African Vacation Experiences

Family vacation trips in Southern Africa are all about making memories to last a lifetime. From thrilling up-close wildlife encounters to authentic interactions with local communities, a family vacation package with Explorer Safari will enrich your children’s lives in unexpected ways. Africa encourages new perspectives; whether you’re viewing Cape Town from the summit of Table Mountain, marveling at the Victoria Falls through a haze of misty spray, standing atop the Sossusvlei Dunes at sunrise, or floating over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon. 

For families traveling to Africa for the first time, you can take your pick of bucket list experiences. See the Big 5 (or even the Big 7 if you choose to go on safari in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa). Watch whales from the shores of Hermanus, or see sharks up close at the Two Oceans Aquarium, before taking a ride in the big wheel at the world-famous V&A Waterfront. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect as a family. Put modern distractions aside and indulge in the splendors of Southern Africa.

Travelling with tots, or travelling with teens? We will tailor your trip to suit your family. From the floodplains of the Okavango Delta to the elephants of Chobe, experience Southern Africa with Explorer.

Embark on a Journey of Awe: Great Migration Safaris in East Africa

Immerse yourself in the world’s grandest natural spectacle in the world: the Great Migration. This natural annual event is a mesmerizing odyssey undertaken by over 1.4 million wildebeest and countless zebras — a breathtaking testament to nature’s rhythms.  Migrating from Tanzania‘s Serengeti to Kenya‘s Masai Mara, the Great Migration is truly a spectacle to experience. 

While the iconic river crossings are its hallmark, migration safaris offer an intricate tapestry of experiences beyond imagination. Our migration safaris unveil the journey’s intricacies — from the dramatic pursuit of nourishing lands to the seasonal ebb and flow that directs this timeless spectacle.  

Each chapter of the migration saga — unfolding in a pattern throughout the months — presents unique encounters. Witness the lush expanse of calving season or the anticipation of perilous river crossings. Prepare to be captivated by the raw power and unyielding tenacity of life on the move and let our seasoned Travel Planners craft your migration safari package, transforming your African dreams into an unforgettable reality. 

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Welcome to the enchanting world of hot air balloon safaris in Africa, where the skies come alive with vibrant colours and the wilderness spreads out beneath you in all its natural glory. If you’ve ever wondered about the thrill of floating above the African landscapes, this is your chance to explore the magic of balloon safaris. 

Are there hot air balloons in Africa?

Africa boasts some of the most awe-inspiring hot air balloon safaris on the planet. Whether you’re in Kenya, South Africa, or other parts of this vast continent, you’ll find numerous opportunities to embark on this breathtaking adventure. From the picturesque Masai Mara to the magnificent Serengeti, hot air balloons grace the skies, offering a unique perspective of Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. 

Is a hot air balloon safari worth it? 

Without a doubt, a hot air balloon safari is worth every moment. Imagine drifting gently above the African plains, witnessing the sunrise or sunset casting a golden hue over the vast wilderness. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to connect with nature in an entirely new way. As the balloon glides silently through the air, you’ll have a front-row seat to observe the majestic creatures of Africa, often from a closer vantage point than traditional game drives can provide. 

Is there a hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara or Serengeti?

Hot air balloon safaris can be enjoyed in both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, two of Africa’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. Each location offers a unique experience: 

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara: Soar above the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, known for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. Witness the annual Great Migration from the sky as thousands of wildebeests and zebras traverse the terrain. It’s a visual spectacle that’s best appreciated from the tranquillity of a hot air balloon. 

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti: The Serengeti, famous for its vastness and diverse ecosystems, is another hotspot for balloon safaris. Drift over the Serengeti’s stunning landscapes, which include rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and rocky outcrops. Spotting predators and other wildlife from above is an experience like no other. 

Romantic Safaris

Welcome to the world of romantic safaris, where love blooms amidst the untamed beauty of Africa. If you’re seeking a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate your love, look no further.  

Are romantic safaris a reality?

Indeed, romantic safaris are very much a reality, offering couples the chance to share intimate moments in the midst of breathtaking landscapes and majestic wildlife. Picture yourselves in the heart of the African wilderness, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, all while nurturing the bonds of your love. 

What defines a romantic African safari?

A romantic African safari combines the thrill of wildlife encounters with the luxury and privacy of secluded lodges and camps. It’s a journey where you can escape the world’s hustle and bustle, focusing solely on each other and the enchanting surroundings. Whether you’re watching the sunset over the savannah, sipping champagne by a campfire, or going on a private game drive, every moment is designed to be an unforgettable chapter in your love story. 

Embark on a romantic safari and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Africa. Experience the magic of wildlife encounters, luxurious lodges, and unforgettable sunsets as you create lasting memories with your loved one. Let your love story unfold amidst the wonders of the African wilderness, where every moment is an opportunity to cherish your connection and celebrate the love you share. 

Walk in the footsteps of giants. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a rare opportunity to see wild gorillas in their natural habitat, experience eco-tourism in action, and return home with memories to last a lifetime. This bucket list activity will see you hiking deep into the misty rainforests of Volcanoes National Park to spend time among a family of mountain gorillas (called a troop). These critically endangered gentle giants are fascinating to watch – not only do they look like humans, but their interactions with each other are also similar to our behavior in social settings! Certainly, the world’s largest primate is among the most intriguing animals to watch in the wild.  

Volancoes is also where Dian Fossey, the American primatologist and conservationist famously studied the Gorillas in the Mist (the title of the book and film adaptation). 

Gorilla trekking is unlike any other safari experience. There are stringent conservation regulations: you must have a permit (purchased in advance) and you must be accompanied by a guide.  Because only 80 gorilla permits are issued daily, with a maximum of 8 visitors per group, and a time limit of only one hour to spend with the troop (to safeguard them from human diseases), this really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

Adventure is out there! Add some adrenaline to your safari vacation with the best adventure vacations in Africa with Explorer.

Southern Africa is fast becoming one of the world’s adventure vacation hotspots, and with good reason. If you’re someone whose vacation is not complete without a steady dose of adrenaline, you can take your pick from countless adventure vacations in Southern Africa. Safari adventures, white water rafting, bungee jumping or ziplining – what’s your scene? Escape the crowd and discover the road less traveled…Adventure travel.

Nothing can come close to the thrill of the chase on a walking safari in Big 5 country. Get up close and personal with the wildebeest as they make their way in their multitudes on the Great Migration. Chase your thrills down the Storms River in the Garden Route or paraglide over the forests surrounding Wilderness. Experience the Knysna forest from above on a canopy tour or take a heart-stopping swing over the Batoka Gorge. If you’re keen on pushing your boundaries, we’ll make it happen. 

Fueled by adrenaline but driven by quality, we’re the A-Team when it comes to adventure vacations in Southern Africa. Our team of safari specialists have made it their mission to discover new adventures and try new experiences. Let our team be your guide to adventure.

If you’re big on the Big 5, we invite you to discover the best of the bush on luxury safaris with Explorer. From Chobe and the Serengeti to open vehicle game drives in a private reserve or a horseback safari in the Masai Mara, Southern Africa is the wildlife safari capital of the world, filled with bucket-list safari experiences.

There’s so much on offer: witness the Great Migration from a hot-air balloon, watch calving whales from the shores of Hermanus, or track cheetah on foot at Samara. A Kruger Park wildlife safari is ideal for first-timers who want to experience game viewing in style and luxury – and who want almost guaranteed sightings of the Big 5. You can also expect rewarding wildlife encounters on a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa or among the wetlands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Venture through an experience that few can tick off on their bucket-list with a Gorilla Trekking safari in Rwanda.

Take a journey on the wild side with Explorer.

Romance is in the air on a honeymoon package in Africa! From Cape Town to Kenya, there really is no better destination to make your first memories together as a married couple.

Indulge, on your Africa honeymoon, in candlelit dinners for two on a private beach or sleep beneath the stars on a luxury safari. Southern Africa promises spellbinding experiences and unforgettable destinations in which to celebrate your love.

Take your pick of Southern Africa honeymoons: a Cape Town honeymoon blends the cosmopolitan energy of the Mother City with the charm of the Winelands, while a luxury safari in an untouched wilderness is equally unforgettable. View the Big 5 on a private game drive in the exceptional Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Marvel at the majesty of the Victoria Falls or soak up the serenity of the Okavango Delta. Expect to dine on world-class cuisine, discover cultural experiences and find adrenaline-fueled adventures.

The honeymoon is aptly named; it surely is a sweet time to make your first memories together as a married couple.

Discover the transformative power of travel when you embark on a journey of inner growth and overall well-being with Explorer.

We believe that wellness and mindfulness are unique to each person. Whether to rejuvenate body and soul or unwind from the daily grind, we provide you with opportunities to reach a sense of calmness in nature and reconnect with your spirit. Our professional practitioners gently facilitate mindful and enriching experiences for you, be these sacred drumming circles, Tai Chi on the beach, or meandering through sacrosanct caves on an archaeological journey of discovery.  

Authenticity is at the heart of what we do, and sustainability is more than just a buzzword for us. It is woven into the fabric of everything we do, which is why we encourage purposeful, mindful travel which respects the environment and supports local communities. To continue making our travel experiences meaningful, we’ll give you opportunities to meaningfully interact with the people and places of Southern Africa – from the Maasai in Kenya to local Cape Town designers at the V&A Waterfront.

Travel with a purpose and discover wellness and mindfulness in the wilderness with Explorer.