Safaris

If you can only visit two continents in your life, visit Africa twice!

This is the typical sentiment we hear from our returning safari travelers. They depart for Africa filled with anticipation (and some apprehension.) They return telling us that this was the best travel experience in their lives.

Over the past 15 years, we've visited more than 35 game camps in Africa's most important safari destinations: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. We've spent nearly half a year of our lives on safari to experience Africa's magnificent wildlife and beautiful landscapes. We never tire of the experience; rather, these journeys have become one of the highlights of our lives.

We'll never forget the times when elephants have come very close to look at us, when we've seen male lions show their tender side as they to court a female, when curious giraffe bend down to look at us and the times when we've watching sleek (and usually elusive) leopards teach their cubs to hunt. We also enjoy Africa's big skies, stunning landscapes, cozy game lodges and, certainly, Africa's warm people.

A note of caution: Use caution when selecting a safari. We often see special offers that look appealing to the untrained eye. Unfortunately travelers taking these special offers often stay in camps with little wildlife to view. They visit places where a dozen or more safari vehicles crowd together to get a glimpse at a wildlife sighting. They travel from camp to camp by road, spending valuable travel days traversing back-breaking roads. They crowd visitors into vehicles that make photography challenging and cannot go off road.

Whether you wish to stay just a few days or a couple of weeks, we'll plan a safari experience that fits your style and your budget. You'll be personally met when you arrive and taken care of every step of the way. You, too, will want to visit Africa twice (or even more often!)

From a woman's viewpoint.

Christine writes about her first safari...

Nearly everyone dreams to see the magnificent wildlife of Africa, up close, as they pursue their lives. I shared that dream but had no interest in rugged wilderness camping or trekking through dangerous bush country. After all, when I travel, I enjoy fine hotels and cruise ships with all their pampering, comforts and fine cuisine. It took Paul three years to convince me to go on my first safari. Reluctantly I agreed. The result? I loved every moment! Since that time I've been back for nearly a dozen additional safaris and I can't wait to go again.

I learned from my first experience that a safari need not be rigorous. Exceptional guides – their incredible knowledge and kindness continue to amaze me – take us by Land Rover into the bush to enjoy up-close views of curious giraffes, zebras, sleek leopards, stately elephant families, cheetah, prides of lions, and snorting hippos. I haven't even mentioned the many species of antelopes and extraordinary birdlife. Almost every guest tells us, as they conclude their trips, that they had no idea how much they would enjoy the experience -- it was their trip of their lifetime.

Visitors to Botswana frequently are reluctant to leave. They like the peace of life, they like the sense of being in an unsullied place. They like the good humor and kindness they encounter; kindness that is often shown by those who have very little in their lives but who are still so generous-spirited. Alexander McCall Smith

After an afternoon of game viewing, we enjoy “sundowners” at a viewpoint above the river watching the elephants graze and the hippos huff and snort below us. We stay in luxurious “tented” camps and lodges. (Regardless of the photos I saw prior to our trip, “tented camps” concerned me. Yet we enjoyed them most of all. Each spacious “tented cabin” was well equipped with comfortable beds, hardwood floors, a private balcony overlooking the savanna, running hot and cold water, lights, private shower and toilet facilities, even a hot water bottle between our fine linen sheets for cozy sleeping. That's camping the way I like it.)

Concerns? Call me and let's talk about it.