Bushtracks Expeditions Africa Travel Catalog 2024/2025

Hello Bushtracks Explorers,

I’ve been sharing Africa with adventurous souls like yours for 35 years now. Yet I’m continually delighted to find ways to deepen the experience travelers have with some of the most exciting places on Earth. I want to tell you how Bushtracks will connect you even more to the wild world I love so much. In your hands you have our latest publication, Bushtracks Custom Safaris, which shares some of the magic of Africa, suggests some of our favorite itineraries and details why you can trust Bushtracks to plan and deliver your next African adventure.

The Brothers Tett

As you may know, my brothers and I grew up in what is now Zimbabwe. Christopher, Nicholas and I have spent our lives sharing Africa with as many kindred spirits as we can, I from the United States, Nick from the UK and Christopher from within Africa. We have now officially merged our companies to ensure wrap-around luxury and seamless service for all travelers. From planning your travel to the adventure of a lifetime, you’ll be in good hands with the Bushtracks family.

Positive Partnerships

Our personalized safaris have earned us a referral rate higher than 60 percent and, over the years, the trust of partners like the African Wildlife Foundation and National Geographic Expeditions. Our partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) ensures that our donations are directed to the projects that most effectively support Africa’s wildlife, wildlands, and communities.

Scan to Explore Further

Throughout this catalog you will find QR codes which will take you to our sample itineraries, our gear store, or our conservation partner’s website. Simply open the camera app on your phone and hover over the code where a link will appear. Try it out on this code to subscribe to our newsletter for our latest trips, adventure reports, and top travel tips.

I invite you to read further and, perhaps, you’ll be inspired to look into the possibilities. I’m hoping that you may personally connect with Africa the way so many others have. It’s the cause to which I’ve dedicated my life.

DAVID TETT

1% for Conservation

A LONG HISTORY IN AFRICAN CONSERVATION

Bushtracks was founded by the Tett family in 1989; their African heritage goes back six generations. For more than 30 years they have focused on building Africa’s premier safari outfitter, and developing a solid reputation for authentic safari experiences. When you travel on a Bushtracks safari, it’s planned by people who are closely connected to the continent’s wildlife and wildlands. You’ll explore wild places we know intimately - natural habitats with safari lodges set in the best wildlife locations, and true to African traditions and sustainable practices.

THE VALUE OF SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AND SAFARIS

Current world events have brought great clarity to the vital importance of sustainable travel and how it supports wild places and their cohabitating communities. Each safari camp we use is an experience economy - it hosts travelers who pay a premium for the privilege to explore pristine ecosystems and photograph the world’s most majestic creatures. Our travelers’ dollars fund jobs, each of which supports an average of 8 family members in the local community. Collectively these safari camps manage and protect millions of acres of wildlands, and fund hundreds of communities. Simply staying at our hand-picked safari camps means you have contributed handsomely to the conservation of these magical places.

BUSHTRACKS GIVES 1% TO CONSERVATION

Beyond sustainability, Bushtracks supports the continuing work of the Wildlife Conservation Network with a donation of 1% of the retail cost of every safari. Our partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) ensures that your donations are directed to impactful projects such as the Painted Dog Conservation and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, effectively supporting Africa’s rare wildlife, wildlands, and local communities.

Southern

Zambezi

Best

Ngorongoro,

Serengeti

Kenya’s

ABOVE: Tett family and friends in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), 1960’s. David’s grandfather, Mike Barry, is 2nd from the right.

BELOW: Bushtracks Co-CEOs Christopher (left) and David (right) Tett, standing on Loco 523 which shunts the Bushtracks Steam Safaris in the Victoria Falls region.

Bushtracks: The Bridge Between Two Worlds

THE TETT BROTHERS UNITE USA AND AFRICA, MERGING DIVERSE EXPERTISE UNDER ONE GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED BRAND.

Whether you dream of following the Big Five as they roam the savannahs, trekking mountain gorillas, sitting on white sand beaches, drinking wine at celebrated Cape Town wineries, visiting local village artisans, or maybe a mix of all of these, the combined power of Bushtracks, both at home and in Africa, will make your dreams a luxurious reality.

Africa captures imaginations and thrills visitors because it is so far outside of our everyday life. Wildlife you’ve only seen in documentaries seems so much wilder when you’re just a few meters away. The Bushtracks experience is one of immersing you in the spirit of Africa, while retaining the comfort, service and amenities of a luxurious journey.

The secret to our success, and the reason we have so many return travelers, is the structure of our business: Bushtracks is two leading entities in African travel, one in the US and one in Africa, merged into one.

BUSHTRACKS EXPEDITIONS – THE UNITED STATES

Your journey starts with meticulous planning here in the U.S., where travel planners with over three decades of safari planning knowledge seamlessly collaborate with our team in Africa. We’ll craft an itinerary that captures all the magic you’re looking for, while making travel effortless.

BUSHTRACKS AFRICA – VICTORIA FALLS REGION

Bushtracks Africa is a luxury destination management company on the ground in Victoria Falls, with nearly 100 staff members, fleets of vehicles, coaches, river vessels, and two historic excursion steam trains. It is the premier ground handler in the region hosting thousands of independent travelers, travel groups, conferences, and major events of this iconic destination. This advantage, unique to Bushtracks, ensures you and your family will always experience the wrap-around luxury that only we can provide.

BUSHTRACKS – ONE COMPANY

Bushtracks is built on the foundation of three brothers’ bond. Nicholas, David, and Christopher Tett, children of a multigenerational Zimbabwean family, were brought up in Harare and enjoyed all the enchantment the African bush has to offer. Their parents, Jennifer and Michael Tett, enjoyed camping safaris with their boys in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Okavango Delta in Botswana, and many national parks in Zimbabwe; curiosity and love for the wildlife and wildlands was sparked in all. Michael served as their guide, leading his family on bush walks through game-rich savannahs. Years later, the three brothers were inspired to give others the opportunity to experience the allure of safari and founded Bushtracks in 1989. Today, Christopher and his wife Samantha Tett, founders of Bushtracks Africa, continue to spearhead the company’s operations based in Livingstone - Zambia, Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe, and Kasane – Botswana; David operates Bushtracks Expeditions in the United States and Nicholas oversees Bushtracks as Chairman from London. Family is the core of our business, making us the ideal company to help yours.

The Bushtracks Difference

A Bushtracks safari is an exhilarating adventure. An authentic, personalized experience designed by Africans, that transports you into pristine wildlife habitats and remarkable landscapes. Planned by experts, and accompanied by dedicated naturalists, you’ll discover a uniquely wild world and vibrant communities.

• We are a family-owned safari outfitter that has long-standing relationships with Africa’s premier safari camps, and a team of planners with insider knowledge who thoughtfully construct each safari to match your preferences.

• With six generations of African heritage , we’ve designed high-quality custom safaris for 35 years that deliver an authentic and wild safari experience.

• We are logistical specialists . With 35 years of experience in trip-planning and aviation, we can design efficient routings that save travel time, allow more time on safari, and advise you when private air enhances your itinerary.

• Our personalized safaris have earned us a referral rate of over 60% , and the trust of partners like National Geographic Expeditions.

• We are firmly established with staff in Africa and the U.S., here for you 24 hours a day so you can travel with peace of mind.

• 1% of your safari cost goes to wildlife and community projects of the Wildlife Conservation Network’s conservation partners.

• As a U.S. registered company, your travel investment is protected in a U.S. Traveler’s Trust account with FDIC insurance. We also eliminate currency fluctuations and monitor your trip from start to finish.

TRUSTED TRAVEL PARTNER

SINCE 1989 BUSHTRACKS HAS BEEN A TRUSTED TRAVEL PARTNER TO INDIVIDUAL TRAVELERS, AND INSTITUTIONS.

What Does a Bushtracks Safari Planner Do for You?

THE QUICK ANSWER IS: EVERYTHING, FROM BEGINNING TO END, SO YOU CAN TRAVEL THROUGH AFRICA WITH COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND.

When planning your safari there are a multitude of choices—do you go to East Africa, Southern, or both? Which private reserves or national parks have the most abundance of wildlife? Which camps suit you best— premier or classic, permanent or seasonal, tented or thatched? And which activities will suit you and your family—game drives, walking safaris, night drives, river cruises, or community visits?

The first thing a Bushtracks safari planner does is listen to learn about your specific travel parameters; how many travelers are in your party; your different ages and activity levels; your interests in wildlife, people, birds, or outdoor pursuits. What are your preferred dates of travel? Do you prefer East or Southern Africa? Are there select destinations on your bucket list and what is your travel style and budget?

Once they have a good understanding of your preferences, your safari planner will design a sketch itinerary to optimize your travel logistics, minimize travel time, and maximize your time on safari. Employing intuitive concierge service, your personal planner will add special activities and excursions, and hand-pick safari lodges and camps that match your style of travel and budget. Making use of insider knowledge and longstanding relationships, your planner will select not just the best properties in the best wildlife locations, but aim to secure the best accommodations at each, depending on priorities such as privacy and family-friendly amenities.

On top of designing a special safari experience just for you and your travel group, we’ll prepare you every step of the way. Your planner will recommend international flight routes, advise you on medical considerations and immunizations, visas, money, tipping, travel insurance, gear and packing lists, and much more.

In short, your Bushtracks safari planner adds an enormous amount of value to your safari design and experience, and to your trip preparation, engaged from start to finish, so you can soak up the safari lifestyle and travel with complete peace of mind.

Custom Itineraries

FIT (Foreign Independent Travel)

YOU CAN GO YOUR OWN WAY

Custom safaris are a great way to ensure your trip of a lifetime is exactly what you want it to be. Custom travel, known as FIT (Foreign Independent Travel ) within the trade, might be right for you if you’d like to:

• Work with a safari specialist to find the right destinations to match your party’s interests.

• Schedule on the dates that work for your calendar.

• Go up or down in budget to match your travel style.

• Fine-tune your travel to meet the specialized needs of your travelers, whether you’re bringing children, seniors or others who need accommodations that a scheduled tour can’t offer.

• Choose the activities that excite your group and make each day your own!

Don’t let the idea of independent travel intimidate you.

With Bushtracks, even when you go your own way, you’re never really on your own.

The possibilities are as boundless as the African sky.

“ “

Custom Travel FAQ’s

HOW DO I DETERMINE THE BEST DESTINATIONS TO EXPLORE?

Africa is a vast continent, with incredible wildlife, amazing natural wonders, and unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Our travel planners will work directly with you to find out what types of activities you’re interested in, then develop an itinerary that will deliver. With years of safari planning experience, they know where you’ll find the perfect adventure.

WILL I GET LOST?

No. We will be with you every step of the way. At each destination, you’ll experience wrap-around hospitality which starts as soon as you land, greeted by lodge staff and taken to your accommodations. When it’s time to leave, they’ll accompany you to your next transportation.

WILL I HAVE A TOUR GUIDE?

You will have site-specific guides for each of your destinations, who know more about their domain than any general guide could. For example, if your trip includes a game drive in Kruger, a wine tour in Stellenbosch and a sea tour from Cape Town, you can’t expect one guide to be an expert in lions, cabernet sauvignon, and great white sharks. FIT travel can include an expert guide at each destination.

WHERE DO I BEGIN?

In this publication, you will find several sample itineraries that link a few of the most popular destinations. You can use one of these as a starter and customize any destination or lodging. Or your Bushtracks planner can help you start from scratch. Are you interested in wild dogs? Create an entire wild dog itinerary. Is culture your focus? Connect the most interesting villages to build an itinerary. Add a few days at the beach.

A Typical Day on Safari

While we tell our guests that there really is no such thing as a “typical” day on safari because each day holds a different adventure, there is a natural rhythm to your daily schedule on safari that is tied to the times of day the animals will be most active: early morning, late afternoon, and evenings.

The schedule that follows is a good guideline, but it may vary slightly due to your safari’s time of year. Additionally, some camps offer a variety of activities as an alternative to game viewing in a vehicle.

6:00 AM: A gentle tap at your door alerts you that a pot of coffee or hot chocolate has been delivered to your tent to help coax you from your comfortable bed.

7:00 AM: Board your safari vehicle, where you may find heavy wool blankets to ward off the early morning chill. As the sun begins to rise, the temperature warms, and you will shed your layers in favor of a cap and sunglasses. Keep your eyes open for the big cats who may be returning from a night of hunting. Mid-morning, pause and enjoy another cup of coffee and a biscuit or two.

11:00 AM: Return to camp where brunch awaits you. With your stomach full head back to your tent or to the pool for a midday siesta, review and edit the morning’s photos, take notes on what you’ve seen, or borrow a book from camp to brush up on your knowledge of African birds and mammals.

3:00 PM: Gather for afternoon tea before boarding your safari vehicle for the afternoon’s game drive, allowing you to explore a different part of the reserve. As the sun drops low on the horizon, your guide will find a vista from which you can watch a beautiful African sunset with sundowners. On the drive back to camp, keep your eyes peeled for nocturnal predators.

7:00 PM: On arrival back at your camp, you will have time for a shower before returning to the outdoor boma for a delicious dinner. Dinner is an excellent opportunity to talk with your guide about the day’s sightings, and the plan for the following day. After coffee or a nightcap around the bonfire, you’ll return to your comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep before the next day’s early rise.

Reserves & Parks: What’s the Difference?

NATIONAL PARKS

National parks are owned and managed by governments and are often well known...Tanzania’s Serengeti, South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, to name a few. They offer enormous swaths of land open to the public but within borders designed to keep wildlife contained and protected. The parks’ land masses allow animals to roam and, although enclosed, you will likely only see fences or borders when entering and leaving the parks due to their vastness.

As a government-run park, they are designed for access…the entrance fees are minimal, so the number of visitors is quite high. Because of this, the parks must impose regulations, like restricting vehicles to established roads and routes to preserve the landscape and habitats from overexploitation. These restrictions balance the need to protect with their mission to provide access.

EXAMPLE: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Sprawling across an awe-inspiring 20,000 square kilometers, Kruger National Park, managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), is the largest national park in South Africa, about the size of New Jersey. Founded by visionary Paul Kruger in 1898, Kruger is a legendary park that welcomes 1.2 million visitors a year who may spot some of the 147 mammal species, 507 species of birds, and 336 species of trees across 16 distinct habitats.

MANY OF THE STORIED WILDS OF AFRICA WOULD HAVE DISAPPEARED LONG AGO IF NOT FOR A VERY CONCERTED EFFORT TO KEEP THEM WILD. OVER A CENTURY AGO, FORWARD THINKERS BEGAN CORDONING OFF SECTIONS OF UNDEVELOPED PLAINS, BUSH, JUNGLES, AND SAVANNAHS TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES AND PROTECT WILDLIFE. BY DOING SO, THEY ALSO PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU AND OTHER VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE AFRICA’S TREASURES RESPONSIBLY AND SUSTAINABLY. BUT THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO KEEP AN AREA WILD.

PRIVATE RESERVES

Private game and nature reserves are stewarded by the private sector, i.e., foundations, non-profits, and often by the lodges operating within the reserves. They share the same conservation goal as the national parks, but private ownership relaxes the constraints of the national parks, allowing activities like night-time drives, off-road excursions, and walking safaris. The number of guests is strictly limited to curtail human traffic and protect the environment’s integrity, providing a more private, exclusive, and arguably more authentic safari experience.

EXAMPLE: SABI SANDS PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE

Sabi Sands Private Nature Reserve was founded in the 1950s by private landowners committed to conserving their lands’ flora and fauna. It lies within the Greater Kruger National Park (Kruger and its adjacent conservation areas). Some reserves are fenced off from the rest of the national park, but Sabi Sands shares an unfenced border with the national park and allows animals freedom of movement to preserve biodiversity.

Bushtracks safaris explore both national parks and private reserves to bring you the very best of Africa. Our travelers typically lodge in the privacy and luxury of private reserves such as Sabi Sands. As you plan your journey, our seasoned team will call upon their first-hand knowledge of these areas to advise and direct you toward the locales best suited for your interests and travel style.

Southern Africa’s Best Private Reserves

9 NIGHT ITINERARY

Showcasing Southern Africa’s diverse habitats and extraordinary big game viewing, this safari has delighted countless travelers to Africa, and is particularly well-suited for first time safari-goers as well as multi-generational families. Begin in South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park where naturalist guides will help you track Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos. Then head to World Heritage Site Victoria Falls for spectacular views, a visit to a village school, and adventures on the Zambezi River. End in Botswana’s Okavango Delta where you’ll explore this vast inland delta by boat, in open safari vehicles and on foot.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

You will visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta brimming with wildlife, and stunning Victoria Falls.

With three nights in a Greater Kruger Sabi Sand private reserve, you have a 90% chance of seeing the Big Five during your safari. Then enjoy nonstop fun at Victoria Falls: learn about the area’s rich history, enjoy a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, have tea on an island on the brink of the falls, or photograph the falls from a helicopter.

DAY 1 | JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Relax poolside at your stylish hotel or take the opportunity to visit one of the many cultural sites this city is known for.

DAYS 2-4 | GREATER KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives at a private game reserve adjacent to South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park. The reserve is home to large concentrations of freeroaming elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, and hundreds of other species that inhabit a variety of habitat types.

DAYS 5-6 | LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA

Tucked away on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from Victoria Falls, your lodge is ideally situated for visiting the majestic falls, or for enjoying river activities, such as fishing, boat cruises or whitewater rafting. Or, simply relax on the veranda with a cool drink and sweeping river views.

DAYS 7-9 | OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

Experience a range of land and water-based activities: day and night drives, game walks, power boating, mokoro trips and fishing. This private concession is particularly well known for wild dogs, and is also home to the big cats, plus plentiful game including impalas, kudus, giraffes, zebras and wildebeests.

DAY 10 | DEPART JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SAMPLE PRICING

FROM $13,500 - $28,000

Pricing is per person, double occupancy

CONTACT OUR CONCIERGE TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR CURRENT RATES

INCLUSIONS

Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one softsided bag, medical evacuation insurance.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare, activities not mentioned as included, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance, medical expenses such as inoculation fees or medical testing fees.

The Intangible Gifts of Family Travel

AN EXPEDITION TO AFRICA IS THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. BUT IT BECOMES SO MUCH MORE WHEN EXPERIENCED AS A FAMILY.

From the other-worldly panoramas to the awe-inspiring animal sightings, a Bushtracks journey is an unparalleled way to spend quality time together. Before children grow up, get jobs and move away, while you have the time to spend with them, take this opportunity to share the gift of family travel.

Bushtracks will plan the perfect trip and support you every step of the way. We can plan according to your family’s interests as well as address physical, dietary or personal concerns, preferences or requirements. You’ll be free to fully enjoy the experience.

Your family will reap the benefits of:

MEMORIES

There is nothing so valuable as memories. When other purchases have worn down, been used up, or put in storage, the memories that come from safari will live on in the hearts of your family for the rest of their lives. They become part of your family history.

PERSPECTIVE

The next generation of your family can have a richer view of the world and the people who live half a world away. From wise grandparents to “too cool” teens to impressionable children, everyone is changed by a journey to Africa.

FUN

A Bushtracks adventure is something every member of your family will enjoy, no matter what age. It’s always a thrill to see lions on the hunt, an elephant and her baby swimming across the river, or a herd of galloping giraffe. There are games for the kids, sundowners (evening beverages) for the adults, and fascinating people to chat with. And sometimes the biggest enjoyment is just being a family.

Tales from the Trail: “Camp Rowland”

Every year, the Rowland family has a family reunion at a beach house dubbed “Camp Rowland.” Years ago, with two of their grandchildren about to start college, they took “Camp Rowland” on the road to Africa. Judy Rowland, the matron and storyteller of the family, shares a memorable experience they had at MalaMala Game Reserve, a private reserve located next to South Africa’s Kruger National Park.

“We had moments that took our breath away, and we got to share them with our children and grandchildren. We had the opportunity to dine under a magnificent African night sky, surrounded by thousands of stars while enjoying dinner around a cozy bonfire and discussing the day’s adventures.”

Zambezi Wildlife Safari

11 NIGHT ITINERARY

Inspired by the Zimbabwean childhood of Bushtracks’ founder David Tett, come and play on the mighty Zambezi River; boating, canoeing, walking and game drives are all possible on this adventure. Start at UNESCO World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls, then seek out big game along the Zambezi at Mana Pools National Park before heading to Hwange National Park, which is known for large herds of elephant. A thrilling big game safari all the way to your last stop at a lodge on the banks of Lake Ka riba.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

Start at the stunning Victoria Falls where you may choose from a plethora of activities such as discovering the area’s rich history with a professional Bushtracks guide, photographing the falls from a helicopter, or canoeing on the mighty Zambezi.

In addition to game drives, get out and explore Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks on foot, by boat, or canoe.

End your adventure with relaxing sundowners on Lake Kariba before heading back home.

DAYS 1-2 | VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

The mighty Zambezi River plummets 350 feet in the world’s widest unbroken curtain of falling water. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘The Smoke

That Thunders’, this spectacle is one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Enjoy activities like a Zambezi River boat cruise, helicopter flight over the falls, or visiting the nearby elephant sanctuary.

DAYS 3-5 | MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

Mana means ‘four’ in Shona, referring to the four large pools formed by the river. The backdrop is the Zambezi escarpment. In the foreground, the mile-wide Zambezi River is home to crocs and hippos. Experience safaris by canoe or boat on the river, and on foot or vehicle along the riverine forest.

DAYS 6-8 | HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

Hwange has an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, created by a landscape of grasslands, mopane woodlands, salt-lick pans, and numerous waterholes. There are large herds of elephants, including old bull tuskers, big cats, and a good chance of seeing the endangered wild dog.

DAYS 9-11 | KARIBA, ZIMBABWE

Legend has it when the Zambezi River was dammed for hydro-electric power, the Nyaminyami River God sent a once-in-a-thousandyear flood to show his displeasure and the enormous Lake Kariba was created. Take an afternoon boat cruise and tie up to drowned hardwood tree trunks to watch the glorious sunset. Game drives, walks and fishing from boats are all on offer.

DAY 12 | DEPART VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

SAMPLE PRICING

FROM $13,500 - $22,000

Pricing is per person, double occupancy

CONTACT OUR CONCIERGE TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR CURRENT RATES

INCLUSIONS

Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one softsided bag, medical evacuation insurance.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare, activities not mentioned as included, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance, medical expenses such as inoculation fees or medical testing fees.

All Aboard the Bushtracks Express with Tulani Barwe

CREATING MEMORIES BEYOND LANDSCAPES: THE UNFORGETTABLE PEOPLE YOU MEET ON YOUR JOURNEY AND THEIR ROLE IN SHAPING YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.

A journey on the Bushtracks Express in Victoria Falls leaves visitors with vivid memories to cherish: a romantic view of Victoria Falls at sunset, an incredible five-course meal, the feel of a bygone era of steam train travel. But sometimes the most enduring memory is the broad, welcoming smile of Tulani Barwe.

Tulani is the manager of the Bushtracks Express, a historic steam locomotive that runs twice a week from the town of Victoria Falls to Victoria Falls Bridge. He greets guests with his exceptional warmth and his wide-ranging expertise that he has collected after decades of helping travelers get the most of their explorations.

“We go through the National Park area until we arrive at the famous and historic Victoria Falls Bridge. We spend quality time on the bridge, enjoying sunsets and the waterfalls,” Tulani explains. “I was born and raised here, so I know everything about the Victoria Falls.” For many, the train itself is the main attraction. “Steam train enthusiasts come from around the world to see and ride on it. They come here asking questions, and I explain everything that happens.”

After viewing the sunset on the bridge, Tulani checks his guests back into the train and the dining car, and they return to town while enjoying a delicious dinner.

“What I think about is someone coming from far away to enjoy this experience with us. Considering that, you want to be sure everything runs perfectly well.”

Tulani does just that. But he wasn’t always in charge of the train. Tulani began as an exceptionally bright office clerk in operations with Bushtracks, but his knowledge of the local animals, along with his sparkling personality, made him a perfect safari guide. When we launched the Bushtracks Express, he was enthralled and quickly learned everything about it. He took his office skills, his guide experience and his new-found train enthusiasm and accepted more and more of the train management responsibility. Today, you’ll find him cheerfully looking forward to your visit, so he can make your train trip absolutely flawless.

He is just one of the many caring hands that ensure Bushtracks travelers have the experience of a lifetime.

Best of Botswana & Victoria Falls

12 NIGHT ITINERARY

Start with a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site Victoria Falls for spectacular views, adventures on the Zambezi River, and a visit to a local village or school. Next, visit Botswana offering a mosaic of habitats - permanent wetlands, seasonal floodplains, grasslands, and riverine woodlands - and with it an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, from predators such as lion, leopard, and wild dog to plentiful populations of herbivores. End in Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta where you’ll explore this vast inland delta by boat, in open safari vehicles and on foot.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the stunning Victoria Falls, and the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, flush with wildlife.

Have fun at Victoria Falls: view the Falls with a knowledgeable Bushtracks guide, cruise on the mighty Zambezi at sunset, have dinner on the Bushtracks Express, or photograph the falls from a helicopter.

Botswana’s Linyanti Game Reserve and Okavango Delta are both brimming with wildlife which can be viewed from a safari vehicle, on foot, or from the water.

DAY 1 | JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Relax at your convenient airport hotel or take the opportunity to visit one of the many cultural sites for which this city is known.

DAYS 2-4 | VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE

Just minutes from Victoria Falls, hotel options vary, but are all ideally situated for visiting the majestic falls or enjoying river activities, such as fishing, sunset boat cruises or whitewater rafting. Later, relax on the terrace with a cool drink and enjoy the view.

DAYS 5-8 | LINYANTI WILDLIFE RESERVE, BOTSWANA

Guided walks, canoeing, and early morning and late afternoon game drives make your safari camp an ideal location for experiencing Botswana’s extraordinary wildlife. This is prime predator habitat as well as a hotbed of birdlife, and thousands of elephants traverse the region at the peak of the dry season in search of water and food.

DAYS 9-12 | OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

The delta has a year-round substantial herbivore population, including elephant, buffalo and lechwe, and suitable hunting terrain for predators such as lion, leopard, and wild dog. Experience a range of land and water-based activities: day and night drives, game walks, power boating, mokoro trips and catch and release fishing.

DAY 13 | DEPART JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SAMPLE PRICING

FROM $14,300 - $37,200

Pricing is per person, double occupancy

CONTACT OUR CONCIERGE TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR CURRENT RATES

INCLUSIONS

Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one softsided bag, medical evacuation insurance.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare, activities not mentioned as included, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance, medical expenses such as inoculation fees or medical testing fees.

SCAN FOR EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS

Primate Safari Planning Tips

INSIDER GUIDANCE FOR YOUR ULTIMATE CHIMPANZEE AND GORILLA SAFARI JOURNEY: NAVIGATING PERMITS, TRAILS, AND ENCOUNTERS.

Primates have the power to captivate human observers in a way few other animals can. Their closely knit troops interact in ways – whether playing, grooming, quarrelling or foraging – that are both familiar, and thrilling. If you’re thinking about a safari that incorporates chimpanzee or gorilla trekking, or a bit of both, the following should help you get started.

HOW PRIMATE TREKKING DIFFERS FROM OTHER SAFARIS

Host countries in East Africa restrict the number of primate trekking permits issued per day, so it’s very important to plan ahead and book this activity six months to a year out for peak season travel (June – September).

Gorilla trekking groups are limited to eight people per group, and chimpanzee trekking groups range from eight to twelve people per group. Also, unlike other safaris, children under 15 years of age are not permitted to track primates. Physical wellness is an important consideration. Trekking requires you to find the animals on foot which can take as little as a half hour, or up to three hours in steep, sometimes slippery, terrain although guides will organize the group according to fitness and age. Once you find the animals, you will be limited to one hour of observing them. For the more sedentary gorillas, you’ll likely stay in one place, whereas chimp observation entails following them as they move about the forest floor and canopy.

WHERE TO FIND CHIMPANZEES

Chimpanzees are humans’ closest relatives, sharing 98% of their DNA composition with humans. You can observe them in three reserves in eastern Africa: Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda, Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains National Park, and Uganda’s Kibale Forest. Chimpanzees are more mobile and faster than gorillas, and they are rarely found in the place they slept the night before. Nor do they stay put once you have found them: be prepared to follow them, walking off-trail and tagging along to watch them jump from tree to tree and interact. Overall, chimpanzee trekking can be faster paced than gorilla trekking, with denser vegetation, less established paths, but a greater sense of discovery when one finds them.

WHERE TO FIND MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

The world’s remaining mountain gorillas now number just over 1,000 and live in three countries spanning four national parks. Responsible tourism plays an important role in protecting these endangered animals, whose greatest threats come from deforestation and human encroachment.

Mountain gorillas can be observed in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either location offers comfortable eco lodges, expert guides and habituated gorilla groups. So which location should you choose? While Rwanda’s trekking takes place at higher altitude (8,200 to 9,200 feet) than Uganda (5,300 to 6,600 feet), the trekking time in Rwanda tends to be shorter, the slopes less steep. However, Uganda offers a greater choice of mid-range accommodations than Rwanda, and a classic big game safari can be more cost-effectively added to a Uganda program, making it an attractive alternative for many travelers.

“EXPERIENCING THE MIGRATION WAS LIKE WITNESSING A MIRACLE IN PROCESS. COULD IT GET ANY BETTER? YES – THE GORILLA TREKS WERE THE MOST EXHAUSTING THING WE’VE EVER DONE, BUT WORTH EVERY EXHILARATING ACHE.”

— TAMAR SHERER AND CHRIS COOPER

Ngorongoro, the Serengeti & Rwanda’s Gorillas

10 NIGHT ITINERARY

This safari combines two of the natural world’s most spectacular wildlife encounters - looking into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, and the famed wildebeest migration. Begin with the Ngorongoro Crater, with views of soda lakes, yellow fever trees, and plains game herds. Then, drive through the Serengeti to witness thousands of animals migrating across shortgrass plains. The grand finale is hiking into the foothills and forests of Rwanda, and visiting a family of mountain gorillas.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the fabled Serengeti’s migrating wildebeest.

Descend into an imploded volcano and search for black rhino.

Experience the safari life. Stay in beautifully appointed tented camps and fall asleep to the sounds of the African night.

Hike the Virunga Mountains with experts in search of rare mountain gorillas.

DAY 1 | ARUSHA, TANZANIA

On arrival in Kilimanjaro, rest up at your boutique accommodation just minutes from the heart of Arusha.

DAYS 2-3 | NGORONGORO CRATER & LAKE MANYARA, TANZANIA

Visit Lake Manyara National Park or a local community on the way to your lodge. The next day drive to the Ngorongoro Crater floor where steep lush crater walls, pink and white soda lakes, yellow fever trees, and black rhinos make this a photographer’s dream.

DAYS 4-6 | SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

There is no other place in the world where you can get such a feeling of wild expanse. Although famous for the wildebeest and zebra migration, there is always resident game that roam these ‘endless plains.’

DAYS 7 | KIGALI, RWANDA

Fly to Kigali and explore its open markets and French restaurants, or visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

DAY 8-10 | VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

There is no other park quite like Volcanoes - home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other rare forest-dwelling wildlife, as well as many endemic bird species. The slopes of heavily forested extinct volcanoes form a magnificent backdrop to your gorilla trekking adventure.

DAY 11 | DEPART KIGALI, RWANDA

SAMPLE PRICING

FROM $12,700 - $35,800

Pricing is per person, double occupancy, not including gorilla permit costs

CONTACT OUR CONCIERGE TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR CURRENT RATES

INCLUSIONS

Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one softsided bag, medical evacuation insurance.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare, activities not mentioned as included, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance, medical expenses such as inoculation fees or medical testing fees.

THERE’S ALWAYS MORE TO EXPLORE

An Insider’s Guide to the Wildebeest Migration

BY RICHARD KNOCKER

The migration is truly one of the wonders of the animal world: a million and more animals playing out their lives in the Serengeti eco-system, watched all the way by lions, hyenas, and crocodiles looking for a cheap dinner.

So, when is the best time and where is the best place to catch this spectacle?

The migration is driven entirely by standing water and grazing, and created by local weather conditions. The wildebeest want to be in the Southern Serengeti’s short grass plains, but the water and grazing cannot support them all year round. This is where they choose to give birth to their young, usually in February to March. Within a relatively short space of time, perhaps 4-6 weeks, several hundred thousand calves will be born and this is where we see much of the dramatic predator action.

The migration will then move off in search of sustenance in response to periods of dry weather, but they will leave this area as late as possible and come back as soon as they can. This means that every year is different, and, in fact, every week can be different. The migration is not a continuously forward motion. They go forward, backwards, and to the sides, they mill around, they split up, they join forces again, they walk in a line, they spread out, or they hang around together. You can never predict with certainty where they will be. The best you can do is suggest likely timing based on past experience, but you can never guarantee the migration one hundred percent.

Soon after the short rains start we would expect them to be in, or close to, the short grass plains area from December through to April. From May, the rains stop and the herds gradually start moving; generally there is a movement to the north and west, where there is more grass and more dependable water. Not all the wildebeest and zebra will follow the same route however. Parts of the migration will head to the Western Corridor and the Grumeti River before proceeding north, but significant numbers may also go up through the Loliondo area or via Seronera and Lobo.

In a dry year, the first wildebeest could be near the Mara River (the only decent permanent water in the ecosystem) in early July; in a wet year, by mid-August. The migration as a whole need not all pass into Kenya, and many stay behind or cross and re-cross the border areas. This carries on until October to November when they will start thinking of heading back. The river crossings can happen at any point during this time of year, but they are elusive, rapid, and unforgettable experiences. The groups may be split over a wide area and finding one on the brink of crossing is not a given. The wildebeest are also easily spooked and fear crossing the river, as they have an inkling that something lurks there. Patient waiting near a herd may only produce a puff of dust as they turn on their heels and run away. Or maybe the herd is just not ready to cross the river, and they are milling around contentedly. But, if everything is right, then there is utter and extraordinary chaos as the herds struggle to get to the other side of a major river filled with crocodiles.

Following the Great Migration

Richard Knocker has been a professional guide and camp manager for over 25 years, has led trips all over Africa, and has worked as a specialist guide for Bushtracks. He speaks English and is fluent in Kiswahili, French and Turkish. A passionate birder and botanist, he considers himself a privileged observer and here shares his thoughts on the Great Migration.

Serengeti Migration & The Masai Mara

9 NIGHT ITINERARY

Witness the annual spectacle of 1.5 million migrating wildebeests plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles across the 12,000 square mile Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. With stays in both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, you will have the opportunity to enjoy viewing the famous massive herds, as well as the abundant year-round resident wildlife found in the reserves. Get ready to watch the drama of survival unfold before your eyes as the largest land mammal migration on earth draws the attention of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hungry crocodiles.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

Spend a full day exploring the floor of the largest unbroken caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater.

Enjoy the wildebeest migration at your own pace, with your own driver and private guide for five days of your safari.

Maximize your migration viewing opportunities with time in the Serengeti and at a camp set on the famed Mara River.

DAY 1 | ARUSHA, TANZANIA

On arrival in Kilimanjaro, transfer to your tranquil country inn just minutes from the heart of Arusha.

DAYS 2-3 | NGORONGORO CRATER, TANZANIA

Enjoy guided safaris in Ngorongoro Crater, home to the greatest concentration of wildlife on Earth including: black rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, lions, hyenas, and zebras.

DAYS 4-6 | CENTRAL SERENGETI, TANZANIA

A seasonal tented camp puts you in the best location to see the herds, with a private guide and driver to ensure total flexibility and a personalized wildebeest migration experience. The Meru tents are equipped with comfortable beds and en suite facilities.

DAYS 7-9 | MASAI MARA, KENYA

Stay at a small camp in the Mara which enjoys a constant and unrivaled flow of wildlife throughout the year. Hippos, buffaloes, giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, hyenas and the famed herds of wildebeests and zebras are all to be found in the vast, open shortgrass plains.

DAY 10 | DEPART NAIROBI, KENYA

SAMPLE PRICING

FROM $10,600 - $30,600

Pricing is per person, double occupancy

CONTACT OUR CONCIERGE TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR CURRENT RATES

INCLUSIONS

Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one softsided bag, medical evacuation insurance.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare, activities not mentioned as included, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance, medical expenses such as inoculation fees or medical testing fees.

CURIOUS? SCAN FOR MORE

Magical Sundowners

EXPERIENCE THE ENCHANTMENT OF AFRICAN SUNSETS AND WILDLIFE WITH A TIME-HONORED SUNDOWNER TRADITION

As another beautiful African day slips away, the sky blooms in unbelievable shades of fiery orange, deep red, and soft purple. The daytime animals explore in the cooler air, and the nocturnal hunters begin to emerge. It’s time for one of the most enduring and endearing of safari traditions: the sundowner.

Whether you enjoy a glass of South African wine, a traditional gin and tonic or a non-alcoholic specialty, nothing beats a serene safari happy hour to wind down after a day filled with excitement. Sundowners are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking sunset, watch wildlife roam, and listen to the sounds of the African bush while sipping on an aperitif with your fellow travelers. For many travelers, these are the moments that stick with them as more than memories... it’s a magical feeling they carry with them forever.

BUSHTRACKS TIP:

Be sure to have your camera ready during this magical time. The “golden hour” just before sunset provides breathtaking lighting for capturing iconic shots of Africa.

Kenya’s Private Reserves

10 NIGHT ITINERARY

Many dream of visiting Africa as depicted by legendary explorers like Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway or Karen Blixen only to find themselves surrounded by crowds of fellow adventure seekers, rather than in a pristine “Out of Africa” setting. This trip delivers the safari inspired by days of yore in an untrammeled setting with stays in private wilderness reserves where you will have access to top game viewing. It also links northern and southern Kenya, giving you a chance to experience diverse landscapes and spot different species over the course of your safari.

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

Private reserves like these allow you to enjoy diverse activities not permitted inside national parks such as night game drives, walking safaris, mountain biking or camel rides.

Experience genuine encounters with Maasai, observing them walking with their cattle as they set out for the day’s grazing.

Visit the Giraffe Centre and headquarters and Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick’s acclaimed elephant orphanage in Nairobi, and also observe healthy elephant populations in the wild.

DAYS 1 | NAIROBI, KENYA

Relax in an intimate, serene boutique hotel situated outside of Nairobi.

DAYS 2-4 | AMBOSELI, KENYA

Enjoy vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, and take game drives in search of large herds of elephants, as well as hippos, buffaloes, and plains game in Amboseli National Park. Take night drives and game walks in the adjacent private conservation area, and meet the Maasai community.

DAYS 5-7 | LAIKIPIA, KENYA

This open savanna ecosystem supports a wide diversity of species, from the endangered Grevy’s zebras and elephants to the patas monkeys, Somali ostriches and Beisa oryxes, and 50% of Kenya’s black rhino population. Enjoy game drives in four-wheel-drive vehicles, or for the more adventurous, on horseback.

DAY 8-10 | MASAI MARA, KENYA

Stay at a small, classic camp, set in a private conservancy bordering the Masai Mara with expansive views of Kenya’s shortgrass plains. Take guided morning, afternoon and evening game drives in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and plains game, including wildebeests, zebras, and giraffe.

DAY 11 | DEPART NAIROBI, KENYA

SAMPLE PRICING

FROM $11,200 - $22,800

Pricing is per person, double occupancy

CONTACT OUR CONCIERGE TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR CURRENT RATES

INCLUSIONS

Domestic African airfare, accommodations, game drives, meals on safari, park entrance fees, naturalist guides, porterage of one softsided bag, medical evacuation insurance.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare, activities not mentioned as included, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, gratuities, airport departure and security tax, passport and visa fees, trip cancellation insurance, medical expenses such as inoculation fees or medical testing fees.

01 AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK | RWANDA

Situated in the phenomenally diverse northeastern corner of Rwanda and including the beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga, Akagera comprises some of the most scenic savanna in East Africa and is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as the rare sitatunga.

02 CAPE TOWN | SOUTH AFRICA

Table Mountain frames a very modern city with charm, natural beauty and a long history. Great white sharks thrill those willing to venture out. Even more adventures await just a short drive from Cape Town, including the Winelands, the Cape Floristic Region and the Garden Route.

03 CHYULU HILLS | KENYA

Hemingway described the Chyulus as the “green hills of Africa.” It is also a Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust that protects this legendary place within the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem. You will enjoy activities away from the crowds including walking safaris with Masaai.

04 KALAHARI & MAKGADIKGADI | BOTSWANA

The Kalahari is a place of rolling grasslands, wooded dunes, attracting a surprising diversity of wildlife during all seasons, and the nearby Makgadikgadi is an expanse of seasonally flooded pans. This vast area is the original home of the San Bushmen. Activities to be enjoyed include bushman walks, classic desert game drives, meerkat visits and more.

05 KAFUE NATIONAL PARK | ZAMBIA

Kafue is famous for the expansive Busanga Plains that host prides of lion and the red lechwe antelope that love the places where the wetlands meet the grasslands. When the mist rises off the drying floodplains in winter, incredible sunrises and sunsets can be experienced and dambos teem with wildlife and birds.

YOU’VE TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO AFRICA, WHY RUSH OFF?

Consider extending your stay with a trip to one of these destinations. Our travel specialists are well acquainted with each locale, and can add a few more days of excitement to your safari.

Pre & Post Trip Extensions

06 MASHATU GAME RESERVE | BOTSWANA

This private reserve offers a diverse landscape including wide open plains, riverine forest, rocky hills and marshland. Enjoy game drives in open fourwheel-drive vehicles or walking safaris from your expeditionary camp.

07 MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK | TANZANIA

A lakeside lodge at the base of the mountains is the ideal jumping off point for your chimpanzee trekking adventure and finding these primates in their natural habitat.

08 BAZARUTO ARCHIPELIGO | MOZAMBIQUE

This group of six islands off the coast of southern Mozambique lie within Bazaruto National Park and boast picture perfect white-sand beaches. Coral reefs around the islands protect rare marine animals, like dugongs, cousin to the manatee. Relax at a luxury lodge on the beach, snorkel, SCUBA dive, fish and more.

09 SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK | ZAMBIA

A complex ecosystem shaped by rivers and lagoons in this remote park provides rich game concentrations including Thornicroft giraffes, leopards, lions, elephants and hippos. Here, walking safaris are a specialty.

10 ZANZIBAR | TANZANIA

Explore Stone Town - the market, cathedrals, antiques shops and the sultan’s Palace Museum. Visit the famous Mangapwani caves, and end your adventure with a spice tour.

In Our Travelers’ Words

Safari Enthusiasts: Carol and David Sargent

“This was our second safari in East Africa meticulously planned by Bushtracks. On both, their attention to detail allowed us to relax and immerse ourselves in our diverse surroundings. Of all the places we have been fortunate to visit, Africa is incomparable. It looks, smells and feels just like you imagined before arriving. From countless game drives led by phenomenal guides, to awesome encounters with animals, to relaxing bush breakfasts and ‘sundowners,’ to interesting conversations with other travelers and locals, we truly cannot single out one speci fi c experience as a favorite above all others. Africa envelopes you and creates a state of mind and understanding like no other place. We loved sharing it with great friends.”

OUR GUESTS’ TESTIMONIALS REFLECT THE HEART OF OUR SERVICE, OFFERING A WINDOW INTO THE UNIQUE AND PERSONAL JOURNEYS THAT WE ARE HONORED TO BE A PART OF.

The Ultimate Family Vacation:

Mendelsohn Safari

“We loved it. This was the coolest vacation that we have ever been on. It was an amazing experience for myself, my wife, and kids to see these incredible African animals. Bushtracks made us feel safe in a pretty wild environment. We got to watch three wild dogs kill a waterbuck. I’ve been a lot of places, I thought it was exhilarating. I have never had the experience of seeing animals that would be in a zoo in the wild. Waking up and not knowing what you were going to see that day was exciting. It was fun being walked to our room with hippos in the way. The service at all the camps was amazing and we saw every animal we wanted to see. Everywhere Bushtracks staff met us was the smoothest part of the trip logistically. It was the best vacation ever.”

Top African Attractions for Different Seasons

The safari region spans an area about as far – and as different – as Miami is from Seattle. In general, East Africa is close to the equator and so is mostly hot. Southern Africa is mostly warm to hot, although winter mornings (July-August) in some places can tip towards freezing and occasionally below. Days, though, are invariably warm.

The biggest seasonal attraction in East Africa is the wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti ecosystem in FebruaryMarch, and then the migration crossing of the Mara River on the Tanzania-Kenya border from late August into September. But nature does not run to a Swiss railway timetable: it all depends on the rains. Typically, the short rains fall OctoberDecember and the long rains April-June. It is logical therefore that the best safari time is January-March and July-September.

Southern Africa has more distinct summer and winter seasons. Winter is usually peak safari season when water is scarce, grass is sparse and animals are easily seen. But it is also the time when the bush (or veld as the locals call it) is drab and the ground dusty. In the hotter, northern parts of the subcontinent, October is when the full heat of summer has arrived but rain has not. Humans and animals are desperate and the cruel winds, which promise rain, bring only dust.

The Victoria Falls is normally at the highest volume in March/April and will gradually taper off until reaching the lowest volume around November/December, before the seasonal rains come to fill it up again.

EXPLORE THE DIVERSE AND CAPTIVATING SAFARI REGIONS OF AFRICA, EACH OFFERING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES FROM THE EQUATORIAL HEAT OF EAST AFRICA TO THE COOLER CLIMES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA. HERE WE HIGHLIGHT THE OPTIMAL TIMES AND PLACES FOR UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS AND NATURAL PHENOMENA, ENSURING YOUR AFRICAN SAFARI ADVENTURE IS TRULY EXCEPTIONAL.

A unique destination is the Okavango Delta where, due to source rain falling far away in Angola, floodwaters start to reach the world’s largest inland delta at the end of the African summer (March). This is the time when the surrounding arid Kalahari is at its driest. From September the Delta waters start to drop again and the summer rains start some time in November.

July to September is the best time to see game here, but the green season (more or less December to April), is indeed a time of not only profuse greenery but also birds. If you are even a casual birder, all safari areas are avian hotspots, and none more than the Okavango. But don’t fret, four-legged animals are still around if maybe not so tightly concentrated.

Another unique case is the Cape of Good Hope, aka Cape Town. Winters (June-August) are wet and cold, but July to October is also high season for whale watching and shark watching, so that can be a tough call. The celebrated spring flowering in the Northern Cape’s Namaqualand (similar to the arid southwest of the United States) is July-August. Back in the Cape Town area, however, September-October is fynbos* flowering heaven.

*The fynbos biome is the tiniest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. Swedish father of ecology Karl Linnaeus called it “this heaven on earth.”

Preparing You Every Step of the Way

The anticipation of a safari is almost as exciting as the trip itself. From planning to final preparation, we pride ourselves on sustaining your enthusiasm from start to finish and making your trip to Africa one of the easiest you’ve made anywhere.

When you entrust us with your safari, we handle all of the planning logistics from camp recommendations, to timing your inter-Africa flights, to advising you what to pack. Our expert travel planners ensure that you depart well-informed and fully prepared for an adventure you will never forget.

RESEARCH TOOLS

If you’re just beginning your planning and want to learn about our tried and true itineraries, recommended destinations, and Bushtracks’ preferred camps, visit bushtracks.com . Slideshows, FAQ’s, and maps help you imagine yourself on safari.

PLANNING WITH EXPERTS ON AFRICA

When you call us to begin your travel plans, you’ll speak with one of our U.S.-based, expert travel planners who has been to Africa, and can answer your questions on a wide range of topics.

COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE

Well before you depart, we’ll send you an Expedition Planner and other Preparation documents with health and insurance information, packing lists, currency and gratuity information, and passport and visa requirements. Then, just prior to your departure we will send a Final Packet detailing your daily itinerary and other pre-travel details.

How to Create Your Custom Safari

 Get inspire d

We often hear from our guests that they don’t know where to begin planning their first trip to Africa. When you browse this brochure, you’ll find six of our most popular safari itinerary ideas to Africa’s top wildlife destinations, enjoyed by thousands of Bushtracks travelers. All of these safaris are customizable: there are no set dates or set groups. Make one of them uniquely yours by choosing the time of year you’d like to travel and selecting your travel companions, and we will do the rest, with consideration of your budget and preferred style of travel. We will add the activities that interest you and even add more time and additional destinations should you wish.

 Call our travel experts, or your professional travel advisor, to get starte d

Our U.S.-based safari planners have been to Africa and c an transform your travel goals into your dream safari. After your conversation with one of our travel planners or your professional travel advisor, you’ll receive a customized itinerary suggestion for your consideration.

 Your perfec t safari

Once you have finalized your desired itinerary with your safari planner, we will reserve your dates and space upon receipt of your $1,000 trip development fee (applied to the cost of your safari) and send you a detailed itinerary with firm quote for your review and approval. An online reservation form will be sent once you are ready to confirm your custom safari.

 Leave the detai ls to us

Upon receipt of your completed reservation packet and a minimum 30% deposit, our team will assemble a digital Preparation Packet that ensures you depart well-informed and properly geared with packing lists, practical details on medical/vaccination information, cultural considerations, monetary matters, and passport and visa information. Two to three weeks before your departure date we will email you a final package with checklists and everything you need to make your safari run smoothly.

A NOTE ON PRICING : Prices, schedules and program details are given in good faith, based on information available and in full force in January 2024 and are subject to change. Prices listed for Custom Safaris are approximate, and can vary based on time of travel, accommodation choice, room type, current transportation costs, and number of guests. Prices do not include international airfare.

The Livingstone Club

RECOGNIZING OUR GUESTS & THEIR LOYALTY

The Livingstone Club is our way of saying “Thank You.” It’s a camaraderie club of fellow Bushtracks enthusiasts and offers a range of bonuses and benefits to repeat travelers of custom safaris and Private Jet group expeditions.

• Complimentary, chauffeured luxury town car to and from your local U.S. airport within a 60-mile radius.

• $1,000 trip development fee is waived.

• Safari sneak previews & priority waitlist.

• $300 gift card to our gear store for referring friends who take their first Bushtracks safari.

Bushtracks’ Safari Duffel Bag

OUR GIFT TO EVERY BUSHTRACKS TRAVELER

PACKING SMART

A successful safari begins with smart packing: bringing everything you need to stay comfortable in the bush while staying within the luggage weight limits specified by the small aircraft we use between camps. We’ve put over 35 years of African travel into choosing a bag that meets all our requirements for durability and easy transport.

AIRCRAFT-APPROVED

The design and dimensions of this soft-sided bag comply with the limits imposed by small aircraft in Africa. Using Bushtracks’ packing list, the bag will accommodate all of your essentials, allowing you to enjoy your safari well prepared and in complete comfort.

YOUR MOBILE CLOSET

This dependable bag, constructed of durable, waterresistant fabric, has heavy-duty treaded wheels to make moving through airports easier. The roomy interior will fit all your safari necessities while still meeting the size limits of small aircraft flights into the bush.

GEAR UP & SCAN FOR MORE

Lions, Tigers & Tradewinds

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Journey by private jet from the Middle East to India and on to Africa, exploring five countries in 21 unforgettable days. With direct routes, VIP cabin service, and expedited airport formalities, you’ll arrive at each destination feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready for adventure.

Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, timeless traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty. From towering mountains to sandy dunes, endless grassy plains to shimmering shores – this is your opportunity to explore the extraordinary.

EXPLORERS SCAN HERE

Hands-On South Africa

A JOURNEY INTO THE Wild LIFE BY PRIVATE AIR

MARCH 29 – APRIL 12, 2025 | $39,895 PER PERSON | 16 GUESTS

Discover a safari like no other with Hands-On South Africa, the latest addition to our impact series, Into the Wild LIFE. Designed to expose travelers to more than passive game viewing, this highly experiential adventure will take travelers behind the scenes of critical conservation initiatives, with unique opportunities to participate “hands-on.”

Participate in conservation efforts over 15 days and witness firsthand how endangered species populations are monitored and protected alongside a ranger on an anti-poaching patrol flight via helicopter. Join a veterinary team on a rhino conservation safari and assist with necessary procedures such as microchipping the horns, giving injections, and taking measurements for monitoring devices.

YOUR TRIP STARTS HERE