Our Safari & Adventure Partners

The Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania form one of the most iconic safari regions in the world, renowned for the Great Migration. 

This natural spectacle, considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, involves the annual movement of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles in search of fresh pastures, driven by seasonal rains and the need for food.

The migration is a year-round cycle that moves through different parts of the Serengeti and into the Maasai Mara. 

It typically begins with the calving season in January to March, when the wildebeest give birth to thousands of calves in the Ndutu region of the southern Serengeti.

This is a time of abundance, attracting predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas that prey on the vulnerable young animals.

As the dry season sets in around April to June, the herds begin their northward journey, forming vast columns that stretch across the plains, reaching the Grumeti River in the western Serengeti, where crocodiles await in the murky waters. 

Crossing this river is one of the migration’s first significant challenges, as the predators wait for a feast.

By July to September, the herds move into the northern Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This period includes the dramatic Mara River crossings, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunge into the river, facing swift currents and lurking crocodiles. 

These crossings are among the most thrilling spectacles in nature, drawing wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the world.

As the short rains begin in October and November, the herds head back south towards the Serengeti, completing their cyclical journey and preparing for the next calving season.

The migration attracts a host of predators, making the Maasai Mara and Serengeti some of the best places in the world for big cat sightings:

Lions: Both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara have healthy lion populations. Visitors often encounter large prides, and the abundance of prey makes for exciting game-viewing opportunities. Seeing a lioness hunting or a pride gathering at a kill is a highlight for many safari-goers.

Cheetahs: The open plains of the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara provide the perfect hunting grounds for cheetahs, who rely on speed to catch prey like young wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelles. 

These elegant predators can often be spotted scanning the landscape from termite mounds.

Leopards: Although elusive, leopards can be seen resting in trees along rivers or near kopjes (rocky outcrops) in both parks. 

Their solitary nature makes them harder to spot, but the riverine areas provide a good chance to catch a glimpse of these nocturnal hunters.

Crocodiles: The Mara River is particularly known for its large Nile crocodiles, which lie in wait during the migration, ready to ambush the crossing wildebeest. Their incredible power and stealth make for intense moments as the herds attempt to reach the other side.

While the Great Migration is the star attraction, the Maasai Mara and Serengeti are also home to a rich diversity of wildlife that can be enjoyed throughout the year:

Elephants: Herds of elephants roam the landscapes, their presence adding a gentle contrast to the drama of the migration. 

They can be seen in the Seronera area of the Serengeti and across the Mara’s woodlands.

Buffalo: Both parks are home to large herds of Cape buffalo, often seen grazing in open areas. They are one of the Big Five and, despite their herbivorous diet, are known to be one of Africa's most dangerous animals due to their unpredictable nature.

Giraffes: The Maasai giraffe, with its unique markings, is common in both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Watching them browse acacia trees is a serene experience that adds to the park’s timeless beauty.

Birdlife: Bird enthusiasts will find over 500 bird species in these regions, including secretary birds, ostriches, lilac-breasted rollers, and vultures that circle above the savannah, drawn by predator kills. 

The Mara River and the seasonal wetlands of the Serengeti also attract flamingos, pelicans, and crowned cranes.

South Africa offers  incredible safari destinations—Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Etosha National Park in Namibia—each offering a unique blend of wildlife, landscapes, and safari experiences:

Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Overview: Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest wildlife reserves and offers a vast range of ecosystems, from dense forests to open savannahs and riverine habitats. 

Its extensive network of roads makes it highly accessible for self-drive safaris, while numerous private reserves on its western boundary, such as Sabi Sands and Timbavati, provide luxury experiences.

The Big Five: Kruger is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino (both black and white), elephant, and buffalo. These animals are often spotted around watering holes, riverbanks, and open grasslands, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. 

The park’s private reserves provide up-close encounters during guided game drives, with skilled rangers who track elusive animals like leopards.

Beyond the Big Five, Kruger is home to a rich diversity of species, including hippos and crocodiles in the Sabie River, hyenas prowling for scavenging opportunities, and African wild dogs, which are endangered and known for their highly social packs. Large herds of zebra, giraffe, kudu, and impala dot the savannahs, making for diverse and dynamic game viewing.

Luxury Lodges: The private reserves adjacent to Kruger, like Singita, Londolozi, and Ulusaba, offer a blend of luxury, privacy, and exclusive game viewing experiences. 

These lodges feature plunge pools, private decks, and gourmet cuisine, making them a perfect choice for those seeking comfort alongside adventure. Guests can enjoy guided night drives, walking safaris, and off-road excursions to get closer to wildlife.

Okavango Delta (Botswana)

Overview: The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest inland deltas in the world that forms a lush, intricate network of channels, lagoons, and islands created by seasonal floodwaters from the Angolan highlands. 

This unique ecosystem provides a watery sanctuary in the midst of Botswana's arid landscapes.

Safari by Water: The Delta’s floodwaters make it an ideal destination for a different kind of safari experience. 

Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions allow visitors to silently glide through the water, offering close-up views of lily-covered lagoons, hippos, crocodiles, and frogs. 

These water-based safaris provide a tranquil, immersive experience in contrast to vehicle-based game drives.

Walking Safaris: In addition to mokoro rides, walking safaris offer the chance to explore the Delta's islands on foot. 

Guided by experienced trackers, you can get a close look at elephants, antelope like lechwe and reedbuck, and even spot the smaller, often overlooked creatures like chameleons and rare orchids.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise: 

The Okavango Delta is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 400 bird species. Among the highlights are kingfishers, African fish eagles, herons, storks, and the colorful carmine bee-eaters that nest along riverbanks. The seasonal changes in the Delta also bring in migratory birds, making it a dynamic environment throughout the year.

Luxury Camps: Many camps in the Okavango Delta, such as Jao Camp and Mombo Camp, provide luxury tented accommodations with spectacular views of the waterways. 

These camps focus on sustainability and blending into the natural surroundings, ensuring minimal environmental impact while offering an unforgettable stay.

Etosha National Park (Namibia)

Overview: Etosha National Park is Namibia's premier safari destination, known for its striking salt pans and wide-open vistas. 

The Etosha Pan, a vast, shimmering salt flat that can be seen from space, dominates the park's landscape. This ancient lake bed transforms into a shimmering mirage in the dry season, while the rainy season turns parts of it into a temporary lake, attracting large flocks of flamingos.

Waterhole Safaris: Etosha’s dry environment makes waterholes crucial gathering points for wildlife. 

During the dry season, from May to October, animals like elephants, black and white rhinos, zebras, springboks, and giraffes congregate at these waterholes, making them ideal for photography and observation. Visitors often park their vehicles nearby to witness this natural spectacle.

India and Sri Lanka offer some of the best wildlife experiences in East Asia, with opportunities to witness magnificent tigers, leopards, and a variety of other wildlife amidst landscapes rich in history and natural beauty. 

Each destination provides its own unique charm, from ancient ruins to dense jungles and coastal ecosystems.

Ranthambore National Park (India)

Overview: Located in the Rajasthan region, Ranthambore National Park is one of India’s most famous wildlife reserves, covering around 1,334 square kilometers. 

It is set against a stunning backdrop of ancient forts, crumbling temples, and the Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 10th century. 

These historic structures, intertwined with dense forests and open grasslands, create a picturesque setting for wildlife viewing.

Tigers: Ranthambore is particularly renowned for its tiger population, making it one of the best places in the world to observe these elusive big cats in the wild. 

The park’s relatively small size and its network of lakes, like Padam Talao and Rajbagh Talao, make it easier to spot tigers during their hunts or while they rest in the shade. 

Some of its tigers, like the famous Machli, have become legends, known for their distinctive behaviors and territorial battles.

Other Wildlife: Besides tigers, Ranthambore is home to leopards, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, and a variety of deer species such as chital (spotted deer) and sambar deer. 

The park's lakes and rivers also attract marsh crocodiles, which can be seen basking along the shores. 

Additionally, the park’s diverse birdlife, including kingfishers, eagles, and peafowls (peacocks), makes it a great destination for birdwatchers.

Unique Scenery: The combination of deciduous forests, grasslands, and ancient ruins gives Ranthambore a unique atmosphere. 

The dramatic ruins of Ranthambore Fort, with its stone walls and towers, serve as perches for langur monkeys and eagles, adding a layer of history and mystique to the safari experience. 

The park's landscape transforms with the seasons, from lush greenery during the monsoons to a more arid and open terrain in the dry season, offering varying perspectives for visitors.

Kanha National Park: Located in the Madhya Pradesh state, Kanha is often referred to as the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Its sal forests, bamboo groves, and meadows create a picturesque habitat for a thriving population of Bengal tigers. 

The park is also known for its barasingha (swamp deer), which has been brought back from the brink of extinction. 

The park’s vast size allows for extended safaris, with the chance to see leopards, wild dogs, and gaur (Indian bison).

Bandhavgarh National Park: Also in Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is known for its high density of tigers within a compact area, making sightings more frequent. 

The park’s Bandhavgarh Fort, perched on a hill, adds a historical dimension similar to Ranthambore’s fortifications.

Bandhavgarh’s terrain includes rugged cliffs, forest-covered hills, and bamboo thickets, which provide a dramatic setting for wildlife encounters. 

It’s an excellent place to spot leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of deer species, alongside the majestic Bengal tigers.

Yala National Park (Sri Lanka)

Located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the country’s second-largest and most popular wildlife reserve, covering about 979 square kilometers.

 It offers a unique blend of jungle, grasslands, lagoons, and beaches, making it one of the few parks in the world where you can see big cats with the backdrop of the ocean. Its diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, making it a top destination for nature enthusiasts.

Leopards: Yala is world-renowned for its leopard population, with Block I of the park having one of the highest concentrations of leopards per square kilometer. 

This makes Yala one of the best places globally to spot these typically elusive cats during daylight hours. 

Leopards in Yala are often seen lounging on rocks, draped over tree branches, or patrolling their territories.

 Australia's Kakadu and Daintree National Parks offer unique safari experiences that blend incredible wildlife encounters with rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. 

These parks provide a distinctive perspective on Australia's diverse ecosystems, from ancient rock formations to lush rainforests and rivers teeming with life.

Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory)

Kakadu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for both its natural and cultural significance. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, it's Australia’s largest national park, 

Encompassing wetlands, river systems, rocky escarpments, and monsoon forests. The park's landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, from flooded plains during the wet season to dry, open grasslands in the dry season.

Wildlife: Kakadu is home to saltwater crocodiles, which can grow up to 7 meters long, making it one of the best places to observe these ancient reptiles in their natural habitat. 

Yellow Water Billabong, one of the park’s most famous spots, is ideal for boat cruises where visitors can safely view crocodiles basking along the banks or gliding through the water. 

The park also supports water buffalo, wallabies, and kangaroos, which graze on the savannahs and wetlands.

Birdlife: 

The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 280 bird species recorded. Among its highlights are jabirus (also known as black-necked storks), brolgas, magpie geese, and the colorful rainbow bee-eaters. 

During the wet season, the flooded plains become a haven for waterbirds, including whistling ducks, egrets, and kingfishers.

Indigenous Culture and Rock Art: Kakadu is also a treasure trove of Indigenous Australian culture, with rock art sites that date back over 20,000 years. Ubirr and Nourlangie are two of the most famous sites, featuring intricate paintings of Dreamtime stories, hunting scenes, and spiritual beings. 

The art provides insight into the connection between the Bininj/Mungguy people and the land, and guided tours by Indigenous rangers offer a deeper understanding of these cultural stories and the significance of Kakadu's landscapes.

Scenic Highlights: Beyond wildlife, Kakadu’s landscapes are breathtaking, with towering sandstone cliffs at Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls that cascade into pristine plunge pools. 

The Arnhem Land escarpment offers sweeping views of the park’s diverse terrain, creating a sense of awe and timelessness.

Daintree Rainforest (Queensland)

Overview: Daintree Rainforest is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area and is believed to be over 180 million years old, making it one of the world's oldest surviving rainforests. 

Covering around 1,200 square kilometers, it stretches from the Daintree River north to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, creating a unique fusion of coastal and jungle ecosystems.

Wildlife: 

The Daintree is a haven for unique and often rare species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. 

One of its most iconic inhabitants is the cassowary, a large, flightless bird with a striking blue neck and a prehistoric appearance. Cassowaries play a crucial role in the rainforest's ecology by spreading seeds from the fruits they eat, contributing to the forest's regeneration.

Other Fauna: The rainforest is also home to tree kangaroos, an arboreal relative of the common kangaroo that moves through the canopy, and the spotted-tailed quoll, a shy carnivorous marsupial. In the rivers and streams, you can spot the elusive platypus, a small, egg-laying mammal with a duck-like bill, and freshwater crocodiles, which are smaller and less aggressive than their saltwater relatives in Kakadu.

Biodiversity: 

The Daintree Rainforest is famous for its incredible plant diversity, with ancient ferns, cycads, and towering kauri trees that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. This rich flora supports a variety of insects, including vibrant butterflies like the Ulysses butterfly, and is also home to over 430 bird species, such as kingfishers, fruit doves, and the great-billed heron.

 Yellowstone National Park in the United States provides a wildlife experience that rivals some of the world's best-known safari destinations, offering a unique combination of large mammals, dramatic landscapes, and iconic geothermal features. 

Covering over 2.2 million acres across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is not only the world's first national park but also a critical sanctuary for North American wildlife. 

The park's varied ecosystems, from mountainous terrain to river valleys and thermal basins, support an impressive range of species.

Grizzly Bears and Black Bears: Yellowstone is a top destination for observing grizzly bears and black bears in the wild. In spring, when they emerge from their winter dens, they can often be seen near riverbanks and meadows, feeding on new vegetation or scavenging for winterkill (animals that perished during the harsh winter).

 By summer, they roam the higher elevations, while autumn is a prime time to watch them as they forage intensively in preparation for hibernation.

Gray Wolves: One of the park’s most remarkable success stories is the reintroduction of gray wolves in 1995, after a 70-year absence. 

Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley is now known as the Serengeti of North America, providing some of the best opportunities to see wolves in their natural environment. 

Watching wolf packs interact, hunt, and roam the valley is a highlight for many visitors, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics and natural behavior of these predators.

American Bison: Yellowstone is home to the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the continental United States, a symbol of the American West. 

The Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley are prime spots to observe these massive creatures, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. 

During the autumn rut (mating season), bison become more active and vocal, with bulls engaging in head-butting contests to establish dominance. In winter, they can be seen using their powerful heads to sweep aside snow in search of grasses beneath.

Elk: Elk are among the most commonly spotted animals in Yellowstone, especially during the autumn rut when bull elk let out their distinctive bugling calls—a haunting sound that echoes through the valleys. 

Mammoth Hot Springs and the Gardiner River area are good spots to see large elk herds.

In spring, calving season brings opportunities to see young elk alongside their mothers as they graze in lush meadows.

Moose: Though less commonly seen than bison or elk, moose inhabit the park’s river valleys, especially around Willow Park, Swan Lake Flats, and Yellowstone Lake. 

Known for their long legs and massive antlers, these solitary giants are a special sight, often seen browsing on willows and aquatic plants along riverbanks.

Geothermal Wonders

Yellowstone is as famous for its geothermal features as it is for its wildlife, adding a spectacular backdrop to the safari experience:

Geysers and Hot Springs: The park contains more than 10,000 geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts with astonishing regularity, and Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S., known for its vivid, rainbow-colored mineral deposits. 

These features create a surreal landscape of steaming vents, boiling mud pots, and sapphire blue pools.

Geothermal Ecosystems: 

The heat from these geothermal features creates unique microhabitats where certain plants and bacteria thrive. These areas attract animals, particularly in winter, when thermal basins like Norris Geyser Basin provide pockets of warmth where bison and elk often gather to escape the extreme cold.

 Whether you're marveling at the sheer power of Old Faithful or watching a wolf pack navigate the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone offers a safari experience that blends the rugged beauty of the American West with a deep sense of connection to wildlife and wilderness. 

The park’s ability to provide both epic landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters makes it a destination that is truly unforgettable. 

South America is home to two of the most unique and biodiverse ecosystems in the world: the Pantanal and the Amazon Rainforest. 

These regions offer vastly different safari experiences, from the open wetlands of the Pantanal, where wildlife is more visible, to the dense, lush canopies of the Amazon, which conceal a rich variety of species waiting to be discovered. 

Each location provides a different perspective on the continent’s natural beauty and the opportunity for thrilling wildlife encounters.

Pantanal (Brazil)

The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland, covering an area of around 75,000 square miles (195,000 square kilometers) across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. 

Unlike the dense Amazon Rainforest, the Pantanal's open floodplains make it easier to spot animals, making it one of the best places for wildlife observation in South America. 

During the dry season (from July to October), water levels recede, concentrating animals around rivers and lakes, providing ideal conditions for wildlife viewing.

Jaguar Spotting: One of the Pantanal’s biggest draws is the chance to see jaguars in the wild. 

The northern Pantanal, around the Cuiabá River and Porto Jofre, is particularly renowned for jaguar sightings. 

These powerful predators are often seen lounging along riverbanks or stealthily hunting caimans and capybaras. 

The Pantanal is the best place in the world to observe these elusive big cats in their natural habitat.

Giant River Otters and Caimans: The giant river otter, another charismatic species of the Pantanal, can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length and is often seen in family groups along rivers, playing or hunting fish. 

The waterways are also teeming with caimans, a type of alligator, that bask in the sun along the banks or glide silently through the water. 

With an estimated 10 million caimans, the Pantanal is home to one of the world's largest concentrations of these reptiles.

Capybaras and Birdlife: Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are a common sight, grazing in herds along the water’s edge. 

The Pantanal is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 650 bird species. Among its highlights are the hyacinth macaw, a striking blue parrot that is endangered in other parts of its range but relatively common here, jabirus (large storks with distinctive black heads), toucans, and herons. 

The mix of savanna, wetland, and forest habitats supports this incredible diversity of birdlife.

Scenic Highlights: The landscape of the Pantanal shifts dramatically between seasons. 

During the wet season (November to March), the floodplains are submerged, creating a mosaic of marshes, lakes, and floating vegetation. In the dry season, these waters recede, revealing a network of river channels and savanna plains. 

This seasonal rhythm makes each visit unique, with changing opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography.

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest rainforest, spanning over 2.7 million square miles (7 million square kilometers) across nine countries, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. 

The Amazon is renowned for its astonishing biodiversity, hosting about 10% of the world's known species, from large mammals to countless insects and plants. Its dense jungle and interconnected river systems make exploring the Amazon both a challenge and an adventure.

Wildlife Highlights: Unlike the Pantanal, wildlife spotting in the Amazon can be more challenging due to the thick vegetation and canopy cover, but it offers the chance to see some of the most iconic and elusive species.

Pink River Dolphins: 

The pink river dolphin (or boto) is one of the Amazon's most unique residents.

 These freshwater dolphins are known for their curious nature and can often be seen in the rivers and oxbow lakes of the Amazon, especially in areas like Peru's Pacaya Samiria Reserve or Brazil’s Anavilhanas Archipelago.

Monkeys: