Best End of the Year Safaris
August 5th, 2021, by Chelsea Todaro
Now is a rare time to visit Africa like few will see. While there remain some hoops to jump through to get to Africa, the rewards are endless, with less crowds, Africans eager to welcome guests and alluring experiences unique to Africa’s spring and summer. The African Travel team is on top of the details and will guide you through everything, so you don’t have to stress about the logistics of COVID-19 restrictions and requirements.
This month we share our experts’ recommendations for safaris to take at the end of this year:
Game Viewing Value in The Green Season
From September to December, parts of southern and east Africa go through its rainy “green season” offering incredible photography opportunities of wildlife and colorful landscapes with less crowds.
With the rains of Africa comes blossoming flowers, thousands of migrant birds, and ideal breeding grounds for wildlife. The Green Season varies in Africa - East Africa is best for the end of the year, occurring in from September to December, with Southern Africa from December to March.
Our experts recommend Treasures of Tanzania in the Green Season where guests explore Tarangire National Park, a unique safari backdrop with rolling grasslands and forests of enigmatic baobab trees, while also descending into the Ngorongoro Crater.
TIP: Both Kenya and Tanzania hold exceptional game viewing at this time, as baby animals roam the grassy plains. Try our Enchanting East Africa safari for the best of both worlds, with an island retreat to Zanzibar for a relaxing ending.
SOLO TRAVEL: For those looking to take a solo adventure, our Tanzania Explorer is a great option with no single supplement for 2021 and 2022 departures.
Explore Egypt in Luxury, Without the Heat
Many travelers think of Africa for amazing game drives, but there is also “the cradle of ancient civilization” to explore in Egypt. Consider travel at the end of the year when guests miss the scorching heat – and enjoy mild to cool temperatures. A trip to Egypt also pairs well with a pre or post safaris, to give you a taste of Africa’s vastly different worlds.
Our Royal Egyptian takes in Cairo and the pyramids with a luxurious cruise on the Nile River, visiting the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Aswan. A private Egyptologist guide shares personal insights and remarkable details.
Can’t travel in 2021? We have also launched new group dates on a new Wonders of Egypt journey where guests enjoy a private Luxor tour far from the crowds.
TIP: For explorations of Africa’s rich game viewing and ancient lands, choose our Cape to Cairo safari, visiting Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and the towering Great Pyramids of Egypt.
Adventure in Southern Africa
Towards the end of the year, South Africa’s springtime boasts beautiful blooms that take your breath away. For adventure enthusiasts our experts recommend Exploring Southern Africa, which artfully combines Cape Town and Kruger National with the majesty of Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls may have less water during the end of the year, but it’s the perfect time for adventure activities like a visit to Devils Pool, a natural rock pool on a ledge right at the edge of Victoria Falls, and a wildlife sighting hotspot where many animals look for water.
TIP: While hitting the highlights of South Africa and Victoria Falls in 2021, guests enjoy an extra 10% savings on this crowd-pleasing safari. Our customize our most popular safari, Southern Explorer.
Botswana’s Secret Migration
From September to November, Botswana undergoes the start of second “secret” migration when things begin to green, just before the heat arrives in December. If you like the heat and great savings, then December is a possible option too. Our Last Refuge is a connoisseur’s safari collection showcasing Botswana’s different elements, from the thriving elephants and hippos of the immense Okavango Delta to the Kalahari Desert’s ancient baobabs. Not to mention a spectacular stay at the new and renowned 1940’s-style Jack’s Camp - one of Africa's most iconic camps that’s just one of three in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans one-million-acre private wildlife reserve. Our favorite experience here is watching pixie-faced meerkats emerging from their burrow at sun rise.
TIP: Another great incentive for end of year travel, save up $2,790 per person on this safari for 2021 departures, with a 10% savings applied at the time of your booking.
