africa tour

Africa tours

From Victoria Falls and the Serengeti to the medinas of Morocco and the coastal cities of South Africa, you’ll see the continent’s most compelling landscapes on our escorted tours to Africa.

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Travel tips for africa trips.

The best time for a trip to Africa depends on what you want to see during your vacation. The temperature is warm year-round, but the seasons affect both weather patterns and animal migrations across the continent. Because Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are opposite those of North America—that means that during the summer months in North America, it’s winter in Africa.

Our Africa tour packages are designed to take you to the best sites at the ideal time of year. In general, you will want to visit Africa during the dry season, which differs from region to region. July through October is the best time for a safari in Tanzania or Kenya, with cooler temps and animal migrations happening across the Serengeti and Masai Mara. African tours that take you to Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Cape Town are best from April to October, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for safari game drives or city sightseeing. In the deserts of Morocco and Egypt, the climate is very hot and dry; plan to visit Northern Africa in spring or fall when the weather is most pleasant.

A trip to Africa can mean anything from a wildlife safari to sipping a crisp white wine at a vineyard. When you travel with us, you’ll experience all the best places to visit in Africa alongside an expert Tour Director and local guides—which means you can get the most out of your trip, no matter where you go.

On Safari Tours you’ll experience game drives in wildlife-rich destinations like the Serengeti and Hwange National Park. Snap photos of the Big Five from your safari vehicle, and experience untouched Africa in handpicked hotels that put you at the heart of the action.

If you’re looking for a mix of city and wildlife, one of our Africa guided tours to Cape Town is the perfect fit. Want to visit excellent vineyards and Africa’s best coastal cities? The beaches and vineyards around Cape Town, Knysna, and Port Elizabeth definitely fit the bill.

For Africa tours and travel filled with culture and history, you’ll want to see the Highlights of Morocco or Ancient Egypt . You can explore the Sahara on camelback and browse colorful souks or stand beside the Great Pyramids of Giza and see the Great Sphinx. We make it easy to get closer to local culture and see the important landmarks because our carefully planned itineraries are crafted with these moments in mind.

There is no one dish that defines African cuisine. In Morocco, influences from Mediterranean, Arab, and Andalusian cultures can be found in the range of spices that flavor every meal. Traditional dishes include tagine —a stew made with beef, chicken, or lamb and vegetables—and couscous. Egyptian cuisine is also heavily influenced by Mediterranean flavors, and the Nile Valley produces an abundance of legumes and vegetables. Try shawarma and kebab , two meat dishes that are popular throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East.

In Kenya and Tanzania, cuisine is very tied to what is locally available—depending on where you are, you’ll find very different dishes! On our African tours, meals in your game lodges reflect Britain’s colonial influence. Curries and spicy foods are also popular, thanks to Indian and South Asian immigrants who call the region home.

South African food is called “rainbow cuisine” because of its multicultural influences. South Africa is also a very popular wine region, and produces some of the world’s best white wines.

Our escorted tours to Africa visit many different regions, which means a diverse range of cuisines to try!

On any tours around Africa, expect hot, sunny weather during the day and the chance for cooler temps at night. You’ll want loose-fitting, layered clothing for a range of temperatures, as well as sun protection, including a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses. If you are traveling in Morocco and Egypt, remember to pack modest clothing that can keep you covered during visits to mosques or other religious sites. You may also want to pack lightweight rainwear, as occasional rain showers are common during certain seasons.

If you are packing for a safari, it’s recommended you wear muted colors to avoid scaring away animals. Safari luggage restrictions are strongly enforced to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort aboard safari vehicles. You will need to bring a soft, flexible duffel bag as hard suitcases are not allowed.

Of course, once you’ve reserved your trip to Africa, we’ll send you detailed information about getting ready for your travels—including more packing tips!

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African Safari - Compare 10,173 Tours

Does an African safari feature on your bucket list? It should! Africa has so much to offer, from spectacular scenery, friendly people and cultural treasures to blissful beaches. But above all else, it is the wildlife and safari lifestyle that will draw you back, again and again. This well-known quote by Richard Mullin is so very true: ‘The only man I envy, is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to’. Once you go on your first safari, Africa gets into your blood. You develop a deep longing to return to this magical continent, and to start planning your next African safari holiday. Be warned, Africa is very addictive!

5-Day Safari Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire

$1,100 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Hotel

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Moraka Africa Safaris

5.0 /5  –  35 Reviews

3-Day Flying Masai Mara - Elangata Olerai Luxury Camp

$1,753 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Dallago Tours Kenya Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  57 Reviews

5-Day Botswana Luxury Tour

$3,346 to $5,317 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Kasane (Start) , Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun Airport (End)

Wayfairer Travel

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

3-Day Masai Mara Mid-Range Private Safari

$832 to $1,253 pp (USD)

Mufasa Tours and Travels

4.9 /5  –  386 Reviews

5-Day Mid-Range Tour at Manyara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro

$1,925 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Central Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Januz Safaris

4.9 /5  –  32 Reviews

4-Day Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti

$1,100 to $1,760 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 5 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Moshi (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Moshi (End)

MJ Safaris & Adventure

4.5 /5  –  45 Reviews

8-Day Great Migration Safari

$3,135 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Central Serengeti NP, Northern Serengeti NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro, Arusha (End)

Safari Soles

5.0 /5  –  248 Reviews

10-Day Beach Holiday and Game Drive Safari - Exclusive

$3,762 to $4,301 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Central Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (Tanzania Beaches) , Arusha (End)

Kojuu Safaris Africa

5.0 /5  –  36 Reviews

6-Day Nairobi- Mara-Nakuru-Amboseli-Tsavo East-Mombasa

$1,375 to $1,529 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Tsavo East NP, Mombasa Beaches, Mombasa (End)

Bienvenido Kenya Tours and Safaris

4.3 /5  –  77 Reviews

4-Day Classic Wildlife & Cultural Experience Safari

$1,372 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

Serengeti Smile

5.0 /5  –  226 Reviews

4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour

$2,718 pp (USD)

Rwanda: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Hotel

You Visit: Kigali (Start) , Kigali Airport (Kigali) , Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) , Kigali (End)

Hermosa Life Tours and Travel

5.0 /5  –  111 Reviews

5-Day Comfort Safari Experience

$1,755 to $1,914 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha (End)

African Big Cats Safaris

5.0 /5  –  366 Reviews

10-Day Unforgettable Safari in Tanzania

$3,890 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, Lake Natron, Karatu District, Kilimanjaro Airport (End)

Savannah Explorers

5.0 /5  –  485 Reviews

6-Day Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara Luxury Safari

$2,166 to $3,364 pp (USD)

Kenya: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Amboseli NP, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha) , Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End)

Kevic Tours and Travel

5.0 /5  –  44 Reviews

9-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Mid-Range Safari

$3,410 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Kilimanjaro Airport (End)

Meru Slopes Tours & Safaris

5.0 /5  –  311 Reviews

3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Join Tour

$633 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Mountain Warriors Tours and Safaris

5.0 /5  –  82 Reviews

7-Day Best of the Wild Luxury Safari

$3,522 to $3,553 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Kilimanjaro Adventure Safari Club

5.0 /5  –  149 Reviews

7-Day Serengeti and Zanzibar White Sand Beaches Luxury

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Western Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (End)

Colours Africa Tours and Safaris

5.0 /5  –  160 Reviews

6-Day Fascinating Budget Kenya Classic Safari

$880 to $1,155 pp (USD)

Kenya: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Nairobi (Start) , Masai Mara NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Amboseli NP, Nairobi (End)

Lenchada Safaris

4.9 /5  –  736 Reviews

8-Day Safari to Most Celebrated African Parks

$4,048 pp (USD)

You Visit: Arusha (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Central Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha (End)

Tanzania Roadside Expeditions

5.0 /5  –  251 Reviews

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7 Questions About African Safari Tours

Answered by

Harriet nimmo.

Why should I choose an African safari tour?

“There are so many reasons to choose an African safari. Going on safari is an unforgettable experience, offering a heady mix of adventure, thrilling wildlife sightings, cultural encounters and spectacular scenery. It is a chance to escape the fast pace of the modern world. You’ll retreat to a simpler, more peaceful way of life, reconnecting with the daily rhythms of nature. For me, the wildlife sightings provide the adrenaline that keeps me coming back, time and time again. Who can ever forget their first sighting of an elephant in the wild or realizing just how tall a giraffe really is? And there is something so primeval when hearing the roar of a lion under a glittering night sky. Finally, going on safari can help protect Africa’s wild animals and wild places. The more paying visitors, the more local people are employed and the more incentive there is to protect Africa’s natural wonders.”

Which are the best African countries for going on safari?

“All the classic safari countries make wonderful destinations for African safari tours. These countries are Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. Which country you choose may depend on whether you’d like to combine your safari with another activity. For example you may like to add some beaches and/or Zanzibar in East Africa. Or perhaps Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe, or fine dining around Cape Town and the winelands of South Africa. If this is your first safari, South Africa makes a good option. The private reserves bordering Kruger National Park can almost guarantee sightings of the Big Five. South Africa also has good infrastructure and excellent levels of service. However, you will not get the sweeping savannahs and ‘Out of Africa’ scenes here. For these you need to travel to Kenya or Tanzania. Of course, these two countries also offer the incredible wildebeest migration. Note though, you need to travel here at the right time of year to see this. Zambia and Zimbabwe should also be considered. They have stunning national parks, including South Luangwa and Hwange respectively. Both countries are slightly more off the beaten track with less mass tourism. Botswana perhaps feels the wildest of the safari countries, although this comes with a price.”

What time of year is best for going on a safari?

“The best time of year, and the peak season, for most safaris is the Dry season. This is when the bush is less dense, and the wildlife is drawn to waterholes. Generally the wildlife is easier to find and see at this time. The Dry season means bright sunny days, and cooler nights. Of course, as the Dry season is peak safari season, there are more travelers and prices are higher. Dry season generally falls from May/June to September/October. You may also wish to consider going during the ‘Green season’ (also known as the Wet season or Emerald season). Although it may rain, often the showers are short downpours and then the sun comes back out again. It can be much cheaper to travel then, the bush is lush and green, and this is the breeding season for many of the animals. In East Africa, there are two Green seasons – the long rains between March and May, and the short rains from approximately October to December. In southern Africa the Green season is approximately from November to March. Temperatures can get very hot. Note that when it is wet there are more bugs and a greater risk of malaria.”

What wildlife can I expect to see?

“When it comes to seeing wildlife while on safari, this is wild nature and nothing can be guaranteed. You may see plenty of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant). But there will be game drives when you don’t see very much at all. That will make the sightings you do see all the more special. The joy of safaris, and what makes them so addictive, is that you just never know what you might see around the next corner. If you listen closely to, and learn from your guide, you’ll be able to enjoy all aspects of Africa’s wildlife. Everything from baobab trees to dung beetle, to chameleon and cheeky mongoose. Don’t forget to also focus on the birds, as even a very quiet game drive usually delivers some great bird sightings.”

What does a typical day look like on safari?

“All African safari holidays run to the same typical timetable. The best times to see wildlife, particularly predators being active, is at the beginning and end of the day. These golden hours at dawn and dusk are also the best times for photography. So be prepared for very early starts! You will usually be woken at dawn, and given tea, coffee, rusks or cereal. The aim is to get going on your game drive as early as possible at first light. The morning game drive usually lasts three to four hours, including a coffee and comfort break. You return to your camp or lodge for brunch. Then you are free to relax and take a siesta, or perhaps lie by the pool, during the middle of the day. It’s a good idea to bring something to read for this down time. Later in the afternoon you will meet again for tea and snacks, before setting out on your second game drive of the day. This will usually include a stop for sundowner drinks, to watch the setting sun. The game drive then returns to your accommodation in the dark, using a spotlight to look for nocturnal animals. Evening meals are usually served just after returning to camp. In some countries night drives are offered after dinner at around 8pm. Such drives can be a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal (only active at night) wildlife such as genets. Unless you have paid for exclusive use, be prepared for sharing your game-drive vehicle with other guests. This can be huge fun (although sometimes you need to be quite tolerant). It is always a good idea to offer to swap around your seating positions during your safari. ”

How much will this safari cost?

“The costs of an African safari can vary enormously. You could pay anything from US$125 to US$1000 per person, per night. Sometimes considerably more. Safaris can be an expensive holiday, and you generally get what you pay for. At the budget end of the spectrum are African safari packages where you join organized tours, departing on set dates, with other groups of people. South Africa and Kenya offer some of the best value-for-money safaris. Your choice of accommodation will affect the cost of your safari. Mobile safaris, where you sleep in tents, are great for groups of friends or families traveling together. Some safari lodges have taken luxury to the extreme, with private plunge pools etc. That said, you will probably have the same wildlife-viewing experience as staying in a more rustic lodge. It’s a matter of deciding what features are most important to you. If your reserve or lodge is remote, getting there will also impact the price. To visit the Okavango Delta, in Botswana, you can only fly into the Delta. There are no road transfers, so this adds to the price of your trip. The Serengeti is accessible by road, but this is a long, bone-rattling journey. It’s much easier and more comfortable to take a quick trip in a small plane. Whatever the costs of your safari, if you’ve experienced good service, do tip generously. A few extra dollars or Euros will make a huge difference to your guide or lodge staff.”

What should I consider when choosing an African safari tour?

“There is a lot of considerations to be taken into account when choosing an African safari tour operator. These include: If you are traveling with children, choose a family-friendly tour or lodge. In addition, you may prefer to choose a safari in a malaria-free area, for example in parts of South Africa. What type of safari do you want to go on? There are organized tours, departing on set dates, joining other groups of people. Or do you want an exclusive, tailor-made safari just for you? Are you happy to camp or do you want to stay in a luxury lodge? Your budget will probably determine your choices. Do you want to combine your safari with beaches, South Africa’s winelands, or a trip to Victoria Falls? This will help determine which country to choose.”

Safari Reviews

Very safe, comfortable, perfect trip, everything as it should be, highly recommended! 非常安全舒适完美的旅程，推荐

Right Choice for a customized trip for four people. It arranged the best guide in the world - Mr. Opany. The flooding in the early hours of May 1 flooded our Camp. but with the efforts of Opany and RightChoice, helped us to coordinate...

Full Review

Amaizing trip and lovely one

We had an amazing trip with the Serengeti Mystery team. The pick-up from Usa River was smooth. We visited Tarangire National Park and saw many animals, including warthogs, elephants, and lions. We also visited the Ngorongoro Crater and...

The customer care and service was excellent. Time conscious and patient at the same time. Immensely enjoyed my weekend of 24th to 26th May 2024 to Murchison national park. They delivered as promised on all scores.

What an amazing trip! From the very first minute we landed in Nairobi until the last minute we left Kenya the trip was just fabulous our guide Ken was fantastic, the jeep for the safaris, the hotels and of course, Kenya. I will definitely...

Tour operator was very friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable

Cosiano’s Safari was amazing, very well organized with kind and caring staff. Accommodations were nice and well set up.

All the group loved the experience, the tour operator exceeded our expectations

The safari was an amazing experience, we saw a lot of animals and our guides were very kind and professional, making the experience memorable. The meals included were also very good and they provided unlimited water during the 2 days of...

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Africa Safari Tours & Vacations

• Africa Safari Tours & Holidays

Take a walk on the wild side on an African safari.

The word “safari” means “journey” in Swahili. And a safari in Africa is all about the journey. While seeing a leopard munch on a freshly caught gazelle or spying a curious lion cub venture away from its mother’s protective embrace will be highlights of your trip, you’ll discover the journey is as much a part of your trip as the destination.

The road-trip games you play with your new travel mates, the feeling of the wind (and maybe a little dust) in your hair when you’re travelling down long, winding roads, and the young Maasai boy who waved at you as you passed him along the road will stay with you long after you return.

Our African safari tours

Okavango experience, 10 days from 1728.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 2925.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Gorillas & Game Parks

16 days from 4311.

Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this overland adventure including a...

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 2903.

Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...

East Africa Highlights

10 days from 3542.

Explore East Africa, like Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve, Serengeti National Park...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Kenya Wildlife Safari

8 days from 1404.

Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...

Botswana Highlights

9 days from 2518.

Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on an adventure that visits...

Road to Zanzibar

12 days from 1983.

Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...

The Masai Heartlands

15 days from 3688.

Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 2 week trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...

Serengeti Trail

8 days from 2040.

Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...

Vic Falls to Kruger

9 days from 1422.

Take on a safari adventure through Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Kruger...

Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches

27 days from 6980.

Go deep in East Africa on this epic trip, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Botswana Adventure

10 days from 4332.

Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...

Namibia Discovery

13 days from 3765.

Travel from Cape Town in South Africa to Namibia’s Windhoek through coastlines, sand...

Amazing Southern Africa

22 days from 7695.

Jump onboard an exhilarating journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls through the...

Vic Falls to Cape Town

22 days from 2805.

Discover the unique and contrasting lands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South...

Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

9 days from 4786.

Travel through Rwanda and Uganda in search of natural beauty and the gentle mountain...

Garden Route Adventure

14 days from 1819.

See Africa from Durban to Cape Town on a 14-day adventure. Tour Tsitsikamma, Addo...

Best of East Africa

20 days from 4505.

Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...

Cape Town to Zanzibar

41 days from 5496.

See Africa on this incredible overland adventure from South Africa to Tanzania. Soak up...

Serengeti & Kilimanjaro

15 days from 5160.

Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya, including a trek to the summit of Mt...

Okavango & Beyond

9 days from 2074.

Travel from Zimbabwe to South Africa via Botswana. The Okavango and Beyond trip is the...

Vic Falls to Stone Town

17 days from 2261.

See East Africa in 17 days including Victoria Falls, Matobo, South Luwanga, Lake Malawi...

Southern Africa Adventure

30 days from 4560.

Take a month long southern African adventure from Cape Town into Namibia, Botswana and...

Essential East Africa

10 days from 1845.

Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...

Africa Encompassed Northbound

64 days from 12505.

This epic journey with explores Southern Africa in detail including Botswana, Kenya,...

Johannesburg to Kenya

37 days from 6693.

Travel the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the...

Cape Town to Kenya

49 days from 7776.

Experience the ultimate African adventure on this epic trip including Kenya, Botswana,...

Kruger & Coast

9 days from 1258.

Explore diverse southern Africa on this nine-day adventure, including Kruger National...

Gorillas to Vic Falls

42 days from 8700.

Explore Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on this epic trip that included a...

Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

16 days from 5992.

Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...

Africa Encompassed Southbound

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Africa safari h ighlights

Spot the Big 5 in South Africa

Go on safari through Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa . This massive park is one of the premier safari spots in all of Africa and for good reason; it’s home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species, including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog.

Go gorilla trekking in Uganda

Venture deep into the steamy jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the rare mountain gorilla. With a local guide to lead you, you’ll trek into the forest to spend one unforgettable hour watching and hanging out with a family of gorillas. A close encounter with these gentle giants is an extraordinary African experience that will always stay with you.

Float over the Serengeti

The only thing more magical than witnessing the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti? Seeing it from the sky in a hot air balloon. As the herds of wildebeest and thousands of other animals travel from Serengeti National Park to the greener pastures of the Masai Mara National Reserve, you can watch their journey and enjoy incredible views from a unique perspective.

Canoe in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta has a unique system of waterways that are home to an immense array of wildlife. The best way to explore it is in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. Visit in May to September, when animals are confined to small islands created by the annual flood, making it easy to spot great herds of elephant and antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions, cheetahs and more. 

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Kruger National Park

Serengeti National Park

The Okavango Delta

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Where we stay on safari.

On our safari trips you’ll stay in billion-star accommodation. That’s our way of saying you’re sleeping under the night sky, camping in the great outdoors. On our Basix and sections of Original trips, you’ll stay in two-person canvas tents that our crew will help you set up. And on our Comfort trips, you’ll be staying in permanent tented camps and lodges (think glamping instead of camping).

Campsite facilities can sometimes be basic, but wherever possible, we make sure there are Western-style toilets and warm water available. But you’ll find it’s worth sacrificing a warm shower or two when you’re waking up to sunrise over the Masai Mara.

How we get around

On our safari trips, your main mode of transport is an overland truck, a purpose-built vehicle made for driving through Africa’s winding, and sometimes bumpy, country roads. While the trucks don’t have air conditioning, they do have sliding windows which let in the breeze and make it even easier to take spectacular snaps of the local wildlife. The trucks are also equipped with power outlets to charge your camera, phone and other devices on the go.

For more info on our overland trucks, see our Africa overland page .

African Safari FAQs

When is the best time to go on safari.

Generally speaking, January, February and June to October are the best times to go on safari in Africa. This is the dry season, so animals tend to come out into more open spaces in search of water, making them easier to spot. However, you’ll be able to spot animals all year round and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds if you travel outside peak season.

Read more about the best time to go on safari .

Where is the best place to go on safari?

The best place to go on safari depends on what kind of animals you’d like to see and what other activities you’d like to do in destination. We offer safaris to some of the best safari destinations in eastern and southern Africa, like Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and more.

Read more about how to choose your ideal African safari . 

Am I guaranteed to see animals on safari?

While we can’t guarantee you’ll spot the Big 5, you’d have to be profoundly unlucky to see no animals at all. On our trips, you’ll explore some of the best game parks and national reserves in the world. These protected areas are filled with a huge variety of different species and your expert driver and local leader will help you spot animals.

What are the “Big 5”?

The “Big 5” used to refer to the five big game animals that were the most difficult to hunt. Now that most shooting is done on a camera, the Big 5 are the most exciting animals to spot while on safari: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo.

What should I pack for safari?

Loose, light clothing in neutral colours is the best attire for a safari (dark colours will get hot in the sun and can attract the Tsetse fly). You’ll also want a sun hat, some good walking shoes, a camera, sunscreen and bug spray. For more details, check out our ultimate Africa packing guide . 

What type of food will be served on safari?

On our Basix trips you’ll have a cook travelling with you while you are on safari who will whip up a variety of local flavours and Western-style dishes. Along your route, your cook will stop to purchase fresh, locally sourced food for your meals. You can expect a variety of things for breakfast like fruit, eggs, toast and cereal; lunch is often sandwiches and salads; and dinner is usually a hearty meal like pasta, curry or a BBQ.

On our Original and Comfort trips there will be more meals at camps and lodges along the way. No matter what you’re craving, you definitely will not be going hungry on safari.

What are the toilets and showers like on safari?

Most of the permanent tented camps will have a private bathroom with flushing toilets and showers with warm water. 

Many of the campsites we stay at have communal facilities with flushing toilets and showers with warm water. However, in some of the more remote areas, there may only be basic facilities (toilets and cold running water). 

Can you accommodate accessibility requirements on your safari tours?

We are committed to making travel accessible to everyone, so we will work with you to assess whether you will be able to complete an existing itinerary, or whether we will be able to make reasonable adjustments to meet your needs before you book. Please see our accessible travel page for more information. 

What is internet and phone access like on safari?

Some of our hotels and campsites will have Wi-Fi, however Internet and phone access may be limited in more remote areas. But you won’t miss it when you’re watching a pride of lions prowl through long grass or enjoying a drink around the campfire with your group. 

Responsible travel

Our stance on Animal Welfare

This world and the animals that call it home are precious, and we believe it’s our responsibility to help preserve them. We do not include or condone any activities that exploit animals on our safari trips, including hunting, feeding or interacting with animals in any way. We believe that wild animals should be observed in the wild, from a respectful distance. 

Some tips for being a wildlife-friendly traveller include never buying animal products, not participating in activities that include contact with the animals, and not including location tags on social media posts (some poachers have gone high-tech and use social media to track rare animals’ locations).

Read more about our Animal Welfare Policy here . 

Read more about African safaris

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Embark on an extraordinary journey with African Travel, where the wilderness of African safaris meets expertly curated luxury experiences. With over four decades of expertise, we meticulously select the finest accommodations and extraordinary experiences to craft unforgettable adventures tailored to your desires. Join us in uncovering the exceptional wonders of Africa on a journey that will forever etch itself into your heart and soul.

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Southern Explorer

Our most popular itinerary combining cape town, safari in greater kruger and victoria falls..

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Explore the best of the serengeti and witness the iconic great migration..

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We're Africa enthusiasts, passionate about curating authentic adventures while championing wildlife conservation and local communities. "Our team has explored every corner of the continent, and when we say "We Know Africa", you can rely on us to craft the ideal African experience for you." - Sherwin Banda, President

Nothing compares to the magic of an African safari. It offers a rare chance to connect with nature, diverse cultures, and one another. Many describe it as life-changing. Experience the magic of the wild for yourself. Watch and discover what a day on safari looks like.

Our Differences

From a range of luxury accommodations to our VIP airport services, expert local guides, luxury amenities, exclusive private tours, and 24/7 concierge support, our tailor-made experiences deliver an elevated and worry-free journey.

Soar above the savanna on a hot air balloon, sleep under the African stars in a treehouse, learn wildlife photography, and spend a day with an anti-poaching unit. Our safari experts will guide you to discover the perfect experiences for your personalized African journey.

Safari Experiences

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"Amazing!! Best trip I have ever taken. I was hesitant about embarking on an African Safari, as it was outside my comfort zone. Please, if you're even considering it... DO IT. African Travel selected incredible lodges, National Parks, and ensured that whatever we needed was available." - Denise E.

Crafting your dream safari experience requires meticulous planning, and we're here to make it effortless for you. Start a conversation with us and explore the possibilities.

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Africa Holidays in Style

Africa Travel is a specialist luxury tour operator which hand-crafts the most authentic African holiday itineraries and exclusive travel experiences throughout the entire continent. With over thirty years know-how and the best connections in the industry, we have a passion for Africa and are always bang up-to-date on its latest offerings. Africa is a collection of some of the most amazing countries and cultures on earth. We know Africa, we love Africa, and we want to share it with you.

Whether you want a Serengeti safari , a beach holiday in the Seychelles or to track with bushmen in Botswana , we have everything you need at Africa Travel. Specialising in tailoring African tours and holidays, to suit all needs and requirements, we ensure that you experience all that Africa has to offer. Please Note: All costings shown on our website are for indicative purposes only. The confirmed costs for all quotations will be provided by our Africa experts at time of enquiry, and will be valid for a period of 7 days.

Why Choose Africa Travel?

Africa Travel is the UK's premier specialist dealing with travel to Africa, but we aren't just a website or a call centre, we are a boutique, owner-run company with personal connections to many of the owners of the properties we feature.

Book Africa With Confidence

During these challenging times many of us are understandably concerned about the impact and effect of Coronavirus on our travel plans, and so to offer you complete reassurance, Africa Travel have put in place our very own Book Africa with Confidence policy.

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All flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. Our ATOL number is 3384 www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

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Meet Our Experts

Sales Director & Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist

Chris joined Africa Travel directly from university in 1992 and knows both the company and Africa extremely well.

Sales Supervisor, London

Julia’s love for travel began at a young age. Born in Cape Town, she spent many a holiday exploring Southern Africa with her family before starting her career in travel.

Sales Advisor, London

Felicity, who joined Africa Travel in 2004, has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years and originally comes from South Africa's KwaZulu Natal province

Christine Klerck

Manager, Cape Town

Christine fell in love with Africa over 30 years ago, and has been managing the Cape Town office since 2008, and is looking forward to exploring Namibia more.

Sales Support, Cape Town

Shaun joined the travel industry just over 10 years ago, working first for an online travel booking portal and an ecotourism company, specialising in sustainable travel in Southern and East Africa.

Debbie Kroukamp

Debbie joined Africa Travel in May 2009 and has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, enjoying a number of roles, from airline ticketing to accounting.

Christine Grant

Tour Guide, Cape Town

Christine first came to Africa as a young woman and immediately felt a connection which has never allowed her to leave. She lived in Johannesburg and in Knysna on the Garden Route, but came to Cape Town 22 years ago and realised it was where she wanted to be!

Alyson Riches

Alyson grew up in Zimbabwe and it was her parents who influenced her a great love of the African bush. It was not just a love of the wildlife but the plant and bird life and everything that is associated in the wild spaces of Africa.

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Wild Beauty, Captivating Culture

Explore all the places we go in Africa

Destination Must-See's

‘The Big 5’:

A trip to Africa is not complete without experiencing a wildlife safari. Safaris allow you to get up close to the wild animals where they live and feed. You will be going on the search for the illusive ‘Big Five’ game: the African lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and the Cape buffalo. They are nicknamed the ‘big five’ because they are the most difficult animals to catch. On safari you will not only witness a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, but you will also be surrounded by beautiful scenery and stunning landscapes as well.

Cosmopolitan Cities:

The continent is home to many great port cities that sit along the shores of the stunning seas and thriving economic centers of business that boast rich histories reaching back thousands of years. From Cape Town and Johannesburg, the most populous and dynamic cities in South Africa, to Casablanca and Fes in Morocco, where contemporary art and culture scenes thrive along ancient traditions.

Luxor, Egypt:

Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. Travelers have visited this city, parted by the Nile River, for centuries. Even the Greeks and Romans would journey to see the treasures that lie here. Its immense number of monuments is incredible. There’s the famous Valley of the Kings, which boasts 63 royal tombs, one even more elaborate than the next…and Karnak, a vast complex of temples and gigantic statues including the Temple of Amun, known to be the largest religious building ever constructed. Luxor will bring you back to ancient times while you are awed by the wealth of its leaders and the skill of its people.

Victoria Falls:

This powerful cascade is spectacular. At one mile wide and 360 feet high, it is the largest waterfall in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa, the Falls lie along the Zambezi River. Game-viewers, bird-watchers, thrill-seekers and fishermen flock here to explore the Falls and surrounding pristine wilderness protected by the Zambezi National Park.

Destination Must-Do's

Sleep in the Sahara Desert:

Covering over 3 million square miles of northern Africa, the Sahara is said to encompass a staggering 10% of the African continent. Scientists believe that the Sahara Desert has been inhabited since 6000 B.C. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Europeans are just some of its former residents. Today, the population is around 4 million and consists mainly of nomads who move from place to place as a result of the harsh conditions. Over time, the wind, heat and dry weather has created a tapestry of stunning landscapes that include sand dunes, sand seas (called ergs), barren stone plateaus, gravel plains and salt flats.

Explore the Markets:

Souks or local markets immerse you in the culture of the people. No matter where you are, you will find busy aisles lined with vendors selling many types of products – rugs, jewelry, metals, wood and pottery, clothing, leather goods and fresh food.

Cruise the Nile River:

Along the banks of Africa’s longest river sits bustling bazaars that lie in the shadow of Ancient pyramids and temples. Located among the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile is the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. The tombs were built here over a period of almost 500 years. There are 63 tombs in the valley, 26 of them carved for kings, and the others were carved for royal family members.

Vineyards of South Africa:

South Africa has some really great wine. Discover the beauty of the rolling green hills in the heart of the winelands region and take in the colorful mountains and vineyards that seem to go on for days. Don’t forget to taste some of that delicious stuff while you’re there!

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South Africa is all about discovery, revitalizing your spirit and reinventing your thinking. Luxurious resorts, moving township visits, open-air safari game drives and vibrant cities like Cape Town; few destinations can offer such a myriad of enriching experiences. Already an up-and-coming destination, South Africa garnered tremendous worldwide recognition after successfully hosting the 2010 World Cup. Visitors from around the globe have spread the news of this beautiful nation. And now leisure travelers are moving it to the top of their wish-lists. You’ve made a wondrous choice.

Located along the equator on the eastern coast of Africa, Kenya’s motto of “Magical Kenya” implies something extra special and that’s exactly what you get. Kenya offers a diverse topographical landscape that encompasses dessert lands, savannahs, snowcapped mountains, lakes, valleys, volcanoes and white sandy beaches along its coast on the Indian Ocean with incredible activities suited to each. Although the capital city of Nairobi is as modern as they come, much of the culture of Kenya has remained timeless and unscathed by the fast past world of contemporary society. Being an African country one can’t help but think safari and Kenya offers all kinds. From, wildlife and big game, eco and marine, cultural, bird and even golf you will surely find that the activity of eating becomes a culinary safari all its own. There is such an abundance of natural fresh produce and cultural diversity that make the cuisine of this nation an adventure all its own.

Perched on the eastern edge of Africa, Tanzania is rich in culture and traditions. This sun-drenched destination hosts a number of people and tribes whose traditions define the Tanzanian culture that exists today. Tanzania is geographically diverse too. It boasts verdant mountains, scrubland plains and the famous Swahili coast where the country’s economy is strongest. Known for having some of the best safari locations in all of Africa, you are sure to see animals that you will spot nowhere else.

The sands of the desert shift underfoot. The sun climbs high into the Egyptian sky. And the great Pyramids of Giza shimmer in the distance. There you stand in awe before the power and ambition of an inspiring civilization. In this legendary place, explore thousands of years of history while experiencing a thriving culture. Look to the past and keep an eye on the future – the great monuments reveal something different to each traveler. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit one incomparable site after another.

Jordan is a destination of mesmerizing beauty and contrasts. Bordering on the Red and Arabian Seas, visitors can enjoy some romantic beach time, an exhilarating horseback ride along the sandy shores or perhaps relaxing in one of the many spas located near the waters. Whatever it is you might be looking for, Jordan’s history, culture and people are happy to make it as pleasant a stay for you as possible.

Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

Welcome to Israel—a land of contrasts and wonderful surprises. Join hundreds of years of voyagers who have flocked to this dynamic country. Ancient and modern, secular and sacred, Israel beckons visitors with its magnificent sites, holy places and warm Mediterranean climate. Here, age-old sacred shrines exist alongside futuristic skyscrapers and posh resorts with swaying palms alongside desert wasteland. No matter where you look, the legendary stories of mankind’s collective history come to life in this magnificent place.

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Luxury African Safaris

With Micato Safaris, the Only Travel+Leisure 10-Time #1 Winner

Why Safari with Micato

From our 24-hour Concierge Team to paying for a child’s education to no tipping ever, we’ve thought of every luxury.

Familiar Faces on Safari

Here are just a few of the travellers who have chosen Micato for their luxury safari. We bet these faces will be familiar.

Micato Safaris Reviews

We love hearing from our travellers. And here’s a collection of 425-plus Five Star reviews our guests have been kind enough to share online.

Find Your Popcorn

One of the next best things to joining Micato on safari is perusing our treasure trove of captivating, joyful videos.

Recent Press Articles

Travel+Leisure Micato Hits #1 Historic 10th Time

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Elite Traveler Responsible Luxury Travel

The pinto family.

AmericaShare

As an African-born company we have a special responsibility to our homeland. Luckily, it’s a joyous, fruitful duty.

Private Safari Villas & Estates

Unabashedly but thoughtfully luxurious, our exclusive-use Private Villas and Estates are enchanting get-aways into Africa’s ancient calm and its unique excitements.

Micato Safaris treat their guests like well-loved, out-of-town relatives. Travel + Leisure Magazine

Our Luxury Safaris

The planet’s greatest game lands, Africa’s warmhearted people, and its mesmerizing landscapes, revealed gracefully, thoughtfully, and joyously by the world’s greatest luxury safari company.

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These awards inspire us to work even harder as stewards of Micato’s esteemed reputation and of your safari. Here is a small sampling of our proudest moments.

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Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

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For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

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Our Africa tours and safaris are compelling and unique – travel experiences unlike any other. View the amazing Big Five on safari drives led by expert trackers, drivers, rangers, and Tauck Directors... stay in Africa's national parks and private reserves in accommodations that reflect their cultural and natural landscapes... experience local traditions, gaining rich cultural insights... and return home forever changed.

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Welcome to Africa

African landscapes parading with the circle of life promise magical moments unlike any you have imagined before. You'll find them...

Mountain gorillas in rwanda, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas... on safari in rwanda with tauck.

On two safaris in wildlife-rich game reserves in Tanzania and Kenya, you'll spend the last three nights of your journey in Rwanda – home to the last remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. After gaining insights on gorilla behavior at private lectures and a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum, you'll be ready to begin your gorilla trek. Imagine hiking into the wilderness with a private porter and an expert guide for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas in the wild… watching them interact with each other – and, if they so choose, perhaps with you!

Africa's "Big Five"

Meet the "big five".

Lions (Panthera leo) are often seen in Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya), Serengeti & Tarangire national parks, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania). Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) can weigh as much as 1,500 lbs. – big and dangerous enough to keep most predators at bay. Buffalo roam the Sabi Sands Game Reserve (South Africa) and Serengeti National Park (Tanzania). black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) may be spotted in Ngorongoro Crater and the Masai Mara. leopards (Panthera pardus) are prevalent in most parks and reserves in east and southern Africa; you'll often need to look up to spot one... since they spend much of their time in trees. African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), the world's largest land mammal, is a fixture throughout the Masai Mara, as well as Amboseli and Serengeti national parks. Although they are not among the "Big Five," a gorilla trek in Rwanda is one of life's memorable experiences.

Namibia: Epic Safari

Starlit skies, desert dunes, game reserves and wildlife safaris.

Embark on an epic 11-day journey to Namibia, home to desert landscapes alive with oryx, bat-eared foxes, zebras, lizards and more. Explore the red-tinted dunes of Sossusvlei. Star gaze in one of the naturally darkest places on earth. Enjoy a hands-on personal encounter with baby baboons. A truly unforgettable adventure in every way.

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Safaris at a Glance

Which safari is right for you.

Each Tauck safari is unique, with its own spectacular destinations and experiences. Whether this is your first time or you're a seasoned pro, it can be difficult to pick the right one with so many to choose from. So, we created a helpful guide highlighting the important details and differences between our safari options to make your decision as easy as possible.

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Dinner in the desert, Berber-style

Travel by 4x4 vehicle to a berber-style dinner in a desert camp.

In the desert outside Marrakech, ancient Berber villages preserve time-honored folkways and rituals – like the traditional Moroccan tea ceremony – that have survived for centuries. Ride aboard a 4x4 vehicle to one of these villages for tea with the village chief and a crash-course in Berber culture. Then it's on to our desert camp, where dinner is served Berber-style under a tent with musical entertainment. Experience local customs like riding a camel... smoking shisha (using a hubbly-bubbly pipe, or hookah, to smoke flavored tobacco)... or having your hands or feet decorated with traditional henna designs!

Historic Safari Lodges... Legendary Hotels...

Accommodations as important as the experience....

We've carefully selected your accommodations – Africa's finest safari lodges, private game reserves, tented safari camps, classic hotels and premier resorts... many are sought-after destinations in themselves, authentically capturing the essence of their surroundings. From classic safari lodges to luxury tented safari camps... "old world" grand hotels to premier resorts... you'll experience the best of Africa, sunrise to sunset.

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Get to know the maasai in tanzania and kenya.

Discovering cultural legacies leads to life-changing discoveries. Visit tribal villages on the slopes of mighty Kilimanjaro, in the African bush and on plains that move with an endless procession of migrating beasts and nomadic tribes. Meet Maasai warriors, artisans and school children eager to share their customs and homeland with you in moments so heartwarming you'll return home transformed. The pulse of South Africa is, of course, in its people... in the streets and squares of Jo'burg and Cape Town where a multitude of cultures (Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, European, Malaysian and Indian, to name a few) collide and mix in dazzling displays of art, music, dance and cuisine... and in the bushveld, where you'll encounter tribal traditions that sustain a proud and irrepressible people... always ready to share their customs, language, dances and songs with a warm welcome.

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The Big Five... if you want to experience a travel moment unlike any other, meet the Big Five in the land they call home – because nothing compares to your first sighting on safari... Discover the Big Five in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana... where lions, elephants, water buffalo, leopards and rhinos live large in lush, unspoiled private reserves and national parks...

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Africa Safari

The most out-there tour anywhere.

Its name means “sunny place” in the Berber tongue, but “Africa” may as well be a synonym for “vastness.” A truly massive continent comprising over 20% of the planet’s available land, Africa is home to the world’s largest desert, its longest river, its hottest temperatures, and hundreds of dialects and cultures spread among a billion people. But as mind-boggling as it seems at first, you’ll be amazed how intimate it feels once you get to know it. This is adventure’s last great frontier. Come blaze some trails.

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French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980 to preserve the vision of its original owner,…

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Roll up, roll up for the greatest show on earth. Everywhere you look in Djemaa El Fna, Marrakesh’s main square (pronounced "jema" – the "d" is silent),…

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This captivating museum, opened in 2017, showcases finely selected collections of haute couture clothing and accessories that span 40 years of creative…

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La Bahia (The Beautiful) is an 8000-sq-metre, floor-to-ceiling extravagance of intricate marquetry, plasterwork and zouak (painted wood), and certainly…

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Five times a day, one voice rises above the din of Djemaa El Fna as the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque. The mosque's…

Saadian Tombs

Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi was just as extravagant in death as he was in life. After the "golden king" built Badia Palace in the 16th…

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Amun-Ra was the local god of Karnak (Luxor) and during the New Kingdom, when the princes of Thebes ruled Egypt, he became the preeminent state god, with a…

One of the finest Roman sites in existence, the ruins of Timgad stretch almost as far as the eye can see over a plain that in winter is cold and desolate…

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We don’t specialise in just taking our guests into the most famous reserves in South Africa, we also host our guests in those urban cities that have made South Africa famous! We know that our guests come to Africa in search of those incredible animal sightings often seen on the big screen, but we also know that animals are not the only reason they search for tours into one of the last continents to truly be wild. The cities of South Africa are unlike any you will come across in other nations. On the outside, they are splashed with the veneer of westernisation but beneath the surface lies the most incredible history rooted deep in Africa, a hold on cultures the people are passionate about.

Luxury and Budget African Safaris, Tours,Holidays

Tourist attractions in South Africa are sometimes best seen by booking a tour . For close on 2 decades, MoAfrika has been taking both local and international tourists to those attractions that are considered to be the best places to visit in South Africa. Our many years of travelling the country have allowed us to create the perfect tour packages!

South Africa. There is not another place like it on earth! For so many reasons, South Africa is one of the world’s very best destinations for tourists, even though we might be considered a third world nation. Despite political setbacks and a little lack of development here and there, South Africa still has plenty to offer. We have more than 100+ South African Tours.

#1 African Safari Operator for affordable budget and luxury tailor-made safari packages.

Call it rustic appeal, or perhaps it is the intrigue that keeps bringing tourists back to our shores, South African holidays are undeniably a once in a lifetime experience. From Kruger Park safaris and other wildlife experiences to bustling city hubs and stunning, sometimes blissfully empty coastlines, South Africa is every tourist’s dream destination.

Where to go when planning a Guided African Tour or Safari

The list is literally endless. And what’s really great about planning a trip to South Africa is that your itinerary can be set up to match your mood or your personality. Sounds farfetched but it’s true. Travelling during the offseason (particularly during the South African school terms and the winter months) could present you with a quieter experience. You could also opt to avoid the “hot” destinations, such as Cape Town and head inland to the Pilanesberg, where you can have a laidback safari.

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But in order to plan where you will be going, you first need to know what is out there. South Africa is quite an affordable destination for overseas tourists , and with all of the modern day amenities, your holiday is going to be a relaxed one.

One thing to keep in mind when planning, is that each part of South Africa is very different from the next. Not only are we a culturally diverse nation, but it sometimes feels like each region of our nation is actually a part of a completely different country altogether. This is because our country has many different eco-systems, landscapes and people.

This is our list of places where you should go while here, but always keep in mind that with each place we mention, there are numerous other places surrounding it. For instance, say you go to Cape Town . Within Cape Town, there are hundreds of attractions, but journeying just outside of the city will present more than you bargained for. Think of it as micro-attractions within and around the main attraction. With this in mind, you won’t miss a thing!

Since we’re talking about Cape Town quite a bit, we might as well start this list with the Mother City. Cape Town is a brilliant place to visit, regardless of the time of year. It offers something all year round and the beauty of the city and its surrounds is undeniable. Not only will you find that there is a myriad of incredible beaches, which you will find difficult to tear away from during the summer, but there are many urban attractions including the V&A Waterfront and thousands of great places to eat.

You might like: Cape Town Safaris 

And then there is Table Mountain, Boulders Beach (which is home to penguins) and just outside of the city, you’ll find acre upon acre of wine land country. You’ll never be bored here, but you might find it a bit overwhelming to plan your stay. If this is the case, have a look at the tour options we have available.

Sun City and the Pilanesberg

This is a two in one treat. You get to have the safari experience, alongside some city fun! South Africa is a great place to experience a safari, and while the Kruger Park safari is the most popular destination, it is by no means the only wildlife destination. Game parks offering wildlife safaris are dotted all over South Africa. And some of the best South African safari packages are based in the Pilanesberg.

Much like other places in South Africa, the Pilanesberg is full of history. But not the kind you might be thinking. This reserve is in a crater and has many geologically significant points. Aside from that, it is also home to all kinds of animals; predators and plains game alike. We highly recommend staying more than a day in the Pilanesberg and we have just the tour package for you!

And our Pilanesberg tour package happens to include a stop off at the fantasy world that is Sun City. For some tourists, Sun City is the ultimate resort destination. The resort is only 3 hours away from Johannesburg and provides plenty of entertainment including its own man-made beach! Whether you visit here after your stay in the Pilanesberg or if you choose to make Sun City your main holiday destination, you won’t be disappointed.

Kwa-Zulu Natal and Durban

Should you travel from Cape Town to the Pilanesberg and then head to Kwa-Zulu Natal, you will instantly notice that the landscape has made a dramatic change. Kwa-Zulu Natal could not be more different from the dry interior. This province is well known for its dramatic greenery as well as the intense humidity. The province has many safari destinations but it is best known for its beaches and for its historical landmarks. Many wars have taken place in this province and tourists can take tours of the battlegrounds while learning about the fights that have influenced South African history.

After exploring the province and visiting the battlegrounds and perhaps even enjoying a hike in the Drakensberg Mountains, taking a tour of Durban is a fantastic way to make sure that you have seen all that this part of the world has to offer.

Durban is a city filled with life and it is home to many different cultures. Much like Cape Town, there is plenty to do in and around the city, and a tour is the best way to get a genuine feeling for the city. Of all the incredible places to see in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban is the final jewel in the journey. And Durban is known as the “Playground” for a reason. Along with spending time on the beaches, you can also visit uShaka Marine World.

Kwa-Zulu Natal also gives tourists the opportunity to go on a real wildlife safari. The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is well-known for its white rhino conservation programme, and guests to the park will be in the perfect position to see these magnificent animals.

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Province By Province: Other Must-See Places in South Africa

MoAfrika has specially created many tours in order to give tourists an unbelievable South African holiday. The great thing about booking a tour with a travel operator is that all of the admin and planning is taken care of, but it also adds a bit of diversity to your South African excursions. A tour with an experienced tour guide is far more interactive and exciting, as your guide is going to be well informed about where you are headed. They will be able to share all kinds of information about where you are going. Every province in the country is different and has attractions that are unique to the province.

South Africa has 9 provinces and here are the must-see places of each.

It is exceptionally difficult to decide on a single destination in this province. Many would say that this is South Africa’s tourism capital because it is home to the most popular areas of the Kruger National Park. While the Kruger extends into the Limpopo Province, most of the action happens in the southern areas of the Kruger. View Our Kruger National Park Safaris

For many tourists , the Kruger Park safari is the main reason why they venture to our country. Kruger Park safaris are as popular as ever. There is never a dull moment in the park and the only regret you might have is not spending more time here!

Limpopo is another of South Africa’s provinces that are home to countless safari destinations. The province is hot and dry; it is rugged and rustic. One of the best places to visit is up in the mountains, well away from the heat. We’ve already mentioned a safari destination, so instead of pointing out another one, we’re headed to the Magoebaskloof. In this area of the province, there are places to go fishing, places to enjoy a memorable meal and there are countless hiking trails. A self-drive is possibly the easier way to see the area in its entirety, however, if you should prefer not to drive yourself, there are tours available.

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Away from the busy tourist areas, you will find plenty of enjoyment in the Midlands as well as at various stops along the Drakensberg Mountain Range. A hike in the Drakensberg will possibly give you a different perspective of the world around you. The pictures simply don’t do these mountains any justice. You can experience all seasons in one day when you are in the mountains, so knowing what to pack and having some knowledge of the trail is very important. You might want to consider booking a hiking tour instead of going solo. View our Durban Tours

North West Province

Even with all the faults our country has, one thing is certain: we are committed to conservation! Just about every province has some conservation effort going on, and just about every nature reserve has a conservation programme running.

The Lion Park is devoted to the conservation of lions, and guests to the park will see lions in a way that they would never have otherwise seen them. Here you will have a different kind of unforgettable safari.

Although it is South Africa’s most urban province, it is just that characteristic that makes Gauteng such a stunning place to visit. Taking a tour around Pretoria, Soweto and Johannesburg is a must, as is paying a visit to all of the biggest landmarks, such as the Union Buildings. Both cities can be daunting to navigate if you haven’t been there before, so sometimes the best way to see everything is by touring with an operator.

A larger portion of the South African farming community is based here. So you can just imagine the flatlands filled with row upon row of maize plants. Even though the Free State might not seem like the most enticing destination, visiting Clarens makes it all worth it. Clarens is based in the foothills of the beautiful Maluti Mountains. This small town is perfect for hikers as well as for those looking for a romantic getaway.

Northern Cape

Also home to a few safari reserves, the Northern Cape is known for its extremely hot, desert-like climate. The big attraction that you shouldn’t miss seeing is the Big Hole. What started out as a mine has become a tourist attraction, and while it is disputed whether or not the Hole is the biggest hole excavated by land, it is truly a sight to see!

Eastern Cape

Arguably South Africa’s wildest province, the Eastern Cape is not only home to secret beaches, but it is also home to the Wild Coast. Kilometre upon kilometre pristine yet, well, wild beaches, along with small tourist towns, dot the coastline, enticing visitors. You can also a href=”https://moafrikatours.com/tour-category/garden-route”>visit the Garden Route, which extends into the Western Cape.

Western Cape

With Cape Town and all of the surrounding wine lands, you are spoilt for choice when in this province. While here, be sure to tour around all the smaller towns. This province is filled with history, and you will find most of it in the small towns. This is also a different approach to touring the province.

Some of the best places to see in South Africa are off the beaten track. When you are planning a South African holiday or escape to natural beauty, to check out self-driving options as well as tour operators. A combination of the two can provide you with a stunning excursion.

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MoAfrika is a reputable tour operator, and we pride ourselves on offering guests affordable, memorable tours throughout South Africa and Africa.

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I went on a 2-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for just $50 a day

• I went on an epic two-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.
• I camped beneath the stars and saw elephants right from my tent.
• Driving our own car, camping, and preparing our own food saved us money. 

The idea of a South African safari often conjures up images of five-star lodges and luxury game drives — but a holiday in the bush doesn't have to be out of reach for travelers on a tighter budget.

According to a data analysis from Go2Africa , the average traveler heads on South African safaris with a medium-high budget, meaning they spend $5,500 to $6,000 on a trip, an increase from last year.

But, on a recent trip, I found that I was able to have an incredible two-week safari trip in Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.

Here's how I did it and how travelers can save money when planning their safari.

I saved by buying an annual pass

The biggest savings at Kruger National Park can come from buying a Wild Card, an annual pass that gives you a year of access to 80+ parks in southern Africa, including Kruger.

The Wild Card is discounted for South Africans but it cost me 3,780 rands, or about $200, as a foreigner.

Without a Wild Card, I would've had to pay over 486 rands a day to visit Kruger, meaning this pass pays for itself in just over a week.

Overall, my pass came to about 270 rands a day for the two-week trip.

We also stayed in one of Kruger's many rest camps

One of the most immersive ways to experience Kruger is by camping in the South African bush. We saw elephants near our camp and woke up to the sounds of warthogs and hyenas in the distance.

We live in South Africa , so it was easy enough to bring our own camping gear, though travelers can rent a tent, sleeping bags, chairs, and cooking basics from nearby rental companies for a few thousand rands for two weeks.

Kruger National Park has a range of rest camps for different budgets and preferences, whether you prefer to use your own tent or stay in a bungalow with your own kitchen and bathroom.

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Prices also vary depending on the season, so it's wise to avoid really busy months, like September and December. I found that around mid-January to mid-March, two people can camp at Punda Maria, one of Kruger's cheapest camping options, for just 285 rands a night. During high season, prices go up by about 100 rands per night.

My husband and I visited during a less busy season. We camped at Maroela Satellite Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp for 331 to 349 rands a night.

Cooking our own food saved us money …

We chose to prepare our own meals and braai (a type of South African barbecue) beneath the stars.

Fortunately, most campsites have plug points, braai stands, shared bathrooms, shared kitchens, and shops selling everything you need to braai.

The park also has restaurants and coffee shops scattered throughout it, which is helpful for anyone who wants to purchase food and drinks without leaving the property.

But there's nothing quite like braaiing beneath the stars, watching for the occasional hyena along the fence line.

… and so did doing a self-driving safari

If you don't have your own car, you can rent a sedan for just over 4,000 rands for two weeks. Fortunately, though, there are enough tarred roads in Kruger that you don't need a special 4x4 to enjoy the park.

We ended up self-driving our own car in Kruger National Park, which allowed us to choose our own adventure and be our own guide.

Rest camps have sighting boards on which visitors pin their major animal sightings from that day and the previous day. This makes it easy to follow trends and choose where to search first. There's also an app where visitors post their sightings.

On our last self-drive safari in Kruger, we saw cheetahs and all the Big Five (leopard, elephant, rhino, lion, and African buffalo).

Overall, our trip was affordable and dreamy

We saved money throughout our trip and managed to go on a two-week safari in Kruger National Park for just under $50 a day per person.

This price includes two Wild Cards, petrol for our vehicle, and our camping fees and expenses — and our trip was well worth it.

Watch: A single trail takes hikers to 10 waterfalls near Portland, Oregon — and you can walk it in less than a day

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This Luxurious African Train Trip Takes You From South Africa to Zimbabwe on Vintage Railcars — Here's What It's Like

Rovos Rail has a fleet of six full trains traveling 11 different itineraries throughout Africa.

Chris Wallace is a New York-based writer and photographer. He recently published his first book, "Twentieth-Century Man," about the late artist Peter Beard. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times , and other publications.

Courtesy of Rovos Rail

That first morning aboard the Rovos Rail, opening the blinds of my cabin to see nothing but bush as far as the hills on the horizon, is something I will never forget. As thrilling as was the process of boarding, with all of the brass-band-festivity at the company’s Pretoria station in South Africa (complete with sparkling wine and a bevy of resident peacocks swirling around to see us off), it was this sensation of crawling awake — maybe it was the sounds of a wizened old acacia tree scratching by, or the rhythmic shunt of the track that did it — to find that we were fully on safari, on a train, that stayed with me throughout the journey.

Like any good Agatha Christie novel, my trip started at a grand hotel in town, in my case, the Four Seasons Westcliff, in Johannesburg, where we met the suspects or other travelers bound for the train. Sitting on the hotel’s deck overlooking the city's trees, all rusting into gold with the autumn, and spying on elephants at the zoo, the game of guessing at the backstories of your fellow travelers began in earnest. And this is one of my favorite parts of traveling, I must say, the sly way of soft-meeting people, just by being in their company, in a casual but concentrated way, getting to know their behavior, their likes and dislikes and things, before you’ve even properly met.

Lyndie Pavier Photography/Courtesy of Rovos Rail

The next stage, of course, is the introduction at the station in Pretoria, amid the peacocks and Champagne and the hustle and bustle of porters loading our luggage into compartments. Soon after, though, I was utterly lost in the experience of the train itself, in the nostalgically rickety-ness of locomotion, in the feeling of being in a rolling reenactment of "Out of Africa." The tartan upholstery on the couches in the lounge cars and the slightly frilly, chintzy decor make the communal areas feel a bit like gentlemen’s clubs of yore; the daintiness of the dining cars, like something out of a doll house kit or a film set — which is to say, 100 percent my jam.

DOOKPHOTO/Courtesy of Rovos Rail

Once on board, of course, there is a bit of a frenzy — for me, anyway — to sort of mentally map the train, to walk its length, explore all the nooks and crannies, to get a sense of its movement, the physical and structural narrative of the train, if you will, and how and when each of the vignettes might best be seen, when they might come to life, or fall comfortingly quiet.

The first gathering for aperitifs is always quite fun because of the overwhelming excitement in the air and the sort of brittle energy as people bounce off walls and furniture, having the best time of their lives with the whole trip ahead of them. It is fun to reflect on this moment once we have all learned to sway and dance with the train's rhythm, when the edges of our anticipation have smoothed, and we are all on the same tune.

I watch with growing warmth a family of particularly rigid and cantankerous riders, at first alarmed and angered at every shunt and jostle of the train’s movement, gradually go to jelly over the first couple of days, finally moving through the cars like happy Jamiroquai.

Greg Beadle, Beadle Photo/Courtesy of Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail was started by (and named for) Rohan Vos, who built the first series of cars in 1987 as a personal caravan, with room for an office and a gym, and cabins for his family as they moved around Southern Africa. Financial and transit necessity compelled him to make the train available for paying passengers shortly after and, as the company celebrated its 35th anniversary at the time of my ride, there are six full trains (which can accommodate up to 72 passengers), making 11 different itineraries, spanning 10 countries.

The cars making up each of the trains were mostly built between 1911 and 1938. Though they have been elaborately refurbished and modernized (including USB ports), the vintage romance of train travel is at the heart of the company’s mission.

As Vos’s daughter, who now runs the company, told us as she welcomed us onboard and reminded us of the dress codes, cell phones, and other electronics were not allowed in communal areas, as the idea was to connect with the experience and disconnect from... everything else. (I think it was only me (making videos of the train with my phone) who flagrantly broke the prohibition — everyone else willingly gave themselves over to the spellbinding enchantment of the ride.)

As a personal aside, it seems weird to say, but without cell service, internet, emails, and Instagram, and that constant wave of anxiety and information coming out of them, I realized just how tired I was (always am?), and slept like the dead on the train.

Not that it was all on the train! My journey from Pretoria to Victoria Falls made many stops for excursions and activities, including incredible game drives through Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and the cartoon landscape of giant granite boulders in Matobo National Park before rolling into the legitimate wonder of the world that is Victoria Falls.

Once I arrived there, in Livingstone, I traveled across to the Zambia side of the falls and checked into the absolute fantasia that is The Royal Livingstone Hotel, where giraffes walked with me to the gym, and zebras milled about by the pool and looked back at my notes for the trip.

All of them are about the same as this, from the last afternoon aboard the train:

I just want to remember this moment. Reading "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" in the bar car of the Rovos Rail, chugging along toward Vic Falls, drinking a Negroni, snacking on chili biltong in my linen suit and Kim Jones shirt. A life highlight. How does someone get so lucky?

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Africa Tours & Trips With International Flights Included

Find the right tour in Africa with international flights included. There are 156 trips to choose from, that range from 8 days in length, up to 24 days. The month with the most departures is October, making it the most popular time to visit Africa.

156 Africa tour packages with intl. flights included with 21 positive reviews

• Great Migration
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In the Kingdom of Lions

• Flights included

Elephants on Kilimanjaro and Turtles in the Indian Ocean

• Hiking & Trekking
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Kilimanjaro and Safari

Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, Safari and Zanzibar

Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro and Safari

Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro, Safari, Zanzibar

• In-depth Cultural

In the Land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Niger Arc

• Island Hopping

Mauritius, La Réunion & Seychelles: Island Hopping in the Indian Ocean

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Moremi Adventure

• Sightseeing

South Africa & Mauritius: Garden Route to Island Adventure (14 destinations)

Namibia Road Trip: Canyonscape & Safari Adventure

Tanzania & Zanzibar: Glamping Among the Big Five

Tanzania & Zanzibar: From the Big Five to an Island Paradise

Mauritius & Seychelles: Island Paradise meets Glamping Nights (from Mahébourg to Mahe Island)

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"The tour Ceo were awesome, Angelo in Portugal and Spain and Amina n Morocco, were a,axing, knowledgeable and very organized.

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• Overland Truck

"Such an amazing trip! We had a great time and enjoy the safari very much! Love our guide Chis, he is very knowable and well organized.

INTRO Travel is an expert in:

"The tour is a very complete experience. in both Soain and Portugal you cover the essentials of each city with the tour guides but also have time to explore on your own. In Morocco, the itinerary covered all the must dos (Marrakech, Fez and the dessert) with lots of other interesting destinations in between. The tour is very high paced, with sometimes late nights and early mornings, which allows you to make the most of each day and cover a lot. You also get to meet people from all around the world, with around 50 people in each group you’re part of and travel with. All in all, I considered it a wonderful experience

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2025 Africa Cruises: Discover Madagascar, Zanzibar & South Africa

From the panoramic views from Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, to the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa's landscapes are as varied as its history and culture. Experience them on a cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or it's your first time on the high seas, there's a cruise to Africa that's right for you.

Ports of call on a cruise to Africa include some of the most sought-after vacation spots on the continent. Norwegian also offers a range of exciting shore excursions so you don't have to lift a finger planning your next adventure. Just kick back, relax, and enjoy Norwegian's cruising experience. Keep reading to find out about some of the different ports you can experience on Norwegian's cruises to Africa in 2025 .

Ready to start planning? Explore all Africa cruises .

Cape Town, South Africa

As the country's oldest and most vibrant city, Cape Town offers a host of exciting activities. Visit Robben Island, where former South African president and activist Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for nearly three decades. Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Enjoy birdwatching on a hike through more than 1,300 acres of lush natural areas at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. At the ever-popular V&A Waterfront, you can spend the day shopping and dining along the edge of the harbor.

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa is a mosaic of African, Indian, and Arabian cultures. Delve into the turquoise waters at Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve for waterskiing, snorkeling, and diving. You'll find stunning coral reefs and undersea shipwrecks to explore. Get off the beaten path at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, and get up close and personal with African wildlife, such as giraffes, elands, oryx, and ostriches, as they roam their natural habitat. At Shimba Hills National Reserve, discover African elephants, sable antelopes, Sykes' monkeys, and more.

Nosy Be, Madagascar

For the ultimate beach paradise, look no further than Nosy Be island off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Formed by volcanic activity, Nosy Be's lush, forested landscapes feature numerous craters and crater lakes. Nosy Be translates to Big Island, and this biodiversity hotspot lives up to its name. It's the ultimate outdoor playground for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Discover the heavenly scent of ylang-ylang on a plantation tour. Cast a line on a deep-sea fishing excursion. Hike the rainforest trails at Lokobe National Park in search of lemurs and chameleons.

Port Louis, Mauritius

At the heart of Port Louis , the lively capital of Mauritius, lies the Citadelle (Fort Adelaide). Built by the British in 1840 atop a towering hill, this basalt fort provides panoramic views of the city. Within walking distance, you'll find Champs de Mars, a thoroughbred horse racing track where you can enjoy an exciting day at the races. Stop by the Blue Penny Museum, which offers a detailed look at the art and history of the island. Wrap up your visit to Mauritius with a stroll along Le Caudan Waterfront, which features shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

RELATED CRUISES: 12-Day Africa from Mauritius to Cape Town: South Africa & Madagascar 14-Day Africa from Mauritius to Doha: Seychelles, Madagascar, Oman & UAE 21-Day Africa from Cape Town to Barcelona: Namibia, Angola & Ivory Coast

Port Victoria, Seychelles

Victoria , on the island of Mahé, is the capital of Seychelles and the republic's largest city. More than 200 plant species grow here naturally, and about 80 are found nowhere else on the planet. For this reason, the National Botanical Garden is a must-see attraction on your Africa cruise to Seychelles. Another top spot for cruisers is the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a natural palm forest that has remained nearly unchanged since prehistoric times. The reserve is home to the world's largest intact forest of coco de mer palm trees, which boast the biggest seeds in the plant kingdom.

Safaga, Egypt

Situated along the Red Sea, Safaga's hot desert climate, crystal-clear waters, and soft, white-sand beaches make it an ideal year-round port of call. Best known as a health and wellness destination thanks to the therapeutic properties of the local sand and mineral springs, Safaga is the perfect cruise port to relax and unwind. Alternatively, you can take part in various watersports, such as windsurfing, diving, or kitesurfing, in Safaga's warm waters. You can even take a day trip to Luxor, where you can delve into ancient history at the nearby Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

If you're hoping to glimpse wildlife on your cruise to Africa, Walvis Bay is the place for you. Situated at the edge of the Namib Desert, the town features a large lagoon, salt pans, and a bird sanctuary that attracts a diverse range of species. In the summer months, more than 150,000 migrant birds call the area home. Other animals you might spot in Walvis Bay include seals, dolphins, and whales. More adventurous cruisers can take a quad ride through the desert or try sandboarding.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Located just 22 miles off the coast of east-central Africa, Zanzibar consists of a chain of tropical islands. Its pristine beaches and colorful markets make it a favorite cruise vacation destination. Explore the diverse marine life among the coral reefs on a snorkeling adventure. Wander through the labyrinth of historic streets in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Unguja island. Sample the local flavors on a culinary tour through a spice farm.

These stunning cruise ports are just a few of the incredible destinations you can enjoy on a Norwegian cruise to Africa. Whether you're a history buff, sunseeker, outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or adventurer, Norwegian offers a host of itineraries for Africa cruises in 2025 .

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BODYSNACHER / SPITE / THROWN The Common Enemies Tour 2024 Setlist Playlist

Recent setlist playlist of BODYSNACHER, SPITE, THROWN, MOUTH FOR WAR, PSYCHO-FRAME, and CELL going on The Common Enemies Tour of the US in May & June 2024. #BODYSNACHER #SPITE #THROWN #MOUTHFORWAR #PSYCHOFRAME #CELL #SetlistGuy @BODYSNACHER @SPITE @THROWN @MOUTHFORWAR @PSYCHOFRAME @CELL @SetlistGuy

54 Songs, 2 hours, 41 minutes

Featured Artists

Psycho-frame, mouth for war, bodysnatcher, africa, middle east, and india.

• Côte d’Ivoire
• Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
• Guinea-Bissau
• Niger (English)
• Congo, Republic of
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Tanzania, United Republic Of
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates

Asia Pacific

• Indonesia (English)
• Lao People's Democratic Republic
• Malaysia (English)
• Micronesia, Federated States of
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Solomon Islands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• France (Français)
• Deutschland
• Luxembourg (English)
• Moldova, Republic Of
• North Macedonia
• Portugal (Português)
• Türkiye (English)
• United Kingdom

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina (Español)
• Bolivia (Español)
• Virgin Islands, British
• Cayman Islands
• Chile (Español)
• Colombia (Español)
• Costa Rica (Español)
• República Dominicana
• Ecuador (Español)
• El Salvador (Español)
• Guatemala (Español)
• Honduras (Español)
• Nicaragua (Español)
• Paraguay (Español)
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• St. Vincent and The Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• Uruguay (English)
• Venezuela (Español)

The United States and Canada

• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States
• Estados Unidos (Español México)
• الولايات المتحدة
• États-Unis (Français France)
• Estados Unidos (Português Brasil)
• 美國 (繁體中文台灣)

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Kenyan President’s State Visit: An Antidote to U.S. Troubles in Africa?

The White House is hosting President William Ruto of Kenya for a state dinner this week, an embrace that both countries urgently need.

By Declan Walsh

Reporting from Nairobi, Kenya

As other African nations move away from the United States, disillusioned with democracy or lured by rival powers, President William Ruto of Kenya arrives in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit intended to showcase a stalwart American ally on the continent.

A spate of military coups , shaky elections and raging wars have upended Africa’s political landscape in the past year, giving an edge to American rivals like Russia and China, but also shredding Washington’s key selling point: that democracy delivers.

In Niger, a recently installed military junta has asked American troops to leave . Relations with once-firm American allies like South Africa and Ethiopia are decidedly cool. A recent election in Senegal , long considered a beacon of stability, nearly went off the rails .

Mr. Ruto, the Biden administration hopes, is the antidote to those troubles.

Since he came to power two years ago, Mr. Ruto, 57, has pulled Kenya, the economic powerhouse of East Africa, ever closer to the United States. His visit is just the sixth state visit hosted by the Biden administration, and the first for an African president since 2008.

In some respects, President Biden is atoning for a broken promise. At a high profile Africa summit in Washington in December 2022, Mr. Biden declared he was “all in” on Africa, and pledged to make a visit to the continent in the following year. The trip never materialized.

In choosing Mr. Ruto, the Biden administration is confirming that it views the Kenyan leader as one of its closest security, diplomatic and economic partners in Africa.

The two countries cooperate closely to fight militants with Al Shabab in Somalia. American corporate giants like Google have sizable operations in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, which is also a hub of diplomatic efforts to end the chaos in neighboring countries like Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Very soon, Kenya is expected to start deploying 1,000 paramilitary police officers to help quell unrest Haiti — a dangerous mission largely funded by the United States and one which runs significant political risks for Mr. Ruto if Kenyan personnel are injured or killed.

And Mr. Ruto has adroitly garnered American support for his outspoken advocacy on global issues like debt relief, reform of international financial institutions and climate change, on which he is attempting to carve out a reputation as Africa’s leading statesman.

“We live the nightmare of climate change every day,” he said in an interview with The New York Times on Sunday, hours before he flew to the United States. Nearly 300 Kenyans died in the past month as heavy rains lashed the country , causing floods that forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

“A year ago we were deep in drought,” he said during the interview, speaking in an open pavilion next to State House, his official residence in Nairobi, as thunder rolled and more rain fell. “This is the case of many countries on the continent.”

It’s not many years since Mr. Ruto was considered part of the problem in Kenya. A decade ago he was on trial at the International Criminal Court , facing accusations of orchestrating post-election violence that left over 1,100 Kenyans dead. At the trial, his lawyer was Karim Khan, currently the court’s prosecutor. The United States backed the prosecution, seeing it as a chance to end impunity in Kenya’s political class.

But the trial collapsed in 2016, after witnesses disappeared or changed their testimony, and Mr. Ruto’s electoral triumphs eclipsed the trial at home: He was elected vice-president in 2013 and 2018, and then president in 2022.

“So much was said about who we were in that episode,” he said, referring also to former President Uhuru Kenyatta who faced similar charges. “But doesn’t it strike you that finally we were elected by the same people we were being accused of harming? That tells you the whole narrative was false.”

An American official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said that Mr. Ruto had been privately urged to confront indirectly what was described as his “I.C.C. hangover” early into his visit. At his first speech on Monday, at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum and Library in Atlanta, he vowed to keep Kenya “on the path of an open society, strongly committed to greater accountability and transparency, with robust engagement of civil society.”

Mr. Ruto also needs the trip to succeed. As he has made about 50 foreign trips since 2022, gathering support for his ideas, his popularity at home has plunged. Faced with a crippling debt crisis — Kenya owes about $77 billion — Mr. Ruto introduced tax hikes that brought cries of protest from his citizens.

Some Kenyans call him “Zakayo,” in reference to the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus. The reference makes him smile. “I have been very candid with the people of Kenya that I cannot continue to borrow money,” he said, predicting he would eventually win over his critics.

Still, time is running short, and Mr. Ruto’s big idea for turning around the economy is to ride the wave of green energy. Over 90 percent of Kenya’s energy comes from renewable sources — mostly wind and geothermal springs — a natural advantage Mr. Ruto hopes to leverage to convert Kenya into an industrial powerhouse.

He wants foreign companies to move to Kenya, where their products would be carbon neutral. He is also selling Kenya as an enormous carbon sink, tapping into the nascent industry of sucking carbon from the atmosphere, then burying it deep in the rock formations of the Rift Valley.

“ How do we move Africa from a continent of potential to a continent of opportunity and finally to a continent of investment?” he said. Last month, Microsoft and two other firms announced they were building a 1 gigawatt data center, powered by renewable energy in Naivasha, 40 miles northwest of Nairobi.

Still, Mr. Ruto’s embrace of Washington and democracy are not universally popular in Africa. Disillusionment with sham elections and corrupt elites has fed young people’s support for recent military coups in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

“There is a perception that democracy hasn’t delivered, that elites which had come to power through elections were not delivering,” said Murithi Mutiga, Africa director at International Crisis Group. Yet, he added, Kenya’s example of stability and steady growth proved that while democracy can be “messy, difficult, noisy and tough,” it still works.

Mr. Ruto is scheduled to spend much of Wednesday with members of Congress. On Thursday he lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery before meetings with Mr. Biden and a state dinner at the White House. The pomp and prestige is a major prize for a first-term president who, critics charge, has a strong authoritarian streak.

Last year Mr. Ruto launched public attacks on judges whose rulings obstructed his policies, reviving fears he could eventually take Kenya down an authoritarian route.

And like other African leaders, he is not afraid to play the field of foreign suitors.

Last year, to American dismay, Mr. Ruto hosted President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran, who was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, and foreign minister Sergei V. Lavrov of Russia. In October, Mr. Ruto flew to Beijing for a three-day state visit to China.

Mr. Ruto dismissed the suggestion that he is a darling of the West, or anyone else.

“This is not about taking sides,” he said. “It’s about interests. There’s absolutely no contradiction to working with different countries. It’s just common sense.”

  More about Declan Walsh

Lawsuit says American Airlines kicked 8 Black men off plane, citing body odor

Three of the men sued American Airlines in federal court Wednesday morning.

Key takeaways

Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed.

• Three of the men sue airline, claiming “blatant and egregious race discrimination.”
• Lawsuit says no legitimate reason for action; American says it’s investigating the claims.
• Passengers eventually allowed back on flight, but one calls it “horrible,” “traumatic” experience.

Did our AI help? Share your thoughts.

Three Black men sued American Airlines in federal court Wednesday, claiming they were victims of “blatant and egregious race discrimination” after employees ordered them and five other Black men off a plane in January.

Airline representatives told the men, who were traveling from Phoenix to New York, to return to the gate to be rebooked, according to the lawsuit. An employee eventually told them the reason: Someone on the plane had complained about body odor.

When they first were told to leave the plane, the plaintiffs were “annoyed and frustrated that they were getting bumped” and would probably get home late, attorney Michael Kirkpatrick said. Then they realized that all the booted passengers were Black men.

“It hit them like a ton of bricks,” Kirkpatrick said.

American Airlines said in a statement Wednesday morning that it takes claims of discrimination “very seriously.”

“Our teams are currently investigating the matter, as the claims do not reflect our core values or our purpose of caring for people,” the statement said.

Videos of the incident, taken by some of the men, show the passengers in disbelief on the boarding ramp as they express shock, ask for an explanation and tell the employees that their treatment amounted to discrimination.

“I agree. I agree,” replies a woman wearing a lanyard and badge.

“Y’all just took like eight Black people off the plane,” one man says. “What?”

American ultimately allowed the passengers back on the plane and continued to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The plaintiffs — Xavier Veal, a production assistant; Emmanuel Jean Joseph, an actor; and Alvin Jackson, a musician and music teacher — all live in New York City and had booked a flight home from Burbank, Calif., with a layover and plane change in Phoenix. They did not know each other before the flight, were not sitting together and did not see the other five men again.

The lawsuit claims the airline’s decision to remove the men was not based on any “legitimate rationale.” An airline employee ordered the men off the plane one by one without an explanation, the lawsuit says.

It “is near impossible to imagine that American would ever treat white customers in a similar manner,” the lawsuit says.

The body odor complaint came from a White male flight attendant, according to the suit. The lawsuit says none of the men suing the airline had offensive body odor and that none were accused directly of an offense.

Airlines mention body odor in their contracts of carriage that list reasons passengers can be refused boarding. In American’s case, it says passengers must “be respectful that your odor isn’t offensive (unless it’s caused by a disability or illness).” Veal called the airline’s reasoning for removing him and his fellow passengers “ridiculous.”

A woman who was on the flight said that while the men were off the plane, the remaining passengers heard an announcement that an issue with body odor was being addressed, according to Kirkpatrick, an attorney with the Public Citizen Litigation Group. American could not find alternate flights for the men and, after about an hour, let them get on the flight again, the lawsuit says.

“We’re walking through the aisle of shame, if you will,” Veal, 36, told The Post in an interview. “It was horrible. It was a really traumatic experience.”

Veal said there was “visible tension” on the plane when they boarded again. At the baggage carousel later, he said, some passengers said that what had happened to the men was terrible. Veal, who lives in Queens, connected with Joseph and Jackson at baggage claim, and the three decided to pursue a suit against the airline.

Veal said he has experienced racism in his life but that this was a new scenario.

“Unfortunately, I’m a Black man and I live in America,” he said. “It wakes you back up to the reality that I can’t just go to the store; I can’t just do regular things like take a plane home.”

American Airlines faced criticism in 2017 for its treatment of Black passengers, including removing people from flights, which prompted a travel advisory from the NAACP. The group lifted the warning the following year.

Though American allowed the men in January to get back on the plane and fly home, the experience was “traumatic, upsetting, scary, humiliating, and degrading,” the lawsuit says.

“None of the White passengers were taken off the plane and humiliated and embarrassed,” Kirkpatrick said.

The suit seeks an unspecified amount of compensation and punitive damages. Kirkpatrick said the plaintiffs also want the airline to reform its practices to prevent such an incident from happening to anyone else.

“Somebody should have stepped up and said, ‘Wait a minute. We can’t do this. This is wrong,’” Kirkpatrick said. “But instead, nobody stepped up and intervened to stop it from happening.”

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