Wildlife, Africa, safari adventure? Plan your trip with Expert Africa
Before diving straight into the details, we recommend taking a step back to consider what kind of experience you’re after. Our website is incredibly detailed - with in-depth descriptions and reviews of more than 950 camps and lodges across 120 regions in 12 African countries - and it can be a lot to take in at once. So start by thinking more generally about what you want from your safari. Then get in touch with us - we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
What’s your style of travel?
At Expert Africa, we specialise in individually tailored journeys,not group tours. If you prefer the freedom to travel on your own terms, with everything expertly arranged in advance and support behind the scenes, then our safaris will suit you perfectly.Every element of your trip is thoughtfully planned: flights, transfers, handpicked accommodation, and your wildlife activities, from game drives and boat safaris to guided walks, are seamlessly coordinated by our team and trusted partners on the ground.
Can you tell us who you are?
A safari means something different to everyone—whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a solo journey into the wild, or an unforgettable trip with family or friends. To help spark ideas, we’ve created a few sample itineraries that reflect different kinds of travellers and the experiences they might love.Which of our trips is best for the experience you want?
Once you’ve thought about who you’re travelling with, it’s time to consider what you’d like to experience. Whether you’re after iconic wildlife sightings, scenic hikes, underwater adventures or photographic perfection, we’ve created some example itineraries to help match your trip to your passions.What now?
After exploring these ideas, why not get in touch with one of our Africa specialists? Whether you’re just starting to think things through or have a clear vision in mind, we’re here to help you shape it. Our team has years of first-hand safari experience, travelling solo, with family, and with friends, and we understand exactly what it’s like to plan a trip that works for everyone.We’re happy to listen, answer any questions (like what should I pack? or how do camps keep wildlife out?), and help you make sense of the options. Our goal is to guide you towards the trip you want to take, not to sell you something off the shelf. We don't work on commission at Expert Africa.
Whether we begin with a phone call or an email conversation (whichever suits you best), we’ll often recommend some further reading based on what we've discussed, giving you space to think things over and chat before you’re ready to start planning your safari with us. We’ll never rush you into a decision, but if a camp is filling up for your preferred dates, we’ll let you know straight away.
“Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same. But how do you begin to describe its magic to someone who has never felt it? How can you explain the fascination of this vast, dusty continent, whose oldest roads are elephant paths? Could it be because Africa is the place of all our beginnings, the cradle of mankind, where our species first stood upright on the savannahs of long ago?”
Brian Jackman, author and safari journalist
Inspiring Safaris, Tailored for You
From thrilling wildlife encounters to serene beach escapes, these handpicked journeys are designed to spark ideas - every holiday we create is tailor-made around you.
Aardwolf Safari
5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Two sister-camps within private concessions bordering Moremi Game Reserve offer access to excellent game, varied landscapes and a range of land and water-based safari activities. A great-value safari in one of Botswana’s best wildlife regions.
US$5,830 - US$9,430 per person
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.
US$11,230 - US$17,340 per person
African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.
US$9,360 - US$16,430 per person
African Jacana Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An adventurous introduction to Botswana blending prolific wildlife, incredible landscapes and varied activities staying at relaxed camps in the Chobe Enclave, a community-owned reserve bordering the Moremi, and Makgadikgadi Pans.
US$8,550 - US$12,280 per person
Anantara Beach Holiday
6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of land and water-based activities from Anantara Bazaruto Beach Resort and Spa. A great destination for families, it offers something to keep all ages entertained as well as ample opportunity for utter relaxation.
US$2,940 - US$6,000 per person
Avocet Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on this amazing experience.
US$10,520 - US$15,860 per person
Azura Beach Holiday
6 days • 1 locations
VILANCULOS AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS AIRPORT
Stay in a stunning location on the western coastline of Benguerra Island. Elegant accommodation, a highly personalised level of care and a wide range of land and water-based activities make Azura a fantastic destination for travellers.
US$5,880 - US$6,880 per person
Bat Hawk Safari
7 days • 2 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
Explore two areas revered by safari enthusiasts with some of Africa’s best walking and some superb guiding – even by Zimbabwe’s high standards – for a varied and wonderfully immersive wilderness experience.
US$8,670 - US$9,130 per person
Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari
3 days • 1 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This is an ideal first-time safari and is the perfect add-on to a holiday in Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s biggest wildlife areas and is home to an abundance of animals.
US$2,690 - US$3,090 per person
Bateleur Fly-in Safari
7 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Classic fly-in Namibian safari staying at excellent camps. Explore Sossusvlei’s dunes and track Damaraland’s desert elephants before a safari in Etosha. Incredible scenery, good wildlife viewing and authentic cultural experiences.
US$7,300 - US$9,390 per person
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meMaps of Africa
Browse the countries that interest you most and discover the regions best suited to your perfect African holiday.
Expert Africa's 10 most recent traveller reviews
We publish every review in full - nothing edited, nothing filtered. Click below to read all 6106 reviews of Expert Africa safaris.
Iconic Wildlife & Where to See It
Discover where to spot your favourite species, with thousands of real sightings reported by our travellers from camps and lodges across Africa. Remember, some species are rare while some are rarely seen.
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
3,674 sightings from 4,539 observations
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
2,370 sightings from 5,037 observations
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
1,289 sightings from 3,855 observations
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
1,049 sightings from 3,322 observations
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
54 sightings from 54 observations
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
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
82 sightings from 3,987 observations
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
758 sightings from 2,501 observations
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
292 sightings from 1,867 observations
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
3,100 sightings from 3,738 observations
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.
49% SUCCESS
1,768 sightings from 3,572 observations
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
4,431 sightings from 4,871 observations
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.
73% SUCCESS
113 sightings from 155 observations
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
4,282 sightings from 4,994 observations
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
3,224 sightings from 3,619 observations
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
1,614 sightings from 2,334 observations
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.
20% SUCCESS
103 sightings from 507 observations
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
70 sightings from 4,029 observations
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.
25% SUCCESS
601 sightings from 2,430 observations
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.
24% SUCCESS
578 sightings from 2,440 observations
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
78 sightings from 407 observations
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
2,632 sightings from 4,798 observations
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.
13% SUCCESS
141 sightings from 1,097 observations
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.
44% SUCCESS
618 sightings from 1,417 observations
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.
68% SUCCESS
3,008 sightings from 4,452 observations
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
4,654 sightings from 5,533 observations
Discover our Safari Collections across Africa
From family-friendly adventures to off-the-beaten-track walking safaris, explore examples of African holidays tailored to your travel style and passions.
