This 9 night, 10 day Safari combines small, environmentally-friendly tented Porini Camps located in private conservancies in the finest wildlife areas of Kenya:

Amboseli Porini Camp in the  exclusive 15,000 acre Selenkay Conservancy located in the Amboseli eco-system
Porini Rhino Camp in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest Black Rhino Sanctuary in East Africa
Mara Porini Camp in the Ol Kinyei conservancy, the first private conservancy in the Maasai Mara ecosystem
Porini Lion Camp in the Olare Orok Conservancy adjacent to the Maasai Mara, the most famous wildlife reserve in Kenya.

Day 1: Met on arrival at the International Airport by our representative and transfer to the luxurious The Tribe (B&B) for overnight. NOTE: 1-night in Nairobi can be taken at the beginning or end of the safari depending on arrival of international flight.

Day 2: 09.00 am – Transfer to Selenkay Conservancy (102 miles, 3 hrs) to arrive for lunch.  Afternoon escorted walk with Maasai warriors and visit a cultural village to get an insight into their fascinating culture.  Overnight Amboseli Porini Camp.

Day 3: Early morning game drive to Amboseli National Park and picnic lunch within the Park. Return to Porini Camp for a sundowner, night game drive and dinner at the camp. Overnight Amboseli Porini Camp.

Day 4: Early breakfast then transfer to Amboseli for your flight to Nanyuki departing at 09.05 hrs connecting in Wilson onto 10.20 flight to Nanyuki.  Arrive Porini Rhino Camp in time for lunch and afternoon game drive in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Sundowner, dinner and overnight at Porini Rhino Camp.

Day 5: Full day in Ol Pejeta with game drives, bush walks and visit to the Chimpanzee sanctuary. Night Game drive, dinner and overnight Porini Rhino Camp.

Day 6: Transfer to Nanyuki airstrip for your flight to Maasai Mara departing at 0945 hrs. Met on arrival at Siana airstrip and transfer to Mara Porini Camp. Lunch at the camp followed by afternoon game drive within Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Enjoy a sundowner followed by a night game drive on the way back to Camp. Dinner and overnight Mara Porini Camp.

Day 7: Mara Porini Camp with all activities. Overnight Mara Porini Camp.

Day 8: After breakfast, game drive in Maasai Mara Game Reserve with picnic lunch. Sundowner, night game drive, dinner and overnight Porini Lion Camp

Day 9: Porini Lion Camp with all activities. Overnight Porini Lion Camp

Day 10: Early morning bush walk, breakfast and then game drive on way to the airstrip for flight back to Nairobi, arriving Wilson at approximately 12.15. Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for international flight home.

Prices include Road transfer from Nairobi to Amboseli Porini. Flights Amboseli-Wilson-Nanyuki/Ol Pejeta-Mara-Wilson. Amboseli Porini for 2 nights, Amboseli park fees and conservancy fees, Porini Rhino Camp for 2 nights including all park /conservancy fees, 2 nights Mara Porini and 2 nights Porini Lion Camp with park and conservancy fees included. All game drives in 4×4 vehicles, fullboard and free house wines, beer and soft drinks. And all activities at Porini Camps.

Our rates:
1 June – 30 June; 1 Nov – 20 Dec: $4130 per person double
1 July – 31 Oct: $5120 per person double
Single Supplement $100 per day

Download Itinerary as PDF Document

(more…)

A fascinating tour encompassing the best that South Africa has to offer
in the way of scenery, wildlife and culture between Johannesburg and Durban…….. Book for 1 adult, receive 50% off the tour price of the second adult sharing

Promotional Departure: 09 May- 06 June- 25 July -01 August - 12 Sept

Day 1 – Monday
Depart Johannesburg and travel to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun – Mpumalanga – via the magnificent Panorama Route. The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33km long gorge, which starts at “Bourke’s Luck Potholes” and ends at the “Three Rondavels”. Time and weather permitting, stop at God’s Window and the Mac Mac Falls. Late afternoon arrival at your hotel. Check in and freshen up before dinner. Overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar (D)

Day 2 – Tuesday
Early this morning you will depart on an open vehicle safari through the Kruger National Park. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. At nearly 2 million hectares, the reserve is the flagship of South African National Parks and is home to an impressive number of flora and fauna. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You will have the option to return to the Kruger National Park to absorb the tranquil beauty of an evening safari (additional charge).
Dinner and overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar (BD)

Day 3 – Wednesday
After breakfast, travel to the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny mountainous kingdom is filled with bygone African traditions and culture and offers beautiful scenery and attractions such as game reserves and art & craft outlets to name a few. Enjoy a showcase of the traditional Swazi culture followed by lunch at the Matsamo Cultural Village. Continue to the Ngwenya Glass Works to see master craftsmen create beautiful sculptures and artwork from molten glass. After spending some time at the Mbabane craft markets, arrive at your hotel located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. Overnight Royal Swazi Sun (standard room) or similar(BL)

Day 4 – Thursday
Enjoy a morning visit to the Swazi Candle Factory where each candle is made and finished by hand using the age-old technique “millefiore”. No two are the same and the range boasts an astonishing array of patterns, shapes and designs. Continue via Big Bend into KwaZulu-Natal. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, in time to embark on an afternoon scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, offering views over Lake Jozini. At the summit and as the setting sun transforms the sky into a tapestry of colours, stop for sundowners. The drive will be combined with a visit to a local and authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into Zulu life in today’s world. Return to the hotel for dinner on the terrace (weather permitting) or in the classically styled restaurant.
Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar (BD

Day 5 – Friday
Your morning is at leisure today and you have the option of doing a morning safari if you wish (for your own account). This afternoon you will transfer to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve for an afternoon of game viewing. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve covers a combined area of 90 000ha and it was here that the white rhino was saved from extinction. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. End the day with dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar (BD)

Day 6 – Saturday
Continue the journey along the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal to St Lucia, located at the southern extremity of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Here you embark on an estuarine boat trip which provides an opportunity to view crocodiles, hippo and numerous bird species, including the elusive African Kingfisher Eagle, in their natural habitat. Continue to Durban, where east meets west; a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa. Arrive during the afternoon at your hotel which is located on the Gold Mile – Durban’s distinctive beach front.
Overnight Southern Sun Elangeni (standard room) or similar (B)

Day 7 – Sunday
This morning you will embark on a brief Durban City Tour where you will discover the cultural and historical contrasts of the city. The tour ends with drop-off at Durban International Airport or your Durban based hotel. (B)

Our Rates – Scheduled Tours
01 Oct 10 – 31 Dec 11
Per person sharing US$ 1880  – single sup US$ 350

Notes: This tour departs weekly on Mondays from Johannesburg or Durban.
A pre-night stay and sightseeing tours in Johannesburg or Durban is recommended.
National Park fees are included.
Transportation: Tour in air-conditioned micro-buses or 18-seater mini-buses.
Professionally Escorted: Discover South Africa with our professional Tour Guides.
This tour departs with min 2, max 12 guests

Download Itineray as PDF Document

Experience the best that South Africa has to offer in the way of scenery, wildlife and culture between Johannesburg and Cape Town………… Book for 1 adult, receive 50% off the tour price of the second adult sharing

Promotional Departure: 09 May- 06 June- 25 July -01 August – 12 Sept

Day 1 – Monday
Depart Johannesburg and travel to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun – Mpumalanga – via the magnificent Panorama Route. The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at “Bourke’s Luck Potholes” and ends at the “Three Rondavels”. Time and weather permitting, stop at God’s Window and the Mac Mac Falls. Late afternoon arrival at your hotel. Check in and freshen up before dinner. Overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar (D).

Day 2 – Tuesday
Early this morning you will depart on an open vehicle safari through the Kruger National Park. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. At nearly 2 million hectares, the reserve is the flagship of South African National Parks and is home to an impressive number of flora and fauna. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You will have the option to return to the Kruger National Park to absorb the tranquil beauty of an evening safari (additional charge). Dinner and overnight Perry’s Bridge Hollow (standard room) or similar(BD).

Day 3 – Wednesday
After breakfast, travel to the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland. This tiny mountainous kingdom is filled with bygone African traditions and culture and offers beautiful scenery and attractions such as game reserves and art & craft outlets to name a few. Enjoy a showcase of the traditional Swazi culture followed by lunch at the Matsamo Cultural Village. Continue to the Ngwenya Glass Works to see master craftsmen create beautiful sculptures and artwork from molten glass. After spending some time at the Mbabane craft markets, arrive at your hotel located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. Overnight Royal Swazi Sun (standard room) or similar(BL)

Day 4 – Thursday
Enjoy a morning visit to the Swazi Candle Factory where each candle is made and finished by hand using the age-old technique “millefiore”. No two are the same and the range boasts an astonishing array of patterns, shapes and designs. Continue via Big Bend into KwaZulu Natal. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, in time to embark on an afternoon scenic drive up the Ubombo Mountains, offering views over Lake Jozini. At the summit and as the setting sun transforms the sky into a tapestry of colours, stop for sundowners. The drive will be combined with a visit to a local and authentic Zulu homestead for a glimpse into Zulu life in today’s world. Return to the hotel for dinner on the terrace (weather permitting) or in the classically styled restaurant. Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar(BD).

Day 5 – Friday
This morning is at leisure, with the option to go on a morning safari if you wish (for your own account). This afternoon you will transfer to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve for an afternoon of game viewing. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve covers a combined area of 90 000ha and it was here that the white rhino was saved from extinction. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. End the day with dinner at the hotel. Overnight Ghost Mountain Inn (standard room) or similar (BD).

Day 6 – Saturday
Continue the journey along the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu Natal to St Lucia, located at the southern extremity of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Here you embark on an estuarine boat trip which provides an opportunity to view crocodiles, hippo and numerous bird species, including the elusive African Kingfisher Eagle, in their natural habitat. Continue to Durban, where east meets west; a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa. Arrive during the afternoon at your hotel which is located on the Gold Mile – Durban’s distinctive beach front. Overnight Southern Sun Elangeni (standard room) or similar(B).

Day 7 – Sunday
This morning you will embark on a brief Durban City Tour where you will spend the morning discovering the cultural and historical contrasts of the city. Check in at Durban International Airport for your afternoon domestic flight to Port Elizabeth (flight cost not included). On arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, transfer to your hotel. Overnight Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth (standard room) or similar (B).

Day 8 – Monday
Depart Port Elizabeth and travel via the coastline to the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. Described as the ‘garden of the Garden Route’, the Tsitsikamma actually deserves a more vivid description to encapsulate the beauty of the place. Enjoy a walk along the suspension bridge across the Storms River mouth gorge which offers visitors incredible views and photo opportunities. Continue to Plettenberg Bay for dinner and overnight. Overnight Laird’s Lodge (standard room) or similar(BD).

Day 9 – Tuesday
After breakfast, get up-close-and-personal with nature at the Knysna Elephant Park. With the help of the resident African elephants and the well-informed guides, you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The visit presents you with the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph these gentle giants. After lunch (to own account), travel to Plettenberg Bay for a visit to Birds of Eden – the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world. Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds and the sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation. Time permitting you have the option of embarking on a Whale & Dolphin boat experience (weather permitting and to own account) before returning to the lodge. Dinner and overnight Laird’s Lodge (standard room) or similar (BD).

Day 10 – Wednesday
After breakfast and check-out formalities, proceed to the lagoon side town of Knysna – the gem of the Garden Route. Enjoy some time at leisure at the Knysna Waterfront Complex before embarking on a fun and adventurous cruise to and INTO the Knysna Heads (weather permitting) on board the Three Legs Rivercat – one of the most advanced river cruisers ever built. On return to the mainland, continue to Oudtshoorn – the ‘feather capital’ of the world due to its large ostrich industry. Visit a working ostrich farm for a guided tour. Check into your accommodation in the late afternoon before enjoying dinner. Overnight De Opstal Country Lodge (standard room) or similar(BD).

Day 11 – Thursday
Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Enjoy a morning tour of the Cango Caves before departing Oudtshoorn. The Cango Caves is one of the natural wonders of the world and has become a major draw-card to the Karoo area. Afterward, travel via Route 62 to Barrydale for lunch (to own account). Arrive in Cape Town around 18h00. Overnight Southern Sun Waterfront (standard room) or similar(B).

Day 12 – Friday
This morning you embark on a full day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour – an awe-inspiring tour passing magnificent beaches, breathtaking views and historic & picturesque coastal villages to the towering headland known as Cape Point. The tour ends upon return to your hotel during the late afternoon. Overnight Southern Sun Waterfront (standard room) or similar (B).

Day 13 – Saturday
Today you embark on a full day Cape Winelands Tour. This is a delightful drive, which winds its way to the heart of the Cape Winelands through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Return to Cape Town during the late afternoon. Overnight Southern Sun Waterfront (standard room) or similar (B).

Day 14 – Sunday
Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Morning collection from the hotel for a City Tour – a geographical and cultural extravaganza showing you Cape Town from its historical beginnings to the dazzling modern shopping malls of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Your tour ends with drop-off at Cape Town International Airport (B).

Our Rates – Scheduled Tours:
01 Oct 10 – 30 Apr 11 & 01 Oct 11 – 31 Dec 11
Per person sharing US$ 3450 – single sup US$ 950
01 May 10 – 30 Sept 11
Per person sharing US$ 3200 – single sup US$ 810

Download Itinerary as PDF Document

This 7 day camping safari departs daily from Nairobi between 1st July and 31st October.

This camping safari has been designed to offer the same high quality wildlife safari experience provided by the top-end safari camps, with 4×4 game viewing escorted by top class guides and in exclusive wildlife conservancies away from the tourist minibuses, but at a hugely reduced price by staying in small basic mobile camps, “real camping” instead of the luxury accommodation of the expensive up-market tented lodges.

For those for whom the wildlife safari experience is more important than the accommodation, and who are prepared to sleep in small tents in sleeping bags on a mattress on the floor with an element of “roughing it”, this gives an opportunity for an exceptional and exclusive wildlife experience with high quality guiding but at a fraction of the price.

Camping Safari Experience
The Gamewatchers Mobile Camps are sited in private conservancies with a wealth of wildlife and where you can go on walks with Maasai guides and take night drives but they are also conveniently located for easy access to Amboseli National Park and the Maasai Mara Reserve.

DAY 1
Meet and transfer to your safari vehicle to be driven from Nairobi to Selenkay Conservancy (102 miles, 4 hours), stopping en route to buy your choice of drinks for the next 3 days and arriving for a late lunch at camp. All meals and mineral water are provided in camp. Take a rest after lunch and then go out on an afternoon game drive to explore the Selenkay Conservancy. All the big cats have been seen in the Conservancy as well as elephants and a wide range of species including large numbers of giraffes, zebra, and antelopes. There are also less common animals to be seen such as the long-necked gerenuk gazelle, lesser kudu and African wildcat. Dinner and overnight in the camp at Selenkay.

DAY 2
After an early breakfast spend the morning on a game drive in the Selenkay Conservancy and an escorted nature walk with Maasai guides, returning to camp for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit a nearby Maasai Village where you will get to known more about the way of life of a Masai before enjoying a night game drive with a spotlight to seek out the nocturnal animals as you head back to camp in the dark. Dinner and overnight in camp at Selenkay.

DAY 3
Early breakfast and then drive through the bush into Amboseli National Park for a full day there with good views of Kilimanjaro and close-up observation of elephants, as well as many other species. Return to camp in Selenkay Conservancy later in the afternoon after a picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight in the camp at Selenkay.

DAY 4
After breakfast drive out of the Conservancy and back to Nairobi to transfer to Wilson Airport to catch the afternoon light aircraft flight to the Mara, arriving at 4pm. Upon arrival at the airstrip in the Mara you will be transferred to the Gamewatchers Mobile Camp in Ol Kinyei Conservancy and shown to your tent, before heading out on an evening game drive in the conservancy to see some of the wildlife for which the Mara is famous. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5
Wake up at dawn and enjoy an early game drive in the conservancy on the look out for the big cats, returning to camp for a late breakfast followed by an escorted nature walk and then lunch. In the afternoon enjoy another gamedrive in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy with a night drive as you head back to camp driving in the dark with a spotlight for the chance to see the nocturnal animals. Dinner and overnight at camp in Ol Kinyei.

DAY 6
An early breakfast followed by a full day of game viewing in the Mara Reserve, taking a picnic lunch. Return to the camp in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

DAY 7
A final short early morning game drive in the conservancy followed by breakfast and then leave camp for the 4 hour drive back to Nairobi for your international flight home.

Click here to download itinerary and pictures

Where is it: In the Eastern Cape, near Grahamstown and adjacent to Kwandwe Game Reserve and the Great Fish Nature Reserve (2 hours by road from Port Elizabeth Airport). The Great Fish River runs through the reserve.

Tell us more: Owned by the Stewart family, this 5500 hectare reserve has incredible views towards theSouth African hinterland. Two accommodation options include the The Guest House, which was the original Settler farm house – which in turn was in part a fort in the Frontier Wars in the 1870′s – and the Luxury Tented Camp, full size, Meru style tents on stilts to maximize the view. Each option is very different in character, but limited to 8 guests in each camp, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. They are in different locations, so a combination stay is possible – and recommended. This isn’t a Big Five reserve, but plains game, buffalo, rhino, jackal, caracal and hippo are plentiful, and the adjacent Great Fish Reserve has one of the highest populations of the rare black rhino in the world. Guided walks, San Bushman paintings, game       drives, quad biking trails and night drives are all offered.

Best feature: This reserve shares with Kwandwe one of the most beautiful locations of any Eastern Cape Reserve: facing north towards the mountains and with the iconic Great Fish Reserve as a boundary.

Hmmm aspect: It’s not Big Five, and so if you want the Big Cats you can either combine with a night at Kwandwe Game Reserve – or do a day safari at nearby Kariega Game Reserve.
Good to combine with: Charming Garden Route guesthouses, such as Hog Hollow, Southern Cross and Cottage Pie to make a highly affordable itinerary.

Would suit best: The Guesthouse works well with families (children over 6) – although the four poster beds also make it appealing for couples, while the tented lodge has a real back to nature appeal, reminiscent of Botswana, and would suit birders and those looking for privacy.

Summary: Far from the crowds, this is an honest to goodness nature experience that sets a new benchmark for value for money in not only the Eastern Cape, but in South Africa. Unwind Africa seems to be one of the few operators aware of it, let’s try and keep it that way!

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has reduced the fees from $500 to $350 per permit in the low season months of March to May and October, November –

This will apply to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park.