YOUR NEXT SAFARI AWAITS
MAKE YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY A REALITY
YOUR NEXT SAFARI AWAITS
MAKE YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY A REALITY
WHERE TO NEXT?
WE HAVE IT ALL FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM BELOW
DESTINATIONS
BOTSWANA
Undoubtedly one of Southern Africa’s most iconic wilderness destinations, Botswana is a unique country with a vast array of spectacular lodges and equally beautiful landscapes. With some of the highest wildlife densities on the continent, Botswana lends itself to a classic safari experience.
Topographically, Botswana is flat with roughly 70% of its land being the Kalahari Desert. Playing home to just over 2 million people, most of its wilderness is largely undisturbed by man.
The waters of the Okavango Delta are Botswana’s ultimate safari attraction. Other highlights include the rolling plains of the Savuti and the elephant-rich Chobe region. This makes Botswana number one on many safari bucket lists. Further south of the Delta lies the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. These stretch far and wide, whilst the grasslands of the Kalahari invite a new type of experience in contrast to the watery Delta.
Why not walk with Africa’s first people, the San? You could also canoe down the crystal-clear channels of the Okavango, go on 4x4 safaris or take a hot air balloon ride or private helicopter flip over the vast landscape.
UGANDA
The desperate search for the source of the Nile river drove the British to colonise this majestic land. This has made Uganda one of Africa’s most powerful safari destinations boasting critically-endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in some of the most stunning forests in Africa.
To this day, the Nile River provides the country with a crucial life-blood. This enriches the soil for agriculture and provides ample tourist opportunities including the world-class white-water rafting around Jinja. The abundance of water also feeds Uganda’s forests and notably the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to hundreds of bird species and the highest concentration of primates on Earth. This includes half of the world’s critically-endangered mountain gorillas. The Kibale forest is another marvel that plays home to a large population of habituated chimpanzees that can be seen on a walking safari.
In colonial times, Uganda was viewed as the very best place in Africa to safari. From the impenetrable forest to breath-taking and unusual birdlife and challenging trekking, it simultaneously it feeds fear, phobia, curiosity and sheer delight… all the makings of a mighty African childhood dream.
Other attractions in Uganda include Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic big game viewing, chimpanzee trekking and river cruises. Kibale forms a massive wildlife corridor with Queen Elizabeth National Park that is used by migrating elephants in search of water. A mixture of tropical rainforest, swamp and grasslands help to support Africa’s biggest population of chimpanzees as well as at least a dozen other primate species. It is a top destination for those wanting to trek primates, including gorillas. With over 320 recorded bird species, it is also a haven for twitchers.
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ZAMBIA
Covering 750 000km squared, Zambia sits between the tropics. Most of the country is part of an undulating plateau, cut deeply by the great valleys of the Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa and Luapula rivers.
Zambia is blessed with some of the most pristine wilderness areas and has harnessed an authentic view of real Africa. From the lower Zambezi to South Luangwa and the Kafue National Park, it is a mosaic of large and small miombo woodlands, interspersed with open, verdant spaces. The interior is dominated by Lake Bangweulu and surrounding floodplains.
This country has the largest water resource in Southern Africa. This stems from massive lakes and rivers that yield lush vegetation to support high densities of animal life. There are many protected wildlife areas that offer excellent habitats for herds of elephant and buffalo as well as other predators. Leopards are the main focus in the lower Zambezi, which attracts a vast number of big cat enthusiasts. Zambia’s herbivores are particularly fascinating due to a range of endemic species that have evolved over time thanks to isolation from neighbouring populations.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country between two great rivers - the mighty Zambezi cutting along its northern frontier to create a border with Zambia, and the languid Limpopo that forms the southern border with South Africa. In between, the country has a variety of habitats. From the granite hills of the Matopos to the majestic mountains, one can find lush forests and beautiful rivers of the Eastern Highlands.
A Zimbabwean safari can be exceedingly varied. There are game drives in Hwange National Park, canoe or walking safaris in Mana Pools National Park, a flight over Victoria Falls on a Flight of Angels or taking in the granite boulders and rock art in Matobo Hills National Park.
Zimbabwe has all the ingredients for the perfect safari holiday. With foreign investment increasing and continued confidence in its future, new lodges are opening all over the country.
Professional guides in Zimbabwe have gone through intense training before qualifying, making the standard of guiding one of the best in Africa. Attention to detail is of utmost importance to a Zimbabwean guide and guests can expect to receive personal attention while on safari.
KENYA
The very place where safari travel originated! Kenya is the setting of the most well-known safari vacations for any avid traveller. These feature the likes of beautiful, vast, rolling grasslands and the best of big game viewing. It is a country of natural splendour and great diversity, with some of the most welcoming people. It is this, among other things, that make it Africa’s greatest safari destination.
The country is bisected by the equator and lies on the east coast of Africa on the Indian Ocean. The climate varies, however, due to the undulating geography. This means that one can experience high humidity and rainfall in one region and distinctly cooler climates in another.
The East African Rift Valley runs north to south through the country. The land is dotted with volcanoes and a series of lakes with the most northern being Lake Turkana, the source of the Nile River.
Undoubtedly, the biggest attraction to the country is the great migration in the legendary Masai Mara. Millions of animals, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle partake in an annual migration between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, following rainfall throughout the year. Combined with luxury beach resorts off of the Kenyan coast, Kenya provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all.
As a country of diversity and contrast, it also has an array of National Parks. These include Tsavo National Park, the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Laikipia Plateau and Lake Nakuru.
NAMIBIA
A country of wide-open spaces, endless desert-scapes, rolling red dunes and a brutal coastline. Namibia is defined by its dramatic scenery and big open skies. As a sparsely-populated country with fewer than 3 million people, it is home to some of Southern Africa’s most unique experiences and stunning lodges.
Getting around may be a logistical challenge but it is always worth it. This is especially true when you can float over the ancient dunes of the Namib in a hot air balloon or drive in the Hoanib River following desert-adapted elephants. The Skeleton Coast is dotted with ancient shipwrecks and large colonies of fur seals, whilst inland, the Himba people still practice a traditional way of life as semi-nomadic herdsmen.
Namibia is a destination for any avid wildlife enthusiast or first-time traveller to Africa. Combine it with visits to Botswana and South Africa and you’ll have the perfect blend of safari magic.
CONGO
The most exciting development in African travel is the Congo (or Congo-Brazzaville). Access to the equatorial rainforests of Africa is now easier than ever before. Home to around 100 mammal species including the western lowland gorilla, chimpanzees, forest elephant, buffalo and the rare bongo antelope, it is an extremely important biodiversity centre for the world.
With 70% of the country covered in rain forests, these forests have been referred to as “the second lung of the world.” In this way, they contribute to world climate in many ways. They are dense, complex and remote, making them the least-explored corner of Africa.
The key safari location lies in the exceptional Odzala-Kokoua Forest, which has been protected since 1935. It is an undisturbed primary forest and home to the western lowland gorillas that have become habituated to human presence. This low-impact safari allows guests the opportunity to partake in walking safaris to view the gorillas. Entering into marshy clearings, known as a bai, guests will see where herds of elephant and other wildlife congregate. They can also swim through the crystal clear waters, kayak and boat along waterways spotting antelope, birds and beautiful butterflies along the way.
As a country rich in wildlife and in culture, the Congo is the next big thing in safari travel in Africa. If you want an experience that cannot be offered anywhere else, then this is the place to visit.
RWANDA
The country of a thousand hills is Africa’s most forward-thinking and positive nation. A devastating political history has now transformed the country into a success story that is attracting visitors from all over the world.
It is Africa’s most accessible gorilla trekking destination from the capital of Kigali. Guests are just a few hours away from Volcanoes National Park, where Dian Fossey completed 20 years of in-depth study on the habituation of wild gorilla families. It was on these bamboo-covered slopes that “Gorillas in the Mist” was filmed. Today, small groups of privileged guests are able to enter this pristine forest and walk among these incredible creatures.
The main attraction of gorilla trekking takes place in the north-western corner of the country in a volcanic region called the Virungas. This is easily combined with chimpanzee viewing, along with over 12 other primates and over 300 bird species.
Being a relatively small country, it is easy to combine this with other African countries like Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya to add diversity to any intimate safari vacation.
SOUTH AFRICA
Situated on the southern-most tip of the African continent, South Africa is a melting pot of diversity in terms of its cultures, languages, landscapes and wildlife. From the “Big 5” country in the east to the mountains of the Drakensberg, garden route, the Cape and even its famous wine region, South Africa is a country of diversity and rich culture.
South Africa is where Escape Safari Co. and our team members were born. This makes it the very heart and soul of our business. It is where our love for Africa first began and continues to grow. For us, it will always be home and a paradise that we relish in sharing with those from abroad.
Whether you are looking for a family getaway that combines wildlife, the beach and the Winelands or a honeymoon retreat of romance and luxury, South Africa is your destination. With exceptional golf courses, whale watching, pristine beaches and some of the best national parks and private reserves you could find, it’s a multi-faceted country with many hidden gems.
TANZANIA
A country of exceptional geographic diversity, the United Republic of Tanzania boasts many unique attractions that few places can rival. This includes the tallest free-standing mountain in the world (Mt. Kilimanjaro), the rolling plains of the Serengeti and the pristine tropical paradise of Zanzibar.
Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time safari-goer, Tanzania has something to offer everyone. The most well-known areas are the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, in the northern region of the country. This hosts some of the largest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. The Serengeti forms part of the Great Migration and is part of the journey for millions of animals each year. It’s a unique spectacle that’s known to leave guests speechless.
Two large lakes, Lake Natron and Lake Manyara are home to a multitude of flamingos and other water birds, whilst the lesser-known Ruaha, Selous and Katavi are the epitome of true wilderness. With limited access, these wild areas boast huge concentrations of animals in the wildest setting one can imagine. Mahale is on the sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world and is home to charismatic chimpanzees, providing the opportunity to trek with these beautiful primates.