Wildlife, Africa, safari adventure? Plan your trip with Expert Africa
If you’re not familiar with Africa, perhaps don’t dive immediately into the deep end of our website. With detailed reports on more than 950 lodges and camps to stay in, spread across 120 regions in 12 African countries, this website is very detailed. You may prefer to start by thinking more generally about what you want. What are you looking for from your safari holiday?
What’s your style of travel?
Thinking about your preferred style of travelling, do you like to travel independently, meeting others along the way, but not being escorted in a group? If so, then a tailor-made trip from Expert Africa will be very much your style of travel. That is what this website is devoted to. We focus on independent travel, with smooth arrangements made in advance, operated by our teams on the ground in Africa. When you’re in safari areas, your arrangements will normally include all your full board accommodation and safari activities – wildlife-viewing game drives, walking safaris, boat trips and more – as well as all your African travel arrangements. Every aspect of your trip is planned in advance.If you’re adventurous and very independent, then you might also consider a self-drive safari through Namibia or South Africa’s Cape region. Please note that Expert Africa does not offer self-drive holidays outside these countries, as reliability and motoring infrastructure are not adequate in other countries.
If you’re on a lower budget and would prefer to join a group trip on a fixed date departure, then the small-group trips of our sister-company Wild about Africa in Namibia and Botswana could suit you well.
Can you tell us who you are?
Going on safari with a group of friends is different from a honeymoon safari or a solo adventure. We’ve set up some sample itineraries to show you the kind of trips that might suit different travellers.Which of our trips is best for…. the experience you want?
Thinking about the experiences you'd like to build into your trip, we’ve created some further examples of possible itineraries that would suit you depending on the aims you have for the trip.What now?
After you’ve had a look through these ideas, talk to a specialist at Expert Africa. Even if you’re not sure what stage you’re at, feel free to bounce your thoughts off us. We’ve had years of experience of going on safari ourselves – alone, with the family, with friends. And like you, we have friends and family who need reassurance and information. We’ll happily listen to you, answer your questions (what clothes should I take?, who keeps the animals out of the camps?), and help you narrow down all the possibilities. Ultimately we’ll guide you to booking the trip that you want to do.After an initial chat on the phone, or an exchange of emails if you prefer, we’ll often suggest you read up on some of the places we’ve discussed, until you’re ready to start planning your holiday with us. We won’t push you to make any decisions – but of course, if a camp is getting full for the dates you want to stay there, we’ll let you know.
“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
Sample Africa holiday ideas
We hope you find these examples of possible itineraries inspriring. Everything we do is tailor-made for 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$4,400 - US$7,660 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$9,900 - US$16,050 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$7,780 - US$12,800 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$7,540 - US$11,910 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$2,670 - US$5,660 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$9,280 - US$14,680 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$4,690 - US$5,720 per person
Banded Mongoose Safari
8 days • 2 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
A safari to two beautiful spots in northern Zimbabwe – peaceful Lake Kariba and wild Mana Pools National Park – staying in great-value camps with celebrated guiding.
US$6,960 - US$8,680 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$8,110 - US$10,240 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$2,430 - US$3,030 per person
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Key animal species and where to find them
We show you where to find your favourite species.
Thousands of our travellers' reported sightings from our lodges and camps.
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
2,592 sightings from 3,199 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.
46% SUCCESS
1,651 sightings from 3,554 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.
32% SUCCESS
862 sightings from 2,718 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.
31% SUCCESS
747 sightings from 2,373 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
37 sightings from 37 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
67 sightings from 2,890 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
525 sightings from 1,724 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
211 sightings from 1,305 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
2,181 sightings from 2,641 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.
48% SUCCESS
1,220 sightings from 2,551 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
3,116 sightings from 3,439 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.
78% SUCCESS
75 sightings from 96 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
2,987 sightings from 3,484 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
2,268 sightings from 2,547 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.
70% SUCCESS
1,147 sightings from 1,636 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.
22% SUCCESS
78 sightings from 354 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
47 sightings from 2,849 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.
22% SUCCESS
395 sightings from 1,769 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.
22% SUCCESS
381 sightings from 1,769 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.
17% SUCCESS
50 sightings from 290 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.
54% SUCCESS
1,818 sightings from 3,381 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.
14% SUCCESS
105 sightings from 726 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.
43% SUCCESS
419 sightings from 970 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.
67% SUCCESS
2,120 sightings from 3,153 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
3,281 sightings from 3,898 observations
Africa holiday styles and special interests
From family-friendly adventures to the wildest walking safaris, find your perfect Africa trip with these examples.
