If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and authentic to end your safari, let me gently point your compass north to Lamu, Kenya’s little-known Indian Ocean treasure.
A true luxury safari experience isn’t about gold-plated taps, a private butler, or champagne on tap. True luxury is about exclusivity, authenticity, and connection – to the untouched wilderness, the exceptional people who enrich your journey, and the timeless rhythms of Africa – all while enjoying a cosy bed, superb meals and exceptional guiding in our premium tented camps!
A mobile safari isn’t just about seeing Africa’s incredible wildlife, it’s about being immersed in nature. It’s hearing the sounds of the night, feeling close to nature, experiencing the wilderness with all the senses. It’s hearing the sounds of the night, feeling close to nature, experiencing the wilderness with all the senses – and enjoying delicious food cooked over an open fire!
Dollars or local currency? Money is always a major consideration when travelling overseas. How Much Cash do I Need? On a mid range to luxury safari you will need very little cash as most things will be included in your safari package. On a budget safari you will generally be required to contribute to a…
While there are some things you really do need to take seriously when planning your safari (more about those in another blog!), there are other things that people tend to worry about much more than necessary. Here are my Top 5 tips to take the stress out of planning your African safari. 1. Support When…
Commitment to local conservation and community projects are things we look for when choosing our partners on the ground in Africa, together with superb accommodation and exceptional service, of course!
When it’s time to attack your bucket list and plan a safari, you want to make sure you get it right! After all, for most of us, a safari is a once in a lifetime opportunity. But to plan a safari the right way, you need to know certain things and as NZ safari tour…
As much as it’s about being there and seeing everything in person, taking photos on safari is also important. As well as providing you with memories of your African adventure, you can also share them with others, turn them into large wall canvases or even sell them to fund your next safari adventure. Whether you…
On an African safari, seeing the Big Five game animals ranks highly on most people’s lists. A term originally coined by big-game hunters, the Big Five are said to be the most dangerous African animals to hunt on foot. However, this term is now used to talk about five of the most popular African animals….
One of the questions we get often asked by clients is how they can stay healthy on an African safari. After all, when you’re out on safari, there is limited access to medical support. Clients want to know how they can prevent themselves from becoming sick with illnesses we don’t see here in New Zealand….
A safari in Africa ranks high on your bucket list. The problem is, you are travelling alone and are not sure if you should head off on a safari or not. You may be concerned about your personal safety, or anxious about how you’ll cope organising your travel, accommodation and food. The good news is…
Single-use plastic bags are banned in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Morocco… Plastic bags are everywhere these days, and while they may seem like a cheap, easy way to carry our goods, they are wreaking havoc on the planet in a number of ways. The Namibian Government has announced a complete ban on plastic bags in…
Most of our clients fit into the ‘mature’ category, so feel we’re well-positioned to share eight important holiday tips for seniors with you. In amongst our personal safety and travel advice tips, the major message we want to share is that age is no barrier to experiencing the adventure of a lifetime! Top Holiday Tips…
Hopefully it will soon be easier for New Zealanders to get a South African Visa! South Africa Online Visa to be piloted in New Zealand Need help planning your African Safari? We are your African safari experts. We don’t sell the world, we specialise in Africa, and we spend several months there every year. We…
New Zealand passport holders can once again travel to South Africa without the need of getting any type of visa. After more than two years under the visa regime South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the news during South Africa’s Home Affairs Budget Vote in July. In 2017, in what was considered…
Passengers to Zanzibar are being warned not to bring single-use plastic bags, including zip lock bags, to the island. This comes after the government began to strictly enforce a ban on all plastic bags which was introduced in October 2018. Zanzibar has joined the growing list of African countries which have banned single-use plastic bags….
The absolute essence of a safari with African Encounters is the wildlife that we get to experience. Africa is full of majestic creatures that we are all in awe of when we see them on safari. But it’s no secret that wildlife populations are dwindling around the globe. Some species are on the brink of…
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced that the tariff for gorilla permits will be raised from the current US$600 to $700 from July 1, 2020. The increase is due to the high demand for gorilla permits over the past two years. An overflow of tourists looking for the permits means that supply has been…
