Services > Safaris
Our safari portfolio is extensive and diverse, as safaris are often the primary reason for international travellers to visit Africa. Depending on the region, budget, and personal preference, there are various ways for visitors to experience Africa’s wildlife.
Private Game Lodges are generally located on private land concessions, either adjacent to or within the larger national parks of South Africa. As part of conservation efforts, a new trend involving reintroducing wild animals to South Africa’s Garden Route, in smaller private reserves, has also seen several luxury lodges being built near Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn. Private game lodges typically offer a personal, luxurious, and educational safari experience compared to self-driving options. They provide a blend of comfort and luxury with the wild, and their package rates usually include all daily meals and morning and afternoon game drives. The standard offerings of private game lodges typically include slight variations such as game drives, walks, or river safaris, depending on the area and season.
At first glance, nothing sets them apart from each other, beyond the star gradings that are based on their amenities and service levels, however, this is not the case, as a game lodge’s quality is based mainly on the quality, quantity, variety & regularity of animal sightings, paired with the exclusivity of the experience. The lodge’s location is crucial as it determines the size, age, and restrictions of the reserve, which affect the types and numbers of animals present. The following factors impact game viewing: the freedom of animals to move around, the natural vegetation of the area and the nature of surrounding areas. The exclusivity of vehicle numbers allowed on the reserve at any given time, the maximum passenger numbers on the vehicle, and whether there is a tracker and a ranger, or just a ranger who also tracks, are all important
Whatever the game count at any given luxury lodge is, however, they all share the advantage of the simple fact that their game viewing takes place on private land, instead of public roads. Over-crowding of vehicles at animal sightings does not exist, which is naturally much more pleasant. Furthermore, off-road driving and driving after dark, as well as walking safaris are not forbidden, the way that they are in the public parks. This means you can get closer to off-road animal sightings, experience some of the nocturnal wildlife species on a night drive and feel the rush of meeting wild animals at eye level during a bush walk. It comes down to personal preference and requirements of what you desire from your Safari.
Botswana also offers Wildlife Parks and rest camp/camping options, the country itself is mostly untouched and uninhabited, with a serious lack of infrastructure and roads, which make accessibility difficult and expensive.Self-drive Safaris should only be attempted by travellers with extensive knowledge of the route and terrain and excellent 4×4 driving skills. While this is also the cheapest option for a Safari in Botswana, the game viewing is incomparable to any other. In terms of its authentic wilderness, self-driving in this destination offers you the unique experience of feeling isolated and immersed in untouched nature. You will find hundreds of square kilometres in all directions, containing nothing but fields, rivers, forests, lagoons, and wild animals. In your own 4×4, the sky is the limit with tracking animals around. You can turn in any direction, stay and watch a particular animal for however long you wish, and your movements are uninhibited. It’s crucial to note that while this option has some fantastic benefits, it can also be risky for inexperienced self-drivers. Getting stuck, lost, or experiencing a medical emergency in a remote area is no laughing matter. We recommend considering group mobile camping tours led by experienced guides, following planned routes, and staying overnight at official rest camps to ensure a safer experience.
The ultimate Safari experience, essentially the upgrade to South Africa’s private game lodges and parks, is Botswana’s private luxury lodges located in remote parts of the country, with many accessible only by air. If experiencing extraordinary safari interests you, Fly-in safaris are the perfect option. We can arrange customised Fly-In Safaris with our trusted partners, which will transport you to the most isolated lodges in the diverse ecosystems of Botswana. The wildlife sightings in these untouched areas provide an unparalleled wildlife experience, while the exclusive lodges ensure that all your comfort needs are met. You won’t have to compromise on luxurious amenities, even in the most remote locations!
For tailor-made guided tours, self-drive tours, fly-in safaris, beach holidays and any enquiries for your African dream holidays. Contact Us
DesignAfrique is a destination management company based in Cape Town, focused on Southern and Eastern Africa. We specialize in the ground-handling of tailormade FIT and Group Tours in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi.
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