Tales from our travels

Read stories that inform and inspire, shaped by travel notes our team collected on the road.

Two rhinos stand in dry grass with another rhino behind them on open plains at Kwandwe Reserve in South Africa.
Story

If you love conservation, you need to monitor a rhino on safari

Darting, tagging, and monitoring helps protect rhinos from poaching. Participate hands-on in their conservation on your safari.

8 minutes

A white rhino and calf stand in dry grass beside scrub and trees in a South African reserve under soft light.
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The best safari parks in South Africa

An expert-informed guide to the best safari parks in South Africa. Learn where to go, the best places to stay, and when to go.

8 minutes

An elevated dining deck wraps around a bare tree at dusk, with a set table overlooking green bush and pink sky.
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The top luxury safari lodges in South Africa

Ranging from three to 12 suites, each of these intimate properties offers joyfully secluded retreats into the South African veld. The only challenge is deciding where to lay your head.

19 minutes

A woman in a brimmed hat stands on a rocky peak above misty mountain ranges in South Africa's Cape Winelands.
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Your expert guide to the South African Winelands: 14 of the best regions & routes

There’s a lot more to the Cape Winelands than Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Discover our favorite off-the-beaten-path routes to show you something new.

11 minutes

A leopard cub crouches in a tree at Sabi Sand, its spotted coat half hidden by green leaves in the fading light.
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Timbavati vs. Sabi Sands: Which is better?

Should you stay in Sabi Sands or Timbavati? Use this Kruger safari guide to decide.

9 minutes

A safari guide high-fives a child seated in an open vehicle, with golden grassland and soft evening light behind.
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The 10 best malaria-free safari destinations in South Africa

Experience big game viewing in South Africa’s most scenic, malaria-free game reserves.

17 minutes

A low lodge glows in a broad valley as a winding road leads toward snowcapped mountains under a pink sky.
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The 14 most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world

Our favorite spots for connection, spontaneity, and romance.

14 minutes

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka stands on a steep green hillside trail beside a ranger in Uganda's forested highlands.
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Women of the wild: 8 female conservationists you should know about

Meet the trailblazing women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our planet's most precious wild places and species.

7 minutes

A shopper with a woven basket stands among bright fruit and vegetable displays at Oranjezicht City Farm Market.
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The five best local markets in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a place where cultures collide, flavors mingle, and artists, craftspersons, designers, and culinary geniuses find their muse. Check out our favorite local markets in Cape Town.

9 minutes

Aerial view of Okavango Spirit surrounded by winding channels, trees, and vivid green wetlands in Botswana.
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What is a secret season safari in Africa?

Discover why our safari specialists consider Africa’s “green season” one of its best-kept secrets—offering unrivaled wildlife moments, fewer crowds, and exceptional value for those who know when to go.

8 minutes

A pangolin walking across red earth at Tswalu in South Africa's Southern Kalahari, under expansive skies.
Story

Ask the experts: What you need to know about photography on safari

Want to make the most of photography on your African safari? Our photo-expert clients weigh in on where to go, what to pack, and how to improve your photography experience on safari.

7 minutes

A lush rooftop lounge filled with plants and seating at Gigi Rooftop in Cape Town.
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The best bars and lounges in Cape Town, South Africa

From elegant cocktail lounges and vibey rooftop bars to lively taprooms and unassuming speakeasies, Cape Town opens up a whole new world of mixology.

8 minutes

Camps Bay beach stretches beneath the Twelve Apostles near Cape Town, with pale sand and waves in the foreground.
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The best time to visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination but some months shine brighter than others depending on the region.

7 minutes

A child stands in tall Okavango grass, holding a branch high while a guide watches nearby under open sky.
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What a day on safari with kids really looks like

From early meal times and flexible game drives to family activities and daily schedules, here’s what a day on safari looks like with kids.

7 minutes

An open safari vehicle watches elephants drinking at a waterhole, with rippled reflections and green hills beyond.
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How much does a South African safari cost?

Learn more about how much a safari costs and the factors that determine pricing. Plus, tips for stretching your dollar.

8 minutes

A safari vehicle parked beside flooded grasslands at sunset at Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
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13 must-visit African safari destinations

Dive into the best of African safaris, from the iconic Maasai Mara to the remote wilderness of Katavi, and beyond.

10 minutes

Riders on horseback move among zebra on open grassland in the Serengeti, backed by a stormy evening sky at dusk.
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Our top 8 horseback safari properties

Saddle up for a different kind of safari. Our experts reveal the most exceptional horseback properties where wildlife encounters unfold at a thrilling, ground-level pace.

9 minutes

Aerial water shows boats drifting over dark coral reefs and turquoise channels off Pemba Island in Tanzania.
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Diving in Africa: Nine of the best diving destinations for your safari

Africa is the perfect destination for divers and snorkelers alike. Discover our top 10 most stunning lodges for your luxury marine safari.

10 minutes

Zebras stand on a dirt track in Greater Kruger, with green grassland, scrub, and acacia trees behind them.
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Kenya vs. South Africa: Which is better for safari?

Should you go to Kenya or South Africa for a safari? Our experts compare the two destinations so you can decide which is best for you.

8 minutes

A walking guide leads three children along a grassy path, pointing across open plains beneath a wide pale sky.
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Family safari: Expert answers to the top 24 questions about Africa

Got questions about a safari with kids? We answer 24 common questions about planning a family safari. Get your expert answers here!

8 minutes

Two male lions walk along a sandy track ahead of a safari vehicle at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in South Africa.
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The best safaris near Cape Town

Although Cape Town offers a treasure trove of centrally-located things to do, South Africa‘s spectacular wildlife is best experienced beyond the pristine peninsula.

7 minutes

A swimming pool and loungers sit beside lawns, shaded paths, and leafy trees at Singita Castleton in South Africa.
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Our favorite exclusive-use properties for an Africa “buddymoon”

Inviting friends on your upcoming honeymoon? Try one of our top 8 property picks for ultra exclusive luxury stay in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa or the Seychelles.

9 minutes