Your Guide to Africa

Africa is renowned for its incredible variety of wildlife, colourful cultures and spectacular landscapes – particularly the countries of Southern and East Africa. Deciding where to go and what to see can often be a challenge, so here are a few of our favourite styles of travel, and a selection of our most popular itineraries for your inspiration.

‍

TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS

These itineraries can be designed specifically for you. Simply let us know where you would like to go, how long for, what you would like to see, and we will design an itinerary to suit. Alternatively, you can take inspiration from one of our of many itineraries and change it to suit your needs and travel style, whether you travel alone, as a couple or with a group of friends – the choice is yours!

‍

SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS

Travel with a group of like-minded people, on a small group tour which typically operate with a maximum of 6 guests. You will be well looked after travelling in a comfortable 7-seater 4x4 vehicle with a driver/guide – a cost-effective way to travel.

‍

FLY-AROUNDS SAFARIS

A great way to reach the more remote safari lodges and camps, in some of the most pristine wilderness areas, a fly-around safari is your best option. Light aircraft flights between camps minimise dusty road trips and maximise your time on safari.

‍

‍

SOUTHERN AFRICA

South Africa • Botswana • Namibia • Zambia • Zimbabwe

Southern Africa offers an excellent combination of scenery and experiences.

South Africa offers great value, combining wildlife with wineries and the stunning city of Cape Town. For a highquality, low-volume safari, Botswana is ideal for those seeking a pristine experience with fewer crowds. Namibia is a photographer’s dream, known for its scenery but also its surprisingly good wildlife viewing. For a truly untouched safari, consider Zambia, home of the walking safari. Lastly, Zimbabwe has made a comeback with incredible landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing – and no trip is complete without seeing Victoria Falls.

‍

EAST AFRICA

Kenya • Tanzania • Uganda • Rwanda

Here you will find big grassy plains and an abundance of wildlife.

Considered the birthplace of the safari, this region is home to the famous Great Wildebeest Migration and the numerous predators that follow it. This spectacular event extends into Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, which shares a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti, allowing for incredible cross-border wildlife viewing. For a different kind of adventure, Uganda and Rwanda offer the unique opportunity to trek and witness the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

‍

Safari - Must-Knows!

Not all safaris are equal!  Here we are going to explain some important aspects to be aware of to ensure the best fit for you.

‍

NATIONAL PARKS

Owned and managed by local government, these parks are established to protect wildlife and their natural habitats. Often large and with great roading, these parks tend to attract larger visitor numbers, meaning wildlife sightings can be crowded. For example: Kruger National Park in South Africa, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

‍

PRIVATE GAME RESERVES

These reserves are privately owned and managed, with conservation and tourism working in harmony. With fewer visitor numbers, guests will enjoy a quiet and pristine safari experience, with the added opportunity for night game drives or walking safaris. For example: Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

‍

CONSERVANCIES

Protected areas owned and managed by local communities and not-for-profits which have a greater focus on sustainable tourism practices and benefits to the local community. Conservancy areas offer additional cultural and wildlife encounters. For example: Suyian Conservancy in Kenya.

‍

TENTED CAMPS

Tented camps or ‘glamping’ are an authentic way to experience Africa’s wilderness in comfort and style. Set in remote locations, the camps feature modern comforts such as plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, a decking area to relax – sometimes with plunge pools! Mobile tented camps move location periodically with the seasons or to follow the Great Migration. These camps feature private hot bucket showers, toilets and comfortable beds.  For example: Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in the Masai Mara; or Serengeti Under Canvas in Tanzania (mobile).

LUXURY LODGES

These lodges are set in prime locations within private game reserves away from the crowds. Guests will enjoy every comfort from spacious suites with private decks to world class service and fine dining. The true value of a luxury lodge lies not only with the setting but in the personalised safaris offered by highly skilled guides who ensure guests enjoy pristine, up-close and unforgettable wildlife encounters. For example: andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge in South Africa.

‍

PLANNING YOUR African Safari !

Africa is a big continent – unless you have plenty of time (and budget) we suggest visiting one or two countries and seeing them well. It is recommended to allow time for travel to/from different regions (e.g. linking eastern and southern Africa).

• How long do you have to explore?

• What are you hoping to see and experience?

• What standard of accommodation is wanted?

• What is the anticipated budget?

We tailor-make itineraries to suit your travel style and needs. With a beautiful range of 4- and 5-star lodges and camps, we can also include a range of experiences such as photography, boating, fishing and horseback safaris

‍

Contact Shannell today to help plan your next amazing African Safari!