The African safari vacation is the stuff of legend. Many travelers dream of crossing the desert and plains of Africa, spotting lions, elephants, zebras, and more. Here are five popular vacation packages that promise unforgettable experiences in one of the world's most beautiful locations.
- Maasai Safari, Tanzania
This 13-day safari offers accommodations in luxury tents and safari lodges as you learn about the Maasai culture and track an elephant on foot. The tour includes visits to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the amazing Ngorongoro Crater, which houses 20,000 large mammals. The last two days take place on the Serengeti Plains. Be prepared for elephants, leopards, lions, crocodiles, baboons, a host of birds, and more. Prices vary, but they can average $800 to $1,000 per night.
- Disney's South Africa
If you're looking for a family adventure with lots of activities, Disney offers a 10-day tour of South Africa. The trip starts at Cape Town, followed by a 3-day safari at the Kapama Game Reserve. You'll see African penguins at the Cape of Good Hope, visit Monkeyland, and experience several game drives to see lions, giraffes, and elephants. The package includes stays at three different hotels. Prices vary by date but average out at $8,000 per person, including over 20 meals.
- Lion World's Botswana
This safari includes flights from New York or Washington D.C. and is less than $5,000 per person for 9 days. From a 5-star hotel in Johannesburg, you take charter flights to an authentic safari camp in the Okavango Delta. There, you can enjoy bird-watching and game drives along the water. Next, you travel to Chobe National Park, which is home to the largest population of wild elephants. The nearby Kasane Forest Reserve has buffalo, zebras, and more. Both boat cruises and open-air drives are available.
- Gate1 Travel, Kenya
Gate1 Travel offers deals that come with air travel from New York and without, and tours in 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-day varieties. The basic Kenyan safari starts in Nairobi, followed by a safari camp in the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. There, you can see giraffes, buffalo, hyenas, and hippos. Game drives through the Masai Mara are followed by an optional hot air balloon safari. Then you end the trip feeding Rothschild giraffes by hand. Prices are between $1,500 and $6,000 per person.
- On the Go Namibia Self-Drive
On the Go Travel offers self-drive, where a 12-day rental vehicle is included. You'll start at Windhoek, Namibia's capital, and drive to see the world's highest sand dunes. Next, you head to the coast for a dolphin cruise, before continuing to Etosha National Park for game drives. A guided Bushman experience and visit to Waterberg National Park will introduce you to black eagles, leopards, giraffes, impalas, and cheetahs. Prices are around $5,000 per person.
As you can see, Africa is a rich land with a variety of options for vacations. No matter what you're most interested in, there is a luxurious adventure available.
