Our Top 10 Safari Journeys for 2019

If you’re dreaming about where to travel to in the new year, nothing speaks “adventure” more than a safari experience out in the African bush. There are so many amazing experiences that await you and our team of safari experts have worked on the perfect list: Our Top 10 African Safari Journeys for 2019 are filled with the most enviable, luxurious and award-winning journeys. It’s not unlikely that these will sell out quickly due to limited availability so now is the right time to secure your dream safari vacation.

Top 10 Safari Journeys For 2019

1. Cape Town, Wine and Wild Sabi Sands Safari

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is renowned for its cat sightings, particularly of the elusive leopard.Duration: 9 DaysDestination: South AfricaIn only nine days, experience an intriguing city, wine and bush escape in two iconic South African destinations. Cape Town which has been crowned “The Best City in the World” for three consecutive years, boasts a picturesque coastline, mountains, and an incredible selection of adventure activities. Heading into the countryside, the next stop is the scenic Franschhoek Valley, regarded as the food capital of South Africa with its award-winning restaurants and wines. Explore the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve on open-vehicle game drives and guided bush walks, discovering the famous Big Five and other incredible animal species. Renowned for its big cats, particularly the elusive leopard, the Sabi Sands presents incredible photo opportunities and up-close animal encounters. This tour offers intimate accommodation in convenient locations and of exceptionally high standards - ensuring complete guest comfort and an unforgettable stay in a warm and welcoming country.

2. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Face to face encounters with an endangered mountain gorilla is the ultimate safari experience in Africa.Duration: 5 DaysDestination: UgandaRegarded as a luxury safari destination, Uganda is home to a pristine rainforest that provides sanctuary to some of the world’s last remaining gorillas. This tour offers an exclusive encounter with a group of elusive mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking through the rainforest for almost four to five hours, you will be rewarded with an hour to spend admiring and photographing these incredible animals. It’s both heartwarming and fascinating to watch them play and interact with one another and sometimes even walk up to or through the group of visitors. This unforgettable experience is complemented with the charming lakeshore town of Entebbe with it's beautiful Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center, and fun-filled beaches.

3. Samburu and Masai Mara Safari

The vast plains of the Masai Mara are where one can see thousands of wildebeest during the Great Migration.Duration: 8 DaysDestination: KenyaFor a great adventure safari, embark on this 8-day tour which combines three major tourist destinations in Kenya and some of the most exclusive lodges and hotels. An overnight stay in the bustling city of Nairobi offers an opportunity to visit top tourist attractions such as Nairobi National Park, the Giraffe Centre, and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant and Rhino Orphanage. Your safari expedition continues as you travel to the 200 000 acre unfenced Samburu National Reserve, discovering the wildlife that is unique to this lesser-visited region and having the rare opportunity to interact with Samburu warriors who teach you about their fascinating way of life.Rounding off the safari experience is a stay in the Mara North Conservancy - a private concession that borders with the Masai Mara National Park which is renowned for the annual Great Mammal Migration and incredible game viewing year round.

4. Botswana in the Green Season

Mokoro's glide quietly through the small winding channels of the Okavango and offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.Duration: 11 DaysDestination: BotswanaThis tour is best described as a wild African safari experience that is complemented with traditional luxury safari accommodation. This journey begins in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve exploring ancient sand dunes and enjoying up-close encounters with the iconic black-maned Kalahari lions who frequently visit the camp. Your safari adventure continues to Nxai Pan National Park which is renowned for the second largest animal migration in Southern Africa. The excitement of being on safari peaks as you visit the Kwando Concession which is well-known for its big game sightings, and the Kwara Concession which is located in the world-renowned Okavango Delta. The Delta offers an exclusive safari experience and a gorgeous new camp that is surrounded by a pan and both the permanent and seasonal floodplains. This incredible tour offers the experience of game drives, mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) safaris, boat cruises, fishing, day trips to well-known tourist attractions, star gazing, bush dining, and nature walks with Bushman trackers.

5. Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta Escape

See the mighty Victoria Falls in all its glory from various viewing points and if you lucky even catch a glimpse of a rainbow.Duration: 8 DaysDestination: Zambia and BotswanaVictoria Falls and the Okavango Delta are two world-renowned destinations in Southern Africa. This 8 day tour begins with a visit to the glorious Victoria Falls, regarded as one of the "Seventh Natural Wonder of the World", and includes activities such as rhino trekking, game drives, cultural village visits, sunset river cruises on a private boat, fishing, canoeing and visits to the Livingstone city center where you can look forward to a variety of adventure activities. Following your adventure in Livingstone, you head into the heart of Botswana for a safari adventure of a lifetime. The Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve each have a uniquely diverse landscape and offer incredible game viewing experiences. Discover the wonder of the African bush on day and night open-vehicle game drives, bush walks, seasonal mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) safaris, and motorized boat cruises. Combined with luxury accommodation in private concessions, this tour promises an unforgettable African safari.

6. East Africa Safari: Mara, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a tropical oasis that offers gorgeous beaches, prime diving sites, and unbeatable relaxation.Duration: 10 DaysDestination: Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar This 10-day tour can be considered to be the ultimate bush and beach vacation, visiting the best safari destinations in East Africa and a tropical beach that is fringed with palm trees, white sand, and crystal blue waters. Starting off in Nairobi, you will relax in a quiet and upmarket suburb or enjoy some of Nairobi's top attractions which include the Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi National Park, Karen arts and crafts centers, Giraffe Centre and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This safari adventure begins with three days in a private concession that borders with the unfenced and world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve - famous for its vast savannah plains, rolling hills that teem with wildlife, big five game viewing, and the world’s greatest mammal migration. The Masai Mara offers phenomenal game viewing all year-round, making it one of the world's most celebrated game reserves. The excitement of being on safari continues in Tanzania with the breathtaking world heritage site known as the Ngorongoro Crater. You will discover the world's largest caldera volcano which offers sanctuary to an abundance of wildlife, including the big five and the densest population of lions. After an exciting safari experience in the African bush, embrace the beach lifestyle and Zanzibarian way of life. You will get to enjoy the finest swimming beaches in Africa, cultural attractions, watersports, and luxurious accommodation.

7. 11 Day Luxury Kruger, Victoria Falls & Cape Town Journey

All troubles fade away when you sit quietly and listen to the sound of the water belting down the 108-meter drop.This tour is the ultimate exploration of Southern Africa, discovering iconic destinations and unforgettable experiences. Starting off the journey in the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, Lion Sands River Lodge treats guests to luxury comfort and an adventure safari in both the world-renowned Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve - which combined offer phenomenal cat sightings and up-close encounters with the famous big five. Look forward to exclusive open-vehicle game drives, guided bush walks, and sleep-outs under the African sky. The adventure continues as you explore the majestic Victoria Falls - renowned as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. Sussi & Chuma nestles in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the mighty Zambezi River and is the only lodge in the area to offer walking safaris. Only a short drive away from the iconic Victoria Falls, Sussi and Chuma affords guests the opportunity of seeing the Falls whilst experiencing other activities which include canoeing safaris, game drives, river cruises, and visits to a local village. Completing this journey of a lifetime is a stay in the mother city of Cape Town which is known for its vibrant streets, picturesque landscapes, award-winning restaurants and vineyards, and unforgettable adventure activities. The V&A Hotel nestles in the popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and offers convenient access to Cape Town’s top tourist attractions.

8. Garden Route, Cape Town, and Eastern Cape Safari

Canoeing within a protected forest is just one of the activities to be experienced along the Garden Route.Duration: 12 DaysDestination: South Africa This 12-day tour is an exploration of what makes South Africa a top tourist destination. Your journey begins in the iconic city of Cape Town which is renowned for its rich culture, decadent cuisine, and picturesque landscapes. Discover the beauty of the Garden Route on a self-drive that visits top attractions such as the dramatic Cango Caves, ostrich farms, indigenous forests, pristine beaches, sandstone cliffs, and an idyllic lagoon. Following the adventure had along the garden route, travelers marvel in an unforgettable safari experience with Shamwari Game Reserve showcasing its passion for wildlife conservation and incredible Big 5 game viewing.

9. Sun City and Madikwe Experience

Try surfing a man-made wave at the water park in the gorgeous Sun City Resort.Duration: 7 DaysDestination: South Africa Discover the diverse beauty of Southern Africa on this 7-day tour that explores two unique destinations. This journey begins in the premier Sun City Holiday Resort which boasts a variety of dining options, a casino, the famous Valley of the Waves, incredible nightlife, the maze of the Lost City, and a wide range of outdoor adventure activities and family entertainment. The excitement continues in the Big Five Madikwe Game Reserve which is one of South Africa’s lesser known premier game reserves. Madikwe offers a safari adventure of a lifetime, with open-vehicle game drives, guided bush walks, outdoor dining, and incredible sightings of African wild dog. The tour accommodation is intimate and comfortable, making for an unforgettable vacation.

10. Luxury Botswana Safari

A cruise along the Chobe River is ideal for seeing large herds of elephants play and swim.Duration: 11 DaysDestination: BotswanaThis incredible mobile safari will give you the opportunity to truly explore Botswana’s remote and pristine landscapes, whilst still enjoying the luxury and comfort of the perfectly positioned lodges. With only six guests on a state-of-the-art safari vehicle, the accompanying professional guide is able to provide unique and personal insight into the wonders of five incredible wilderness regions that offer sanctuary to an abundance of wildlife. Delight in safari activities which include open-vehicle game drives, mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) safaris, walking safaris, bird watching, boating safaris, visits to ancient San rock painting sites, bush dining experiences, and stargazing. Experience your perfect safari adventure in 2019. Our tours showcase the best that Africa has to offer and can be tailored to best suit your travel needs. Allow one of our Travel Experts to help plan your dream African safari.