Discover Africa’s best small-group safaris—just in time for the season.
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the sounds of the savannah, watching lions at sunrise or elephants crossing a river at sunset, now’s the perfect time to make it happen. With safari season ramping up this fall, we’re looking at some of the most iconic guided safaris that combine incredible wildlife with breathtaking settings. And with every detail taken care of for you, you can sit back and enjoy. Let’s take a look at our top five guided safaris, curated with you in mind.
Our Top Safari Picks
We’ve handpicked these guided safaris for their high-density wildlife, incredible photo opportunities, and seamless itineraries—no complicated flights, just smooth sailing! You’ll also enjoy small-group formats for a more personalized and meaningful experience. Let’s dive in.
Heart of Africa Adventure Safari
Explore the heart of Africa on a guided group camping safari designed for adventurous travellers seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters without the hassle. This overland journey takes you through some of Southern Africa’s most iconic landscapes, including Botswana’s Moremi Wildlife Reserve and Chobe National Park, the thunderous Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and South Africa’s lesser-known gem, Mapungubwe National Park. It’s an immersive, great-value experience where your tent setup, meals, and camp chores are all taken care of—so you can focus on the sights, sounds, and serenity of the African wilderness.
The Heart of Africa Adventure Safari follows a spectacular route through the Okavango Delta, Caprivi Strip, and Victoria Falls, offering a front-row seat to elephant mega-herds, hippos, and endangered wild dogs. A signature moment? Gliding through the Delta’s reed-lined channels in a mokoro canoe as the sun rises. Best enjoyed during the dry season from May to October, this small-group safari is ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience three diverse regions in one seamless, guided journey.
Tanzania Camping Safari Tour
Experience the wild heart of East Africa on a guided camping safari through Tanzania, where you’ll journey across the iconic landscapes of Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. This full-service adventure combines immersive wildlife viewing with meaningful cultural encounters—like visiting a small town home to residents from 12 different tribes. With all logistics expertly handled, you can focus on capturing photos of the “Big Five.”
Designed for adventurers short on time but hungry for big moments, this route packs in some of Tanzania’s most unforgettable experiences. From the dramatic scenery of the Great Rift Valley to animal viewing on the crater floor, each day offers something extraordinary. Full-service camping brings you closer to nature while remaining economical, giving you authentic insights into local culture and wildlife. The best time to go? January to March for the calving season, or June to October for thrilling river crossings and predator action.
Africa Overland Safari Tour
An overland adventure from Cape Town to Victoria Falls is the quintessential African safari—three unforgettable weeks packed with diverse landscapes, thrilling wildlife, and rich cultural experiences. Travelling by custom overland vehicle, you’ll journey through Namibia’s vast deserts, glide through Botswana’s Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe, and take in the raw power of Victoria Falls. Along the way, enjoy guided walks, game drives, boat safaris, and the chance to witness unforgettable moments like elephants in the Delta.
This route is a favourite for good reason: from the red dunes of the Namib Desert to the lush waterways of the Okavango, every stop offers something spectacular. Picture antelope roaming the sand dunes, sleepouts under Namibia’s pristine Dark-Sky Reserve, and the roar of waterfalls at both Augrabies and Victoria Falls. Ideal for budget-conscious adventurers who want maximum variety, this trip runs year-round—with May to August offering cooler evenings perfect for nights around the campfire.
Africa Explorer Safari Tour
This 14-day overland adventure begins in Windhoek, Namibia, where you’ll transfer to the Namib Desert for breathtaking views of Sossusvlei’s towering red dunes, Deadvlei’s surreal landscapes, and Sesriem Canyon. Continue to the coastal town of Swakopmund with time for optional activities like dolphin cruises or desert flights, then travel to Spitzkoppe to camp among striking granite peaks. From there, journey to Etosha National Park for two days of unforgettable wildlife viewing, including elephants, lions, and cheetahs, before heading northeast to Rundu and the lush banks of the Kavango River.
Crossing into Botswana, explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro (dugout canoe), boat, and game walks, soaking in the beauty of this unique inland delta. Continue to Chobe National Park, known for its massive elephant herds and stunning sunsets, with game drives and a river cruise. The trip wraps up in Zimbabwe at the mighty Victoria Falls, where you’ll have time for optional adventure activities or cultural exploration before concluding your journey with a flight home.
Southern Africa Journey
This immersive 20-day journey through Southern Africa begins in Cape Town, where you’ll explore the Kirstenbosch Gardens, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, and choose optional visits to Table Mountain or the Cape Winelands. In Johannesburg, tour Soweto and the Mandela House as you delve into South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement to learn more about this painful chapter.
Carry on to the Greater Kruger Area for unforgettable safaris in Kruger National Park and Karongwe Private Game Reserve, with opportunities to learn about cheetah conservation and enjoy traditional South African cuisine.
Fly to Namibia to experience the dramatic red dunes of Sossusvlei, the eerie beauty of Deadvlei, and the coastal charm of Swakopmund. Explore Sandwich Harbour, the Skeleton Coast, and join a bushman walk and township tour. Continue to Etosha National Park for more wildlife encounters before ending in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe—where you’ll witness the iconic waterfall and connect with local village life.
Ready to go wild?
Are you looking for more than just a holiday? At Downunder Travel, we specialize in once-in-a-lifetime adventures that go beyond the beach. Explore our exclusive African guided safaris and let our travel experts help you plan the trip of a lifetime. Contact Downunder Travel for details and to book your next adventure.
