Is this African safari for you?
Our African safaris are designed for travellers aged 40+
Our average age group is 55-65 years of age. If you have a sense of adventure, get on with people from all walks of life, don't mind getting a bit dusty during the day, and have a reasonable level of fitness and health then you are perfectly suited to our African safaris!
If you are travelling solo and would like to twin share with same gender, we will endeavour to find you a roommate.
If you are aged 75+ we will require a Medical Certificate confirming your fitness for the safari.
Accommodation
Our African safaris feature a variety of accommodation including upmarket lodges, first-class hotels, unique cottages/chalets, and permanent tents with ensuites.
Bush camping is only on our Southern Explorer safari.
We provide roomy dome tents high enough to stand up in and a 50mm mattress. You will bring your own sleeping bag.
On the road
Africa is huge and we do need to do some long days on the road to get to our favourite destinations.
The roads vary from modern bitumen highways to bumpy dusty tracks and everything in between but there's always something interesting to view from your seat high up on the truck.
Toilet stops are often roadside behind a bush - Africa is not blessed with a lot of public toilets outside of the cities.
The truck is naturally air-conditioned with fresh air blowing in the window.
Getting onboard the truck is via steepish steps but once on-board you are rewarded with fantastic views and the sweet sounds and smells of Africa. On our Eastern safaris, there is the opportunity to sit up above the cab in the open air.
Transport
East Africa
Scania Series 4 | 260 hp
Coach seats for up to 18 guests
Air bag suspension
Roll up PVC sides for unencumbered views
Open air bench seat behind cab for game viewing
Secure safe for money and passports
250 litre water tank providing free safe drinking water
Cool boxes to keep food chilled
Camp stools
Charging facilities for NZ or UK plugs
PA system
Meals
We are renowned for providing wholesome tasty meals using fresh ingredients. We cook outside on charcoal and gas BBQs. Meals are served buffet-style on a main table and we have camp stools to sit on.
Most days we include 3 meals (specified in the itinerary):
B - Breakfast (cereal, fresh fruit, toast, tea, coffee along with cooked options eg. eggs, bacon, sausage)
L - Lunch (cold meat, salad, bread, fruit, juice)
D - Dinner (vegetable soup, meat & vegetables, eg. bbq, curry, stew)
Trekking Gorillas and Chimpanzees
In East Africa you have the opportunity to trek primates - we do highly recommend you do the treks as this is a definite highlight of the safari. The cost per person is currently US$285 chimpanzees and US$850 for the gorillas. Fitness is key to you being able to undertake a trek!
The Chimpanzee Trek is on fairly flat dirt trails - expect to walk around 2 hours. Sometimes the chimpanzees are high up in the trees and sometimes on the ground - they are super athletes and can move extremely fast.
The Gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains and the trekking is usually up steep dirt tracks and through thick virgin bush. You most certainly need a good level of fitness for this trek and be able to walk anything from 2-6 hours. The trek goes at the pace of the slowest walker and frequent stops are made. Your reward is coming face-to-face with these mighty creatures. Your heart will be in your mouth and you'll be grinning from ear to ear - it really is the most awe-inspiring experience!
Terms & Conditions
For our Terms & Conditions please click here.
Pre-Departure Notes
Keen, but have questions?
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Contact Us
Send us an email with any queries,
or give us a call:
P: +64 21 881 063
E: info@thesafaricompany.co.nz
A: PO Box 1078, Cambridge, New Zealand