Plan your dream safari to East Africa with Audley Travel
As the travel landscape evolves, it is now more important than ever to consider those once-in-a-lifetime destinations that have aged on your bucket list. If you are an eager explorer and ready for something new, an East African Safari may be your ideal next adventure.
One of our AAA Travel partners, Audley Travel, offers itineraries completely tailor–made to you. Your experience in Africa can range from anywhere between five to 35 days long. How you are immersed into the country you visit, is customizable to you and guided by the expert advice of an Audley Country Specialist. They can recommend classic routes to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, each including game drives to see wildlife firsthand. Off the beaten path, there are opportunities to fly-in to remote safari camps, transfer between wildlife reservations in a private vehicle, stay in a Maasai village, or trek to see wild chimpanzees or gorillas. Your days may include a half-day of game viewing, paired with seeing local sights, or your guides can pack a bush lunch, snacks, and sundowners so you can spend an entire day in the Serengeti, from sun-up to sun-down.
With the expertise of your AAA Travel advisor and Audley specialist, your journey in East Africa will be everything you hope for and more. Your trip can be as affordable or extravagant as you desire, orient around family activities, feature cultural traditions, indulgent accommodations and more. According to your preferences, your Audley specialist will help narrow the search to find which places and activities are best for you. As you ponder your ultimate safari, consider the following questions:
- Are you looking for just a safari, or that and more?
- Are you traveling with family, or looking for an intimate couple’s experience?
- What are your priorities when choosing accommodation — views, service, sustainability, décor?
- Do you have any must-see animals or bird species on your list?
- Are you looking for slower excursions or trek escapades up Mount Kilimanjaro?
- What time of year do you have in mind?
These are essential topics to keep in mind when customizing your trip from start to finish. Accommodations wise, Kenya offers a wider selection of luxury stays in even some of the most remote locations, while some parts of Tanzania may be limited to more rustic options like mobile tented camps. If you are a wildlife aficionado looking to spot a particular species, or witness a universal event like the Great Migration, when and where you choose to go matters.
Kenya has a host of immersive activities to create a family-friendly or interpersonal atmosphere. There is a clear diversity of ecosystems, such as deserts, Maasai Mara — preserved savannah wilderness and a national game reserve, along with tropical coastline. There are several conservancies to visit throughout Kenya that cater to varying preferences. Notable highlights include the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Kilimanjaro National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and phenomenal views of the Great Migration between July and November. Giraffe Manor is a coveted one-to-two-night stay where you can feed giraffes directly outside the window at breakfast, and due to its popularity, it is encouraged to book well in advance with the help of an agent.
If you are an avid and ambitious hiker, Tanzania is the place for you to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Among activities similar to those in Kenya like walking safaris, mountain biking and cultural visits, Tanzania features chimpanzee tracking and self-drive routes through national parks. There are flights to the country’s more remote southern reserves like the Selous and Ruaha, and add-on experiences to the Spice Islands or Zanzibar for snorkeling. A unique place to inquire about in Tanzania is Rubondo Island, located on Lake Victoria. After a short flight from the Serengeti, the island offers casual luxury, water sports, and even a unique experience to pitch a tent and sleep amid chimpanzees.
An African safari is possible and waiting for you with the help of Audley Travel and your AAA Travel advisor. Learn more about East Africa highlights and see an example itinerary here.