Cartology Africa

Super Safaris

Safari is what Africa is most famous for. With so many countries and parks to choose from, where to start? Let us help you remove the stress and hassle. It can take a lot of time to figure out which country is the best one for you; should you do a national park or private concession; do you take a driver guide or fly between camps; what time of year is best for which animals; and what camps complement each other to get the best animal viewings?

Each country offers differing safari experiences and it is worth visiting multiple ones to experience the range of landscapes, wildlife and sightings. South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Republic of Congo and Namibia all have great safari options with a range of camps, lodges and exclusive use villas.

We take into account the best time of year for each region, the most likely animal sightings, the style and type of accommodation, ease of access, activities, experiences and more to provide the most appropriate and personalised safari recommendations for you.

Picture Perfect Beaches

The lovely warm waters and white sandy beaches across the continent are the perfect combination with an adventurous safari. However they also offer an ideal getaway if you are looking for warmth, sunshine and an easily accessible luxury beach escape.

Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya and Tanzania (Zanzibar) are the most well known beach destinations but there are a number of private islands, stunning beach resorts and hidden gems in other countries too. These destinations are a must do, with abundant sea life, fantastic food, year round options for good weather and a huge range of accommodation options.

Unique Landscapes

Namibia is unlike any other country you will ever visit. It is home to some truly otherworldly landscapes and environments including: huge sand dunes, deserted coastlines, ghost towns, rock art, canyons and mountains. A photographer’s paradise, Namibia offers more than just starkly beautiful landscapes, including wildlife viewing, adrenaline fuelled adventure and off the beaten path exploration. Not to be missed is the famous Skeleton Coast – with its numerous ghostly shipwrecks.

Giraffe Manor

A visit to Giraffe Manor has become a must do activity when on safari in East Africa. The chance to have breakfast with the endangered Rothschild giraffes and snap some of those iconic photos is on most travellers’ bucket lists. Giraffe Manor has only 12 rooms and books up at least a year in advance – so it is best to plan far ahead for this one.

We have a few tricks up our sleeve to get clients in when possible but it is a very in demand experience. However, Africa is home to many unique and special experiences like this, so please speak to us about fun and different activities you can do on your African adventure

The Great Migration

One of the most iconic images of safari in Africa is that of thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River in a frenzy. Known as the Great Migration, this is just one part of the annual journey the herd of a million wildebeest and zebra make as they follow the rains in search of food. This spectacle happens between Jul – Sep as they move north from Tanzania to Kenya and have to cross the Mara River. Whilst this is a pretty amazing sight, it is not the only time to go on safari in East Africa. The huge herds are on the move throughout the year, offering great game viewing for almost 12 months. Many reserves and parks have fantastic resident game, so even if the huge herds of the migration aren’t in town, there is still plenty to see. The key is knowing which areas are best at each period throughout the year.

Gorilla Trekking

A definite bucket list experience, searching for these magnificent wild animals is a must do. While Rwanda might be the most well known destination to observe gorillas, Uganda also offers excellent trekking opportunities. For those looking for something a bit more unique and off the beaten path, then the Republic of Congo and Central African Republic offer exciting and adventurous itineraries!

Hot Air Balloon

Enjoy a completely new perspective as you soar at dawn over the plains of the Mara or Serengeti in a hot air balloon. It is a truly special and unique way to experience the majestic African bush. The pilot will take you up over the trees to give you a real bird’s eye view of the land below – allowing you to see wildlife like never before, and sometimes will come down to just a few feet above the ground. It is a truly magical experience, and the champagne bush breakfast afterwards is a nice treat!

Spectacular South Africa

Cape Town is one of the world’s most loved cities and anyone who has ever visited knows why. Filled with beautiful scenery, plenty of adventure, amazing art, incredible restaurants, friendly people, culture and beaches…It is a must do for any visitor to South Africa. For those who are interested in marine life, the coastline to the east of Cape Town offers excellent whale watching and the opportunity to see some really cute penguins up close.

Then of course you have the famous safari parks – with Kruger National Park the most well known, but there are plenty of other options which cater to all tastes and budgets. For those with more time, there are lovely little towns that are under the radar and wonderful to explore.

People & Culture

Not only are the people of Africa some of the warmest and most welcoming you will ever meet, but the continent has so many different distinct cultures, tribes and practices. It would be impossible to try and list here all the cultural experiences from across the continent! Often some of the most memorable moments from a trip are from personal interactions with those along the way – we focus on connecting you with authentic and interesting people.

Walking Safaris

For those who may have done a few safaris already or are looking for more adventure, a walking safari is a wonderful experience. There are a number of options when it comes to doing a walking safari, so there is one to suit all fitness and adventure levels. Getting out of the vehicle gives you the opportunity to discover more about the hidden secrets of the bush!

Learn more about the vegetation, some of the smaller animals and delve into more depth about the ecosystem as you walk through it. Zambia is seen as the home of the walking safari, but other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa all offer wonderful walking too.

World-Class Food & Wine

South Africa is home to some of the continent’s best restaurants and wineries. Most of these are concentrated within an hour or two of Cape Town, making it very easy to explore. The fabulous Franschhoek Valley is one of our favourite places in the world (and not just because Susan & Justin are from there), it is a stunning location with welcoming people, excellent food and wonderful wines. South Africa is a foodie’s paradise and offers everything from fine dining to hidden local gems. Bring your appetite and some stretchy pants!

History & Monuments

With so many different countries, there is an abundance of fascinating historical sites across Africa. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about an African adventure, but some of the oldest monuments and sites are on this continent. Explore the incredible history of Egypt: find out the hidden secrets of the Pyramids, sail the Nile and discover the many tombs, monuments and artefacts from this ancient civilisation.

Further south in Ethiopia you have some of the most interesting and distinct cultures, along with fascinating religious and historical sites. Some of the highlights are Axum, which is supposedly the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. Gondar is home to medieval looking castles, while Lalibela has the famous rock-cut churches to complement the mountain highlands and national parks.

Going further south to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa there is incredible rock art, fantastic modern African art and much more to discover!