There’s simply nothing like a safari; the word itself means, “to take a journey”. Where else can you experience Earth’s most magnificent wildlife in the splendor of its own backyard? Intrepid travelers have been visiting Africa’s great Parks for over a hundred years, seeking an adventure without equal. Today, there are safari options for every style, from simple tents that follow the Great Migration to Lodges so luxurious you’d never believe you were “out in the bush”!
Safari Spotlight: Glamorous South Africa
Whether it’s your first time on safari or your fifteenth, South Africa is an impeccable choice. With a multitude of destinations, including stunning beaches and vibrant cities, it’s as great a pick for a well-rounded holiday as any! Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, world-renowned for its wildlife diversity and its plethora of accommodation choices for visitors.
You’ll find the Singita collection near the top of most five-star lists – and for good reason. Each of their Lodges cultivate a distinct atmosphere, taking cues from the land and the culture which surround them. Nestled on the riverbank, Singita Sweni is the very definition of wilderness opulence. Its seven suites are fashioned in bronze and gold, balanced out with natural elements that provide a sense of place. The open-plan layout provides standout features everywhere you look; it’s like you’re on safari with a world-class interior designer! The adjacent Sabi Sands Game Reserve is private – no day visitors allowed – which makes for some incredible wildlife opportunities. The Singita Ebony Lodge also enjoys a riverbank perch, with the added bonus of private plunge pools in each of their 12 suites – perfect for spotting the animals who wander down for a drink. Nearby, Londolozi operate five distinct camps within their private reserve, which is particularly famous for its leopard population. Our top pick are the sleek Private Granite Suites, only three in number, where you can lounge in your outdoor bath and watch elephants wander by, so close you can almost touch them.
Safari Spotlight: Captivating Kenya
While travelers may visit South Africa for any number of reasons, those heading to East Africa are almost exclusively wildlife-focused – and are rarely disappointed. Kenya is perhaps the world’s most famous destination for a safari. In particular, the Maasai Mara National Park is a global treasure, with an astounding population of wildlife who call it home, including the renowned “Big Five” (elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and Cape buffalo).
Here and throughout Africa, the andBeyond group offer an portfolio of fantastic properties to suit your safari needs. The andBeyond Bateleur Camp sits in the same location where Out of Africa’s final scene was filmed – need we say more? This beautifully refurbished Camp sings with intimacy and romance, the perfect place for a honeymoon or anniversary. Nearby, the brand’s Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers comfort and authenticity in equal measure. Guests interact daily with the Maasai people, many of whom make up the property’s staff, and impart knowledge of the land and its creatures with unrivaled expertise. For something really unique, stop overnight in Giraffe Manor, on the outskirts of Nairobi. A herd of Rothschild’s giraffes live on the property, and will join guests for breakfast in the charming manor house – there’s really no photo opportunity quite like this one. A tip from the experts: this is one to book well in advance!
Safari Spotlight: Tale of Tanzania
Kenya’s next-door neighbour, Tanzania, is quickly rivaling the former as the world’s premier wildlife destination. The two countries host ‘The Great Migration’, an annual circuit of millions of animals who follow the seasonal rains; this is often referred to as, “the greatest wildlife show on Earth”. Yet this is just the start of Tanzania’s splendour; the beaches of Zanzibar are some of Africa’s finest, and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro never fails to take your breath away.
With such an array of places to explore, it’s no wonder the accommodation is similarly diverse. The andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, known as “the game lodge on top of the world”, sits perched on the rim of a vast and ancient caldera, a safe haven for rare species such as endangered black rhino. Guests experience all the safari activities found at any luxury camp – with the added perk of an endless view. For families or groups of friends, the Singita Serengeti House is an excellent choice. This exclusive-use property has everything your circle needs: infinity pool, spa suite, full-time guide, and plenty of outdoor space for animal-watching. But for true wildlife enthusiasts, there’s no better choice than Singita Explore. This is a movable tented camp, which is always set up in the best possible location for experiencing The Great Migration. Guests have access to a 350,000-acre concession on which the legendary Serengeti fauna roam, adventuring by day and returning to exquisite starlight dinners and the most comfortable canvas tents imaginable. You can’t get much closer to nature than this!
We all travel to make memories, and few are as lifelong as those made on safari. Some of Africa’s best destinations are already open for travel, and a full return to normal isn’t far off. Contact The Luxury Travel Agency today to start planning that dream safari!