Safari & Game Lodges
Get close up to elephants or eye to eye with a family of lions. Nothing beats the thrill of your first game drive in Africa, seeing incredible animals and birds in their natural environment.
Freedom Africa offers different wildlife experiences throughout Africa, from action packed open top safaris to luxury, all-inclusive private reserves. Check below for the destination and type of experience you are looking for.
Kenya
Authentic 4-wheel-drive safaris travelling to several regions for some of the best game viewing in Africa. Most Kenyan safaris start from Nairobi but some operate out of the coastal resort of Mombasa. Parks include:
Masai Mara - Famous for its wildebeest migration during July but home all year round to the ‘big five’, plus zebra, cheetahs, topi, giraffe, impala, baboons and over 500 species of birds. Try a hot air balloon ride for the ultimate Mara adventure.
Samburu, Shaba and Aberdare - Situated 230 miles north of Nairobi at the edge of the arid northeast region and well known for huge herds of elephant and large numbers of leopard. Watch out for the crocodiles by the Ewaso Ngiro River.
Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha - Two magnificent lakes in the Great Rift Valley, home to hippos and over 400 bird species, including the famous pink flamingos.
Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks - low savannah grasslands and fertile swamps in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, providing ideal viewing of the abundant and varied game.
Tanzania
Sharing a border with Kenya, this lesser visited country has the same abundance of game, including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and a host of plains animals. The main regions are:
Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater - The vast plains and bush covered hills of the Serengeti adjoin Kenya’s Masai Mara. For some great wildlife, be sure to include nearby Lake Manyara and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.
Tarangire and Mount Kilimanjaro - The lush rolling grasslands of the Tarangire are renowned for their herds of elephant, antelope and other plains animals, as well as the big cats and other predators. Majestic Mount Kilimanjaro rises nearby.
South Africa
South Africa’s game lodges provide a more leisurely style of game viewing, with many offering 3 and 4 night deals. The lodges are quite luxurious and combine exciting morning and afternoon game drives with excellent meals and time to relax by the pool. The main parks include:
Kruger - A vast National Park the size of Wales boasting endless savannah landscapes, dense undergrowth and amazing wildlife. All the Big 5 are here and the excellent roads are ideal for escorted or self drive safaris.
Pilanesberg and Madikwe - Northwest of Johannesburg towards Botswana, these well stocked National Parks are malaria free and convenient for South Africa’s Sun City.
Eastern Cape - Several different game reserves occupy this malaria free region, offering a variety of experiences, including elephant and horseback safaris, guided walks and river cruises. Addo, Amakhala and Shamwari are three of the best.
KwaZulu Natal - Just two hours north of Durban, Hluhluwe National Park boasts fantastic game viewing and stunning scenery. Nearby St Lucia Wetlands has hippo, crocodile and some amazing birdlife. Great for self driving.
Namibia
This dry and arid country is famous for its starkly beautiful landscapes, but it also contains one of Africa’s largest game reserves:
Etosha National Park - Inland from the Skeleton Coast, this vast National Park is home to a fabulous array of animal and bird life. Look out for herds of elephant, black rhino and many of the big cats, such as cheetah, lion ant the elusive leopard. Etosha is best accessed as part of a Namibia tour or self drive.
Botswana
Perhaps the most exclusive of African safaris are those of Botswana. The luxury camps and lodges are quite remote, accessed generally by light aircraft. For the ultimate honeymoon, combine a stay here with the nearby Victoria Falls or the Indian Ocean paradise of Mozambique. Stay in:
Chobe National Park - A vast unspoilt region of low grassland and light bush, making it ideal for game viewing. The Park is famous for its abundant wildlife and incredible sunsets.
Okavango Delta - A stunningly beautiful area at the head of the Okavango River. The waterways attract hippo and plenty of other game and can be explored on a ‘mokoro’ or canoe safari.
Your Game Experience
The Big 5 and more...
Although most game parks in Africa contain the 'Big 5' - lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - you may not see them all, with leopard in particular very elusive. However, just as magnificent are the countless other animals you will see on your game drives - zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah and a host of antelope species, including kudu, eland, springbok and gazelle.
You'll also see an amazing variety of bird and insect life and, of course, the natural and ever changing flora itself which make an African holiday so memorable.
The Essentials
Game drives – They often take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when your chance of seeing the animals is at its best. The day starts with coffee or tea and a snack, with a hearty breakfast on your return to camp. During the heat in the middle of the day is the time to relax or travel on to your next lodge.
Mealtimes - A great opportunity to meet with your travelling companions and swap tales of the days adventures. Food is of a high standard and menus vary depending on where you are staying.
National Park Fees - These are sometimes payable locally and are subject to change, please check at the time of booking regarding up to date costs.
What to pack - Lightweight casual clothes are best for the hotter months, although it’s well worth taking a light waterproof jacket in case of rain and a sweatshirt or fleece for the evenings. Remember neutral colours are best when on game drives and comfortable sturdy shoes are essential. Don't forget insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. On some tours involving light aircraft travel your baggage allowance may be restricted to 10 kg depending on type of aircraft.
