Seeing a herd of majestic elephants is a highlight of any safari – and you’re almost guaranteed to see them, whichever national park you visit. In Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, huge groups of elephants stroll along against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, while in Botswana – where almost a third of the continent’s gentle giants live – vast herds migrate from the Chobe River to the south-east pans during the wet season. Watching families graze by the waterside as you cruise along the river in a solar-powered boat is an unforgettable moment. Located over the border in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park’s Somalisa Camp is a great place to just sit and watch as herds come to the watering hole to drink. Over at Mana Pools, up in the north of the country, you can step down from your safari vehicle and walk close to grazing herds with your guide. A couple of the resident elephants here have even learnt a cool trick – they can rise up on their back legs to pluck leaves from the higher branches.
Sadly, the number of African elephants is in decline due to the illegal ivory trade and habitat loss which has led to human-animal conflict. In response to these threats, organisations work tirelessly to tend to orphaned and injured ellies, as well as other African wildlife species. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage on the edge of Kenya’s Nairobi National Park, just a short distance away from the city’s busy centre, is one of the most remarkable elephant conservation projects in the world – so far the trust has hand-raised over 150 infant elephants whose mothers have fallen victim to poachers. If you’re staying in Nairobi, we strongly recommend a visit to the orphanage. Visitors are welcome from 11am to midday when the babies come in for their daily mud bath. Firstly, you’ll come face to trunk with some of the youngest nursery inmates, covered in blankets to protect them from the sun, and hear their stories from the keepers. The hungry infants get their bottled milk feed and will even interact with visitors if they are feeling brave that day. If you adopt an elephant for US$50, you can enjoy a more exclusive experience and visit the orphanage in the afternoon.
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Uncover the beauty of these two spectacular countries as you wonder at the peaceful tranquillity of Botswana and the awesome power of Victoria Falls.
Spend time exploring the beautiful sights of Cape Town before travelling to the wildlife-rich haven of Chobe National Park.
Combine Africa’s most famous wildlife reserve with an iconic city and a natural wonder of the world.
This is a honeymoon-worthy blend of cosmopolitan city highlights, epic wildlife and unbelievably dreamy scenes on Mozambique’s beaches. Do it in style with game drives in the private Sabi Sands Game R...
This great-value safari and Victoria Falls combo is the perfect introduction to Zimbabwe’s spectacular natural highlights. Visit the country’s largest national park – a classic Big Five heavyweight – ...
See Zimbabwe at its wildest on this nine-night luxury fly-in safari. Travel to one of Africa’s top 10 largest national parks, stay in an award-winning camp in one of the best wildlife-viewing spots, a...
Combine fantastic value with Zimbabwe’s spectacular sights on this nine-night fly-in safari. Track the classic Big Five in the country’s largest national park, see endangered wild dogs in wild-walking...
This Northern Circuit safari visits the incredible Ngorongoro Crater, elephant hot spot of Tarangire National Park and wildlife-rich Serengeti. Two Serengeti stops – central plus northern or southern ...
Look out for big cats and the Big Five across the picturesque plains of the Serengeti, before unwinding on Zanzibar’s frosted white sands.
A great introduction to Tanzania’s must-see highlights – the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. See superb wildlife like big cats and elephants, and stay in scenic lodges close to the action. This short...
An authentic wildlife-rich safari where the highlight is three nights under the stars in a semi-permanent camp inside the Serengeti.
This luxury twin-centre safari stays at two extra special properties, using them as a base to explore the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
Safaris don’t come much better than this. Travel in style between northern Tanzania’s game-rich parks, in a bespoke Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft.
This eight-night fly-in safari is the perfect introduction to the wildlife and natural beauty of Botswana. There’s a distinct feel of exclusivity throughout, with intimate lodges, small planes and fan...
Taking in three of Botswana’s most popular destinations, this exciting itinerary includes stays in some of Belmond's luxurious properties.
With strong community engagement and conservation initiatives, this responsible safari focuses on the importance of ‘travelling for good’. Desert & Delta’s new suggested itinerary will introduce you t...
This is the ultimate itinerary for an authentic, adventurous and responsible safari. With Porini, it’s all about wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism – they use local guides and lease Maasai ...
It’s all about big cats and the Big Five on this classic safari. Travel to a colonial farmhouse where you can explore two of the Great Rift Valley lakes. Then fly over the rolling plains to a tented c...
With stays in fantastic kid-friendly camps, this short safari has been created for families. Visit two of Kenya’s breathtaking national parks – Samburu and the Maasai Mara – and make memories together...
City, safari and coast are all covered on this 10-night itinerary. You’ll travel from Nairobi to Mombasa and spend a few nights in the beautiful national parks of Amboseli and Tsavo on the way. Head o...
This comprehensive and leisurely paced 11-night road safari will take you around the country’s breathtakingly diverse landscapes. Explore vast national parks and sprawling lakes, and get up close to e...
Spot big cats and the Big Five on the Mara’s rolling plains, then relax on the soft white sands of a beautiful island.
Head out on safari in Kenya's iconic national park, the Maasai Mara before flying over to the coast for some well-deserved beach time.
This extended version of our popular Governors’ Safari includes the collection’s newest property: Mugie House in Laikipia. With stays in three very different areas of Kenya – including a special wildl...
Take to the skies on an exclusive air safari around two of Kenya’s iconic national parks and a quieter private conservancy. You’ll travel in a bespoke Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft and stay at intimat...
From the sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife of Etosha National Park, this 10-night suggested self-drive itinerary takes you to some of the country’s most iconic sights. While distances can be lo...
A fly-in safari with stays in Wilderness Safaris’ lodges is the most fascinating and time-efficient way to experience the countless wonders of Namibia.
Head off on thrilling nature encounters in remarkable primate habitats, with rainforest hikes in search of chimpanzees.
This is the ultimate primate experience. Get up close with mountain gorillas in Africa’s oldest national park and hike through rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Spot chimps swinging through the vin...
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see mountain gorillas up close in their own environment, in real ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ territory.
Get a feel of South Africa’s urban and wild sides on this seven-night itinerary. Soak up culture, natural beauty and brilliant dining in the showstopper city of Cape Town, then go on to the Eastern Ca...
