Posted: March 28, 2023
With the travel world fully back into the swing of things, we are seeing numbers like never before. Interest is booming and the camps and animals are thriving with the full return of ecotourism. Some clear trends are defining travel in 2023, chief among them opting for customized trips - particularly focused on interests and passions, planning in advance again, prioritizing sustainable choices, large groups of friends and family traveling together, opting for lesser visited destinations, and wellness focused travel. No matter what is sparking inspiration for your travels this year, we are excited to work with you to plan your perfect trip.
We created these trips to both celebrate our go-to favorite destinations, as well as some more off-the-beaten-track areas that we think you will love! If you've ever dreamed of traveling with your family like Teresa and Casey do, now you can visit their tried and true family favorites. If you can't decide between Egypt and a safari, check out our Iconic Wonders of Africa. If you're a veteran safari-goer, check out a new country with our Zambia: Land of Leopards.
With demand higher than ever, now is the time to dive headfirst into planning for both this year and beyond. The best way to achieve your travel vision is to use an expert and plan with plenty of time. There's still countless great camps to check out for this year during our secret times of year. October through mid-December is an amazing time to travel without the crowds. There's even still time for a last minute spring trip. Dig out your passport and dust off your camera, Africa is calling your name!
TERESA'S FAMILY FAVORITES
Kenya & The Seychelles
For families wanting the ultimate escape, this itinerary delivers the perfect blend of adventure and luxury - something for everyone! Stay in Teresa’s personally tested family favorites from cottages in the central highlands and spacious safari tents to stunning oceanview villas. Explore Kenya’s premier wildlife destinations where larger than life wildlife displays come alive on game drives. Unwind with a stay on a luxurious private island amid the warm turquoise seas and white sands of The Seychelles - the perfect finale to create memories together.
CASEY'S FAMILY FAVORITES
Botswana & Zambia
For families wanting diverse wildlife experiences, amazing guides and a huge selection of kid-friendly activities, Casey has you covered! Meet the Kalahari’s habituated families of meerkats and be guided by Super, who won the prestigious Best Guide in Africa for 2023. Discover the world renowned Okavango Delta by boat and vehicle, a watery paradise bursting with wildlife and birdlife. Finish up with seeing the iconic Victoria Falls and explore the area with the many activities on offer, ranging from relaxing to adrenaline junkie thrills - something for everyone in the family.
ICONIC WONDERS OF AFRICA
Egypt & Kenya
Explore Kenya’s most iconic natural wonders, from the snow-capped peaks of Mt Kilimanjaro to the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara where lions and cheetahs rule the land. See the vast herds of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra gather together in pursuit of the best grazing. Venutre north to discover Egypt’s ancient wonders, including the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, Abu Simbel and more. Sail back in time on the Nile River, the life blood of early civilization, on an intimate cruise that stops along the way to explore the countless relics along the banks.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
South Africa & Mozambique
This itinerary is the essence of romance - perfect for honeymooners and couples of all kinds. Stay in luxurious, boutique properties with fabulous service, beautiful design and great locations whether you’re in the bush or beachside. Enjoy Cape Town’s diverse cultural and natural highlights with curated privately guided touring, including the world renowned wine lands. Go on safari in one of the most prolific wildlife areas, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, known for its epic predator sightings. Relax into the barefoot ease of Mozambique’s white sands and warm turquoise waters on your idyllic grand finale.
WONDERS OF EAST AFRICA
Tanzania & Kenya
This is the perfect itinerary for families looking to explore the astonishingly diverse natural and cultural offerings of East Africa. Staying in exclusive-use, fully staffed houses throughout the trip gives your group space to unwind and make yourselves at home in total privacy. Combining stays in East Africa’s top wildlife hotspots and diverse landscapes makes this itinerary a true celebration of the region. From walking with Maasai Warriors to horseback safaris and action packed game drives, there are activities to excite everyone no matter their age. Explore these wildlife areas with some of the best private guides in all of Africa that we've worked with for years.
NEW FRONTIERS: RWANDA & TANZANIA
Rwanda & Tanzania
Discover brand new destinations and experiences in this smartly planned itinerary that celebrates the unexpected gems of East Africa. Go trekking to see three different types of primates - mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and chimpanzees. Get your fix of action packed savanna safari with a stop in the world famous Serengeti National Park. Explore Ruaha National Park, an off-the-beaten-path wildlife destination with towering baobas, beautiful landscapes and no crowds. For those who have been to Africa before and want something fresh and exciting - this is your perfect trip!
ZAMBIA: LAND OF LEOPARDS
Zambia
Zambia has stayed largely off the radar of the travel world, which means it delivers epic wildlife without any of the crowds of other areas. Venture into the beautiful Lower Zambezi valley where your days center around the mighty Zambezi River and the plethora of wildlife drawn to its banks. Explore the South Luangwa known for Africa's densest concentration of leopards, huge pods of hippos, seasonal flocks of carmine bee-eaters and so much more. End with a visit to the iconic Victoria Falls, where you relax at a riverside lodge that blends the tranquility of a spa with action-packed activities.
SOUTH AFRICAN FAMILY EXPLORER
South Africa
When it comes to affordable family adventures, it doesn’t get better than this with truly outstanding value for money. Explore Cape Town and its beautiful surroundings with privately guided tours tailored to families - from sea-kayaking with penguins to riding the cable car up Table Mountain. Go on a two-stop safari extravaganza in diverse private reserves that deliver top tier game viewing and world class guides. Be ready for plenty of big cats, large herds of elephants and abundant plains game. Stay in family friendly hotels and lodges that are perfect for families of all sizes thanks to flexible rooming options, kids programs and more.
ON THE ROAD IN TANZANIA
Tanzania
When you want to experience the wonders of Tanzania, but need a budget-friendly trip, this is the perfect itinerary for you! Stay in our favorite camps that have all the creature comforts you need, great guiding and access to prime wildlife spots. Experience an epic safari in Tanzania’s highly varied ecosystems ranging from the savannah and alkaline lakes to the rugged highlands. Enjoy diverse game viewing with everything from predator action and the Great Migration to flamingos and endangered rhinos - truly a country that offers it all!
BOTSWANA: CONSERVATION & COMMUNITIES
Botswana
Discover Botswana's commitment to the true ecotourism model of synergy between camps, conservation and community. Explore with Africa’s only fully female guide team and entirely electric vehicle fleet at Chobe Game Lodge where sustainability and women's empowerment is at the forefront. Stay in two of our all-time favorite camps in Botswana, set in diverse areas that are both jam-packed with wildlife - perfect for game viewing! Have your camera ready for great predator action, myriad bird species, abundant plains game and so much more. Go on a full day helicopter excursion to the Tsodilo Hills to see the ancient rock art and sacred cave sites of the Kalahari’s San people.
Let's chat about your own epic 2023 adventure!
Tel: 503.282.9009
Email: info@mangosafari.com