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Africa
Africa
Africa
Africa
Africa
Africa
Africa

The annual wildebeest migration making a crossing in the Maasai Mara.

Canoeing in the Lower Zambezi: there's big game on the Zambian and Zimbabwean banks of the river.

A balloon in the still air of dawn, taking off over the Namib Desert.

A traditional hunting party sets off across the Kalahari just after the rains

A herd of Elephant roams the plains Arusha at the boot of Mount Meru.

Cape Town spreads around the feet of Table Mountain

A dip in the turquoise waters around Vamizi Island, Mozambique

Africa

Wildlife, Africa, safari adventure? Plan your trip with Expert Africa


Africa
Are you thinking of a safari holiday in Africa? If so, this first page of the Expert Africa website is a great place to start planning. You’re probably full of questions: Where to go? How to choose among so many options? How much will it cost? At Expert Africa, we’ve been working for more than 25 years, guiding travellers from all over the world to the parts of Africa and the safari itineraries that will suit them best. Read on below, and then call us.

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.

  • Families, especially those with younger children, will want to focus on family-friendly camps and lodges.
  • Groups of friends or families will find inspiration in the idea of taking over a private villa, safari camp or large house.
  • If you’re a solo traveller you will want to include camps and lodges that are single-friendly.
  • And if you’re planning your honeymoon you’ll find dreamy ideas in Africa’s most romantic safari camps.
  • 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.

  • As an obvious example, most Expert Africa travellers love wildlife, and all our safari itineraries cater well for animal enthusiasts, so the choices are very wide. We’ve highlighted just a few inspiring ideas in our wildlife safari suggestions.
  • You’ll find some regions of Africa are great for hiking – and we’ve drawn attention to these in our walking pages.
  • If you want to leave the vehicle behind and strike out on foot, then browse through these examples of some of Africa’s best walking safaris.
  • If you’re a keen birdwatcher, you’ll find inspiration in our examples of possible birdwatching itineraries.
  • 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.


    Itinerary image

    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$5,220 - US$9,290 per person

    Itinerary image

    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

    Itinerary image

    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

    Itinerary image

    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$7,770 - US$12,280 per person

    Itinerary image

    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

    Itinerary image

    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

    Itinerary image

    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

    Itinerary image

    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$7,880 - US$9,130 per person

    Itinerary image

    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

    Itinerary image

    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$5,620 - US$8,870 per person

    View all holidays to Africa

    Inspire me

    Need inspiration?

    Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

    Inspire me

    Maps of Africa

    Explore the countries you're most interested in.
    Find the best areas for your holiday in Africa.


    Reference map

    Expert Africa's 10 most recent client reviews

    All travellers' feedback is published in full – we never edit reviews. Click the button below to browse all 5700 reviews of Expert Africa trips – and counting…


    99%
    5700 reviews since August 2007
    Excellent
    5422
    Good
    235
    Average
    31
    Poor
    10
    Terrible
    2
    Mrs B from Bracknell

    Arrived 10 Feb 2024, 15 nights

    "My Feb 2024 trip"

    "A truly magical honeymoon which we both thoroughly enjoyed …" Read Mrs B’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Excellent

    LJ and DJ from GJ

    Arrived 6 Feb 2024, 20 nights

    "My Feb 2024 trip"

    "Tanzania is a beautiful country with a lot of culture, wildlife, and birds …" Read LJ and DJ’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Excellent

    Mr & Mrs K from from Wales

    Arrived 15 Feb 2024, 14 nights

    "My Feb 2024 trip"

    "not our best trip with you... excellent last camp …" Read Mr & Mrs K from’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Average

    Flying Dutchmen from NL

    Arrived 7 Feb 2024, 17 nights

    "This was truly very special!"

    Overall rating: Excellent

    Dr W & Dr D from Leeds

    Arrived 19 Jan 2024, 15 nights

    "My Jan 2024 trip"

    "We love our trips to Kenya to see wildlife …" Read Dr W & Dr D’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Excellent

    Mr & Mrs H from Kent

    Arrived 13 Feb 2024, 14 nights

    "My Feb 2024 trip"

    "We had never been to Zambia in the emerald season before, …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Excellent

    Mr & Mrs D from Kent

    Arrived 25 Jan 2024, 18 nights

    "My Jan 2024 trip"

    "Jessica was extremely efficient and helpful right from when we started planning. …" Read Mr & Mrs D ’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Good

    Linda M from Newcastle

    Arrived 12 Feb 2024, 12 nights

    "My Feb 2024 trip"

    "we rated Expert Africa the best we have used. …" Read Linda M’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Excellent

    Puchto from Buffalo

    Arrived 11 Feb 2024, 10 nights

    "My Feb 2024 trip"

    "Entire trip was fantastic...logistics of the trip were executed fantastically …" Read Puchto’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Excellent

    Mr & Mrs R from Glos

    Arrived 6 Feb 2024, 14 nights

    "My Feb 2024 trip to Kenya "

    "It was a great mix of different parks and conservancies. …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

    Overall rating: Excellent

    See all Africa reviews

    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

    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.

    82% SUCCESS

    2,934 sightings from 3,600 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

    1,875 sightings from 3,986 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

    1,008 sightings from 3,047 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.

    31% SUCCESS

    840 sightings from 2,672 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

    42 sightings from 42 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

    67 sightings from 3,205 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.

    31% SUCCESS

    607 sightings from 1,963 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.

    17% SUCCESS

    239 sightings from 1,448 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

    2,472 sightings from 2,982 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.

    49% SUCCESS

    1,405 sightings from 2,877 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

    3,504 sightings from 3,850 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.

    79% SUCCESS

    88 sightings from 112 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

    3,374 sightings from 3,911 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

    2,562 sightings from 2,875 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.

    70% SUCCESS

    1,272 sightings from 1,823 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.

    22% SUCCESS

    85 sightings from 395 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

    52 sightings from 3,201 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.

    23% SUCCESS

    457 sightings from 1,958 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.

    22% SUCCESS

    436 sightings from 1,952 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

    60 sightings from 316 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

    2,098 sightings from 3,799 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

    121 sightings from 868 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.

    44% SUCCESS

    476 sightings from 1,083 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.

    68% SUCCESS

    2,383 sightings from 3,524 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

    3,684 sightings from 4,366 observations

    Where to see zebra in Africa

    BENGUERRA LODGE in BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO

    Africa holiday styles and special interests

    From family-friendly adventures to the wildest walking safaris, find your perfect Africa trip with these examples.


    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.

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    Africa