“There are moments in life that are pure, and which seem to hang in the air, unhitched from the everyday world … we call these moments magical.”
Johnny Clegg : Scatterling of Africa.
Let’s talk Safari
at your service
Your safari team
This is us, Marianne, John and Ute. Each of us is a principal, and you’ll communicate directly with us – the personal touch never goes out of fashion. No bots, no assistants, no “I’ll check with the manager”. We are the managers! Our job as safari specialists is to help you make sense of safari possibilities, and then offer, and motivate, our best safari tour recommendations to you. Put us to the test; we are here to advise and help. More about us …
Safari bookings
We searched high and low for the best value safari destinations; we probed their ethics, tasted the fare, slept in the beds, did the game drives, breathed in the camp vibe and examined the company culture. After visiting scores of safari lodges and camps, we graded, then short-listed our top findings of lodges and camps. Our criteria, inter alia:
Planning : where and how
Ideally, you will arrive at your lovely safari lodge relaxed and ready for an adventure. This takes good planning and smooth logistics; we are ready and able help you with both. Not sure which area to pick? Or.. just ask us for advice. The greater the planning, the more successful the safari.
So. You’ve unpacked, settled in, and are excited for your first game drive. We recommend safaris where small, open-sided 4×4 game drive vehicles deliver the magic and freedom of being in Africa’s magnificent landscape. These are comfortable and safe, and your qualified game ranger is permitted to drive off-road – a big uptick on safari. Seating 6 – 8 guests only, you’ll stop for either sundowners or morning coffee on your daily drives. Morning nature walks (with guides) are also offered.
Our safari picks
For lodges, we recommend comfort+ or luxury levels, in cosy chalets or Meru tents, all with own en-suite bathrooms. Remember, when comparing safari prices, to compare apples with apples. The prices below are full board rates, and include all game viewing activities. See our FAQs page for quick safari tips and info.
Safari value 2026
From: US$4,500 p.p.sharing, 7 days.
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.
Kruger Gold 4 days
From: US$3,100 p.p. sharing; excl. local flights.
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; 2 daily guided drives and 1 walk; off-roading allowed; five star game viewing.
Kruger Diamond 6 days
From: US$5,250 p.p. sharing. Specials available.
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 5 viewing; two daily guided drives; off-roading possible; transfers included.
Cape to Kruger 7 days
From: US$4,895 p.p. sharing.
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 direct to the Kruger. Top lodges, finestt guided game drives and walk daily,
Wine and Wild 10 days
From: US$7,250 p.p. sharing, all-inclusive.
The classic African safari, unashamedly romantic. Cape Town for 5 nights and 4 nights in a renowned Big 5 reserve.
Highlights: Table Mountain, Cape floral kingdom, wine tours, waterfront, 2 local flights; Kruger’s wildlife, close up.
Expedition safari
From: US$1,978 per person, per day, all-incl.
The heart and soul of safari: simple, pure, guided by iconic safari guide of decades of experience. Very private, small groups only.
Highlights: Off the grid authentic Africa, a magical wildlife adventure led by top safari wilderness guides, The dream safari.
Ultimate air safari 13 days
From: US$22,250 per person sharing; all-inclusive.
Privately hosted safari by Africa’s legendary safari guides. They show you the finest of safari life, from Zimbabwe to Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania.
Highlights: Too many to mention. But every day is a jewel. Ask the team for more details.
The Big One 28 days
From: US$35,950 p.p.sharing; all-inclusive.
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.
Please note: we organise ONLY photographic safaris. NO hunting here.
What our clients said
” 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.