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We organize trips to Africa, safaris, pioneering expeditions, vacation on the white beaches of the Indian Ocean, diving, or leisure in luxury hotels.
We specialize in trips organized at individual needs, within a desired budget and in small groups:
For Globetrotters (programs with the symbol G): the interested in the real world. That trips are created for those who want to discover and learn about Africa, to experience an unusual adventure on a safari, travelling off the beaten trails in the heat, participating in setting campsites and sleeping in tents without comforts and very close to nature. These are wonderful, full of unforgettable moments trips that make it possible to touch and see up close a wonderful world of nature untouched by civilization, wild animals, the origins of humanity and the history of colonization of this land. During the trips, participants visit the most beautiful and renown national parks, monuments and cities of Africa. Upon their return they are no longer the same - Africa changes people, enriches their personality and makes them fall in love with her forever.
For Connoisseurs (programs with the symbol K): the enthusiasts of Africa already familiar with its realities, seeking uncommon adventures, places and stories, wishing to explore Africa where the majority of tourist do not reach. These expeditions are organized to meet the unique requirements of travelers who aim at the unknown, the new and the unusual, but also for those seeking something more than the a standard safari in tents. During such trips, escorted by a personal guide they visit national parks located outside of the tourist routes and explore places that are remote and difficult to access, which are reached only by the strongest. At other times they use a private aircraft and Land Rovers, sleep in a beautiful lodge or a luxurious tent enjoying the comfort in the proximity of nature, as did the first colonizers.
We are an agent for Overland Africa, the largest safari company organizing trips to Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. Some of them even last 56 days!
Specificity of Safari Trips
Safari is not leisure! It is getting to know the nature while trying to get as close as possible to it and in the most advantageous circumstances. Park visits are long and very exhausting. The majority of roads in Africa does not look like the European one, so the distance is often not determined by the number of kilometers, but by the time needed to cross a park's section. During a drive there is dust everywhere, the sun is directly above our heads and gusts of wind are comming out of nowhere - but that is the way to taste the real adventure. During safari it may happen that the car catches a flat tyre and has to stop, waiting several hours for another car. Now, you have still time to change your mind.
People in need of luxury should opt for a program for connoisseurs and consider flying between the parks. Transfer between Masai Mara and Nairobi often lasts throughout the day, a minimum of seven hours.
In order not to disturb the harmony and peacefulness of animals and prevent any dangerous situations, it is essential to follow the instructions of your driver-guide.
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Please, do not call, feed or scare the animals. Do not make a noise in the park, whether on a safari or in the camp.
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Walking away / out of the camp without the assistance of your guide is forbidden, as is getting out of your car during the safari.
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When visiting a local village you enter their homes and daily lives - please strive to respect their traditions and customs.
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On a safari we are seemingly cut off from the civilised world. But our guides are in contact by phone and radio at all times.
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You are insured in for an event of disease - all health problems please should be immediately reported to a hotel/lodge reception or your guide. They will contact a doctor.
Kenya and Tanzania - which country to choose?
The choice is not simple. Both countries offer 100% authentic safari, beautiful views, numerous animals and meeting with authentic Masai. Often we are asked which countly we recommend. Kenya is more sentimental, perhaps due to the movie "Out of Africa" and many adventure books.
Kenya is a country where the savanna and parks are large enough to feel the enormous distances and the endless world of wilderness. Tanzania is much bigger and the distances are greater. But there are also more sites that have been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Paper, e.g. Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar Town.
In Kenya and Tanzania the parks are different but they both offer beautiful savannah, salt lakes with thousands of flamingos, mountains and snow on the highest summits of Mt Kenya in Kenya and Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Kenya's roads are in rather bad condition, which means that travelling between parks is more exhausting than in Tanzania, where the roads are quite good. However, flight connections are very popular during safari in Kenya - it is a great adventure to see the animals of the savanna from above. Prices for flights are compensated by shorter time of travelling, which means there is more time for other activities e.g. the Indian Ocean.
Safari in Tanzania are much more expensive than those in Kenya, regardless of the accommodation - camps or lodges. Most of the people of Kenya speak English, but in Tanzania it is very difficult to find a well spoken English. Tanzania was a German colony with a period of communism, which obviously did not work out. Kenya has a higher level of education and the English culture is everywhere - from rules of behavior to habits and customs.
The people in Kenya are very calm, friendly, kind and hospitable. They make contact and become friends easily with tourists. In Tanzania people are slightly less open.
In both countries we recommend, apart from a safari trip, a journey to the Indian Ocean. In Kenya, around Mombasa and in Tanzania in Zanzibar, where the deserted intact beaches and small tourist traffic allow for a real leisure and relax. Both places are scuba divers' paradise.
Surprised at the first contact with Africa
While in Africa you will be suprised by many things, but it is not possible to avoid it. It is a feeling that accompanies us when we encounter any phenomena different from of our daily, well-established routines. For a long time there have been not too many positive information about Africa. Reporters often cut out anything that could provide for any good sides of this difference. Africa was considered the "end of the world", a very backward place. Still people are not willing to openly talk about the variety of that world and its customs. People are reluctant to compare it with our world. Is it correct to still consider, without a second thought, white people as the ones who represent a higher level of culture?
The answers to these questions might give us for example, Polish doctors, who spent many years in Africa. They wrote wonderful diaries (e.g. MD Tadeusz Goszcz, MD Jerzy Maniecki, MD Sitkowski, MD Tadeusz Wrzesiński). On the other side are those who had no contact with the African life and culture, or who can not afford to understand its difference and they deprecate from any contact with Africa.
Africans are ruled by tribal customs, which are very different, mayby even better, from ours. Amazing is the social security system. No man can be placed outside of it. Similar case concerns single women, widows and mothers with children - they do not need to worry about their future. The tribe does not leave behind any of its members. Everyone is a great family, and responsibilities are clearly divided.
Should I avoid any food while on safari? Many people think that the food served on a safari can be dirty, not fresh or full of germs and diseases. In fact during a safari you can eat everything your cook prepares, even on a pioneer safari, where overnights are in tents and the meals are on a campfire. We have never had any situation of stomach sensation or poisoning. Certainly on the third and fourth day a gastric disorder may occur, but it is usually a result is two factors:
- change of bacterial flora
- a large dose of sunshine.
Therefore we advise to drink water only from bottles bought in shops or boiled and while in the sun to wear a hat and sunblock.
There are people who do not believe that sunlight in Africa is very different form the European. They travel through a thinner layer of atmosphere and fall at a different angle. Spending all day in the sun sun may end with a stroke with a high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache. Those are also symptoms of malaria or poisoning. Therefore it is also advisable not to ignore the sun and not to panic, but and follow the basic recommendations.
What you should take on a safari
Baggage on a safari may by up to about 15 kg in a soft bag or backpack
Passport, ticket, E-ticket, insurance
Lightweight sleeping bag or two sheets - for the camping trip on the safari
Medications: anti-malaria Mosquito and insects repellents (peppermint oil, OFF)
Alcohol-type gin, whiskey for those who drink alcohol
Footwear for sporting safari and optional tours
Slippers, sandals
Gentlemen long trousers for dinner - if the trip includes a leisure at a hotel; ladies: summer dresses
Long trousers on safari Shirt / blouse with long sleeves on safari T-shirts with short sleeves - of natural material Shorts-2 pair Swimwear
Sunglasses
Sunlotion with high sun factor 50
After-sun lotion
Toilet paper, wet wipes for washing face and hands
Hair conditioners
Gifts: sweets pens, pencils, crayons, copy books for children, hair rubber bands
Hat or cap or a scarf
First aid/medic kit: smecta or immodium, the analgesics, disinfectants, anti-fever pills, sticking plasters, eye drops
Camera-a lot of films or batteries
Binoculars
Flashlight
Spare batteries
Backpack - it is good to take a bag, which can hold your personal things during a safari
Polartec or other blouse and trousers for cool nights
Thin rain jacket |
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