The best safari ideas in Africa

There is nothing quite like an African safari; the thrill of spotting and coming up close to wildlife is always a moving and memorable experience no matter how well-travelled you are. On the continent, there are continuously more national parks being designated, and exciting new safari options such as private helicopters tours, horseback safaris, and nighttime game drives available. With so much to see, let our Lightfoot Travel experts guide you to creating you own luxury safari and wildlife holiday in Africa.

Comprising deserts, wetlands, savannahs and salt pans, Botswana is a diverse destination blessed with fascinating wildlife. Canoe down the Okavango Delta, or quad bike through the Makgadikgadi Pans in search of elephants and rhinos.

Don’t miss the wildebeest migration through Kenya’s Maasai Mara from July to October, or head to Tanzania to witness it over the southern Serengeti in February and March and between July and September in the northern Serengeti. Consider a hot air balloon ride over the plains to witness this unique spectacle.

Despite hostile desert territories, Namibia is home to five species of birds and 15 species of mammals endemic to the land. There are hundreds more to spot on a safari here.

If you’d like to witness mountain gorillas and monkeys, there’s no better place to see these fascinating and powerful creatures than Uganda. For marine wildlife head to the coast of Mozambique to snorkel with turtles, swim with dolphins, and watch whale sharks and humpback whales.

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Best of Southern Africa

Livingstone & the Victoria FallsMozambiqueGreater KrugerSouth AfricaAfrica

  • See the incredible Victoria Falls up close
  • Get active with white water rafting, sport fishing and kayaking
  • Enjoy unforgettable African sunsets on a boat ride from Tongabezi
  • Head on a game drive to spot wildlife - particularly the elusive leopard
  • Dive with sailfish, barracuda and marlin in the waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago
ideal length 12 nights

Botswana & Mauritius Adventure

MauritiusOkavango DeltaBotswanaAfrica

  • Relax on Mauritius’ idyllic beaches

  • Go snorkelling or water skiing in beautiful turquoise waters

  • Explore the Okavango Delta, teeming with wildlife viewing opportunities

  • Take in the landscape and see a multitude of birds and elephants from a boat

  • Embark on a gentle nature walk with your guide

ideal length 10 nights

Cape Town & The Kruger

Greater KrugerSouth African WinelandsCape TownSouth AfricaAfrica

  • See iconic African wildlife on safari in the Kruger National Park

  • Go shark cage diving or whale watching at Gansbaai

  • Enjoy a private guided tour and wine tasting in The Winelands

  • Head up Table Mountain for unforgettable views of Cape Town

  • Drive the scenic coastal route to the Cape of Good Hope

ideal length 8 nights

Classic Botswana

Okavango DeltaThe Kalahari DesertChobe National ParkBotswanaAfrica

  • See iconic African wildlife across a number of unique habitats

  • Glide through the Okavango Delta on a Mokoro canoe

  • Soar above the Okavango Delta at sunrise in a hot air balloon

  • Meet a group of endearing Meercats in the Kalahari Desert

  • Explore the Kalahari Desert by quad bike

ideal length 7 nights

Classic South Africa Tour

Cape TownSouth African WinelandsGarden RouteGreater Kruger

  • Wake up to spectacular views of Table Mountain
  • Enjoy a private wine tour with an expert guide in Cape Winelands
  • Visit Hermanus, the world’s best land-based whale-watching destination
  • Go cage diving with great white sharks, if you dare!
  • See iconic African wildlife in the Kruger National Park
ideal length 14 nights
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge_Exterior

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

    The &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is currently undergoing renovation and will be closed until further notice.

    Located in Tanzania on the edge of the World Heritage Site of the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s a spot where mankind lives in almost absolute harmony with incredible wildlife, making it a supremely special place to visit.

    ...

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family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
Acacia House

Acacia House

Maasai Mara & Southern Kenya

    One of three Asilia Africa houses in the Masaai Mara Conservancies, Acacia House is a private bush house in the heart of the wildlife-rich Ol Chorro Losoit valley. With wildlife strolling past the front door and a team of private staff on hand, it’s a fantastic wilderness adventure...

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family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
Macatoo-Camp_African-Horseback-Riding

African Horseback Safaris

Okavango Delta

    African Horseback Safaris is based at the western side of Botswana’s Okavango Delta – the largest inland delta in the world. Open all year to experienced riders and their non-riding companions, the Macatoo Camp borders the famous Moremi Game Reserve.

    The Hemingway-styled exclusive camp fuses the creature comforts...

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family friendly
No
activities
Yes
Anderssons Camp Ongava_Exterior

Anderssons Camp Ongava

Namibia

    Nestled in mopane scrub on white calcrete soils, Andersson’s Camp is situated 4.5 km from Etosha’s Andersson Gate in Namibia. The camp was named after Swedish explorer Charles Andersson – one of the first Europeans to discover Etosha, Africa’s largest saltpan.

    Ongava was founded on bold ideas – land reclamation...

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family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
Angama Mara_Exterior View

Angama Mara

Maasai Mara & Southern KenyaGreat Rift Valley

    This magnificent luxury safari lodge lies on the edge of Africa’s Great Rift Valley in Kenya. Suspended high above the Masai Mara, Angama Mara combines dramatic architecture with ultra-modern style and commands breathtaking views across the open plains.

    Offering warm Kenyan hospitality, stunning accommodation and exceptional facilities...

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family friendly
Yes
activities
Yes
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