“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 quite simply out of this world. A dazzling realm, where we can rediscover our true place and role, even our purpose. And it’s real. You can reach out and touch it, see the drama of wild life unscripted, hear the wild unplugged, smell its pure air, feel Africa’s sweet breeze on bare skin. So stop here awhile and enjoy the sensations, which we invite your imagination to savour. See in your mind’s eye the shimmering savannahs, the vast landscapes dotted with Africa’s iconic creatures. There’s no rush. This is Africa. Waiting for you.
We have listed some safari tours for you to examine. Our rates are fair, and we offer old-fashioned value for an extraordinary experience: your African safari. Put us to work and we’ll help to make it happen.
This is us, Marianne, John and Ute. We know safari life, and we love it. It’s in our blood. Sharing the best of it is our great pleasure, knowing we are creating memories of a lifetime. We have visited and assessed major and minor game reserves and safari lodges for three decades. More about …
Our groundwork = your success.
The planning process: how and why
We plan safari itineraries to ensure you make the most of your time here in Africa. Our continent is big. Logistics are therefore important. So we suggest local flights to save you time and get you efficiently to your game reserve. We use scheduled flights to cut costs wherever possible, charter flights if you want to “go further”. Plus we recommend an inclusive daily tariff so you don’t have to fuss about meals and transfers. This tariff covers all accommodations, full board, and at least two daily game viewing activities in the wild led by experts.
Game drives are by trained professional guides and trackers in special 4×4 safari vehicles, and there are daily nature walks. The vehicles are comfortable, seating only 4 – 8 guests. Accommodation is in double safari chalets, with bathrooms en-suite, some with extra outdoor private showers. Email us for for more info if you have questions.
Safari lodges and camps.
Safari lodges are not all equal. This makes it critical for the tour company you choose to be very well informed about the lodge/s he or she recommends. We have researched, by visiting lodges and reserves and experiencing the game drives and testing the hospitality. Call this basic groundwork, as we do.
Our groundwork has been done to assure your comfort and provide 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.
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 per person 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 per person 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 per person 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. It gives us an indication of a good starting point for your safari plan.
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.