African Safari Adventures,
Designed Around You
Expert-led. Personally planned. Africa done properly.
Track gorillas in Rwanda, follow big cats across the Maasai Mara, pair a private safari with a few quiet days in the Seychelles — or build something entirely your own. We plan every detail, so you just go.
Choose your experience
Not all safaris are the same. Whether you want to sit with gorillas in a misty forest, watch lions hunt at dusk, add a beach extension, or mix great golf with great wildlife — we build around what matters most to you.
Gorilla & Safari
The rarest and most moving experience in African travel. Gorilla trekking combined with wildlife safaris, cultural depth, and premium lodge stays in East Africa's most extraordinary landscapes.
Beach & Safari
Wildlife first, then a complete change of pace. Safari through the bush, then unwind by the Indian Ocean. One trip, two completely different Africa experiences.
Big Five Safari
Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo. Classic African wildlife, wide open plains, and private game reserves where the density of big game never gets old. The foundation of African safari travel.
Golf Safari
Some of the world's most scenic courses sit alongside extraordinary wildlife. Combine great golf with safari drives, coastal stays, winelands, and genuinely unforgettable fairway views.
Fishing Safari
Tiger fish on the Zambezi, fly fishing on high-altitude rivers, deep-sea fishing in the Seychelles, or Nile perch on Lake Victoria. Fishing-led travel across some of Africa's most remote and beautiful waterways.
Sport & Safari
Follow the game, then escape into the wild. Combine rugby, cricket, football, golf, or another major sporting event with a tailored African safari. South Africa is one of the rare destinations where stadium energy and bush solitude sit within the same itinerary.
Ten countries. Each one worth knowing properly.
We work across ten African countries — and know each one well enough to tell you where the experience is genuinely excellent and where it isn't. Here's the honest version.
Premium gorilla trekking, shorter high-impact journeys, refined lodges, and easy Kigali connections. Africa's most polished primate destination.
Gorilla trekking, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, Murchison Falls, and strong value over a longer, wilder journey. The fuller East Africa experience.
Maasai Mara, private conservancies, Great Migration access, classic safari romance, and excellent beach combinations via the Indian Ocean coast.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Great Migration routes, Kilimanjaro extensions, and Zanzibar beach pairings. Arguably the finest classic safari country in the world.
Ultra-premium wilderness, Okavango Delta, private concessions, water-based safari, and some of the lowest tourist density anywhere on the continent.
Desert landscapes, Sossusvlei dunes, Etosha game viewing, Skeleton Coast, and a spectacular self-drive or guided scenic journey unlike anywhere else.
Big Five safaris, Cape Town, Winelands, malaria-free family options, golf, food, and the most accessible first-Africa experience available.
Walking safaris, Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, Victoria Falls combinations, tiger fishing, and an adventure-first safari culture that rewards serious travellers.
Hwange, Mana Pools, Victoria Falls, a strong guiding culture, and excellent value in seriously good safari territory. Often overlooked, always impressive.
The ideal safari extension. Island luxury, world-class snorkelling and diving, deep-sea fishing, honeymoon escapes, and complete post-safari relaxation.
Structured trips, clearly explained
Every journey below is built around your group size and travel style. All starting figures are per person sharing — a meaningful reference point, not a final quote.
Rwanda Gorilla Safari
A compact, beautifully curated Rwanda experience. This seven-day journey moves at an unhurried pace through the Volcanoes region — with time in Kigali, a gorilla trek in the misty highlands, and Rwanda's remarkable Thousand Hills scenery. Premium, seamless, and genuinely moving. Best for travellers who want the essential Rwanda experience without extended overland travel.
Rwanda Gorilla & Big Five
Gorilla trekking combined with genuine Big Five safari — all within one country. This eight-day journey adds an Akagera National Park extension to the core gorilla experience, bringing savannah game viewing into the picture alongside the Volcanoes forest. Lions, elephants, buffalo, and hippos, followed by mountain gorillas. Rwanda's most complete wildlife journey.
Uganda Gorilla, Chimp & Wildlife Safari
A focused, high-value Uganda safari — gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee encounters in a great forest reserve, and classic savannah game viewing through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Excellent wildlife variety across eight well-paced days. The fuller, wilder primate journey. Strong value for the depth of experience delivered.
Uganda Gorilla, Chimp & Wildlife Safari
The ideal middle ground for Uganda — enough time to move between regions without rushing, enough depth to truly settle into each landscape. Chimpanzee trekking, savannah game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat safari, Uganda's famous tree-climbing lions, and a gorilla trek in Bwindi. For travellers who want variety, quality, and natural rhythm across nine well-planned days.
Uganda Full Experience Safari
Gorillas, chimps, savannahs, rivers, and wild Uganda — all in one carefully designed ten-day journey. Entebbe to Murchison Falls, Kibale for chimpanzees, Queen Elizabeth for savannah and boat safari, and Bwindi for gorillas. Time for cultural encounters and deeper forest experiences makes this Uganda's most rewarding journey for travellers who want it all, done properly.
Maasai Mara Safari
Kenya-focused safari built around the Maasai Mara, private conservancies, and some of the finest big cat viewing on the continent. The Great Migration passes through between July and October — but even outside migration season, the Mara's resident wildlife is exceptional. Can be combined with the Kenyan coast or Seychelles for a beach finish.
Namibia Desert & Wildlife Journey
Desert landscapes unlike anywhere else on earth, combined with serious Etosha game viewing and the raw, ancient scenery of the Skeleton Coast. Namibia rewards slow travel and good photography. One of the most visually dramatic destinations on the continent — and consistently underrated by travellers who haven't been.
South Africa Big Five & Cape Journey
South Africa's most compelling combination — Big Five game viewing in a private reserve, followed by Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Western Cape coast. Outstanding food, world-class wine, and excellent infrastructure throughout. The best first-Africa journey for many travellers, and a destination worth returning to more than once.
Botswana Delta Safari
Botswana is where serious safari travellers go when they want the wilderness with almost nobody else in it. Private concessions in the Okavango Delta, water-based mokoro and boat safari, elephant-dense floodplains, and some of Africa's most respected luxury lodges. Priced accordingly — but worth every dollar of it.
Victoria Falls & Safari
The most powerful waterfall on earth, combined with some of Africa's finest walking safari country. The Lower Zambezi or South Luangwa from Zambia, or Hwange from Zimbabwe — each delivering serious wildlife in genuinely remote settings. Optional tiger fishing, river kayaking, or a Seychelles beach extension to finish.
Beach & Safari Escape
Start in the bush, finish by the Indian Ocean. Safari across your preferred East or Southern African destination, then extend with Seychelles, Zanzibar, or Mozambique. A natural pairing that makes the most of a long-haul flight. Tell us which countries interest you and we'll design the combination that works best.
Designed by people who know safari, not just people who sell travel.
There's a difference between booking travel and designing it properly. SafariSmiths was built by Kyle and Jen — a safari guide and a luxury travel specialist — because they got frustrated with the gap between what African travel can be and what most agencies actually deliver.
Kyle's background is in-field safari guiding and destination knowledge built on the ground, not in a brochure. Jen brings luxury travel planning expertise and the kind of supplier relationships that take years to earn. Together, they design journeys that are sharper, more personal, and more honest than what most clients have experienced before.
Which trip is right for you?
Common questions answered honestly. Choosing between two destinations is one of the most useful conversations we have with clients — here's how we usually break it down.
Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
Africa's most polished primate destination. Shorter distances, smoother logistics, and a premium lodge experience from arrival to departure.
- Shorter, more refined trips — typically 7 to 8 days
- Gorilla trekking in a beautifully managed, scenic setting
- Couples, honeymooners, and travellers who prefer comfort and efficiency
- First-time Africa visitors wanting a seamless, premium introduction
- Big Five-style viewing with an optional Akagera National Park extension
- Generally the more expensive option — permit costs are significant
- Less broad wildlife variety without an Akagera extension
- Not the right choice for travellers wanting a long, varied road safari
Gorilla, Chimp & Wildlife Safari
A richer, more varied safari with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, and classic East African wildlife all in a single immersive journey.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee combination experiences in one trip
- Better value — more wildlife, more variety, lower cost than Rwanda
- Wildlife lovers, adventurous couples, families with older children
- Travellers comfortable with longer, scenic overland transfers
- Those who want a fuller, more immersive safari over 8 to 10 days
- Longer road transfers between key wildlife regions
- Less polished infrastructure than Rwanda
- Best suited to adventure-minded travellers with time on their side
Classic Safari & Beach
The Maasai Mara, private conservancies, great infrastructure, and easy Indian Ocean beach extensions. Kenya is the accessible, romantic classic.
- Big cat encounters and savannah drama in the Maasai Mara
- Great Migration timing from July to October
- Private conservancies for exclusive, off-road game viewing
- Easy safari-plus-beach combinations via the Kenyan coast or Seychelles
- Travellers wanting excellent infrastructure and smooth logistics
- Can feel busier in peak season than southern African equivalents
- Private conservancies add cost but significantly improve the experience
Serengeti & Zanzibar
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, the Great Migration in its full northern sweep, and a Zanzibar beach finish. Tanzania is the classic African safari, done at its finest.
- Serengeti game viewing at any time of year — consistently exceptional
- Ngorongoro Crater — one of Africa's most concentrated wildlife areas
- Great Migration routes across the Serengeti, particularly January to March
- Zanzibar beach extension for a natural safari-and-coast combination
- Kilimanjaro extensions for travellers wanting an adventure element
- Serengeti is large — positioning matters for the best game viewing
- Internal flight logistics need careful planning across regions
Big Five, Cape & Golf
The most accessible first-Africa experience. Big Five safaris, Cape Town, the Winelands, malaria-free options, golf, and some of the world's best food.
- First-time safari visitors wanting excellent value and infrastructure
- Families — including malaria-free Big Five options
- Golf travellers — some of the world's most scenic courses
- Travellers wanting safari combined with city, wine, and coast
- A wide range of budgets — more accessible than most African destinations
- Game reserves are fenced — a different feel from the open wilderness of East Africa
- Less wild in character than Botswana, Zambia, or Tanzania
Okavango Delta & Wilderness
Africa's most exclusive safari destination. Ultra-premium wilderness, private concessions, water-based safari, and some of the lowest tourist density on the continent.
- Travellers who want wilderness almost entirely to themselves
- Okavango Delta mokoro and boat safari — genuinely extraordinary
- Serious wildlife travellers who value exclusivity and quality above all else
- Repeat Africa visitors ready to invest in the finest safari lodges
- Significant cost — Botswana is deliberately high-value, low-volume
- Best suited to experienced safari travellers
Primate & Forest Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is a different experience to a savannah safari entirely — more intimate, more physical, and genuinely rare.
- Travellers who want a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas
- East Africa-focused trips combining forest and wildlife
- Travellers comfortable with physical trekking in mountain forest terrain
- Those willing to plan well in advance — permits are limited and in demand
- Permits are required and must be secured in advance — we handle this
- Trekking can be strenuous depending on where the gorilla group is found
- Can be combined with savannah safari for a fully rounded East Africa journey
Savannah & Wildlife Safari
The classic African safari — open plains, golden light, big game, and the full rhythm of a wildlife-focused journey across East or Southern Africa.
- Travellers who want the classic Africa experience with maximum game variety
- First-time safari visitors wanting the full savannah experience
- Families, couples, and photographers
- Those with flexibility on destination — South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed — season and positioning matter
- The quality of guiding makes an enormous difference to the experience
Not sure which safari style suits you?
Big Five Safari is the classic choice, but your ideal trip may include more than wildlife alone. Use this guide to compare safari styles and find what fits your travel goals.
Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Game drives, classic lodges, and iconic safari moments. The definitive African experience.
Plan a Big Five SafariMountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. A profoundly moving encounter with the world’s largest primates in misty highland forests.
Plan a Gorilla SafariWildlife first, then the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles, Zanzibar, and Mozambique make natural pairings with a Kenya or Tanzania safari.
Plan a Beach & SafariIconic South African courses alongside Big Five game viewing. The Winelands, Kruger, and the Garden Route in one seamless journey.
Plan a Golf SafariRugby, cricket, football, golf — combine match-day energy with safari before or after the event. One seamless trip around a sporting anchor.
Plan a Sport & SafariWorld-class tigerfish on the Zambezi, trout in South Africa, or offshore game fishing on the Kenyan coast — with wildlife in between.
Plan a Fishing SafariMalaria-free reserves, child-friendly lodges, flexible schedules, and interactive guiding that brings the bush alive for younger travellers.
Plan a Family SafariPrivate lodges, candlelit bush dinners, sunrise sundowners, and that particular feeling of being somewhere extraordinary together.
Plan a Honeymoon SafariSpecialist photographic guides, private vehicles, extended drives timed for golden hour, and prime locations. Built around the shot.
Plan a Photography SafariAnything you can imagine. Multi-country routing, exclusive-use lodges, charter flights, rare experiences, and complete personalisation.
Plan a Private JourneyFrom first conversation to departure
Safari planning is a process, not a click. Here's how we move from a first conversation to a confirmed, fully prepared journey.
Browse the safari styles and journey options above, or use the estimator to get a planning figure. You don't need to have everything decided before reaching out.
Use the estimator CTA or the form below to send your preferences. The more detail you give us, the faster we can come back with something useful.
Kyle or Jen will review your inquiry and come back within one business day. An honest conversation about the right trip, the right timing, and the right budget.
We confirm lodge space, gorilla and chimp permit availability, internal flights, and routing. Nothing is confirmed until we know it can actually be delivered.
You review a detailed itinerary and confirm it works. Once you're happy, a deposit secures your dates, lodges, and permits.
Final documents, pre-departure preparation, packing guidance, local contacts, and everything you need to arrive in Africa with complete confidence.
Trip Budget Calculator
Tell us the price you are looking to pay and we will use that to shape the right safari options for you. This is your planning budget — not a quote or price from SafariSmiths. A personalised quote will be prepared after reviewing your trip details.
Please confirm that you are happy for SafariSmiths Travel to receive your details and contact you about your enquiry.
We've received your trip details and entered budget. A copy will be sent to your email address. SafariSmiths will come back with suitable options and a tailored quote.
WhatsApp KyleIncluded & not included
A clear overview of what a SafariSmiths journey typically covers — and what falls outside the standard estimate — so you can plan with complete clarity.
Typically included
- ✓Accommodation at selected lodges throughout, from Classic to Signature Collection
- ✓Private ground transfers and safari routing
- ✓Gorilla trekking permit estimate (Rwanda & Uganda)
- ✓Chimpanzee trekking permit estimate (Uganda only)
- ✓Selected park entrance and activity fees
- ✓Game drives, boat safaris, and guided forest treks per itinerary
- ✓Meals as specified — typically full board or half board
- ✓Airport transfers at journey start and end
- ✓Dedicated planning and itinerary support from SafariSmiths
Not included
- ✗International flights (unless specifically arranged with us)
- ✗Travel insurance — required for all safari journeys
- ✗Visa fees and border formalities
- ✗Optional premium activity upgrades outside the itinerary
- ✗Alcoholic beverages and drinks not specified by the lodge
- ✗Tips, gratuities, and staff tipping
- ✗Personal and medical expenses
- ✗Permit price increases after quote confirmation
Sightings are never guaranteed
Safari is a wild experience. While gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits significantly increase the likelihood of an encounter, no agency can guarantee specific sightings. This is part of what makes the experience so extraordinary — and so real. We always want our clients to travel with honest expectations, and we'll be direct with you about what to expect before you go.
Big games. Big Five.
South Africa is one of the rare destinations where you can watch world-class sport and then trade the stadium lights for the African bush.
Whether you are travelling for rugby, cricket, football, golf, or another major sporting event, SafariSmiths can help you build a trip that combines match-day energy with unforgettable safari experiences.
From international fans visiting South Africa to locals planning a special sporting getaway, we connect the event, the destination, and the safari into one seamless journey.
Attend your match, tournament, or sporting event in style — with accommodation, transfers, and logistics handled.
Add a Big Five safari before or after the event. The Kruger region is a short flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Garden Route make natural add-ons for travellers wanting more than just the game.
SafariSmiths handles the full itinerary — from match-day tickets and transfers to bush lodges and game drives.
What travellers usually ask first
Honest answers to the questions we hear most often. If yours isn't here, just ask.
Build your safari journey
Use the safari builder above to select your style, destinations, and preferences — then send your outline directly to Kyle. Takes about three minutes. No pressure, no obligation.
Prefer to reach out directly? Kyle is available on WhatsApp — use the button in the bottom-right corner, or email kyle@safarismiths.com
Request a Consultation
Tailored Private Journeys are designed individually — routing, privacy, charter flights, exclusive-use lodges, and service level vary significantly. Enter your details and Kyle will come back with a bespoke proposal.
Consultation requested.
Kyle has received your details and will be in touch shortly with a bespoke proposal for your private journey.