13 minute read
Africa
AFRICA
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AFRICA
A continent filled with whimsical landscapes, blazing red sunsets, and the Big Five
Tanzania safari and birdwatching
Explore the Selous and rugged Ruaha, two remote game reserves, for a safari experience that caters to those who want to get out of a vehicle and touch the earth.
HIGHLIGHTS ● Search for migratory birds in Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. ● Cruise the Rufiji River on a sunset boat trip, looking out for hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. ● Enjoy walking safaris with knowledgeable conservationists, learning to spot creatures big and small. ● Spot lions, wild dogs, elephants, and giraffes on multiple game drives.
9 -DAY SAMPLE IT INERARY
A hippo and, bottom left, a lilac-breasted roller
TRIP DESIGNED BY
“Captivated by the wildness of Africa, I have returned to the continent over and over again. The dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique cultures create a truly dynamic travel experience. Exploring the remote corners of Ruaha is complemented by a dramatic change of scenery in the Selous.” Tom Wilkinson
STARTING PRICE $7,890 per person, includes all accommodations, excursions, and transfers.
1 NIGHT Dar es Salaam
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Arrive into Dar es Salaam. Wake up with the sun, ready for a light aircraft flight to Selous Game Reserve.
4 NIGHTS Selous Game Reserve
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Take boat cruises along the reserve’s waterways – Africa’s largest yet seldom visited – on the search for hippos and giraffes. Enjoy morning walking safaris, and afternoon game drives in pursuit of wild dogs and lions. Count how many of the 440 bird species in the park you can spot. Stay in small, intimate camps where the sounds of the bush provide nightly lullabies.
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3 NIGHTS Ruaha National Park Visit Ruaha to discover a diverse landscape of wetlands, mountains, sand rivers, high plateaus, and rocky outcrops. Spot wildlife on walking safaris and game drives. Stay in a lodge on top of a flat-topped hill, with views over the savannah. Stride amid baobab trees on guided walking safaris. Seek the yellow-collared lovebird and some of the other 450 bird species found in the park. Game drive in search of lions, leopards, and elephants.
EXPLORE FURTHER
WHERE TO STAY Siwandu, Selous Game Reserve On the fringe of Lake Nzerakera, in the best game-viewing area in the Selous, Siwandu dominates a long stretch of lake-shore. The boat trips here come highly recommended for bird lovers.
Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Park The circular rooms here are stylish and offer expansive vistas of the raw wilderness surrounding the lodge. The infinity pool is a perfect choice for hot days.
Meet our safari specialists
Amy Czarnecki Amy has traveled all over the world, but her heart belongs to Africa. As an East Africa specialist, she knows Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania inside out. An expert on the region’s best safari destinations. Amy has explored Kenya’s many wildlife conservancies, toured Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, and discovered Zanzibar’s best beaches.
W H AT ’ S YO U R TO P T I P F O R S OM E O N E P L A N N I N G T H E I R F I R S T S A FA R I ?
David Katwiwa David has traveled between the US and Kenya, his birth country, since he was six years old. He specializes in immersive safari experiences throughout this incredibly diverse country, in addition to Tanzania, South Africa, and Victoria Falls. David has spent the last three years using his expert knowledge to create unforgettable trips for Audley clients.
W H E R E I S S O U T H A F R I C A’ S B E S T S A FA R I LO C AT I O N ?
“Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is fantastic for its diversity of landscape and wildlife, combined with some truly expert guiding. I visited shortly after going to Kruger, South Africa’s most popular national park, and was blown away by Phinda’s tranquility and amazing animal encounters.”
Mike Herscott After living, working, and traveling extensively in southern Africa, Mike is a true expert on the region, and specializes in planning safaris to Namibia, Madagascar, Botswana, Zambia, and South Africa. He’s just completed an immersive research tour of Zambia, and is excited to share his insight into the country’s wildlife reserves.
W H I C H I S YO U R FAV O R I T E A F R I C A N S A FA R I LO D G E ?
Katie Sherman Katie is an expert on designing safaris in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana. From tracking elephants in the Okavango Delta to getting up-close with lions in Tanzania, Katie has traveled extensively in the region. She particularly loves Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau for its quiet lodges and varied wildlife.
W H AT W O U L D YO U R E C OMM E N D F O R A S E C O N D -T IM E R ’ S S A FA R I ?
Family adventure in South Africa
Spend time exploring the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, which offers activities the whole family will enjoy. Fly up to the greater Kruger area to search for the Big Five on safari in a private game reserve.
HIGHLIGHTS ● Explore Cape Town’s food scene with a guide. ● Take a cable car to the rim of Table Mountain for views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city. ● Kayak with penguins at Boulder Beach. ● Learn bush survival skills from a local expert. ● Take a boat trip to the prison where Nelson Mandela was once held. ● Enjoy a Big Five safari in the greater Kruger area.
Luxury penthouse accommodation
TRIP DESIGNED FOR This trip was designed for Clive and Theresa, who are celebrating their 70th birthdays. They have decided to invite their three younger grandchildren and the children’s parents. They all enjoy wildlife and cultural adventures, but are hoping for a trip that appeals to their varying levels of physical capability.
S TA R T I N G P R I C E $4,480 per person, includes all accommodations, excursions, and transfers.
Cape Town, in the shadow of Table Mountain
6 NIGHTS Cape Town
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Take a guided tour of Cape Town to learn about its history. Kayak among the penguins at Boulders Beach and visit Cape Hope Nature Reserve. Partake in a family day out at the Cape Winelands, visiting old wineries with activities and tastings for all ages. Take a boat trip across the bay to Robben Island, Nelson Mandela’s former prison. Explore the mixed Dutch, Malay, and African influences on a private culinary tour of the city.
6 NIGHTS Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Area
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Stay in a small camp overlooking a sand river, which offers chances to see various animals – big and small – from your private deck. Rise with the sun to get out on safari early while wildlife is still active. The
Penguins at Boulder Beach
Spot birds along with one of the Big Five
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area is known for big cat sightings and you should see plenty. Learn bush survival skills from a local expert.
WHERE TO STAY
Blue Views, Cape Town Blue Views is a selection of large, modern apartments with private swimming pools and fully functional kitchens that offer flexibility and comfort for larger families. All rooms are sea facing and the properties are a short walk to local amenities, restaurants, and the beach at Camps Bay.
Bateleur Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve Comfortable tented camps with an excellent location, the canvas-tented ‘roofs’ of the accommodation mean you still hear the sounds of the bush in the morning before you head out on a game drive.
EXPLORE FURTHER
Fly from the Kruger up to Victoria Falls to spend a few days viewing one of the natural wonders of the world.
SPECIALIST TIPS 1 Wake up early one morning in Cape Town to climb Lion’s Head and see the sun rise over the bay. 2 Visit the colorful neighborhood of Bo-kaap, a Malay area of Cape Town, and make sure to try a koeksister. 3 Remember to pack clothes for early-morning safaris – it can be quite chilly before the sun rises.
Botswana and Victoria Falls in luxury
Spot a range of animals in the Okavango Delta on game drives, on foot, and by mokoro (traditional canoe). End by relaxing along the banks of the Zambezi with a visit to the thundering Victoria Falls – all in ultimate luxury.
HIGHLIGHTS ● Spot hippos, elephants, big cats, and wild dogs with world-class rangers. ● Fly on light aircraft between camps, which give you a bird’s eye view of the delta. ● Take in the sights and sounds of the Okavango Delta on a water-based safari. ● Take a helicopter tour of the mighty Victoria Falls. ● Enjoy a range of reviving spa treatments.
A lion cub tries out a roar
10 -DAY SAMPLE IT INERARY
3 NIGHTS Nxabega Concession, Okavango Delta
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Arrive by plane, flying over the winding Bora River and twinkling channels of the Nxabega Concession. Float on a mokoro down the waterways, carpeted with pink waterlilies and maroon water chestnut. Explore the dry areas of the delta on foot and enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge. Sleep in a luxury tented camp and doze off to the sounds of lions roaring and hyenas whooping.
3 NIGHTS Chitabe Concession, Okavango Delta
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Partake in twice-daily game drives, staying on the lookout for big cats, elephants, and wild dogs. Explore the dry areas of the delta with expert local guides. Witness intense predator
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behavior in a big cat-rich environment. Sleep in a luxury lodge miles away from any settlement, and spy animals while lounging on your private deck.
3 NIGHTS Livingstone, Victoria Falls
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Stay in a luxury boutique hotel a short drive from the roaring Victoria Falls. Take a helicopter tour of the falls followed by a sunset boat cruise.
A safari on the water offers a new perspective
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Take a guided tour and photograph its cascades. Pamper yourself with a host of spa treatments.
EXPLORE FURTHER
Head to Mozambique to combine your safari with a luxurious beach stay in the Bazaruto Archipelago.
S TA R T I N G P R I C E $8,750 per person, includes all accommodations, excursions, and transfers.
WHERE TO STAY Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp, Nxabega Concession See wildlife from the veranda of Nxabega’s nine luxury tented rooms, and relax by fishing on the waterways.
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Chitabe Concession Enjoy views of the bush from the lodge’s private plunge pools.
Six steps to choose the perfect place to stay on safari
We pick only the best from more than 1,000 lodges
A luxury mobile tent
A lodge with a view, Tanzania
The key to an incredible African safari? Picking the perfect place to stay. From luxurious lodges to wild camps, safari accommodation comes in a variety of styles, each with its own unique guides, local wildlife, and safari experiences. We work with over 1,000 lodges and camps across Africa, and our team of specialists has seen them all. Here are some questions your specialist will ask when helping you pick your accommodation.
1. Do you want a camp or lodge? When it comes to going on safari, accommodation options can be split into two categories: tented camps and lodges.
“Tented camps are far from your average camping experience,” advises Shannon Burke, East Africa product executive, who has stayed in over 100 lodges and camps in her lifetime. Think suites under canvas, often with four-poster beds and stylish interior design. Tented camps can be mobile or permanent, simple or luxurious, and give you a close connection with the wilderness. Similar to tented camps, lodges have rooms that are individual chalets and range from rooms with few frills to opulent villas. The defining difference is that you’re surrounded by four walls rather than canvas.
2. How active do you want to be? Would you prefer to track wildlife on foot or in a vehicle? In a 4x4, you can cover a lot of ground and get close to the animals; walking safaris are a wilder experience. “Each property offers a variety of activities,” says Shannon, “and some specialize in really active safaris, such as Karisia in Tumaren Ranch, Kenya. Every day the crew packs up the camp and loads it onto camels, who carry it to the next spot, while you find the wildlife on foot.”
3. Who are you traveling with? If you’re on a honeymoon, you might want a camp that offers private dining and safari vehicles. Meanwhile, priorities for a family could include children’s activities, big bedrooms, and flexible food options. Robin’s House in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is a self-contained haven for family safaris, with two bedrooms, a swimming pool, and its own chefs and wildlife guides.
4. How remote of an experience would you like? “If you want to immerse yourself in the wilderness for a night or two, try fly camping,” says Shannon. “You walk with
a guide to a remote location, and spend the night there in dome tents, dinner is enjoyed around the campfire under the stars. There is literally nothing except you, the wildlife, and the amazing landscape.”
5. What wildlife do you want to see? All of Africa’s parks and reserves have very different ecosystems and wildlife. Is there one animal in particular you have always dreamed of seeing in the wild?
If elephants are a top priority for you, look to Chobe National Park in Botswana, or Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. For the ultimate Great Migration experience, Tanzania’s Olakira Mobile Camp – which moves between prime Serengeti wildlife areas twice a year – is an excellent choice.
6. What’s your budget? “Camps vary so much in price,” says Shannon, “from around $400 per person per night for a rustic camp, to $3,000 for an exclusive lodge.” Our specialists will always be upfront about prices, so they can advise how to get the best experience for your budget. For example, Engagi Lodge, in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offers a great-value base for gorilla trekking safaris.
