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EmpyreanTravel · Est. 1984

Signature specialty · Safari & beyond

African safaris, timed and tailored by a specialist.

The Great Migration, the Big Five, mountain gorillas and the Okavango Delta — then Cape Town, the Winelands, Victoria Falls or an Indian Ocean beach to finish.

Plan Africa with Gigi Where to go in Africa

Quick answer

For a first safari, Kenya and Tanzania offer the classic East African savanna and the Great Migration, South Africa pairs excellent private-reserve game viewing with Cape Town, and Botswana delivers exclusive, low-density camps in the Okavango Delta. Plan 8–14 days, book 9–12 months ahead for peak dry-season months (roughly June to October), and add a beach or city to finish.

Why Africa needs a specialist

A safari succeeds or fails on details you can't see from a brochure: which camp sits in a private concession versus a busy public area, which month the herds are where, how bush-plane luggage limits work, and how many nights it takes to actually see what you came for. Getting those right is the difference between a good trip and the trip of a lifetime.

Africa has been one of Empyrean's signature specialties for years — from South Africa's private reserves to East Africa's Great Migration. Gigi matches the destination to your season, pace and budget, sequences the flights and transfers so you're not losing days in transit, and adds the finishing touches: a Cape Town food tour, a Victoria Falls sunset, or a few days on a Zanzibar beach.

Africa · At a glance
Our specialty
Africa is one of Empyrean’s two signature leisure specialties
Best safari season
June–October across most of East & Southern Africa
Ideal first safari
7–10 nights at two or three camps
From Los Angeles
One connection via Europe, the Gulf, Istanbul or the US East Coast
Gorilla trekking
Rwanda & Uganda, year-round, ages 15+
Beach add-ons
Zanzibar, Mauritius, Seychelles
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Africa

Where to go in Africa

Safari countries, gorilla trekking, wonders like Victoria Falls, and Indian Ocean islands to unwind after the bush.

Africa

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Africa guides & tools

Africa FAQ

Where should you go on your first safari?

For most first-timers, South Africa, Kenya or Tanzania. South Africa’s Sabi Sand pairs reliable Big Five viewing with Cape Town; Kenya and Tanzania offer the Great Migration and vast savanna. Botswana is superb but suits travelers seeking exclusivity and a higher budget. Match the destination to your travel month, then choose camps. Our first safari guide walks through the decision.

When is the best time to go on safari in Africa?

For most of East and Southern Africa, the dry season from about June to October is best, as animals gather around water and vegetation thins. Timing varies by place: Tanzania’s calving season peaks around February, Kenya’s Mara River crossings usually run July to October, and green seasons offer lush scenery and better value. See our best time for safari guide.

How long should an African safari be?

Plan at least seven to ten nights on the ground, not counting flights from Los Angeles. Spend three or four nights per camp, ideally in two or three contrasting areas, so you see more wildlife without rushing. Add two or three nights for Cape Town, Victoria Falls or a beach. Around two weeks is ideal for a first safari with an add-on.

Is it safe to go on safari in Africa?

A well-planned safari is very safe. Reputable lodges and camps have staff on site at all times, escort guests after dark and employ highly trained guides, and you follow clear rules on vehicles and walking. The bigger considerations are health precautions and city safety in gateways such as Johannesburg or Nairobi, which pre-arranged transfers handle. Always check the current State Department advisory.

Do you need malaria pills for an African safari?

Often, yes. Many safari areas, including Kruger, the Okavango Delta, the Maasai Mara, the Serengeti and Victoria Falls, have malaria risk, and the CDC recommends prevention medication for them. Malaria-free options include South Africa’s Madikwe and Eastern Cape reserves. See a travel clinic four to six weeks before departure and read our malaria and vaccines guide.

How do you get to Africa from Los Angeles?

From LAX, plan on at least one connection. Popular routings connect through Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt), the Middle East (Dubai, Doha) or Istanbul, or via East Coast nonstops to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Nairobi. Expect roughly 20 to 30 hours door to door. A stopover can break the journey.

How much does a luxury safari cost?

Costs vary enormously, so we don’t quote a number without knowing your plans. The main drivers are the country and park (Botswana and gorilla trekking in Rwanda run highest), the season, the camp’s exclusivity, the number of nights, whether you fly between camps, and extras such as permits or private vehicles. Green-season dates and fewer, longer stays help stretch a budget.

Can you combine a safari with a beach holiday?

Absolutely — it’s one of Africa’s great combinations. Zanzibar is a short flight from the Serengeti and pairs with Tanzania or Kenya. Mauritius is about four hours from Johannesburg, ideal after South Africa, Botswana or Victoria Falls. The Seychelles connect easily with East Africa and Gulf hubs. Plan safari first, beach second, with at least four beach nights.

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