craig led nature expeditions and photographed throughout Africa, South America, and Asia.

In late 1987, Craig returned to Africa full time to direct Rwanda's internationally known Mountain Gorilla Project. Turning the project over to the Rwandan government in early 1990, Craig continued in Rwanda acting as Scientific Advisor for the award-winning IMAX film, "Mountain Gorilla." Craig has served as a Senior Associate of the African Wildlife Foundation and on AWF’s Board of Trustees. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society. Throughout much of the ‘90s, Craig was Director of Conservation and Education for International Expeditions, an organization widely recognized for its ecotourism initiatives.

Craig returned to Rwanda in 1995 on assignment with the National Geographic Society surveying the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda in the aftermath of Rwanda's civil war. The findings of that trip are the basis of a 1995 article in the National Geographic Magazine on mountain gorilla conservation. Craig has worked full time with AWF for the last 18 years and presently serves as Senior Vice-President.

Carter Smith

Carter Smith moved to Kenya in 1994 to pursue her dream of a life in wildlife conservation in Africa, and she never looked back. Her early years in East Africa were spent living in the bush rehabilitating birds of prey while completing her graduate degree in Ecology on the Martial eagle. Following her graduate study, affiliated with Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museums of Kenya, and the University of Leicester, she went from eagles to elephants. She joined Save the Elephants and worked closely with Sir Iain Douglas-Hamilton as Donor Relations Officer. During this time, Carter became one of the first female licensed safari guides with the Kenya Safari Guide Association.

In 2005 Carter started her own safari venture and led private safaris throughout East Africa for 15 years. “I always feel privileged when someone asks me to create a safari for them. I have discovered that the real sense of success I receive is when guests return from their safari. I know that they will be profoundly affected. My favorite comment from a client was that it was not just a trip of a lifetime — it was a trip that changed her life. She had traveled the world, but said there was nothing like her safari experience.”

Carter joined African Wildlife Foundation in January 2019 to manage AWF Safaris and help the program reach and inspire a greater audience. She is thrilled to be continuing on her steadfast path of furthering African wildlife conservation.

Carter is the author of the children’s book "African Tea," which she wrote while living in the bush in Kenya.

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Wildlife safaris

Find the best wildlife safari in Africa for you

Whether you want to witness the Serengeti’s Great Migration, track rhino on foot or gently approach some of the world’s last mountain gorillas, use our expertise to find the best wildlife safari in Africa for you. However, there is such a variety of options – about 90% of our trips are wildlife focused – that making blanket recommendations for what we think are “the best wildlife safaris in Africa" would be impossible. Spotting a magnificent black-maned lion on a Kalahari dune, relaxing to watch elephants mud-bathing in the midday sun, or following a pack of wild dogs at high speed as they hunt – all have figured amongst our travellers’ best wildlife experiences in Africa. Choosing the wildlife safari which is best for your trip to Africa depends enormously on you – what you want to see, how you like to travel and what kind of experiences you want. If there's a specific species you really want to see, check out the interactive map on our Wildlife page . This summarises the tens of thousands of species sighting reports sent to us by hundreds of our travellers to give some very precise ideas about the best areas and camps to see wildlife across Africa, or get in contact to speak to a member of our team. Meanwhile we hope that the ideas below will offer inspiration. We’ve tried to highlight the strengths of the various countries so click below for our recommendations on some of the best camps and lodges for great wildlife experiences. These lists are far from exhaustive; many excellent camps aren’t included here – but you will find the crème de la crème of places which offer outstanding wildlife experiences, as well as some which excel for very specific species or activities.

Our top wildlife safaris

The thunder of a million wildebeest hoves crossing the Serengeti, meeting a mountain gorilla and walking with rhino. Get inspired for your safari to Africa.

Duiker Safari

10 days • 3 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$8,060 - US$10,020 per person

Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe’s location near the foothills of the Zambezi escarpment allows sightings of species that you may not see elsewhere on your wildlife safari in Zambia. Such species include the Samango monkey ( Corcophithecus mitis ), and the crested guineafowl ( Guttera pucheroni ).

Kakuli Bushcamp

On a bend of the Luangwa River at the confluence of the Luwi River, where elephants regularly congregate, Kakuli Bushcamp is in an area with a high density of game and bird life. Combine this with great guiding, and the result a superb wildlife safari experience.

Mchenja Bushcamp

Zambia’s South Luangwa is one of Africa's top safari destinations, with high densities of wildlife; Sightings of lion and leopard are particularly common on night drives. On one of our drives from Mchenja Bushcamp during the dry season, we saw many antelope – including impala and puku – a slender mongoose, a genet and a bushbaby, before an exciting hour or more following a pride of three lion out hunting.

Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari

3 days • 1 location DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$2,470 - US$3,090 per person

Lake Manze Camp

A stay at Lake Manze allows you to feel close to the wildlife - a wide variety of game including elephant, impala, hippos and buffalos can be seen from your own tent, or you can go on a game drive or boat safari from here.

Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari

6 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$4,450 - US$5,320 per person

Mdonya Old River Camp

You'll find all of the usual big game species in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, cheetah and even wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$9,060 - US$12,080 per person

The wildlife in this area of Nyerere National Park is usually good, but can be a little elusive at times. There is a permanent population of lions and frequent sightings of more transient wild dogs. Among much other game, there’s usually an abundance of giraffe, wildebeest and the odd buffalo.

Ikuka Safari Camp

Ikuka is located in one of the best game-viewing areas in Ruaha, making it a great choice for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. The park is known for its particularly good numbers of lion and elephant and guests staying for several nights can expect some excellent wildlife sightings.

Topi Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

US$6,540 - US$6,870 per person

Nyerere National Park has a good population of wildlife throughout the year. There is always an abundance of giraffe and impala as well as a number of lion. The fortunate might see leopard, as well as wild dogs that occasionally move through the area around Siwandu.

Jongomero Camp

You'll find all of the usual big game species in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, occasional cheetah and wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Boehm's Zebra Safari

7 days • 2 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$7,130 - US$9,410 per person

Kaingo Camp

Kaingo is in an area of South Luangwa National Park with high densities of more common species, as well as endemics such as Crawshay’s zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest and Thornicroft giraffe, making this an excellent spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia.

Mwamba Bushcamp

The game hides at Mwamba camp are one of its main attractions, and they allow you to see some fantastic wildlife. The game-rich area and high-quality guides make this a great camp for wildlife safaris in Zambia.

Robin Pope Walking Safari

7 days • 3 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$6,500 - US$7,870 per person

Nkwali camp has first-rate guides, most fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris, and South Luangwa allows night drives, and some off-read driving. These factors make for a superb wildlife safari experience in one of Africa's best game areas.

On a wide bend of the Luangwa River, where elephants regularly cross, Nsefu is in an area with a high density of game and birdlife – but relatively few visitors. This, along with top-notch guides, results in excellent Zambian wildlife safaris.

Robin Pope mobile

Immersed in nature, this temporary mobile walking camp offers the ultimate in a truly remote safari – a time to connect with the bush and the wildlife in one of Africa’s top safari areas, by simply walking around with an expert guide and naturalist.

Azura Beach Holiday

6 days • 1 location VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT

US$5,250 - US$6,880 per person

Azura Benguerra

Azura Benguerra offers some of the best marine wildlife encounters in Mozambique, be it diving and snorkelling with a multitude of fish, finding Dugong in the mainland's mangroves or getting up close with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark.

Greater Bushbaby Safari

8 days • 2 locations LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

US$9,400 - US$12,260 per person

Chongwe River House

Chongwe River House comes with a private expert safari guide who is fully qualified to lead walking safaris, boat trips and 4WD safaris. Hence you can expect a first-class wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the Lower Zambezi Valley.

Luangwa Safari House

Luangwa Safari House comes with a private 4WD safari vehicle and an expert guide. With night drives and some off-road driving also allowed in the park, Luangwa Safari House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience in one of the best areas of the South Luangwa.

Kwandwe Self-drive Safari

3 days • 1 location PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

US$2,880 - US$4,480 per person

From the family-friendly Ecca Lodge you can go on 4WD wildlife safaris and guided walks in the Kwandwe Game Reserve. You have a good chance of seeing rhino, as well as lion and cheetah. Even small children can participate in spoor tracking or drives to see hazard-free wildlife.

Best camps & lodges for Wildlife safaris in Africa

Okaukuejo Camp

Okaukuejo Camp's large permanent waterhole can attract vast numbers of animals coming to quench their thirst. Black rhinos, zebras, lions and herds of elephant are frequent visitors in the evenings, and guests have stunning opportunities to observe them at close range.

Okonjima Plains Camp

Visitors at Okonjima can usually view big cats at much closer quarters than is possible in most national parks. With most animals on the reserve habituated to humans, this is a good place to end a wildlife safari in Namibia.

Tafika’s excellent guides lead numerous activities, allowing multiple perspectives during a wildlife safari in Zambia. The camp is in the Nsefu Sector of South Luangwa National Park, which is an excellent area for big game including elephant, buffalo, leopard and occasionally wild dog.

Impala Camp

Nyerere National Park is an excellent game reserve with great populations of big game from elephants and buffalo to lion, leopard and a good population of wild dogs.

Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp excels at sightings of the large predators, particularly wild dog, lion and cheetah, making it a good addition to a wildlife safari in Botswana. The best time for dogs is in June/July, the denning season, or within two or three months of that, when the pups are too young to move far.

Okonjima Bush Camp

Visitors at Okonjima can usually have the chance to view big cats at much closer quarters than is possible in most national parks. With most of the animals habituated to humans, this is a good place to end a wildlife safari in Namibia..

If you’re looking for a wildlife safari in Botswana that focuses on predators, look no further. Kwara’s game and environments are varied, with plenty of tsessebe, impala, zebra, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu, giraffe, buffalo and elephant – as well as the big cats and wild dogs.

Ongava Lodge

Ongava Lodge offers excellent game-viewing opportunities, both within the Ongava Reserve and the neighbouring Etosha National Park. Added bonuses include possibly tracking white rhino on foot and night drives in the reserve, neither of which is allowed in Etosha.

Ongava Tented Camp

Within the Ongava Reserve, and with Etosha National Park on the doorstep, Ongava Tented Camp offers wonderful wildlife viewing including the opportunity to see black and white rhino, along with elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and a plethora of plains game.

Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp offers guided nature drives into the dry river beds in this area. The game isn’t dense here, but you’ll probably see a good sprinkling of antelope and birds – and have a fairly good chance of spotting the area’s desert-adapted elephants.

Little Vumbura

Little Vumbura offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Botswana. It's in one of the Okavango's prime game areas, with a real depth and range to the wildlife. In our last few visits here, we have had good sightings of lion, leopard, and wild dog – as well as sable antelope.

Mwagusi Safari Camp

Ruaha has all the usual big game – and the team at Mwagusi take a very enthusiastic approach to finding it for you. There's a tremendous depth of experience at this small, owner-run camp, making it a great choice for wildlife safaris in Tanzania if you're passionate about game-viewing!

The Emakoko

Anton Childs, co-owner of The Emakoko is one of Kenya’s most experienced herpetologists and will happily take guests on escorted reptile and amphibian walks around the lodge. We saw a young python inching across the earth road one evening, just outside the lodge.

Desert Rhino Camp

Desert Rhino Camp is one of the best places in Africa to see black rhino roaming free, and to track them on foot, so it's a great place for a wildlife safari in Namibia if your particular focus is on rhino.

The desert-adapted elephant, found only in the north-west of Namibia, can be spotted on game drives from Camp Kipwe, although sometimes the distances can be quite long.

Kwihala Camp

Ruaha is an excellent reserve with a rather wild feel to it, which makes Kwihala a great option for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. You can find all the usual big game, including large herds of elephant and buffalo. Ruaha also has unusually high numbers of lion and several endemic species, including the Ruaha hornbill.

Onguma Tented Camp

With its location on the private Onguma Reserve, and Etosha National Park on its doorstep, Onguma Tented Camp is a fantastic base from which to explore these wildlife-rich areas on any safari in Namibia.

Chiawa Camp

The Lower Zambezi is one of the best parks for wildlife safaris in Zambia, and Chiawa is one of very few camps inside the park. Top-notch guides add to the understanding and enjoyment of a safari, and red-filtered spotlights on night drives create less disruption to the wildlife.

Onguma Bush Camp

Onguma Bush Camp is in a superb location for venturing into the wildlife rich Etosha National Park and is especially good for those travelling with children who are well catered for here.

Camp Hwange

All the guides at Camp Hwange are all experienced walking guides with an exciting mix of adventurous spirit and respect for animals and the bush. It's an excellent camp for approaching large animals on foot, and for more general walking safaris in Zimbabwe.

Namutoni Camp

Overlooks the flood-lit King Nehale waterhole, Namutoni gives visitors the opportunity to observe animals and birds at close range. The camp's main attracting are self-drive forays around the park. The Fisher's Pan nearby is often used as the breeding site for flamingoes.

Chitabe Lediba

The Chitabe area is renowned for its wild dog population, which has formed the subject of a book by the camp’s owners. Also worth noting are regular sightings of lion, leopard and even the odd cheetah, along with tsessebe, blue wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, reedbuck and steenbok.

Mundulea Reserve

Mundulea’s wildlife diversity includes large herds of eland as well as roan, tsessebe, zebra, giraffe and black-faced impala, though its walking-only policy gives a new dimension to a Namibian safari. It's also a centre for research into Namibia's endemic subspecies.

Sand Rivers Camp

Nyerere National Park and the area around Sand Rivers has an abundance of game, especially during the dryer months when game is drawn to the river for water. However throughout the year you can expect to see good numbers of giraffe, elephant and maybe even lions and wild dog.

Kapani Lodge

Kapani is close to the centre of South Luangwa – around Mfuwe Lagoon – which means very relaxed big game indeed, and usually some excellent sightings. 4WD safaris are organised both day and night, but walking safaris can also be requested. The guiding here is of a high standard.

Sandibe Safari Lodge

Sandibe is situated in an excellent area for consistent big-game viewing. A variety of predators are regularly seen, alongside a good number of plains game. This is definitely a camp to consider for those wanting good year-round game viewing.

Luangwa River Camp

South Luangwa is one of Africa’s top big-game destinations, and high densities of wildlife make Luangwa River Camp a good option for wildlife safaris in Zambia. Night drives make sightings of lion and leopard particularly common.

Olakira Camp

Olakira Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp that moves twice a year, in order to optimise its location for the Serengeti’s wildebeest migration. With careful planning (talk to us about this), it can be the perfect base from which to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Chitabe Camp

The Chitabe concession has regular lion and leopard sightings but reasonably constant wild dog sightings over the last few years have really been the highlight. There are also good levels of plains game here.

Kicheche Valley

This is a very game-rich area, with excellent big-cat viewing (resident leopards near camp), a major elephant corridor in the northwest of the conservancy and the biggest giraffe population in the Mara. Moreover, there are very few other tourist vehicles using the conservancy.

Camp Kalahari

For a wildlife safari in Botswana, Camp Kalahari is pretty unusual. Visiting one of the families of habituated meerkats is an exceptional experience. Lion, brown hyena and other predators frequent this area, and during the rainy season, zebra can sometimes be seen here in their thousands, along with many wildebeest.

Nomad Serengeti Camp

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp is a mobile camp that moves several times a year to follow Tanzania’s wildebeest migration. Though the movements of the migration can be unpredictable, the camp tries hard to predict where the main herds will be.

Greystoke Mahale

Simply the best place for watching chimps and other primates in the forests of central Africa.

Mana Pools is one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. Vundu Camp has some of the best guides in the park so come here on your Zimbabwe safari for one of the best wildlife experiences going!

Namiri Plains Camp

Namiri Plains is in a remote part of the central-eastern Serengeti, and is an excellent camp from which to see great numbers of big cats, specifically cheetah and lion.

Sausage Tree Camp

Sausage Tree Camp is located in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park itself – in an area considered to be one of the most productive in the park for wildlife viewing. The location is complemented by superb guides, making this one of the best camps for a Zambian wildlife safari.

Onguma Camp Kala

Within easy access of Etosha National Park, the small, intimate Onguma Camp Kala is a lovely place to stay for a good safari experience.

Onguma The Fort

Onguma The Fort is blessed with a prime location on the Onguma Private Reserve overlooking Fischer’s Pan, and is adjacent to the wildlife rich Etosha National Park, so game viewing from here is of the highest order.

Hoanib Skeleton Camp

Guided drives along the Hoanib riverbed and the floodplains beyond offer an intriguing prospect for a wildlife safari in Namibia. Visitors to Hoanib Camp have a pretty decent chance of spotting the area’s desert-adapted elephants, as well as Cape fur seals by the coast.

Amalinda Lodge

The Matobo Hills is an excellent and relatively easy place to track white rhino on foot, making it very appealing for a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe. The open terrain and experienced guides give guests at Amalinda a good chance to find and then approach these giants.

Lamai Serengeti

Lamai Serengeti is in a great location for the wildebeest migration, which is typically from around July to October in this area. Outside of these months, it still offers great game viewing, with the bonus of very few people!

Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp has access to both land- and water-based activities, so offers the biggest diversity of game viewing within the Jao concession. There are good numbers of elephant and other plains game on the island, plus hippo in the deeper channels nearby.

Twee Rivieren

The Kgalagadi gets relatively few visitors, making it perfect for those who want to avoid the masses. Springbok, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, eland and red hartebeest can be found here, whilst meerkats, giraffe, leopards, and black-maned lions are also regularly seen.

Lemala Ngorongoro

As Lemala Ngorongoro is inside the park gate to the Ngorongoro Crater, you can be among the first visitors of the day on the crater floor – one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries and a superb location for a wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Somalisa Camp

Somalisa is in an area rich in wildlife, with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo and lion. These and other animals can be seen on walks and drives, as well as at the waterholes in front of camp, making for a varied wildlife safari in Zimbabwe.

Elephant Bedroom

Elephant Bedroom is located in the heart of Samburu National Reserve, which is famed for interesting northern and desert species that include the gerenuk, oryx and Grevy’s zebra.

Palmwag Lodge

Palmwag is one of the last wilderness areas in the world outside of a national park. You can see a variety of game including, with a bit of luck, free-roaming black rhino, desert-adapted elephant and lion, all in the most spectacular landscape far off the normal tourist routes.

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge enjoys a prime location directly on the Savute Channel, which is absolutely pumping with elephant, giraffe, hyena and other game during the dry season – ideal for a wildlife safari in Botswana. Wildlife also concentrates at the camp’s two pumped waterholes.

Ocean Eleven

Hermanus is one of the best places in the world to watch whales, either from the shore or by boat. The southern right whale can usually be seen between June and November. Humpback whales, African penguins, dolphins, great white sharks and Cape fur seals can also be viewed here.

Laikipia Wilderness

Laikipia Wilderness and its owner-manager Steve Carey are closely associated with wild dog tracking, using radio-tracking equipment. Two dog packs den in this area and sightings of cubs and hunts are not uncommon. The area has a very dense dik-dik population, that supports not only the wild dogs but some of the higherst densities of leopards anywhere in Africa. The camp's local black leopards have become a famous draw.

Xakanaxa Camp is right in the middle of the Xakanaxa area of the Moremi Game Reserve, one of the best areas for wildlife safaris in Botswana. With excellent densities of game and birdlife, the only drawback is that you will often have to share game sightings with other vehicles.

Chada camp is a very serious safari camp in one of Africa's most remote national parks. It's particularly noted for its sense of wilderness, and for large herds of buffalo hunted by big prides of lion!

Beho Beho Tree-house

Fly-camping always gets you closer to the wildlife, and you won't find better guides with whom to explore it than at Beho Beho.

Khwai Lediba

With access to both the Khwai Community Concession and Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Tented Camp is arguably in one of Botswana's greatest wildlife areas (though it can get busy). Sightings are good year round, with lion, leopard and wild dog seen regularly, as well as elephant and many other species.

Hwange Bush Camp

With a scattering of loop roads, plenty of wildlife, top guiding and few visitors, Hwange Bush Camp has much to offer on a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe, both from a 4WD vehicle and on foot.

Sabyinyo Silverback

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is just outside the Volcanoes National Park and makes a great base for trekking to see the world-famous gorillas in Rwanda, without sacrificing creature comforts.

Rekero was the camp where Jackson Looseyia (of Big Cat Diary fame) first earned his spurs as a spotter and outstanding guide. More recently its first-class lion, leopard and cheetah viewing made it ideal as a base for much of the filming of Disney's African Cats documentary.

Great Fish River Lodge

Great Fish River Lodge is a comfortable, elegant base from where to explore the Kwandwe Reserve, which hosts a good range of large mammals including the famous ‘big five’. Guiding standards are very high in Kwandwe, partly thanks to the reserve’s own training programmes.

The Majete Reserve now boasts the Big Five, with lion, leopard and buffalo as well as elephant, zebra, sable, waterbuck and eland. Currently they have around 11 black rhino and cheetah are also occasionally seen.

Little Ongava

Within the Ongava Reserve, and with Etosha National Park on the doorstep, Ongava Tented Camp offers wonderful wildlife viewing including the opportunity to see black and white rhino, elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and a plethora of plains game.

Jack's Camp

Although wildlife densities at Jack's Camp are generally low, visitors can get exceptionally close to habituated meerkats – which for many is one of the best safari experiences in Botswana. This, along with the zebra and wildebeest migration and glimpses of black-maned lion, brown hyena and other desert species, makes the wildlife here pretty special.

Little Makalolo Camp

The waterhole in front of Little Makalolo is a real focus for game, including elephants for much of the day and night. Makalolo's private area within Hwange has strong populations of big game, too, with lion and leopard seen regularly, and cheetah – although scarce – also present.

Ichingo Chobe Lodge

Ichingo's motor-boat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers are excellent for birdlife and general river-based wildlife – and relaxed big game is also often seen from the waterfront of Chobe National Park.

Ubuntu Camp

Ubuntu moves throughout the year roughly following the movements of the wildebeest migration, therefore at most time of year this should be an excellent base to catch site of this phenomenon.

Chobe Under Canvas

During the dry season, increasingly high densities of wildlife are drawn to the Chobe River's permanent waters, making Chobe Under Canvas a good choice for wildlife safaris in Botswana. By September/October the numbers of elephant are astounding.

Lewa Safari Camp

Lewa Conservancy stands out for having 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population, plus a healthy number of white rhinos, and a very high population of the finely marked Grevy’s zebra – and a scattering of other big game.

Nyungwe House

The major attraction in Nyungwe Forest National Park are the primates. Here you can see chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkey, grey managabe, amongst others. There are also over 275 different species of birds and 75 different species of mammals in these lush surroundings.

During the dry season, the Mopane Tongue area of the Moremi Game Reserve has some of the densest game viewing in Botswana that we have seen. Big cats, such as leopard and lion, are common, and elephant, hippo and giraffe are prolific.

Mapula Lodge

As part of a wildlife safari in Botswana, Mapula Lodge offers plenty of plains game, including zebra, buffalo, lechwe and giraffe, as well as elephant, and predators such as lion, leopard and wild dogs.

Busanga Bushcamp

The small Busanga Bushcamp stands beside the amazing Busanga Plains and is one of the only area in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen. The wildlife here includes unusual species such as serval, oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and Defassa waterbuck.

Potato Bush Camp

Potato Bush is one of the few camps in the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park itself. This location, combined with excellent guides and a variety of activities, makes Potato Bush one of the best camps for a wildlife safari in Zambia.

Duba Explorers Camp

Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.

Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains is famous for its lion and buffalo interaction, which can be very exciting to say the least! Staying a few nights here will give you the best chance of seeing this spectacle, but note that it can never be guaranteed. General game viewing here is also good.

Azura at Quilalea

Home to a spectacular array of marine wildlife the waters around Azure Quilalea offer some of the best diving in Mozambique. Furthermore, humpback's visit these warm, sheltered waters to raise their young, providing superb whale watching (Jul-Nov).

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is well placed to experience the diversity of animals within Lake Manyara National Park, and the possibility of night drives here makes it one of our top tips for an extensive and relatively exclusive wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Okonjima Villa

The exclusive Okonjima Villa has the added bonus of a location within the main reserve. For a great end to a safari in Namibia, keep watch at the waterhole, and expect to be able to view big cats at close quarters.

Mata Mata Rest Camp

These days the number of visitors to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is increasing, especially from South Africa. However, they are still relatively low, especially in comparison to places like Kruger – making it a fantastic place for game viewing without the crowds.

Ta Shebube Rooiputs

Ta Shebube Rooiputs' proximity to the Nossob’s dry riverbed offers arguably some of the best wildlife safaris in South Africa. Expect dry-country antelope and predators like black-maned Kalahari lion, leopard, wildcat and cheetah – for which the park is particularly well known.

Chobe Game Lodge

The Chobe River is a magnet for elephant and buffalo during the dry season. From its location within Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge offers the opportunity to steal a march on the crowds and to explore quiet sections of the river during a wildlife safari in Botswana.

Anabezi Luxury Camp

Anabezi is in an area with one of the highest densities of game and birdlife in the Lower Zambezi, making it a great spot for wildlife safaris in Zambia. Wildlife viewing during activities and from camp are both excellent.

Ndutu Safari Lodge

Ndutu Safari Lodge is a great base for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. It is ideally located for the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, especially during the wildebeest migration and the northern side of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.

Shumba Camp

Shumba stands in the middle of the vast Busanga Plains, which is one of the only area in Zambia where cheetah are regularly seen. The wildlife here includes unusual species such as serval, oribi, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and Defassa waterbuck.

Sand Rivers fly-camp

Nyerere National Park is an excellent game reserve, and these walks offer a great chance to explore - and covering the ground on foot, and fly-camping out, is a superb way to really experience Nyerere National Park.

Garden Lodge

Though not the most obvious place for a wildlife safari in South Africa, in season Grootbos is a superb base for observing southern right whales from the shore as well as from boats. You may also spot dolphins, great white sharks, Cape fur seals and African penguins.

Tangulia Mara

Being owned and managed by the former BBC Big Cat Diary presenter, Jackson Looseiya, gives Tangulia extra cachet to add to a very good location which seems to dominate this wildlife-rich corner of the Mara ecosystem.

At the heart of a vast protected area, Mombo is one of the very best areas for wildlife safaris in the Okavango Delta, and indeed in Africa. Its animal densities are high and its landscapes are very open, which provides for some world-class game viewing.

Ruaha River Lodge

You'll find most of the East African megafauna in Ruaha, including elephant, large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, lion, leopard, cheetah and even wild dog. Ruaha also has a few species associated with the parks further north, including Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu.

Klein's Camp

It is possible to go on night game-drives and day bush walks from Klein's. The lodge is also on the route for the Serengeti's great migration and the best time to see this in the Klein's area is generally between mid-October and end-November.

Robin's House

Robin's House comes with a private 4WD and an expert guide, fully-qualified to lead walking safaris as well as 4WD safaris – and the park rules allow night drives and some off-read driving. Hence Robin's House offers a really superb wildlife safari experience.

Ta Shebube Polentswa

The over 60 mammal species reported in the KTP include good populations of predators and antelope. Spotlit night game drives to the private concession’s waterhole might allow you to see elusive nocturnal species like leopard or aardvark.

Forest Lodge

Grootbos has its own water-based ‘Big 5’ which can be observed either by boat or from the shore. You may see African penguins, dolphins, Cape fur seals, right southern whales and even great white sharks.

Shoebill Island Camp

The Bangweulu area has not only super birdlife, but some excellent plains game - including over 50,000 beautiful and endemic black lechwe, often seen in herds of thousands, oribi, tsessebe and sitatunga. Buffalo herds can be seen grazing, side striped jackal and hyena roam the plains, and in 2020, cheetah were reintroduced to the region after a 100 year absence, and tracking these fast cats is now a terrific activity for visitors.

Grumeti River Camp

A short drive from Grumeti River Camp, is a patch of riverine woodland where a few troops of the shy and beautiful black-and-white colobus monkeys reside. Not only are they striking but they are interesting in that, unlike other monkeys, they do not have thumbs.

Porini Lion Camp

Open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles and well-qualified guides are the standout features of game drives at Porini Lion Camp, and you rarely see other vehicles. Night drives are also popular and they use a red light to avoid causing stress to the wildlife.

Edo's Camp is one of the only places in Botswana where you can see rhino at an economical price. The conservancy is home to 6 white rhino and the population is growing. The rhino can be seen whilst on a 4WD safari drive or tracked on foot during a guided walk.

Chief's Camp

Renowned as one of Botswana's premier game-viewing destinations, Chief's Island boasts a wide variety of wildlife – including the country's few rhino (although these are rarely seen).

Overlooking a waterhole in a private reserve, Skybeds is a superb place for a wildlife safari in Botswana. Watching wildlife from on high – even from your bed – or at eye-level from a sunken hide for a wholly different perspective makes this a special place to stay.

Perched on the cliff top overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus, where southern right whales come to breed between July and October, The Marine is the perfect base for whale watching in South Africa.

Kuthengo Camp

Kuthengo Camp is located on the banks of the wide Shire River in the Liwonde National Park and is home numerous elephant, hippo and crcodiles. On land see waterbuck, reedbuck and sable. Recent translocations means that lion and cheetah are also present.

Okonjima Bush Suite

Visitors on a Namibia wildlife safari at Okonjima Bush Suite have the opportunity to find out about the work of AfriCat, and will have a private guide to see at close quarters the big cats they fight to protect.

Karoo Lodge

Samara doesn’t have the highest game densities for a wildlife safari in South Africa. However, Samara does have a high density of aardvarks – giving this reserve an enviable record for sightings of these very elusive, nocturnal mammals.

Little Mombo

The Mombo area of Moremi is probably the best place for wildlife safaris in Botswana. It has excellent populations of the big predators, herds of buffalo and elephant, both white and black rhino, plenty of spotted hyena, and a very wide range of plains game.

River Bend Lodge

At River Bend you can choose between wildlife safaris in the lodge’s private concession, tailored to guests’ interests and schedules, and self-drives in South Africa’s Addo Park. This has a high density of elephants and many kudu, warthog, Burchell’s zebra and eland.

Offbeat Ndoto

At Offbeat Ndoto in the Mara North Conservancy, wildlife safaris in Kenya are exceptionally personal. Discover the famed big cats of the Mara on day and night drives and safari walks, with no more than four people to a vehicle.

Sala's Camp

Sala’s Camp is one of the most southerly camps in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, making it the first to see the migrating herds heading north from the Serengeti. The surrounding open plains make this an ideal spot from which to view this great spectacle.

Kaza Safari Lodge

The motor-boat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers are excellent for seeing wildlife. On our last visit here, when we took a boat trip along the Chobe Riverfront, we spotted lion, sable, buffalo, elephant, puku, giraffe, elephant and warthog!

Somalisa Acacia

Somalisa Acacia is in a wildlife rich area, with healthy populations of elephant, buffalo and lion. These and other species can be seen on walks and drives, as well as at the waterhole in front of camp, making for a varied wildlife safari in Zimbabwe.

Cascade Island Lodge

Cascade's motor-boat trips along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers are excellent for birdlife, and spotting hippos and crocodiles. Relaxed big game from herds of elephants to massive congregations of buffalo are also often seen – especially during Botswana's dry season .

Mbalageti Lodge

Mbalageti is great place to stay between May and July, when the great wildebeest and zebra migration is passing through this area of the Serengeti. It's then a short drive to see the game crossing the often-dry Mbalagati and Grumeti rivers.

Addo Main Camp

Addo Main Camp offers both guided 4WD safaris and a self-drive base. Its biggest attraction are the park’s very relaxed elephants, whilst other game includes endless zebra, kudu and warthog. It’s good, but don’t expect the most game-rich wildlife safari in South Africa.

Gorah Elephant Camp

The luxurious tented Gorah Camp in South Africa’s Eastern Cape is ideally located for watching elephants: directly opposite a waterhole. In the adjacent Addo National Park you can go on guided 4WD wildlife safaris or self-drive through the wildlife area.

Chelinda Lodge

Chelinda Lodge, on the remote Nyika Plateau, is a lovely spot to view plains game such as eland, roan, zebra, reedbuck and bushbuck. You may also see warthog, spotted hyena and side striped jackal and the occasional leopard. Nyika is also home to around 400 different bird species.

Molopo Lodge

The Kgalagadi NP is inhabited by a large variety of antelope including hartebeest, gemsbok and eland. Wildebeest, lion and African wild cat can be found and if you are lucky leopard, brown and spotted hyena. This is also a good place to see the endearing meerkat.

Faru Faru Lodge

Wildlife around Faru Faru is good throughout the year, with plenty of resident game. The lodge is also on the migratory route for the thousands of animals that make their way north across the Serenegti during June – August. The water hole also attracts game in view of the lodge.

Migration Camp

Serengeti Migration Camp is tucked into a rocky outcrop in the northern Serengeti near to the Lobo area. The immediate landscape is really interesting surrounded by kopjes and the Grumeti River.

Singita Mara River

Singita Mara River Tented Camp is perfectly located to view wildebeest crossing the Mara River in July, August and September. Often guests won’t even need to leave camp to see some of the action!

Sabora Tented Camp

Sabora Tented Camp sits within Singita Grumeti Reserve, a private concession to the west of the Serengeti. This safari area is quiet and remote so you won't see many other vehicles here, even from July to August – when it throngs with wildebeest as the migration passes through.

Okavango Explorers

Located in a good game area that’s exceedingly wild, with wild dogs and other large predators known to hunt in the area and elephants congregating in large numbers during the dry season.

Abu Camp is renowned for its Abu elephant herd, which used to be an habituated herd but now mingles with other wild elephants.

Uplands Homestead

South Africa’s Kwandwe Reserve has good wildlife densities and excellent guiding. Here the historic Uplands Homestead is a private home which now includes modern amenities. A private 4WD and safari guide enables wildlife safaris to be tailored to your wishes.

Camp Fig Tree

At Camp Fig Tree in South Africa, choose between self-driving into Addo, guided 4WD wildlife safaris to the park, or walks on the camp’s private concession. The wildlife on the concession is limited, but the vegetation is lovely.

Leylandsdrift Camp

The Hoarusib River valley, in which Leylandsdrift Camp is situated, is a great place to track desert-adapted elephant. The vegetation and natural springs in the area act as magnets for these wonderful animals, as well as other desert dwelling species.

Located in the northern Serengeti, Mara Mara is in one of Tanzania’s best wildlife areas. You’ll see plenty of big cats and antelope throughout the year, and between July and October the camp is ideally located for the wildebeest migration.

Kwitonda Lodge

Located on the border of Volcanoes National Park, Kwitonda is a great base for trekking on a wildlife safari to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Kirawira Camp

Between May and July, the Western Corridor teems with the great wildebeest migration that is heading north across the Serengeti plains and the Grumeti River; Kirawira Camp is then a good base for exploring. At other times of year, there is some resident game in the area.

Melton Manor

At the private villa Melton Manor in South Africa you can tailor your wildlife safaris completely around your interests, as it comes fully staffed, including a private guide, and with a 4WD vehicle. Kwandwe Game Reserve is notable for high-quality guiding and large mammals.

Chelinda Camp

Chelinda Camp, on the remote Nyika Plateau, is a lovely spot to view plains game such as eland, roan, zebra, reedbuck and bushbuck. You may also see warthog, spotted hyena and side striped jackal and the occasional leopard. Nyika is also home to around 400 different bird species.

Qorokwe Camp

Situated in a reliably good concession on the south-eastern side of the Okavango Delta, Qorokwe is in one of Botswana’s great wildlife-viewing destinations, particularly in the dry season between July and October when the grasses are lower.

Wildlife holidays in Africa

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Pollinator Safari

Join us and our friends from Xerces Society to learn more about pollinators!

Pollinator Safari will be a 2 part program: 1) we will start in the Visitor Center classroom to talk about pollinators and observe specimens and 2) we will explore our orange trail for pollinators in action!

FREE! Registration is required! All gear provided. Maximum 25 participants.

Co-Host: Stefanie Steele Pollinator Conservation Specialist, NRCS Partner Biologist, Urban and Small Farms, Michigan The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

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Travel + Leisure Readers’ 20 Favorite Safari Lodges and Safari Outfitters in Africa of 2024

Readers voted for their favorite African lodges and safari outfitters in our annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024.

How Voting Works

What readers loved about africa safari lodges, safari lodges winner, safari lodges full list, what readers loved about africa safari outfitters, safari outfitters winner, safari outfitters full list.

Travel + Leisure readers’ votes this year proved that people are essential to the best safari experience, in regards to both lodges and outfitters. From warm, welcoming on-the-ground staff to a reliable and knowledgeable travel specialist pulling all the trip details together, readers highlighted how a great team can make all the difference — in addition to epic wildlife sightings and transportive accommodations.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L 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. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Rooms/facilities

Tour operators and safari outfitters were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Staff/guides
• Itineraries/destinations
• Accommodations

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

Courtesy of MORE Family Collection

South Africa was the most popular country this year, with three lodges in the top ten. Coming in at No. 1, Monwana Game Lodge is a solid all-rounder, overlooking a waterhole in a wildlife-rich safari reserve, supported by a compassionate team.

Asilia Namiri Plains (No. 2) in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park garnered plenty of praise for its team, too. “The staff were kind and made this a trip of a lifetime,” wrote one reader. The tents were also a highlight: “The rooms were huge, comfortable, and gorgeous, and the outdoor tub overlooking the Serengeti was unbeatable.”

But it wasn’t only lodges in famous Big Five destinations that T+L readers loved. Uganda’s Mount Gahinga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris (No. 4) with direct access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Kyambura Gorge, Volcanoes Safaris (No. 6) — where chimpanzee trekking is the big draw — reveals the popularity of primate safaris.

Monwana Game Lodge: Thornybush Nature Reserve, South Africa

In Thornybush Nature Reserve — part of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area, one of the best regions in Africa for Big Five sightings — Monwana Game Lodge is located by a waterhole frequented by elephants, lions, and other key wildlife. The lodge was the top choice for T+L readers this year, with one reporting “an amazing experience throughout, from staff to game viewing.” With just six suites, and a private residence for up to five guests, Monwana is ideal for honeymooners or families with kids over age 10. As well as twice-daily game drives, guests can go on bush walks, take a massage at the spa, or head out after dark for stargazing.

1. Monwana Game Lodge : Thornybush Nature Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 98.90

2. Asilia Namiri Plains : Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Reader Score: 98.73

3. Finch Hattons : Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

Reader Score: 98.67

4. Mount Gahinga Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Reader Score: 98.37

5. Mfuwe Lodge, The Bushcamp Company : South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Reader Score: 98.26

6. Kyambura Gorge, Volcanoes Safaris : Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Reader Score: 98.00

7. Lion Sands Game Reserve : Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 97.89

8. Singita Grumeti : Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Reader Score: 97.87

9. Thornybush Game Lodge : Thornybush Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Reader Score: 97.83

10. Angama Mara : Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Reader Score: 97.47

T+L readers valued expert teams with enthusiasm and reliability in their favorite safari outfitters this year.

2024’s No. 1 winner — Alluring Africa — scored perfect marks, making it readers’ top choice for the second year in a row.  Vegas-based Dazzle Africa (No. 2) is also no stranger to high scores from T+L readers, one of whom said they’d discovered the Zambia specialist through our 2021 World’s Best Awards — after an initial call with a “helpful and committed” trip planner, they “didn’t need to look any further.”

South Africa-based Go2Africa (No. 9) earned praise for going above and beyond — for example, one reader reported their coordinator “got us into Kenya’s Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage after they had sold out.” The word “dream” came up repeatedly as guests described their Go2Africa vacation — “We can't wait to plan another dream trip to Africa!” one concluded.

Alluring Africa

Sunit Sanghrajka/Courtesy of Alluring Africa

Last year’s winner retained the top spot for 2024, with a perfect score of 100 — up from 99.21 in 2023. Alluring Africa is a Florida-based agency, specializing in travel to Africa and the Middle East. The type of experiences they book for their clients include tracking desert rhinos in Namibia, watching wildebeests’ dramatic Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya, and meeting mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda. A strong database of repeat customers suggests the team really knows how to deliver a trip of a lifetime.

1. Alluring Africa

Reader Score: 100.00

2. Dazzle Africa

Reader Score: 98.82

3. Asilia Africa

Reader Score: 98.66

4. Micato Safaris

Reader Score: 98.56

5. Piper & Heath Travel

Reader Score: 98.31

6. Extraordinary Journeys

Reader Score: 97.91

7. Rothschild Safaris

Reader Score: 97.60

8. Thomson Safaris

Reader Score: 97.38

9. Go2Africa

Reader Score: 96.22

10. Deeper Africa

Reader Score: 94.91

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Wild Encounters

WILDlife: Leopards Pairing In Fading Light

Posted: June 20, 2024 | Last updated: June 20, 2024

A pair of breeding leopards (Dewane Male and Metsi Female) pairing late in the afternoon.Leopards can mate in the region of 90 - 100 times per day over a 3 - 4 day period!Filmed in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa Subscribe for more great wildlife clips: <a href="http://goo.gl/VdOHuS#Wildlife">http://goo.gl/VdOHuS#Wildlife</a> #Safari #AfricaFollow #nowfilming on social networks for LIVE photo updatesROB THE RANGER WILDLIFE VIDEOS on Social Networks:TWITTER: <a href="http://goo.gl/U8IQGfINSTAGRAM:">http://goo.gl/U8IQGfINSTAGRAM:</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robtherangerBLOG:">https://www.instagram.com/robtherangerBLOG:</a> <a href="http://goo.gl/yJJ3pTFACEBOOK:">http://goo.gl/yJJ3pTFACEBOOK:</a> <a href="http://goo.gl/M8pnJhSTEEMIT:">http://goo.gl/M8pnJhSTEEMIT:</a> <a href="https://steemit.com/@robtherangerTUMBLR:">https://steemit.com/@robtherangerTUMBLR:</a> <a href="http://goo.gl/qF6sNS#YouTubeZA#YouTubeSSA#SAYouTubersPlease">http://goo.gl/qF6sNS#YouTubeZA#YouTubeSSA#SAYouTubersPlease</a> consider buying a T-shirt or hoodie to support the channel: Official Merchandise Store: <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/robtheranger">https://teespring.com/stores/robtheranger</a> Contact me via email to book a safari: [email protected] The Ranger is a proudly South African YouTuberThe purpose of the Rob The Ranger Wildlife Videos YouTube channel is to show what it is like to experience seeing wild animals on an African safari. Nature Documentaries are often highly edited to tell a story, wildlife safaris are not, and the idea here is to show the wildlife sightings the way they were seen. Safari tours in Africa are generally suitable for all ages and this channel can be considered an educational channel about incredible nature, some scenes in the nature videos may be more graphic than people are used to but this is the reality of nature and is what you would see if you were present on such a safari in person. Safaris in Kenya, South Africa, or any other African country are an unrivalled experience for anyone with a passion for nature, wildlife photography, and travel. Hopefully the animal videos on this channel can provide a glimpse into what the nature experience is like and encourage more people to take a wildlife safari one day.#africananimals #africanwildlife #africansafari #animalvideos #naturevideos #amazinganimals #worldofwildlife #africawild #africanimals #latestsightings#africanadventures #naturedocumentary #incrediblenature

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Winston, beloved gorilla at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, dies at 52 after suffering health problems

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (AP) — Winston, a western lowland gorilla who was a favorite attraction at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, has died at the age of 52 after suffering multiple health problems, officials said.

The park said Winston was euthanized Saturday after veterinarians determined his condition was declining.

“After careful consideration stemming from furthering complications from his worsening conditions, and with Winston’s quality of life top of mind, wildlife health and care teams made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize him,” the zoo said in a statement.

Winston was one of the oldest male gorillas in a U.S. zoo, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Sunday.

“This gentle giant will be remembered for his quiet strength, easygoing nature, and heart of gold,” the zoo statement said.

In recent years, Winston had been treated for a variety of “age-related conditions,” including heart disease, degenerative joint disease and kidney disease, officials said.

The gorilla was born in the wild and later came under the care of a private owner in England. Since coming to the San Diego safari park in 1984, Winston fathered nine offspring and was the grandfather to eight and great-grandfather to one, the Union-Tribune reported.

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