Overview
The Best of Africa
The ultimate safari spanning six countries in Southern and East Africa, showcasing the very best the continent has to offer.
From the oceanside city of Cape Town, to the spectacular Whale Coast and the peaceful solitude of the Kalahari, enjoy the diversity South Africa has to offer, before flying to the iconic Okavango Delta in Botswana to traverse its wildlife-filled floodplains. From there, journey to the mighty Victoria Falls, staying on the banks of the Zambezi River where elephants come to drink and hippos grunt in the background.
Next, fly to Vilanculos in Mozambique, a barefoot beachside paradise where you can enjoy the untouched white sands and watch as dhows sail by in the distance, re-energising for your next big wildlife adventure to Kenya's world-famous Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration and an abundance of predators.
Watch the mega-herds from your hot-air balloon gliding over the treetops and the winding Mara River. Then north to the untamed wilderness of Laikipia, for a helicopter tour and some time at an elephant orphanage and rehabilitation centre.
The final stop on this 34-day adventure is Thanda Island where you will enjoy a private luxury island experience off the coast of Tanzania- five acres just to yourselves to unwind and relive your wonderful adventure across Africa.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Discover vibrant Cape Town and South African wilderness
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Float over the Maasai Mara in a hot-air balloon
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Helicopter trip to meet orphaned baby elephants at Reteti
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Wander along your own private beach at Kisawa and Thanda Island
Inclusions
What's included
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33 nights of luxury accommodation
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Private guide throughout and all tours, experiences and safari activities
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Private charter flights throughout
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Price per person based on two adults sharing
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 5
Discover Cape Town
Cape Town is a wonderful introduction to South Africa. See the best of the city and its stunning surroundings on privately guided tours with plenty of time to discover the buzzing waterfront, art galleries and restaurant scene at your own pace.
You’ll be shown around the city’s historic and cultural landmarks before heading up the iconic Table Mountain for unforgettable views. On a day out exploring the Cape coastline, share a beach with penguins and get a chance to spot whales from the shore.
Days 5 — 8
Cape floral kingdom
Set out east along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Whale Coast to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Here you’ll find your luxury private villa surrounded by 2,500 hectares of multihued fynbos and ancient Milkwood forests, one of the most florally biodiverse landscapes on earth, looking out across Walker Bay.
During your days here enjoy game drives and walks among the sea of flowers, horse rides, fabulous food and a chance to spot the marine ‘Big Five’ on a boat trip out to spot Cape fur seals, dolphins, southern right whales, great white sharks and African penguins.
Days 8 — 12
Escape to the Kalahari
111,000 hectares of rugged mountains, red Kalahari sands and green grassland – the largest private reserve in South Africa – home to just three celebrated lodges and a restaurant created by a South African Michelin-star chef. Add in much-lauded conservation work and community engagement projects and you can see why Tswalu is a very special place indeed.
Wildlife on this restored farmland is diverse and surprising, from enigmatic predators such as lions, cheetahs and wild dogs, endangered species like black rhinos and giraffes, to rarities such as aardvarks, pangolins, brown hyenas, meerkats and bat-eared foxes. With your private guide, vehicle and tracker, you can spend as long as you wish at sightings or indulging in your own personal interests.
Days 12 — 15
Explore the Okavango Delta
Depart South Africa for Botswana, landing on a private airstrip deep in the Okavango Delta. Each year, the Okavango River flows into northern Botswana, spilling out over the Kalahari to create the world’s largest inland delta. This creates a huge, diverse and dynamic ecosystem of islands and channels that are a haven for wildlife and the setting for one of the very best safari experiences in all of Africa. It’s also home to a handful of the very best safari lodges and camps renowned for both their prolific wildlife and luxury design.
Discover the Delta on a mix of land and water-based activities immersed in pristine wilderness, encountering exciting wildlife such as elephants hundreds, red lechwes, rich plains game, big cats, hippos, giraffes and more.
Days 15 — 18
Marvel at Victoria Falls
Fly to Zimbabwe to stay at the beautiful Matetsi Victoria Falls, a luxury safari lodge set on a private 15km stretch of the Zambezi River a short distance above the falls themselves. Explore the vast private reserve on day and night game drives, as well as walking safaris, while the meandering river is a great spot for canoeing and sunset boat cruises.
You can also learn about Matetsi’s conservation journey and support communities they support along the way. A helicopter flight over Victoria Falls’ thundering waters is a spectacular highlight.
Days 18 — 22
An island escape
Next, fly to Vilankulos on Mozambique’s coast for a scenic helicopter hop out to Benguerra Island and your castaway lodge sat shaded by palms at the Indian Ocean’s inviting edge. The next four nights here are yours to do as you wish, whether you want to kick back and do as little as possible on the beach, cocktail in hand, or get out and explore the protected marine reserve and soak up a little culture.
Set sail on a traditional Mozambican dhow, snorkel and dive on pristine reefs or take out kayaks and paddle boards on the clear waters. You can also visit the local village, head out fishing, see the island from horseback or find a deserted sandbank for a private picnic.
Days 22 — 25
Maasai Mara safari
And now for a safari in one of Africa’s most important conservation and wilderness areas. The instantly recognisable Maasai Mara hosts an astounding diversity and density of wildlife year-round, especially lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants.
Between July and October, millions of wildebeest and zebra cross from the Serengeti in Tanzania to create an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. From your luxury tented camp in the southern, quieter corner of the Maasai Mara, head out on action-packed game drives and nature walks, enjoy romantic meals out in the wilderness, swim in a waterfall and even a canvas bath in the bush. All in the original spirit and romantic essence of a real safari.
Days 25 — 29
Luxury meets sustainability
What was once some 20,000 hectares of overgrazed ranchland in Laikipia that struggled to support the surrounding communities and wildlife has been transformed thanks to Segera’s pioneering community-first conservation ethos. Today elephants, lions, buffalos and elands roam free alongside endangered Grevy’s zebras, giraffes, patas monkeyss and African wild dogs.
Days here will be filled with adventure, from an unforgettable scenic helicopter trip up to Mount Ololowe, to time with orphaned baby elephants at the inspiring Reteti Elephant Orphanage where you will enjoy a private tour. Back at the lodge, get involved in Segera's conservation efforts from a hands-on experience of planting trees, rangers on patrol and learning all about the work here while also enjoying game drives, safari walks and time at the spa.
Days 29 — 34
An island of your own
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.