Small Group (escorted) SafarisBy small group safaris we are referring to safaris which have set departure dates and are designed for those who might prefer to join a small group rather than arrange a tailor made safari. There are a number of advantages (and some disadvantages) - on the up side, they are usually more reasonably priced and feature a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. They are also a great way to meet other travellers from around the world. The only potentially negative aspects that you need to keep in mind are the fact that the itinerary is 'set in stone' and that each tour leaves on specified dates through the year which may not coincide with when you had planned to arrive in Africa. There is also a certain amount of overlap with luxury mobile tented safaris as these tend to be arranged along the same lines, albeit using traditional mobile camps with canvas tents and staff to erect and take down camp. Small group tours are available throughout east and southern Africa and offer a variety of accommodation options including participatory camping, basic cabins and chalets, or more exclusive safari lodges and camps. |
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Of course, there are many levels of accommodation on offer - from participatory camping, where you assist in putting up your own tent and preparing meals, to simple chalets or cabins offering more comfort, to the more exclusive safari camps and lodges (some small, some large):
Participatory camping
On safari you will stay in designated camping sites. Facilities are generally good with hot showers and washing facilities. An essential part of a these camping safaris is of course - participation. From putting up your tent and helping the guides around the camp with meals – it's all part of your adventure. Camping in the wilds of Africa is the way to go - it's an awesome experience to lie in your tent at night listening to the roar of lions of the lonely cry of a jackal!
Cabins / Chalets
If putting up a tent is not your style but traveling in Africa has always been your dream, we have the perfect safaris for you. For those looking for a little more comfort we offer a range of Cabin/Chalet safaris. Based on a proven small group safaris concept, these tours are generally through southern Africa using small hotels, chalets, cabins and permanent tented camps.
Accommodation is generally on a twin share basis - some with en suite bathrooms and some with communal ablutions. These may vary from twin bed permanent tents in a National Park to a hotel a few metres from the beach. Comfortable, clean and friendly. With professional guides to lead your safari and a comfortable bed to sleep in every night you are assured of fantastic holiday. You will not find a better value for money, quality safari.
Safari Camps / Lodges
Especially in East Africa, where a number of the larger safari lodge chains operate in all the major game reserves, it is possible to join a set departure safari circuit that takes in all the standard sights in comfort and with the help of an experienced guide.
With the fact that even non-scheduled safaris are departing from the main centres and tourist hubs almost daily, it is often the case that we can find you space on a tour that was not listed as a set departure safari but, as there are already a number of passengers booked onto a daily departure, you are able to join one of these groups.
This essentially means that if you are looking to travel with a group it is always helpful if you can give us a timeframe to work with, along with your desired locations, and allow us to check with our local offices (whether that be Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana etc) so that we can let you know what is currently available.
It seems that fewer and fewer set departure safaris are being offered as it becomes easier to join a daily departure tour (just as long as there are enough people booked on).
So being flexible is key...
Small group (escorted) safaris are far too numerous to allow us to provide a standard example, but the following itinerary is typical and will give you some idea of what is on offer:
Tanzania Wildlife Week
A classic safari which offers all the highlights of Northern Tanzania. The accommodation used are a mix of lodges and permanent camps, which offers a sense of adventure in combination with comfort. Taking in the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara before continuing on to Tanzania's most famous game areas of Serenegeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. You will experience a variety of landscapes and terrain as well as the huge diversity of animals and birds. In additrion to seeing some of the greatest concentration of wildlife on earth, you will also get to meet and learn about the colourful Maasai and their strong culture, as well as visiting the site of some of man's earliest ancestors at Olduvai Gorge.
Accommodation in comfortable en-suite tent. We use 4* permanent Camps and a Lodge in Ngorongoro. This safari departs Nairobi at 08:00 or Arusha at 14:00.
Itinerary |
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Day 1 Kirurumu Tented Lodge, Manyara - FB |
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Day 2 Ikoma Bush Camp, Serengeti - FB |
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Day 3 Ikoma Bush Camp, Serengeti - FB |
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Day 4 Plantation Lodge, Ngorongoro - FB |
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Day 5 Plantation Lodge, Ngorongoro - FB |
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Day 6 Tarangire Safari Lodge - FB |
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Day 7 Depart |
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Selous Walking Safaris
The Selous Game Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. Relatively unknown and still remarkably undeveloped it is the perfect location for intimate walking safaris.
Your accomodation is in a fully serviced exclusive fly-camp, with an experienced support crew. Mosquito nets under the stars, bedrolls with sheets & blankets, dome tent for changing / storing luggage or use in bad weather, shared use of private shower & toilet tent at rear of fly-camp. Limited bar, limited laundry facilities.
Itineraries: vary according to conditions, but will cover a variety of terrain including the banks of the Rufiji River , riverine & miombo woodlands, Lake Tagallala, a network of sand rivers, open plains and access to the Hot Springs.
Walking season: 01 June to 31 October only. We are no longer operating set departures. Each Selous Walking safari can be booked to start on any day, subject to availability. Minimum of 2 guests, maximum 6. All Selous Walks are operated on an exclusive basis and are for a minimum of 4 nights..
Activities: walking (minimum 4-5 hours a day), game viewing on foot, birding, fishing - depending on precise itinerary.
All walking safaris are led by an experienced, armed walking guide.
Oliver's Camp Walking Safaris
Oliver's Camp is sited on Tarangire's eastern side; its wild side. Opened in 1992 and re-sited to the Park's semi-wilderness area in 2001, this camp is ideally placed to follow migrations of wildlife, and to view the concentrations at waterholes for a nine to ten month season each year.
The walking opportunities for guests staying at Oliver's Camp range from a gentle stroll near the camp, to a full day out on foot across the Park exploring the recently opened wilderness zone. The variety of habitats include open plains, acacia woodlands, tree lined sand rivers, and challenging hill climbs. Longer walking safaris are also available inside Tarangire National Park, along the Rift Valley or onto the Maasai Steppe.
These longer walking safaris, usually for 2 to 3 nights out, are based in wilderness parts of the Tarangire National Park, often starting from Base Camp. We vary these walks by season, depending on conditions, so as to maximise the experience. To the South of our Base Camp is the wilderness area of the Tarangire National Park; wild and rugged land with no roads; to the East the Maasai herders mix with wildlife on vast open savannahs, and to the North is the Great Rift Valley towards Lake Natron. These are wonderful areas to explore on foot and covering 8-12 miles each day we move free of porters as a private group. The equipment is carried by Landrovers, cross country, to meet up with us later in the day. Each night a new and exciting campsite is found.
The Bushcamp Company operates five intimate and exclusive bushcamps in one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas in Africa, the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. These remote camps provide an unmatched wilderness experience where the African walking safari was pioneered.
Experience the thrill of the traditional walking safari at 5 different styles of bushcamp. The camps are ideal for small groups seeking a personalized, remote bush experience, great hospitality and spectacular opportunities to explore this magnificent wildlife sanctuary on foot. Activities are tailored to individual tastes and include day and night game drives. The optimum number of guests in each camp is 6, however, groups of 8 can be accommodated.
KUYENDA - Traditional Zambian Bushcamp
Kuyenda is nestled amongst shady trees on the banks of the Manzi River.
Accommodation is in 4 authentic thatched rondavels. Large spacious beds, mosquito netting and en-suite facilities (shower, toilet, washbasin) provide a very comfortable yet genuine bush experience. The bathroom is open to the stars. The central dining area lounge and bar overlook a grassy plain with abundant wildlife where the drama of wild Africa is your stage.
CHAMILANDU - Up market Raised Camp
Chamilandu offers comfort, class and beauty in one of the Luangwa Valleys prime remote river locations. These 2-metre high tree house chalets are elegantly designed with a tasteful blend modern classic decor and provide a birds eye view over the waters of the Luangwa River and Chindeni Hills. A series of 7 ox-bow lagoons yield a diversity of habitats which attract abundant wildlife.
CHINDENI - Luxury Tented Camp
Chindeni is situated on the edge of a permanent lagoon with the Chindeni Hills as a magnificent backdrop. Raised on wooden decking, Chindeni's 4 en-suite luxury tents have private decks from which you can view the resident big game or simply enjoy the serenity of the lagoon. Each tent has 2 queen-sized beds, hot and cold running water, shower, toilet, double vanities and polished wooden flooring.
BILIMUNGWE - Luxury Bush Trails camp
Bilimungwe is a cool and comfortable camp set beneath magnificent Mahogany trees on the edge of a small plain. The camp consists of 4 reed and thatch chalets with en-suite shower, toilet and double vanities. The rustic dining area and fully stocked bar are constructed on raised decking with views of Bilimungwe's permanent water hole and abundant game. Enjoy sundowners on Kapamba River before taking a night drive back to camp.
KAPAMBA - Luxury Bush Trails Camp
Kapamba is the Bushcamp Company's fifth and newest camp. It is unique as it will be the only bushcamp to stay open until the end of December. Situated in a prime location on the picturesque Kapamba River , the lodge offers the chance to enjoy this untouched corner of the National Park in luxurious surroundings.
The well-positioned half-moon deck is the focal point of the camp and serves as both the dining and bar area. Overlooking the Kapamba River , the deck offers an ideal viewing point for the abundant wildlife that comes to drink at the river.
