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35 Years Of Crafting Dream Safaris

Our Most 25 Intriguing Places to Stay in 2024

Congrats to alison and mark: travel + leisure “a-list” – top travel advisors 2024.

Top 10 Questions Asked About a First Time African Safari to Tanzania

Explore Our Most Popular Safaris

11 day | great migration calving season group safari to tanzania.

This small group safari is paced for your interest levels on wildlife photography and game viewing in Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. You have the services of our

12 Day | Legends of Zimbabwe Safari

This flying safari is an introduction to the parks of  Zimbabwe that offer game drives in open vehicles, game viewing by canoe, morning walks and boating. Hwange and Mana Pools

11 Day | Classic Family Safari to Botswana

This is an exciting seven night flying safari staying at selected camps that are ideal for families. Accommodations are Classic permanent tented camps offering adjoining family

10 Day | Romance Package to South Africa

Enjoy special Honeymoon/Romance touches: Private romantic dinner on your deck with sparkling wine Sundowners on safari surrounded by the elephants Private Cape Peninsula tour with

14 Day | African Journeys Safari to Kenya and Tanzania

You visit four different ecosystems offering diverse wildlife viewing and scenery. Start with a flying safari to Amboseli National Park in Kenya where you will enjoy shared game

12-Day | Botswana Kwando Wing Safari

An incredible seven night flying safari in Botswana, which offers a great value! Begin your adventure with an overnight in Victoria Falls. Visit three exciting camps in two

Unrivaled Excellence in Customized Africa Safaris For the Safari of a Lifetime

As an established travel outfitter The Africa Adventure Co. offers an exciting portfolio of safaris full of the adventure and splendor of Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries. Our team is owner-managed and directed by Mark and Alison Nolting.

You can trust your dream safari to our team of globally-recognized travel experts who have been customizing unforgettable, AFRICA-ONLY itineraries for 35 years and counting. Our focus has been, and will always be, on small groups and independent travelers, as well as camps that promote both ecological and community sustainability. We have even written the definitive guide book on safaris to Africa, a testament to our extensive knowledge and reliable first-hand experience of every travel component.

Our promise to you is excellence in all facets , from client service with a personal touch, to engaging with you before and after your safari as part of our robust travel community, to utilizing our long-lasting relationships with African lodges and guides to ensure your experience is beyond anything you could have ever imagined. We take our commitment (and our earned reputation) seriously and we think our clients agree - we have hundreds of travelers who have booked more than 10 safaris with our team during their lifetime.

We’re excited by the opportunity to hand-craft a trip of a lifetime for you. Let’s get started .

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1-800-882-9453

#1 Africa-Only Travel Company

Industry leaders in customizable safaris.

The Africa Adventure Company was one of the first boutique travel agencies to offer customizable Africa travel itineraries. Together we can create a trip that includes the experiences and destinations most important to you, your family, or your group.

Value-Added Adventures

Many travelers expect private and independent safaris to be unaffordable, but our clients are delighted to discover they do not have to join a group of strangers in order to experience a customized safari adventure.

Security & Safety-Focused

We work with people who will take care of you. Our guides, travel consultants, and tour operators understand the complicated and complex nature of travel in Africa and have decades of experience to ensure your safety at every leg of your trip.

Unique Experience Safaris

Hear from our travelers, it’s all about our clients, always has been.

There is just nothing in the world like it. 

Next was Ol Donyo.  The lodge is beyond gorgeous.  Tasteful.  Natural.  Set into the landscape perfectly.  GORGEOUS…Going down to the hide...

Helen Reinhardt

It was unforgettable, it was as close to perfect as one could every dream of!!!

Dear Mark, Szilvia and everyone at the Africa Adventure Company who made our family trip an AMAZING success. Thank you so very much – it was unforgettable, it was as close to perfect as one could every dream of!!!...

Thank you for helping me put together a trip of a lifetime.

Sara and I got home from our South African adventure on Saturday morning and I don’t know where to begin except to say, I would not have changed one moment of our trip. Cape Town was stupendous, especially for new years and our...

Diane Plowman

I still daydream about it every day.

I thought the “trip of a lifetime” comment that everyone uses was such a cliché – but now I understand it. I still daydream about it every day....

Kathy Hocking

Annual Photo Competition

Our clients have shot breathtaking photos on their safaris

Africa Guide Book Publications

Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries highlights and compares wildlife reserves and other major attractions in East and Southern Africa. This guidebook has all the information on camps and types of safaris available in 15 game viewing countries. If you are wondering which destination is right for you, this book is the first place to start!

The African Safari Journal and Field Guide is perfect to take on an African safari as it is a wildlife guide and checklist, trip organizer, phrase book, personal diary, and map directory; all in one!

Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries

Read More | Add To Cart

Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries & African Safari Field Guide combo

African Safari Field Guide

Keep Discovering…

Africa’s top wildlife stories.

This safari power couple is particularly strong in Botswana and Tanzania, where they’ve cultivated long-standing relationships with top guides. They can also help travelers get hands-on with conservation projects, including research teams...

What’s the next undiscovered gem or a tried-and-true camp to include on your upcoming safari? Check out our team’s top camps, lodges and hotels for 2024! Be sure to check out the accommodation’s “featured itineraries” as well....

Mark and Alison Nolting in Kenya & Tanzania

Mark and I are finishing up our visit to East Africa over short rains season. We have been part of a small safari group being hosted by Dereck and Beverly Joubert at their Mara Plains home in Mara, Kenya. They invited us to witness the raw...

As seen in...

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African Safari Company - the luxury African safari experts

Each year we spend weeks scouting camps, lodges and reserves with special attention to the wealth of game in each area and quality of the activities, guides and staff to ensure that our custom safaris offer not just the best of the best in African safaris, but also an experience that truly immerses you in the rich history, incredible people and up-close wildlife encounters that shows Africa at her finest.

Meet African Safari Company

We are a boutique, woman-owned business with over 30 years of combined experience designing bespoke safaris to Africa. We are dedicated to providing experiences that not only advance our travelers’ knowledge of Africa’s diverse countries, but that also aid in conservation and give back to the communities who share their land with us.

Casey is co-founder of Travel Theory, a luxury travel company focused on custom itinerary creation for travelers who are looking for adventures that are both intrepid and indulgent. She draws from her own experiences combined with strong industry connections and applies her own unique lens to the trips she designs for her clients, resulting in travel experiences that are curated and hyper-personalized. Over time, she has developed a loyal client base and was recently honored as a Condé Nast Top Traveler Specialist for 2023. With the recent addition of African Safari Company to the Travel Theory portfolio, she is excited to expand her knowledge and experience in Africa.

Kitte Karhohs

Kitte experienced her first safari while on her honeymoon to Southern Africa. Her passion and expertise in transformative travel stems from having opportunities to explore diverse regions and interact with local communities. With travel in Africa, Kitte focuses on helping clients understand the value of their spend and the positive impact it has on wildlife and local populations, encouraging conscientious travel throughout their journeys.

Julia Nesbitt

Julia’s summers as a child were spent exploring her grandparent’s farm in Zimbabwe, game parks throughout the region and visiting family in South Africa. These experiences shaped her more than she could have imagined, and in her early 20s she packed her bags and headed to Zambia to manage a camp in the South Luangwa Valley. After running the Africa department for another Seattle-based travel company for a few years, Julia re-joined African Safari Company as Director of Sales in 2011 and has been an integral part of the company ever since.

Julia has traveled countless times to Africa: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Morocco vetting safari lodges, meeting guides and exploring game reserves and her favorite African cities (Cape Town being her top pick!). Even after venturing to so many places, she can still easily pick her favorite African safari experiences, one being Kiba Point in the Selous National Park in Tanzania. “Incredible wildlife, amazing guides, the river, sleep outs, hot springs…it has it all!” She has also visited Ecuador and the Galapagos, Peru, the Bahamas, France, Mexico and Jamaica, and is always looking for the next opportunity to explore exotic locales. While her in-depth knowledge spans the continent, we consider her to be our resident Zambia, South Africa and Tanzania safari expert.

Nici Perring

Nicole is a native of Cape Town, South Africa, and has a passion for travel and discovering new places! Living in Cape Town has given her the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful surroundings in South Africa. She has a background in the Seychelles and Mauritus and we are very excited to offer her expertise in these incredible Indian Ocean islands. Keep your eyes out for new itineraries!

Wonderful places to explore on an African safari adventure

In South Africa’s bustling and vibrant city of Cape Town you can explore the with the newly christened World Wonder Table Mountain, endless night life, a rising food scene and artisan shopping. The lights of the city then give way to the beautiful Cape Peninsula, rolling Winelands and the epic coastline of the Garden Route, where a safari goer can spend days shark diving, wine tasting, whale watching and so much more.

South Africa also lays claim to the famous Kruger National Park and the amazing private reserves and concessions in and around it. Abundant game, including the Big Five, reside in spectacular numbers throughout safari destinations such as the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, best known for the dense leopard population, and Phinda Private Game Reserve, which features not only amazing wildlife experiences like tracking rhinos on foot, but is also just a few hours away from white sand beaches and a relaxing day spent by the Indian Ocean.

For the true girth of this magnificent country, just catch a hopper flight to the sprawling Kalahari Desert to visit a completely different eco-system and the incredible desert-adapted wildlife that travels its arid ground.

One of Africa’s biggest boasting points is the varying landscapes, not only from one country to another, but often from one camp to the next. On a Botswana safari one can begin the day on the dry, cracked pans of the Makgadikgadi and, after a scenic light aircraft flight, be boarding a mokoro to float through the rich waterways of the Okavango Delta by lunchtime, watching elephants at the reeds edge having a drink, and grumpy hippos popping their heads up to make sure you haven’t forgotten that they’re there. 

Tanzania is home to the well known Ngorongoro Crater, where a concentration of wildlife meander happily ensconced within the soaring walls of the massive caldera. The grasses of the Serengeti provide the ever so important role as the vast stage for the Great Migration. Throughout the year, millions of wildebeest and zebra continue along their never-ending circular path in search of new grazing grounds; peak seasons offer those on an epic African migration safari adventure the opportunity of front row seats to the drama of river crossings, the calving season and the constant battle with the predators that stalk these rich hunting grounds.

The less-visited Selous Game Reserve has a wealth of landscapes, from swamps to riverine forest, rocky acacia-clad hills to open grasslands, and harbors some of the most significant concentrations of elephant and wild dog, amongst many other species. Isolated in the thick forests of the Mahale Mountains, accessible only after a few small flights and hour-long dhow ride down the shores of Lake Tanganyika, passing fishing villages along the way, Greystoke Mahale and the scientists that call the area home are the caretakers of the chimpanzee families that reside on the mountain. 

Neighboring country of Tanzania, Kenya shares spectacular views of Tanzania’s snowcapped Mt. Kilimanjaro is also home to the Great Migration as the herds travels through the equally famous Maasai Mara. Rich with wildlife, including the Big Five, the lush grasses of this renowned national reserve are the beating heart of Kenya safari.

Authentic cultural experiences abound with the Samburu and Maasai during off-the-beaten path village and school visits, as well as participation in community projects. At almost any lodge you will find yourself side by side with a local guide in search of the day’s wildlife sightings and toasting at the dinner table at night, captivated by stories of this great country and time spent in it. Needless to say, in terms of a luxury African safari, Kenya is at the top of it’s game.

Zambia is perhaps most often visited while on safari to Victoria Falls as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, but this vast country is also home to amazing parks and reserves, many of whose unexplored areas still outweigh those housing safari camps and lodges. North and South Luangwa tell a story of what a walking safari once was so many years ago, while Kasanka is home to a fruit bat migration, one of the largest mammal migrations on earth.

Lower Zambezi is small and still relatively undeveloped yet affords the opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels while Kafue is one of the world’s largest parks with a permanent river ensuring its wealth of game.

Uganda and Rwanda are perhaps the least visited of popular African safari destinations but also offer perhaps the most rewarding experience when sitting side by side with endangered mountain gorillas! Treks are often long and not for the faint of heart, but once you’ve found the gorillas and are nestled into the spot from which you will spend your time with them, the heart will know nothing else. Safaris to both Rwanda and Uganda also offer plenty of other wildlife and primates as well. 

Uganda’s Bwindi Forest is one of the richest eco-systems in Africa and, along with being a haven for the mountain gorilla, is also habitat for 120 species of mammals including elephants and antelopes, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons and geckos and Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts tree climbing lions and hippo lined banks along the Kazinga Channel. Akagera National Park in Rwanda is home to many large plains wildlife including elephant, Cape buffalo, topi, zebra, waterbuck, roan antelope and eland. Other antelope that may be found in this region are duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck and impala as well as larger predators like leopard, hyaena and side-striped jackal.

Out of the bush and onto the beach! Africa’s coasts are home to an incredible array of marine wildlife including seals, sea lions, sea turtles, an enormous array of birds, whales, dolphins, sharks and even penguins! An African safari, while unforgettable and soul-lifting, is also essentially a wildlife excursion with busy days searching for that next exceptional wildlife moment and long nights spent by the fire staring up at the giant African sky blanketed with stars. That said, once again, Africa does not disappoint in it’s diversity of adventures.

From Mozambique to Zanzibar, South Africa to the Seychelles, the continent’s East coast is lined with white sand beaches and crystal blue waters to bring the perfect end to a perfect expedition.

Are you ready for your next big adventure? Inquire now

Get in touch, contact us today.

Let our Africa and Marine travel experts start putting together the perfect itinerary for your next big adventure! Call or email us to schedule a meeting to discuss your dream safari or tour.

Address: 1752 NW Market St # 520 Seattle, WA, 98107

Email Address: [email protected]

Telephone: 1 800 414 3090

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Marine Safari Destinations

Marine adventure destinations, national parks and reserves, explore parks.

Chobe National Park Kalahari Desert Linyanti Private Reserve Makgadikgadi Pans Mashatu Game Reserve Moremi National Park Nxabega Concession Okavango Delta Savute Region Selinda Concession

Amboseli National Park Lake Nakuru National Park Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Masai Mara Game Reserve Meru National Park Nairobi National Park Samburu National Park Shaba National Park Tsavo West National Park

Gorongoza National Park

Damaraland Etosha National Park Skeleton Coast Sossusvlei

Nyungwe Forest National Park Volcanoes National Park

Grootbos Nature Reserve Isimangoliso Wetlands Park Kapama Private Reserve Kwandwe Private Reserve KwaZulu Natal Madikwe Game Reserve Phinda Private Reserve Sabi Sands Reserve Thanda Private Reserve Thornybush Game Reserve Timbavati Reserve Valley of 1000 Hills

Arusha National Park Lake Eyasi Lake Manyara National Park Mahale Mountains Ngorongoro Crater Saadani National Park Selous Game Reserve Serengeti National Park Tarangire National Park

Bwindi National Park Kasanka National Park Kibale Forest National Park Lake Mburo National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kafue National Park Lochinvar National Park Lower Zambezi National Park North Luangwa National Park South Luangwa National Park Tsika Island Victoria Falls

Gonarezhou National Park Hwange National Park Mana Pools National Park Victoria Falls

Safaris by Travel Style

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How African Bush Camps is Taking Safari Guiding to a Whole New Level

By Jesse Ashlock

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

On a wet January morning at Somalisa Camp , in Zimbabwe 's Hwange National Park, a tall, rangy paramedic named Elvis Tavengwa is instructing about three dozen bush guides on the finer points of first aid. “Come on,” he shouts at them, so animated he's almost hovering above the floor. “Your guest is in cardiac arrest. What are you going to do?” The guides, dressed in every imaginable shade of khaki and olive, look at one another, uncertain. “He's dying!” Elvis screams. “Chest compressions! I need chest compressions!” Several guides lurch forward to demonstrate on a dummy.

African Bush Camps founder Beks Ndlovu

Each January during the rainy season, African Bush Camps (ABC) , perhaps the continent's premier Black-owned safari company, closes all of its lodges in Zimbabwe, Zambia , and Botswana , and convenes its guides for a two-week retraining program, the most rigorous in the business. In addition to first aid, this gathering of the Zimbabwe guides will include refresher courses in shooting, tracking, stargazing, photography, and more. During my visit, in addition to Elvis's frantic pedagogy, I witness a workshop on the ABC values (authenticity, empowerment, conservation, collaboration, and care), a candid discussion among leadership about how to encourage more junior “learner” guides to take the steps to earn pro certification, and a team-building exercise during which the guides are given 20 pieces of spaghetti, 10 Band-Aids, a piece of string, and a marshmallow and charged with building a free-standing structure in under 20 minutes.

It's really not so different from a Western corporate retreat. Only instead of taking place in a suburban convention center, it's held in a delightfully classic, very remote tented camp in an acacia grove overlooking a water hole with a resident hippo. And as Elvis demonstrates the proper application of a tourniquet, things are happening out there. A waterbuck bounds by, the white circle on its rump bouncing up and down like a toilet seat that got stuck. Beks Ndlovu, the 47-year-old entrepreneur and former guide who founded ABC 18 years ago, summons me over to point out two lionesses prowling the ridgeline above an ancient dry riverbank.

Lazy lionesses block the vehicle of guide Mariet Mashonganyika

Suddenly, a pack of wild dogs flashes by in hot pursuit of an impala. “You never know what's going to happen,” Beks says as we run off to commandeer a Land Cruiser. We can't find the dogs, only kudu and yellow-billed hornbills. But we do bump into Calvet Nkomo, a veteran guide who has worked at Somalisa since 2013 and is said to know more than anyone about the life histories of the lions in the area. He informs us that the lionesses have made their way into the neighboring Acacia Camp . We exit the Land Cruiser and approach them by foot, watching from behind a fallen log as they loll about, take a few steps, then collapse to the ground again, too stuffed from a recent meal to move. It sure beats a morning coffee break in a drab lobby amid acres of wall-to-wall carpeting.

Beks, a native Zimbabwean, has known this swath of Hwange National Park for more than two decades, since he was guiding for the nearby Makolo Camp and used to sneak guests into the area. After two years of lobbying the Zimbabwean government, he secured the tender and opened Somalisa in 2006 with an emphasis on premium guiding. A few nights earlier, I'd heard Beks tell its origin story to a group of guests at Khwai Lediba, one of ABC's newest camps, on the edge of the Okavango Delta . “You know that thing they say?” he asked. “‘If you build it, they will come’? It isn't true.” But the success of his second camp, Linyanti , in Botswana, helped subsidize Somalisa, and today it is the flagship property of a company that employs around 650 people, including the 60 guides Beks refers to as the company's “superpower.” “We can have the best hideaway, the best design, the shiniest copper bars,” he tells them one morning. “But without you guys and your storytelling, we have nothing.”

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Watchful leopards at Somalisa

Many of the guides tell me that these training programs, along with the ability to rotate among the ABC properties and learn new skills, are what brought them to ABC. “You work at various camps and you always hear about a certain company,” says Michael Tsoka, who came to Somalisa two years ago. “This was always where I wanted to work.” Paul Hobbs, an archaeologist who'd come to give a talk on the colorful history of Hwange National Park, says that ABC increasingly serves as an incubator for guides who go on to work for other outfitters. “Very few companies in this country understand how important retraining is,” he says, “and ABC has set the bar very high.”

In 2021, the company adopted a new mandate to cultivate women guides, in an industry that has long been resistant to them, through its foundation's new ABCF Female Guides program. Its goal is for a minimum of 25 percent of its guides to be women by 2030. During a subsequent stop on my trip at Thorntree River Lodge , near Victoria Falls in Zambia, I would meet one of ABCF's first students, Zita Hwambe. Many African men “believe that a woman's role is in the kitchen,” she says. “But they're warming up to us, because they know we're here to stay.”

A guide consults a birding handbook

Before I head to Thorntree, however, I go on a last sundowner with the Zimbabwe guides at Somalisa. From a hide, I watch, G&T in hand, as a pair of hyenas scamper past a water hole. It's probably the best happy hour I've ever been to. On our way back to camp, I tell Calvet about seeing the lionesses. He says that they were born to one of the daughters of Cecil, the famous lion who was shot by a trophy hunter just outside of Hwange in 2015, prompting an international outcry. After I process that, I remark on how lucky I felt to be there, with people who know so much about this beautiful land and its difficult history.

“Yes, you are,” he says, with the most serious expression he can muster. Then his face lights up in an enormous smile. “Yes, you are.”

African Bush Camps

Established: 2003

Areas of operation: Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Goals: No plastics on site by 2025; no plastics in the supply chain by 2030; 25% women guides by 2030

Next opening: Atzaró Okavango, Botswana

This article appeared in the April 2024 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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• World's Best

The Top 10 Safari Outfitters in 2020

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.

For many travelers, a safari is a bucket-list experience — a trip they fantasize about, save up for, and, in many cases, use to mark a wedding or milestone birthday.

T+L readers want their dream trips to be, well, dreamy, so they have high standards when sharing their opinions on the world’s best safari outfitters. While these experts can’t control the weather or the wildlife, they can pair you with the most keen-eyed and knowledgeable guides to ensure that you have the optimal viewing experiences. They can choose the lodges that best suit your needs, tastes, and budget — and then take it up a notch by arranging for special surprise experiences and indulgences.

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. Readers rated tour operators and safari outfitters based on their staff and guides, itineraries and destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and overall value.

Related : The World's Best Awards 2020

The top-ranked safari companies have a few things in common: they tend to be small but well-connected, and their staffers get to know clients intimately so they can plan trips that will delight at every stage. In the case of this year’s No. 2, Roar Africa, specifics are key. “They take the time to understand what your goals are and to ensure that your experience is all that you dreamed of and more,” said one reader.

Roar’s CEO and founder, Deborah Calmeyer, hasn’t just traveled extensively in Africa; she grew up there — as did the heads of several other safari companies on the list. Sunit Sanghrajka of Alluring Africa (No. 4) was raised in Kenya , where Elizabeth Gordon, cofounder of Extraordinary Journeys (No. 7), was born. They bring to their work a deep connection to and understanding of the continent and its challenges and wonders. “Africa can be intimidating but Deb and her team make it so easy to plan a very personal experience,” said one T+L reader of Roar Africa. She noted how carefully her accommodations had been selected: “They were each so different from one another but equally spectacular.”

Though the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and Cape buffalo) are what come to mind when most people think of safaris, the experience can go far beyond that (tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, for example). Wildlife lovers don’t even have to limit themselves to Africa: many of the experts on this list also plan trips to Costa Rica, India, Australia, Bhutan, and other awe-inspiring destinations.

With such spectacular sights, it’s little wonder that many clients end up taking multiple “once-in-a-lifetime” trips. Find out what set readers’ No. 1, Rothschild Safaris, apart — and who else joins them on this year’s list of the best safari companies.

1. Rothschild Safaris

Score: 99.26

More information: rothschildsafaris.com

“I credit them with providing me some of the best memories of my life,” wrote one of many satisfied Rothschild clients — some of whom said they traveled with the company a half-dozen times. Since 1998, the outfitter has been planning safari experiences that are flawless from arrival to departure, with special surprises sprinkled throughout. “At each camp, we had an exclusive or memorable experience different from the other camp visitors,” said one T+L reader. “Behind-the-scenes access to sanctuaries, up close experiences with rare animals, or exclusive outdoor dining with private chefs and staffing.”

2. Roar Africa

More information: roarafrica.com

3. Deeper Africa

Score: 98.88

More information: deeperafrica.com

4. Alluring Africa

Score: 98.66

More information: alluringafrica.com

5. Micato Safaris

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 98.44

More information: micato.com

6. Africa Adventure Consultants

Score: 98.40

More information: adventuresinafrica.com

7. Extraordinary Journeys

Score: 98.23

More information: extraordinaryjourneys.com

8. Go2Africa

Score: 98.05

More information: go2africa.com

9. African Travel Inc.

Score: 96.89

More information: africantravelinc.com

10. Wilderness Safaris

Score: 96.30

More information: wilderness-safaris.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2020 .

• // // // //

Luxury African Safaris

With Micato Safaris, the Only Travel+Leisure 10-Time #1 Winner

Why Micato?

Why Safari with Micato

From our 24-hour Concierge Team to paying for a child’s education to no tipping ever, we’ve thought of every luxury.

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Familiar Faces on Safari

Here are just a few of the travellers who have chosen Micato for their luxury safari. We bet these faces will be familiar.

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Micato Safaris Reviews

We love hearing from our travellers. And here’s a collection of 325-plus Five Star reviews our guests have been kind enough to share online.

Find Your Popcorn

One of the next best things to joining Micato on safari is perusing our treasure trove of captivating, joyful videos.

Recent Press Articles

Travel+Leisure Micato Hits #1 Historic 10th Time

Fortune For African Safari, Choose Micato

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Elite Traveler Responsible Luxury Travel

The pinto family.

35 Years of Service

AmericaShare

As an African-born company we have a special responsibility to our homeland. Luckily, it’s a joyous, fruitful duty.

Private Safari Villas & Estates

Unabashedly but thoughtfully luxurious, our exclusive-use Private Villas and Estates are enchanting get-aways into Africa’s ancient calm and its unique excitements.

Micato Safaris treat their guests like well-loved, out-of-town relatives. Travel + Leisure Magazine

Our Luxury Safaris

The planet’s greatest game lands, Africa’s warmhearted people, and its mesmerizing landscapes, revealed gracefully, thoughtfully, and joyously by the world’s greatest luxury safari company.

It’s Lonely at the Top

These awards inspire us to work even harder as stewards of Micato’s esteemed reputation and of your safari. Here is a small sampling of our proudest moments.

Travel+Leisure

Unprecedented Ten-Time Winner of Travel+Leisure’s Award for #1 World’s Best Safari Outfitter

Condé Nast Traveler

Unprecedented Five-Time Winner of the Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Award for Education and for Doing It All

National Geographic

National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic Adventure Best Outfitters on Earth

Best VAST (Active) Operator, Best Escorted Tour Operator, Virtuoso Performance Award

India Journeys

Swirlingly colourful, endlessly enchanting India, in the company of a company with deep roots in “the most extraordinary country the sun visits on his rounds.”

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A Safari Primer: Where to go, What to Expect

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12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

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

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

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

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

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

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

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

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

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

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

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

Micato Safaris

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

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

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

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

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

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

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

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

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

Discover Africa

Getty Images

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

Wild Wings Safaris

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

Cuckoo Safaris

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

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

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

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Zoos in the U.S.
• The World's Best Places to Visit

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The world’s best safari companies – African tour operators

Safari. What an adventure!

But only when you do it right .

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

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

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

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

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

10 of the Best African Safari Tour Operators

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

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

Best Africa Tour Companies

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

1. Micato Safaris

“The Travel+Leisure 10-Year Winner.”

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

2. Wilderness Safaris

“Creating Life-Changing Journeys.”

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

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

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

wilderness-safaris.com

3. andBeyond

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

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

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

andbeyond.com

4. Thomson Safaris

“40 Years of Wildlife Safaris.”

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

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

thomsonsafaris.com

5. Mark Thornton Safaris

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

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

thorntonsafaris.com

6. Volcanoes Safaris

“The Number 1 Gorilla Safari Company.”

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

Volcanoes Safaris also organize trips to the DRC and Tanzania.

volcanoessafaris.com

7. Africa Adventure Consultants

“Safaris for the Discerning Traveler.”

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

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

adventuresinafrica.com

8. Gamewatchers Safaris

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

Best For : Classic safari experiences in East Africa .

9. The Africa Adventure Company

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

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

africa-adventure.com

10. Africa Dream Safaris

“Experience Your Dreams.”

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

africadreamsafaris.com

More of the Best Africa Safari Companies

The above list is by no means exhaustive .

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

Abercrombie & Kent

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

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

Norman Carr Safaris

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

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

Deeper Africa

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

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

African Portfolio

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

They also have trips to Morocco and Egypt.

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

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

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

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

Used an African safari company’s services before?

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

About The Author

Michael Theys

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for having these selections.

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

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

Thank you Michael for the insights.

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

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

Give them a shot and you wont regret.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Safari.

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

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

Hello Michael.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello Michael,

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

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

What do you think yourself Michael?

Cheers from Holland.

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About Us | Bespoke African Safari Co. African Travel Expert

About Us | The Bespoke African Safari Co. African Travel Expert

The Bespoke African Safari Company was founded in 2018 with a single goal in mind: to redefine transformational and authentic travel throughout Africa through location expertise, local presence and support, and a dedicated team that cares.

Today, we are proud to have built a truly multicultural company with people from diverse backgrounds at every level, from our leadership team, which consists of eight people from five nationalities to our larger global management team, which consists of 20 people from equally diverse national and cultural backgrounds. Our The Bespoke African Safari Co. team is roughly evenly made up of great men and women from ten different nationalities operating in ten different African nations. What unifies us is our genuine love of travel.

Since we began our journey, the world has changed, but our mission has not: we enrich lives by sharing the joy of individualized travel in a passionate, ethical, and authentic manner.

We believe that travel opens our hearts and brains, allowing us to interact with people from all over the world and find beauty in their differences. We aspire to bring humanity together by sharing the wonderful delight of travel through the way we operate and the adventures we organize.

Co-Founders

Joseph – Web Designer, SEO Expert

Carter – Learning Travel

Sharon – Travel Expert

We Don’t Just Love Africa, We Live Here

One of life’s most unforgettable adventures, an African safari is unlike any other since no two game drives are ever the same.

The diverse scenery, wildlife, and friendly locals of Africa, from the Serengeti’s vast plains to the Okavango Delta’s hidden canals, are what keep visitors coming back. Almost half of our customers are repeats or referrals.

Since 2018, we have made it a priority to visit each of the 1,000+ carefully selected safari partners we recommend to our clients. We spare no effort in researching and exploring every aspect of the places we suggest for you to visit, so that we can give you honest recommendations based on our own knowledge.

We take great satisfaction in being genuine specialists; between us, we spend well over a year’s worth of time on safari every year, so you can rest assured you’ll always have the experience of a lifetime. For the third year in a row, Condé Nast Traveler honored our team of specialists as Top Travel Specialists in their March 2023 issue. We are the only organization to have so many professionals recognized, as 11 of our own were ranked among Africa’s best.

Our whole staff of safari professionals, from Kampala – Arusha – Nairobi – Cape Town, was raised in Africa. We’ve spent our whole lives on game reserves, either as guides or employees, or as lodge owners and managers, so we know what it takes to make a safari in Africa truly unforgettable. we are The Bespoke African Safari Co.

If you book with us, we’ll be there for you from the very first conversation on, providing timely, expert advice and local insight from the correct time zone around the clock. We will assist you in planning the safari of your dreams, whether it be seeing the Big Five , following the Wildebeest Migration , spending time with endangered gorillas , or simply enjoying sundowner beverages on an endless grassland.

We are an African enterprise, so you can be assured that every cent you spend on your safari will remain on the continent. You are making an impact long after you leave by contributing to local economies and conservation efforts, ensuring that these unique sites will be preserved for future generations.

The Bespoke African Safari Co. is part of Nawiri Group, a B Corp Certified business that collaborates with ethical tour operators, African communities, and other industry leaders to create lasting change on the continent. Nawiri Group is dedicated to improving internationally significant natural ecosystems and the people who care for them by creating and generating nature-positive income streams. Learn the ins and outs of the Nawiri Group.

Not only do we have an abiding appreciation for the continent of Africa, but we also call it home.

You can read honest feedback from past customers in our Traveller Reviews section , and connect with other explorers through our social media channels on Facebook , LinkedIn, Threads , Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest and YouTube . Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and become a part of a global network of safari lovers. Check out our yearly African safari report if you’re curious in the state of the safari sector in Africa.

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Our Mission

To offer carefully customized safari and tour packages meeting our clients expectations and beyond for unforgettable memories of the authentic African heritage.

The Bespoke African Safari Co’s Company Values

At the year’s conclusion, we set out on a mission to examine the foundations upon which The Bespoke African Safari Co. is built. We knew this was an important undertaking since it would help us realize our goal, establish our corporate culture, and reveal the kind of business we are.

We had company-wide seminars and discussions to come up with recurring themes, and from those we were able to distill our six guiding principles. These values now inform all aspect of our business, from hiring to operations, and ultimately shape how we interact with one another, our customers, and our partners.

We cannot function as a society without our people. Simply put, we care deeply about the well-being of our nation’s citizens. To provide the finest service to our customers, we place a high priority on our partnerships. When it comes to our guests, even the smallest of details is critical. Because of this, we work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of their time with us is unforgettable.

Without our Bespoke African Safari Co., partners and travellers we wouldn’t exist.

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We have been known for 5+ years as one of the best TOs in the country. We have faith in each other and our collaborators, and the numerous awards we’ve received in our field are proof of our excellence in delivery, expertise, and customer service. Tourists know they can rely on us.

We Go Above and Beyond

We never stop pushing ourselves to improve in order to provide the best possible service to our customers, who are our travelers.

We are Resilient

Nothing can break us.

We are resilient and strong enough to weather adversity, gain insight from it, and press on.

We Collaborate

At The Bespoke African Safari Co., we value our relationships with both our clients and other businesses. We adopt a personable approach and nurture each of our partnerships to guarantee the best quality output and equitable distribution of the fruits of our labor.

We Conserve

We have a vested interest in preserving Africa’s communities, animals, flora, and wildlife for future generations. Our love for Africa runs deep. It’s more than just a vacation spot; it’s where our hearts belong.

Corporate Information

Ownership: Private | Employees: 20 | Founded: 2018

Corporate Headquarters

• Old Entebbe Road – Kampala – P.O Box 102355 Uganda,
• Col. Middleton Rd, Arusha, Tanzania
• Kaunda Street, Nairobi – Kenya
• KN4 Avenue, Kigali – Rwanda

The Safari Co. provides an easy online Africa travel guide to assist you with the planning of your African safari . Comprehensive and helpful information and quality service providers of African safaris - accommodation in Africa, things to do in Africa, African -car hire, flights around Africa and travel experts are all right here on one site. Our aim is to guide you through the planning process of your African safari to ensure that it is an experience of a lifetime .

The travel suppliers featured on The Safari Company plans your African safari with the following in mind: a passion for Africa, it’s people, the wildlife and the conservation of this beautiful place... We have the local knowledge of the destinations and the heart felt passion for the continent to give you the safari experience of a lifetime.

Part of our commitment to Africa is to give back to the people and places of this amazing continent through partnering with an organization called Touch the Land .

We identify small to medium sized tourism businesses that offer travelers the opportunity to experience unique African places, activities and people. Some of the aspects taken into consideration when adding a property under the Touch the Land banner is as follows: 1. Many of these business are community owned and operated. 2. Tourism businesses that benefit communities through partnerships, training and employment opportunities. 3. Some businesses are situated in rural areas, benefiting the surrounding communities directly. 4. There is a strong sense of an authentic taste of Africa's rich and varied history and culture. The Safari Co. then promotes these businesses through our extensive marketing network where they will reach potential customers to plan their holiday arrangements. Tourism plays a major role in job creation and makes a real difference in the lives of many communities throughout Africa.

The best of all, when you use The Safari Co. website to plan your African safari you are making a real difference in the lives of the people in Africa! If that makes you feel good, that's exactly what it's suppose to do. It's great to do this together.

Read more about Touch the Land and the work they do. See how you can make a difference.

Moments of greatness

Safari Experiences

Apr 12, 2024

Anja is very attentive and patient.

Apr 11, 2024

Shann is a great professional

Shann immediately demonstrated pleasant professionalism, competence, experience and patience. She advised and accompanied me in organizing the trip. She listened to all my needs and the suggestions were very fruitful for me. he was very kind and always available even during the holidays. thank you Shann

It was easy

It was easy, it all worked as planned, our expectations were exceeded. Anja was easy to communicate with through Whatsapp and always responded promptly to any questions.

Apr 10, 2024

She made it so easy to book

She made it so easy to book - Leigh-Ann was great to deal with . She made it so easy and worked with the dates I gave her . I appreciate it so much and when I book my next safari - I hope to have the same experience - which was awesome !!!!

Botswana Experience

Anja, our agent, was very kind and helpful all the time to organize the perfect trip. She did it quickly and efficiently. The amount of days we spent in every place was perfect to really enjoy the hotels and the different activities they proposed (in general the hotels are very nice but we don’t have the time to really experience the place but here we did). Also the selections of hotels was very very nice. Nice infrastructure, excellent service (very professional) and outstanding places to visit (all the parks were great). We had a wonderful experience with the company in Botswana.

Thank you Heleen for great service and…

Thank you Heleen for great service and always very helpful with all the changes we made. highly recommended

Keith was extremely helpful during the…

Keith was extremely helpful during the booking process. He is the only reason I continued the booking process with your firm. There were issues with your website among other things that had me feeling uncomfortable. Keith has great energy which eased my concerns. I feel the package Keith put together is great and I expect to have a wonderful trip.

Apr 9, 2024

Creating a Trip of a Lifetime

Shann Shaw was extremely patient and very helpful with getting a trip of a lifetime put together. Thank you so much for making it possible!

Keith answered all of my questions…

Keith answered all of my questions without any issues. He addressed everything that I asked and was quite prompt in his responses.

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Embark on an extraordinary journey with African Travel, where the wilderness of African safaris meets expertly curated luxury experiences. With over four decades of expertise, we meticulously select the finest accommodations and extraordinary experiences to craft unforgettable adventures tailored to your desires. Join us in uncovering the exceptional wonders of Africa on a journey that will forever etch itself into your heart and soul.

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Our most popular itinerary combining cape town, safari in greater kruger and victoria falls..

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We're Africa enthusiasts, passionate about curating authentic adventures while championing wildlife conservation and local communities. "Our team has explored every corner of the continent, and when we say "We Know Africa", you can rely on us to craft the ideal African experience for you." - Sherwin Banda, President

Nothing compares to the magic of an African safari. It offers a rare chance to connect with nature, diverse cultures, and one another. Many describe it as life-changing. Experience the magic of the wild for yourself. Watch and discover what a day on safari looks like.

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From a range of luxury accommodations to our VIP airport services, expert local guides, luxury amenities, exclusive private tours, and 24/7 concierge support, our tailor-made experiences deliver an elevated and worry-free journey.

Soar above the savanna on a hot air balloon, sleep under the African stars in a treehouse, learn wildlife photography, and spend a day with an anti-poaching unit. Our safari experts will guide you to discover the perfect experiences for your personalized African journey.

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"Amazing!! Best trip I have ever taken. I was hesitant about embarking on an African Safari, as it was outside my comfort zone. Please, if you're even considering it... DO IT. African Travel selected incredible lodges, National Parks, and ensured that whatever we needed was available." - Denise E.

Crafting your dream safari experience requires meticulous planning, and we're here to make it effortless for you. Start a conversation with us and explore the possibilities.

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7. Transsib Moscow

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Our trip organized by this Travel Plus Tour was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we landed in Bali, every detail was taken care of. The itinerary was perfectly crafted, with a mix of thrilling adventures, cultural excursions, and relaxing beach days. The local guides were knowledgeable and friendly, adding an extra dimension to our experience. We can't wait to plan our next adventure with them!

Our safari in Tanzania exceeded all expectations! Travel Plus Tour ensured a seamless journey, from booking to the safari itself. The game drives were unforgettable, spotting the Big Five and witnessing the Great Migration was awe-inspiring. Our accommodations were luxurious, and the staff was incredibly attentive. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure we'll cherish forever!

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10 Best African Countries for Safari

Posted: December 19, 2023 | Last updated: December 19, 2023

#1 Botswana

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Thus, poachers are seen as enemies of the people. As a result, Botswana has come into view as Africa's most sought-after ecotourism destination. Starting from the Chobe National Park to the Moremi Nature Reserve, you'll be able to witness numerous gems all around the country.

Back in 2014, Botswana widely banned the hunting of wild animals and implemented strict laws which are still in practice. The country resumes its zero-tolerance for poaching and their very own environmental minister, Tshekedi Khama, has even launched a shoot-to-kill policy for poachers.

Botswana, with its wildlife conservation and natural parks, is a haven for nature lovers. It is currently in the top 5, as its approach to the protection and conservation of wildlife is worth the praise. As a country, it is very forward-thinking, some may even call it aggressively forward-thinking when it comes to its preservation and anti-poaching laws.

Its fertile land provides a safe and comforting home to around 200 mammal species. This includes elephants, hippos, monkeys and so much more. Along with 650 bird species and 5,500 plants. Even though the country is still underdeveloped and most of the population live in rural households, its national parks, and sight-seeing destinations are on the top 10 of our lists.

Even though many would face some difficulties in locating Malawi on a map, given how tiny it is, the country is home to the world-renowned Lake Malawi National Park. This is practically one-third of the country and is the most biodiverse lake in the world.

Most of the land in Namibia is occupied by the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Along with that, the country also has 12 national parks and many other areas which are protected. So, if you go there for a safari, you'll have many rich areas to see and explore.

When it comes to countries with the least amount of population, Namibia is one of them. Which proves to be a good thing for nature. This is because most of the land in Namibia is still unspoiled by human filth or any sort of development, giving nature a chance to breathe.

In the country's Volcanoes National Park, you'll find 10 habituated gorilla families. Groups of 8 trekkers can visit them for one hour per day. But that's enough to get the best African safari experience. And as a nature lover, you'll enjoy the experience to the max.

If you've been around for some time, you'll be familiar with Rwanda's mountain gorillas. They were famously broadcasted and their fight for survival was shown on  National Geographic . This was all thanks to the late  Dian Fossey  back in the 1970s who advocated for the rights of these mountain gorillas throughout her life.

Considering the tragic history surrounding the mass genocide of the people of Rwanda back in 1994, it's truly a blessing what the country has achieved in the past 25 years. There have been countless investments in infrastructure. This has resulted in the country being a very fast-growing destination for ecotourism.

#6 South Africa

But given all the advantages, it's safe to conclude that South Africa also suffers from over-tourism. I mean, if you have so many great attractions, people will flock towards it. Chances are that you'll find yourself in the middle of dozens of unruly visitors who are not too keen on obeying the rules. This occurs mostly during the peak seasons.

Annually, the country has one million visitors. Its biggest attraction is the Kruger National Park with its enrichment in biodiversity. Visitors there also have the liberty to self-drive, thus, getting a first-person private but superb experience. 

For some time now, South Africa has been climbing the charts to become one of the most popular destinations for African safaris. Given its location, South Africa is a very convenient and cheap destination for people from the United States. Besides that, the country also boasts a well-developed infrastructure which makes it perfect for luxury travelers as well.

#7 Tanzania

One of the most popular locations would be the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The country is also a haven for 1100 different bird species. It's no wonder that Tanzania gets this much rep. Especially when the country boasts so many wonders.

We talked about Kenya being the top destination for Safari. Now Tanzania here takes second place in being the continent's most popular safari destination. And why shouldn't it? The country has 16 national parks and an extraordinary amount of wealth and wildlife wonders for the people to witness.

Some of its natural attractions include housing the highest mountain range in Africa. It also has the world's largest free-standing volcano and the second-largest freshwater lake. With its 30 national parks and other wildlife reserves, Uganda boasts many more sanctuaries which are worth the visit. Especially if you're a lover of nature and wildlife.

Often called "The Pearl of Africa", Uganda is certainly a great pick for an African safari. Its reputation as being one of the best ecotourism destinations comes from the country's natural attractions and wildlife.

Out of its 20 national parks, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to many wildlife animals such as African elephants, Angolan giraffes, Cape buffalo, etc. Other than that, there are many private ownerships of National parks, notably the Kasanka National Park which is near the basin of Lake Bangweulu. It's a safe place where visitors can see 400 different avian species.

Zambia may be a bit far down the list of popular destinations for your African safari, but many consider it to be a destination for diversified and immersive safari experiences, and making a notable feature on our 10 Best African Countries for Safari guide. The country is steadily focusing on conservation as their president has shown a keen interest and is working on building the nation's economy as well as the infrastructure.

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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 63 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
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• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
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Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
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White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
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Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
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• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
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New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

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Back in the USSR - 7 days

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The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

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• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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