Rediscover the natural world on a remarkable safari holiday
Big Five game safaris, evenings in relaxing lodges, open-air cruising and nature at its most primal.
Journey - fundamentally, that’s what the word ‘safari’ means in Swahili. You can’t complete your journey without taking the once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness one of the Big Five in the wild. The five what? Well, just as the world has its Seven Wonders, Africa has its five glorious beasts: lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. Consider this your safari holiday check-list. African wilderness holidays truly offer the quintessential safari experience.
You might like to begin with a South Africa safari. Kruger National Park, the continent's oldest wildlife conservation area, is striking with its untouched grasslands and opportunities to spot one of the glorious five up close. As such, this South African destination is fantastic for those travelling on their first safari trip. Spot prowling leopards against a picturesque backdrop of the lofty Lebombo Mountains, then spend a relaxing evening in a safari lodge with a traditional Boma dinner.
If you have acquired a taste for the lodge life, a Kenya safari holiday might be for you. Book an unforgettable escorted tour to Kenya’s renowned accommodation, Treetops. Constructed around an ancient tree, the lodge offers boundless opportunities to explore East Africa’s vast natural beauty. Kenya is also an ideal spot for safari and beach holidays, where you can get your adrenaline fix seeing a lion dart across your path and then simmer it right down in a sleepy, sun-drenched bay. Don't forget to pack that bathing suit with your safari slacks!
To the south lies Namibia, the very first African country to include the protection of the environment in its constitution. On a full-day safari, cruise through Etosha National Park, Namibia’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Allow your experienced tour manager to point out animals including lions, giraffes, and elephants. You can even see your surrounds in a different light, by taking a stunning sunset drive in an open-air vehicle through the dazzling mopane forests.
Our safari holidays combine exquisite scenery, up-close encounters and a glimpse of nature at its most wild. Consider it the ultimate antidote to the artificialities of modern life - just the reset you're looking for!
Safari holidays for solo travellers
Be inspired to travel solo. Newmarket Holidays welcomes solo travellers on all our safari holidays. In fact, many of our customers choose to join our tours on their own. And the best part is: you won’t really be alone. With a group of like-minded travellers and a friendly, informative tour manager (as well as incredible locals all over the world!), you will love your holiday experience. Joining a safari holiday as a solo traveller is also a guaranteed way to feel safe and confident when travelling alone. While you can join any of our regular tours on your own, we also have a range of tours designed exclusively for solo travellers.
Things to do on a safari holiday
Where do we begin with this one? A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only get up close and personal with rare wildlife, but to unwind in rugged yet tranquil natural surrounds. Here's where to start.
Spend a wonderful evening beneath the starry African night sky, taking in the uninterrupted view of the stars.
Taste a traditional South African braai in the bush.
Venture out into Pilanesberg National Park on a game drive.
Things to see on a safari holiday
From cultural enrichment to stunning wildlife, you will never run out of things to do on a safari holiday.
Where to go on safari
There’s plenty of variety and scope when it comes to selecting your dream escorted safari holiday. Whether you fancy immersing yourself in Africa’s startling culture and landscapes while seeking the Big Five in South Africa’s Kruger National Park or staying at a relaxing bush lodge in Kenya, you will be spoilt for choice.
Safari FAQs
First Safari holiday? Here are a few questions you might have.
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What is a safari trip?
A safari is an overland journey, usually made by jeep, the purpose of which is to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, often a protected national park. Newmarket Holidays offer tours to popular safari destinations, with included safari drives.
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When is the best time to go on a safari holiday?
• The best time for a safari depends on the destination and the wildlife you wish to see. We provide expert advice on the optimal timing for your chosen safari destination to maximize wildlife sightings and enhance your overall experience.
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Where can I go on a safari?
Our safari holidays span across diverse and captivating destinations, including iconic African safaris in Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and more. Safaris are often considered when planning a trip to Africa, but you can also enjoy them in most of the other world’s continents. We have a best-selling trip to India which includes a tiger safari experience in Ranthambore National Park.
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What type of animals can I expect to see on a safari?
From majestic elephants and graceful giraffes to powerful lions and elusive leopards, our safaris offer encounters with a wide array of wildlife, creating unforgettable moments for nature enthusiasts. On many of our tours in Africa you have the chance to spot the famous big five – the lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino. In India we offer the chance to spot tigers on our Tigers & Taj tour.
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Are your safaris suitable for families?
Safaris are a wonderful multi-generational holiday with many different age ranges within our groups. We welcome families onto our safari tours - give us a call to help you plan your family safari holiday.
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What accommodations options are available during the safari?
We provide a range of accommodation options, including luxury lodges, tented camps, and boutique resorts, each carefully selected to compliment your safari experience and provide comfort in the heart of the wilderness.
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How experienced are the safari guides?
Our tour managers and safari guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals, passionate about wildlife conservation and dedicated to ensuring your safety while providing insightful commentary and enhancing your safari adventure.
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How do I book a safari holiday?
Booking your safari holiday with us is easy! Simply browse our website to explore our safari options, select your preferred itinerary, and follow the booking instructions. Our friendly team is also available to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless booking process and a memorable safari adventure. Give one of our holiday planners a call for more details.
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What should I pack for a safari holiday?
Packing essentials for a safari include lightweight and neutral-coloured clothing to blend in with the environment, sturdy walking shoes or boots for bush walks, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection, insect repellent, sunscreen with high SPF, a refillable water bottle, binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera or smartphone for capturing memories, a small backpack for day trips, and any personal medications or toiletries. Additionally, it's advisable to pack layers for varying temperatures, including a light jacket or fleece for cooler evenings and early morning game drives. Be sure to check with your holiday planner for any additional packing recommendations based on your chosen destination and activities.
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