“I’m searching for the spirit of the great heart, under African skies..”
Johnny Clegg
Let’s talk Safari
at your service
Your safari team
This is us, Marianne, John and Ute. Each of us is a principal, and we share the belief that the personal touch never goes out of fashion. So you’ll communicate with us directly – no bots, no assistants, no “I’ll check with the manager”. We are the managers. Our job as safari planners is to help you make sense of the safari possibilities, and then to offer you our best safari tour recommendations. Put us to the test. We are here to share intel, advise and co-create your best journey ever. More about us …
Safari bookings
Our ongoing quest is finding the safari destinations that are head and shoulders above the rest. To that end, we probe their ethics, taste the fare, sleep in the beds, go on the game drives, breathe in the camp vibe and also examine the company culture. Our checklist is extensive. After visiting scores of safari lodges and camps, we have short-listed our top safari findings. We found, inter alia:
Planning : where and how
Ideally, you will arrive at your comfortable safari lodge relaxed and ready for an adventure. This depends very much on good planning and sensible logistics. We are ready and able to help you with both. Not sure which area to pick? Or.. just ask us for advice. (Tip: The greater the planning, the more successful the safari.)
Once you have unpacked and settled in, you’re good to go on 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. Seating 6 – 8 guests only, these off-road vehicles are safe and comfortable. Your qualified game ranger is permitted to drive off-road – a big uptick on safari. 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 private en-suite bathrooms. (Tip: If you search online to compare safari prices, be sure to compare apples with apples.) Our guide prices below are inclusive of full board (all meals and accommodation), and all daily game viewing activities. See our FAQs page for more 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: think Karen Blixen’s Africa: 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 game reserves 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.