We’ve some great safari specials to light up December’s grey days. Whether you are a safari first timer or seasoned veteran there’s something here to suit everyone across some of Africa’s finest national parks and wildlife reserves.
This stunning safari country, so brilliantly captured in the BBC’s new David Attenborough programme, Kingdom, (click here for itinerary ideas) is an all round safari winner. Varied national parks, contrasting habitats, plentiful wildlife and a range of safari activities are key ingredients here. In addition, Zambia is unusual in Africa as it allows both night drives and walking safaris inside the national parks, offering a new perspective on you surroundings.
Whether you are travelling as a family, as a couple or solo, there are plenty of offers to get excited about and three of our favourites are:
- Stay 6 pay 4 – Chiawa Safaris. This amazing offer gives each traveller up to two nights free of charge when spending a minimum of six nights at two of their four properties – Puku Ridge, Chichele Presidential Lodge, Chiawa and Puku Ridge. Conservation fees payable throughout.
- No single supplement – Robin Pope Safaris have a number of camps in the South Luangwa National Park and alongside discounts for long stay rates, they also do not charge a single supplement throughout the year.
- Last minute – The Bushcamp Company have some beautiful camps tucked away in the South Luangwa National Park. For any stay booked within 75 days of travel there is a 25% discount on accommodation rates.
Malawi
Charming Malawi punches above its weight with increasingly good safari options, huge variety in scenery and activities and wildlife. Recent conservation efforts ensure plenty of wildlife and the excellent guiding puts this lesser-known safari destination close to the top of my list.
- Family Safari – Robin Pope Safaris also have a number of camps in the prime national parks in Malawi, including on the Lake itself. The second child under the age of 16 is free of charge (conservation fees still payable), and this offer can be used in conjunction with their long stay rates and in their Zambian camps.
Kenya
A perennial favourite, Kenya has a justifiable reputation for world-class wildlife viewing. Ever-changing landscapes from the arid and semi-arid north of the country, Crater Lakes and mountains, and the Masai Mara’s open plains, provide the setting for a great cast of wildlife interactions. Riding safaris, camel rides and cultural encounters mix with traditional wildlife viewing. Add the stunning Indian Ocean coastline, you are spoilt for choice. With fabulously family friendly properties, and those ideal for honeymooners and couples, this country has something for everyone.
There are a range of offers here and some of our favourites include:
- Honeymoon Offer – Saruni have beautiful camps in Samburu National Park and the Masai Mara. Honeymooners receive 50% off the accommodation cost for the bride when booking four nights or more (conservation fees payable in full) at Saruni Samburu, Basecamp Samburu, Saruni Mara or Saruni Leopard Hill.
- Family Safari – Offbeat Safaris have camps in Laikipia and the Masai Mara. The third child (aged 4-11 years), is free of charge when sharing a triple tent (conservation fees payable)
- Long stay rates – The Safari Collection has stunning properties throughout Kenya. When combining nights in their camps (excluding Giraffe Manor) a discount of 25% – 40% is available, season and number of nights dependant.
Zimbabwe
Charismatic guides lead visitors through parks brimming with wildlife in Zimbabwe. You’ll find plenty of interesting history, the buzz of Victoria Falls and a range of authentic safari camps. Whether you are enjoying time in a specialist photographic hide, sitting by a busy waterhole, or enjoying a walking safari there’s always something incredible to see. Accommodation options are as varied as the landscapes, with everything from simple tents to luxurious lodges on offer. A couple of our favourite offers are;
- Stay 4 pay 3 – Great Plains have an enviable record for the quality of their camps and guiding. This offer is applicable at both Tembo Plains and the Zanji Suite in the Sapi Conservancy, Mana Pools. Conservation fees payable.
- Family safaris – Imvelo Safaris have a number of authentic bush camps and lodges in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. For families travelling between November and the end of April each year, children under 16 stay free when sharing with an adult (conservation fees payable)
- Honeymoon Offer – African Bush Camps offer excellent camps in key national parks in Zimbabwe. Honeymooners receive 50% off the accommodation cost for one person when booking a minimum of six nights at one or more of their camps (conservation fees payable in full)
Botswana
With the watery oasis of the Okavango Delta, the arid Kalahari and Makgadikgadi salt pans and the riverine habitats in Linyanti, Botswana is a country of incredible diversity. Huge tracts of land are protected for wildlife and a safari here is for those who love wildlife viewing with few other people. The opportunity to explore on the water as well as on foot ensures this safari-goers paradise deserves its superb reputation. Offers here are particularly valuable given the high cost of the private areas, particularly in high season.
- Honeymoon offer – Kwando Safaris have an enviable reputation for the quality of their camps, guiding and wildlife. With camps throughout the prime safari areas of the country it is easy to combine a couple of their camps in differing areas. Honeymooners receive 50% off the accommodation cost for one person (conservation fees payable in full)
- Free nights – Like in Zimbabwe, African Bush Camps have some wonderfully located camps in Botswana. With their free night offer – stay 6 pay 5 (conservation fees payable on free night), which is valid throughout the year, this is a great way of seeing prime wildlife areas for less, particularly in high season.
- Green Season Rates – some amazing savings can be had for travel between November and the end of March each year. Plenty of young wildlife is around, which in turn brings plenty of predators. In addition migratory birds are spectacular. Savings include significantly reduced rates with all Kwando Safaris properties for stays of five or more nights.
Looking ahead to 2026 there is plenty to feel good about when it comes to a holiday in Africa. Whether you are looking for a last-minute escape to warmer climes, or prefer to plan further in advance we’d be delighted to chat – please do get in touch.