Safari

LIFE IS IN THE DETAIL SAFARI

SAFARI

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Welcome to our first dedicated safari brochure.

Africa, and safari in particular, has played a central role in Original Travel’s success to date, so we wanted to turn the spotlight fully on to what is one of the most memorable of all travel experiences.

There’s another reason for doing so now. Our current Africa team is brimming with more expertise, passion and first-hand knowledge of the key safari destinations than at any time in our 15-year history. Everyone in the team has lived, worked or travelled extensively in East and Southern Africa, and the team includes former safari lodge managers, conservation experts, riding safari specialists and seasoned wilderness camp staff members. We’ve even captured and tamed our very own ex-safari guide.

This stellar team are here to help create the perfect safari experience for you, tailored to your exact specifications whether you are looking for a first-time wildlife experience, a 3G (three-generational) family safari or – if you’re a seasoned safari-goer – something way, way off the beaten track.

One final thought: safari should be about more than just animals. Wherever you go, and whatever type of safari you choose, we always aim to make the experience as authentic as possible, which means the landscapes and local cultures should play just as much a part of the journey. After all, ‘safari’ means ‘journey’ in Swahili.

Isabel de Galleani, Africa Manager

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CONTENTS

Meet the Team

6

At Your Service

8

Wildlife

16

Types of Safari

34

The Great Migration

54

Types of Traveller

58

The Best of the Rest

102

Where to Go When

110

Safari Hacks

114

IN FOCUS

- Kenya

70

- Namibia

82

- South Africa

92

- Botswana

Wild dog chasing a leopard, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

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MEET THE TEAM

OUR SPECIALIST SAFARI TEAM Our dedicated team of specialist Africa experts have all developed a deep knowledge of their destinations and worked with the most impressive experts in their fields.

ELEANOR

Africa feels like my second home – I have visited many times with my family, lived in Tanzania for a while and then ran a bush camp in Zambia. I have been helping clients create their own African memories for the last 12 years, as well as nipping back there on a regular basis to add to my own portfolio of experiences.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Sitting by the campfire watching a zebra being chased by lions straight through the tented camp we were in. ‘Bush TV’ doesn’t get more exciting than that!

ISABEL

In the 11 years I’ve been part of the Original Travel Africa team I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy many safaris, including with my children.

My favourite safari destination is the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and I adored exploring the delta by mokoro dugout canoe because it’s such a tranquil way to travel, and so silent you can get thrillingly close to big game.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Watching two lionesses hunting (unsuccessfully) and then seeing their interaction with the male and their eight cubs when they returned. It was spellbinding!

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RA

My first safari experience was riding with my family in the Masai Mara guided by the sadly departed but legendary riding safari leader Tristan Voorspuy, so the bar was set pretty high. In safari terms, I am Veruca Salt - spoilt rotten. Since then, I’ve walked with camels in Kenya’s Matthews Mountains, watched lemurs in Madagascar and sat within feet of gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda - each and every adventure has been utterly different and utterly special.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Watching, from horseback, as a leopard dragged an impala up a tree for lunch in the Okavango Delta…

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MEET THE TEAM As well as our six dedicated Africa specialists, several other members of the team are wildlife aficionados who are expert in various regions around the world.

Nick - Co-Founder, father of two young boys and family safari expert Tom - Co-Founder, father of four and safari know-it-all Miranda - Over fifteen year’s experience of tiger safaris in India Will - A connoisseur in North American wildlife Oliver - Our resident Latin American wildlife lover Amelia - Expert in cultural and wildlife adventures in Ethiopia We also have a dedicated team of dive experts, made up of marine biologists, dive masters and instructors.

CHARLOTTE

KATIE

I fell in love with Africa many years ago while visiting family in South Africa. The incredible mixture of wildlife, culture and natural beauty left a lasting impression on me. I later spent a year working in Uganda, which allowed me to explore all corners of East Africa. Most recently, I have experienced Zambia’s safari circuit by 4x4, on foot and by boat.

A chance opportunity in 2008 saw me swap London for the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, where my African love affair began. Since then I have had the privilege of visiting some of the continent’s most remote, pristine national parks from the Republic of Congo to Cape Point; learning from leading conservationists and being guided by safari legends along the way.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Seeing wild dog for the first time in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia – they are extraordinary animals.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT My first sundowner in Zambia remains special. After dark, a huge clan of cackling hyenas surrounded us on a kill. Two lions tried to muscle in on the action while a leopard watched from a tree nearby.

MATT

I used to be a field guide in Namibia, and I’ve also trained and worked in both South Africa and Botswana. I am incredibly passionate about wildlife conservation, and I believe tourism is one of the chief ways to achieve the twin goals of preserving wildlife and maintaining local communities.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Encountering – from a safe distance – 300 or more elephants over the course of an afternoon while on a walking safari.

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AT YOUR SERVICE We’re here to make your holiday as perfect as possible.

Camel riding safari from Lewa House, Laikipia, Kenya

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AT YOUR SERVICE

LOCAL CONCIERGES Our global network of Concierges are always on hand to take your holiday experience to the next level. The Concierges live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are a phone call (or WhatsApp etc…) away to arrange additional activities. They can: - Make any last-minute changes to your itinerary - Book a table at the hot restaurants when you’re staying in a city - Tip you off about the local haunts most travellers never know about - Generally anticipate your every need while away Original Travel is the only travel company in the UK to offer this service – we believe our local Concierges add another dimension entirely to your trip.

HOW DAVID HELPED...

18:00

This evening Emily and William arrive in the Namibian capital Windhoek to begin their self-drive adventure.

After some unexpected immigration queues at the airport and to avoid them having to wait any longer to pick up their hire car, David arranges for a private transfer to their hotel for the night, with their car to be delivered to the hotel the following morning.

08:30

After breakfast David meets the couple at the hotel along with a representative from the hire car company (with whom he often works) to help make sure all is well with the car.

09:00 DAVID

OUR NAMIBIA CONCIERGE David has lived in Southern Africa for more years than he cares to remember. After initially training and working as a commercial pilot in the Eastern Cape, he moved to Namibia where he met his wife. After a couple of years in Namibia, working in safari management, they headed off to Botswana to build and run their own safari lodges. In 2002, they returned to Namibia where David now heads up the day to day operations with our team on the ground and will be able to handle all of your in-country requirements.

David shares some of his invaluable local insights and makes sure Emily and William know all of the necessary self-drive tips; including how to change the tyre - just in case!

09:30

David provides them with a mobile phone on a local network in case they need to get in touch with him during their self-drive, as well as a cool box full of ice cold water. After the Original Travel team mentioned Emily’s dietary requirements to David, he has also added some delicious gluten-free snacks in case the couple get peckish while driving.

15:00

Emily texts David to let him know that they’ll arrive at their first lodge later than planned due to a more leisurely lunch stop than expected.

15:30

David gets back in touch with Emily. He has let the lodge know and told the couple not to rush as he’s arranged for the kitchen to stay open for their arrival.

Having subtly asked what type of wine they like, David has also made sure the lodge sommelier has a fine bottle of South African wine waiting on arrival. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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BOOK WITH US AND THESE SERVICES COME AS STANDARD...

UK DEPARTURE ASSISTANCE Our team will meet you at the airport and fast track you through

FAST TRACK FAST TRACK UK CHECK-IN UK SECURITY UK AIRPORT LOUNGE We’ll speed you through check-in

We’ll whisk you through the security queues

Enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge with free drinks and snacks

PRE-BOOKED SEATS Avoid airlines’ random seat allocation

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AND THESE...

ONE POINT OF CONTACT Our destination expert creates a perfectly tailor-made itinerary for you

EXPERT GUIDES

Our expert guides help you really get under the skin of your destination

PERFECT PICKS

We provide you with a destination specific reading list and music playlist

BORROW A GOPRO Borrow one of our GoPros on selected trips

OUR APP

HOLD SEATS

While fine tuning your trip we’ll be holding airline seats

FUN, FUN, FUN PACKS

Access your itinerary, destination dossier and live updates on the Original Travel app

Tailored destination info, challenges and games for every child (aged 3 - 10)

24 HOUR HELPLINE

FULLY PROTECTED

Things can go wrong; we’re on call 24/7 to offer assistance if required

Your holiday is fully protected

To view more about The Detail and relevant Terms and Conditions, visit originaltravel.co.uk/why-choose-us +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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CONSERVATION

THE CONSERVATION CONVERSATION

LOCAL HEROES Conservation is not just limited to animals: it extends to plants, water sources, geology, micro-organisms and – particularly importantly in Africa – to the conservation of local communities. The locals are the ones who have the greatest affinity with, and knowledge of, the habitat; they are the logical guardians of these precious areas and they are the ones who should be preserving the natural resources around them. Through education, this should be achievable, BUT the pull of ‘city life’ is strong, so conservation for conservation’s sake in local communities is swiftly dying out. Conservation now needs to make financial sense, which is where tourism comes in…

At Original Travel we spend a lot of time discussing our part in the great sustainability and tourism debate. Here’s a quick summary of our current thinking…

THE BIG IDEA Conservation should, wherever possible, seek to align the interests of the human race and those of the natural world. While these interests are often at odds, we – travel companies, our clients, lodges, reserves, guides and others – must strive to square this circle.

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CONSERVATION

ORIGINAL TRAVEL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM We support many different conservation projects in Africa and across the globe. We believe that tourism should be for the good of the area it is centred in, and that area’s inhabitants, both human and animal.

In terms of conservation, we help promote tourism that benefits the regional economies best placed to preserve the world’s precious fauna and flora, and which try to be as sustainable as possible.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

THE BOTTOM LINE

Tourism and the consequent job opportunities provide economic reasons for locals to stay and help preserve wilderness areas for the benefit of tourists, so allowing the people with the greatest depth of knowledge and sense of place a viable way to make a living and support their families, all the while preserving the areas that they love. Ecotourism also provides levies and funds for specific conservation projects and the conservation management of different areas, i.e. a visitor’s money goes directly into the national park’s coffers to pay for staff salaries, anti-poaching teams, aircraft to help with animal censuses, the repair of fences and so on.

Tourism and conservation are inextricably linked; one cannot survive without the other. If there is no tourism, human economic and geopolitical needs become too great and will overwhelm dedicated conservationists, meaning the natural world will fall further into decline. If there is no conservation (led by pressure groups, governments and even individuals), then there will be no reason for tourists to come. So, tourism has to have a positive effect on conservation efforts by aiming for ever more sustainable tourism, sponsoring the right projects and sending clients to eco-friendly accommodation. Also, we must explain that one of the biggest benefits of our clients travelling to these key areas is not just their own trip (hugely important though that obviously is), but that their presence is helping to conserve the natural world. This is what Original Travel strives to achieve - sustainable tourism that affects conservation in a positive way. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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100% CARBON OFF-SETTING We are proud to off-set 100% of our clients’ flight carbon footprint. For further information see: originaltravel.co.uk/carbon

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CONSERVATION

THE ORIGINAL TRAVEL FOUNDATION We believe travel and tourism should positively affect the people in the destinations our clients visit. Our Foundation, created in 2009, supports a number of humanitarian projects in developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Since 2009, nearly £800,000 has been invested in the support of nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 countries.

Our Foundation Committee meets annually to select the programmes we will support, focussing on five key areas: Child protection Vocational training Economic development assistance Preservation of cultural and natural heritage Safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples We also support emergency relief efforts in large natural and humanitarian disasters.

We spend almost 14% of our budget each year on emergency humanitarian aid.

CASE STUDY:

Masai Mara, Kenya Since 2015, our Foundation has been helping to improve the living conditions and educational opportunities for the Maasai population in Kenya. We have helped local communities by providing support to the following areas of development: elping to set up child sponsorships for schooling H and the collection of school materials Providing literacy classes to all ages onducting awareness campaigns against FGM C (female genital mutilation) elping those living with HIV and improving H education levels around the virus uilding a safe drinking water dispensary and B a wood oven for a village of 80 Maasai people.

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CHAPTER 1

WILDLIFE

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SPECIES SNAPSHOT

ELEPHANTS

African Elephants are about the most recognisable animals on the planet, and as the biggest of the so-called ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) it’s arguable that no safari would be truly complete without witnessing these iconic creatures. When you do see them, it will be as solitary mature bulls, or in herds of females and youngsters led by a matriarch. Watching them interacting up close is something you are unlikely ever to forget.

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ELEPHANTS NEVER FORGET And on the subject of forgetting, elephants are emotional creatures with excellent memories and a strongly defined capacity for empathy. It’s not uncommon to see an elephant affectionately picking up the bones of their deceased relatives with their trunks in an apparent act of remembrance.

IN NUMBERS

5 YEARS

HARD TUSK MASTER

The number of years it takes an African elephant to develop full dexterity in its trunk

Like humans, elephants have a dominant side of the body. Researchers noticed this after realising that elephants often have a defined groove in the tusk on their dominant side, created over years of using the so-called ‘master tusk’ as a lever when lifting and snapping branches with their trunks.

22 MONTHS An African elephant’s gestation period

“Tarangire National Park is my favourite place for elephants as you can see huge herds of up to 600 during the elephant migration. I love the way they use their trunks to hug and reassure each other.”

Charlotte Cox, Africa Specialist

TRUNK CALL Aside from the human brain, an elephant’s trunk is probably the most ingenious and adaptable organ in the animal world. Part nose, part lips, the trunk is used to smell, pinch, suck and squirt water, touch, comfort young, pull, push, lift, snorkel and more.

CONSERVATION It’s no secret that elephants are one of the most sought after animals for poachers.

The going rate for a pound of ivory is around $1,500, and an estimated 104 African elephants are poached every single day. That said, some great work is being done by conservationists to ensure that number drops dramatically, and we work with many private reserves who fund their own expert anti-poaching units.

60 YEARS

The average lifespan of an African elephant

6 TONNES

The average weight of a male African elephant

6SETS

Elephants are polyphyodont animals, meaning their teeth are continually replaced. They have six sets of teeth which come through to replace worn ones every ten years or so o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

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SPECIES SNAPSHOT

GORILLAS

Traversing thickly forested hillsides on foot for hours may be hard work, but when you then come face to face with a family of mountain gorillas in the wild it is, quite simply, one of the most profound experiences in travel, and one which very few are lucky enough to experience. Tragically, even fewer may have the opportunity to do so in future as numbers of these beautiful creatures – who share 98% of our DNA – are sadly dwindling.

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GOOD MOVEMENTS Mountain gorillas move around the forest every few days, as and when their food sources run out in a particular area. As the gorillas move they play a hugely important ecological role in seed dispersal, excreting seeds from numerous species of plants found at foraging sites into new areas of the forest and so helping numerous species of plants to thrive.

SIGNS OF INTELLIGENCE Gorillas are highly intelligent animals and communicate using a range of around 25 different sounds. With amazingly human-like hands they can also be taught to use basic sign language. Their acute emotional intelligence means they have also been observed grieving, ’laughing’ and developing very strong family bonds.

“Seeing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda was well worth the four-hour trek through the rainforest.

In fact, I would do double that trek and more to experience those incredible moments again.”

Ra D’Arcy Clark, Africa Specialist

GOING GREY Good leadership is essential to the success of a gorilla troop and each will be led by a dominant male silverback.

To have earned his place at the top of the metaphorical tree a male will generally be over 12 years old, at which point the signature silver hair on his rump will have developed.

SPECIES Contrary to popular belief there are actually multiple species of gorillas: two main species and four sub-species. The two main species are predominantly separated by the Congo River and consist of western lowland gorillas and western cross river gorillas on one side, and eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas on the other. We send clients to Rwanda and Uganda, where they can see mountain gorillas.

IN NUMBERS

38 YEARS The average lifespan of a mountain gorilla

360LBS

The average weight of an adult male mountain gorilla

5.5 FT

The average height of an adult male mountain gorilla

60LBS

The amount of food an adult mountain gorilla can eat in a day

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The alarmingly small number of critically endangered mountain gorillas left in the wild o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

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SPECIES SNAPSHOT

LEOPARDS

These agile predators are most commonly found on the chase or reclining in a tree having just enjoyed a hearty dinner, making them a photographer’s favourite. The thrill of spotting an African leopard in the wild – always difficult due to their remarkably effective camouflage markings – is a sure-fire safari highlight. Leopards are found in virtually all of our favourite safari destinations, but two of our favourite sighting spots are Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

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MADE UP As nocturnal hunters, African leopards need to have good eyesight and have consequently evolved with a thick line of white ‘eye liner’ (actually a line of fur) underneath each eye to help reflect more light into the eyes at night.

IN NUMBERS

36 MPH

SHARING IS CARING Leopards are solitary animals and once a cub reaches the age of two they will leave their mother to fend for themselves.

For female cubs it’s not all out on their ear, though, as a mother will often cede a portion of her territory for her daughter to live and hunt in.

The average speed at which an African leopard can run at full pace

15 YEARS

The average lifespan of an African leopard

“Leopards are so well camouflaged that I guarantee everyone who has been on a safari will have driven straight past at least one leopard without having the slightest clue they were there.”

Eleanor Orr, Africa Specialist

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Leopard print might not be considered much of a fashion statement in the UK, but in Zulu tradition wearing a leopard pelt signifies royalty. Several conservation projects are encouraging the use of synthetic furs which they hope will eliminate the need for poaching.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Much like a human fingerprint, every leopard’s coat is completely unique; there are no family similarities and no set number of rosette markings.

Consequently, this is one of the key ways researchers track and identify individuals.

19FT

The horizontal distance an African leopard can leap

2X BODY WEIGHT An African leopard can drag dead prey that weighs twice its own body weight up a tree

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The rough number of kills an African leopard might make in a year o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

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SPECIES SNAPSHOT

PANGOLINS

By following our recommendations there’s a strong chance you’ll spot the other animals in this chapter on your safari but you’ll need a lot of luck to spot the extraordinary pangolin. That’s due in no small part to their reclusive nature, but also because pangolins are estimated to be the single most poached and trafficked species on the planet. Emphasis on ‘estimated’, because we still know so little about them, which makes it all the more special if you do come across one, walking on its back feet and using its tail as a balancing pole.

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ROLL WITH IT The word pangolin comes from the Malay word ‘pengguling’ which means ‘one who rolls up’. Pangolins roll up into a tight ball so their overlapping armoured scales protect them from predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals.

GROUNDED The formal (technically: binomial) name for the ground pangolin, the only one of the eight pangolin species found in southern and eastern Africa, is Manis temminckii.

IN NUMBERS

20%

The proportion of a ground pangolin’s body weight made up by scales

70MILLION

The estimated number of ants and termites consumed by a ground pangolin each year

“This rare species is at the top of my safari bucket list. Next time I’m in the Kalahari in winter I’m going to spend all week looking for one! ” Matt Shock, Africa Specialist and Former Safari Guide

GEOPHAGY FIELD TRIP Pangolins practice geophagy – the swallowing of small stones and gravel - while foraging, in order to aid their digestion.

NIGHT OWLS One of the reasons they are so difficult to spot is that pangolins are nocturnal or crepuscular (mostly active at dawn and dusk), though in cooler and drier periods they will sometimes be active during the day.

15 INCHES

The average length of a ground pangolin’s tongue, which is covered in adhesive saliva which ants and termites stick to

26 LBS

The average weight of a fully grown adult ground pangolin

£330

The going rate, per pound, for trafficked pangolin scales o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

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SPECIES SNAPSHOT

RHINOS

The numbers are stark. At the beginning of the 20th century there were an estimated 500,000 rhinos, across the five remaining species, in the world. That number is now more like 30,000. In Africa, that equates to around 20,000 white rhinos and a critically endangered 5,000 black rhinos at time of going to print. The silver lining to this very dark cloud? White rhinos were on the brink of extinction in 1900, so things can improve, and Original Travel are committed to working closely with organisations dedicated to rhino conservation.

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GRAZERS White rhinos (see image, left) are known as grazers because of their solely grass based diet. Dragging their square lips along the ground as they move slowly across the bush they will often chow down on patches of grass in a linear fashion, hence their nickname, ‘the lawnmowers of Africa’.

IN NUMBERS

16 MONTHS

BROWSERS Black rhinos (see image, right) prefer to eat the lower branches of trees and bushes, using their prehensile hook lips.

In fact, you can tell when a black rhino has been feeding on a bush as they leave a clean 45 degree angled bite on the twig, which is incredibly neat compared to other animals.

A rhino’s gestation period

40 YEARS

The average lifespan of a rhino

2TONNES “I’ve had some excellent encounters with rhinos on foot.

Because of their poor eyesight, they often come closer to investigate and you can then make rhino chewing noises to get them to relax as they can’t see what you are.”

The average weight of a male white rhino

Matt Shock, Africa Specialist and Former Safari Guide

The average speed at which a black rhino can run at full tilt

WHITE RHINO vs BLACK RHINO There are a number of other differences between black and white rhinos. White rhinos have more pronounced humps and are much larger, while black rhinos are more aggressive. Another key difference is their habitats, with white rhinos living in open grassy areas and black rhinos preferring the thicker bush.

MATERNAL INSTINCT

28 MPH

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And counting. The number of rhinos moved from South Africa to anti-poaching havens in Botswana by the Rhinos Without Borders team o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

Protecting our offspring when in danger is a parental instinct we can all relate to, and rhinos are no different. However, because of their different habitats, black and white rhinos do things a little differently; in wide open space white rhinos will run behind their calf to shield it from a charging predator, while black rhinos will run in front to carve an escape route through dense vegetation. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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SPECIES SNAPSHOT

WILD DOGS

Until the 1990s wild dogs were actively hunted and culled because they were considered a type of feral dog rather than an independent species. Today there are only an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 individuals left in the wild, but fortunately awareness has risen over the last few years, thanks in no small part to that stunning bird’s eye view sequence of them hunting in the BBC’s original Planet Earth series. Wild dogs remain susceptible to disease, but conservation efforts are having a positive impact, with many different meta-populations becoming established in new reserves across east and southern Africa.

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PAW PATROL Wild dogs are extremely sociable, tactile pack animals and when it comes to hunting prey, their cohesion and cooperation is probably the finest example of teamwork in the bush. This in turn explains why they have the highest hunt to kill ratio - around 80% - of any larger carnivores anywhere in the world.

TOP DOGS Each pack is run by an alpha pair who are the only ones to breed and who are almost always to be found together. The rest of the pack help to rear their pups, in part by devouring a portion of any kill, going back to the den and regurgitating it for the pups before they then eat themselves.

IN NUMBERS

11 YEARS

The average lifespan of a wild dog

2–50

The varying sizes of wild dog packs

35 MPH “If impalas notice predators such as lion or leopard whom they know they can outrun, they will stand and make an alarm call, notifying the other animals in the herd.

If they see wild dogs, they just bolt.”

Isabel de Galleani, Africa Specialist

PACK ANIMALS Because wild dogs are such efficient hunters they need a very large territory, and hunt their prey by running them down until they die of exhaustion or a heart attack. They often kill multiple times a day, especially if the pack is large and they have pups.

DEN MAKERS Wild dogs make for amazing game viewing because of their highly active lifestyle, and when they have pups they den for a few months a year so are more sedentary and easier to find.

The average speed at which a wild dog can run at full tilt

30MILES

The average distance wild dogs can traverse in one day, which explains the need for territories as large as 550 square miles

6,600

The population of endangered wild dogs left in the world o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

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SELECTED WILDLIFE

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL...

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SELECTED WILDLIFE

Here are some more of our favourite species - some rare, all crowd-pleasingly popular - to spot on safari.

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Hyena in Amboseli National Park, Kenya Chimpanzee family in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountain National Park Crocodile in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve Giraffe and red billed oxpeckers in Linyanti Bush Camp, Botswana Lioness hunting a warthog in the Serengeti, Tanzania Fighting hippos in Kenya’s Masai Mara Malachite kingfisher in Botswana’s Okavango Delta Female kudu (and a group of oxpeckers) in Namibia’s Etosha National Park Aardvark in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert Zebras in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans

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GUIDING LIGHTS

Introducing your eyes and ears in the bush.

Out on a game drive with a guide from Linyanti Bush Camp, Botswana

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GUIDING LIGHTS

WHY GUIDES MATTER

FIRST-TIMER VS SEASONED SAFARI-GOER Whether it’s your first or tenth time on safari, a good guide should be able to adapt their style to suit your personal preferences and requirements. An excellent guide will also organise your time to cater for exactly what you want to see, learn about and do.

Your best friend on safari, a good guide can make a massive difference, ensuring you see as much wildlife as possible while making sure you learn about the wider context of the ecosystem, too.

SPECIALIST GUIDING For those wanting to focus their safari experience on a particular niche interest, such as birding, photography or astronomy, having a dedicated specialist guide is invaluable. The right person on hand to provide a literal guiding hand and reams of expert advice can take the experience to another level.

ETHICAL GUIDING The welfare of wildlife and the habitat in which it lives should always be to the fore during a good guide’s game drive. Too many vehicles crowding the animals, littering and disruptive driving routes should all be actively avoided. Leading by example, the best guides ideally aid the conservation process by educating – without being preachy - their guests.

FAMILY GUIDING Safety comes first with children (and, in fact, anyone) on safari and a great guide will ensure parents never have to worry. They will also pack days full of family-friendly and educational activities like dung identification (yes, really), paw/hoof print tracking and learning about the medicinal properties of the local flora. As well as helping tick off those Lion King species checklists too, of course.

MAKING A MOUNTAIN OUT OF AN ANT HILL Sometimes big game sightings can be few and far between, but rather than letting guests get frustrated, a good guide can bring the bush to life by focusing on the smaller details – something we salute, naturally. Making a colony of ants sound interesting to those looking for lions and elephants is no mean feat, but passion and knowledge will always shine through.

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CHAPTER 2

TYPES OF SAFARI

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WALKING SAFARIS

A safari sage once said that if a game drive is like watching a film, a walking safari is like reading the book. You’ll never feel more immersed in the life of a landscape and its resident wildlife than when out on foot in the bush, and it’s an activity we think everyone should experience once in their lives. If the fear of being up close and personal with predators is putting you off, rest assured we only work with very experienced and armed guides on Big Five walks.

For more information see: originaltravel.co.uk/walking-safaris

Walking safari from Sand River Selous, Tanzania

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TYPES OF SAFARI

BEST FOR:

BIG FIVE SIGHTINGS Getting up close to Big Five game on a walking safari is one of the most exciting wildlife encounters in the world. Join one of the armed and very experienced guides from your lodge in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and head out into the bush to track prints until you find yourselves quietly crouching as a herd of elephants pass just feet from you. If you’re lucky, one might even lean back on its hind legs and reach into a tree (see p.77 for more info).

BEST FOR:

ALTERNATIVE WILDLIFE Seasoned safari-goers who have experienced the thrill of seeing the Big Five and other big game and are now looking for something different should head to South Africa’s Greater Karoo, where the vast and versatile landscapes are perfect terrain for Africa’s more unusual species. The guides at Samara Game Reserve specialise in walking safaris where guests get to grips with the sounds and smells of the bush while looking for the so-called ‘Funny Five’: giraffes, warthogs, wildebeests, monkeys and aardvarks.

BEST FOR:

THE WHOLE PACKAGE No walking safari section would be complete without mentioning Zambia, generally regarded as the home of the walking safari and your go-to destination for the full, immersive experience. In South Luangwa National Park join an expert guide to spend several days walking between mobile camps and tracking wildlife en route. Spending so much time out in the bush with your guide means you’ll learn to really understand the flora and fauna and appreciate safari on a whole new level.

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RIDING SAFARIS

Galloping through the bush on horseback is one of the most exhilarating and adventurous safari experiences. Riding means you’ll be able to venture deeper into the bush, searching for game in areas that a 4x4 can’t reach, and game tends to see people on horses as another species of animal, so they are relaxed as you ride by. Best of all, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t even have to be a super-experienced rider to give it a go.

For more information see: originaltravel.co.uk/riding-safaris

Surveying the Masai Mara in Kenya on horseback

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TYPES OF SAFARI

BEST FOR:

FAMILIES Ants Reserve in South Africa’s Waterberg Region offers great family friendly riding excursions where children meet their pony (the picture shows co-founder Tom’s daughter Athena with Chutney), and then walk, trot or even canter - according to their ability - into the bush with two experienced guides to look for animals. The reserve has giraffes, zebras, antelopes and an admirable rhino conservation programme, but none of the predators, so this is the perfect place to introduce youngsters to the thrill of a riding safari.

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MIXING IT UP While the idea of trying a riding safari might appeal, we understand that most people won’t want to forgo game drives and bush walks entirely.

In Kenya’s Masai Mara, competent riders can join expert riding guides for a morning or afternoon ride tailored to your group’s preferences and abilities. While hopefully spotting big game during the ride you’ll also then have the rest of your trip to fit in the more traditional safari styles.

BEST FOR:

EXPERT RIDERS For experienced and passionate riders there isn’t a cooler experience than spending several days riding in the African bush, staying in mobile camps and discovering new landscapes and wildlife as you ride.

The wetlands of the Okavango Delta are some of the most scenic and adventurous places to ride across, and over the course of a dedicated seven-day riding safari here you - and your horse - will get a real wilderness experience.

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4X4 SAFARIS The guided 4x4 game drive is the bread and butter game viewing experience on most safaris, allowing you to cover a lot of ground in relative comfort and in the process see as much wildlife as possible. The specially adapted safari vehicles tend to have well-padded seats (the savannah being a tarmac-free environment), blankets for those cold mornings, tiered seating so that the people at the back can see what’s going on ahead and, most importantly of all, plenty of space for a cool box full of sundowner cocktails.

Spotting lions from a 4x4, Serengeti, Tanzania

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BOATING SAFARIS

Taking to the water on safari offers a deliciously different perspective, and since water is a key commodity for life in these often arid environments, being on a boat is often the best place to see thirsty animals congregating on the water’s edge. Bird enthusiasts should also note that many of the most beautiful species live on the margins of lakes, rivers and waterholes. Whether you prefer luxurious cruising, dugout canoes or authentic fishing vessels, we can recommend the best boats.

Mokoro canoe trip from Chief’s Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

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TYPES OF SAFARI

BEST FOR:

SUNSET CRUISES Sipping on an ice cold beer as you cruise gently downstream watching the sun slowly set and the sky turn a beautiful mixture of orange and pink is one of the most purely blissful experiences possible.

Our favourite setting for such indulgence is along the mighty Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, where sunset cruises are offered by virtually every lodge on both sides of the river. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll almost certainly see elephants and other riverbank dwellers enjoying the views too.

BEST FOR:

PEACE AND QUIET An authentic mokoro dugout canoe safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of the most memorable of all safari experiences, and since punting is almost entirely silent, it’s also one of the most peaceful. Sit back and let your guide do the hard work as you take in the views of the flooded plains and tall reeds while you meander down narrow waterways to spot frogs bubbling below the surface, buffaloes on the shoreline and fish eagles circling overhead.

BEST FOR:

WILDLIFE The Chobe River flows from Namibia’s Caprivi Strip into northern Botswana and is well known for the density of wildlife that crowds its banks.

With the Chobe National Park hosting the highest concentration of elephants in Africa there’s little wonder that elephants are among the most frequently spotted on an afternoon small boat safari, or on a longer multi-day luxury cruise, but you can also expect to see hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, lions and more.

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HELICOPTER SAFARIS There’s something supremely thrilling about travelling by helicopter, and the dramatic landscapes of Africa lend themselves particularly well to this expensive but utterly memorable mode of transport. Whether the flight is your transfer to a remote lodge or transporting you to an otherwise inaccessible hilltop for a private picnic, you’ll never get a better sense of context across the whole ecosystem.

The waterways in the Okavango Delta, the mighty Victoria Falls and the rugged escarpments in Kenya’s Laikipia are some of our favourite heli-safari destinations.

Heli-safari in Laikipia, Kenya

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CAMEL SAFARIS

Here at Original Travel we love something a bit different and there’s little more ‘original’ than a camel safari.

Slowly travelling across the rugged, rocky escarpments in Kenya’s Laikipia region on the back of a camel, you’ll enjoy a completely different vantage point. Best of all, the friendly local Samburu guides leading the way will give you a fascinating insight into Kenya’s rich tribal culture.

A camel safari from Ol Malo Lodge, Laikipia, Kenya

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TOP TIPS

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PACK WARM: If you are travelling in a country’s cooler months (we’ll let you know), make sure you pack a jumper to fend off the chill at night.

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DIGITAL DETOX: There’s no need for a mobile phone during a sleepout because should you need anything you’ll have a radio, or a guide sleeping relatively nearby, making this the perfect time for a digital detox.

SLEEPOUTS With so little light pollution, stargazing in Africa is about as good as it gets. Whether you’re a budding astronomer or simply spellbound by the idea of spending a night under the stars, we can arrange the perfect experience for you. The Milky Way will never look so beautiful, and the sounds of the bush at night will never sound so thrilling.

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SUPER STARS: ... but if you do have your phone, download a stargazing app so you can identify and follow the constellations as they move across the sky.

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TORCH/BINOS: Take a good torch with you to help spot nocturnal animals wandering around the bush below, and binoculars for epic dawn game sightings.

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WANTING MORE: If you’re a keen camper, why not make this part of a larger itinerary and do a multi-day walking safari?

Lion Sands Chalkley Treehouse, Sabi Sands

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TYPES OF SAFARI

Fly camping from Jongomero Camp, Ruaha, Tanzania

Kingsley Treehouse at Lion Sands, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Loisaba Star Beds, Laikipia, Kenya

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

ADVENTURERS

ROMANCE

PLAYING IT SAFE

Fly camping earned its name from the original walking safari pioneers who carried the lightweight flysheet from a tent to string up between trees each night. Nowadays, sleeping out in the African bush still isn’t something we’d recommend for the fainthearted, but with the right guides to help set up and ensure your safety, it can also be one of the most thrilling and memorable safari experiences .

It doesn’t get much more romantic than snuggling up with your other half in a four-poster bed, raised up on a treehouse platform in the middle of the African bush.

For some, the fear of bugs and things that go bump in the night is enough to put them off a night under the stars altogether. But if you’re minded to give it a try, why not compromise by choosing a lodge that offers a star bed adjacent to your perfectly safe, hermetically sealed(ish) bedroom?

A latter day fly camping experience involves walking to a completely remote area, spotting wildlife en route. Come evening, while you sip on sundowner cocktails around a quickly conjured up campfire, your guides will prepare the modern camping equipment.

Settle in for the night and listen to animal calls in the distance before waking to a memorable African dawn.

Many of our favourite lodges have now added luxury treehouses (complete with fully functioning bathrooms) to their portfolio and can offer one or more night sleepout experiences. Following on from the afternoon game drive you will arrive at your secluded treehouse as dusk falls to find a gourmet dinner and a chilled drink waiting for you. Your guide will then make themselves scarce and leave you to enjoy the night together, with lanterns, blankets and bubbly aplenty.

Several lodges offer different variations on the same theme here and you can opt for either an additional rooftop bed setup, a four-poster bed on wheels or even just a comfortable daybed next to your private plunge pool. Whichever you choose, you’ll still get the full stargazing experience, but also the option to retreat inside whenever you like.

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TOP TIPS

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DOUBLE VISION: This may sound blindingly obvious, but a good pair of binoculars should be the first thing you pack for a birding safari. If you don’t already own a pair, ask our specialists for recommendations on good brands in every price and size bracket.

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BUY THE BOOK: Invest in a good bird book before you go, and ideally one specific to the region you’re visiting.

BIRDING

The African savannah’s big beasts have obvious appeal, but the continent is also a birder’s paradise, home to avian species – resident, endemic and migratory ranging from the rangy (the ostrich) to the downright bizarre (the shoebill stork) and every shape, size and colour in between. If you have a species in mind, or just want to marvel at the sheer diversity of birdlife on offer, our Africa team can point you in the right direction.

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DAWN CHORUS: Make sure you are up with the sun at least once, because that’s when the air is cooler and sound travels further, and birds call to re-establish territory or attract mates.

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ZOOM IN: Your binos will also come in handy for close up birding snaps, as you can put one eye piece to your iPhone camera lens like a zoom. Keep steady, and the results are remarkably good.

Lilac-breasted roller, Okavango Delta, Botswana

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TYPES OF SAFARI

Pel’s fishing owl, Chobe, Botswana

Carmine bee-eaters, Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Shoebill stork, Lake Albert, Uganda

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

CLOSE UPS

DIVERSITY OF HABITATS

VARIETY OF SPECIES

Quite simply one of the most amazing birding destinations in the world, Botswana is home to roughly 600 bird species across habitats as diverse as the wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the vast arid Makgadikgadi salt pans.

Namibia is home to a lucky-for-some 13 endemic bird species, including the gloriously named rosy faced love bird and the Herero chat. Eight of the 13 call the Etosha region home, where they share the massive salt pan (Etosha means ‘great white space’) ecosystem with around 410 other bird species including several raptors and beautiful blue cranes.

Last but by no means least, Uganda can claim the honour of being home to nearly half (1,000 plus) of all the bird species in Africa. These species are found dotted across drastically differing landscapes from crater lakes to the banks of the White Nile and thick jungle. Legend has it that one three-week trip around the country resulted in one eagle-eyed (excuse the pun) spotter ticking off an astonishing 665 species during their stay!

We’ll start with the delta, where in the winter months from April to September, and with a good guide, you can probably tick off 80 to 100 species in a single birding dedicated day’s safari. That figure would be more like 150 species in summer. The delta and Linyanti swamp region of Chobe National Park are also two of the best places in the world to see Pel’s fishing owls (a birders’ bucket list species if there ever was one). Our Africa specialists know the exact tree where a breeding pair roost at one of our favourite camps.

Elsewhere, Erongo and the central highlands are great for migrant species. In summer you can see literally thousands of yellow-billed kites and black kites feasting on the alates (flying termites) that leave their colonies during the rains.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s coastline has year-round populations of flamingos, pelicans and wetland species such as African black oystercatchers and Damara terns. Different again, the Caprivi Strip region hosts water birds, herons and summer migrants such as the glorious carmine bee-eaters.

If it’s quality you’re after rather than quantity, then try to track down the rare green-breasted pitta, found at altitude in Uganda’s tropical jungle, or the extraordinary shoebill stork, best spotted from a boat on the fringes of Lake Albert.

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TOP TIPS

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BUY BETTER: The best memory cards (such as SanDisk Extreme Pro) are more expensive, but process images quicker, which means more photos per second of that cheetah in hot pursuit of prey.

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LENS RENTAL: Our Africa specialists can recommend some great lens rental companies if you don’t want to shell out for a brand new piece of kit.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS Africa’s safari destinations (and the beasties therein) are spectacularly photogenic, but if you’ve ever been subjected to a friend or relatives’ photos of barely discernible animals in the far-off distance you’ll know that capturing the scene is far from simple. Rule one: you’ll need a proper telephoto lens. Rule two: ask the Original Travel team to reveal which safari destinations look best from behind a lens.

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PHOTOGRAPHIC VEHICLES: If you are a keen photographer it is always worth heading to lodges and camps with dedicated photographic guides and vehicles.

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IN THE RAW: Shoot in RAW format to record all the data from your camera’s sensor, allowing for higher quality images and complete control over editing.

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SEEK AND HIDE: We can recommend lodges with dedicated photography hides at waterholes where you can sit at water level with elephant trunks sucking up water a few feet away.

The perfect elephant shot, Ruaha

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TYPES OF SAFARI

Photography tour, Cape Town, South Africa

Landscape portrait, Sossusvlei, Namibia

Practice makes perfect, South Luangwa, Zambia

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

BEGINNERS

PROS

ALL THE GEAR, NO IDEA?

Getting to grips with your camera before your safari is essential, so if you’re heading to South Africa and spending time in Cape Town (highly advisable) beforehand, make the most of the stunning landscapes and get some practice on one of our specialist photography tours.

When you know your stuff you want to be sure you’ve got the best equipment to hand. Sadly sometimes there’s only so much you can pack, so having specialist safari vehicles with camera mounts is a real winner. A lodge with a dedicated photography hide is also essential for capturing close up ‘candids’ and for spending as much time as you like shooting without the animals ever spotting you. For a lodge that offers both, Mashatu in Botswana is fantastic.

If you’ve invested in the kit but suspect you’re going to need a bit of encouragement to make the most of it, a fun and immersive group photography safari might be for you. On a multi-day trip in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park you’ll benefit from both expert guidance and the reassuring encouragement of your fellow photographers.

When it comes to the safari proper, you might not want to spend all day fiddling with your camera or paying for expert sessions but a guide who knows their photographic stuff will really help, and we know which lodges have them. You’ll also want to make sure you’re visiting a more game heavy destination so there is as much opportunity to snap that Instaclassic as possible. Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, Tanzania’s Serengeti and Botswana’s Okavango Delta are three of our favourites.

If it’s alternative wildlife shots you’re looking for then Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools is a great option because you’ll find elephants who’ve learnt to reach up into trees standing on their hind legs; or for unusual landscapes Namibia is a no-brainer, with rusty red dunes and great self-driving opportunities that let you stop and snap whenever and wherever you like.

Another motivation to keep practising is seeing your own photographs in print, something that’s easily achieved at the Wild Studios in some of our favourite Great Plains camps across Botswana and Kenya. As well as offering specialist training, adapted vehicles and guaranteed great wildlife sightings, the studio staff will help you design and create a professional portfolio of your printed work over the course of your stay.

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TOP TIPS

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LUGGAGE: We can arrange to have your beach gear looked after and sent to the coast so you don’t have to lug it around the bush on your safari - ideal if travelling by small aircraft as they often have strict weight limits on luggage.

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PHOTOS: Why not pack your laptop and make a head start on editing and deleting your safari snaps while relaxing on the beach?

BUSH & BEACH Holiday combos don’t come much better than the iconic blend of ‘bush and beach’. Don’t get us wrong – safari is a sensational experience, but after spending several days getting up at 5am and bouncing around in a 4x4 for hours on end, you’ll be even more appreciative of the beachfront wind-down time.

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READING LIST: With time to spare on the beach, check out our Africaspecific reading list and pick a great book to enhance your safari knowledge for your next trip.

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BEACH SAFARI: Going to the beach doesn’t mean ending your wildlife watching - we can arrange whale watching, turtle spotting, diving and even – depending on your destination/time of year - snorkelling with whale sharks.

A lone dhow, Mnemba Island, Tanzania

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TYPES OF SAFARI

Splashing around, Kenyan coast

Whale shark, Mafia Island, Tanzania

Dhow cruise, Anantara Bazaruto, Mozambique

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

FAMILY FUN

ISLAND IDYLLS

COUNTRY COMBOS

Kenya is an old school safari destination and remains one of our all-time favourite places. The legendary Masai Mara is a must, but we would suggest straying from the well-worn Mara path by staying in one of the neighbouring private conservancies for a more exclusive take on the same wildlife-rich savannah safari.

A wonderfully diverse destination, Tanzania is the ideal bush and beach destination for almost anyone. Start by catching the wildebeest migration in the world-famous Serengeti National Park, enjoying panoramic views from the caldera edge in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater or discovering the largest game reserve in Africa (the Selous, pronounced ‘sell-oo’). Then, venture east and hit the islands off the coast for some of the most beautiful beaches and best diving and snorkelling in Africa.

Two countries, two completely different experiences, one fantastic holiday. The exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of our favourite South African safari destinations, thanks to unbeatable game viewing and some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa. The fact that it’s situated near the north eastern border with Mozambique and has direct flight connections to Vilanculos on the Mozambican coast is an added bonus.

Next up, Laikipia, a vast expanse of rugged territory where adventure is king and the looming presence of Mount Kenya is almost always on the horizon. Spend days quad biking, riding, learning about Samburu tribal culture and helicoptering across rocky escarpments.

Then head to Kenya’s coastline for beautiful beaches, watersports opportunities aplenty and also a markedly different cultural experience, with coastal towns such as Lamu-Islamic in character after centuries as an Omani protectorate.

For culture vultures who also want to stay busy with watersports and local excursions, our selection of luxury properties on Zanzibar Island are your go to. For those seeking a more off the beaten track option, Pemba Island boasts idyllic, unspoilt beaches and thriving coral reefs. And for those who still haven’t had their wildlife fill, head to Mafia Island between October and March to swim with whale sharks.

Sitting pretty off that coastline is the Bazaruto Archipelago - a rustic and totally remote beach destination. With a handful of luxurious ecoresorts dotted along the islands’ palm-fringed beaches you won’t have to compromise on comfort either and can expect barefoot candlelit dinners on fine white sand, fantastic snorkelling and diving in the Marine National Park and sunset sailing on traditional dhow boats.

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THE GREAT MIGRATION The Great Migration sees millions of wildebeests, zebras and other plains game move in a continuous cycle around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, following the rains in search of fresh grazing and running the gauntlet of carnivores such as lions and crocodiles along the way. If you witness one safari experience, make it this one.

For more information see: originaltravel.co.uk/great-wildebeest-migration

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River at Kogatende in the Serengeti, Tanzania

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IN NUMBERS

1,500,000 WILDEBEESTS

500,000 THOMPSON’S GAZELLES

200,000 ZEBRAS

18,000

ELANDS

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CONFUSED HIPPO (SEE LEFT!)

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THE GREAT MIGRATION

DECEMBER – MARCH h

JULY – SEPTEMBER h

SOUTHERN SERENGETI

NORTHERN SERENGETI AND MASAI MARA

With around 8,000 wildebeest born every day in February, calving season is in full swing in Tanzania’s southern Serengeti.

If the draw of baby animals wasn’t enough, the vivid landscapes are at their most photogenic at this time of year.

Expect iconic river crossings and dry savannah scenery as the wildebeest move from the northern Serengeti across the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara. Our guides in the private conservancies know all the uncrowded river spots and alternative escarpment vantage points.

APRIL – JUNE g

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER g

CENTRAL AND WESTERN SERENGETI

MASAI MARA AND CENTRAL SERENGETI

As the long rains fall the grass remains lush and you’ll avoid the summer holiday crowds. Watch an alternative river crossing as the wildebeest charge across the Grumeti River into its namesake reserve, where we can recommend several exclusive camps.

It’s hot, it’s dry and, after travelling nearly 2,000 miles, the wildebeest are on their last legs. As the herds start to disperse you’ll be right in the midst of the action when predators move in for dramatic kills.

UGANDA LAKE VICTORIA

KENYA

RWANDA

BURUNDI

INDIAN OCEAN TANZANIA

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Mara River

KENYA

LAKE VICTORIA Talek River

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O SEP LY T T JU Mara River

MASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK

GRUMETI GAME RESERVE

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Grumeti River

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Isabel de Galleani, Africa Specialist

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SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

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MASWA GAME RESERVE

DECE M B

TANZANIA

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“The vagaries of the annual rains mean that the wildebeest are never guaranteed to be in any given place, but that’s where we come in. Our expert team can predict their movements so we can plan your trip accordingly.”

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CHAPTER 3

TYPES OF TRAVELLER

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FIRST-TIMERS Whether you’re stepping off a light aircraft in the heart of the savannah or driving through the gates of a game reserve in a 4x4, the sense of anticipation on your first safari is unrivalled.

And then when you actually see your first animals; well, that’s a whole other level of excitement. The saying goes that elephants never forget, and you will never, ever forget seeing your first elephant in the wild. Welcome to the wonderful world of safari.

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A lion hunting in the Serengeti, Tanzania

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FIRST-TIMERS

WHAT TO EXPECT UNSCRIPTED DRAMA One of the main safari thrills comes from knowing that at any moment you could come across an elephant or a lion, and that almost all the animals you will see are – in some sense or other – completely extraordinary. That said, though, this isn’t a zoo; you never know what’s going to happen next. One safari saying to live by is to expect the unexpected, even if the unexpected might be not be seeing anything for a while. That’s where your guide comes in…

EXPERT EYES Your guide is on hand to help you interpret the natural world around you, so ask questions galore. They will be imparting knowledge all the time, and while at first you might miss what a guide sees, soon you’ll start to learn the key safari ‘tells’.

For example, the fact that impalas from three different groups are all staring intently at the same spot almost certainly means there’s a predator lurking there.

YOUR OWN EYES While it’s possible to have seriously close encounters (always carefully managed by your guide) with wildlife, the action is sometimes going on further removed, so do make sure you have good binoculars and/or a proper zoom lens camera to hand.

CONTEXT IS KEY Everyone wants to see the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) and other magnificent beasts on their first trip, but safari is about more than just animals - amazing though they are. Your guide should be talking around the subject – explaining which bush plants can be used for their medicinal properties and what the local communities feel about the different species. It all helps to heighten the experience even further.

African traffic jam in the Selous, Tanzania

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FIRST-TIMERS

A TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI

05:30

Life on safari moves to a different rhythm.

You’ll soon be thinking like the wildlife...

Wake up call with hot coffee and cereals.

06:30

Out on a 4x4 game drive for the morning. Wrap up warm in the African winter as the mornings can be freezing.

10:00

Back to your camp/lodge for a hearty breakfast and to compare sightings with the other guests.

11:00

Chill out time! Time for a swim, a safari siesta or a lodge activity – some camps put on conservation lectures or activities during this time as the animals are a lot less active during the heat of the day.

15:00

High tea. Coffee and freshly baked cakes are usually served as an afternoon snack.

16:00

Afternoon activity – back out into the bush as the animals are becoming more active as the temperature drops.

19:30

Supper time – time to sit around the campfire with a glass of red recounting the stories of the day’s sightings before settling down to a hearty dinner. If you’re staying at the right lodge/camp you’ll be very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the bush tucker.

18:30

Time for that most civilised of safari traditions: sundowners.

Your guide will find a lovely viewing spot out in the bush and serve drinks as the sun sets. That G&T never tasted so good.

21:00

Your camp/lodge might offer a night drive to go looking for nocturnal species. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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o Naboisho Camp

FEATURED LODGE

With just nine luxury tented suites this is as exclusive as it gets in the Mara region. Plus, because it’s set in the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy, guests aren’t restricted on activities and can enjoy fly camping, walking safaris, riding and night drives on top of regular 4x4 safaris.

Elephants grazing in the Masai Mara

MARA CONSERVANCIES IN KENYA The Masai Mara is considered a classic safari destination for a reason, and everyone should visit these iconic savannah plains at least once in their life.

With unparalleled game viewing opportunities, a rich tribal culture and the famous wildebeest migration passing through, there really isn’t a more solid all-round introductory destination. We recommend staying outside the official national reserve in one of the neighbouring conservancies, where you’ll lose none of the experience, and can enjoy activities such as walking safaris and - most importantly uncrowded game viewing.

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FROM PRICE A safari in Kenya, including a stay in a Mara conservancy, starts from £5,335 per person.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“The migration viewing opportunities here are second to none, particularly from the top of the escarpment or at the river crossing.

Seeing wildebeest charge past me was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences I’ve ever had on safari.”

HOW TO GET THERE Fly directly to Nairobi, from where a light aircraft takes you to your Mara conservancy camp of choice.

WHEN TO GO The wildebeest migration passes through the Masai Mara between July and September and this is the most popular time to visit, however our winter is also a decent and less busy option.

Charlotte Cox, Africa Specialist

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FIRST-TIMERS

SERENGETI AND CRATER IN TANZANIA Two entirely different landscapes, but both with epic game viewing, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater go hand in hand to form the perfect introductory Tanzania safari. Start in the Serengeti, where you’ll discover the grassy plains really are pretty much endless. Time it right, and you can tick off a bucket list wildebeest migration viewing, too. Next, move south-west to the lush highlands where you can admire the 12-mile wide Ngorongoro Crater and the wildlife living within the volcanic caldera.

FROM PRICE A safari in Tanzania, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, starts from £7,690 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE There are no direct flights to Tanzania, however you can connect to various Tanzanian airports via Nairobi. Transfers to the Serengeti or crater are then by light aircraft.

WHEN TO GO Tanzania is best visited during our summer months, when the wildebeest migration passes through the Serengeti, however it also makes a good winter sun destination.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“The highlands around the Ngorongoro Crater are absolutely stunning and strangely similar to Scotland! Watching Maasai men dressed in tartan herding goats I found myself doing a double take and forgetting there were lions just across the crater.”

Ra D’Arcy Clark, Africa Specialist

FEATURED LODGE

Flamingos and buffaloes in the Ngorongoro Crater

The Highlands

Set on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano and with uninterrupted views all the way to the Serengeti, The Highlands’ eight clear-sided igloo tents provide a real luxury wilderness experience. Spend your days here hiking along ancient Maasai trails, descending into the Olmoti and Empakaai craters, game viewing inside Ngorongoro and visiting remote local villages.

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FIRST-TIMERS

THE OKAVANGO DELTA IN BOTSWANA During the seasonal floods the Okavango River breaks its banks to cover a massive 7,000 square miles of northern Botswana, creating an extraordinary marshy landscape. Huge herds of elephants, zebras and wildebeests (and bird species galore) gravitate toward the newly flooded plains, which in turn attracts predators, and we recommend first-time safari-goers also follow the scent. Even better are the ways to see the action, including 4x4 game drives, bush walks and leisurely drifts in mokoro dugout canoes. With all this going on you’ve got the makings of an epic first safari.

Spoiling? Possibly. Likely to spark a lifelong safari bug?

Guaranteed.

FROM PRICE A week-long stay combining the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert starts from £5,600 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE Indirect flights arrive into hub airports in Botswana (mainly Maun), before an incredibly scenic light aircraft flight transports you into the delta.

WHEN TO GO Travel between June and September for prime game viewing in the delta but pack a jumper for chilly mornings from June to August.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“I love the sensation of gliding through the delta by mokoro canoe. One of my most memorable safari moments was while watching a heronry; suddenly there was a large rustle and a young hippo burst out, disrupting the peace.”

Isabel de Galleani, Africa specialist

FEATURED LODGE p

Kanana

While activities in the Okavango Delta are seasonal, Kanana’s location on the banks of the Xudum River means that both land and water activities can be enjoyed all year round. The camp is also located in a private concession (read: minimal other visitors) and in close proximity to one of the most important bird breeding sites in Southern Africa, the Kanana heronry.

Lion cubs swimming in the Okavango Delta

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FEATURED LODGE

Tongabezi

Stylish, elegant and with fantastic views from the banks of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi is the epitome of luxury Victoria Falls lodges. Made up of six very private Houses and five cosy Cottages, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after safari, with a great selection of complimentary cultural and river-based activities on offer, too.

The thundering waters of Victoria Falls

VICTORIA FALLS AND SAFARI IN ZAMBIA A multi-destination, multi-transfer safari can be off-putting for first-timers, so instead of doubling up on game drives, pair your bush experience in the Lower Zambezi with a couple of days on the river banks near Victoria Falls. One of the seven natural wonders of the world and almost always framed by a shimmering rainbow, the thundering mile-wide waters of Victoria Falls are simply stunning. While there, fly over the falls in a helicopter, cruise along the Zambezi at sunset or even zip-line across the Zambezi’s Batoka Gorge.

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FROM PRICE A safari in Zambia, including Victoria Falls and the Lower Zambezi, starts from £5,800 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE There are no direct flights to Zambia but connecting flights arrive into Livingstone for the falls, or Lusaka for the Lower Zambezi.

Domestic flights will then connect you between the two areas.

WHEN TO GO Travel between May and October, when the game areas are dry and sunny and there is still plenty of water thundering over the falls.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“The combination of time in the bush and at Vic Falls is the ideal safari.

Swimming in Devil’s Pool right on the edge of the falls and enjoying an al fresco lunch on Livingstone Island rates very high on my African experiences list.”

Eleanor Orr, Africa specialist

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SAMPLE ITINERARY: SOUTH AFRICA

WAVES, WINE & WILDLIFE

If it’s a gentle introduction to safari you’re after, look no further than South Africa, which offers an abundance of other traditional holiday experiences (like sitting on the beach and drinking wine) as well as all-but-guaranteed good game viewing. Over the course of this 11-day trip take in the Cape Town cityscape from the top of Table Mountain, sip plentiful pinotage in the Winelands and then go snap-happy seeing the Big Five in Sabi Sands.

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A tailor-made 11-day South Africa itinerary starts from £7,390 per person.

Take a direct overnight flight to Cape Town, where the holiday begins. You’ll then drive (or be driven) an hour to the Winelands, before flying to Sabi Sands from Cape Town.

South Africa can be visited year-round. The weather in Cape Town is warmest during our winter while game viewing in Sabi Sands is best in our summer.

ITINERARY 1. Cape Town 2. Winelands 3. Sabi Sands

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Images, top to bottom, left to right: • Giraffe, Sabi Sands • Cape Town and Table Mountain • Penguins on Boulders Beach • Picking grapes in the Winelands • Leopard, Sabi Sands • Taking in the views, Singita Lebombo, Sabi Sands

SOUTH AFRICA

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DAYS 1–4

DAYS 5–7

DAYS 8–11

CAPE TOWN

WINELANDS

SAFARI IN SABI SANDS

Land into Cape Town early in the morning and spend the next few days getting under the skin of the so-called ‘Mother City’. Start the holiday on a literal high by dedicating your first afternoon to heading up Table Mountain, where you’ll enjoy epic views across the city just as the evening sun starts to bathe everything in golden light.

Say goodbye to Cape Town today as you make your way to the Winelands, just an hour away. We work with a selection of great properties in the region, both in the buzzing town of Franschhoek or elsewhere at elegant Cape Dutch-style wine estates. The next three days will be filled with leisurely strolls through lush vineyards, afternoons spent cycling or boating and, of course, plenty of wine tastings and gourmet cuisine.

From wine to wildlife, the final stop on your South African adventure is in the world famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which you reach via a short flight from Cape Town. Home to all of the Big Five and with a particularly healthy leopard population, Sabi Sands is teeming with wildlife, making it one of the best places in South Africa to safari.

Another full day should be spent enjoying the sunshine on either Camps Bay or Clifton Beach; where you can watch the waves crashing and indulge in a fresh seafood lunch. There are then numerous markets, museums and botanical gardens to visit and an abundance of great bars and restaurants to check out, particularly around the V&A Waterfront (our Concierge can book the best).

For your last day, head out of the city on a private adventure trip to the Cape Peninsula, the most south-westerly point in Africa and home to a variety of wildlife. See seals on Seal Island, surf on a great beach break, spot penguins on Boulders Beach and then zebras, ostriches and chacma baboons wandering along the peninsula itself.

On your second day we will organise a full day private guided wine tour, to give you the opportunity to sip to your heart’s content without worrying about who plays designated driver. Plus, with an expert on hand to show you the best spots in town and offer guidance on which wine pairs best with what dish, you’ll finish the day a little wiser. Well, that’s the theory, anyway.

Spend the last four days of your holiday fully embracing the game viewing opportunities on 4x4 and walking safaris. While out in the bush spotting wildlife, your expert guide and tracker’s passion and knowledge will hopefully turn you into a safari lover for life. We certainly believe there are few moments as amazing as seeing your first lion or elephant in the wild. In between the wildlife viewing we also recommend visiting a neighbouring village where you’ll have the opportunity to chat to the locals to learn more about their way of life.

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IN FOCUS

KENYA

LAKE TURKANA NATIONAL PARK Wild and desolate, Lake Turkana is one big African adventure playground. Quad bike along centuries-old elephant trails that traverse the largest desert lake in the world and then stop for a night under the stars in a traditional fly camp.

LAIKIPIA PLATEAU Embrace the alternative safari experience in the rugged highlands of the Laikipia region. Whether exploring on foot, on camel or in a helicopter, the wide-reaching views and contrasting colours of the acacia trees and rocky escarpments are always stunning.

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE Stay in Samburu to combine culture and game viewing. Spot the so-called ‘Samburu Special Five’ – the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx, and enjoy an authentic and educational village visit.

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK High in Kenya’s Rift Valley the serene Lake Nakuru National Park is famed for the soda lake from which it takes its name.

Head here to spot flamboyances of flamingos and big game wandering across the grassland to the water’s edge.

MERU NATIONAL PARK Nairobi

MASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK Staying in Nairobi National Park turns a Kenyan capital stopover into part of the safari experience. Lions rule the roost here but there are numerous other animals to spot too, and for an adorable baby elephant experience visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

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Meru is considerably greener than the rest of Kenya’s wildlife reserves thanks to the park’s 14 permanent rivers. Needless to say, large numbers of wildlife gravitate to the river banks and the scenery here is also particularly beautiful, with Mount Kenya as a constant backdrop.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

TSAVO & CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARKS

Just across the border from Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most physically diverse and wildlife-rich areas. Look out for the 600 species of birds and large herds of elephants in the park’s woodlands, savannah, sulphur springs and dry lake beds.

Tsavo and the Chyulu Hills boast panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, plenty of wildlife and rugged landscapes which reflect their volcanic origins. The area also hosts one of Africa’s coolest and most cultural events – the Maasai Olympics.

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IN FOCUS

MASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK SUMMARY

The mythical Masai Mara is famous for its spectacular sunsets and the annual wildebeest migration, which passes through its wide open savannah between July and September (see pages 54 and 55). Inevitably, these draws have also led to a migration of tourists, and the park is fast filling up with vehicles, which is why we usually recommend staying in one of the neighbouring satellite conservancies, which are just as game rich and far more exclusive.

Mara River Lemek Conservancy

Mara North Conservancy Musiara Gate Olare Orok Conservancy Naboisho Conservancy Mara Triangle

Talek Gate Talek River

Masai Mara National Park

Sekenani Main Gate

KNOWN FOR

GREAT FOR

• Cheetahs

• Families

• Elephants

• First-timers

• Lions • The Great Migration

Mara River

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The Serengeti

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• Zebras

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SEASONED SAFARI-GOERS So you’ve earned your safari stripes (or spots) and now you’ve got the Africa bug, big time. We know the feeling, and from our Africa team’s experience, this can go one of many ways. Here’s where…

Walking safari from Luwi Camp, South Luangw, Zambia

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SEASONED SAFARI-GOERS

PIECING TOGETHER THE PUZZLE h The more you go on a safari, the more you learn about the intricate web of nature – its fundamental interconnectedness – and the more pieces of the puzzle you uncover. You become more interested in animal behaviour - mating, patrolling/scent marking, hunting – than the animals themselves. For example, if an elephant is upset, angry, nervous or unsure what to do, their temporal glands will start streaming and they exhibit so-called ‘displacement behaviour’ while they decide what to do. With experience, you will not just see the elephant, but understand it.

MORE THAN 4X4 a Just as experienced safari clients want to see more ‘original’ wildlife, they also tend to want to see it in more adventurous ways. As the medium of ‘standard’ 4x4 game drives becomes ever so slightly mundane, they want to feel closer to nature.

This is where walking, riding, mokoro dugout canoe and cycling safaris come in. See pages 36-45 for more details on where best to try these other means of safari transport.

BEYOND THE BIG FIVE b Seasoned safari-goers typically tend to become more and more specialised in their interests the more times they go on safari, going from simply wanting to see the Big Five (epic though that is) to wanting to see the rarer, stranger, more endangered beasts (honey badgers, servals, aardvarks ad almost infinitum) and birds that the bush plays host to. This in turn typically sees them heading further and further off the beaten track to reserves and areas that are perhaps renowned for individual species, certain behaviours or natural phenomena.

NICHE ACTIVITIES g Expert-level safari-goers might also take more of an interest in things such as the geology and how the underlying rock and soil affects plant life, which in turn dictates the types of herbivorous species and thus predators. Likewise, Africa’s insects are more than mere nourishment for other species. Termites, for example, are what’s known as a ‘keystone species’ (i.e. crucial to an ecosystem) as they helped create the Okavango Delta. When tectonics moved the course of the Okavango River, termite mounds were the ‘islands’ that became sediment catchment areas and created foundations for plants to grow on dry land, thus attracting more species of herbivore and so on.

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o Desert Rhino Camp

FEATURED LODGE

Desert Rhino Camp is located in the arid Damaraland region, on a concession which is home to the largest free-ranging population of desert-adapted black rhino in Africa. The camp is run in conjunction with the Save the Rhino Trust, and guests can track rhino on foot with their expert guides.

Watering hole watching in Etosha

SELF-DRIVE SAFARI IN NAMIBIA It’s hard not to love the freedom of the open road, and with plenty of said open road, Namibia is one of our top picks for a self-drive safari. Loop south to explore the towering desert dunes of Sossusvlei, sweep by the west coast to kayak among seal colonies before making the journey north along the Skeleton Coast to see ancient rock art, petrified forests, desert adapted wildlife and Himba tribespeople in Damaraland, later arriving at the iconic Etosha National Park. A day’s self-guided safari in Etosha can be very rewarding indeed because you can linger longer, waiting for the wildlife to come to you.

See p.83 for a self drive map of Etosha.

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FROM PRICE A self-drive safari to Namibia starts from £4,650 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE Indirect overnight flights connect via the Middle East, East Africa or South Africa, arriving into the capital, Windhoek.

WHEN TO GO A self-drive safari is best during the Namibian winter (May to October), when there is little rainfall, temperatures are more comfortable and game congregates around the Etosha waterholes.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“When you arrive at Etosha National Park HQ, be sure to take a look at the animal sightings book a log of recent sightings at each waterhole - for some wildlife tip-offs.”

Jacqui Brooks, Wildlife Specialist

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Walking with a local Samburu guide, Ol Lentile

Elephant acrobatics, Mana Pools

SAMBURU IN KENYA

MANA POOLS IN ZIMBABWE

Sandy and serene, Samburu National Reserve is a world away from the busy Masai Mara. Home to the usual big game favourites, the area is also famed for its so-called Samburu Special Five: the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx. Visitors can spot all of the above on traditional 4x4 game drives or even on a camel safari, and since many traditional Samburu communities are thriving this is also a great destination for authentic cultural experiences.

In the rainy season the UNESCO recognised Mana Pools National Park is made up of vast marshlands on the floodplain of the mighty Zambezi River. As the waters subside in the dry season wildlife then flocks to the remaining four ox-bow lakes, including elephants who’ve learnt to reach up into trees standing on their hind legs. There’s also a wide range of activities on offer from canoe and specialist photography safaris with arguably the best guides in Africa.

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A safari in Kenya including Samburu National Reserve starts from £6,185 per person.

Fly direct to Nairobi, from where a light aircraft takes you past Mount Kenya to the heart of Samburu.

Peak season is June to October, however winter is also a good time to visit. Avoid the rains in April and May.

A safari in Zimbabwe including Mana Pools National Park starts from £4,710 per person.

Fly with an onward connection to Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, and then connect on to Mana Pools via light aircraft.

Safaris to Mana Pools are only possible during the dry season between April and September.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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SEASONED SAFARI-GOERS

WALKING SAFARIS IN ZAMBIA A walking safari is one of the most authentic and immersive experiences you can have, and nowhere does them better than Zambia’s South Luangwa region. Walking with your armed guide you can really tune into the sounds and smells of the bush, and there’s nothing quite like coming face to face with game on foot; at a safe distance, of course. Ease yourself in with several half-day bush walks during your safari or, for the full experience, spend seven days walking from mobile camp to mobile camp.

Exploring South Luangwa on foot

FROM PRICE A safari in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi, including some bush walks, starts from £6,340 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE There are no direct flights to Zambia but connecting flights arrive in Lusaka, from where a light aircraft flies you into the heart of the bush.

WHEN TO GO For the best walking safari conditions visit Zambia between June and September, when the bush is dry and game is found in abundance.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“You can combine your walking safari with time in the Lower Zambezi, exploring by boat. Floating down the Zambezi with a G&T in one hand and a fishing rod in the other as the sun sets is one of my fondest memories.”

Eleanor Orr, Africa Specialist

FEATURED LODGE p

Luwi Camp

Located on the banks of the Luwi River in a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi Camp is a wonderfully authentic safari lodge. With just five tented suites, guests are often outnumbered by the wildlife at the lodge’s permanent lagoon, and the specialist walking safaris here are just as game heavy.

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Spotting a golden monkey from Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

GORILLAS AND MORE IN RWANDA Volcanoes National Park is home to ten habituated gorilla families (see p.20), and with the park just a two-hour drive from the capital Kigali, Rwanda is your best bet for a gorilla trekking Big Short Break. If you have more time on your hands, search for very rare golden monkeys in the Virunga Mountains and witness resurgent wildlife numbers in Akagera National Park, home to one of Africa's densest populations of hippo, eastern black rhinos and the elusive sitatunga.

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A Big Short Break to trek in search of gorillas in Rwanda starts from £5,800 per person.

Fly overnight to Kigali from London with a short connection through a European or East African hub.

Travel June to August, or December to January for the driest trekking conditions.

PRIMATES AND PREDATORS IN UGANDA The 13 gorilla families living in the brilliantly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest have seen a baby boom in recent years. Even better, trekking permits cost less than half those in neighbouring Rwanda, and there’s the chance to participate in a gorilla habituation programme. Add to this a ‘conventional’ (except for the tree-climbing lions, pictured) safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and you’ve got a superb two-week adventure for the seasoned safari-goer.

Lioness, Queen Elizabeth National Park

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FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A twelve-day Uganda safari, including gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, starts from £8,100 per person.

Connecting overnight flights arrive into Entebbe. Road transfers are then possible, but longer distances are best served by domestic flights.

June to September and December to February are the best times for travel to Uganda. Avoid the rains in April and May.

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o Private Mobile Camp

FEATURED LODGE

We can arrange to have a luxury private mobile camp set up in the remote Western Kalahari where no other camps exist and the Bushmen are your only neighbours.

From here we can organise for you to spend a day with the Zu’hoasi, where you’ll learn about their daily life and observe the sacred and incredibly emotive evening trance ceremony.

A Zu'hoasi Bushman, Western Kalahari

BEYOND THE DELTA IN BOTSWANA There’s so much more to Botswana than the Okavango Delta. Exhibit A: the Kalahari Desert, one of our favourite off the beaten track destinations. A huge part of the attraction here is cultural, and we can arrange for you to spend time with a local Zu’hoasi Bushmen community to learn about their hunter gatherer lifestyle, pretty much unchanged for thousands of years. There’s wildlife too, with the grasslands of Deception Valley great for big game. For more unique desert sightings, look out for meerkats (one of Africa's more Instagram-friendly animals) and black-maned Kalahari lions.

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FROM PRICE A safari in Botswana, including the Kalahari and a Bushmen experience, starts from £6,935 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE There are no direct flights to Botswana but a connecting flight will bring you into Maun, from where a light aircraft will fly you direct to the Kalahari.

WHEN TO GO The Kalahari is best visited between February and April, or in the early part of our summer if combining it with the Okavango Delta.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“Bushmen view life and their surrondings in a way that can be very difficult for us to comprehend.

For example, every plant has a medicinal purpose and each part of their landscape has a cultural significance or story behind it.”

Matt Shock, Africa Specialist and Former Safari Guide

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Verreaux sifaka, Ifotaka Community Forest

Walking trails from Marataba Safari Lodge

MARVELS IN MADAGASCAR

SECOND SEASON IN SOUTH AFRICA

Since splitting from the African continent over 160 million years ago, Madagascar’s beasties and blooms have evolved independently, to the extent that an incredible 80% of the flora and fauna is endemic to the island. Highlights include visiting the spiny forest of Ifotaka to catch a glimpse of the Verreaux sifaka’s dancing feet (see image above), and exploring the wildlife rich tsingy (jagged rock) landscape of Ankarana, where no fewer than ten species of lemur can be spotted.

While we’ve waxed lyrical about the advantages of South Africa for a first safari, the so-called Rainbow Nation should not be overlooked by more seasoned safari-goers. Take Madikwe, a 290 square mile Big Five game reserve with a flourishing wild dog population, which borders Botswana to the north. Or the stunning Waterberg nearby, where bush walks take centre stage and more challenging hiking trails snake through riverine gorges with wildlife to spot en route.

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A ten-day alternative ‘bush and beach’ holiday to Madagascar, starts from £5,200 per person.

Connecting flights will take you into the capital Antananarivo, from where you’ll hop around on internal flights.

May to October is best for rainforest exploration, while migrating humpback whales can be spotted off the east coast from July to September.

An eight-day trip to South Africa, including a safari in the Waterberg, starts from £4,650 per person.

Take a direct overnight flight to Johannesburg, from where it’s a few hour’s drive or a short flight to Madikwe and the Waterberg.

South Africa can be visited year-round, though the northern game reserves are at their best in our summer.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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SAMPLE ITINERARY: TANZANIA

‘SECRET’ SAFARI

Everybody knows Tanzania is a classic safari destination, but for those keen to get off the beaten track the country is also home to a wealth of lesser known experiences and well-kept-secret destinations just waiting to be explored. Over the course of this tailor-made two-week trip spend time experiencing the local coffee culture, trekking for chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains, spotting big game in Ruaha National Park and sunning yourself on the beach in Zanzibar.

FROM PRICE

WHEN TO GO

This two-week Tanzania itinerary starts from £10,750 per person.

Tanzania is best visited during our summer months, however it also makes a good winter sun destination. Avoid April and May when you can expect heavy rain.

HOW TO GET THERE Fly to Tanzania with a stop en route and then connect between the national parks and Zanzibar by light aircraft.

Images, top to bottom, left to right: • Coffee beans, Arusha • Lake Tanganyika at Greystoke Mahale • Chimpanzee trekking with Greystoke Mahale • Spotting elephants from Jongomero, Ruaha • Beach strolls, Zanzibar • Maasai warriors on the beach, Zanzibar

ITINERARY 1. Arusha 2. Mahale National Park 3. Ruaha National Park 4. Zanzibar

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TANZANIA

DAYS 1-2 ARUSHA Kick off your Tanzanian adventure with two nights near Arusha, which is just over an hour’s drive from Kilimanjaro Airport. Here’s your chance to relax and immerse yourself in the local culture before you begin your safari.

Coffee production is one of the major industries in Tanzania, and numerous plantations offer essential work to thousands of locals. Spend your first full day visiting one of the largest estates in the country, where you’ll meet the pickers, watch as the beans are roasted and ground and then enjoy a tasting. You then have time to relax in your lush surroundings before you go in search of wildlife.

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DAYS 3-6

DAYS 7-9

DAYS 10-13

MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK

ZANZIBAR

Your next stop is a magical lodge on the shores of Lake Tanganyika at the foot of the Mahale Mountains, which you reach by light aircraft from Arusha. Once there, the next four days are all about chimpanzees. Chimps are certainly not the first animal that springs to mind when you think of Tanzania, but the Mahale Mountains are home to the world’s largest known population of wild chimpanzees.

Up next on your Tanzanian trip are a few days on a traditional safari in Ruaha National Park, reached by light aircraft again. Unlike some of the more famous parks in Tanzania, Ruaha sees few visitors, and this coupled with its huge size (it’s the biggest national park in the country) means there is a good chance you won’t spot another vehicle when out on game drives and can have incredible wildlife sightings all to yourself. Expect to see some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa, as well as lots of lions, leopards and wild dogs.

Getting to your final stop sees you taking another light aircraft flight, this time directly to the island of Zanzibar. After several days of hiking, early starts and action-packed adventures the next four days here are your chance to really relax and unwind before heading home.

During your stay you’ll be out exploring on foot with expert guides and trackers to catch a glimpse of our closest cousins in their natural habitat. Hike through the beautiful landscape, crossing lush river valleys and passing tumbling waterfalls as you wind your way through the forest in search of a habituated group of chimps. When you’re not walking (and it can be quite strenuous), spend some time sunning yourself on the lakeside beach, doing a spot of fishing or gliding across the still waters on a boat trip.

Running right through the centre of the park is the Great Ruaha River, one of the best spots for wildlife viewings and the focal point for your safari activities as animals of all kinds stop to drink, play and socialise here. While you’re here, we recommend making time to visit a local community and learn a little about the vibrant and exceptionally warm culture of Tanzania’s rural villages.

Spend your days paddling in the Indian Ocean, lazing on miles of sugar white sand and soaking up some sun. Waterbabies might also want to make the most of the crystal-clear waters and pristine reefs on snorkelling or diving trips. Whether you’re PADI qualified or have never dipped a toe in the water, you’ll find a reef or lagoon to suit. And if you’d prefer to keep your head above water, there’s also kitesurfing and waterskiing available, and tours of the other Spice Islands.

We can also arrange a tour of the atmospheric Zanzabari capital Stone Town, with your guide helping you peel back the historical layers of this fascinating destination, ruled by the Arabs, Portuguese and British at various times over the last millennium. Make sure to sample the delicious Zanzibari cuisine as well. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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IN FOCUS

NAMIBIA CAPRIVI STRIP

SKELETON COAST NATIONAL PARK Discover the wonderfully wild Skeleton Coast on land or from above on an epic flying safari. When not spotting historic shipwrecks and studying ancient rock art, look out for desert adapted wildlife or seal colonies along the shoreline.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

The ecologically diverse and wildlife-rich Caprivi Strip offers a totally different safari experience to the rest of Namibia.

Expect vast herds of elephants and buffaloes, rare wild dog sightings, great birding and both land and river-based activities.

DAMARALAND With its desolate red rocky landscapes, you’d be forgiven for mistaking Damaraland for Mars.

Keep your eye out for desert adapted elephants and black rhinos, and fascinating ancient rock art, in a landscape of granite koppies (small hills), deep gorges and craters.

OKONJIMA NATURE RESERVE Big cat fans need look no further than Okonjima, where they can join the Africat conservation team to track radio-collard leopards and cheetahs, then enjoy sundowners with views of the sandstone Omboroko Mountains.

SWAKOPMUND & WALVIS BAY Namibia's quirky coastal towns are the places to head to for marine wildlife safaris and activities aplenty. Pair dolphin watching boat trips with long beach walks, a spot of in-town sightseeing and an afternoon learning to kitesurf.

NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE The ultimate off the beaten track destination, the NamibRand Reserve is ideal for those looking for a digital detox. While away your days admiring the vast, empty desert landscapes and the nights gazing up at star-studded skies in this International Dark Sky Reserve.

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SOSSUSVLEI With its towering red dunes set against a piercing blue sky, stunning Sossusvlei is the most iconic destination in Namibia.

Climb the 1,066ft ‘Big Daddy’ sand dune for views across to the bright white salt pans and dead trees of Deadvlei.

FISH RIVER CANYON The largest gorge in Africa, the giant Fish River Canyon is 100 miles long and 1,800ft deep in parts. There are numerous well-marked hiking trails for anyone wanting to explore on foot, as well as scenic driving routes for those on self-drive safari.

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IN FOCUS

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Onguma Private Game Reserve

Von Lindequist Gate

ETOSHA SALT PAN

Chudob Waterhole

Etosha Pan Lookout

Rietfontein Waterhole Moringa Waterhole

Okaukuejo Waterhole Waterhole Etosha National Park Road

Ongava Private Game Reserve

Anderson Gate

Salt pan

SUMMARY

KNOWN FOR

Namibia’s best game viewing region, Etosha (the ‘Great White Space’) is one of the largest national parks in Africa and so named after the enormous salt pan which can be seen from space.

When the rains come and the pan floods flamingos flock to its shores, while in the dry season this is ideal self-driving terrain since the dusty landscapes draw Big Five game to the easily accessible watering holes in huge numbers.

• Black rhinos • Elephants • Flamingos • Lions • Ostriches GREAT FOR • Couples • Families • Self-drivers

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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FAMILIES

Nothing quite beats seeing your first big beasts in Africa, and as a parent you’ll want your camera to hand as much to capture the look of awe on your diminutive David Attenboroughs’ faces as to photograph the wildlife.

For more information see: originaltravel.co.uk/family-safari

A family of elephants, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

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FAMILIES

SENSORY PERCEPTION a

AGE APPROPRIATE h We wouldn’t recommend taking children younger than about six on safari, and a lot of lodges have minimum age restrictions in place anyway. Other lodges take young children, but just don’t allow them go on game drives as it can be a scary experience when a six tonne bull elephant wanders past the vehicle. Whatever the age and interests of your children, Original Travel’s expert Africa team can recommend the most appropriate national parks and properties for your family’s specific requirements.

Any parent will know that children can have a notoriously low boredom threshold, so they may get restless on a game drive if not presented with an endless montage of ever more weird and wonderful creatures. That’s why we would always recommend somewhere that specialises in family safaris and where the guides can make the whole experience for children a sensory immersion. Spotting the spoor (tracks) of animals, identifying dung or bird calls – these are the things that keep a child enthralled even when the big beasts are AWOL for five minutes.

MALARIA AREA b

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES g

Malaria tablets are pretty unpalatable for grown-ups, so imagine trying to force feed them to a recalcitrant child. And that’s before you worry about malaria itself, so heed these words: there are certain safari destinations that are deemed nonmalarial, like the Madikwe Game Reserve pictured right, while in others the risk is greatly reduced at certain times of year.

That’s the good news, and we can offer pointers on the above, but you should always, always consult your GP for the latest updates on the malaria situation.

However stimulating the children’s time in the bush, they will also inevitably be spending time at the lodge – especially in the middle of the day - so make sure it caters well for kids. Like any self-respecting family-friendly accommodation, there should be facilities and activities designed for younger guests, such as mini binoculars, a playroom, a pool, interactive learning experiences with the guides or even camp cooking classes.

Some properties do this stuff well, others not so much, so ask the experts. (Hint: that’s us.)

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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o Madikwe Lelapa Lodge

FEATURED LODGE

This gem of a lodge is perfect for families and since the owners have twins you can rest assured they understand what little ones like.

Expect funky bunk beds in the kids’ rooms, several dedicated family activities (including dung tracking, ‘bug CSI’, bush orientation and pizza making) and even childfriendly mid-morning game drives.

Out on a family safari from Madikwe Lelapa Lodge

MALARIA-FREE IN SOUTH AFRICA The best way to avoid malaria tablet tantrums is picking a non-malarial safari destination. The good news is that two of our favourite South African game areas fit the bill. Head to either Madikwe Game Reserve or one of the private reserves in the Eastern Cape and enjoy fantastic Big Five game viewing without the worry. What’s more, lots of the lodges here are geared up to offer a really family-friendly safari experience.

FROM PRICE A safari in South Africa, including a stay in Madikwe Game Reserve, starts from £3,870 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE Fly directly to Cape Town or Johannesburg and then connect onto your chosen game reserve via a light aircraft flight.

WHEN TO GO South Africa can be visited year-round, however game viewing in Madikwe is best during our summer.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“Couple a malaria-free safari with a few days in Cape Town, which is great for families. The best way to explore is on one of our active family day tours which will have the kids entertained all day and – crucially – sleeping all night.”

Eleanor Orr, Africa Specialist

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FAMILIES

3G* IN TANZANIA (*THREE GENERATIONAL) Flexibility is key when travelling with children in tow, so rather than trying to organise your safari around a lodge’s set itinerary, stay in a private house and make the itinerary fit around you. You’ll have a private vehicle, space to bring the grandparents along and best of all, free reign to do whatever activities you like, whenever you like. For the ultimate 3G trip, head to Tanzania where you can pair a private house in the Serengeti with another on the beach in Zanzibar.

FROM PRICE A safari in Tanzania, staying in private houses, two national parks and on the beach, starts from £7,100 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE Fly indirectly to Tanzania and then transfer via light aircraft for the domestic legs of the trip.

WHEN TO GO Our summer months are the best time to visit Tanzania, though the winter is also a good time to visit.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“As well as giving you the invaluable benefit of your own vehicle, many private houses also include a private chef. This is a life saver when dealing with fussy eaters and offers you total flexibility on meal times too.”

Isabel de Galleani, Africa Specialist

Spotting wildlife in the Serengeti from Mkombe's House

Mkombe’s House

FEATURED LODGE p

Overlooking the Northern Serengeti plains, Mkombe’s House is a stylish and welcoming home away from home. There are four bedrooms, meaning the house can comfortably sleep up to four adults and six children. The house also boasts a private guide and vehicle, a dedicated chef, large pool and expansive grounds which are the perfect children’s playground.

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FAMILIES

CULTURE IN KENYA For a family-friendly safari with a difference, head to Kenya’s Laikipia region. Fidgety youngsters will love exploring on foot, horseback or even by camel, or taking to the skies in a helicopter for breakfast alongside a flamboyance of flamingos (our all-time favourite collective noun). Aside from the Big Five, kids will delight in crossing rarer species, including Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs and reticulated giraffes, off their checklists. And there’s an educational element to Laikipia safaris too, whether that be learning about some of the continent’s leading conservation projects, or perfecting the art of beading alongside Samburu craftswomen.

Tracking elephants from Ol Malo, Laikipia

FROM PRICE A family safari to Kenya including Laikipia and the Masai Mara starts from £4,950 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE International flights arrive into the capital Nairobi from where a light aircraft will transport you to Laikipia. Keep a look out for the snowy summit of Mount Kenya en route.

WHEN TO GO Laikipia is driest from July to October but be sure to pack a jumper for chilly evenings around the fire. November to February is also a good time to travel.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“Interacting with the Samburu and learning about their culture and traditions makes for a very original 'show and tell' back at school."

Isabel de Galleani, Africa Specialist

FEATURED LODGE

Ol Malo Lodge

Located within a private game sanctuary and working ranch, Ol Malo Lodge is owned by the Francombe family who know a thing or two about family safaris having raised two generations in the bush. A wide variety of activities, as well as close ties with local Samburu communities, ensure an exciting and educational safari.

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FEATURED LODGE

Chongwe River House The wonderfully quirky Chongwe River House is set in prime position on the banks of the Chongwe River, a tributary of the Zambezi.

Sleeping up to eight guests in four bedrooms this private house is ideal for a family safari in Zambia and offers a wealth of great childfriendly activities, including fun canoeing safaris and boat cruises as well as the usual game drives.

A boat safari from Tongabezi near Victoria Falls

ADRENALINE IN ZAMBIA For parents with children who just can’t sit still, Zambia is your go-to safari destination because alongside the fantastic safari opportunities and abundance of Big Five animals, Victoria Falls adds an extra adventurous element. From white water rafting down the Zambezi to zip lining (for older kids) across it, there is lots of adrenaline filled fun to be had here. And for an experience neither you nor the children will ever forget, take a scenic helicopter flight over the falls.

FROM PRICE A family safari in Zambia, staying in a private house and visiting Victoria Falls, starts from £7,200 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE Take connecting flights to Zambia, landing in either Livingstone for the falls or Lusaka for the Lower Zambezi. Domestic flights then connect the two areas.

WHEN TO GO Zambia is best visited between June and September, when the national parks are dry and sunny and the falls are still thundering.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“Victoria Falls offers an abundance of activities for families and taking a private house offers the ultimate flexibility to enjoy them all at your own pace.

Zip lining across the Batoka Gorge is so much fun and something I’d highly recommend.”

Matt Shock, Africa Specialist and Former Safari Guide +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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SAMPLE ITINERARY: SOUTH AFRICA & BOTSWANA

BUSH BABIES

Safari can be a full-on experience, so for a first-time family version, we would recommend combining the safari element with something more ‘conventional’ to cover a couple of bases.

In our humble opinion, the combination of Cape Town in South Africa and the jewel in the Botswanan crown – the Okavango Delta – ticks all the right boxes. Spend a few days in this very civilised city, which is perfectly set up for families, and then slip seamlessly into the heart of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destination. Memories of a lifetime all-but guaranteed.

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A family-friendly safari in Botswana, plus a stay in Cape Town, starts from £5,460 per person.

Fly directly to Cape Town and on from there to Maun. Return from Maun to the UK via a connecting flight.

The Okavango Delta is best visited during our summer when the channels are flooded. Cape Town can be visited year-round.

ITINERARY 1. Cape Town 2. Okavanko Delta 2

BOTSWANA

SOUTH AFRICA

Images, top to bottom, left to right: • Overlooking Cape Point • Looking out across the delta from the air • Learning the ropes on a mokoro • Lion cubs playing in the delta • Certified bush rangers • One last game drive

DAYS 1-4 CAPE TOWN Spend the first few days in Cape Town after a direct overnight flight with minimal time difference, so there’s no concerns about jet lag. With four days to fill you’ll have plenty of time to explore this very family friendly city and we will pre-book all of your activities to ensure the holiday gets off to a hassle-free start.

Spend two of your four days in and around the city, heading up Table Mountain in a revolving cable car, wandering around the buzzing Waterfront and visiting the magical Kirstenbosch Gardens for tree canopy walkways and life-size dinosaur models. On the other two days we recommend getting out of the city to see the rolling vineyards in the Winelands (with tailored spooky cellar tours and grape juice tastings for the children) and seeing the wildlife and more on a private tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula, home to ostriches, baboons, cute penguins, super-safe boogie boarding beaches and fun fishing villages.

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DAYS 5 - 6

DAY 7

DAY 8

GET TRACKING

BUSH LIFE

CERTIFIED BUSH BABIES

Having flown to Maun in Botswana and then on to your camp in the Okavango Delta, the family safari fun really begins. Your guide will discuss with you and your mini explorers what you want to see and do most during your stay and then you can crack on with a few fun activities.

Today is a hands-on introduction to working and living in the African bush. By quietly observing the Okavango Delta's thrilling array of mammals, from wild dogs to wildebeests, the family will learn about animal hierarchy and how to interpret their moods and habits through their body language.

This morning your guides will put your newly learned bush skills to the test with a series of fun activities and a quiz, which will see the children being awarded Okavango Delta bush ranger certificates.

On your first full day, start with a morning bush walk, during which you’ll learn to recognise and track various animal paw prints and put your skills to the test as you go in search of nearby wildlife.

There will then be some time for parents to relax while the kids get crafty with their guide. In the afternoon, explore the reed beds and waterways from a traditional mokoro dugout canoe. Gliding silently through the still waters, keep an eye out for the more elusive animals, such as the shy sitatunga, hiding under the water with only his nostrils above the surface. Budding chefs can then help prepare dinner in the bush kitchen.

After lunch you’ll go over some of the more practical bush skills, such as learning how to handle a rifle safely. Test your skills with a pellet gun and targets, creating a little family rivalry to see who's got the keenest eye. Then as the sunlight begins to fade, grab a rod and try your angling skills along the banks of the Okavango channels. Your guide will teach you how to net correctly, and if your catch is good enough, you can even take it back for dinner. Finally, if your young bush rangers aren't too tired after a busy day, head out with your guide and a spotlight to discover some of the delta’s nocturnal species.

There’s then just enough time for one last game drive en route to the airstrip, where a light aircraft transfer will take you back to Maun and then onwards on to the UK via Johannesburg.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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IN FOCUS

SOUTH AFRICA MADIKWE GAME RESERVE Malaria-free Madikwe is a winner for families and home to the Big Five and a healthy population of wild dogs. If you’re looking to tick as many animals off your list as possible, this is the place to do it.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK & SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE

THE WATERBERG BIOSPHERE RESERVE One of our favourite family destinations, The Waterberg is the only savannah biosphere reserve in the world, in recognition of its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Keen walkers will also love the area thanks to the numerous trails.

The neighbouring Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands are two of the best wildlife hotspots in the country and particularly famous for their leopard sightings. Stay in Sabi Sands or one of the other private Kruger reserves for a more exclusive experience.

THE KALAHARI DESERT & KORANNABERG MOUNTAINS For rare and unusual wildlife, the rolling red Kalahari dunes and bordering Korannaberg Mountains are unparalleled. Proving that big isn’t always better, many of the coolest species here are on the smaller side and include pangolins, meerkats, aardvarks and bat-eared foxes.

Pretoria

Johannesburg

Bloemfontein

THE EASTERN CAPE

ISIMANGALISO WETLANDS PARK

CEDERBERG MOUNTAINS Just two hours from Cape Town, the Cederberg Mountains are a great escape from the city with stunning walking terrain, nine fascinating San Bushmen rock art sites and even a remotely located (and excellent) winery.

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THE EASTERN CAPE

Encompassing both beach and bush the lush, sand-fringed iSimangaliso Wetlands offer a truly original safari experience.

Spot leopards, giraffes, amazing birdlife and more from 4x4 vehicles, pontoon boats or while paddling in the Indian Ocean.

Cape Town

THE KAROO

THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS & SPIOENKOP NATURE RESERVE

The Karoo is a vast region of rugged mountains and arid plains famed for its raw beauty and isolated nature. Look out for Big Five game, one of the world’s largest ostrich populations and ancient San Bushmen rock art.

Ideal for intrepid travellers and history buffs alike, the Drakensberg and bordering Spioenkop are perfect for off the beaten track walking safaris. The Great Anglo-Boer War memorial sites are also a mustvisit for a fascinating insight into that bloody conflict.

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IN FOCUS

THE EASTERN CAPE SUMMARY

South Africa is famous for the diversity of its landscapes and the Eastern Cape is the perfect example of this. In fact the diversity of the scenery is one of the most striking characteristics of this malaria-free region, with surroundings ranging from the vast arid Karoo, to long sweeps of sandy beaches, Big Five safari reserves and the lush green forests of the Tsitsikamma.

Being able to pair game drives with beach time and elephants with aardvarks makes this an ideal region for anyone from safari first-timers to families. We can recommend safari lodges that offer day trips to the beach, others that offer family-friendly bush walks (such as Kwandwe Game Reserve), and those which make the ideal conclusion to a road trip along the famous Garden Route.

For an added conservation angle, Shamwari Game Reserve has numerous projects, including the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary, while biodiverse Samara Game Reserve has wildlife re-location projects and a training academy for budding trackers.

KNOWN FOR

GREAT FOR

• Elephants

• Families

• Lions

• First-timers

• Malaria-free safaris

• Self-drivers

• Marine wildlife • Rhinos

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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COUPLES

There’s something about the beauty of the African landscape and the wildlife living in it that makes safari almost impossibly romantic. Throw in some of the most luxurious and lovely lodges in the world, and it’s no wonder newlyweds so often choose Africa as a honeymoon destination.

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COUPLES

VIEW TO A THRILL a BUSH BATHING h Be it looking out over a waterhole teeming with animals from the roll top bath on your open-air wooden terrace, glass of champagne in hand, or enjoying a simple bucket shower slung from a tree branch on a walking safari, bathing in the bush is a thoroughly liberating experience, especially when there’s room for two of you.

Few destinations do epic panoramas like the African savannah and even without Robert Redford and Meryl Streep there in person, with luck you can still appreciate glorious Out of Africa sunset views almost every night. Throw in a perfectly mixed G&T and a strategically chosen viewing point and that sundowner moment is picture perfect.

LODGES FOR LOVERS b Some of our favourite safari lodges really know how to ramp up the romance, with private dining spots, super-luxurious honeymoon suites, surprise bush dinners and more, and all refreshingly the right side of cheesiness. For anyone wanting to blow the budget, we can also arrange dining à deux with a difference, such as a helicopter flight to an island in the middle of the Okavango Delta for a totally private bush breakfast.

With champagne, naturellement.

Even better, if you book your safari honeymoon through Original Travel, we can set up a personal private honeymoon gift list service, where your friends and family can contribute to the overall cost of the trip.

NATURE LOVERS g You spend a lot of time outside on safari, be that on game drives/walks/ canoe trips, lounging by a lodge pool or sitting around an evening campfire, and al fresco living is inherently romantic, but nothing beats the thrill of a sleepout (see the Sleepouts section, pages 46 and 47) under an African night sky. Whether that’s in a rough and ready tent for two on a walking safari, or a huge wooden four-poster bed on a platform high above the bush, watching shooting stars streak across a night sky is romance personified. Don’t forget to make a wish.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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o Pom Pom Camp

FEATURED LODGE

Made up of just nine luxury tents Pom Pom Camp is one of our favourite delta camps and ideal for couples looking to hide away in peaceful surroundings.

The open-air bush baths nestled among the trees on each tent’s private deck are a real highlight and make for the ultimate romantic night on safari.

Fly camping at Feline Fields in the Makgadikgadi pans

INTIMATE CAMPS IN BOTSWANA The winding waterways of the Okavango Delta are home to a handful of secluded and incredibly romantic camps and lodges that are perfect for couples looking to relax in privacy during their safari. Plus, when it comes to romantic activities, a mokoro dugout canoe safari ending with sundowners on a sandbank is pretty hard to beat. Totally contrasting but equally romantic are the vast Makgadikgadi pans, where you might well feel as if you’ve escaped into the wilderness and are the only people left on the planet.

FROM PRICE A safari in Botswana, staying in both the delta and Makgadikgadi pans, starts from £7,970 per person.

HOW TO GET THERE Fly indirectly to Maun from where you can catch light aircraft flights to the delta or the pans, flights also run direct between the two areas.

WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Botswana is in the early part of our summer, when the Makgadikgadi pans are dry and the waters of the Okavango Delta are in full flood.

OUR EXPERT SAYS

“Sometimes you just need to get away from it all and spend some good old-fashioned quality time together. There’s no better or more beautiful place to do that than under the huge star-studded night skies of the Makgadikgadi pans.”

Isabel de Galleani, Africa Specilaist

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Sandbank Dining at Anantara Bazaruto

The Milky Way, NamibRand Reserve

WINE & DINE IN MOZAMBIQUE

STARS IN NAMIBIA

After several crack of dawn starts on safari, you'll have earned a lie-in and we can think of no better place to slumber than Mozambique. Take breakfast in bed, a picnic on a private sandbank, sunset cocktails aboard an elegant dhow boat and dinner with your toes in the sand. And to work off all of that indulgent dining? Snorkel or dive over vibrant reefs, enjoy whale and dolphin cruises (humpbacks migrate here from July to November) or even try kite surfing.

If you’re looking for somewhere really remote and romantic to enjoy with your other half, look no further than Namibia. With a population of just 2.5 million people - compared to the UK’s 66.5 million - and a landmass over three times larger, there are plenty of scenic spots to call your own. Take, for instance, the NamibRand Reserve, a stunning desert wilderness that is home to some of the country's most sophisticated camps and has International Dark Sky Reserve certification for having some of the planet’s clearest night skies, with stars visible all the way down to the horizon.

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A bush and beach holiday including a beach escape in Mozambique starts from £3,950 per person.

Flying via Johannesburg is the most convenient option when travelling from the UK or combining with a safari elsewhere in Africa.

Mozambique is best visited from May to November.

A ten-day trip to Namibia, including a stay at a remote lodge in the NamibRand Reserve, starts from £4,700 per person.

Connecting international flights arrive into the capital Windhoek, from where you can self-drive or take light aircraft flights to the more remote lodges.

Namibia is best explored during their winter, from June to September.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY: KENYA & SEYCHELLES

BUSH AND BEACH BLISS

We may have already waxed lyrical about ‘bush and beach’ elsewhere, but while we’re on the subject of romance we couldn’t resist giving this blissful combination another mention. This time we’re suggesting a travel tryst between Kenya and the Seychelles.

Spend your trip falling in love with the epic views and cultural experiences in Laikipia, soaking up savannah sunsets in the Masai Mara and relaxing on idyllic Seychellois beaches.

FROM PRICE

HOW TO GET THERE

WHEN TO GO

A Kenya and Seychelles combination, including Laikipia, the Masai Mara and Mahe Island, starts from £7,250 per person.

Fly directly to Nairobi and then transfer via light aircraft. Direct international flights then connect Nairobi, Mahé and the UK.

Visit during our summer, when the game viewing is best in Kenya and the weather is sunny and dry in the Seychelles..

ITINERARY

SEYCHELLES

1

2

1. Laikipia 2. Masai Mara 3. Mahé 98

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KENYA

3

Images, top to bottom, left to right: • Looking across Laikipia • Camel safaris with Ol Malo, Laikipia • Heli-picnic for two from Ol Malo, Laikipia • Cheetah and her cubs, Masai Mara • A palm fringed sunset, Mahé • Beau Vallon beach, Mahé

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DAYS 1-3

DAYS 4-6

DAYS 7-11

LAIKIPIA

MASAI MARA

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

Start your trip with a few days in Laikipia, arriving by light aircraft from Nairobi. Right in the heart of Kenya’s central highlands the region is one of the most scenic and diverse parts of the country. Flying over it you’ll look down on rocky escarpments which give way to thick acacia thickets and deep gorges.

Travel from highlands to savannah with a short flight to the famous Masai Mara, where you’ll stay in one of the exclusive private conservancies. The next three days of your trip here are all about wildlife and spotting as many of your favourite species as possible.

Leave the Mara and make your way to Mahé via a light aircraft flight to Nairobi and then an onwards international flight to the Seychellois capital. Once landed, it’s just a short drive to your beachfront hotel where the next five days are yours to indulge in some well-earned indolence on the soft white sand beaches and in the clear turquoise waters.

Over the next three days spend your time here taking in the immense views while enjoying myriad activities from traditional game drives and tracking game on foot to horse or camel riding safaris in remote areas that not even 4x4 vehicles can reach. In addition, you can try a helicopter safari (including a champagne breakfast at the top of Mount Kenya), quad biking, mountain biking, tubing down rivers and fly camping. For a taste of the local culture you can also visit nearby Samburu markets and a manyatta (local farm settlement). On the romance front, Laikipia is also home to some of the very best sleepout lodges and locations.

With expert guides you’ll head out on 4x4 and walking safaris to track the Big Five as well as a whole host of other animals. Watching them interact and play with each other in their natural habitat is a truly special experience; especially when paired with sundowners while watching a sunset more orange than you could ever imagine. In between your safaris there will also be a chance to kick back and relax together at your lodge or camp and visit some of the nearby Maasai villages to get a taste of the fascinating local culture.

As well as swimming and sunbathing you’ll also want to make the most of your time by exploring this, the biggest island in the Seychelles. We suggest hiring a car, so you can visit more of the stunning beaches (Anse Takamaka is our favourite) and the lovely and lively capital of Victoria. A tour of Takamaka Rum distillery is also a must and offers the chance to do a tasting (for the non-driver!) and pick up souvenirs.

Finally, as the sun sets on your final night we’ll organise a private candlelit beach dinner for you to celebrate the end of a great trip.

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IN FOCUS

BOTSWANA SELINDA & LINYANTI Located on the northern border with Namibia and surrounding some of Botswana’s most prolific game areas, Linyanti and Selinda boast ever-changing water levels, lush riverine grassland and stunning landscapes which suit a variety of big game and extensive birdlife.

MOREMI GAME RESERVE

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK & SAVUTI Home to the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, Chobe and Savuti both offer an abundance of game rich safari activities including game drives, birding in the Savuti Marshes and boat safaris along the mighty Chobe River.

OKAVANGO DELTA

With guaranteed year-round Big Five viewing and a healthy population of wild dogs, Moremi is arguably the best wildlife spotting destination in Botswana. Its location in the seasonal floodplains of the Okavango Delta also means water-based activities can be enjoyed here.

NXAI PAN To the north of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the grasslands of Nxai Pan flourish in the rainy season and wildlife flocks here. Witnessing the zebra migration and enjoying a picnic under the park’s iconic baobab trees are must-dos.

Maun airport

WESTERN KALAHARI The Western Kalahari is well known for its desert wildlife, but even more so for the presence of traditional San bushmen, still practising a hunter gatherer lifestyle unchanged in thousands of years.

TULI BLOCK

CENTRAL KALAHARI

For those wanting to experience the wilderness at its most authentic and unspoilt, the Central Kalahari is ideal. Take in the vast landscapes as you spot desert wildlife like gemsbok, bat-eared foxes and honey badgers.

0mi

100 |

50mi

100mi

Gaborone

Wedged between Zimbabwe and South Africa, the unfenced borders of the Tuli Block provide some of the best elephant and leopard sightings in Botswana. The incredibly diverse landscapes are perfect for photography, and riding, biking and walking safaris are all available.

MAKGADIKGADI PANS Covering over 1,500 square miles, the Makgadikgadi Pans are collectively one of the largest salt flats in the world and a perfect spot for adventuring. Quad bike across the lunar landscape spotting desert wildlife, meet San bushmen and track the zebra migration.

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IN FOCUS

OKAVANGO DELTA SUMMARY

The Okavango River spills not into a lake or sea but the Kalahari Desert, creating a UNESCO protected landscape teeming with big game. During the floods the narrow waterways of the delta are best explored by traditional mokoro dugout canoes, but game drives and walking safaris are also possible. For a combination of stunning scenery, romantic lodges and abundant wildlife the delta is simply unparalleled.

KNOWN FOR

GREAT FOR

• Birding

• Couples

• Buffaloes

• Honeymooners

• Elephants

• Seasoned safari-goers

Chief’s Island Xakanaxa Lagoon

Moremi Game Reserve Permanent water Seasonal floodplains

• Leopards

Occasional floodplains

• Mokoro canoe safaris

River

Maun Airport

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CHAPTER 4

BEST OF THE REST

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Tiger in Ranthambore National Park

TIGERS IN INDIA

India is undoubtedly a fascinating cultural destination, but do try to make time to visit one of the country’s national parks, where you’ll have the chance to spot magnificent Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. Despite being synonymous with India, the Bengal tiger is in fact sadly endangered, with only around 2,500 left in the wild - a fact that makes spotting one all the more awe-inspiring.

WHERE TO SEE THEM RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, RAJASTHAN

KANHA NATIONAL PARK, MADHYA PRADESH

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, ASSAM

The best-known of India’s tiger spotting locations, and the most scenic too, Ranthambore is easily weaved into a Rajasthan itinerary and has provided some of India’s best sightings in recent years. Spend time in the park spotting not just tigers but also marsh crocodiles, sloth bears and black bucks. We can even arrange an exclusive full-day safari so you’re not restricted to one zone and have the park virtually to yourself for a few hours in the middle of the day.

Venture deep into the heart of the majestic forest in Kanha National Park and discover one of the largest and best protected populations of tiger in India.

Most of the park is covered by dense foliage and winding tracks so you can really get lost among the diverse habitats and can even explore the periphery on foot. As well as tigers, keep your eyes peeled for sambar deer, gaur bison, dholes (wild dogs), leopards and sloth bears hiding among the trees.

For wildlife lovers who want the all-round animal experience, Kaziranga National Park on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River is ideal. With diverse terrain including swamps, sandy riverine islands and tall elephant grass, it hosts a number of different wildlife species including including elephants, onehorned rhinos and (of course) tigers. The distinctive one-horned rhinos are particularly notable for their folds of skin, which resemble armour.

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THE BEST OF THE REST

THE GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR Wildlife doesn’t come much more staggering – and scientifically significant - than in the Galapagos. The islands inspired Charles Darwin’s ‘On the Origin of Species’ almost 200 years ago, and have continued inspiring travellers on boat trips around the archipelago ever since.

01 02 03 04 05

Red footed booby Darwin’s finch Giant tortoise White spotted puffer fish Galapagos sea lions

IN NUMBERS

21

the number of islands in the Galapagos Archipelago 03

1831-36

the years of Charles Darwin’s voyage on The Beagle

25%

The percentage of species on the islands that are endemic 01

04

02

05

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BEARS IN CANADA

Bear cubs, British Columbia

These majestic creatures are found across Canada, so those going on a bear (sighting) hunt for grizzly, black, or polar are in luck. The animals have the largest and most complex brains of any North American mammal, as well as enormous teeth and claws that put them right at the top of the food chain.

WHERE TO SEE THEM BRITISH COLUMBIA

CHURCHILL, MANITOBA

GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Between September and November every year millions of salmon return to their spawning grounds across British Columbia where, in turn, thousands of bears are waiting to tuck-in to a fishy feast after months of hibernation. The sight of hungry bears waiting at the top of waterfalls as huge salmon leap upstream is one of the most memorable in nature.

Churchill is over 600 miles from provincial capital Winnipeg, and there are no roads in or out, so we’re talking pretty remote. The good news, though, is that this is also prime polar bear territory. Walking safaris – with an expert and highly trained guide – are the best and most responsible way to get close to what are the biggest bears in the world, going about their daily life in the tundra.

Spirit, or Kermode, bears are an extraordinarily rare sub-species of black bears – there are fewer than 500 of these fully white bears living on islands off the coast of Vancouver in British Columbia. The bears’ survival may be down to the local indigenous tribes, whose oral tradition makes many a reference to the snowy white bears and who didn’t hunt them or even mention their existence to fur trappers.

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THE BEST OF THE REST

THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, BRAZIL Despite losing 3,600 square miles (roughly the size of Cyprus) to deforestation every year, the Amazon Rainforest is still home to 10% of the world’s species, making it prime South American wildlife adventure territory.

01

02

01 02 03 04 05

Caiman Common squirrel monkeys Jaguar Amazonian dart frog Lion tamarin

04

03

“We work with luxury eco-lodges that protect tens of thousands of acres of rainforest and all the beasties that live there, so visitors can be safe in the knowledge they are doing their bit to help save this precious ecosystem.”

Will Boocock, Americas Specialist 05

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THE BEST OF THE REST

COSTA RICA Diminutive Costa Rica is home to a remarkable 6% of the world’s total biodiversity. Admirably, the country has also set aside 25% of its land mass as national parks and protected areas, which are home to a staggering variety of wildlife.

01

01 02 03 04 05

Spider monkeys Green turtle hatchling Keel-billed toucan Puma Infant three-toed sloth

04

“Turtle brains contain particles of the magnetic mineral magnetite, which means that hatchlings are imprinted by the earth’s magnetic field as they leave the nest. Since the magnetic field varies with latitude, adults can return to their beach of birth to breed using the magnetic field for navigation.”

02

Oliver Rodwell, Americas Specialist 02

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Orangutans, Danum Valley

ORANGUTANS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA Found only on the rugged islands of Sumatra and Borneo, orangutans are one of man’s closest relatives, sharing 97% of our DNA. Unlike most other primate species, these endearing red-haired fellows are generally solitary beings, with males preferring their own company while females are usually only accompanied by their doe-eyed offspring. While loss of habitat due to deforestation has resulted in a sharp decline in population, there are still pockets of protected pristine rainforest for these primates to call home.

WHERE TO SEE THEM GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA

TANJUNG PUTING NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA

THE DANUM VALLEY, MALAYSIAN BORNEO

Gunung Leuser in Northern Sumatra is home to a wealth of exotic flora and fauna, including a healthy population of orangutans, so those who are willing to endure the often humid hiking conditions have a good chance of spotting these beautiful creatures, as well as other species including the charmingly quiffed Thomas Leaf monkey. For those who don’t fancy the trekking, twice daily feeding sessions attract both semi-wild orangutans and semi-fit tourists.

Tanjung Puting National Park covers over 1,600 square miles, and is home to the largest population estimated at around 6,000 - of orangutans on the planet. Spend days exploring the pandan tree fringed waterways of the Sekonyer river aboard a private klotok (houseboat), drifting between a number of orangutan feeding posts where you’ll be rewarded with a close up view of these incredible creatures.

For those who value their creature comforts, this 106,000 acre area of pristine tropical rainforest takes the top spot. The Danum Valley is one of the largest areas of protected rainforest in Malaysian Borneo. The verdant landscape here is filled with all manner of weird and wonderful wildlife, with over 120 species of mammal calling it home, including orangutans, as well as a supremely comfortable lodge.

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CHAPTER 5

WHERE TO GO WHEN

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WHERE TO GO WHEN

AFRICA COUNTRY

DESTINATION

MONTH

The team of Africa specialists here at Original Travel have put their heads together and come up with this handy guide to solve your safari season conundrums.

N

D

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Chobe National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Moremi Game Reserve

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Okavango Delta

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Amboseli National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Laikipia Conservation Area

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Masai Mara National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Samburu National Reserve

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Amber Mountain National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Ifotaka (South East)

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Caprivi - Nkasa Rupara National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Etosha National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Skeleton Coast National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Akagera National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Volcanoes National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Eastern Cape (M.F)

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Kalahari Desert

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Kruger National Park + Sabi Sands

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Madikwe Game Reserve (M.F.)

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Selous Game Reserve

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Serengeti National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Ruaha National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Zambia

Kafue National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Lower Zambezi National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

South Luangwa National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

NOT A GOOD TIME T0 GO

N

D

Hwange National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

NO GO

N

D

Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

N

D

Mana Pools National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Botswana

Kenya

Madagascar Namibia

Rwanda South Africa

Tanzania

Zimbabwe

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Please be aware that birding seasonality is not included in this table. With a huge variety of species and regional differences, birding seasonality can be rather specific and so it’s best to get in touch with our Africa specialists directly to discuss your specific birding query.

KEY FOR SEASONS BEST TIME T0 GO DECENT TIME TO GO

M.F. MALARIA FREE

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WHERE TO GO WHEN

AFRICAN MIGRATIONS MONTH

COUNTRY

ANIMAL

Botswana

Zebra

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Kenya

Wildebeest

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tanzania

Wildebeest

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tanzania

Elephant

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Kenya

Flamingo

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

AMERICAS MONTH

COUNTRY

DESTINATION

Brazil

Pantanal

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Canada and the US

Alaska

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Brtish Columbia

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Churchill

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Corcovado National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

J

Tortuguero National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

All islands

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Costa Rica Galapagos

Out of Africa, our Americas and Asia specialists have put together the ultimate list of the best times to see popular wildlife across their regions.

ASIA MONTH

COUNTRY

DESTINATION

India

Bandhavgarh National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Kabini National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Kanha National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Kaziranga National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Panna National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Pench National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Ranthambore National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Satpura National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Tadoba National Park

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Indonesia Malaysia

Kalimantan, Borneo

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Sumatra

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

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SAFARI HACKS HOW TO ESCAPE THE CROWDS Travel in green season (see p.115)

Visit private conservancies rather than national parks

Get off the beaten track and visit lesser known (except by us) parks and reserves

Stay in smaller and more exclusive camps and lodges

Go back to basics and stay in a mobile camp which can set up in remote areas

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When it comes to planning your perfect trip there are a number of clever little short cuts – what we call safari hacks – which the Africa team will always have in mind.

NATIONAL PARKS VS CONSERVANCIES

A classic piece of jungle jargon that needs deciphering is the difference between a national park and a conservancy (sometimes called a game reserve!). Here's how they differ...

NATIONAL PARKS

CONSERVANCIES

Government-owned

Privately-owned

Large and often world-famous, with huge amounts of wildlife

More off the beaten track but still home to plenty of wildlife

A smaller number of activities on offer given the parks' protected status

No limit to activities which can include walking safaris, night drives and riding safaris

Can get very busy during peak seasons

Smaller, so more exclusive and less busy

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A SAFARI FOR ALL SEASONS

Seasonality is the single biggest factor shaping your safari experience, because it affects everything from the activities on offer to the type of landscapes and wildlife you can expect to experience.

DRY SEASON The dry season is the most popular time to go on safari. The reliably cool and sunny weather means that you can expect amazing game viewing, particularly around waterholes. Conversely, lodges will be busier and the landscape will look a little less lush.

SHOULDER SEASON Shoulder season is a good time to go on safari: the crowds are thinner; the days are drier but bursts of rain and dramatic thunderstorms keep the vegetation green. Around this time the animals will also start to emerge from their winter slumbers and visitors often get some unexpectedly great sightings.

RAINY SEASON Rainy Season (a.k.a ‘green season’) might not usually be considered a good time to travel, due to the heavy rain and high temperatures, but it does have several positives: migrant species arrive in search of lusher lands; myriad bird species fill the treetops; landscapes never look more photogenic; prices are down; and there’s a distinct lack of crowds.

GET TO KNOW THE LINGO

The language of the bush is jam-packed full of jargon and can often be pretty confusing for first-timers. To help you survive your first safari, here's a selection of our favourite bush phrases.

‘BINOS’

‘BRAAI’

Binoculars.

Every safari-goer should have a decent pair of durable binoculars with at least an 8x42 magnification - there is nothing worse than sitting in a vehicle not quite being able to see the leopard lounging in the branches of a tree.

A traditional African BBQ cooked over a fire – often involves a lot of meat and even more beer!

‘LANDY’ Land Rover, the typical vehicle used for game viewing and safari activities.

‘RANGER’ Different to your guides, rangers are the people working in the national park/reserve looking after the wildlife and the landscapes.

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COLLECTIONS

FEELING INSPIRED?

FAMILY BIG SHORT BREAKS BOATS AND LIVEABOARDS

CITY BREAKS

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SABBATICALS

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COLLECTIONS

As well as safaris, we specialise in a wide range of holiday collections. Whether you’re an avid diver or in search of a last minute Big Short Break, Original Travel will tailor-make something just for you. Visit originaltravel.co.uk/collections for more inspiration.

Top to bottom, left to right • A Big Short Break in the Dolomites, Italy • Bologna cityscape view, Italy • A family sailing holiday, Greece • Sailing the Alexa, Indonesia • Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile • Diving in the Maldives • Private sandbank dining in the Maldives • Heli-skiing in the Three Valleys, France • A road trip along Monument Valley in Utah ,USA • Villa Mangiacane in Tuscany, Italy

WINTER SPORTS DIVING ROAD TRIPS PRIVATE HIRE PROPERTIES HONEYMOONS

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We hope this brochure has inspired you.

For further inspiration, please contact us.

Phone +44 (0) 20 3974 6710 Online originaltravel.co.uk originaldiving.com Email ask@originaltravel.co.uk

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. If you buy a holiday that does not include a flight, as a condition of our membership of ABTA, protection is also provided.

Details of this protection is set out in our booking conditions viewable at originaltravel.co.uk.

All prices, are from prices for a trip including flights from the UK in economy class, accommodation and, if specified, organised experiences.

Photo Credits: Lewa House (p.8), Great Plains - Conservation Rhinos Without Borders (p.13), The Bushcamp Company - Classic Portfolio (p.29), Linyanti Bush Camp (p.32 & p.94), Uncharted Africa (p.33), Ol Malo (p.34, p.45, p.88, p.95, p.99), Nomad Tanzania - Sand River Selous, Zambezi Lifestyles (p.37), Samara Private Game Reserve (p.37), Robin Pope Safaris (p.37 & p.76), Ride Mara (p.38 & p.39), Ride Botswana (p.39), Chief’s Camp (p.42 & p.63), Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge (p.43), Zambezi Queen (p.43), Tropic Air (p.44), Lion Sands (p.46 & p.47), Jongomero Camp (p.47, p.81), Loisaba Star Beds (p.47), Anantara Bazaruto (p.53), Asilia Africa (p.55), Elephant and Pepper Camp (p.63), Stanleys Camp (p.63), Nimali (p.63), Singita Lebombo (p.69), Naboisho Camp (p.64), The Highlands (p.65), Kanana (p.66), Tongabezi (p.67, p.89), Time + Tide (p.72), Desert Rhino Lodge (p.74), Ol Lentile (p.75), Time + Tide Luwi Camp (p.76), Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge (p.77), Golden Africa Safaris (p.78), Marataba Safari Lodge (p.79), Greystoke Mahale (p.81), Olivier Romano (p.85), Nomad Tanzania (p.85), Madikwe Lelapa Lodge (p.86), Mkombe’s House (p.87), Chongwe River House (p.89), Ker & Downey Young Explorers (p.91), Makanyane Safari Lodge (p.95), Morukuru Owners House (p.95), Feline Fields (p96), Pom Pom Camp (p.96), Azura Benguerra (p.97).

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To order a copy of The Detail, or our dedicated family and diving brochures, go to: originaltravel.co.uk/brochure To unsubscribe please email feedback@originaltravel.co.uk

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LIFE IS IN THE DETAIL

Front cover image: Cheetah in the Serengeti, Tanzania

SAFARI ORIGINAL TRAVEL

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205 x 205mm Outside Back Cover

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