Southern Africa is a long haul destination, therefore planning is the most important aspect of your vacation, finding the right fit can make or break your experience.
We believe that part of Southern Africa's charm is the wide variety of places to visit and the comprehensive range of travel options and safari activities to choose from. Your available time, interests and budget essentially determines the type of Southern African holiday that you choose and it is our aim to familiarise you with the different choices of safari types, styles and activities throughout the region.
With your guidance we can build a travel itinerary that will suit your style, personality and budget.
Establish your Requirements
Vacation Preferences
One country only First-time visitors often choose this option, to travel to one country at a time. In this way you can spend the maximum time exploring and acquainting yourself with a specific country.
Focus on a country with short add-ons You may want to focus on a specific country with one or more short add-on excursions to another regional country. This option will give you a sneak preview of a possible future holiday, for example you may spend a couple of weeks touring in Namibia and then take a few days to visit Victoria Falls or Cape Town as a pre or post excursion.
Regional Experience Should you have more time available then you may want to plan an extended visit to Southern Africa, opting for an all-in-one experience by visiting a combination of countries within the region.
For visitors seeking a more varied experience regular and reliable regional scheduled and charter flights conveniently connect the Southern African countries enabling them to explore two or more countries within the region.
How much money are you prepared to spend on your vacation – excluding international air fares?
Length of Vacation
How many days do you have to your disposal?
Time of Travel
This is essential information as it determines pricing and availability.
Expectations
What is important to you? What do you expect from your trip? Are you looking for a particular level of comfort or a unique experience?
Your interests
Are you interested in cities and cultures, or do you want to combine it with nature? Do you have specific interests like birding, fishing, safari, train tours, beach or wellness spa’s. Again you might want to combine these.
Type of vacation
How much activity do you want? Do you prefer a stay-put vacation; do you want to see and do as much as possible; or would you like to combine a few casual days to relax? If you want to see as much as possible, think of the option of using air travel.
Type of Accommodation
Hotel, B&B, Guest House, Self Catering, Camping, Resort, Honeymoon Retreat, Lodge, Wellness Resort or a combination of these.
Luxury Category
Do you want to travel to Southern Africa on a shoe string or do you want to travel in absolute style and luxury
Travel Partners
Are you going to Southern Africa with your family with young kids, on honeymoon or just general vacation with your partner and/or friends?
Travel Options
What type of vacation is right for you? Would you like to sit back and relax on a scheduled group tour with like-minded individuals; do you prefer a private guided safari or an independent, on-your-own vacation? A combination of these different options are possible. Please read through our Travel Options section.
Choice of Country or Countries
Each country in Southern Africa has a special appeal the choice will all depend on your interests. Please read through ourDestination Informationsection.
Special Requirements
Do you have special dietary requirements that need to be relayed to all the hotels and operators? Do you or any other member of your party have any disabilities that we must know about in order to cater for their needs?
Start Planning with us
Once you have assessed and decided on all these points, Contact Usand give us all your requirements and we will send you our suggested vacation options to suit your style.
Safari Activities
An African safari offers many exciting activities, abundant opportunities to observe wildlife and view scenic and picturesque landscapes. Activities are based on the habitat, existence of rivers, climate, wildlife and the level of experience of the guides. It is advisable to acquaint yourself with the different habitats and animal behaviour before you travel. If you decide to focus on a particular area or are concentrating on certain animals or birds, prepare yourself well and select your destination based on the safari activities that suit your interests.
Game Drives
Undertaken in open safari vehicles, game drives are conducted by an experienced driver and/or guide who has an intimate knowledge of the area, the game movement and other ecological aspects of the region. To ensure the best chance of encountering abundant wildlife, game drives usually depart in the early morning and late afternoon when it is cooler for game to hunt and graze. Night game drives are also very exciting and allows you to witness fascinating nocturnal animals.
Game Viewing
Most game viewing activities take place in the early morning and late afternoon, which maximize the chance of encountering animals when they are most active. In the warmer months most animals find shelter during the heat of the day. The greatest opportunity to see a Lion is usually just after sunrise. Other large African animals like Buffalo, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Elephant are more visible an hour before sunset.
Bird Watching
Some areas offer better bird watching opportunities than others. The greatest number of birds may be seen between October and March, when the central African migrants are present. Endemic species can be seen throughout the year.
Walking Safaris
There is no finer way to enjoy the essence of the African bush than on foot. The freedom of being in the heart of the wilderness and in close proximity to Africa's magnificent wildlife is an unforgettable experience. Walking safaris inspire a degree of respect for the wild environment, as you soon realise that you are a participant and not just a spectator.
Boating, Canoeing and Mokoro
In some camps, boating is one of the activities on offer. You can travel out into the surrounding areas by boat looking for wild game, birds and at the general scenery. You can even fish in certain areas. In Botswana you will have the opportunity to explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (traditional dugout canoes). There is no better way to relax in the wilderness than a mokoro trip through the Okavango Delta.
Other Activities
Other exciting activities may include; horse-back safaris, ballooning, quad bike drives, mountain biking, scenic flights, camping safaris...
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