DESTINATIONS SAFARI ESCORTED TOURS
venture off on game drives through Chobe National Park and its Savute area – known for lions, wild dogs, leopards and spotted hyenas – before exploring the Okavango Delta from Nxabega Tented Camp, where they can enjoy private boat cruises, mokoro excursions, catch-and- release fishing and various water and land-based adventures. They’ll stay at andBeyond
tented sites along the way, with spacious, en-suite tents featuring real beds, butlers, housekeepers and chefs, plus private guides and a small group size (maximum of six), bridging the gap between back-to-nature experience and fully-serviced comfort. Book it: From £3,340, including accommodation, all meals and drinks (house wines, locally branded spirits and beers), game drives, transfers and entrance fees.
andbeyond.com
BEST FOR FAMILIES Children are, in many ways, a prime audience for a safari – they’re curious about wildlife and the environment, so it’s an ideal introduction to Africa – but many parents are put off by the price and practicalities of what might seem a complex holiday. Enter the new Kenya Family
Wildlife Quest from Exodus Travels, which is specially designed for nine to 12-year-olds, although would suit teens up to 16. “This is a great introduction
to safaris for families, as there is the potential to see all of Africa’s most iconic wildlife,” says product manager John Penge.
August trips coincide with the wildebeest migration, one of the greatest wonders of the natural world
LEFT: Chobe National Park, Botswana
BELOW: Lemur in Madagascar
“Our August departures also coincide with the wildebeest migration, one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” The trip starts with a visit to an elephant orphanage in Nairobi, so conservation issues are at the fore from the outset, plus there’s a boat safari to spot hippos on Lake Naivasha, and wildlife drives through the iconic Masai Mara. Family programme manager
Tom Wilkinson adds: “Safaris can be full on, so we’re offering one that’s accessible and a bit less exerting for kids. All the wildlife is there, so the experience will be magical, but we’ve softened the edges so children can be alert and energised to take in this fantastic experience.” Book it: The eight-day tour starts at £2,549 for adults and £1,912 for children, including flights, accommodation, all breakfasts and some other meals, and activities. Camping departures also available.
exodus.co.uk
BEST FOR SECOND-TIME SAFARI-GOERS So they’ve seen the big five, done more early-morning game drives and sunk more sundowners than most – and been blown away by Africa’s beautiful landscapes to boot. What could possibly be left to sell to repeat safari-goers? How about the land of the
lemur, aka Madagascar? The island offers different wildlife from mainland Africa, plus things are a tad more basic than in more- established safari destinations, so a group tour can appeal even to experienced travellers. Derek Schuurman, Rainbow
Tours’ Madagascar specialist, says: “Wildlife lovers who have already seen the big five on safari and are looking for a
new adventure will find visiting Madagascar on a small-group tour a much more exclusive and intimate experience. “The many species of lemur
are, of course, a highlight of any visit to Madagascar, but visitors can also expect to be wowed by colourful and rare birds, a huge variety of reptiles, and incredible endemic plants too.” Book it: Rainbow Tours’ 16-day Madagascar Wildlife Discovery Tour starts at £4,520 on a full- board basis, with flights from the UK, domestic flights, park entry permits, transfers, excursions, and guide and driver throughout. Departures in September, October and November. Maximum group size 10.
rainbowtours.co.uk
Safaris outside Africa Tigers in India
Spotting a tiger stalking the savannah in Ranthambore National Park is up there with the ultimate bucket-list experiences. Great Rail Journeys combines it with the highlights of Rajasthan on its 12-day India’s Golden Triangle & Tiger Safari tour.
Little monkeys in Costa Rica See sloths and toucans in Tortuguero, trek past an active volcano at Arenal, and spot the difference between howler and squirrel monkeys in Manuel
Antonio National Park – these are just some of the highlights of Trafalgar’s family-oriented Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes tour.
Polar bears in Canada Travel 2 has a seven-night small-group tour to Manitoba, with highlights including a day on a tundra buggy in search of polar bears, beluga whale spotting in the Churchill River estuary, and glimpsing moose, black bears and bison in Riding Mountain National Park.
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travelweekly.co.uk21 February 2019
PICTURE: DANIEL AUSTIN
PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK; INTREPID TRAVEL/DAMIEN RAGGATT; DOOKPHOTO/ANDBEYOND
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