Offseason African safari holiday ideas

African safari holiday ideas this spring

Wednesday, 04, Mar 2009 12:00

Now is the perfect time to pack the khaki clothing, binoculars and a bikini for good measure and head to Africa for a once in a lifetime holiday.

Whether looking for luxury on a budget or a 'back to basics' experience, this spring sees the introduction of some seriously savvy safari holiday deals. Whether sightseeing on the plains of the Masai Mara Reserve, taking in the stunning views of Kenya's Great Rift Valley or simply enjoying the luxury of some of the continent's finest lodges, there is plenty for everybody in Africa.

And with some new off season offers lowing prices even further, there has never been a better time to take a trip. Here travelbite.co.uk takes a look at some of the top safari holiday ideas on offer.

Cheli & Peacock

Cheli & Peacock's collection of 14 privately owned luxury camps and lodges in Kenya's top national parks are all located off the beaten track and ensure complete exclusivity.

The organisation offers a package which combines the rugged bush with the pristine shores of the Kenyan coast. Begin this two week adventure at Tortillis Camp, located on the plains beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, each tent offers stunning views across the savannah, as well as the watering hole which attracts an abundance of elephant.

Moving onto Elephant Pepper Camp for four nights, guests can continue game viewing, spotting the big five both on foot and in a 4x4 or simply relaxing around the camp fire. The safari adventure ends on the idyllic island of Lamu at Manda Bay staying in Robinson Crusoe style cottages and lounging on the white beach sipping cocktails.

Prices start at £5,400 per person based on two sharing (a saving of £420 per person), which includes full board accommodation (13 nights), return international flights, internal flights, transfers, two-nights at Tortillis, four nights at Elephant Pepper Camp and seven nights at Manda Bay.

The trip can be booked at Audley Travel until March 31st 2009.

Robin Pope Safaris

Looking to cut costs? Why not travel out of season?

To encourage its guests to visit Zambia during the 'Emerald Season' Robin Pope Safaris is offering some outstanding deals, with almost 40 per cent off, single supplements waivered, and free children's places. This can make it the ideal time for anyone to visit, whether travelling with family, friends or alone.

The Emerald Season may be hailed as the rainy period, but is actually during the African summer months, therefore affording high temperatures and long hours of sunshine with the occasional shower. As Robin Pope points out: "When the rains come and the rivers swell, the bush bursts with life, the colours are incredibly vivid and you have the most marvelous sense of renewal and abundance."

What makes this season even more special is it is the time of year when the elephants, zebra and warthog give birth to their young, along with the outstanding migrant and resident birds who are also in their breeding season.

It is a time when guests can enjoy more privacy, as there are generally fewer people around, meaning days can be tailored to guest's preferences, sometimes with private guides and exclusive access to the South Luangwa National Park via boat from Robin Pope Safaris Nkwali camp - situated on the banks of the Luangwa river.

From here, guests can take one on one 4x4 guided tours to spot the wildlife, or get closer to the smaller flora and fauna on walking safaris; alternatively combine Nkwali with Nsefu Camp and climb aboard one of their three 'Ali' boats (swamp cruisers) and discover the many lagoon systems off the main river.

A sample package - on offer from Exsus - would include seven nights on the 'Dash to the Bush', staying at Nkwali Camp during the Emerald season from £2,999 per person. The price includes full board accommodation, all game drives, park fees, international flights and transfers throughout.

There is more information on Robin Pope Safaris Emerald Season packages here.

Governor's Camp

Or, for fans of the BBC's Big Cat Diary wanting to meet the Kenyan feline stars in the flesh, now is the time to take advantage of a fantastic offer - savings of up to £835 per person.

The Governor's Camp was home to the BBC production team during the filming of the nature series and is perfectly situated in an area that provides the best wildlife viewing on the Masai Mara. Game drives in custom built 4x4's during a safari throughout the Masai Mara reserve will offer the opportunity to witness these magnificent animals as well as introduce guests to the plethora of other wildlife that teams across the world famous plains.

What's more the 'Green Season', from January through to end of May, is the breeding period for the animals; so holidaymakers might just be lucky enough to see some newborn cats before they become famous!

With this offer visitors will also visit the collection's Loldia House in the Great Rift Valley. The old farm house on Lake Naivasha is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the pleasures of Kenyan country life. Day trips can also be taken to the Lake Nakuru National Park, famed for its flamingo lakes, and excellent viewing of Black Rhinos and even the more elusive White Rhinos.

Aardvark Safaris offers a seven night trip to Kenya including three nights at Loldia House and four nights at Governors' Camp.

Prices start at £2,320 per person based on two sharing - a saving of £835 per person. The promotion includes internal flights, transfers, all accommodation, all meals, safari activities and park fees, and is valid for stays taken by May 31st 2009.

Zambian Horizons

Finally, Zambia Horizons offer a group of camps and lodges - ranging from luxury lodges to fly camping under the starry skies - all located in Zambia's South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Livingstone.

One of the most popular packages unites two of Zambia's most stunning destinations with two award winning lodges, Tongabezi in Livingstone and Sausage Tree Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Combined the pair offer an adrenalin fuelled holiday to remember.

Begin the trip with three nights at Tongabezi, where guests will get the chance to visit the mighty Victoria Falls, cruise the Zambezi River, and explore the Mosi Ao Tunya National Park while, and, for the more active traveller, white water rafting, elephant back safaris and micro-light flights over the falls are all on offer.

At Sausage Tree Camp for the remainder of the holiday (seven nights) guests will enjoy a host of activities including day and night game drives, guided bush walks, canoe safaris and boat cruises.

Prices start at £4,875 per person based on two sharing (a saving of over £1,000 per person), which includes ten nights full board accommodation, return international flights, internal flights, transfers and two fully guided safari/water activities per day.

The trip must be booked by March 31st, with travel valid between June 1st and November 15th 2009. Bookings can be made with Audley Travel.

Chris O'Toole