On arrival into Windhoek you will be met on arrival by the car rental company representative and transferred to their offices in Windhoek to complete all rental procedures.
Self-drive to the Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel where you will spend your first night on Namibian soil.
Accommodation: Courtyard Upper Level Room, B&B
If you can imagine yourself in a fine countryside manor house overlooking orchards and then at the same time imagine you are in an urban chic, modern hotel, then you could see yourself at Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel for sure. Cape Town meets Stellenbosch in central residential Windhoek!
The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing at your own leisure
For dinner tonight, you can head into town for a bite to eat at one of Windhoek’s well known restaurants.
After breakfast, pop into town for any supplies that you might need and then depart heading south from Windhoek – your self-drive adventure begins!
Windhoek to Sossusvlei – 350 km – approx 5 to 6 hours
Your self-drive will reveal the transition from Kalahari thornveld to the true desert of the Namib. Travel either via the beautiful Spreetshoogte or Remhoogte Pass, both showcasing the natural beauty of Namibia.
Spend 3 nights at Hoodia Desert Lodge in one Twin Room on a Full Board Plus basis – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities. All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included.
Thomas and Henreza are your consummate hosts and their attention and enthusiasm are evident in every detail.
The 11 chalet Lodge is built on a small outcrop ringed by the Namib-Naukluft Mountains on the banks of the dry riverbed rising from that same spectacular mountain range. You are about 30 minutes’ drive to the entrance of Sossusvlei Park, which means you are far enough away to enjoy total peace and quiet but close enough to Sossusvlei to enjoy a full day among the world’s tallest dunes in the world’s oldest desert.
Dining is an experience in itself with Henreza taking great pride in her fare that extends beyond the meat-heavy traditions of Namibia; the wine list pairs well with the variety of dishes and be sure to ask for an al fresco lunch or dinner to top it all off.
Spend a full day making the most of your location within the Namib Desert’s largest dunes – Big Daddy is the highest at 325 m (1,066 ft).
Start from the Lodge before sunrise (after a quick breakfast) with the Lodge’s professional guide in a 4X4 Safari Vehicle (shared activity).
Arriving at the Sesriem Gate at Sunrise spend the whole day in the beautiful Sossusvlei area with your guide exploring the highlights: Dead Vlei, Climb a Dune and explore Sesriem Canyon with picnic lunch.
Your stay includes a Sundowner Drive with a chance to spot desert wildlife en route. An optional extra activity is a Nature Drive to observe the smaller creatures such as sidewinder snakes, geckos and chameleons.
Depart after breakfast and head north to Solitaire, then west crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, through the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons via the Namib Gravel Plains to the coast either via Walvis Bay to Swakopmund, or (recommended) detour via Ganab to the Welwitschia Plains and Moon Landscape. The drive lasts around five to six hours (350km) to Swakopmund, a picturesque historic town on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Spend 3 nights at The Sea Boutique Guesthouse in a Luxury Room, B&B.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Swakopmund with its aquarium, museum, shops and galleries.
The Namibian coastline is generally known as The Skeleton Coast due to the barren areas, ship wrecks and, in days gone by, whale skeletons left on the beach.
17 Sept – We have booked a Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight for today. About 2 hours’ duration and includes Swakopmund, Rössing Mine, Spitzkoppe, Brandberg & Ugab River, Damaraland Neapolitan lava flow, Cape Cross, Henties Bay, Bay and Zeila Shipwreck.
18 Sept – We have booked the Living Desert Tour, includes pick up and drop off at hotel.
Lunches and dinners can be enjoyed at any of the many great cafés or restaurants overlooking the sea.
Swakopmund to Damaraland is a 7 to 8 hour drive – 445 km
Head north along the Skeleton Coast, via Henties Bay to visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Along the way, stop at the Lichen Fields as well as the ship wreck between the colourful small town of Wlotskasbaken and Henties Bay. Backtrack to Henties Bay and head inland through wide open plains to Uis, then north to the Twyfelfontein area.
Stay for 2 Nights at Doros Nawas in a Standard Room on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis. Doro Nawas, in the Abu-Huab River valley. The 16 rooms are enormous stone, canvas, wood and thatch constructions with a private verandah and en suite bathrooms with an additional outdoor shower.
Take an easy self-drive visit to Namibia’s Open Air Museum, the Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings as well as the interesting Organ Pipes rock formations and Burnt Mountain. Any park fees payable locally.
Take a drive west (4×4 needed) to the Huab River to look for desert adapted elephants as well as other game such as oryx, springbok, ostrich and more (we recommended this be booked as an additional activity with a guide on arrival at the lodge).
Drive from Twyfelfontein to Palmwag – 115 km – approx 2 hours
2 Nights at Desert Rhino Camp – Fully Inclusive – All Meals, Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers), Fees & scheduled activities included.
Desert Rhino Camp is in the Palmwag Concession between Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Covering a staggering 550,000 Ha, the community-owned nature reserve has an intricate ecosystem supporting desert-adapted wildlife including elephants and the world’s largest population of black free-roaming rhino.
The luxury tented accommodation is enhanced by its remote and precarious existence. The camp has eight walk-in Meru-style safari tents on elevated platforms with en suite bathrooms and delightful hot-water bucket showers; the living area has enormous sofas that look out through open sides at the remarkable Damaraland landscape. Mealtimes are a cause for yet more surprises as first-class food is whipped up from what seems like the bare earth.
On game drives look for desert-adapted lions; elephants; zebras; spotted hyaenas; giraffes; and antelopes such as oryx and springbok. Key species for birding enthusiasts include Ruppell’s korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark, Herero chat and Verreaux’s eagle.
Drive for approximately 4 to 5 hours from Damaraland to Etosha (south), some 350km
After breakfast, drive east towards Khorixas stopping at the Petrified Forest en-route from Khorixas head further east along the tar road to Outjo and then north to your lodge which is situated very close to the southern entrance of Etosha, the Andersson Gate.
Stay for 2 nights in a Standard Suite at Anderssons Camp, Fully Inclusive of all meals, local brand (spirits, wine and beers), park fees and scheduled activities.
Spacious and elegant, the perfect respite Anderssons at Ongava is now one of the top choices among the properties on the private Ongava Reserve. This eco-friendly lodge was re-opened in early 2019 after a major refurb and is cutting edge yet modest giving you a special experience with all the added extras, while still making you feel at home. And what’s more? You have the very best opportunities for wildlife viewing from your suite, the sunken observation deck, infinity swimming pool or photographic hide at eye level to the waterhole.
180 degree panoramic views. This is a sanctuary in the African bush, just outside the southern entrance gates of Etosha National Park, so close in fact, this is where it gets its name.
Etosha (south) – Etosha (east) a full day’s game drive through the park. Self-drive slowly east stopping at numerous waterholes along the way. Tip – best to take a picnic lunch with you from Anderssons Camp.
Spend 2 Nights in a Bush Suite at Onguma The Fort, Fully inclusive of all meals, local brand drinks, fees and scheduled activities.
With a range of desert-adapted architectural styles, Onguma The Fort in Onguma Game Reserve is an award-winning Namibian safari lodge near Etosha National Park.
One full day is set aside for game viewing, either all day or alternate with morning and afternoon drives. Enjoy game drives with the lodge guide into Etosha National Park and on the Onguma Game Reserve.
Drive from Etosha to Erindi Private Game Reserve – approximately 5 hours (400km).
Spend 1 Night at Erindi Old Traders Lodge in a Luxury Suite on a Full Board plus basis including breakfast, lunch, dinner and scheduled activities. Private vehicles subject to availability and can only be requested on the day of arrival.
Erindi Game Reserve is a jewel in the heart of the wild Namibian landscape. The reserve of 70 000 Ha is situated 40km east of the town of Omaruru.
Erindi falls within the Nama Karoo biome and is arid to semi-arid characterized by scattered low dwarf shrubs interspersed with grasslands. Erindi consists of an amazing array of diverse landscapes including mountains, riverine thickets, inselbergs (“island mountains”) and grassland savannahs for as far as the eye can see.
The luxury suites are ideally located for views of the smaller waterhole, which is floodlit at night. Each suite has a patio – hours can pass sitting in one of the armchairs watching the Impala come to graze en masse.
Waterberg – Windhoek 305km – approximately 4 hours
After a morning game drive, depart Erindi on the final part of your journey to Windhoek.
2 Nights at the Am Weinberg Boutique Hotel, B&B in a Courtyard Upper Level Room
30 September – Drop your vehicle off at the car rental company offices who will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight home.
(Please note that you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior and the airport is still a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from town)
Hoodia Desert Lodge named after the native flowering cactus nestles in the Sossusvlei Dunes and is surrounded by majestic ...
Hoodia Desert Lodge is family owned and managed accommodating guests in 11 luxury tented chalets under thatch. The chalets are spread out in a line to ensure privacy in this breath-taking location. Each ensuite chalet comes with outdoor bathroom, mosquito nets and air conditioning. The chalets each have shaded deck areas and are designed with large windows and doors that look out over beautiful landscape vistas.
The main areas of the lodge include a large lounge with an eclectic mix of furniture, including some interesting artwork as well as a restaurant serving a wide range of local and international dishes. There is also a small swimming pool.
Doro Nawas lies in the 407,300 hectare Doro Nawas Conservancy on the slopes of a small hill on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab ...
The camp has exceptional 360 degree views of the rugged Damaraland ranging from the Etendeka Mountains in the north to the red sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein in the south.
Sixteen stone, wood, glass and thatch chalets, one of which is a family unit, are built on stone bases at the foot of the hill and blend seamlessly into the surrounds. Each chalet includes a bedroom, en-suite facilities with an indoor and outdoor shower, mosquito net, ceiling fan, roll out bed and glass doors leading onto a veranda for views, star-gazing or sleep-outs. The communal living areas are perched atop a sparse, rocky knoll with unspoilt dramatic views. Here guests can dine indoors or out; enjoy the open fireplace, bar, curio shop and lap pool. A staircase to the roof allows for relaxing sundowners and stargazing.
An original and exclusive wilderness experience, Desert Rhino Camp lies within the 450,000 hectare private Palmwag Concession in ...
This region is remarkable for its tranquil, minimalist beauty with the Camp set amongst rolling, rocky hills boasting views across a sweeping valley dotted with euphorbia and ancient welwitschia plants and the Etendeka Mountains.
It comprises of eight large Meru-style tents with en-suite bathrooms. The canvas tented rooms on raised decks are all generously spaced through the camp. Each tent has en-suite facilities with a separate WC and indoor shower; mosquito net, pedestal fan and tea and coffee facilities. Gravel ground walkways link the tents to the main area, a classic-style canvas, shaded open-sided lounge and dining area that extends onto the magnificent landscape providing uninterrupted desert and mountain views. There is a library and curio corner, as well as small swimming pool with sun loungers.
Anderssons Luxury Camp offers the closest access to the most productive area of Etosha National Park. Eight Camp suites are ...
Eight Camp suites are designed as a direct extension of the landscape itself. The rock and other natural elements are used to reflect the environment and drama of Etosha. The natural stone and spacious solid build with innovative roof structure, offers guests a climate-controlled sanctuary in the bush.
Design includes a private viewing deck with 180-degree panorama.Central to the design of the new Anderssons at Ongava is the connection to the wild, and it is most keenly felt at the waterhole and nearby underground photographic hide. Here guests have a water level view of the prolific wild and birdlife on Ongava Game Reserve, in a setting that inspires intimacy without intrusion.
A centrally positioned infinity-edge swimming pool and surrounding lounge area allows for relaxing in sheltered nooks with views of the waterhole and beyond.
The social area, where guests gather for meals and to meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts, guides and naturalists, encompasses an undercover and open-air dining area, a spacious lounge and bar, a sunken observation terrace, and open fireplaces to take away the winter chill.
Onguma The Fort is situated on the Eastern side of Etosha National Park on the private 34,000 hectare Onguma wilderness ...
The Fort is a stylish lodge with accommodation unlike any other and one of its kind, with probably one of the best sunset views in Namibia. Overlooking the beautiful Etosha Fisher’s Pan, accommodation consists of eleven Bush Suites, one Honeymoon Suite as well as a Sultan Suite. The Bush and Honeymoon Suites are equipped with fire places for the winter months and air coolers for the summer months. Each Bush and Honeymoon Suite has an indoor and outdoor shower and views that will enchant. With dramatic Moroccan details, there is something new to discover around every corner.
This premier itinerary includes the following Camps:
Accommodation as indicated
Meals as indicated
Meet and greet upon arrival
4x4 Toyota Fortuner with ZERO excess - maximum insurance, tyre & windscreen cover, unlimited mileage, 2nd spare tyre, additional driver
Airport transfers on arrival and for departure
Activities as indicated
Tour file with detailed itinerary, map with route descriptions, vouchers etc.
24 hour personal and friendly support
Fast and efficient response to service providers
Items of a personal nature
Optional extra activities
International flights
Holiday or personal insurance
Staff gratuities
Park entry fees where you are not staying on Fully Inclusive basis
Fuel for vehicle rental
Visas and visa applications
The above quotation is valid for 48 hours.
Quotations are based on the flight rates available today. The flight costs may change and are subject to availability. Availability can only be confirmed at the time of booking.
If you would like to read our full terms and conditions before booking then please follow this link:
Please fill in the Booking Form on the link below: You will need the Reference Number from the top of this Safari Proposal:
A 35% deposit will be due if your booking is more than 65 days prior to departure. The balance is due 65 days before your date of travel.
Debit Card or Bank Transfer are our preferred methods of payment. However we will accept the 35% deposit payment by credit card.
*Please note there is no charge for debit or credit cards as long as the card is issued in the UK. If the card is issued outside of the UK and Ireland there is a 2.5% card fee on each transaction for both debit and credit cards. **Please note we do not accept any Amex or Corporate Credit Cards whether issued inside or outside of the UK. ***Bank transfers from anywhere in the world attract no extra charges from Weekend a la Carte Ltd/Safari Addicts, but your bank may charge.
We would recommend you get your travel insurance soon after booking. Adequate travel insurance is vital for this trip for three reasons:
We recommend TAGCONNECT for insurance as they are travel specialists.
To get an instant quote for comprehensive cover please call Travel & General on 0845 345 3456.
Or use the online quoting tool:
South Africa - To say our holiday was fantastic in every respect would be an under statement and would not do justice for it. In every single respect and detail it was perfect from our moment of arrival until our sad departure home. Each and every venue we stayed in was excellent, friendly, hospitable and welcoming. At Kwandwe we finished with our unbelievable safari which was ... Read More
We had an absolutely wonderful time and can’t wait to return to Africa. Cape Town - The complimentary pick up from the airport was great. The agent was there to meet us off the airplane and she helped guide us through the airport to the taxi. We had one night at Mount Nelson hotel due to BA strike/flight changes. This hotel is just lovely - as is the afternoon tea. Would ... Read More
Namibia Self Drive We had an absolutely amazing time in Namibia and certainly packed a lot in to the relatively brief time we were there. The quality of the hire car, accommodation and meals booked was very high and all very much enjoyed. All the game drives were quite different and so we learnt or saw something new each time and without exception the guides were ... Read More
Namibia Self Drive
We had an absolutely amazing time in Namibia and certainly packed a lot in to the relatively brief time we were there. The quality of the hire car, accommodation and meals booked was very high and all very much enjoyed. All the game drives were quite different and so we learnt or saw something new each time and without exception the guides were very knowledgeable and personable.The kayaking trip with cape fur seals was a lot of fun. We had the good fortune to be driven to the lagoon by Craig, owner of the company, and he took a lot of time and trouble explaining about the flamingos, avocets, cape albatross and the other birdlife which we passed. The actual kayaking was very well organised, with much care taken to ensure that we all had the right clothing and equipment, and we were escorted by Craig and one other on the water to the area where the seals frolic in the sea and were encouraged to interact with them. Unfortunately, Craig said the seals were a little subdued because it had been fairly cold overnight and there had been a bit of a storm, but we all enjoyed it.
Each time we were moving on to new accommodation, I warned everyone that it could not get better, but every time it did, though the Fort at Onguma has to be the peak as it was totally sublime. We were assigned one guide, Victor, for each of the activities we did there and he was outstanding in his ability to identify birds and find the game. Ozondjou Trails was another highlight and the staff (Jackson, Mona Lisa, the chef, Moses and Big Matias, the guide) were all delightful and very welcoming.
One thing we would have welcomed were suggestions of places to stop for pitstops and refreshments during our journeys. As it happened, in addition to Solitaire, we managed to find some excellent coffee shops, but there were a couple of times when we failed to find a suitable stopping place.
The scale of the country is somehow increased by the gravel roads, but we were lucky as the four of us shared the driving, so no-one had to take on too much. I am not sure I would want to split the driving between just two of us over a fortnight.
We had a fabulous time – and have nearly 5,000 photos to prove it! Many thanks for helping us to achieve this wonderful trip, especially at relatively short notice.
Where to even begin to describe the trip we have just returned from?……..’WOW’ seemed to be the most used word!! Thank you so much for putting an amazing itinerary together for us. We now have a better understanding of what each ‘area’ involves and cannot wait to go back and explore some more - we are well and truly hooked! Despite not getting off to the best start (!) we are ... Read More
Where to even begin to describe the trip we have just returned from?……..’WOW’ seemed to be the most used word!!
Thank you so much for putting an amazing itinerary together for us. We now have a better understanding of what each ‘area’ involves and cannot wait to go back and explore some more – we are well and truly hooked!
Despite not getting off to the best start (!) we are grateful for your help in moving everything around at Vic Falls. The horse ride was fun and the owner of the stables (sorry name’s gone!) was really sweet arranging a driver and guide for us after the ride as we only had 2 hours to enjoy the Falls!!
Safari Club was excellent.
Throughout the entire trip transfers and flights were very efficient and seamless – it was a real treat to sit back and let someone else do the organising (that’s normally our job!!)
We absolutely loved Kwando! Staff were amazing, food and general comfort fantastic and the game viewing ridiculous! I think we had the most ‘fun’ at this camp.
Then onto Mapula Lodge. Once we had chatted through our ‘wants’ in terms of viewing, etc (making the most of the Delta) they could not have done anymore for us. Private drives, private dinner, always accommodating and always very friendly.
Only issue we had was being late to breakfast one morning because the lodge was surrounded by elephants!
This was definitely the most ‘relaxing’ camp……and had the best ‘view from a loo’ (the main throne room loo near the main lodge – photo attached!)
We also saw the most incredible birds. I remember telling you I wasn’t really in to birds…..well that’s changed!
The ‘time out’ here was truly next level – so beautiful and peaceful.
It seems very quiet at night now we are home – and we are already missing the sound of lions roaring, hippos ‘grunting’ and being woken by the dawn chorus.
We have given ourselves a problem – how do we better this holiday?!!!
So – thank you!
Visited Cape Town, Botswana & Zambia So what can one say about our trip but amazing and lots of pictures yet to be processed. We loved it from start to finish. We saw so much including a pride of 18 Lions at Lebala, Rhino, leopards, Elephants, Buffalo, Giraffes and so much more. Great meet at airport and transfer ok to wine lands as used a Mercedes without much AC. Only moan of ... Read More
Visited Cape Town, Botswana & Zambia
So what can one say about our trip but amazing and lots of pictures yet to be processed. We loved it from start to finish. We saw so much including a pride of 18 Lions at Lebala, Rhino, leopards, Elephants, Buffalo, Giraffes and so much more.
Great meet at airport and transfer ok to wine lands as used a Mercedes without much AC. Only moan of the entire trip. Guest house in Wine lands was To Die For and loved eating, cycling and late night drinking.
Great transfer to 12 Apostles and went straight to Table Mountain after arriving as lovely day. What a fantastic hotel and super staff. Good tour of the Cape and Seal Island was a great addition. Guide was good fun and kept us busy. We did pay for our lunch and cable car but that was only down to a simple error.
Transfer to Maun was great and flight gave us good food and a lounge so very happy. Good meet and greet
NO WATER on the Delta so lodge slightly struggled on what to do on Game Drives. Worst drought in 21 years but saw leopards and lions from the road.
Next Lodge was one of our favorites as relaxed and all drives went off road . Wow! Leopards and Lions so close to the truck that it was amazing, dead elephants and 100s of vultures, Towers of Giraffes and dazzles of Zebra. LBR till the cows come home and even started to get into bird watching.
Fantastic camp and managers. Will go back here.
Again great transfer on small planes and everything in place for us.
Chobe National park felt like Disneyland. Arrive and put on boat with lots of other people. Not inspirational. Fun at the bar with Cathy the bar maid who sorted us out super cocktails. Good room but no view of the water.
The morning drive was ok but saw nothing not even an elephant. Guide says you can only see elephants in the afternoon. Exited as we left the lodge as good transfer guy and found elephants on the was down to water and made sure we had lots of time finding elephants. Best part of the visit was the exciting transfer and driver. Easy move to Zambia from Botswana and Irish passport holders don’t have to pay a fee.
And then Tongabezi. WOW!
Met by Rudy the manager and then passed to our Valet Dadu. What a truly nice man and looked after us so well for our 5 days. Captain Felix who had us on the river every day and went cycling with me one morning, Godfrey our driver who looked after us at the Falls and all land transfers. The Rhino hunt was a great fun and spotted 5 Rhino. The food and Boathouse was amazing. We never moved to Nut House as Plunge pool is twice the dept and I was very happy in the pool at Dog House.
Such a moving visit to the village and school. Really made us think about lots of things.
So Well done and so pleased moved and excited about the entire trip.
What more can we say but thank you.
Travelled to Victoria Falls, South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi Just a quick note to say, Thank you for all your help to make our first safari a most memorable holiday for all the right reasons. It would be hard to fault or improve upon. Your expertise shone through the whole trip. Thanks again. Read More
Travelled to Victoria Falls, South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi
Just a quick note to say, Thank you for all your help to make our first safari a most memorable holiday for all the right reasons.
It would be hard to fault or improve upon.
Your expertise shone through the whole trip.
Thanks again.
Rachel and I had an absolutely fantastic honeymoon, I'm not sure where to start! Everything went seamlessly and the planning from your end really helped us to enjoy our honeymoon without any stress or worries. Rachel and I will highly recommend you and will definitely look to book another African adventure with you in the future. The accommodation at nThambo, Umkumbe and Avani was ... Read More
Rachel and I had an absolutely fantastic honeymoon, I’m not sure where to start! Everything went seamlessly and the planning from your end really helped us to enjoy our honeymoon without any stress or worries. Rachel and I will highly recommend you and will definitely look to book another African adventure with you in the future. The accommodation at nThambo, Umkumbe and Avani was stunning and each delivered on every level. We can assure you that this was a honeymoon, and experience, of a lifetime that we will never forget. The safari drives were brilliant with the opportunity to get very close to the ‘Big 5’, ‘Ugly 5’ and other stunning wildlife.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Sundown river safari, Victoria Falls and the chance to swim in the Zambezi river and take a plunge into the Devils Pool in Zambia. We didn’t want to leave and want to keep reliving the experience.
We arrived back home yesterday after an amazing time in Africa. What a stunning country, everyone so friendly & accommodating. All the staff at both lodges in South Africa made our stay so memorable an experience that will remain with us forever. The Avani in Zambia was also stunning got up close & personal with impala, zebra, mongoose, & resident crocodile. The baboons got a bit ... Read More
It would be very hard to rate our holiday anything but 10 it was fantastic and went really smoothly. Sindabezi was beautiful and we were very lucky to be given an upgrade to a lodge in Tongabezi for our last night, the accommodation there is out of this world! We loved Lebala and Little Kwara, the bedroom at Kwara looks tired in comparison, but the service was equally good and I believe they ... Read More
It would be very hard to rate our holiday anything but 10 it was fantastic and went really smoothly. Sindabezi was beautiful and we were very lucky to be given an upgrade to a lodge in Tongabezi for our last night, the accommodation there is out of this world!
We loved Lebala and Little Kwara, the bedroom at Kwara looks tired in comparison, but the service was equally good and I believe they are completely renovating it this June. In fact the customer service in Zambia and all 3 camps was consistently exceptional I can not thank the staff enough, wherever we stayed, for giving us such a great holiday.
Kath was really helpful too and very quick to respond to any concerns but the reason we went with you was because of Guy and Brianne’s recommendation, they recently went with you two years running and they convinced us it would be worth the money so they were great advocates, as we will be, if other friends are interested.
We had a fantastic time thank you and would rate your service 10! The newly refurbished Ngala Safari Lodge was amazing, very high standard of finish and the team were brilliant. Kirkman's Camp was excellent too, our ranger (Jarryd) was really good and highly knowledgeable and informative. Anantara Bazaruto in Mozambique was very good, the spa was fantastic with amazing views. Overall we ... Read More
Zimbabwe - September We had a truly wonderful holiday. It all worked out so well and was the perfect mix of relaxation, national park and river. We had a great selection of wildlife and some very near encounters which was exciting and terrifying. We were sorry to miss the Elephant Express but it was rather a near miss as it was the group the day before us who had the ... Read More
Zimbabwe – September
We had a truly wonderful holiday. It all worked out so well and was the perfect mix of relaxation, national park and river. We had a great selection of wildlife and some very near encounters which was exciting and terrifying.
We were sorry to miss the Elephant Express but it was rather a near miss as it was the group the day before us who had the derailment. We had a very hot, bumpy but safe ride into camp instead and were well looked after by the team.
I would like to add quite how much we all appreciated the dedication of the Camelthorn & Zambezi Sands guides and team. They were absolutely fantastic and went well above the call of duty to make it such a memorable stay.
Thank you Big 5 Safaris again for setting up such a great programme for us. We want to go back please!
Zimbabwe & Botswana - We had a wonderful time, everything went off perfectly. The accommodation was excellent and all the transfers and pick up just happened seamlessly ! We loved Victoria falls our guide was very knowledgeable . Our Riverboat stay was amazing , we even glimpsed a Leopard from the river bank plus Lions , hippos , crocs and many other animals. ... Read More
We had a wonderful time, everything went off perfectly.
The accommodation was excellent and all the transfers and pick up just happened seamlessly ! We loved Victoria falls our guide was very knowledgeable . Our Riverboat stay was amazing , we even glimpsed a Leopard from the river bank plus Lions , hippos , crocs and many other animals. The Safari lodge in Chobe was lovely and again we saw Lions and lots of Elephants , Zebra , Giraffe and buffalo.
We were amazed at how much we saw and did in 6 days.
Thank you for arranging such a wonderful time for us.
Zimbabwe & Botswana - We had an amazing time. The Zambezi cruise was very enjoyable and a great start to our holiday. The lodge at Victoria Falls was fabulous with great accommodation and lovely food. We saw plenty of animals visiting the water hole from our room giving us a taste of what was to come. Our transfer to Botswana and the Chobe Princess houseboat was well ... Read More
Zimbabwe & Botswana – We had an amazing time. The Zambezi cruise was very enjoyable and a great start to our holiday. The lodge at Victoria Falls was fabulous with great accommodation and lovely food. We saw plenty of animals visiting the water hole from our room giving us a taste of what was to come.Our transfer to Botswana and the Chobe Princess houseboat was well organised and we were lucky enough to get the cabin in the front with its own balcony. The trips out to the river bank were great and the guide was very knowledgeable and always made every effort to make sure we could see as much as possible and get as close as we could. On our second day out we saw so much. We were lucky enough to glimpse a leopard walking along the ridge, appearing whenever there was a gap in the bush. As well as the numerous elephants, crocs, buffalo, hippos, giraffe, zebra, impala, etc, we, again, were very fortunate to be around to see lionesses feeding on an earlier kill. And not forgetting the beautiful birds that can be seen everywhere.We arrived at our lodge in Chobe in time to settle in and have lunch before going out on our first game drive. The accommodation was again fantastic with wonderful views and everything we needed. I’m not sure how much other travellers see in the time that they stay but I felt we were extremely fortunate and what we saw far surpassed my expectations.All in all, it was a fabulous holiday which has left us with many wonderful memories of Africa and of the other travellers that we shared our time with. The venues were first class and there must be a great deal of organisation behind the scenes which enables everything to run so smoothly. I would certainly recommend your company and in fact I’ve already passed your details on to my friend who is very interested in going to Africa.Thank you for making this a holiday to remember.
I'd always wanted to go on safari since I was a child and when my son said he'd love to go on safari, completely unprompted, my wife and I made a decision there and then. The only problem was who to book with! We found The Big 5 Safari Company through a friend of a friend, and from the start it was clear their knowledge of Africa was extensive. Kath put together the most amazing ... Read More
We loved EVERY moment of our Self Drive in South Africa! The accommodations were excellent from start to finish and we had absolutely no complaints about the facilities, service and food at each one. Starting with the V&A Waterfront, it couldn't have been better located, right there in the thick of things in such an historic building. Next on to the Winelands and the lovely guest house ... Read More
We loved EVERY moment of our Self Drive in South Africa! The accommodations were excellent from start to finish and we had absolutely no complaints about the facilities, service and food at each one.
Starting with the V&A Waterfront, it couldn’t have been better located, right there in the thick of things in such an historic building.
Next on to the Winelands and the lovely guest house La Fontaine in Franschhoek. Here we were to find a completely different atmosphere,but one which was just as warm and welcoming. Breakfast was excellent!
At De Zeekoe we had a lovely room overlooking the gardens. Here we had a meerkat experience – up at half past stupid to watch a family of the little cuties in the middle of a field. It was amazing and we got some great pictures.
Laird’s Lodge truly lived up to the description in the booklet you sent me. We had such a wonderful stay there.
We had another relaxing stay in Addo and our visits to Addo Elephant Park were so productive in terms of photography.
Next we went to Kwandwe for what was the most exhilarating experience of my life. We could have spent the whole month there, not just 3 nights. The food was first class, the surroundings unbeatable and the staff are possibly its greatest asset. I am so glad that you offered the option to have our own vehicle, ranger and tracker for those 3 days. Yes, it was more expensive but, SO worth the extra money.
I have already recommended your company to friends and other photographers, as we were both highly satisfied with the service you provided for us.
We met the team at the New Forest Show and were really impressed with their knowledge of Africa and all matters safari. Katharine then helped us to plan a bespoke family holiday for four in South Africa within a pre-agreed budget. Katharine took considerable time to research ideas and incorporate our suggestions, but also ensured that we had an amazing holiday in some fabulous accommodation by ... Read More
We met the team at the New Forest Show and were really impressed with their knowledge of Africa and all matters safari. Katharine then helped us to plan a bespoke family holiday for four in South Africa within a pre-agreed budget. Katharine took considerable time to research ideas and incorporate our suggestions, but also ensured that we had an amazing holiday in some fabulous accommodation by double checking everything in advance.. We felt the overall service delivered was first class and certainly a cut above that offered by your typical travel agent. We would certainly use their services again for any similar holiday and recommend Safari Addicts to others seeking to plan the holiday of a lifetime. Many thanks again – The Marriage family.
Just returned from amazing trip to Victoria Falls, Botswana and Mozambique, including our first safari experience. Katharine worked tirelessly to ensure that we were happy with every aspect of our holiday and helped us navigate the vast choice of accommodation to select the right camps for us. The planning was excellent and everything worked perfectly. We would highly recommend The Big 5 ... Read More
Just returned from amazing trip to Victoria Falls, Botswana and Mozambique, including our first safari experience.
Katharine worked tirelessly to ensure that we were happy with every aspect of our holiday and helped us navigate the vast choice of accommodation to select the right camps for us. The planning was excellent and everything worked perfectly. We would highly recommend The Big 5 Safari Company – a tailor-made holiday that delivered above expectation experiences. Thank you all!
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful trip you organised for myself and my husband in July this year. Our three destination trip worked seamlessly from pick up in Cape Town right through to our return. Our hotel in Cape Town was excellent and well located (The One & Only). The staff “on the ground” were excellent, especially in Cape Town and the excursions were ... Read More
I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful trip you organised for myself and my husband in July this year. Our three destination trip worked seamlessly from pick up in Cape Town right through to our return. Our hotel in Cape Town was excellent and well located (The One & Only). The staff “on the ground” were excellent, especially in Cape Town and the excursions were first class. Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge was awesome and delivered in every respect – would definitely return – great accommodation, a surfeit of wonderful food and fabulous game viewing from friendly and experienced team. Our trip was completed with a visit to Victoria Falls in Zambia where we stayed at the Royal Livingstone – the location was excellent both for the falls and all the activities in this region. Again the pre-booked activities did not disappoint and the hotel was luxurious. Thank you Big 5 Safaris – will be booking again and would not hesitate to recommend you to others.
I’ve just read your “Why travel with us?” statement and it has to be said you ticked all the boxes. Our special occasion was our honeymoon and you definitely applied the personal touch to the extent I referred to you simply as “Katharine” – not The Big 5 Safari Company - in all discussions at home. I have booked trips all over the world for the last 25 years and I don’t ... Read More
I’ve just read your “Why travel with us?” statement and it has to be said you ticked all the boxes. Our special occasion was our honeymoon and you definitely applied the personal touch to the extent I referred to you simply as “Katharine” – not The Big 5 Safari Company – in all discussions at home. I have booked trips all over the world for the last 25 years and I don’t think any one person has stood out like you have. The bespoke nature of our trip and some of the ideas and suggestions you came up with were truly inspirational e.g. Zambezi Sands. Discussions where you clearly captured our personalities of what would work and what wouldn’t were spot on and you clearly assessed us very well.
I would also like to share with you the note sent by Abercrombie & Kent in 2015, before I found your website: “We offer a similar range of accommodation to Audley and our prices should be broadly speaking in line. For a 14 night holiday with a week on safari and a week in Mozambique, I think the figure of £8k per person wouldn’t be too far wide of the mark so if you’re budget is closer to £4k per person, I don’t think we would be able to offer anything to match this budget from the accommodation that we choose to offer”. Suffice to say we did exactly what we planned to, add in some extras and you were still able to meet our budget whilst still staying in luxury … and possibly even the same places!
We will share some photos in due course but our honeymoon was truly memorable and Lisa and I would like to thank you for your efforts in making it happen. I have already started recommending Big 5 to my friends and family and we look forward to travelling with you again at some point.
What an amazing trip to Zimbabwe!! I loved every minute from start to finish. We had a great safari experience, saw a huge range of wildlife and 3 of the big 5! And Victoria falls is simply breathtaking isn't it? I can't imagine how much more ferocious it is during the high season. Staying in Bulawayo was also a wonderful experience, our host family were just so friendly and welcoming ... Read More
What an amazing trip to Zimbabwe!! I loved every minute from start to finish. We had a great safari experience, saw a huge range of wildlife and 3 of the big 5! And Victoria falls is simply breathtaking isn’t it? I can’t imagine how much more ferocious it is during the high season.
Staying in Bulawayo was also a wonderful experience, our host family were just so friendly and welcoming and just loved having us stay with them. Albeit underprivileged, they just get on with it and I suppose don’t know much different (especially the kids, who were all little rays of sunshine!).
Thank you so much for helping me plan the trip, it really was a great experience! If I ever do anything like this again I’ll be sure to come straight back to you.
We had a lovely time in South Africa - many thanks for organising - we loved all our locations. Chitwa Chitwa in Sabi Sands exceeded expectations in terms of accommodation and game viewing - saw the Big 5 on many occasions and much more ... Also really liked Elephant Camp and Victoria Falls was as spectacular as we had imagined. No complaints and no regrets - just great ... Read More
We had a lovely time in South Africa – many thanks for organising – we loved all our locations.
Chitwa Chitwa in Sabi Sands exceeded expectations in terms of accommodation and game viewing – saw the Big 5 on many occasions and much more …
Also really liked Elephant Camp and Victoria Falls was as spectacular as we had imagined.
No complaints and no regrets – just great memories!
Many thanks again, especially for the treat at our last camp to mark my birthday celebrations – much appreciated.
Firstly thanks to The Big 5 Safari Company for your assistance in managing the changes resulting from our flight delay. Unfortunately, due to our outgoing flight delay we lost a day at the start of the holiday and at the end effectively lost half a day due to significant problems confirming our connecting flights from Livingstone - none of which was the responsibility of Big 5 as we booked our ... Read More
Firstly thanks to The Big 5 Safari Company for your assistance in managing the changes resulting from our flight delay.
Unfortunately, due to our outgoing flight delay we lost a day at the start of the holiday and at the end effectively lost half a day due to significant problems confirming our connecting flights from Livingstone – none of which was the responsibility of Big 5 as we booked our own flights and I think next time we would ask Big 5 to do this for us!
That’s the bad news, the good news is that despite these problems we had a fantastic time. Victoria falls is simply spectacular and we did still manage to see the moonbow on the second evening and on the river safari we managed to not only see our first elephant, but managed to collide with a hippo under the water – all of which was great fun.
Our accommodation was very comfortable and of high quality. Waking up to zebras on the lawn is the norm there but doesn’t half leave you delighted and bemused.
At the Zambezi Sun in Livingstone and at Camelthorn Lodge in Hwange National Park we were really impressed by the welcoming attitude of all the staff we met. All of our drivers for the transfers were courteous and very helpful. The only thing we are inclined to “complain” about would be that we found the transfer long and a little uncomfortable and would have preferred to take the recently introduced rail car through the park.
At Camelthorn our primary hosts/guides, Sibs and Vusa, were not only experienced and knowledgeable guides, but engaging and warm individuals which made for fun and interesting conversation over dinner.
As safari ‘virgins’ we did not really know what to expect from the drives, but quickly learned. By that I mean that there are no guarantees about which animal species you may see and it can vary significantly between drives. Despite the best efforts of our guide, we did not manage to find leopard or cheetah, but apart from this, during the short time we were in camp, we saw a good variety of animals and were thrilled by the experience.
We thank you Katharine for all of your early advice in selecting our venues as they all turned out to be great and the experience has left us with some great photos and memories. If it were not for family commitments in 2016 we would be looking to book our next safari now and will not hesitate to contact The Big 5 Safari Company for our next two location safari.
We had an amazing time in Zimbabwe and I would like to thank you for everything you did in organising this for us. Our accommodation in both Hwange and Victoria Falls were lovely. I know you had some input as well into helping to organise the renewal of our wedding vows – a complete surprise to me but such a special day, so thank you again. Khulu Ivory Lodge was perfect, we all ... Read More
We had an amazing time in Zimbabwe and I would like to thank you for everything you did in organising this for us. Our accommodation in both Hwange and Victoria Falls were lovely. I know you had some input as well into helping to organise the renewal of our wedding vows – a complete surprise to me but such a special day, so thank you again.
Khulu Ivory Lodge was perfect, we all absolutely loved the place, unfortunately animal sightings weren’t quite as much as we had hoped for but I think this may have been the time of year (as it wasn’t the real dry season the vegetation was still quite high so difficult to spot animals). The team at the Lodge were fantastic, we couldn’t have asked for more, it really is a perfect setting.
So many special memories that will stay with us forever.
We were safari virgins ... we had however long harboured the thought that one day, when circumstances were right and finances permitted, we would visit the Okovango Delta in Botswana. Both of us having our 60th birthday made the time right. In a flush of enthusiasm, my husband Googled madly and came up with a selection of 'budget' truck based safaris. Not what I had in mind! I ... Read More
We were safari virgins … we had however long harboured the thought that one day, when circumstances were right and finances permitted, we would visit the Okovango Delta in Botswana. Both of us having our 60th birthday made the time right.
In a flush of enthusiasm, my husband Googled madly and came up with a selection of ‘budget’ truck based safaris. Not what I had in mind! I Googled madly and came up with The Big 5 Safari Company.
How fortuitous, they put together a memorable itinerary, heeding our request for small camps in remote locations. From first contact through to detailed planning, the trip itself and the follow up, they were professional, efficient, and not least, willing and able to design a trip to meet our expressed desires and aspirations.
We travelled from the arid plains of the Central Kalahari (Tau Pan Camp), to the enchanting Okavango (Pom Pom Camp), to the lush and fertile Linyanti River (Lebala Camp) rounding off with some R & R at the stunning Falls (Victoria Falls Hotel).
All 3 camps offered stylish and characterful accommodation with friendly, attentive staff and professional management. The guides and trackers were awesome in their knowledge of the wildlife, game, birds, nature and culture. We learnt so much from them.
The range and quality of the experience was fantastic. Everything worked like clockwork. We thought this would be a one off high end experience but no … we booked a return trip within weeks of coming back! No excuse needed this time.
Thank you Big 5 for such a brilliant experience and in particular Katharine Hunt.
Guy and Brianne Perkins
Kevin this is our 4th safari with you and as ever the level of detail in the itinerary you put together for us made the trip very special. From the private meet and greet in Johannesburg to the unexpected bush dinner we had an unforgettable time. Experiencing the Kalahari for the first time certainly gave us a new perspective on Botswana, one of our favourite countries. Please pass our thanks on ... Read More
Kevin this is our 4th safari with you and as ever the level of detail in the itinerary you put together for us made the trip very special. From the private meet and greet in Johannesburg to the unexpected bush dinner we had an unforgettable time. Experiencing the Kalahari for the first time certainly gave us a new perspective on Botswana, one of our favourite countries. Please pass our thanks on to all the lodges and we look forward to going to South Luangwa on our next trip!
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With so many safari experiences out there in Southern Africa, it’s difficult to know where to start when planning your trip. Our FREE safari guide is full of information to help you feel inspired!
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