Safaris come in many shapes and sizes. These travel guides, written by our specialists based on their own experiences, are designed to help you make informed choices when it comes to planning your safari. You can find out what to expect from a safari, where and when to go, and the main highlights of each destination.
You can also read about the different types of safaris available, from those that focus on walking and photography to mobile camping safaris and trips that go in search of the Big Five. Explore ideas for a family safari, explore our more luxurious options, or see how you can combine a safari with time on the beach or a city break.
Many of these travel guides detail specific activities and accommodation, any of which we can tailor into your trip.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our safari specialists
Our safari specialists regularly travel to discover new experiences and explore untried areas. They love nothing more than sharing their ideas and experiences to help you plan your ideal safari holiday. We've written these travel guides based on our own first-hand safari experiences to help inform and inspire your next trip.
Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area
Whether you’re on a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park or enjoying guided activities in a private reserve, South Africa’s Greater Kruger offers some of the densest wildlife populations on the continent. Safari specialist Andrew outlines your options for a Kruger safari.
Africa’s best safari areas
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking an Africa safari destination, but where do you begin? Our safari specialists round up their best six wildlife areas on the continent to help you decide where to plan your next safari.
Luxury safaris in Zimbabwe
With the most highly trained guides in Africa, camps and lodges that balance comfort and rusticity, and wildlife areas renowned for big cats and wild dog, Zimbabwe offers safaris of the highest level. Safari specialist Tony shares his ideas for a luxurious stay.
Kenya safaris: the Masai Mara and beyond
With its vast open plains scattered with wildebeest, antelope and acacia trees, Kenya is the classic image of a safari. You can safari in well-known areas like the Masai Mara and venture off-grid, as safari specialist Arista explains.
Our safari calendar
With so many destinations and wildlife highlights to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to go on safari and when. Here, our safari specialists share their safari highlights for each month of the year, from heart-wrenching river crossings to spotting big cats.
Where to go on safari: our comparison guide
Lots of factors come into play when choosing an African safari destination. Your trip might be influenced by the wildlife you want to see, the activities on offer or the choice available for families. Our Africa specialists outline five countries’ safari experiences to help you decide.
Tanzania safaris: north vs south
With the Great Migration taking place in the north and true wilderness areas stuffed full of animals in the south, you’re spoiled for choice when choosing a safari in Tanzania. Using his first-hand experience, Tanzania specialist Dickie shares his ideas for a memorable safari holiday.
Kenya honeymoons
The adventure and romance of a Kenya safari, coupled with the outstanding camps and lodges on offer, appeals to many honeymooners. Africa specialist Mark outlines the best honeymoon experiences in the country, from sunrise hot air balloon rides to secluded beach relaxation.
Zimbabwe safaris
With exceptional guides, several national parks and a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, Zimbabwe offers an authentic safari experience that can easily be coupled with a trip to Victoria Falls. Africa specialist Chloe outlines what makes a Zimbabwe safari special.
Family holidays in Namibia
A family holiday in Namibia can include kayaking with seals, stargazing in the desert, tracking cheetah and heading out on safari to see desert-adapted elephant. Africa specialist Iain discusses his ideas for a trip that appeals to all ages.
Namibia safaris
Namibia may not immediately spring to mind when you think of a safari, but with four of the Big Five roaming Etosha National Park and the chance to see desert-adapted elephant in Damaraland, it makes a rewarding safari destination, as Africa specialist Iain explains.
Family holidays & safaris in South Africa
From sunny beaches to remarkable whale watching and child-friendly safaris, South Africa offers a huge variety of experiences for families of all ages. Our South Africa specialist Toby explains how to get the most of your time in the country.
Honeymoons in South Africa
For intrepid couples with a sense of adventure, South Africa can be an ideal fit for a honeymoon. South Africa specialist, Toby, discusses the country’s best experiences for honeymooners, from Big Five safaris to wine tasting and scaling Table Mountain.
Honeymoons in Tanzania
Tanzania offers a variety of private, secluded experiences, which make it a stand-out honeymoon destination. Country specialist, Georgia, explains how you can combine time on safari with relaxation on a palm fringed beach in Zanzibar.
Luxury safaris in Zambia
Zambia's spectacular national parks, abundant wildlife and luxury lodges offer both first time and return visitors an unrivalled safari experience. Audley's Southern Africa safari specialist Russell explains how to make the most of your time.
Honeymoons in Botswana
A safari is perhaps the ultimate honeymoon experience and Botswana is one of the top destinations in Africa. Stay in a luxury lodge in the big game rich Okavango Delta, take a boat trip on the Chobe River, or visit the San people of the Kalahari. Complete your trip with a few days on a beach in the Seychelles or Mauritius.
Self-driving in South Africa
With well-maintained roads and little traffic, a self-drive trip is a flexible way to explore South Africa's southern coast. Country specialist, Toby, selects his favourite drive, taking in the Garden Route, South Africa’s Winelands and finishing with time on safari.
What to do in Namibia: our highlights guide
Home to the world’s tallest sand dunes, a wild Atlantic coastline and colonial cities, Namibia is delightfully different to other African countries. Namibia specialist, Steve, details some of the key things to see and do during your time in the country.
What to do in South Africa: our highlights
From the vibrant capital city, Cape Town, to the world-famous Kruger National Park, home of the Big Five, South Africa is a land of exciting contrasts. Our specialists can help plan your ideal first visit to this African giant.
South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves
South Africa offers some of the continent's premier wildlife destinations, such as the private reserves of the famous Greater Kruger Park. The country is also home to the largest number of places where you have an opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo).
Self-driving in Namibia
With very little traffic on well-maintained roads that wind through spectacular scenery, as well as plenty of big-game wildlife to see, Namibia is an ideal destination for a self-drive safari.
What to do in Tanzania: our highlights guide
The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra through the Serengeti is not the only highlight of Tanzania. We have come up with five of our favourites, from climbing Kilimanjaro to relaxing on the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
Walking safaris
A walking safari takes you away from the roads on the trail of big game like elephant and buffalo, safely under the watchful eye of an experienced guide. You get a completely different perspective on foot and catch glimpses of the smaller things you'd easily miss from a vehicle.
Photographic safaris
With its dramatic landscapes, exciting wildlife and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, Africa is a photographer’s dream. Find out more about photographic safaris in Africa.
Mobile camping safaris
Ideal for the adventurous, mobile camping safaris are a back-to-basics way of experiencing a traditional safari in Africa.
Hot air balloon flights in Africa
A balloon flight in Africa is one of the best ways to enjoy a safari. Watch out for the giraffe hiding in the trees, antelope and elephant on the plains and birds flying below you.
Madikwe and the North
The swathe of country stretching from the Kruger Park in the east to the Botswana border in the west is known as Madikwe and the North. It is home to some of South Africa's most dramatic scenery, Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the remote Madikwe Game Reserve.
A typical day on an African safari
A typical day on safari essentially revolves around the need to see the wildlife at its most active. It usually follows a similar routine with slight variations between destinations and seasons.
Zambia's safari houses
Unlike a lodge, a safari house is available to hire out on an exclusive basis and is perfect for families and groups. Here are just a few of our favourites from Zambia, which our specialists can include in a tailor-made itinerary for you.
Honeymoons in Mozambique
A tailor-made honeymoon in Mozambique not only allows you the chance to relax on white sand beaches, it also offers you the opportunity to experience the excitement of spotting big game such as lion, leopard and elephant on safari.
Walking safaris in Zambia
A walking safari in Zambia allows you the opportunity to tread the same dusty plains as the animals Africa is so well-known for. Here, you can observe game from a different perspective under the watchful eye of first-class guides, in a variety of different national parks.
Safaris on the Skeleton Coast
You can experience Namibia's Skeleton Coast with an Audley fly-in safari. You'll have the opportunity to see unique wildlife, such as desert adapted elephant within the setting of an extraordinary landscape.
Green Season in Zambia
The Green Season in Zambia takes place in the Luangwa Valley between November and May. A more cost-effective time to travel, it's during this period you'll see newborn animals in abundance and a landscape awash with colour thanks to the heavy rains that descend.
Grand tour of South Africa
South Africa has so many highlights that many people choose to revisit. However, if you would like to experience all of the main attractions in one trip, you can do so as part of a grand tour. Our specialists will help you make the most of your time in South Africa.
Zebra migration
Each year, up to 25,000 zebra migrate through Botswana's national parks in one of the animal kingdom's most spectacular sights. Our specialists can recommend the places where you're mostly likely to witness the action and the best camps to stay in.
Wildlife holidays in Malawi
A captivating country still off the radar for many tourists, Malawi offers you the opportunity to view Africa's big game away from the crowds. Traditional vehicle as well as walking safaris can be included in your itinerary by our country specialists.
Okavango Delta safaris
The Okavango Delta is safari by water, where you glide in canoes through waterways and twinkling lagoons in search of hippo, elephant, giraffe and iridescent birdlife. Discover the best time to visit this wonderful water world and how we can help you plan your safari there.
Honeymoons in Malawi
Whether you want fine beaches, luxury accommodation, activities galore or good safari opportunities on your honeymoon, Malawi offers all of this and more. Our country specialists have also hand-picked a number of exquisite properties for you to choose from.
Hot air balloon safari in Kenya
A hot air balloon safari in Kenya is one of the most memorable ways in which to see the wildlife. Whether you're a honeymooning couple, a family, or a group of friends, Audley's experienced specialists can arrange a balloon flight as part of your tailor-made itinerary.
The Big Five in Kenya
Home of the Masai Mara and Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, you'll have countless opportunities to spot the Big Five in Kenya. With a range of first-class lodges, you can embark on traditional game drives and walking safaris in search of these magnificent animals.
Walking safaris in Botswana
Get away from the road and closer to the wildlife on one of our tailor-made walking safaris in Botswana, with a great chance of spotting the Big Five. Our specialists will design your safari on foot around your preferences, anything from a morning walk to a three-day hike.
Photographic safaris in Botswana
If your camera is top of the packing list, take your passion for photography on safari with you. Our tailor-made photographic safaris in Botswana show you the elephant herds, giraffe and big cats while expert photographers help you capture the memory.
Mobile camping safaris in Botswana
The sights and sounds of safari are just the other side of the canvas on one of our tailor-made mobile camping safaris. Get back to basics and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Africa, staying in private campsites where comfort isn't scrimped on.
Family safaris in Zambia
If you are considering taking your family on safari, Zambia has a lot to offer every member of your tribe. Many camps have private houses with space for little legs to tire themselves out, flexible dining options and child-minding facilities.
Family safari holidays in Tanzania
With its family lodges, abundant wildlife and endless opportunities for adventure, Tanzania has much to offer your family. Many safari camps have swimming pools, where you and your tribe can cool down at the end of a day spotting the Big Five.
Family holidays in Mozambique
If your family enjoy water-based activities, you'll be spoilt for choice in Mozambique. With a wide variety of family-friendly properties right on the beach, you can spend your days splashing around in a desert island setting, before heading inland for more family-friendly fun.
Family safaris in Kenya
On a tailor-made family safari in Kenya, your children can learn about Maasai culture, the 'Little Five' and how to track animals. The country is home to some wonderful family-friendly camps and lodges which our country specialists can include in your family itinerary.
Family safaris in Botswana
Botswana has a great selection of family-friendly camps with activities that will introduce your kids to the wonders of safari. And there’s the water world of the Okavango Delta to explore. Our specialists will help you pick the trip that suits you and your family.
Activity holidays in Namibia
A land of vast landscapes and wild seas there are plenty of activities for you to build into your tailor-made trip to Namibia. Quad-biking, hiking and kayaking are all popular activities, and with its exceptional wildlife, game-drives and balloon trips are equally rewarding.
Luxury holidays in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa. It is also home of the world-famous Great Migration, so if you are looking to view this spectacle in style, our country specialists can help you plan your perfect trip to Tanzania.
Luxury holidays in South Africa
South Africa can pull out all the stops for a luxury trip, and a safari’s just the start. Here, country specialist Tom shares ways to elevate your trip to the rainbow nation, from Cape Town comforts to wine tasting.
Luxury holidays in Namibia
If your ideal trip includes stargazing from your private rooftop after relaxing in your own plunge pool, our Country Specialists can recommend a number of exclusive lodges that add a touch of luxury to your tailor-made holiday in Namibia.
Mozambique luxury holidays
Known for its beautiful white beaches and wildlife safaris, Mozambique is one of Africa's undiscovered jewels, the perfect destination for a luxury holiday.
Luxury holidays in Kenya
If you're planning a luxury holiday in Kenya, we have a wide range of accommodation available, from sumptuous safari camps to exquisite beach retreats. Our country specialists have experienced these properties firsthand and are on hand to help you choose.
Luxury holidays in Botswana
If you're planning a luxury holiday to Botswana, we've a huge choice of exclusive places to stay, from luxurious holiday camps and lodges to luxury hotels. Touches of comfort like king-size beds and plunge pools give you extravagance in the heart of the wildlife.
Honeymoons in Zambia
Zambia is home to a wonderful selection of lodges that offer fantastic game viewing and relaxation in equal measure. If you would like to plan your honeymoon in Zambia, our specialists can tailor a trip to your preferences and help you build the honeymoon of a lifetime.
Honeymoons in Namibia
If you'd like to combine spectacular scenery and fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities with the flexibility of a self-drive on your honeymoon, Namibia is an inspired choice. The country is also home to a wide range of inviting properties for you to choose from.
