“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.
This is us, Marianne, John and Ute. Each of us is a principal, and you’ll communicate directly with us. 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, along with breakdowns of accommodation, logistics (flights and transfers), and other costs. Our dealings are transparent, our safari knowledge base is considerable. Try us. We think you’ll really enjoy working with us. More about …
Safari bookings & tours
Our mission is to make your safari dream come true. Easily. Efficiently. We are well qualified to help you into the extraordinary world of Africa’s wilderness thanks to our decades of game reserve experience. Every dreamer is different, and we approach every itinerary with the aim of matching the dream to the safari reality.
Some of us are lucky enough to love what we call work. We are inspired by outcomes, so we’ll “put in” until a client itinerary is perfect, with every necessary detail in place. And then some extras, too.
Our groundwork = your success
After visiting scores of safari lodges, we got to sniff out the special ones. We probed, we questioned, asked about ethics, tasted the fare, slept in the beds, went on the game drives. Occasionally we identified those we thought fell short. Call us discerning (it sounds better than fussy!) because we are. But it’s the same in the safari realm: the devil is in the detail.
Planning : how and 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 be better, a quick flight to the reserve, or a road trip?” Or … “what’s the part we ourselves like least about getting to the safari camp?” Then we tweak and adjust, we fine tune to make things work better. Aiming for maximum ease. Travel isn’t always a breeze, so we look 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. Dreams seldom include a grocery shop!
Game drives we like best for you include special open-sided 4×4 safari vehicles and a daily nature walk is also offered. The vehicles are comfortable, and in the private reserves they are permitted to go off-road. They seat only 4 – 8 guests. Accommodation is in safari chalets, with bathrooms en-suite. Email us for more specifics.
Safari lodges and camps
Which camps do we recommend to you? Well, 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 way 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.
Dreams do come true
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
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.