If you want an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime – that compares to no other had by friends or family – you want an African Safari from the leader in global travel adventure, National Geographic. The best African safaris for travelers who desire to connect with the local culture and wildlife in an authentic, engaging, and meaningful way are by National Geographic Expeditions. The real difference is the National Geographic experts’ touch. They’re involved in developing your itinerary and provide knowledge along the way. And because the National Geographic name opens many doors worldwide, you’ll gain access to special events, archaeological finds, private homes, and even Society-sponsored research sites—where you can meet the people whose discoveries you’ve read about in the pages of the magazine.
Here are the exclusive safaris that capture the essence of Africa. Each will leave a lasting impression on travelers who want a life-changing experience.
Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari
Feel the thunder of the massive wildebeest migration in this once in a lifetime event. On the 11-day Tanzania Migration safari, you’ll experience Maasai culture, paleontological history, and the majesty of a million animals in movement. East Africa’s wildlife is in magnificent abundance, with elephants, hippos, giraffes, flamingos, cheetahs, leopards, lions, and even rare black rhinos.
Experience Highlights:
- See, hear, and feel the majesty and the might of the great wildebeest migration with up to 5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 200,000 gazelles.
- Dine with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Louise Leakey or Dr. Fidelis Masao, co-director of the Olduvai Landscape Paleoarchaeology Project, and discuss the groundbreaking paleontological finds of the region.
- Take a private tour of the Olduvai Gorge where, on a National Geographic–sponsored expedition in 1960, Louis and Mary Leakey discovered Homo habilis, one of the earliest members of the human genus.
- Spot and photograph spectacular wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique habitat sheltering almost 25,000 animals.
- Join a Maasai chief on a visit to his village, witness a traditional ceremony, and learn firsthand about Maasai culture, far from the tourist circuit.
To read more details on Tanzania’s Great Migration experience visit the web page.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari
The Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari is a thrilling African safari challenge. Follow the less-traveled Lemosho Route up the western slope, hiking eight days through the spectacular landscapes of five temperate zones. Then continue the adventure on safari in some of East Africa’s most famous landscapes. Visit with Maasai villagers, and witness the extraordinary wildlife of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Experience Highlights:
- Climb the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, and sleep on its crater floor.
- Hike 2 to 12 hours per day (2 to 12 miles) on moderate to steep grades and at elevations ranging from 7,000 feet to a max of 19,340 feet.
- Ascend to Uhuru Peak, the world’s highest non-technical climb at 19,340 ft., and be among 30,000 who attempt it every year, with less than a third completing it.
- Tackle the Western Breach, one of the most challenging parts of the trek, and camp on the crater floor where you can view the magnificent glacier.
- Explore rain forests, heath, lava formations, and glaciers, and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the mountain from local naturalists.
- Spend four days on safari with regional experts, spotting vast herds of zebra and wildebeest, lions and leopards, and much more.
To learn more about this exhilarating expedition, go to the National Geographic Mount Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari web page.
Private Tanzania Safari
Tanzania is host to the highest density of big game on the continent. This nine-day private expedition, designed for independent travelers, combines guided excursions, fascinating insights into culture and wildlife, and award-winning accommodations. Venture out on safari in three awe-inspiring landscapes, from Tarangire National Park to the vast Ngorongoro Crater, to the banks of the Serengeti’s Mara River. Explore these fascinating places—and stay in top lodges—on a guided trip for just you, your family, and friends.
Experience Highlights:
- Watch elephant families in Tarangire National Park.
- Encounter the highest density of big game in Africa, including zebras and lions, on the floor of the vast Ngorongoro Crater on morning and evening game drives.
- Visit Noloholo Environmental Center, the brainchild of National Geographic Explorer Laly Lichtenfeld, and learn about the center’s conservation projects, run in partnership with the local Maasai.
- Picnic on the floor of the massive Ngorongoro Crater, grazing alongside some of the caldera’s 25,000 animal inhabitants.
- Watch for birds in Tarangire National Park, home to some 550 species, and take an optional hot air balloon ride above the Serengeti Plain.
- Stay at the elegant Sayari Camp, one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, and gaze at wildlife from your private veranda.
With Private Expeditions, you choose your desired departure date, and National Geographic makes all the arrangements.
Go to the National Geographic Private Expedition – Tanzania Safari web page to learn more.
Southern African Safari by Private Air
On this unique Southern African Safari, a 12-day journey by private air includes game drives in some of South Africa’s best private game reserves and a canoe safari through Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Fly along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers into Zambia to witness the might and power of Victoria Falls.
Experience Highlights:
- Enjoy exclusive wildlife viewing away from the crowds on safari in private game reserves.
- Visit the Motloutse Ruins, a significant archaeological site, in the company of South African archaeologist Grant Hall.
- Examine ancient rock art with an archaeologist and see pottery shards and trading beads that date back thousands of years.
- Set out on a wildlife cruise in Botswana’s Chobe National Park and watch elephants “snorkeling” in the river.
- Learn about the wildlife and ecosystems of southern Africa from a National Geographic expert who will accompany each departure to share insights and a rare behind-the-scenes perspective.
- Sip sundowners on the classic steam train Royal Livingstone Express as it travels through Mosi-o-Tunya National Park.
Learn more about this expedition, go to National Geographic Southern Africa by Private Air Safari web page.
Nothing compares to an African safari for adventure and extraordinary memories. But an African safari with National Geographic Expeditions gives you a unique, insider view that makes your getaway a life-changing experience.