Few places on earth boast such incredible natural wonders as Africa. From the timeless savannahs of the Serengeti to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the famed “Eighth Wonder of the Natural World,” an African safari offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, planning a safari can be daunting. This guide provides insights and tips to help you craft the perfect African safari cruise.
The African safari has long epitomized the kind of quintessential and exotic adventure many travelers only dream of - remarkable untamed wilderness, majestic landscapes and some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters. A safari heightens the senses and enlivens the spirit, providing the extraordinary opportunity to witness the iconic Big Five (the lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo) along with other stunning animals such as giraffes, cheetahs, hippos and zebras in their pristine, natural environments.
Why Choose an African Safari Cruise?
A safari cruise offers a unique way to experience the African continent. Imagine combining the thrill of wildlife viewing with the luxury and comfort of a cruise. You’ll have the opportunity to explore multiple destinations, from the vast plains of the Serengeti to the majestic Victoria Falls, all while enjoying top-notch accommodations and curated experiences.
Our safaris are a wonderful way to experience East Africa in luxury, up close and personal with the animals and culture, truly making for the trip of a lifetime.
Choosing Your Destination
Africa is a vast continent with diverse landscapes and wildlife. Here are some of the top destinations for an African safari cruise:
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- East Africa (Kenya & Tanzania): Known for the Great Migration, the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
- Southern Africa (Botswana, Zimbabwe & South Africa): Offers abundant elephant herds in Chobe National Park, the dramatic Victoria Falls, and Kruger National Park.
- Uganda & Rwanda: Famous for gorilla trekking experiences.
Consider this: Rwanda has doubled the price of their gorilla trekking permits to $1500 per person, per trek, compared to Uganda’s $600 per person, per trek - clearly a huge difference. The Ugandan government also offers gorilla habituation permits, which Rwanda does not. That said, it’s also much easier to see gorillas in Rwanda than in Uganda: From Kigali, it’s just a three-hour-drive to Volcanoes National Park and you’re there! If luxury is what you’re after, then Rwanda is the obvious choice.
It should be noted, however, that unless you spring for a private guide/vehicle hire at each property, ($500 USD+ extra/day), then you are going to be paired with other travelers at each lodge you go to.
Crafting Your Itinerary
How long should I go for? I like to suggest focusing on just ONE country and doing it for a minimum of ten days with no more than three stops.
A well-planned itinerary is crucial for a successful safari cruise. Here’s a sample itinerary based on the provided information:
- Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya
- Arrival in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.
- Visit the Giraffe Centre and Dame Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
- Day 2: Nairobi / Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Fly to Lake Manyara via Arusha.
- Enjoy lunch at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.
- Drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Explore the Ngorongoro Crater with a picnic lunch.
- Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area / Serengeti National Park
- Visit Olduvai Gorge.
- Game drive in Serengeti National Park.
- Day 5: Serengeti National Park
- Morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti.
- Day 6: Serengeti National Park / Maasai Mara
- Fly to Maasai Mara via Kisumu.
- Afternoon game drive in Maasai Mara.
- Day 7: Maasai Mara
- Full-day game drive in Maasai Mara.
This itinerary combines cultural visits, wildlife viewing, and luxurious accommodations to provide a comprehensive safari experience. Such itineraries may include a visit to the evocative Apartheid Museum to gain an understanding of the inhuman philosophy that ruled South Africa for nearly half a century.
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Accommodations: Luxury in the Wild
Your choice of accommodations can significantly impact your safari experience. From luxury lodges to tented camps, there are options to suit every preference.
The modern architecture is breathtakingly original. The space is decorated with touches such as vintage trunks and framed prints, and several telescopes are close at hand to get an even closer view of the ever-present wildlife.
Here are a few examples from the provided text:
- Ngorongoro Lodge Melia: Designed with respect for its World Heritage Site status, featuring sustainable practices and panoramic views.
- Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: Nestled in the Central Serengeti, offering strategic fencing, elevated walkways, and an infinity pool overlooking a watering hole.
- Mara Intrepids Camp: Luxury tents overlooking the Talek River, with four-poster beds and ensuite bathrooms.
Curated Experiences
Enhance your safari with curated experiences that offer a deeper understanding of the local culture and wildlife:
- Option to visit and participate in an AmericaShare project, Mukuru slums
- Meet a Maasai elder
- Visit to the Giraffe Center
- Visit to the Dame Daphne Sheldrick’s Wildlife Foundation in Nairobi (as seen on "Oprah")
- View elephant feeding
- Lunch and shopping after visit to Elephant Orphanage
- Bush luncheon in the Ngorongoro Crater (subject to approval by park authorities)
- Museum visit and lecture at Olduvai Gorge
- Maasai village visit
- Sundowners set-up on last evening (one complimentary, other drinks billed to room based on consumption)
What's Included and Excluded
Understanding what's included in your safari package is crucial. Typically, a comprehensive package includes:
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- Accommodations in high-end hotels, lodges, and tented camps
- Airport transfers and VIP “Meet and Greet” services
- All meals and beverages (water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, local wine, and beer)
- Internal flights and transfers
- Park entrance fees and government taxes
- Gratuities for guides and staff
Exclusions usually consist of:
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages outside of meals
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance and personal incidentals
- Visas
What to Pack for Safari - My Packing List
What to Pack for Safari - My Packing List
If you’re traveling by small aircraft (which is likely), you’re going to have a small luggage allowance, usually 30 lbs/person, so pack light! Think easily washable fabrics: most lodges will do laundry for you, so you don’t need to pack a set of clothes for every day. It’s all about functional clothing that provides bug/rain/wind protection - this isn’t a fashion show! If your property doesn’t provide binoculars, that’s the one big ticket item you should invest in.
Staying Safe and Healthy
The disease is very real and very serious. Most of sub-Saharan Africa has some level of the mosquito-borne disease, but there are pockets of so-called “malaria-free areas” in South Africa, which are an attractive option, especially for families traveling with young children (however, in these cases, “malaria-free” really means “very low chance of malaria”). The best defense?
Table: Sample Costs for an African Safari Cruise (Per Person)
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Internal Flights | $500 - $1,500 |
| Park Fees | $100 - $500 |
| Activities & Excursions | $300 - $1,000 |
| Meals & Drinks (per day) | $100 - $300 |
| Total (7 Days) | $4,200 - $16,100 |
