Looking for a little inspiration?
We share with you a few trips that we custom-designed throughout 2020 for our clients. While Covid-19 seemed to overtake the world, we were kept busy doing what we love the most… planning utterly authentic and personal travel experiences.
Below is a preview of five different safaris that we designed for a few of our travelers during 2020:
*A Family of four explores the wildlife & culture of Kenya
*Safari for two couples to both East and Southern Africa focus on a luxury steam train, the Migration and the Big Five
*This Family starts their travels at a luxury resort, followed by visiting the giraffe in Nairobi and then heading to Southern Africa traveling from the falls to the Cape
*One couple travels to the highlights of northern Tanzania staying at owner run camps and ends their safari at a beautiful beach resort in the Seychelles
*This couple of seasoned Africa travelers head to Zambia, traveling from the Victoria Falls to South Luangwa National Park and ending at the spectacular Lower Zambezi
Clients: Susanne, Billy, Phyllis & John
Traveling to: Southern & East Africa
Their goal for this trip: They are looking for a trip of a lifetime and want to cover a lot of ground. They want a luxury safari experience and to see as many animals as possible. The Great Migration is of interest. They do not want to be around crowds, are fairly private people, have an interest in specific types of wines and spirits. Great service & food is very important and lastly they wanted everything possible to be included so they don’t have to pay along the way.
# of travelers: 4
Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
Cape Town
Cape Winelands
Rovos Rail
Okavango Delta/Chiefs Island
Victoria Falls
Masai Mara National Park
Day 1-2 Johannesburg: The Saxon Hotel A night in this luxurious hotel, located in the suburbs of Johannesburg to recover from their long journey.
Day 2-5 Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve: Boulders Lodge Open vehicle morning + night game drives. They will be enjoying spotlight safaris at night to search for nocturnal wildlife, African sundowners and delicious breakfasts set up in the bush.
Day 5-8 Cape Town: Cape Grace Hotel This stunning boutique hotel at the waterfront. We love their whisky bar downstairs that stocks over 400 whiskies from around the globe and as these clients are interested in whisky they will love this little bar. Time permitting the spa is an indulgent and must do experience, we like to pre-book treatments for our clients. These clients will be taking in the sights of the Cape Peninsula, the penguin colony, a cable car ride up Table Mountain for spectacular views (we encourage people to hike one way up the mountain with our specialist guide if time + energy levels permit), and take a step back in time when visiting Robben Island.
Day 8-9 Franschhoek Cape Winelands: Leeu House Gorgeous old towns, vineyards and valleys are just an hours drive from Cape Town. Our clients will be spending one night on this wine estate, surrounded by manicured gardens and majestic views of the Franshhoek valley. For foodies this property checks all the boxes, the wine studio’s tasting room staff will guide them through a private wine tasting. On the estate is the Everard Read gallery, exhibiting important works by local artists, and throughout the gardens are beautiful sculptures surrounded by fynbos and vineyards.
Day 9-11 A journey through the countryside: Rovos Rail Next they will board their 2-night journey on this old world, charming steam train that travels through the Great Karoo, spectacular mountain ranges and the scenic winelands, en-route to Pretoria. Some highlights include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a perfectly preserved Victorian Village, and the Kimberly Diamond Mine.
Day 11-12 Johannesburg: The Saxon Arriving too late to connect to Botswana, they will spend a night at the Saxon.
Day 12-15 The Okavango Delta/Chiefs Island: Mombo Camp With so many things to see we had to pick just one camp in Botswana. Mombo, known as the place of plenty, provides in terms its massive concentrations of plains game and predators that live here.
Day 15-17 Victoria Falls: Royal Chundu As they make their way by light aircraft up to the north eastern border they will enjoy a birds eye view of the many channels of the Okavango Delta from the air. These clients chose to stay at a lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream from Victoria Falls. At night they will fall asleep to the sounds of the hippos in the river below, and during the day they will enjoy the solitude of this spiritual area, perhaps spotting an elephant or two on their sundowner cruise, or a croc on their canoeing adventure. They will enjoy a private lunch on a nearby island and a helicopter trip over the falls to view them from above.
Day 17-20 Masai Mara National Park: Mara Plains Camp We chose to end their safari on the great plains of Africa – The Masai Mara. Timing right, they will hopefully get to witness the two million zebra and wildebeest migration herds, preparing for their journey to the southern plains of the Serengeti.
Clients: Howard & Alana
Traveling to: Tanzania & the Seychelles
Their goal for this trip: They want to experience the great migration and would love to experience a river crossing. They have been to South Africa before. Their preference is luxury tented camps but don’t need the same level as they had in South Africa. Excellent highly qualified guides are extremely important to them. They prefer private touring. Lastly, they wish to spend time relaxing at a resort on a fabulous beach.
# of travelers: 2
Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park
Mahe Island
Day 1-2 Arusha: Rivertrees Arriving late they will spend a night in the town of Arusha, a short distance from the international airport.
Day 2-5 Tarangire National Park: Little Chem Chem Early up they will take first flight into Tarangire, on arrival will be met by their guide and enjoy a full day of game viewing inside the National Park. Around midday they will stop to enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch (freshly prepared by the chef at Chem Chem) under a gigantic baobab trees. At Little Chem Chem there is no typical day, they will get to enjoy the solitude of this private wildlife area that borders Tarangire Park. We have arranged bush walks, a private Masai village visit, game drives on the private property and night drives with a spotlight to view the nocturnal wildlife.
Day 5-7 Ngorongoro Crater: Plantation Lodge This perfect little owner run lodge, positioned conveniently near the famous Ngorongoro Crater. On their second day here we will pack a picnic breakfast, they will get up early and head down onto the Crater floor, ideally arriving before all the big tour buses. Once the park starts to get a little busy it will be time for their packed breakfast and the Plantation Lodge does a great job at that! Whenever they decide (as their guide is private) they will head back to the lodge for sundowners where they will get to reflect on their day of game viewing, perhaps enjoying a spa treatment at the lodge.
Day 7-10 Serengeti National Park: Serengeti Migrational Tented Camp We fly them into the Serengeti for their final three nights in Tanzania. The camp we chose for them is situated near the migratory path, affording them the maximum opportunity to experience vast herds of wildebeest passing just outside their tent. Days are spent on morning and afternoon game drives, full day drives with a picnic lunch and the option to enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the plains.
Day 10-11 Nairobi: Sheraton Hotel Tonight is spent in Nairobi to prepare for their early morning flight to the Seychelles.
Day 11-15 Seychelles Mahe Island: Four Seasons Resort The Seychelles are an easy and direct flight into Mahe from Nairobi, where they will spend time at the Four Seasons Resort. Just as you would expect this resort has all the amenities you could wish for and a variety of activities to choose from. A perfect way to end their safari overlooking the azure waters of the Indian ocean from the serenity of their luxury villa.
Clients: Michael & Bonnie
Traveling to: Zambia
Their goal for this trip: As seasoned Africa travelers this time around they wanted something remote and off the beaten path. They love hiking, don’t need over the top luxury properties focus is more on small personal and hands on camps versus corporate. Love photography.
# of travelers: 2
Victoria Falls
South Luangwa National Park
Lower Zambezi National Parl
Day 1-2 Johannesburg: Saxon Hotel As they arrive late into Johannesburg their first night will be spent at the lovely Saxon Hotel, located in the upmarket suburbs of Johannesburg.
Day 2-4 Victoria Falls: Tongabezi As these clients have been to Africa before, and the focus was intimate owner run properties, we wanted them to stay at a lodge on the banks of the Zambezi versus in the busy town of Victoria Falls. We chose Tongabezi River Cottages. At night hippos come onto the land to feed and there is nothing more peaceful than falling asleep to the sound of them frolicking in the river just below the cottage.
Day 4-7 South Luangwa National Park: Mchenja Camp We fly them into South Luangwa National Park and Mchenja Camp. With the focus on location, this camp overlooks a huge sweeping bend on the Luangwa River, its small and intimate, its frequented by a variety of travelers from around the globe, dinners are served under the stars (weather permitting) and the wildlife here should be phenomenal.
Day 7-10 South Luangwa National Park: Puku Ridge Camp Further south, about a 2-hour drive from their first camp in the Luangwa we chose Puku Ridge. Activities are similar to Mchenja which include day and night drives, long bush walks, watching the wildlife at the private floodplain and permanent waterhole in front of the camp.
Day 10-13 Lower Zambezi National Park: Chiawa Camp For their final week we will fly them south to the Lower Zambezi National Park and Chiawa Camp, another wonderful owner run property. Apart from day & night game drives they will enjoy canoeing, sunset cruises, fishing and dine on a sandbar in the river.
Day 13-16 Lower Zambezi National Park: Old Mondoro Camp For their grand finale, being their third trip to Africa, we want these clients to finish off with a property that somehow manages to bring it all together, simple yet luxurious, with charismatic and passionate management. The setting needs to be quintessential Africa, camp overlooking a river filled with hippos, a good amount and variety of wildlife that ideally are part of the camp. We want them to spend their final few nights in Africa sitting around a roaring campfire sky filled with millions of stars, sharing stories with other travelers from around the globe. We believe this camp will be the perfect ending for their third trip!
Clients: Sara, LaVaughn, Elizabeth & Samuel
Traveling to: Kenya Family Safari
Their goal for this trip: Their second trip to Africa, a family safari to Tanzania. They want private safari vehicles, the guides need to specialize in the parks they are going to and speak excellent English. Ideally camps are small with no more than 20 guests. Varied activities – night safaris, boating, visit a school and village for the children, but not one of those villages that are frequented by hundreds of tourists, very keen on experiencing the culture, kids would love to interact with the locals as much as possible, love them to see the kids in school, and some good shopping for quality items (not gimmicks). Loved the idea of visiting an authentic elephant orphanage.
# of travelers: 4
Masai Mara National Park
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Private Conservancy
Day 1-2 Nairobi: Tamarind Tree Hotel They arrive into Nairobi, we chose a hotel that was easy, located near the local airport, offered good food and service and a swimming pool if the kids needed to get a little exercise after the long flight!
Day 2-5 Masai Mara: Spekes Camp This family safari starts off in the Masai Mara at a small private bush camp in the north conservancy. We chose this camp for its traditional African charm. Surrounded by indigenous trees, it overlooks the river, each tented suite offers traditional safari bucket showers (which the kids always love). At night they will sit around the bushfire sharing stories with their guide, camp staff and other travelers before retiring to bed.
Day 5-8 Masai Mara: Serian Camp For the next three days they will move to a different area of the Mara. With their private guide and spotter they are the captain of their ship, they will be able to do what they like, when they like, and that may include an excellent picnic breakfast one morning, a hot air balloon ride above the plains, visiting a village, or taking the vehicle on an all day adventure.
Day 8-11 Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy: Sarara Camp Their stunning camp is set on the edge of the Samburu Wilderness. Time spent here will be focusing on the elephant orphanage, witnessing the Samburu’s timeless tradition at the spiritual Singing Wells, we will take the children to visit and interact at a local school, and they will enjoy a few hours of beading with the local ladies. They may go horseback riding among the wildlife, no experience required, and in between activities they will enjoy their gorgeous family suite, with a private swimming pool and wildlife viewing deck.
Day 11-14 Lewa Conservancy: Lewa Wilderness Final stop for their family safari will be on the private Lewa conservancy. With so many activities to choose from including traditional game drives, the focus and our love of this area evolves around the black and white rhino of which there are plenty. They will visit and learn about behind the scenes conservation and poaching efforts that take place throughout Kenya, and perhaps enjoy some first hand experience with tracker dogs to witness how they track poachers. Downtime could be spent at the pool, helping bake cookies with the chef or in the Ndare Ngare Forest.
Clients: Andrew, Christina, Austen & Anastasia
Traveling to: Family Safari to Seychelles, Kenya, Victoria Falls, Botswana & South Africa
Their goal for this trip: A family safari. They want to stay in luxury accommodations, prefer 3 nights minimum at each place. A little active but don’t enjoy long hikes, love unique experiences, a little culture for the children, do not want long game drives every day prefer to break this up. Learn about conservation and anything animal related for the kids. Transition from place to place needs to be taken into consideration to make it easy.
# of travelers: 4
Mahe Island
Nairobi
Victoria Falls
Okavango Delta
Cape Town
Hermanus
Winelands
Private Game Reserve Sabi Sand
Private Game Reserve Kalahari
Day 1-6 Mahe: Maia Resort This family safari will begin in the stunning Seychelles Islands, at this premier luxury resort in a beach pool villa. We expect they will enjoy their private pool, relax in the loungers next to the beachside restaurant and sunset bar, enjoy the fitness center and yoga classes, good food, and all the water activities you could think of, available at their fingertips, led by world class instructors.
Day 6-8 Nairobi: Giraffe Manor From the Seychelles they take a direct flight into Nairobi. Here they will focus on the Rothschild Giraffe. Besides the popular breakfast with giraffe they will take a walk around the sanctuary, enjoy high tea with the giraffe, visit the Giraffe Center and enjoy nearby attractions such as Karen Blixen Museum and the elephant orphanage.
Day 8-10 Victoria Falls: Royal Livingstone Next stop is Victoria Falls. They wanted to spend time at a hotel close to the falls to enjoy the waking distance to this natural wonder also known as the smoke that thunders. During their stay they will enjoy a five-course dinner on the Royal Livingstone Express steam train as they meander through the national park often spotting wildlife along the route.
Day 10-12 Victoria Falls: Royal Chundu Their next lodge is positioned close to the Botswana border and sits on the banks of the Zambezi River. At night they will fall asleep to the sound of the hippos and in the morning they will wake the most stunning sunrise from their room. We have arranged a half day of canoeing with a private island lunch, and a few cultural experiences where the children will get to enjoy a local school visit.
Day 12-15 Okavango Delta: Jao Camp We fly them into Jao Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta. This camp is architecturally mind blowing. They will enjoy day and night game drives, bush walks and mokoro excursions.
Day 15-19 Cape Town: One & Only Last country on their journey is South Africa. They will be based at a waterfront hotel. We have arranged private touring with our guide which can be changed up as they wish, we included a day along the Cape Peninsula, visiting the penguin colony, viewing heritage sites as they stroll through the city center, a township tour to visit a local healer and learn about the apartheid era, and a cooking class with one of our top chefs in the city known for her vibrant personality.
Day 19-22 Hermanus: Grootbos Two hours from Cape Town you find is the seaside town of Hermanus. Grootbos is one of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Surrounded by lush fynbos gardens, their private decks have spectacular panoramic views. Here they will enjoy whale watching, horse-back riding, and shark cage diving.
Day 22-25 Cape Winelands: La Residence Three nights in Franschhoek with centuries-old vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture. La Residence is a treat for the soul. Interactive activities include their own Junior Masterchef classes baking and decorating cakes and cupcakes, pizza making, creating a mini-masterpiece with clay, plasticine, finger paints, or even oil on canvas. While here they will enjoy two customized day tours in the winelands that will include a few stops at interesting vineyards for wine tasting while the kids enjoy their chocolate tastings.
Day 25-28 Sabi Sand Private Reserve: Cheetah Plains The perfect way to explore South Africa’s Big 5 with their base at an exclusive use house. Game drives will be conducted via private electric vehicle equipped with professional Nikon cameras, binoculars and memory cards. In between game drives they may enjoy a massage, a work out in the gym or learning new recipes from their private chef.
Day 28-31 Kalahari Reserve: Tswalu Motse The final and most unique lodge of all, set at the foot of the Korannaberg Mountains, you find Tswalu Motse, overlooking the expansive Kalahari Reserve. On their final days in Africa with so much to choose from besides game drives they may enjoy horseback safaris, nature walks with interpretation on traditional plant use, meerkats, archaeological walks to rock engravings, school and clinic visits and interacting with all wildlife project work.
At Rothschild Safaris every trip is entirely customized for every single client. Tell us your needs, we take care of the rest!