African Panorama

This is one of our favourite African journeys - a superb introduction to Africa and one packed with natural wonders.

Begin with 3 nights on safari in Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve one of the world's great safari destinations.

The large numbers of predators, the huge abundance of wildlife and the dramatic rolling plains make Kenya's Masai Mara one of the most popular and spectacular safari areas in the whole of Africa.

From the Masai Mara, fly via Nairobi south to Victoria Falls and spend 2 nights (or longer if you wish) to see one of the world's great natural wonders. You can choose to be based on the Zimbabwe or Zambia side - or indeed, do both.

It's just a short drive to Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana and here you'll have a safari in quite a contrast to the wide open plains of the Masai Mara.

Enjoy a jeep game safari in the park and cruise down the Zambezi in search of wildlife.

Your African panorama will culminate in the beautiful city of Cape Town with 3 nights in one of the world's most spectacularly situated cities.

The final night of your African journey will be in the Cape Winelands in a boutique hotel where you can enjoy great wine and cuisine.

As with all of our Africa holidays, this one can be adjusted to suit your interests and budget, so just let us know your preferences.

Day 1: UK to Nairobi

Overnight flight from UK to Nairobi.

Day 2: Masai Mara, Kenya

On arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to the domestic Wilson Airport for your flight to the Maasai Mara.

Your guide will meet you on arrival and drive you to your preferred camp in the Maasai Mara area.  

After lunch, enjoy game viewing activities.

Overnight Masai Mara. All meals and game activities included.

Days 3 - 4: Masai Mara, Kenya

After a light breakfast before sunrise, head out on a morning safari, returning around 9.30 for a full breakfast.

The rest of the mornings are free to relax before a safari activity in the afternoons. Return to the camp just after sunset.

Overnight Masai Mara. All meals and game activities included.

Day 5: Nairobi

After your morning game drive, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nairobi.

On arrival in Nairobi you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel in Nairobi.

We suggest continuing the safari experience with a night at the Nairobi Tented Camp in the Nairobi National Park.

Alternatively a night at Giraffe Manor would also be a great experience to continue your safari journey.

Overnight Nairobi. Meal basis according to choice.

Days 6: Nairobi - Victoria Falls

This morning you'll transfer to the airport for your early morning flight direct to Victoria Falls.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon you are free to visit the Falls of your own accord. There is generally no need for a guide, as viewing the Falls is easily done independently.

Overnight Victoria Falls. Meal basis according to choice.

Day 7: Victoria Falls

Enjoy the day at Victoria Falls.

You can add on morning or afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park, a river safaris, a guided walking safari or a guided tour of the Falls.

Overnight Victoria Falls. Meal basis according to choice.

What Camps & Lodges do you use?

We're careful with our choice of safari camps and lodges in Kenya and Botswana but luckily there is plenty of quality choice.

Your Kenya safari accommodation options include boutique, luxury safari camps, eco-camps, permanent tented camps and mobile or adventure camps.

Safari Lodges in Kenya are generally something akin to a mid-range hotel room, with similar facilities. Many have swimming pools.

Kenya's boutique lodges and camps can be very stylish and smart in terms of design and decor, often with very spacious rooms. Some feature private plunge pools.

Safari Camps in Kenya normally consists of heavy canvas luxury tents with fixed roofs and en-suite facilities with shower and flush toilets.

Eco-camps and smaller tented camps also have insect-proof tents, with beds, bedding, en-suite bathrooms and safari showers.

The atmosphere is usually very convivial with communal dining and camp fires in the evening. The focus is on the wildlife viewing.

Camps often have 'safari showers' which are private cubicles in the tents. Water is heated by the staff who will then let you know your shower is ready and fill your bucket. You control the flow of water.

Adventure camps are much more basic, with smaller, mobile dome-tents with mattresses on the floor. There is no en-suite. It's akin to summer camping in the UK. You'll need your own sleeping bags and towels. There is some degree of 'roughing it' with the camping but otherwise the safari facilities are the same - so it's a great way to save if you're happy campers!

In the Chobe National Park, the choice is much more hotel and lodge-style with some excellent options by the Chobe River.

In Victoria Falls you can choose to stay in hotel-style accommodation around Victoria Falls town or you could stay in a lodge by the Zambezi River - on the Zimbabwe or the Zambia side - there are plenty of options.

What about taking bags on Safari Flights?

On this journey you will take safari flights in small aircraft (usually a Grand Caravan or similar) to the Masai Mara.

Luggage should be kept to a minimum, especially if you will be travelling via light aircraft.

In East Africa the limit is typically 15 kg per person. This should be in soft bags as opposed to hard suit cases in order to fit in the baggage compartment on small aircraft.

On road safaris the weight and size allowance is not as important but you should still try to bring as little as possible.

What Clothing is Suitable on Safari?

For game viewing it's best to wear grey, brown, khaki or green coloured clothing so the wildlife is not alerted to your presence.

Camouflage clothing is not permitted in some countries so bear that in mind.

A complimentary laundry service is offered at many camps and lodges so bear that in mind when deciding what to take with you.

We have a more detailed 'packing suggestions' in our Travel Essentials sections.

How long have you been organising holidays to Africa?

We've been organising tailor made holidays to Africa since 2008.

We use very reliable local partners in each destination which helps to make a journey such as this one as seamless as possible.

We keep up to date with developments in East and Southern Africa with regular visits and through our local contacts.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to East and South Africa.

For this particular Africa Panorama journey, Kenya Airways and British Airways are the usual options.

Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM and Air France are other airline options we will often also consider.

The flights from Nairobi to Victoria Falls and on to Cape Town are usually done with Kenya Airways as these are direct flights.

If you have a preferred airline, just let us know - everything is flexible!

Which Hotels and Safari Lodges do you use?

We're careful with our choice of accommodation, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels or lodges, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique & luxury hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels, camps and lodges where we think these will be suitable.

There are some fantastic safari lodges in the Masai Mara, Chobe and Victoria Falls and we will suggest those we think best suit your budget and aspirations.