So, we’ve compiled our very best, expert-tested safari packing guide plus some tips and tricks for your next safari! Because, we know you love luxury, but when you’re in the bush, there are just some things that can’t be “luxified!”

First things first…THE SAFARI BAG!

An exercise in the art of traveling light, and packing the right safari duffel bag

If you are flying between camps, the typical baggage specs are soft (all-sides) luggage/duffel bags with no rigid sides with a maximum luggage weight of 20kg or 44lbs (in the hold), and lastly, a maximum luggage size of 40cm (16 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high x 60cm (24 inches) long. We recommend flexible bags made of pliable material such as cotton or canvas. The best thing to bring for this is a soft side medium-sized duffel bag and a small carry-on for any extras. You can find our team’s go-to bags here: here, here, and here.

Pro Tip: If you’re staying in a city before and after your safari, or indeed, headed to the beach, we recommend that you store your larger luggage at the airport while you’re in the bush. Also, keep in mind that most camps and lodges offer laundry services. Check with your SmartFlyer agent before you go on laundry and storage services.

What to Pack

For Ladies and Gents: Dressing for Your Safari

Safaris are generally casual affairs, even at the high-end camps, so leave the sparkles at home and make sure that you will be comfortable (not to mention, warm!) by packing layers. In the words of safari expert Claire Eastwood, “It’s not a fashion show, but safari is as chic as right now, so don’t be thinking Jungle Jim!”

Here’s our list of the must-haves/must-bring for when our team heads out on safaris. This list below should cover all the basics from top to bottom, when in doubt, check with your travel advisor!

1. long sleeved tops
2. sweatshirt/fleece/versatile jacket
3. thin waterproof raincoat if traveling during the wet season
4. comfortable shorts
5. cotton trousers/pants
6. denim for the cooler months
7. flannel pajama pants for the chilly nights
8. swimsuit (you never know when you will need one!)
9. sunglasses + light, fun scarves + bandanas
10. socks, undergarments + sport bras for the ladies!
11. wide-brimmed hat/baseball caps for sun protection
12. walking shoes/boots

You’re there for the experience, so don’t lose sight of that. Dress comfortably…

It will be chilly in the early morning when you start your game drive, so you’ll need to layer up. Don’t forget to bring a fleece! At night, there will usually be a campfire to keep you warm, but you’ll want to wear long sleeves and trousers to cover yourself up and avoid those pesky mosquitoes. Also, keep in mind, you get a lot dustier than you may expect because of the roads. Speaking of dust, Julie Palo Hayes shares, “Avoid white if possible…there’s a reason that green is popular for safari!”

You’re there for the experience, so don’t lose sight of that. Dress comfortably so you’re not fidgeting with tight-fitting clothing while you’re in a vehicle for hours at a time! Plus, don’t forget that most luxury lodges will offer amenities like ponchos for cold nights. Singitas are incredible and make the biggest difference! Katie Frederick adds, “Mix and match different neutral colors in comfortable fabrics like cotton and linen. Keep mostly covered to protect from bugs and the sun. Just don’t wear dark blue or black because they attract tsetse flies, which bite! Baseball hats are good to protect from the sun, and they stay on when the safari vehicle is moving fast!”

Product Reccos

Must-haves on safari are quick-dry pants comfortable enough for climbing in and out of the vehicles; a bathing suit for lazy lodge afternoons; cute cotton bandanas, which not only elevate neutral safari staples when tied around your neck or hair, but have endless uses from protecting your nose and mouth from dust, to cooling you down when dipped in cold water. We also love a field jacket like the classic from J.Crew. Waxed cotton ones protect from wind and rain, while lightweight linen ones provide sun protection. Big pockets mean you won’t have to lug a bag on game drives, but can still access essentials like camera batteries, polarized sunglasses, lip balm, eye drops, and a good no-mess, brush-on mineral sunblock like Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45. The African sun is no joke!

Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have all banned plastic bags so make sure none of your toiletries are packed in Ziplock bags!

Katie Lee adds, “Maximize what you can bring by using packing cubes (these ones from Paravel are amazing!) but don’t go too crazy; you need to follow the weight restrictions carefully, if not, you might be paying for an extra seat on the flight! It’s important to remember that luxury safari camps will offer laundry on site so you can wash your clothes. Plan 2 -3 safari outfits you can re-wear or mix and match.”

Pro Tip: Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda have all banned plastic bags so make sure none of your toiletries are packed in Ziplock bags!

Lauren Kimball Grubbs shares, “Chambray button-up shirts and Soludos canvas slippers were on repeat on my trip to Kenya and Tanzania. They even have a color called ‘Safari so it’s seriously meant to be!” These slip-on will make for the perfect look during the evenings at the camp, but let’s not forget about boots. Kristina Miller adds, “For walking safaris, I’m obsessed with good sturdy hiking boots. My Merrell pair has been great to me over the years!”

Phyllis Polaner adds, “I just love Anatomie for safari wear as everything is super lightweight, hand-washable, multilayered. And as a bonus, they even include packing cubes! This page on their site has some great options, but they also have a Concierge/Travel Stylist to assist your travelers with all their needs.”

The Extra Bits

Photos for Days

Taking photos on auto-mode will still yield images that you will be proud of for years to come.

It goes without saying that you’re going to want to document your incredible adventure. Amy Wyatt shares her advice on photography, “Consider brushing up on some simple photography techniques that will take your photos to the next level. I love my Olympus PEN, which is compact like a point-and-shoot camera, but comes with many of the features of a larger DSLR. I have invested in two lenses — a 40-150mm zoom and a 60mm macro lens for up-close detail, along with the standard 14-42mm lens.” David Bragg adds, “I know we’re all used to using our phones for photos these days but getting up close pics with a true camera is so much better.”

Pro Tip: Don’t feel that you need to turn into a professional photographer, taking photos on auto-mode will still yield images that you will be proud of for years to come. After all, the animals are wild and won’t wait for you to get your camera ready!

If buying and lugging equipment from home stresses you out, there’s always to rent and have it shipped directly to camp. Just don’t forget to bring a memory card for your camera plus a backup, because you’ll take more video and photos than you ever thought possible. And no matter what, bring a battery pack, so you can be sure to charge on the go.

It’s About the Memories

Tom Bartholomew shares, ‘The safari downtime in the midday heat gives a perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading list. I always recommend bringing a book inspired by the safari location. Reading The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush made the pages come alive. It truly gave me a much deeper appreciation of the game viewing.”

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to actually see the game with your eyes instead of through your lens! Courtney Beaver adds, “A great pair of binoculars will ensure you don’t miss a beat. Sometimes it’s nice to put the camera down and live in the moment.”

The bush has a magical quality that can only be felt by immersing oneself in the open plains of Kenya, singing “Africa” by Toto at your tented camp in Tanzania, experiencing the iconic South Africa circuit, and beyond. And whether you’re looking to plan your first African safari or you’re coming back for your annual pilgrimage (where are our fellow fanatics?), the expertise of a safari specialist allows you to tap into their hyper-specialized, nuanced knowledge to in turn nail your customized itinerary.

Working with a safari specialist

The paradox of choice is only amplified by the fact that endless Google search results make it difficult to discern whether you’d be better off chasing the big five in South Africa, tracking the Great Migration in Kenya, paddling through the Okavango, or cruising Namibia’s impressionable Skeleton Coast. Partnering with a SmartFlyer safari specialist ensures you’ll be paired with the destination that best suits your tastes. This includes aircraft configurations, lodge preferences, and a safari guide on the ground who matches best with your personality.

Any SmartFlyer travel advisor can be considered a safari expert thanks to our dedicated partners across the continent.

But we wouldn’t be doing our due diligence here if we didn’t provide a peek behind the curtain. Any SmartFlyer travel advisor can be considered a safari expert thanks to our dedicated partners across the continent. When you work with a luxury travel agent to plan a safari, they are likely doing so in concert with industry contacts local to these regions with teams based all throughout Africa.

In turn, our on-the-ground partners have the ability to jump in as needed during your travels, ensuring you have a point of contact in your destination’s time zone from wheels up to wheels down. With our mission built on creating lifelong relationships with our clients, we know your needs in and out – the same way our vetted safari partners know Africa’s nuances to a tee – and this innate knowledge on both sides translates to collaboration that creates the safari of your dreams.

jump to top safari destination deets

1. Botswana
2. Kenya
3. Namibia
4. South Africa
5. Tanzania
6. Rwanda

Botswana

The country offers intensely rich wildlife across its inland river…

Considered the Jewel of Africa, safari specialists will agree that Botswana is one of the most underrated destinations on the continent. The country offers intensely rich wildlife across its inland river, the Okavango Delta. In addition, it’s home to the earth’s most impressive salt pan, the Makgadikgadi in addition to the largest continuous desert, the Kalahari. For committed conservationists, the management of the land here offers a case study to be admired; nearly a fifth of Botswana’s territory is protected as national parks.

While the answer to the question, “what does a safari cost?” has a range of answers depending on the level of luxury you are looking for, there is a consistency when it comes to this region worth noting. Botswana remains one of the most expensive destinations to take an African safari. However, one of its many benefits is that Botswana is a year-round destination.

when is the best time to go to Botswana?

The dry winter season in Botswana runs from May to October. During this time, the bush thins out from its lush summer landscape and the animals flock to the Okavango Delta. This time also offers the most comfortable to visit since days are warm and nights are cool. As an added benefit, with the rains not being prevalent, there are fewer mosquitos.

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Kenya

You’d be remiss to speak to a safari specialist who didn’t tout the benefits of a safari to Kenya. This East African gem is the home to the iconic landscapes from “Out of Africa.” In fact, a stay at Angama Mara lodge will place you right in the heart of the film’s 19ZZ shooting location. Beyond the movies, Kenya is a place where you can expect superb game viewing and some of the top safari lodges on the continent, many of which are family-owned and operated with conservation at their heart.

Kenya is home to Africa’s Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – as well as the amiable Masaai people. The Masai Mara is famous for its vast savannahs and the final destination in the annual migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania. While the migration is a popular time of year to visit but can be hard to pin down since the time of year varies as it depends on rainfall; it ranges from June and July to October. Though, there are benefits to visiting Kenya at any time of year with exclusive experiences like walking safaris and night drives available thanks to private concessions.

when is the best time to go to Kenya?

The peak of summer in Kenya falls in January and February when the climate is hot and dry. Like other safari regions, this is when wildlife is most easily found as they congregate around waterholes. Conversely, the most rainfall occurs during the winter from March to May. Visiting during the rainy season equates to more favorable rates and the chance to soak up fewer fellow guests at camp.

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Namibia

Located in Southern Africa, Namibia is a striking country defined by its dramatically contrasting landscapes. The Namib Desert is heralded as the oldest desert on earth; trekking its dunes offers active travelers an exciting physical challenge. Flying between the various regions of Namibia to reach regions like the Skeleton Coast showcases the variety on offer in the country. One moment you’ll be flying over barren ghost towns dotted with abandoned mining villages – the Diamond Coast is the stuff of legends – and the next, you’re floating over estuaries with flocks of flamingos.

Its dunes offers active travelers an exciting physical challenge.

Reaching the Skeleton Coast is the ultimate demonstration in contrast. Its unforgiving harsh coastline seems like no place where wildlife could thrive, yet, against all odds, game drives reveal desert-adapted elephants and giraffes. No matter where you find yourself in Namibia, safari specialists will note the importance of dedicating some time stargazing in this region.

when is the best time to go to Namibia?

Wondering when to go to Namibia? Summer rains usually start in November and run through April. During this time, the country is more verdant and becomes quite hot during the day. Winter extends from May to September. These are drier months and the best time to visit Namibia for prime game viewing. During the winter, expect animals to be concentrated around water holes. It’s warm during the day but freezing at night; be sure to pack your winter gloves and hat for early morning and late afternoon drives.

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South Africa

Perhaps the most popular first-time African safari destination, South Africa offers a bit of everything including captivating wildlife across several distinct regions, wine country, world-class safari lodges, and rich culture. Honeymooners gravitate to South Africa for its ability to cater to romance, but families equally find the country a playground to showcase live lessons in sustainability, history, and art.

While every safari itinerary crafted by a SmartFlyer safari specialist is unique, typically, South Africa itineraries include a city component in Cape Town and wine tasting in nearby Franschhoek before (or after) taking a bush plane out to Kruger National Park and/or Sabi Sands via Johannesburg. Each of these regions offers phenomenal game viewing and luxury lodges.

when is the best time to go to South Africa?

When is the best time to go to South Africa? Winter runs from May to August during which you can plan for mild days full of sunshine in the bush. Temperatures will drop quite dramatically in the evening, but this dry season is heralded as the best time to go on safari in South Africa. Conversely, the best time to visit vibrant Cape Town is the summer which extends from October to March. Temperatures are well into the 80s (F) which makes for fabulous beach weather! During this period, South Africa’s game reserves are experiencing their wet season which is marked by summer rains that make their appearance during afternoon thunderstorms. During summer in South Africa, safari landscapes are lush which changes the prospects of spotting wildlife.

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Tanzania

Amongst seasoned safari-goers, Tanzania ranks as a top returned destination. The East African country is home to an incredible range of experiences including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti savannah, Ngorongoro Crater, and the beaches of Zanzibar and Pemba Island. With flat plains abound, game viewing in Tanzania is starkly different from the rolling landscapes of other popular safari destinations like South Africa.

A big draw for visitors to Tanzania is the ability to easily combine bush and beach.

A big draw for visitors to Tanzania is the ability to easily combine bush and beach. While it may seem like Africa is an unlikely destination to prioritize beach time – particularly for those who only intend to safari once in their life – what’s often overlooked about the safari experience is how demanding it is on your sleep schedule. Each morning begins at dawn and evenings extend into sundowner game drives and dinner by candlelight. By the end of your time in the bush, you may very well want nothing more than to laze about the beach. Tanzania makes this easy with practically untouched places like Pemba Island as well as more well-known Zanzibar just a bush plane away.

when is the best time to go to Tanzania?

The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September, and October when rainfall is unusual. But perhaps the most exciting time to visit Tanzania is during the Great Migration from June to October. There are two rainy seasons—the heaviest rains usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain occurs from November to mid-January. This is the time of year when you may run into game vehicles being manned by TV crews the likes of National Geography; they film during the rainy season since landscapes are lush, dust is minimal and you can shoot better footage with fewer fellow visitors.

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Rwanda

When it comes to bucket list experiences, gorilla trekking in Rwanda often ranks at the top of clients’ lists. With approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population living in Rwanda’s carefully managed Volcanoes National Park, this region offers a very specific safari experience. Those who have visited Rwanda know its people to be incredibly resilient and welcome. The complicated history of this country is an example of how one finds light despite darkness.

As the smallest country in East Africa, Rwanda is also one of the most progressive and fastest growing. It is a true testament to successful wildlife rehabilitation; Rwanda is the only place in the world where you can see the Big Five in addition to the famed gorilla. Itineraries typically being in the gateway city of Kigali – a sophisticated metropolis – before venturing to Magashi National Park and/or Volcanoes National Park. Of course, working with a seasoned safari expert ensures that you’re able to secure a gorilla trekking permit, of which supply is limited and investment keeps these endangered animals safe.

when is the best time to go to Rwanda?

As far as seasonality, Rwanda is a very specific climate and timing is a crucial part of planning your trip. Safari specialists would advise that the best time of year to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is dry season. There are actually two dry seasons in Rwanda: mid-June to September and December to February. Conversely, for chimpanzee trekking, the rainy season is when they move about less and are easier to track. The short rainy season during October and November is ideal for avid bird watchers. During this time, rain comes down in short, heavy bursts.

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Tourism as a vehicle for conservation

When working with a safari specialist, clients’ initial questions range from “When to go on an African safari?” to “Where to go on a safari in Africa?” But as you delve further into the process, it’s about so much more. A safari helps to deepen your connectivity to sustainability as you learn about preserving the land and the wildlife that makes a safari so impactful. And within that connection lies a deeper understanding of how the lodges within your itinerary support their communities.

As we’ve written about in past pieces, what many travelers fail to recognize is that your safari doesn’t need a dedicated charitable component–that is, in the form of a community visit or portion dedicated to explicit voluntourism efforts–in order to contribute to the uplift of local communities and protection of the environment. Simply staying at a socially responsible lodge (i.e. anywhere your SmartFlyer travel advisor would send you) means that a portion of your trip is being funneled into the protection of wildlife and long-term sustainable employment for those who do this critical conservation work.

It’s no secret to our team that Kenya houses some of the world’s most exciting natural wonders. Between its lush highlands and its dramatic savannahs, this East African region offers an escape to a land largely untouched. And whether you’re in the search for excitement or stillness, SmartFlyer’s adventurous advisors have put together this eight-night luxury safari through Kenya’s best. Grab your safari pack and venture out to guided game tours of the remote African wildlands. Then, convene with the country’s native tribes and experience an authentic blessing ceremony. Kenya also boasts pristine beachlines for you to explore, filled with vibrant wildlife including the famous whale shark.

We also made sure the retreats you return to after a day’s excursion are nothing less than extraordinary. Kickstart your days with breakfast alongside towers of giraffes. Then, gaze out at Kenya’s vast expanse of stars from the comfort of a 1920s-inspired luxury safari tent. Finally, let the sounds of the Indian Ocean wash over you as you lounge on the country’s white-sand beaches.

In the past, we’ve highlighted how philanthropic trips around the world – including visits with locals living nearby the spectacularly rugged Nihi Sumba in Indonesia and iconic Laucala Island in Fiji – can empower guests to return home with all the benefits of traveling for the greater good. But we’re forever swooning over the long-lasting impact of embarking on a luxury safari.

Tourism as a Vehicle for Conservation

…your safari doesn’t need a dedicated charitable component–that is, in the form of a community visit or portion dedicated to explicit voluntourism efforts–in order to contribute to conservation.

The symbiotic relationship between Africans and their land is widely understood to be the foundation of conservation enterprises. But what many travelers fail to recognize is that your safari doesn’t need a dedicated charitable component–that is, in the form of a community visit or portion dedicated to explicit voluntourism efforts–in order to contribute to the uplift of local communities and protection of the environment. Simply staying at a socially responsible lodge (i.e. anywhere your SmartFlyer travel advisor would send you) means that a portion of your trip is being funneled into the protection of wildlife and long-term sustainable employment for those who do this critical conservation work. So, when our travel advisors field the frequently asked question, “How much does an African safari cost?” the response is often, “Well, let’s discuss where your dollars are actually being allocated in the bigger scheme of things.”

Conservancy System: The Kenyan Model

Each year, safari tourism generates millions of dollars for the Kenyan economy, and these revenues are what have allowed the government and private stakeholders to put an impressive 19% of Kenya’s land in some form of protected status.

Requests for a ‘luxury Kenya safari’ have continued to increase in recent years in tandem with the rising popularity of places like Giraffe Manor and Segera Retreat. But to understand what makes a Kenya safari unique, one has to delve into the logistics in overseeing the precious lands on which these experiences are built. In a piece produced this summer by Sierra Club­–an environmental organization­–it was reported that, “Each year, safari tourism generates millions of dollars for the Kenyan economy, and these revenues are what have allowed the government and private stakeholders to put an impressive 19 percent of Kenya’s land in some form of protected status…These protected lands take the form of a string of state and local authority-run national parks and reserves, including well-known parks such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo. Protected areas also include a large and ever-growing number of community-run wildlife conservancies.”

While the precise operation methods vary slightly between each conservancy, in general, they represent agreements between local communities and safari tourism entities. These partnerships involve the long-time inhabitants of these wildlife-rich regions setting a monthly fee to lease out their land to safari and conservation groups. The conservancy is formed and thus managed to protect freely roaming animals while in tandem providing job opportunities and cash flow from the leases to local communities. Naturally, this is all done while ultimately catering to tourists who have long dreamt of experiencing the magic of safari.

The danger is that if tourism doesn’t pick up again soon, then local communities will lose faith in the conservancy system and will have little choice but to turn their land over to other uses such as cattle ranching or farming.

Our close partners at the Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp–the founders of the Olderkesi Conservancy, which protects 7,000 acres of wildlife habitat adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve–help break down how a lack of tourism threatens the system’s very existence. Owner Calvin Cottar explains that if there are no tourists, then the conservancies aren’t able to generate any revenue, which in turn means that land leasing fees cannot be paid to local communities—all of which would prove to be devastating to their ability to cover essentials like schooling and the sheer cost of feeding their families. As reported by Stuart Butler, “The danger is that if tourism doesn’t pick up again soon, then local communities will lose faith in the conservancy system and will have little choice but to turn their land over to other uses such as cattle ranching or farming. In that scenario, wild animals will end up being removed from the land.”

Reintroducing Endangered Species through Luxury Safari

Protecting and rewilding endangered species like black rhino, African elephant and the mountain gorilla remains at the top of conservationists’ agendas across the continent. And while you may be under the impression that poaching was a thing of the past, shocking numbers of wildlife are still slaughtered today for resale of their parts on the black market. According to a recent report by CNCB, “It’s estimated that three rhinos are poached every day in South Africa. In the whole of Africa, an elephant is poached approximately every 15 minutes. With only 18,000 white rhinos and 400,000 elephants left in Africa, in 20 years’ time at current rates, both animals will be completely gone.” Efforts to combat poaching have taken various forms by NGOs and conservation groups across sub-Saharan Africa, but few have seen success at the caliber of Rwanda.

Bringing Back the Big 5: Rwanda Leads the Way

For our team, the story of “The Land of a Thousand Hills” is one that must be felt in person to be fully understood. But until you can make it there yourself to witness the resiliency of this very special place, we’ll do our best to outline just why it should be at the top of your 2021 or perhaps 2022 bucket list. To visit Rwanda is to take a step back into its dark history; the first part in doing so is a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial commemorating the 1994 Rwandan genocide. While it’s sure to be emotionally fueled, this context will only further secure the imprint left on your heart before heading onto the wildlife-rich regions which drew you here; with a trek to see the gorillas up close likely being a top priority.

…with the reintroduction of rhino and lion to Akagera National Park after a 20 year absence, guests can check off all boxes in the official Big Five (the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo).

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has won wide international praise for its conservation of the mountain gorilla. Pre-COVID, this bucket-worthy experience drew more than 20,000 visitors a year–each of whom pays 1,500 US dollars for the privilege of a permit that allows them an hour in the midst of silverbacks and their families. But, it’s not just gorillas that tourists flock to East Africa’s smallest nation to see first-hand; with the reintroduction of rhino and lion to Akagera National Park after a 20-year absence, guests can check off all boxes in the official Big Five (the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo). This is an especially astonishing feat considering that according to the non-profit conservation organization African Parks, “In the mid-’90s, lions were hunted to local extinction, rhinos disappeared, and the park’s wildlife was displaced by tens of thousands of long-horned cattle.” Plus, the region is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities and crocodiles as well as the rare sitatunga–a member of the antelope family–and more than 520 bird species.

As a country, they’ve made a commitment that conservation is one of the tent poles of their future economic and social prosperity that they want to promote.

As reported by National Geographic, “For travelers, Rwanda’s sustainable tourism practices coupled with the diversity of wildlife in the national parks delivers a variety of options for their safari experience. And it means that no matter which encounters tourists choose to conquer on their bucket lists, they can do so with a clear conscience knowing that their visit is just one part of a country-wide commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Here, profits from tourism go directly back into the communities through schools and clinics…As a country, they’ve made a commitment that conservation is one of the tent poles of their future economic and social prosperity that they want to promote, and they seem to be doing it in a real, honest and genuine way that’s pushing the right amount of resources to the right people and the right places.”

Supporting Local Economies in Hiring

Wildlife tourism provides 23 million jobs in Africa, has generated tangible benefits for rural communities in wildlife-rich areas, and funds much of Africa’s conservation efforts.

In our final pillar of focus around how your dollar is reinvested locally when you embark on a luxury safari, we’ll focus on the sheer impact of employment of Africans across the hospitality landscape. Andrea Athanas, Program Design Director at African Wildlife Foundation shares, “Wildlife tourism provides 23 million jobs in Africa, has generated tangible benefits for rural communities in wildlife-rich areas, and funds much of Africa’s conservation efforts. Nurturing dynamic, diverse, and resilient local economies is essential for wildlife to thrive in modern Africa.” And this concept extends not only to our luxury safari lodge partners but also iconic city hotels where so many guests begin their trip, like The Silo, where as a part of the family-owned Royal Portfolio, every team member is considered to be a part of the family. It’s much the same concept at the beloved Ellerman House, a stunning boutique property in Cape Town whose team–led by General Manager Paul Bruce-Brand–worked diligently to host virtual concerts for charity and highlight their staff’s stories from home in their marketing efforts through lockdown.

Hyper-Local Hires: South Africa Hospitality Landscape

The ethos of being a part of something bigger also extends into the company culture of one of our preferred luxury safari partners, Singita, who does everything through the lens of their 100 Year Purpose to preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations. Their Cape Town-based leadership team embodies its mission of being a purpose-driven conservation brand first and foremost in its hiring of local talent across Singita’s portfolio of fifteen lodges in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Rwanda. When travel came to a standstill in the spring, Singita was able to reinvigorate their Talent Development Programme, which helps to mentor talent while the Singita Academy drives education and career advancement. During lockdown, extensive staff training was conducted as the teams worked on how to elevate, enhance and finetune every aspect of the Singita guest experience to prepare for guests’ return.

Singita found that in their lodges covering Kruger National Park–Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni, 81% of employees are ‘hyper-local,’ meaning they come from the immediate villages surrounding the lodges.

And while the sheer beauty of their lodges plays the perfect backdrop, the exemplary guest experience is truly driven by the hospitable Singita staff; they are the ones responsible for embodying the warmth and authenticity for which the brand is known. This sense of ownership each team member has over their part in weaving the story of every single stay is much in part due to a keen focus around training and developing local talent wherever possible. As reported in their September 2020 employment study shared with SmartFlyer, Singita found that in their lodges covering Kruger National Park–Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni, 81% of employees are ‘hyper-local,’ meaning they come from the immediate villages surrounding the lodges. These figures are a representation of the direct trickle-down impact of how each guests’ stay affects the surrounding communities; if there are no travelers, lack of work doesn’t just impact the lodge staff, but all of the family members who depend upon that income.

There’s a rule of thumb in Africa that if you’re able to support one person in the community financially, ten people are benefitting because that’s just how they are culturally. [About] 80 percent of the jobs and the income of these communities comes from reserves.

As reported in Smithsonian Mag in reference to team members within the safari sector, “They’re supporting themselves, they’re supporting their parents, they’re supporting their sister’s kids, they’re supporting their other sister’s kids. There’s a rule of thumb in Africa that if you’re able to support one person in the community financially, ten people are benefitting because that’s just how they are culturally. [About] 80 percent of the jobs and the income of these communities comes from reserves.” Ultimately, what’s critical to take away here is that conservation is not just about animals, it’s about the people who dedicate their careers to looking after them, too. And this all comes back to creating opportunities for community members to work in these hotels, lodge restaurants, and even out in the field as anti-poaching game scouts. Because at the end of the day, they are the ones creating real change. So, when you’re considering your next trip, be sure to think of a luxury safari as not only a personally enriching experience but one that has an impact far beyond your stay.

To learn more about getting started in planning your adventure, contact one of our SmartFlyer safari experts.

Whether you arrived at SmartFlyer seeking a Rwanda Gorilla Trek or a luxury safari in South Africa, our team has the knowledge and partnerships with on-the-ground experts to plan a custom itinerary connecting you to some of the richest experiences that the continent has to offer. But if you’re searching for a cutting-edge adventure, a Namibia safari should be at the top of your bucket list. This under-the-radar destination contains a rich variety of wildlife that has adapted to the country’s distinct geography and climate. The lodges you come home to after each day’s adventure are nothing short of spectacular, as vetted by a handful of intrepid SmartFlyer travel advisors who have scouted breathtaking stays across the country.

Get ready to dream beneath the stars of Africa’s first designated International Dark Sky Reserve. Then, wake up in desert accommodations as you take in morning views of the misty Atlantic coast. Finally, relax poolside and watch an exotic mix of wildlife convene at a neighboring watering hole. So get your safari packing list in order, and let’s dive into what to expect on this epic safari through Namibia.

The privilege to go on a safari is to connect with nature on a deeper level than you imagined possible. Once you’ve experienced seeing endangered wildlife within arms reach, learned about the intensive conservation efforts to combat poaching and slept under the stars, it’s not a matter of if you’ll go back, but when. All that in mind, South Africa makes a perfect first safari; and in the mix, we love adding in the vibrant Cape Town and the famed South African wine regions for an even more memorable adventure.