South Africa is a land of unparalleled beauty. It’s a country of wide-open spaces and warm hospitality, dramatic landscapes, and incandescent sunsets. Home to the Big Five, world-renowned winelands, and where two oceans meet, South Africa offers visitors an array of luxury travel experiences. Explore cosmopolitan Cape Town, savor gourmet cuisine at award-winning restaurants, take a slow drive along the spectacular 190-mile Garden Route coastline, and indulge in a five-star stay at a private game reserve.
Southern Africa
Namibia
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Africa, Namibia is a land of captivating contrasts, where rugged mountains and rolling savannas give way to endless stretches of desert and pristine coastlines. It’s a destination unlike any other, offering adventure and luxury in equal measure. Namibia is known for its diverse landscapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, luxury safari lodges, and unique cultural experiences.
Botswana
Botswana offers the ultimate luxury safari tour, where visitors can see an incredible range of wildlife up close. The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park are just a few of the destinations that offer exclusive access to wildlife viewing areas. Guests can discover majestic elephants, lions, leopards, and hyenas in their natural habitats on guided tours. In addition to these popular animals, Botswana is home to other unique species such as pangolins, aardvarks, and honey badgers.
Zambia & Zimbabwe
Embark on the ultimate safari tour in Zambia, known for its exceptional wildlife and national parks, including South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue. Get up close and personal with elephants, giraffes, lions, and other big game, while enjoying the stunning landscapes and pristine beauty of Zambia’s hidden gems, such as the majestic Victoria Falls, Livingstone Island, and Kafue National Park.
East Africa
Tanzania
Tanzania is a premier safari destination, home to iconic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park offer exclusive access to breathtaking wildlife encounters. Guests can witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains, and spot predators like lions and cheetahs on thrilling game drives. Tanzania also boasts unique species such as dik-diks, gerenuks, and the elusive caracal, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience.
Kenya
Kenya is the heart of the African safari, offering unparalleled wildlife experiences in legendary reserves like the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu. Visitors can witness the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration and marvel at large elephant herds with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. Kenya is also home to rare species like Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and Somali ostriches, making every safari a unique adventure.
Rwanda
Rwanda is a destination of extraordinary natural beauty and rare wildlife experiences. Volcanoes National Park offers the chance to trek through lush forests to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest add to Rwanda’s diversity, with sightings of golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and even the elusive shoebill. Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and conservation efforts make it a truly unique safari destination.
Uganda
Uganda is a hidden gem for travelers seeking intimate wildlife encounters and diverse ecosystems. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is famed for its mountain gorilla trekking, while Queen Elizabeth National Park offers sightings of tree-climbing lions and vast herds of hippos along the Kazinga Channel. Unique species such as Uganda kobs, shoebills, and giant forest hogs make Uganda a remarkable destination for those seeking something truly special.
FAQ
How do I choose between Southern Africa and East Africa for a first safari?
With so much to explore in both regions, start by considering which headline experiences you would most like to have. These could be a classic Big Five encounter, observing the Great Migration, discovering river and delta based wildlife, or possibly a city plus beach tour.
- Southern Africa is renowned for its private wildlife reserves and variety, so guests can easily combine a stay at a top reserve like Lion Sands, Mala Mala or Sabi Sands with additional excursions through Cape Town, the Cape Winelands or the Garden Route.
- East Africa, alternatively, offers seasonal migration drama and wide open savanna in iconic locations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Masai Mara, plus primate trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Flight routes and connection times may also influence your specific choices, so it’s advisable to compare total travel times door to door.
- Finally, compare the seasonality for each region with the style of camp and activities you prefer and then pick the region with the signature experiences that suit your preferences.
What is the best way to combine city, wine country, and safari on one trip?
Premier Africa thoughtfully arranges travel itineraries to help facilitate a smooth transition from your initial point of departure to your travel destination.
- Flying into cosmopolitan Cape Town at the start allows for easy daytime touring and lets travellers recover from jet lag while they take in incredible scenery and award-winning fine dining.
- From here, heading inland to the historic Cape Winelands, known for its world class wines and outstanding cuisine, is a great next step to savor lazy lunches and short scenic transfers between estates.
- Finally, finishing in a private game reserve like Sabi Sands, Lion Sands, Mala Mala, or Shamwari provides the most relaxed wildlife viewing and guided drives in five star luxury.
Keeping your internal flights tight helps maximize time spent at your final destination, so choosing morning departures means you can arrive early to make the most of the time at camp.
Planning three to four nights in each location also creates better balance without the rush.
When should I lock key lodges if I have fixed dates?
If your travel dates are fixed, it’s advisable to secure bookings at key lodgings first and foremost.
- Premier properties in Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park tend to fill up earliest, so aim to secure these bookings at least a year in advance if possible.
- Focus first on holding the hardest to book nights upfront, and then build the rest of your travel route around those fixed nights.
- Shoulder season weeks can also open up space without sacrificing quality, so make a point of asking about specific time windows for each region.
- Keep in mind that private vehicles and specialist guides are limited by capacity, so try to reserve these early if they are important to your travel goals.
- Be flexible when it comes to the exact order of the stops you will be making in order to keep your core lodge choices secure.

























