by Dominic Chadbon, 14 July 2010

Soccer might have been grabbing the headlines for the last month but Africa's trump card has always been her natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife, and with the spirit of a superbly successful World Cup™ reverberating happily around Africa, there's no better time than to leave the vuvuzela at home, pack the binoculars and head for the savannahs on safari.

Of course the question is: where?

Well, at Go2Africa we take the appellation of African Safari Experts very seriously and present our Absolute Best Safaris (note caps), taking in not only iconic destinations and amazing experiences but delivering matchless vacations, many of which combine great value-for-money accommodation with super-special luxury blowouts, making even the most exclusive destinations affordable.

Classic Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar

OK, we'll admit it: we weren't going to feature this package as it's already so popular but we just can't find a better safari and beach experience at a similar price.

It's a simple enough recipe: take 6 nights at Tanzania's 3 top non-negotiable wildlife destinations - the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park - throw in 4 nights at a sparkling Zanzibar beach resort, sprinkle with all the road and air transfers and serve; it's an unbeatable value-for-money experience.

Save to Splurge: Kruger Vic Falls

Combine peerless Big 5 game viewing in a private Kruger reserve with the stop-in-your-tracks majesty of Victoria Falls and the wild Zambezi River.

And there's a twist: you're not going to believe this but the accommodation we've chosen in the exclusive Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is the more affordable part of this classic safari itinerary; the elegantly colonial Victoria Falls Hotel and intimate Matetsi Water Lodge on the Zambezi make for the indulgent splash out at the end of this 10-day adventure.

Classic Victoria Falls & Namibia Adventure

If you're into rivers then you can't miss this one: you'll be experiencing 2 of Southern Africa's most iconic waterways.

Start your safari with 2 nights at a secluded camp on the forested banks of the Zambezi River, a short drive from Victoria Falls. Canoe trips, game drives and sunset cruises on the Zambezi will get you in the mood for the matchless Chobe River - home to thousands of elephants in the dry season - where you'll spend 3 nights gliding down this wildlife wonder - binoculars in one hand, iced drink in the other - in the comfort of the Zambezi Queen, a super-luxury house boat.

Save Cape Town, Splurge Mozambique

This safari is so good I think I'll book it myself: we've designed a totally new 13-day package combining the excitement of Cape Town, the classic Big 5 thrills of the Kruger National Park and the dazzling tropical beauty of Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago.

But here's the really good news: such an itinerary is normally prohibitively expensive so we've made it eminently affordable by choosing great value accommodation in Cape Town and the Kruger and then going absolutely mad with Bazaruto Island's Azura Retreat, an opulent beach hotel elevating the concept of 'barefoot luxury' to dizzy heights.

Moremi Under Canvas

Moremi Game Reserve is the main reason the Okavango Delta is what it is.

Protecting nearly 5 000 square kms of wetland, floodplain, forest and grassland, Moremi, most famous for its leopard, wild dog and elephant sightings, is an undisputed natural miracle of wildlife, scenery and atmosphere and a complete 'must-do' for anyone remotely interested in nature - even more so when combined with the neighbouring Chobe National Park.

Explore the diverse environments of the Okavango Delta's teeming fringes the real safari way: morning and afternoon game drives from a small, exclusive and very luxurious tented camp. Great food, expert guides and an incredible experience await the discerning safari aficionado.

Article © Copyright 2010 Go2Africa.

Print this page |  Send to a friend