“The animals and the wild landscapes are
in our blood and in our psyche.
Who and what would we be without them?”
Dr Ian McCallum, author of Ecological Intelligence.
Safari bookings & tours.
There is nothing ordinary about safari life. It is a dazzling realm, yours to reach out and touch. See the drama of life unscripted, hear the music of the wild, unplugged, and draw its pure air into your lungs, into your blood. Feel the sweet African breeze dance on bare skin. All this in real time. So stop here awhile, and savour the sensations. Imagine yourself in the vast, shimmering savannahs and flood plains and woodlands where Africa’s iconic creatures live. There’s no rush. This is Africa, where safari life waits for you.
Our mission is to help you into the special world of safari life through our safari bookings and tours. Put us to work. We have the info you’ll need and we’re ready to share it with you. Here, safari tour prices are fair, and on top of that we offer old-fashioned good value for money.
This is us, Marianne, John and Ute. We know safari life, and we love it. It’s in our blood. We’ll share the best of it with you, based on our three decades of visits to major and minor game reserves. This means we can reliably recommend comfortable safari lodges that offer all-inclusive rates for the safari (journey in Swahili) of a lifetime. More about …
Our groundwork = your success.
The planning process: how and why
We put together safari itineraries and tours that maximise game viewing and wilderness time, keeping travel logistics to the minimum. Our continent is big, so road travel is time-consuming. The correct local flights can save you time, money and effort. Scheduled flights are cost-efficient, and charter flights cost a little more but allow you to “go further”. Plus, we recommend an inclusive daily tariff so you don’t have to worry about meals, laundry, drinks, and transfers. Game viewing activities with professionals are included.
Game drives are in special open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles and there are also daily nature walks offered. The vehicles are comfortable, seating only 4 – 8 guests, and in the private reserves they are permitted to go off-road. Accommodation is in double safari chalets, with bathrooms en-suite, some with extra outdoor private showers. More details? Just email us. We are standing by.
Safari lodges and camps.
Which camps do we recommend to you? Safari lodges are not all equal. We have done the groundwork by visiting the reserves and lodges, going on the game drives and testing the hospitality. We’ll only recommend places that perform well above average.
Our groundwork assures your best possible safari experience while providing best value. Following many safari lodge and game reserve visits we have a list of excellent lodges in top reserves that we are pleased to share with you. Read on for some tour ideas.
A few safari tour ideas.
Safari value 2025
Far from the madding crowd. A 6-night African safari in Zimbabwe and Zambia, from Livingstone to Mana Pools or South Luangwa.
Highlights: Victoria Falls, air taxi, classic safari camps, guided game drives and walks daily plus water-based viewing.
From: US$4,500 p.p.sharing, 7 days.
Kruger Gold ~ 4 days
Perfect for photography, you’ll get close ups while guided by qualified safari experts. Enjoy 3 nights in a Greater Kruger private reserve.
Highlights: Fly in; superb wildlife viewing; two guided daily game drives; off-roading possible; road transfers and two local flights.
From: US$2,990 p.p. sharing, all incl.
Kruger Diamond ~ 6 days
Visit two luxury safari lodges (3+2 nights) where you’ll go off-road in comfort with experienced, qualified rangers.
Highlights: Fly-in (ex-JHB) for abundant big game viewing; two daily guided drives; off-roading possible; transfers included.
From: US$5,250 p.p. sharing, all-incl.
Cape to Kruger ~ 7 days
The best of South Africa: 3 nights Cape Town and 3 nights in one of South Africa’s iconic game reserves.
Highlights: Table Mountain, penguins and whales, the waterfront; fly directly to the Kruger region. Expertly guided game drives 2x daily, choice of top safari lodges.
From: US$4,895 p.p. sharing,
Wine and Wild ~ 10 days
The classic African safari, unashamedly romantic. Cape Town for 5 nights and 4 nights in a superb Big 5 reserve.
Highlights: Table Mountain, Cape floral kingdom, wine tours, waterfront, 2 local flights; Kruger’s wildlife, close up.
From: US$7,250 p.p. sharing, all-inclusive.
Expedition safaris ~ 7 to 14 days
The heart and soul of safari: simple, pure, guided by a reputable guide of decades of experience. Very private, small groups.
Highlights: Thrilling off the grid African wilderness and wildlife adventure led by renowned wilderness guides, Tanzania and Zimbabwe’s finest.
From: US$1,078 per person, per day, all-incl.
Africa Spectacular ~ 14 days
The much-loved Southern Africa circuit delivers value on a generous scale. This is Africa, truly spectacular.
Highlights: Cape Town & winelands, Kruger private reserve, Victoria Falls, Chobe & Okavango delta.
From: US$8,990 p.p. sharing, excl.local flights.
Ultimate air safari ~ 13 days
Privately hosted safari by one of Africa’s legendary safari guides. They show you the finest of safari life, from Zimbabwe to Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania.
Highlights: Every day is a jewel. Ask safari expert John Stevens for more details here.
From: US$22,250 per person sharing; all-inclusive.
The Big One ~ 28 days
A month on safari, taking in all the best of Southern and East Africa. Safari in great style, including a Rovos Rail sector.
Highlights: Too many to cover, including Zululand, Kruger, Victoria Falls, Chobe, Okavango, Masai Mara, Serengeti.
From: US$28,950 p.p.sharing; all-incl.
Let’s talk safari.
Take a minute or two and tell us your safari thoughts.
Please note: we organise ONLY photographic safaris. NO hunting here.
Some client feedback.
” 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.”
Earlier reviews are posted on the SafariBookings page.
Our thanks to And Beyond, Pondoro, Elephant Plains and Tourism Boards for images.