21 Days Of South Africa Safari Exploration

This safari is thoughtfully crafted to provide the experience of Africa’s most bespoke trips at a fraction of the cost. It stands as one of the most well-designed journeys we offer, supported by over 450 years of combined safari expertise and unparalleled connections across the industry.

Curated by our founder, Julian, the safari is guided throughout by our in-house expert, Andrew van den Broeck. Andrew, a former Head Guide at &Beyond and a FGASA-certified dangerous game assessor, ensures an exceptional and immersive experience. The itinerary features destination specialists like Wilderness CEO Keith Vincent and a host of local owner-guides at every stage, making this journey as educational as it is experiential.

This safari is designed to explore distinctive, contrasting regions, with accommodations in authentic, owner-operated small camps. These camps are meticulously managed and located in premier game-viewing areas, all while ensuring exclusivity and avoiding crowded spots. Action-packed and offering incredible value, this trip embodies the new luxury ideal for today’s discerning travelers. It is truly a one-of-a-kind exploration of ‘Safari Africa.’

Specific highlights of this Africa safari include:

• Tanzania: The Serengeti, with walking safaris and fly camping.
• Tanzania: Witnessing the Great Migration river crossings.
• Uganda: Encountering mountain gorillas from Buhoma.
• Zambia: Reveling in the beauty and vibrancy of the Zambezi River.
• Zimbabwe: Experiencing Victoria Falls, including a helicopter flight over the spray.
• Botswana: Exploring the Okavango Delta’s premier private reserves.
• South Africa: Discovering Cape Town, the Winelands, and surrounding attractions.
• Diverse Activities: Day and night game drives, canoeing, boating, fishing, and expert-led big game walking safaris.

Guides and experts involved include:

• Lead Guide: Andrew van den Broeck, Yellow Zebra
• Serengeti Guide: Jean de Plessis, Wilderness and Wayo Africa
• Uganda Gorilla Guide: Kamya Lule, Experience Uganda
• Zambezi Guide: Kyle Branch, Classic Zambia
• Victoria Falls: Sam Mushandu, private, ex-Wilderness Safaris
• Okavango Delta: Ace Gabanakitso, Beagle Safaris
• Cape Town: Howie Owen, private, ex-Wilderness Safaris

Destination speakers add depth to the experience, including:

• Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Conservation Through Public Health
• Keith Vincent, CEO of Wilderness Safaris
• Sue Goatley, Children in the Wilderness, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

This safari is an action-filled journey across the continent, maximizing the value of properties and the diversity of experiences while maintaining exceptional game-viewing opportunities at every stage. Comparable to the most exclusive and expensive safaris we offer, this trip comes at a fraction of the cost. It also includes world-class medical support and an unrivaled ground network available 24/7.

The safari is led by Andrew van den Broeck, whose expertise and personal approach ensure a seamless and engaging experience. At each destination, local guides join the group, offering unparalleled knowledge of their respective regions. This blend of a consistent lead guide and destination-specific experts makes for the ultimate safari adventure.

This whirlwind tour of Africa’s most iconic destinations begins in East Africa and traverses the continent, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From the Serengeti and the Great Migration to the mountain gorillas, the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, and Cape Town, this safari highlights Africa’s best ‘bucket list’ adventures.

Ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and exceptional value, this trip is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit. While suitable for teenage children, it is best for younger travelers due to the fast pace and long distances. Larger groups benefit further from shared guide costs, increasing the trip’s overall value. As Andrew is part of Yellow Zebra, his services are included at no additional charge, making this journey even more remarkable.

Days 1-4 THE SERENGETI

Upon your arrival in Africa, you’ll meet Andrew and embark on a flight to the northern Serengeti, right into the heart of the Great Migration for the iconic river crossings. This region is known for its rich pride heartlands and offers thrilling action in abundance. Wayo Serengeti Green Camp, the latest addition to the mobile camp scene, offers an exceptional experience. Located in prime, less-travelled areas, the camp provides the perfect base for early morning walking safaris or a direct route to witness the river crossings.

The camp itself is a beautifully designed mobile setup, and its exceptional value has quickly made waves across the park. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, fly camping in “star tents” is available—one of Africa’s purest safari experiences. During your time in the Serengeti, you’ll be guided by Jean du Plessis, founder of Wayo Africa and one of the Serengeti’s finest guides. Jean, who now serves as Wilderness Safaris’ Head of Tanzania, is renowned for his extensive knowledge and legendary walking skills. He is also deeply committed to the community, having built a team of expert guides, many of whom hail from the local villages.

Days 5-7 BWINDI

From the Serengeti, you’ll fly to Uganda for the next leg of your journey: an unforgettable encounter with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. While it’s well known that direct eye contact with a gorilla is best avoided, being surrounded by a family group is truly one of the most exhilarating experiences on earth. You’ll be staying at Buhoma Lodge, nestled in the heart of Bwindi, where the primary activity is morning treks. The region surrounding Buhoma is considered by many guides to be the finest gorilla trekking habitat in all of Africa.

You’ll embark on two treks, each offering a unique experience, followed by personalized afternoon activities. Bwindi and the surrounding forest boast over 350 species of birds and more than 200 varieties of butterflies. Andrew will guide you on hikes to explore the jungle, and you’ll also have the chance to visit Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka’s Research Clinic, where you’ll meet Gladys herself and learn more about her vital conservation work.

Days 8-11 LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

From Uganda, you’ll embark on your longest flight, heading to Lusaka in Zambia before continuing on to Lower Zambezi National Park. The Zambezi Valley holds a special place for our founder, Julian, who often says it’s the area he would “go on safari to tomorrow.” The camp you’ll stay at is Chula Island Lodge—an exceptional wilderness experience located on a private island in the heart of the Zambezi River. This is an unparalleled opportunity for big game wildlife viewing in one of Africa’s most stunning settings.

The rooms at Chula Island Lodge are designed to blend seamlessly with nature—each featuring netted walls that offer an unobstructed 270-degree view of the bush, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding wildlife at all hours of the day and night. It’s a true taste of adventurous Africa at its finest. You’ll be guided by Kyle Branch, a renowned private guide and owner of the camp, whose expertise and deep connection to the area make him one of the best guides we know. Chula Island Lodge showcases the diverse safari experience, offering a range of activities including boating, canoeing, fishing, walking, and game drives. This is a truly special place.

Days 12-13 VICTORIA FALLS

From the breathtaking Lower Zambezi, you’ll fly to Victoria Falls, where you’ll spend two nights at the renowned Victoria Falls Hotel. Upon arrival, Keith Vincent, CEO of Wilderness Safaris, will personally welcome you to Zimbabwe and introduce you to his beloved southern African playground over a delicious dinner. The Victoria Falls Hotel, the oldest and most grand hotel on the Zimbabwean side of the falls, provides a perfect base for your stay. After experiencing some of Africa’s finest game locations, this is your chance to pause, reflect, and witness the immense power of the falls firsthand.\

Victoria Falls is often best viewed from the sky, so we’ve included a thrilling helicopter flight to see the falls from above, offering a truly unique perspective. During your visit, Sue Goatley, Wilderness Safaris’ Head of Impact for the Zambezi region and the leader of the remarkable Children in the Wilderness (CITW) project, will accompany you. Learning about the region’s challenges and the incredible work of CITW will add a deeper layer of meaning to your safari experience.

Days 14-17 OKAVANGO DELTA

From Victoria Falls, we’ll fly you into the Okavango Delta to explore one of Botswana’s most pristine and exclusive concessions at Kweene Trails. Kweene stands as the only truly mobile safari camp within Botswana’s high-end private reserves. While Botswana is renowned for its luxurious, high-cost private reserves, Kweene has redefined exclusivity, making this level of access available to a select few. The camp is only reachable by helicopter and follows the Kweene River system in the western Okavango, an area renowned for its dynamic lion populations and resident packs of wild dogs.

This quintessential Okavango game-viewing region is known only to the most skilled and experienced guides, and it’s a place we are truly passionate about. There is no one better to navigate the intricacies of the wildlife and terrain at Kweene than Simon Byron, the owner and founder of Kweene Trails. Simon is one of Botswana’s most esteemed guides, and Kweene Trails has quickly become one of the most talked-about destinations in Botswana’s safari industry.

Days 18-21 CAPE TOWN

From Botswana, we fly down to Cape Town for the final days of your tour. Upon arrival, private guide Howie Owen will meet you. Howie is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and respected guides in South Africa’s Western Cape. Our four nights in Cape Town will be spent at the charming boutique hotel, Four Rosmead, located in the heart of the city. The options here are endless, but the key is to use the hotel as a base and explore Cape Town like a local. Whether you’re interested in off-the-beaten-track wineries, Michelin-starred dining, or private beach barbecues, Howie will tailor your time in the city to your tastes. Cape Town provides the perfect finale to this incredible safari, wrapping up an epic journey that has explored the very best of the safari continent.