HOW TO TRAVEL TO .THE AFRICA ISSUE .
HOW TO ORGANIZE MY TRIP TO AFRICA
80% of their time, elephants spend it feeding themselves, from 16 to 18 hours a day.
ABOUT YOUR TRIP TO AFRICA
Lots of people don’t really know that in Timbavati you can spot the white lion, or that Sabi Sands has more luscious vegetation, giving more opportunities to spot leopards on top of big trees, but other species may hide behind the greenery.
The first “problem everybody has when deciding to travel to Africa, is deciding on a route, and that' happens even more when traveling to Africa for the first time. What’s the better way to fly over there?; what lodge is better for me?; how do I put together a budget that makes sense?; how to make sure the places I’m going are worth it, for me?
There are just too many options, too many cultures and things to consider in each place. You either do your research thoroughly, or you work with a travel agent that has all the insights and expertise to design a smooth journey. Either way, make sure you understand the difference between the options that are available, so you’ll be happy with the trip knowing you took the best decision.
We’ve travelled to Africa many times, and together with our Local Experts we constantly explore the hotels, the safaris, the heli rides, walking safaris, and other excursiones you can do here. After traveling to Africa for 10 years now, we bring you a summary of what to consider when traveling to the South Eastern part of the continent.
An unforgettable experience with your kids! The Masai Mara Experience
“It is possible to travel with children to Africa, you just need to choose the right fenced lodge and include fun games and experiences for your kids”
I. HOW TO ARRIVE TO AFRICA?
From June 2023 on, the flight to Johannesburg via Sao Paulo will start operating again.
::NOW::
Via Paris in KLM, or Madrid in Iberia, or London in BA
Via Dubai/Qatar
II. WHERE TO START?
Consider from 1 to 10 how much you are in love with animals. From that point on, we will discover how many nights to include in the safari part, and what to combine your trip with: Victoria Falls, Gorillas Trek, adventure sports, bike rides, kayak experiences, snorkeling, a nice relaxing beach escape at the end.
Think of a budget you feel comfortable with. From there we will build a logical structure to make the most of your investment, starting from the cost of the flights. No need to spend over 30% of your budget on flights.
Depending on the date or dates you have available, we’ll figure out the route around the best weather.
MYTHS ABOUT THE MIGRATION
It happens all year round
It can be seen in Kenia and Tanzania, not in South Africa
You’ll see a lot of hunting between the species during this time, so it’s a hard picture for some. You can always skip it, and see animals all year round as well.
Our partners from Great Plains, the ultimate safari experience. Location: Sitatunga Private Island Camp & Suite, Bostwana
III. SUGGESTED COMBINATIONS
If it's your first time in Africa
Cape Town for 3 nights, Vineyards in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for 1-2 nights, Singita, Timbavati, Phinda… Game Reserve for 4 nights.
If you’re looking for a high density of animals in a wet environment
Botswana for 4 nights, Zambia for 3 nights and Cape Town for 3 nights.
If you are all about the beach
A game reserve for the safari part for 3 nights and Isla Bazaruto in Mozambique for 4 nights.
If you want a longer trip
Kenya and Tanzania for 7-9 nights staying in different lodges and Zanzibar or Seychelles for 4 nights.
Our partners from Porini Camps in Private Wildlife Conservancies in Masai Mara, Kenya
IV. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A SAFARI IN BOTSWANA, SOUTH AFRICA, KENIA & TANZANIA
Botswana
More luxury tented camps than lodges
Okavango Delta River attracts many animals around
Possible to fly over the fields
More activities around water to see the species
Endless sunsets
Suggested stay time: Minimum of 3 nights
South Africa
Great combination of outdoor activities in Cape Town
Wine and gastronomy in the whole country
Elevated service throughout the country
You can stay in 1 or 2 lodges and have daily safari experiences early in the morning and in the afternoon
Several private game reserves: Timbavati (perhaps you’ll spot the white lion), Phinda (lots of elephants, Sabi Sands (more leopards) and others. Each one with more density of animals than others.
There is an elephant orphanage.
Suggested stay time: Minimum of 3 nights
Amazing colors in African Safari.
Kenia/Tanzania
Different routes depending on the level of interest of the person, and the length of the land transfers you need to take.
Combination of safari with Masai Mara culture (lots of dancing), seeing the Ngorongoro Crater and lots of nature around.
Hot air balloon to see the migration or the herds
Suggested stay time: Minimum of 7 nights
Migration is not the only time in the year you get to see animals, you just see them moving, but species are there all the time.
WHAT BEACH OPTIONS DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT TO COMBINE IT WITH?
Zanzibar
Lots of hotels with an arabic feel. A few beachy chic ones.
Combines well with the route in Kenya and Tanzania. Does not combine that well with a safari in Botswana or South Africa, it’s a 12 hour flight!
Seychelles
Brands like Four Seasons, Raffles and Six Senses have built beautiful ocean-front properties.
There are a few small boutique hotels that are worth it.
Mauritius
Several beaches
Hotels focussed on families, others for honeymooners
Mozambique
You can stay in continental land in small hotels, or take a heli to Bazaruto and other similar islands for a totally remote experience.
VISAS & LOCAL REGULATIONS
Vaccinated travelers don’t need a Covid test
South Africa: Yellow fever certificate (Mexico needs visa, Peru and Chile does not)
Zambia, Zimbabwe: E-visa on the Web or Visa upon arrival
Mozambique: Visa upon arrival
*When you travel with us, we will check the exact regulations for you depending on your
passport’s nationality, route and travel dates.
