An African safari is on many a traveller’s bucket list, and rightly so. There are so many fantastic destinations to take a safari on the continent– with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa to name a few. A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience so it’s important to get it right. ToursByLocals has now launched a safari product onto the platform providing travellers with the ability to tailor-make their safari. Because all of the safaris are 100% private with local guides, there’s never a need to compromise: the itinerary, pace, and schedule are all up to the customer.
Customers can work directly with an experienced local safari guide to design their perfect tour with around-the-clock support pre-trip. The guides on the ToursByLocals platform offer safaris in all the major national parks and reserves throughout Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Nairobi & Botswana.
Whether your goal is to see baby elephants in the Masai Mara, a leopard stalking its prey in the Serengeti, or an early morning herd of giraffes in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, a local guide is ready to help you create the ultimate African safari. To showcase the hundreds of exciting safari tour options available, we’ve handpicked some particularly notable experiences and tours to whet the appetite of travellers this summer.
Discover Silverback Gorillas in Bwindi National Park, Uganda
Trekking Gorillas families in Bwindi National Park is the foremost tourist attraction in Uganda, and one of the best wildlife encounters in the world. Here is where travellers will join local expert and safari guide Samuel as he leads a three-day adventure into the seemingly impenetrable Bwindi Forest.
Groups will begin their journey by driving west through the rolling hills of Ankole-Kigezi, taking in the stunning landscapes and stopping for lunch before reaching the foot of the forest and home of the mountain gorillas. The following day, Samuel will accompany guests into the forest, making use of his unique insight and knowledge of the land to track the iconic creatures. Samuel’s understanding of the habits and behaviours of the gorillas means groups can rest assured that they will not only see the troop but also be safe in doing so too. Immersed deep in the forest, those on the tour will be in awe of the giant Silverbacks in their natural habitat, something so few ever witness.
The tour concludes the next day with a delicious local breakfast before setting back off to guest’s hotels or airports.
ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the three-day 3 Days Gorilla Safari in Bwindi National Park for £2,791 per tour, for two people (price varies on group size). The tour includes guiding services, private transportation and accommodation, admission tickets, permits and full food board. Extras include personal expenses.
Tick off the Big Five in Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya and is widely regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife spotting. Being home to some 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 bird species recorded on the reserve – it’s the ideal place to take an all-encompassing safari!
Local guide Dunstan has been giving safari tours in this region for many years and is able to curate the perfect route to ensure visitors get a safari to remember. Groups will be picked up at the location of their choosing before heading straight out on an afternoon game drive where they can expect to see lions, elephants, buffalo and zebra.
Travellers will then settle into an authentic Mara Lodge for the night to enjoy some traditional Kenyan hospitality before heading back out for a full day of exploring the park in search of the legendary big five. Dunstan will also take guests to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its spectacular flamingos as well as white and black rhinos. Guests will enjoy two days of exploring the surrounding area with a stay at the Nakuru Lodge in between and full-hosted meals included. Making for a truly seamless and authentic African safari experience!
ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers a four-day 4-day trip to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru for £1,438 per tour, for two people (price varies on group size). The tour includes guiding services, private transportation and accommodation, admission tickets, permits and full food board. Extras include personal expenses.
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration from Nairobi
The great wildebeest migration is one of the most phenomenal natural spectacles in the world. The annual movement made by millions of wildebeest also features large numbers of zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, elands and impalas making the journey across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Local guide Judith will collect travellers from their desired pick-up location and drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve via the sensational Great Rift Valley. Groups will spend a full day in Mara, visiting the various wildebeest crossing points along the river. Judith’s experience and knowledge of the animal’s movements mean groups are guaranteed amazing photo opportunities and great sightings.
The four-day tour tracking the wildebeest will also mean getting up close and personal with their predators too. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting for food and crocodiles waiting under the water’s surface lie along the way for the herd. The escorted tour also includes accommodation and food along the way at each reserve and national park, so groups are never too far behind the incredible creatures.
ToursByLocals (www.toursbylocals.com) offers the four-day 4 Days Wildebeest Migration Safari from Nairobi for £3,229 per tour, for two people (price varies on group size). The tour includes guiding services, private transportation and accommodation, admission tickets, permits and a full food board. Extras include personal expenses. toursbylocals@wearelotus.co.uk
