The Experience
Each safari that we design is an individual experience. Everyone’s idea of a holiday is different and a safari is like no other, which is why we cater to individual tastes and preferences advising on destinations, accommodation and activities that from our point of view best fit these needs. This isn’t just a trip to Africa, but an Africa-experience, where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds, the colour and the pulse of this spectacular and sometimes mystical continent full of captivating contrasts.
All I wanted to do now was get back to Africa. We had not left it yet, but when I would wake in the night, I would lie, listening, homesick for it already. Ernest Hemingway.
Luxury Safaris
Experience the Africa of Your Dreams! In detailed consultation with you and based on your interests and preferences, we will prepare a custom-designed itinerary using the most suitable properties and wilderness areas. We will carefully select from our portfolio, accommodation and wilderness areas for your group to create an all-embracing experience. Our portfolio is made up of small and intimate permanent camps, boutique lodges and private houses. Each destination has a unique style and character, offering exclusivity and personalised attention and can be booked on an exclusive basis for a larger group. They are located on expansive, private conservation areas, ranches or in prime spots in game parks and reserves throughout East Africa and most importantly off the beaten track. You can be accompanied by your own private guide or meet the exceptional guides at each property and have an exclusive vehicle for your group.
Being on safari is not only about viewing wildlife from your vehicle but gives you the opportunity to observe them in various ways and also take part in other activities. Depending on their location, properties provide something for all interests: night game drives, walking, hiking, horse or camel rides, plunge or swimming pool, birding, fishing, stargazing, scuba diving at the coast, balloon rides , scenic or helicopter flights. Getting to know the communities that you are visiting is an enlightening and rewarding experience and each destination is working to ensure that their local community benefits from visiting guests either directly or indirectly.
The cost of your safari will vary according to the itinerary and your group. Our safaris are all inclusive, with no hidden costs, to ensure that you don’t have to worry about expenses during your holiday.
Estimated cost: Minimum $600 per person per day, including internal flights, excluding international flights
Luxury Mobile Camping
A mobile camp is the most traditional form of safari. Transported to the most scenic parts of the bush, your private tented camp is set up exclusively for your group. When you move onto your next destination, your camp moves as well, leaving no trace of your presence in the pristine wilderness. Accommodation is in large, custom built canvas tents with a verandah and en-suite bathroom, all finished with a well-appointed array of soft furnishings. The spacious dining and lounge tent serves as the hub of social activity in camp, where meals are taken, stories are shared over iced cocktails and friendships are forged.
East Africa Safari Ventures founder and private guide Joe Charleson is personally involved in every step of your safari, from planning all of the intricate details with you to guiding the safari, acting as your host and unfolding the wonders of the Africa’s nature to you. He has specialised knowledge of animal behaviour and many years of safari experience which, combined with his sense of fun and adventure, ensure you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime.
In 2005 Joe was invited to become a member of a small yet prestigious partnership of private guides known as The Original Ker & Downey Safaris . For over 65 years, they have been the recognised leaders in outfitting unique, highly personalised and exclusive luxury mobile camping safaris throughout Africa and bring all of this expertise to our safaris. For more information or to organise your own privately guided mobile safari, please email Joe directly.
Adventure
If you are looking for adventure or an off the beaten track experience, we can design an itinerary that will combine fantastic wildlife viewing with activities such as hiking, mountain-climbing, white water rafting or gorilla trekking. These are just a few examples of what is available beyond the traditional safari experience. There are also unique destinations within East Africa that await your exploration – places that are remote and beautiful. If you want to step out of the safari vehicle and experience the country more closely or have meaningful and mutually respectful cultural experiences, we have the expertise to include these experiences in your safari.
We can also design an itinerary that focuses on a theme – maybe you love elephants or primates and would like to build an itinerary around them or maybe you’d like to climb 3 peaks in 3 weeks – Mt. Kenya, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro are easily combined in one safari. If you love birds or reptiles, we can arrange a specialist guide with private vehicles who shares your particular interest.
Accommodation style will be varied and sometimes dictated by the activities or what is available in your destination. You may stay in mobile fly camping tents, log cabins or more rustic lodging than the normal luxury safari. This safari style is suitable for small groups, active individuals who are looking for adventure and return guests who are looking for something a bit different.
Estimated cost: Price range will vary depending on the itinerary.