“There are moments in life that are pure, and which seem to hang in the air, unhitched from the everyday world as we know it. For want of a better term, we call these moments “magical” and when we remember them they are cloaked in a halo of special meaning.”
Johnny Clegg : Scatterling of Africa.
Safari bookings & tours
Let the magic begin! 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! Suggestions, latest deals and tour prices will come directly from us, freshly prepared, along with breakdowns of accommodation, logistics (flights and transfers), tourism taxes and Park fees.
A safari dream team
Our dealings are transparent, our safari knowledge solid. We offer decades of game reserve experience so we are well qualified to prepare safari tour options for you. Long stays or short stays, we approach every safari itinerary with the aim of matching your dream to the safari reality.
Driven by outcomes, we’ll “put in” until a client is happy with the final tour plan, and all the logistical details are in place, including costings. We think you’ll really enjoy working with us. More about us …
Our groundwork = your success
There’s so much on offer in the safari world. Some of it superb, a lot of it good, and some less so. We probed, we questioned, asked about ethics, tasted the fare, slept in the beds, went on the game drives, looked for the company culture and breathed the camp atmosphere. After visiting scores of safari lodges, we got to sniff out the special ones. Call us discerning (it sounds better than fussy!) because we are; but it’s the same in the safari realm as every other: the devil is in the detail.
Planning : where, how, why
We put ourselves in the shoes of our clients constantly. “How would they feel after such a long flight? Perhaps a day of rest to recover after jet lag? What would work better, a quick flight to the reserve or a road transfer?” Or … “What can we do to streamline this itinerary’s logistics?” Then we tweak and adjust, we fine tune to make the journey work better. Land or air travel isn’t always a breeze, so we look closely at the least stressful logistics, at the best possible prices.
Ideally, you want to arrive at your lovely safari lodge relaxed and ready for fun and adventure. Therefore, we recommend an all-inclusive daily tariff so you don’t have to spend a precious dream moment on meals, laundry, or anything mundane. Dream tours seldom include a supermarket!
Game drives we like best for you? We suggest the small, open-sided 4×4 guided safari vehicles. The vehicles are comfortable, and in the private reserves they are permitted to go off-road. They seat only 4 – 8 guests. A daily nature walk is also offered. For accommodation we recommend comfort level and higher, cosy chalets with bathrooms en-suite. Not sure which area to pick? Ask us for pointers.
Safari lodges and camps
Safari lodges all look lovely on a creative website, but we’ll only recommend those that deliver way above average and offer good value. This policy also makes us look good (and we like that!) So read on for some dream safari ideas, and when weighing up prices, a reminder that these are full board and inclusive of all game viewing activities.
Dreams do come true
Safari value 2025/6
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 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
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-inclusive.
Let’s talk Safari
Please note: we organise ONLY photographic safaris. NO hunting here.
What our clients shared
” 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.