ICONIC AFRICA’S ULTIMATE 2020 BUCKET LIST WITH ORIGINS SAFARIS

It’s that time of year again when the Dalai Lama says – “Visit a New Place Every Year”. Where will your “new place” be in 2020?  What is on your bucket list for 2020/21?

To Safari in Africa is to experience its untamed world, its drama, its beauty and its charm in an entirely encompassing manner.  Your immersion into African experiences will be theatrical, unique, exciting, dramatic and personal.  Each safari adventure, exploration and interaction with the wildlife, cultural heritage and history of Africa will be tailored and customized to your personal requirements and expectations, ensuring a unique and authentic experience every time.  Origins Safaris are passionate about offering incredible, harmonious, luxurious and stimulating dream African safaris and our 50+ years of authentic safari experience, professionalism and reliability means that we go the all important extra mile to make sure your dream safari is safe, memorable, educational and most of all great fun; from basic introductory safari holidays to the more adventurous, specialized and remote profiled trips.

We operate throughout the region eastwards from Sudan, Benin, Republic of Central Africa & the Congo to Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya & Ethiopia.  We also voyage southwards to explore the Indian Ocean’s spectacular tropical islands: Aldabra, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Pate, Manda and Pemba.

Whether you are looking for a photographic wildlife safari amongst the teeming herds of wildebeest in Tanzania’s Serengeti; an adventure safari to Uganda to white water raft and walk with Mountain Gorillas; cultural festivals in the Omo Valley; a spectacular wedding or honeymoon with outstandingly romantic pristine white sandy beaches and azure blue seas in the Zanzibar Archipelago; mountain trekking to Africa’s snow-topped highest peaks; cultural heritage trips to Lalibela in Ethiopia; helicopter safaris into the Simien Mountains to experience it’s endemic species; big birding trips to the Great Lakes of the Rift Valley; an adventure through remote and breathtaking landscapes in the Ennedi desert; group trips into the staggering rare natural beauty of the Congo jungle to see the unusual forest elephant & lowland gorillas, or a combination of some or all of these, Origins Safaris can help you create your dream holiday.

We are offering you a lifetime of travel, beginning with the easiest and ending with the hardest, as you find your Africa feet and wish to do more exciting trips. 

As always, we have a number of scheduled group trips, and a plentora of private trips to a massive variety of Wildlife and Cultural destinations “throughout East, The Horn and Central Africa” as follows:

Gameventures – Kenya 

August / September / October 2020

Kenya is rightfully described as “All of Africa in One Country” and it is exactly that – it is a fact that Kenya enjoys some of the world’s greatest environmental diversity resulting in unparalleled species and sub-species varieties.

Kenya is simply the best wildlife destination in Africa.  People from all over the world are drawn here by its essence – the chance to immerse yourself in the spectacle of big game; the predators and prey ritually entwined in a cycle of life and death.  Kenya is known for its safaris, diverse climate & geography, expansive wildlife reserves and national parks.

On your Gameventures safari to Kenya you will be visiting some of the most contrasting examples of our Kenyan parks in order to see the extensive range of wildlife and scenery, with stop-overs in Nairobi at either end of your safari, where you will be able to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage.

You will visit the following:

1. Meru National Park – a wild, beautiful, lesser-known and more private park, beloved of the late George Adamson and his wife Joy.
2. Samburu National Reserve – a rugged, remote park with some of the most colourful game viewing and 6 species rarely seen elsewhere – Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Guenther’s Dik Dik and Beisa Oryx.
3. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – an award-winning catalyst and model for community conservation and home to a remarkable variety of wildlife including White & Black Rhino.
4. Maasai Mara National Reserve – a park of wonderful volcanic scenery, rolling grasslands and plenty of game especially during the Great Migration; an amazing spectacle of nearly 2 million zebra & wildebeest move through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem searching for grass and water.

Join us on a safari of a lifetime with Gameventures.

Or

The Wonders of Tanzania

Any time of year.

Tanzania is a true wilderness – over a quarter of this magnificent country is dedicated to incredibly wild and beautiful national parks and reserves.  It is East Africa at its best.  Tanzania is also a land of superlatives: it has the deepest, the highest, the largest and the oldest.

Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Loliondo, which make up the famed “Northern Circuit”, tempt you with a million-strong Wildebeest migration, a huge volcanic caldera, a flamingo rimmed lake, rhino, buffalo, black-maned tree-climbing Lions and elephant bathing in rivers.  Experience the Ngorongroro Crater with its unique ecosystem isolated from the rolling savannahs that surround it.

You will also visit Arusha on your Wonders of Tanzania safari, which is the gateway to the safari circuit; a small bustling town that exudes a great sense of anticipation and excitement, which sprawls beneath the massive bulk of Mount Meru filled with craft shops selling local artisans’ work.

Or

The Great Ape Escape with Origins Safaris

Please contact us for more information on Group Departures.

Join Origins Safaris on a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the lush hills of Uganda and Rwanda to encounter Chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Observe Chimpanzees with a primatologist, and track Gorillas in the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Then travel on to Republic of Central Africa to see the Western Lowland Gorillas and Grauer Eastern Gorilla in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  A primate trek that combines all these great apes is an incredible adventure journey that will never be forgotten, not only for encountering them in their own surroundings but also for experiencing the different landscapes and cultures that all these countries have to offer the ardent adventurer.

Primate trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, DR Congo & RCA is one of the most exhilarating safari tours and moving experiences you can have with Origins Safaris.  You can get so close to these giant primates, observing them observing you. Their human-like movements, innate dignity and social interaction create a unique connection within each of us.

Or

Gerewol Ceremony, Chad

4^th – 23^rd September 2020

This is possibly Africa’s most spectacular tribal festival. Every year, after the rainy season, the nomadic Bororo (Fulani) people, with roots lost in prehistoric times, meet in secret areas of the Sahel, straddling Niger, Chad and Cameroon, to celebrate. The men devote their time to show off and display their best physical features and celebrate. This is a crucial time to exchange news, make friends, and have love affairs.  Click on the link for a quick video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH0_nRD7Bt4

Or

Tigrai by Helicopter, Ethiopia

2^nd – 28^th October 2020

During October 2018, Origins Safaris will be positioning Phil Mathews with his EC130 B4 Eurocopter in the Tigrai region of Northern Ethiopia, providing an exclusive opportunity to guests travelling in the region over the optimum season.  Our exceptional itinerary highlights the spectacular scenery, endemic wildlife and lesser known historical sites that remain exclusive to travel by helicopter.  These will not only include the historic and picturesque town of Lalibela, the spectacular Tekezze Gorge, the Mountain churches of Tigrai, the inaccessible regions of the Danakil Depression, but also full overnight stops on the top of The Simien Mountains, and the caldera of Erta Ale Volcano, to totally immerse yourself in such a spectacular region. Herewith a video of a helicopter ride in Ethiopia: https://vimeo.com/59682630

Or

The Sahara & Zakouma Trip , Chad

March 2020 or 2021 –  The “group trip” for 2020 is fully booked, but if you have a party of 6 or more, then we can customize a private departure for you, or book for 2021.

Chad has is a country full of adventure and an experience that visitors never forget – Chad is ‘Africa for the hardcore’.  Travel here is tough – many of the roads are broken due to years of conflict and lack of maintenance. There are few comfortable hotels and added to that, the summer heat is mind-melting.

So why bother, you may ask? Well, we could list the sublime oases lost in the northern deserts, tell you about the stampeding herds of wildlife in the national parks or the deep blue lure of a boat trip on Lake Chad. But let’s be honest about it, these things alone aren’t why people come to Chad. Chad offers an opportunity to break emphatically with a comfortable Western world and come to a place that promises experiences, good and bad, that you’ll be recalling forever.

The Ennedi desert is an adventure through remote and breathtaking landscapes that sums up our ethos, and takes you to places that few western travellers have ever been. This part of the Sahara offers a vast collection of sandstone mountains sculpted by the wind and sand over millennia into stunning rock formations and arches. Here, you can enter the land of the Tubu; one of Africa’s most traditional and least known people, who live amongst a myriad of petroglyphs and rock paintings from generations before.  A video for you to watch is on this link: https://vimeo.com/156095507

Nearby the Zakouma National Park is a park of extremes and abundance – we encounter flocks of tens of millions of red-billed quelea flying to roost, and is the last stronghold of a thriving population of Kordofan Giraffe, Roan Antelope, Tiang and a host of other somewhat unusual antelope species being hunted by a healthy Lion population. Herewith a link to a video on Zakouma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwHDA6w_Hrg#action=share

Or

Lowland Gorillas & Forest Elephants, CAR

24^th – 31^st March 2020

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a country with staggering rare natural beauty and some of the world’s most amazing wildlife. It’s one of the best places in Africa for encounters with forest elephant and lowland gorillas, and the best places in the world, some say, to see butterflies. It’s also one of the most impoverished and least developed countries on the continent.

Dzanga Bai is a Garden of Eden in the dense Central African Rainforests. It is a clearing in the middle of nowhere, with a tree platform where large herds of Forest Elephant (especially bulls in musth; ready to fight and looking for fertile females), Sitatunga, Bongo, Red Forest Buffalo, and even Lowland Gorilla, come to drink, feed, search for salt and socialize. It is quite an amazing spectacle for even the most seasoned African traveller.

Or

Cultural & Tribal Group Trip, Ethiopia

 5^th-24^th July 2020

Nowhere in the world is as well-endowed with traditional and tribal cultures as Ethiopia. Our typical cultural expedition takes you into this remote region of the African continent where you will be immersed into an array of tribal lifestyles and biblical-like living museums. You will also enjoy ‘street level culture’ with a fascinating blend of cafes, bars, sidewalk musicians, small galleries and bistros; where it is hard to draw the line between participant and observer, or between creativity and its creators.  This trip will include the following incredible attractions: the picturesque and historic town of Lalibela (The Coptic Christian’s “New Jerusalem”), the colourful town of Harer (Africa’s most holy Islamic city), the night-life of Addis, the Dassanech Dimi Ceremony, the Suri Stick Fighters, Hamar bull jumping, The Mursi & the cradle of mankind, the Nyangatom, and the Kara – masters of paint.

After several years of “no foreigner access” to the amazing Donga stick sighting of the Suri in Ethiopia, I am thrilled to say that this door has now re-opened, and all of our trips to the Suri this last season (June to August) have all been lucky enough to experience this awesome spectacle.  A quick video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jZ7r_YktPo

So, why not join Origins on the most amazing cultural expedition of your life, to see people and lifestyles totally unaffected by the western world.  You will feel nothing but sheer privilege at being able to travel amongst them.  HOWEVER, if you are inconvenienced by spartan accommodation or are apprehensive in unfamiliar situations, then this expedition is not for you!

Or

Honeymoon / Wedding in East Africa

Any time of the year

Looking for a unique, exotic venue for an intimate honeymoon, unforgettable wedding, special anniversary or simply a whimsical vow renewal or blessing?   Whether you envision a stunning white-sandy beach, a sun-burnt savannah teeming with wildlife, breathtaking mountain views or a charming tropical garden in full-bloom, Origins Safaris are experts in planning specialized, romantic destination celebrations with fantastic value-added benefits. Our exceptionally beautiful, memorable and romantic East African honeymoon destinations are as diverse as the continent itself and can be experienced as stand-alone destinations or in exciting combinations with each other.  Origins Safaris offer a premier, one-stop experience to help you plan your bespoke dream wedding or special event.

Or

Family Safari – the Serengeti Migration – Kenya or Tanzania

June – September 2020 & 21

Tanzania and Kenya offer the world’s most spectacular wildlife event, as herds of Wildebeeste, Zebras and Antelopes roam the vast savannah eco-system that stretches from Ngorongoro Crater to The Maasai Mara. We can guarantee your safari is at the heart of the migration, with the option of a classic mobile tented camp that moves with the herds and the seasons.

Tanzania & Kenya are lands of true wilderness. Over a quarter of these magnificent countries are dedicated to incredibly wild and beautiful national parks and reserves – combined, they are East Africa at its best. Tanzania is a land of superlatives: the deepest, the highest, the largest, and the oldest, and Kenya is rightfully described as “All of Africa in One Country”.  It is exactly that – Kenya enjoys some of the world’s greatest environmental diversity resulting in unparalleled species and sub-species varieties.

A safari with your family creates memories that will last generations. The excitement of searching for Africa’s wildlife appeals to all ages. This is simply an unforgettable family odyssey.

Or

Indian Ocean Sun, Sea & Sand Family Trip – Kenya & Tanzania

Any time of the year

Both Tanzania & Kenya also have incredible white sandy coastlines with blue azure seas; a soak in the sun being the perfect ending to a dusty safari. The opportunity to combine a safari with a relaxing beach holiday is entirely possible.  Visit Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia which form a beautiful archipelago just off the Tanzanian mainland, renowned for their spice plantations and cloves. The palm beaches have beautiful protecting coral reefs and are carpeted with white coral sand. The warm clear water is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and other watersports. This is the birthplace of Swahili, Sultans’ Palaces, and the rich Persian history. Alternatively, experience the tranquil environs of the Kenyan coast – the splendid white sandy beaches, cool breezes, diverse watersports and exclusive beach resorts.

Or

Long Live the “Super Tusker”, Kenya

Any time of the year

The African Elephant is under perilous threat from poaching for it’s ivory.  Kenya, and Tsavo National Park in particular, are home to many of the continents’ last “big tuskers”. There are only a few dozen “Super Tuskers” left on the African continent. These are mammoth bull elephants with 100+ pound tusks to the ground. We offer awesome experiences in search of these giants of nature that would not otherwise be possible, were it not for the pioneering conservation efforts of The Tsavo Trust and other conservation bodies. Please contact us should you wish to be one of the very few people privileged enough to be able to go in search of these mammoths.

Or

Lake Tangayika, Tanzania

Any time of the year

The world’s longest and second deepest lake is a natural wonder in the Albertine Rift Valley (which spans across four countries). A great inland sea; it is perfect for scenic boat cruises, kayaking, sport fishing and scuba diving with it’s endemic cichlids. Most exciting of all however, are the opportunities on the forested shores, to come face to face with our closest relatives – Chimpanzees.

Or

Mountain Climbing Trip – Kenya or Tanzania

All year round

Tanzania is dominated by Kilimanjaro; one of the world’s most massive extinct volcano’s and Africa’s highest mountain.  It soars some 15,000 feet above the surrounding arid plains, and 2.5 square miles of its surface ascends to over 18,500 feet.  As the tallest free standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is a mecca for mountaineers and amateur trekkers alike; whether you wish to hike to the summit of this “roof of Africa”, or simply view the spectacular wildlife in the shadow of it’s snow-capped peaks.  Alternatively or in combination, climb snow-capped Mt. Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa.

Or

Africa’s Big Birding Trip, Kenya

Any time of the year

Origins Safaris (formally East African Ornithological Safaris) are the original birding safari company in East Africa. The company founder, Don Turner, wrote the definitive Guide: `Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania’.  Whether you want a specialist birding program targeting hundreds of species in a fortnight, or you seek a more general, cultural and wildlife safari, you can rest assured that our guides will know exactly what you are looking at, and be able to interpret its behaviour for you.

Kenya is simply the best wildlife and birdlife viewing destination in Africa.  People from all over the world are drawn here by its essence: the chance to immerse yourself in the spectacle of the big game:  the predators and the prey ritually entwined in a cycle of life and death. Kenya straddles the Equator with geography ranging from snow capped Mt. Kenya, to lush tropical rainforest and golden sands at sea level.  Kenya is a land of contrasts and extremes: a country with an extraordinary variety of landscapes and locations, all of them striking in their own particular way.  It has earned the epithet ‘the cradle of mankind’ for the discovery of archaeological evidence of the earliest origins of mankind. Kenya not only boasts every known landform but also a wealth of animal and bird life which owes its very existence to the contrasts in the country’s terrain.  You do not have to be an ornithologist to enjoy its one thousand species of birds or a zoologist to be amazed by its variety of animals – birds range from the beautiful to the bizarre and the wildlife from the weird to the wonderful…

 

Please do check out our website or follow us on Facebook & Instagram if you need some ideas for the year ahead – as we are full of them ! Contact us via www.originsafaris.com and we will provide you with relevant and extensive sources of information and pertinent itinerary advice to create your specific safari design.

Origins Safaris – Authentic African Experiences Since 1963