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Tailor-made African safaris from the experts
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Tailor-made African safaris from the experts

Inspire me

Your African safari starts here

Expert Africa is an award-winning travel company specialising in high-quality, tailor-made and sustainable safaris to Southern and East Africa.

We take pride in being the most knowledgeable safari specialist out there. Over the last 30 years, we've built an incredibly experienced team of people passionate about all things Africa and become a respected resource for travellers looking to discover our favourite continent's incredible wildlife, people and landscapes.

There's nothing like first-hand experience, which is why our experts spend time each year on the ground visiting the latest camps, finding hidden gems and seeing friends we've worked with for decades.

This is all so we can create and deliver an unforgettable safari experience that is perfectly suited to you. Whether it's a first safari or your seventh, seeking a back-to-basics bush adventure or looking to indulge in a little luxury, explore our site and get in contact so we can start planning your trip.

25 years in travel

Years in travel

10,517 safaris organised in the last 17 years

5,890 unedited reviews

EXCELLENT

5600 out of 5890 travellers rated their trips as excellent overall

"Absolutely life changing. I will be booking again and suggest you do the same."

Miss S fromLondon

Visited: Zambia

Travelled: 7 Sep - 18 Sep 2024

Overall trip rating: Excellent

"Second time travelling with Expert Africa and, again, they did not disappoint. "

Mrs J.fromCookstown

Visited: Botswana

Travelled: 7 Sep - 16 Sep 2024

Overall trip rating: Excellent

"A great holiday which fully met our expectations."

Mr & Mrs BfromAvon

Visited: Botswana, Namibia

Travelled: 5 Sep - 23 Sep 2024

Overall trip rating: Excellent

"Thanks to Expert Africa, we find ourselves yearning to return to Africa"

Ms D and Mr BfromNC

Visited: Zambia

Travelled: 5 Aug - 21 Aug 2022

Overall trip rating: Good

"From the initial conversation with Claire to the end... service was faultless."

Mr A.fromUnited Kingdom

Visited: Zambia

Travelled: 17 Aug - 3 Sep 2024

Overall trip rating: Excellent

Our areas of expertise

Discover 1,017 camps, lodges & hotels in 12 amazing countries.
Explore where we can take you in Africa.


Positive impact and giving back


We’re acutely aware that the places that Expert Africa features are some of the most pristine and delicate wilderness areas in the world. They are also home to some of the world’s most iconic species. We’re conscious, too, that we have a responsibility not only to help protect these places but also to promote the benefits they provide to the people who live in them, and who dedicate themselves to protecting them.

This is a shared responsibility involving our travellers, the camps and lodges on the ground and ourselves at Expert Africa. We don't simply pay lip service to this responsibility; we actively take the lead on it. This is a genuine commitment and not the often-observed tokenism prevalent in much of our industry. Promoting actions that look good but usually have little meaningful impact is not what we are about. Expert Africa is different.

More about sustainability

11 charities supported

charities supported

1,662 trip wildlife reports completed

67,620 species sightings recorded

Key species & where to find them


Lion

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.

81% SUCCESS

3,287 sightings from 4,064 observations

Where to see lion in Africa

Leopard

Leopard

Panthera pardus

The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.

47% SUCCESS

2,115 sightings from 4,507 observations

Where to see leopard in Africa

Cheetah

Cheetah

Acinonyx jubatus

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.

33% SUCCESS

1,116 sightings from 3,422 observations

Where to see cheetah in Africa

Wild dog

Wild dog

Lycaon pictus

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.

32% SUCCESS

956 sightings from 3,008 observations

Where to see wild dog in Africa

Mountain Gorilla

Mountain Gorilla

Gorilla beringei

The world’s most impressive primate, the mountain gorilla inhabits a handful of locations in Africa’s equatorial cloud forests, where guided treks offer an intense wildlife experience.

100% SUCCESS

47 sightings from 47 observations

Where to see mountain gorilla in Africa

Chimpanzee

Chimpanzee

Pan troglodytes

The chimpanzee is our closest living relative. This highly intelligent great ape is a forest animal with a sophisticated social life. Any encounter in the wild is a memorable experience.

100% SUCCESS

28 sightings from 28 observations

Where to see chimpanzee in Africa

Aardvark

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.

2% SUCCESS

78 sightings from 3,585 observations

Where to see aardvark in Africa

Black Rhino

Black Rhino

Diceros bicornis

The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.

30% SUCCESS

660 sightings from 2,199 observations

Where to see black rhino in Africa

Brown Hyena

Brown Hyena

Parahyaena brunnea

This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.

16% SUCCESS

261 sightings from 1,655 observations

Where to see brown hyena in Africa

Buffalo

Buffalo

Syncerus caffer

One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.

83% SUCCESS

2,790 sightings from 3,368 observations

Where to see buffalo in Africa

Eland

Eland

Taurotragus oryx

Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.

48% SUCCESS

1,551 sightings from 3,210 observations

Where to see eland in Africa

Elephant

Elephant

Loxodonta africana

By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.

91% SUCCESS

3,969 sightings from 4,367 observations

Where to see elephant in Africa

Gerenuk

Gerenuk

Litocranius walleri

With its slender frame and extraordinarily long neck, this unmistakable East African antelope resembles an attenuated impala and often stands on its back legs browse high shrubs.

76% SUCCESS

93 sightings from 123 observations

Where to see gerenuk in Africa

Giraffe

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.

86% SUCCESS

3,804 sightings from 4,431 observations

Where to see giraffe in Africa

Hippo

Hippo

Hippopotamus amphibius

The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.

89% SUCCESS

2,913 sightings from 3,258 observations

Where to see hippo in Africa

Oryx

Oryx

Oryx sp.

Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.

69% SUCCESS

1,422 sightings from 2,056 observations

Where to see oryx in Africa

Meerkat

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.

21% SUCCESS

92 sightings from 446 observations

Where to see meerkat in Africa

Pangolin

Pangolin

Smutsia sp.

Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.

2% SUCCESS

60 sightings from 3,611 observations

Where to see pangolin in Africa

Roan antelope

Roan antelope

Hippotragus equinus

Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.

24% SUCCESS

536 sightings from 2,226 observations

Where to see roan antelope in Africa

Sable antelope

Sable antelope

Hippotragus niger

Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.

23% SUCCESS

517 sightings from 2,237 observations

Where to see sable antelope in Africa

Sitatunga

Sitatunga

Tragelaphus spekii

The sitatunga is the most aquatic of Africa’s antelopes and specially adapted to its swampy habitats. Though widespread across Africa, only a handful of places offer reliable sightings.

19% SUCCESS

68 sightings from 367 observations

Where to see sitatunga in Africa

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.

55% SUCCESS

2,353 sightings from 4,292 observations

Where to see spotted hyena in Africa

Striped Hyena

Striped Hyena

Hyaena hyaena

The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa. A rarely-seen nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.

14% SUCCESS

130 sightings from 948 observations

Where to see striped hyena in Africa

White Rhino

White Rhino

Ceratotherium simum

The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.

43% SUCCESS

525 sightings from 1,229 observations

Where to see white rhino in Africa

Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Connochaetes sp.

Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.

67% SUCCESS

2,670 sightings from 3,980 observations

Where to see wildebeest in Africa

Zebra

Zebra

Equus sp.

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.

84% SUCCESS

4,168 sightings from 4,956 observations

Where to see zebra in Africa

Africa holiday styles and special interests

From family friendly adventures to the wildest walking safaris, find your perfect African trip.


Beach holidays

Beach holidays

Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences

Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling

Diving & snorkelling

Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Family holidays

Family holidays

Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons

Honeymoons

Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury

Luxury

First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays. 

Photography holidays

Photography holidays

Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses

Private villas & houses

Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays

Riding holidays

Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel

Solo Travel

Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking

Walking

Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris

Walking safaris

Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing

Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris

Wildlife safaris

These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Let us help you customise your trip

All of our holidays on this site are just ideas; none are fixed. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us help you to work out your perfect trip.


Talk to an Expert

Call us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

Set up your itinerary

Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

Prepare for your trip

The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

Travel with peace of mind

After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

When you return

We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

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