Africa National parks Trips

A safari trip in Africa is THE bucket list adventure that we all dream about, and boy does Contiki make that dream come true. This trip traverses the incredible landscapes of four different countries, showcasing the individual gems that make each just as special as the last. From the depths of the overnight camps in Chobe National Park, Botswana and the peaks of the sandy dunes of Sossusvlei, Namibia to the thrilling sunrise game drives of Kruger National Park, South Africa and mesmerising helicopter rides over Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe. This trip is all about NATURE. You’ll never feel more grounded, more connected to the natural world. Contiki has curated the trip of all trips with this one. The highest of standards are kept across the board whether it’s the accomodation, food, activities or guides. Nothing has been overlooked and no matter your TM, they will ensure this is THE trip of a lifetime. Special shoutout to my TMs Sim & Often, two incredibly special humans that live and breath Contiki, so if you’re lucky enough to be on their trip, you’re in for a treat. Exploring every nook and cranny of Southern Africa that will only ever leave you awe inspired (and wanting more of course). There are way too many highlights of this trip to name them all, but one thing is a given, you will never thank yourself more than when you have booked this trip. Truly life changing. You won’t regret it.

The trip overall was a great experience, one that I’m glad was planned out for me. The sheer amount of paper work, entry points and what not would be a complete hassle to do and figure out. So all the efforts of the guide was really appreciated. There were definitely locations where we all wished we had maybe a smidge more time in but the trip was overall well planned and now it’s a spot on my list I’d want to go back to and spend even more time at. One thing I will say though is that the pamphlet shared before the trip made it seem like you could only bring a large suitcase and a backpack or small hand bag but having a carryon was definitely possible, even on the smaller flights without extra charge and that may reduce down some of the weight off your back or large bag. But overall better to try to minimize as much as possible with the amount of moving around that’s done on this trip. Definitely a trip of a lifetime!

Our Cape Safari and Falls trip with Contiki was an unforgettable 12 days, and a big part of that came down to our tour guide. They were incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights that really helped us understand each place we visited, while also making sure we felt safe and confident during every activity. Starting in Cape Town was the perfect introduction. The slower pace at the beginning gave us time to settle in and properly learn about South Africa, rather than feeling rushed. It set the tone nicely for the rest of the trip. Heading to Kruger National Park was a real highlight. Seeing such a wide range of animals in their natural environment was incredible, especially witnessing interactions between them. It felt like something out of a documentary, but happening right in front of us. Moving on to Victoria Falls was equally memorable. The falls themselves were stunning, and the optional bridge activities added a real sense of adventure. What worked well was the flexibility, if you didn’t want to take part, there was still plenty to do, from watching others to browsing local street vendors. Finally, traveling into Botswana was a standout moment of the trip. Camping in the park with no fences was both surreal and exciting. Being so close to wildlife, while still feeling safe, made it a unique and memorable experience, and definitely a personal highlight. Overall, it was a well-balanced trip with a great mix of learning, adventure, and downtime. It’s one I’d highly recommend to anyone looking to experience this part of the world in a meaningful and exciting way.

As soon as I met up with the group on day 1 I felt reassured that I had made a great decision to travel with Contiki to Kenya. Within a couple of hours we were already in Nairobi National Park looking at the rare white rhinos, giraffe, elephant, hippo to name a few... Our guide and the team were amazing and there was never a dull moment. Seeing both the amazing wildlife the country has to offer and cultural insights, including visiting a Maasai tribe and the charity work of Mirrors of Hope, I felt enhanced the experience massively. I felt as though I came away from the trip understanding more about this beautiful part of the world thanks to our guide. Another consideration I had was the weather, given I visited at the beginning of the rainy season, but the truck was covered (unlike most safari vehicles), so my waterproof stayed in my bag. Another highlight was the food cooked by the team which was delicious and always hit the spot, but stops along the way were nice to top up on snacks and coffee too! The safari and scenes over the savannah are images that I will never forget... particularly sunrise over Mt. Kilimanjaro.

My Kenya trip with Contiki was truly unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. We started our adventure exploring Nairobi, getting a taste of the city's bustling energy. Then, we headed out on a safari in Maasai Mara, where I saw incredible wildlife—lions, elephants, giraffes, and more—up close and personal. The experience of sunrise over the savannah was unforgettable. We also visited local villages, learning about Maasai traditions and connecting with the community. The trip was a perfect mix of adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation. The group was fantastic, and our guides made everything seamless and fun. Overall, it was an inspiring journey that left me with lifelong memories and a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s natural beauty and rich culture.

This trip is packed with so many amazing experiences. At the beginning of the week we were walking in amongst giraffe, middle of the week trekking to see gorillas and searching for pangolins. By the end of the week, walking amongst golden monkeys. We had two guides, Robert and Umar, both were safe drivers and great at spotting the wildlife as we drove along. Along the way, we stopped at various organisations working to either save the wildlife or to support women in work - so make sure you have space in your case and to take some extra money as I am sure there will be something to tempt you. Weather is a bit hit and miss, you do a lot of time in rain forests and as such, gaiters are probably a good idea - I didn't have them and had a boot full of mud by the end of the day. Be prepared for some long drives, though they will be broken up with plenty of stops. The locals are extremely friendly and do enjoy when you join in with activities such as dancing, so make sure to have your dancing shoes at the ready. Overall an epic adventure that I struggle to put into words!