Safari Travel & Adventures
African Safaris—Exceptional Wildlife & Cultural Adventures
Nobody knows what the guide saw, but in a flash you’re off across the seemingly endless grassy plain of this little corner of the Serengeti. All anyone can see is an endless expanse of tan grass, punctuated occasionally by struggling acacia trees and innumerable little tan hillocks on the horizon—anthills. But the guide seems intent upon reaching one particular hillock, and as you approach closer he slows the Land Rover and the hillock begins to change shape. How he saw the cheetah from such a great distance is anyone’s guess, and now all anyone cares about is being in the presence of one of Africa’s great cats—an endangered emblem of the wild savanna.
But your time with her is short. She, in turn, spies something in the distance, rises slowly and slinks ever so gracefully into the grass, here eyes constantly fixed on that point in the distance. She launches into a slow trot, building speed to match your increasing excitement, then suddenly breaks into a full run and everyone gasps simultaneously at the incredible display of power and sheer, inconceivable speed. By the time she hits her quarry—a small gazelle, most likely—she is no longer distinguishable from all the other tan hillocks on the horizon, save for the cloud of dust.
African safaris are replete with stories even more compelling than this. They treat intrepid travelers to a glimpse of what the earth was long before the advent of the plow and engine. Vast herds roam the endless plains in a never-ending search for water and food, and majestic predators like the cheetah and lion engage them in the timeless balance of life and death. To watch a cheetah make a kill, to witness the massive migration of wildbeest brave the water (and crocodiles) of the Mara River, or to spot one of the last remaining wild rhinos as she raises her calf in the verdant sanctuary of Ngorongoro Crater is to share in a wildlife spectacle that few will ever have the chance to experience.
Wildlife Safaris with MTS
In 1996, Mountain Travel Sobek was voted one of the top safari operators by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, and we were chosen again in 1998! We’ve taken thousands of satisfied travelers to Africa for nearly 40 years. And unlike many wildlife safari operators, whose guests see the country from a minivan on a whirlwind tour, we feel that the best way to experience the beauty and wonder of Africa is to slow down and let the hidden treasures of the bush emerge around us. Whether on a traditional vehicle safari or one of our unique walking itineraries, our safari style is authentic, low-key, and comfortable, and you’ll always feel safe and well cared for.
Our wildlife safaris focus mostly on the animals (obviously!) and we go to the best game reserves on the continent. Since we visit some of the finest reserves and national parks, it’s only natural that you will see a few other tourists. But we know the secret corners and the best places to camp, so you will always feel you have it all to yourself. We build a lot of flexibility into our programs, and since we usually have our own self-contained base camp, we can go where the animals go and the game viewing is at its best—we are even able to adjust some itineraries seasonally to take advantage of the best wildlife conditions at specific times of the year.
But besides extraordinary wildlife, Africa is also celebrated for its vibrant cultures—the Maasai and Samburu of East Africa, in particular, are among the most famous of its colorful tribes. So in addition to tracking wildlife on foot, our walking safaris in Kenya and Tanzania take you off the beaten path into the heart of Maasai or Samburu country (depending on the trip), where you’ll visit their manyattas and encounter them as they herd their cattle, goats, sheep, or camels. You’ll have a chance to witness their daily life and perhaps even participate in local celebrations—our past guests have often attended wedding festivities and olpuls (meat feasts)!
And speaking of feasts, just because you’re out in the bush doesn’t mean you won’t be treated to the best cuisine. Meals are fresh, wholesome, and delicious, with fresh breads baked daily in a campfire oven, tasty appetizers, delicious entrees, and even desserts like ice cream! We’re constantly amazed (and you will be, too) by the variety and sophistication of our cooks’ culinary endeavors.
Call or email us for more information on all our African Safaris.
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12 days • call for pricing
Hidden Tanzania Safari Private Adventure Enjoy the best of Tanzania without the crowds!duration: 12 days activities: safari, hiking & trekking, wildlife pricing: Call for pricing. -
11 days • from $5,595
Uganda & Rwanda: African Primate Safari - Gorilla Tracking and More Chimpanzees, gorillas, and more!departing: May 2012, September 2012, November 2012, December 2012 duration: 11 days activities: safari, hiking & trekking, wildlife pricing: from $5,595 -
10 days • from $6,795
Botswana Flying Safari: From the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta Southern Africa's ultimate luxury safari with the Botswana experts since 1982departing: May 2012, June 2012, July 2012, August 2012, September 2012, December 2012 duration: 10 days activities: safari, wildlife, canoeing, popular fall trips, trips of a lifetime, most popular pricing: from $6,795 -
5 days • from $3,895
Namibia: Skeleton Coast Private Adventure Explore the Skeleton Coast Parkduration: 5 days activities: safari, wildlife, quick escapes pricing: from $3,895 -
4 days • from $3,095
South Africa: Kruger National Park Extension or Private Adventure “Big Five” Heaven!duration: 4 days activities: safari, wildlife, family vacations, lodge based, quick escapes pricing: from $3,095 -
4 days • from $1,795
Namibia: Sossusvlei Private Adventure Exploring the Sand Dunes of Sossusvleiduration: 4 days activities: safari, wildlife, quick escapes pricing: from $1,795 -
14 days • from $6,595
Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Great Parks of East Africa - Visit the Most Famous Wildlife Parks in Kenya and Tanzania See the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Amboseli, and Masai Mara on a safari with the African experts for 40 yearsdeparting: July 2012, September 2012, December 2012 duration: 14 days activities: safari, family vacations, wildlife, lodge based, popular fall trips, most popular pricing: from $6,595 -
16 days • from $5,095
Hidden Madagascar Safari Africa’s Most Unique Safari Destinationdeparting: June 2012, October 2012 duration: 16 days activities: safari, hiking & trekking, wildlife, popular fall trips pricing: from $5,095 -
12 days • from $5,595
Serengeti on Foot - A Walking Safari in Tanzania's World Famous Serengeti & Classic Safari in Ngorongoro Crater Get up-close on a walking safari in the Serengeti—we're the first company to offer this one-of-a-kind tour!departing: June 2012, July 2012 duration: 12 days activities: safari, hiking & trekking, family vacations, wildlife, cultural, popular winter trips, most popular pricing: from $5,595 -
10 days • from $4,995
Zambia: Walking in Zambia Private Adventure An intimate exploration of South Luangwa National Parkduration: 10 days activities: safari, wildlife pricing: from $4,995 -
4 days • from $1,795
Rwanda: Mountain Gorillas Private Adventure or Extension An incredible opportunity see endangered mountain gorillasduration: 4 days activities: safari, wildlife, quick escapes pricing: from $1,795 -
13 days • from $6,295
The Great Walk of Africa - A Trekking and Wildlife Safari in Tsavo National Park Kenya An epic walk through the Tsavo National Parkdeparting: July 2012, September 2012 duration: 13 days activities: safari, hiking & trekking, wildlife, most popular pricing: from $6,295