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African Tour Operators
Tour
Hosts Review
by Sheri Leigh - Tour Hosts are in Bold
My
having yet to experience sub-Saharan Africa for myself and wanting to know
the difference among all the terms safari outfitters use led to the theme
for this issue. Of course now I’m more determined that ever to
experience the grandeur of earth’s second largest and most diverse
continent.
From
sites where mankind originated, to the top of Kilimanjaro, across the
Serengeti to Victoria Falls and beyond, Africa offers hundreds of
different cultures, some of the rarest animal species on earth,
spectacular beaches, and of course, great stretches of wilderness.
Here
are seven tour operators who can help you plan an African trip:
African
Safari Company – Pick of the Month
Specialty: Photographic
safaris, adventure trips and special one-of-a-kind safari experiences.
Why
We Like Them: The company offers more than 30 different safari
options to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re embarking on
your first safari, or are a veteran looking for the exceptional wildlife
experience, African safari Company provides scheduled tours and custom-
designed itineraries for independent travelers. Its website has great
in-depth information on the various parks in each country it visits, and
the “specials” are exactly that: unique one-of-a-kind experiences to
stir the blood.
Article:
"A Safari Primer
Aba
Tours
Specialty: Community-based
arts and culture programs.
Why
We Like Them: Aba offers a selection of small group tours centered
on the arts, crafts and cultures of Ghana. Tours incorporate stays in
small villages, and visits to local festivals and private events. The
company also runs Aba House, a cross-cultural collaborative that welcomes
visitors for two-to-four-week periods to live and work in a
multigenerational, multicultural setting.
Whole
in One Touring Services
Specialty: Personalized
tours of South Africa
Why
We Like Them: An owner-operated business specializing in creating
custom-designed tours in Cape Town and beyond. Itineraries range from
golf, gardens and game to wineries and whales.
The company’s dedication to building a reputation for
professional quality and service is apparent from the first conversation.
Wildland
Adventures
Why
We Like Them: A
commitment to eco-tourism both as a way of benefiting travelers looking to
explore the natural world and a means of economic assistance to peoples
willing to welcome visitors to their lands and cultures. Specially
designed family trips focus on introducing children to the world in a
conscious and fun way, providing a great experience for all generations.
Destinations
and Adventures International
Specialty:
Luxury fly-in
safaris and custom-designed dream holidays
Why
We Like Them: Focusing on each country’s unique architecture and
culture, DAI shows you both the classic attractions and seeks out
little-known sites to create a memorable experience for discerning
travelers. DAI’s winged safaris provide a bird’s-eye view of the
terrain and fly deep into the heart of Africa.
Article:
"The Last True Wilderness"
Kilwa
Safari
Why
We Like Them: This family-run company, a new addition to the
overlanding community, specializes in the lesser known Southern Tanzania
area. Rugged, up-close and personal trips get you in touch with nature in
her wildest surroundings.
SITA
World Travel, Inc.
Why
We Like Them: SITA offers
dozens and dozens of tours to 19 African countries as well as Asia and the
Pacific. The company has a 70-year track record of providing outstanding
travel value throughout the world. It was the first company to offer
packaged tours – one of the most innovative and original travel concepts
of modern times.
Article:
"A Classic
Africa Safari"