An African safari.
It’s time for Africa ~ Shakira
If you hear the call of Africa, you are ready for an uncommon adventure, unlike any other. More inspiring, more rewarding, more joyful. In short, it is a journey into life – real life.
Your African safari.
It is the journey of a lifetime. We can’t say this enough, because it really is. Africa’s wild places are vast and offer many accommodation choices. We give you ideas and recommendations where to go, and when to go. John, Ute and I are here to help you choose the perfect African safari, to suit your style and your budget. Our team is well qualified, so talk to us. It’s free of obligation. (Please note: we organise photographic safaris only. No hunting safaris are offered.)
Here I am,
where I ought to be.
Your safari can start … now.
We know great safari lodges in top game reserves, and we can’t wait to share details with you. Chiefly, we looked for: abundant game viewing; not too much of the “roughing it and loving it” (we prefer comfort) coupled with good food and modern conveniences. Plus of course friendly, fun and knowledgeable game rangers, all in game reserves with splendid view sites.
African safari: where, when, how?
An African safari is a big journey, and for many it is a once-off, lifetime adventure, so getting it right is important. Jump straight to the commonly-asked safari questions here for safari info at your fingertips, right now, or email us. We are here to help. Alternatively, let’s set up a video or voice chat when it’s convenient.
We’re local – your advantage.
Due to being resident here, we know local conditions, such as how to best get around, the seasons, the best deals, and all matters of safety.
Let’s talk safari.
The “one size fits all” philosophy is in essence not for us, and we believe everyone has individual tastes and preferences. Look at our safari tours here, for ideas and possibilities. A quick way to make contact, without obligation, is via safari talk. And if we can’t help you specifically, we are sure to know who can.
African safari, the personal touch.
Marianne Birrell Safaris is a small and personal safari planning company, providing quick, personal service. Advice is obligation-free. My associates are John Grant and Ute Sonnenberg, and we work within a wide network of safari professionals in all the regions. Meet the team.
An all-inclusive African safari.
Our African safari prices are competitive, and generally include the following: in-reserve lodge accommodation, camp transfers, all meals, teas and coffees, 2 daily guided game drives, and taxes. Park and conservation fees are however excluded, since they vary per region; but they can be included in the price by agreement. We quote per person, sharing, and mostly in US$. Add-on legs, such as Cape Town or Johannesburg, will be priced on a B&B or hotel basis, per day, per room.We’ll discuss what you like up front, plus timing, and send you ideas on where, when, and how. We’ll guide you on prices. We will never charge you more than the lodges’ listed online rate. Once you approve your safari plan, we will request a deposit in order to secure your room/s.
In summing up.
We communicate quickly and efficiently, and you deal directly with us. A big plus is your call will never be subjected to a call centre, that’s a promise. Note also that we have no vested interest in any safari lodges or corporation. This means we only recommend lodges WE rate highly (reviews online are not always bona fide). You are our valued client, and we are your back-up, if you have any safari issues while touring. See some of our safaris …
They said it.
” All 14 days were above expectations, hotels, transfers, lodging, all safaris both on water, by car, walks with rangers, service at all camps, just all perfect. We did six places in 3 countries all smooth. Good job Marianne!”
“I normally do everything myself, but knowing that inside knowledge in Africa is very helpful, this time I went with an agent to set up a few safaris in South Africa. Marianne Birrell set everything up for me better than I could have done it myself after weeks of research.”
“Thank you for a beautifully planned trip, Marianne.”
African safari icons.
What makes Africa so compelling? The author of Out of Africa, Karen Blixen, probably said it best of all. Here are some of her best-known quotes.
“You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.”
“It was Africa distilled up through six thousand feet like the strong and refined essence of a continent … the views were immensely wide — everything that you saw made for greatness and freedom, and unequalled nobility.“
“When you have caught the rhythm of Africa, you find out that it is the same in all her music.”
“If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a colour that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow that was like me over the gravel of the drive, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me?”
Living among lions.
“No domestic animal can be as still as a wild animal. The civilized people have lost the aptitude of stillness, and must take lessons in silence from the wild before they are accepted by it.”
“Still, we often talked on the farm of the Safaris that we had been on. Camping places fix themselves in your mind as if you had spent long periods of your life in them. You will remember a curve of your wagon track in the grass of the plain, like the features of a friend.”
“Up in this air you breathed easily, drawing in a vital assurance and lightness of heart. In the highlands you woke up in the morning and thought: Here I am, where I ought to be.”
“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.”