Tori’s Safari Holiday

December 21 – January 23 | 4 people | $10k per couple

I’ve put together some inspiration based on our conversation below. Rates are based on published per person prices. Availability is not guaranteed, but we can usually find a similar backup. Once I know what is resonating with you, I can build an itinerary with firm prices including transfers.

South Africa

Because of your budget and timing, I think South Africa is going to be your best option for a high quality experience. The Cape has fantastic food and wine – plus up and coming safari areas.

Part 1: Cape Town

Cape Town is a gorgeous city, and makes for a great place to decompress and explore after your flight. I would do a food tour to taste Cape Malay cuisine and go for a hike on table mountain. There are a range of hotels here that cost anywhere from $200-2000/nt, so we have some flexibility. Here are a couple I like:

• Gorgeous George: A design hotel in central Cape Town that is a great value for the money in the middle of the action. Starting at $250/nt.
• Last Word Long Beach: This is one of the few beachfront options in Cape Town and is great for a bit of relaxing or surfing. It’s a bit of a drive to central Cape Town from here. Starting at $600/nt.

Part 2: Winelands

Franshhoek is a charming town surrounded by vineyards. I can book you a day trip here with a private guide or you can do a couple of nights at a hotel like Boschendal, which starts at around $300/nt.

Part 3: Eastern Cape Safari

The Eastern Cape will be rain free in December while Kruger is getting soaked. The area is composed of private reserves around Addo Elephant National Park, and in the past 20 years has become a respectable area to safari with good numbers of the Big 5 – especially rhino. I would do at least 4 nights at Kwandwe, Shamwari, or Lalibela and extend to Samara if you want a few more nights on safari.

• Kwandwe: This is the premier reserve in the Eastern Cape. Their Ecca and Fish River lodges are comparably luxurious to the best spots in the Kruger region but for a better price. $1,270 per person per night.
• Shamwari: This is my fallback if Kwandwe is booked, because it’s a comparable experience and price – just a little more developed and less wild feeling.
• Lalibela Kitchaka: This is a smaller private reserve in the area, which I recommend for a more affordable safari. $750 per person per night.
• Samara: This is one of the largest private reserves in a more arid part of the Cape. There is the Big 5 but it is more spread out. However, the landscape is one of the best in South Africa. I prefer the Plains Camp if you’re mixing with the above, because it gives you the feeling of a tented camp on the Serengeti. However, their Lodge has solid walls and is very comfortable for those feeling less adventurous. Starting at $760 per person per night.

Kenya

East Africa is more tricky on a budget, but I think there is a cool itinerary you can do – especially if you can wait until January 4th, when holiday pricing ends. Camps are also more affordable in Kenya, so I would choose it over Tanzania.

Part 1: Nairobi

Every Kenya trip starts with at least one night in Nairobi because international flights get in late. However, it’s worth staying one more day to visit the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I really like something like Karen Blixen Cottages in Nairobi, which have a nice location and reasonable price – starting at $400/nt.

Part 2: Safari

After Nairobi, take a short flight from Wilson Airport to your safari. I would choose one stop for this trip to fit everything in budget.

Laikipia Region

The Laikipia Plateau is the high elevation region around Mount Kenya. The weather is great here year round, and it is probably second to the Maasai Mara for safaris. There is a good wildlife density, and it’s the only place to really see rhino in Kenya. I like it for you because you could mix it up and stay at Olepangi Farm for a non-safari option in the area.

• Olepangi Farm: A working farm in the Laikipia region that makes for a more immersive Kenyan trip. A great place to relax, ride horses, and visit the community. $750 per night for two
• Lewa House: If you want a high level of accommodation at a reasonable price, I think Lewa House is the best option. It’s family owned and in the best location in the entire reserve. $1,150 per person per night

Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara is the premier wildlife destination in Kenya. It can be crowded with both wildlife and tourists. I almost always book private reserves for that reason, but it wont be as busy in January.

• House in the Wild: This is a really great family owned lodge in a large private reserve region the Northern Mara region. You get a really nice room for the price too. $1,115 per person per night
• Tangulia Mara: This is in a much smaller reserve near the park gates, so you mix the park and reserve on game drives. It’s not as luxurious but perfectly comfortable – and it is totally Maasai owned, which is surprisingly rare in Kenya. $730 per person per night (not including park fees)

Part 3: Lamu Extension

If you want to add another stop to your trip, I suggest Lamu. It’s a historic Swahili spice village like Zanzibar. However, unlike Zanzibar, it’s not overrun with tourists.

• Manda Bay: This is undoubtedly the best beach resort in the area. It’s on a private island, a short boat ride from Lamu town. $935/nt
• Janah Lamu or Peponi: These are two of the nicer historic Swahili guest houses near Lamu old town that are atmospheric and relaxing. $250-$350/nt