Few safari experiences compare to the magic of a hot air balloon safari. As the sun rises, you drift silently over the savannah, watching herds of elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest moving below. For many travelers, this is the highlight of their African journey—an unforgettable mix of serenity, adventure, and panoramic views.
A hot air balloon safari begins before dawn. Guests are driven to the launch site, where the balloon is inflated as the sky lightens. Once airborne, the flight usually lasts about an hour, covering wide stretches of wilderness in near silence. After landing, most experiences end with a champagne breakfast in the bush—a fitting finale to a spectacular morning.
Kenya (Masai Mara): Best during the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest move across the plains.
Tanzania (Serengeti): Offers sweeping views of endless grasslands and large predator populations.
Botswana (Okavango Delta): Seasonal waters create a unique mosaic of lagoons, channels, and islands.
South Africa: Options are more limited but available in reserves like Pilanesberg.
Unique aerial perspective, perfect for photography
Peaceful, eco-friendly experience compared to vehicles
Romantic and memorable for honeymoons or anniversaries
Often considered the ultimate safari “bucket-list” activity
We suggest combining a hot air balloon safari with your regular game drives for a complete experience. The balloon provides a grand overview of the landscape, while drives allow you to get close to the animals afterward.
🎥 Want to see how magical Africa looks from above? Explore our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel for stories and visuals from our safaris.
📧 Contact us at connect@oloishorua.com or WhatsApp +971543271152 to add a balloon safari to your customized itinerary.
African safaris come in many forms, but the two most iconic experiences are walking safaris and game drives. Both offer unforgettable encounters with wildlife, yet they deliver very different perspectives on Africa’s wilderness. At Oloi Shorua, we help clients choose the safari style—or a blend of both—that fits their comfort, pace, and curiosity.
Game drives are the classic safari experience. Guests travel in an open 4×4 vehicle, led by a professional guide and tracker, covering large areas of wilderness. They’re perfect for spotting big game like lions, elephants, and rhinos from a safe vantage point. With morning, afternoon, and even night drives available, game drives maximize your chances of seeing Africa’s most famous wildlife.
Benefits:
Comfortable, ideal for families and first-timers
Access to wide ranges and diverse habitats
Great for photography with stable platforms
Safer close-up encounters with predators
Walking safaris bring you closer to nature, literally on foot. Guided by armed rangers, you’ll follow tracks, observe plants, and notice smaller details often missed from a vehicle. It’s less about rushing to spot the Big Five and more about learning the language of the bush—listening to bird calls, studying dung beetles, and feeling part of the ecosystem.
Benefits:
Deeper immersion in nature
Best for seasoned safari-goers looking for something unique
Emphasis on smaller wildlife, flora, and cultural insights
Builds appreciation for tracking and ancient skills
First-time travelers or families: Start with game drives for comfort and guaranteed sightings.
Adventure-seekers or repeat visitors: Add walking safaris for an intimate, slow-paced connection to the wild.
Best of both worlds: Many lodges offer both, so you can spend mornings driving and afternoons walking.
We design blended itineraries that combine the thrill of game drives with the quiet magic of walking safaris. For example, guests in Kenya’s Masai Mara may enjoy classic game drives, while Zambia’s South Luangwa or Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools offer unmatched walking safari traditions.
🎥 For more insights and stories from Africa, explore our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel
📧 Contact us at connect@oloishorua.com or WhatsApp +971543271152 to plan your personalized safari experience.
Read MoreWhen people think of African safaris, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa usually come to mind. But for seasoned travelers seeking something more exclusive, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia deliver wild beauty, intimate lodges, and off-the-beaten-track adventures that rival the classics.
Zambia is raw and authentic. It’s where walking safaris were pioneered, giving guests a chance to explore the bush on foot with expert guides. Highlights include:
South Luangwa National Park – Legendary for leopard sightings and walking safaris.
Lower Zambezi National Park – Canoeing alongside elephants on the mighty Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls (Zambian side) – Quieter and less crowded, yet equally spectacular.
Lodges are often small and owner-run, with a strong focus on guiding.
Zimbabwe is regaining its place as one of Africa’s finest safari destinations. Expect:
Hwange National Park – Home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.
Mana Pools – UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for walking safaris and canoe trips.
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side) – The most famous viewing points of “The Smoke That Thunders.”
Exceptional guiding standards, consistently rated among the best in Africa.
Namibia offers landscapes unlike anywhere else in Africa. Expect:
Etosha National Park – Salt pans and floodlit waterholes teeming with wildlife.
Sossusvlei – Towering red dunes, surreal sunrises, and desert-adapted wildlife.
Skeleton Coast – Stark beauty, shipwrecks, and seal colonies.
Lodges emphasize design and isolation, with some of the most dramatic scenery on the continent.
Exclusivity: Fewer crowds, more privacy.
Adventure: Walking safaris, canoeing, and desert exploration.
Diversity: From roaring falls to desert dunes, every destination offers a different flavor of Africa.
At Oloi Shorua, we curate seamless journeys across these hidden gems, blending wild encounters with luxury comfort. If you’ve already done Kenya or South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia open up a thrilling new chapter of safari travel.
🎥 See More Safaris in Action
Discover real safari moments, expert tips, and lodge reviews on our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel. Subscribe for immersive travel stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
📧 connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971 54327 1152
Photography safaris are an amazing way to blend adventure, beauty and creativity—whether you’re an enthusiast with a DSLR or simply love capturing epic moments on your smartphone. For those interested in a photography safari, Africa’s rich landscapes, dramatic wildlife and golden-hour light make it a photographer’s dream. If you are planning a photography safari in Africa, in this post, we’ll walk you through what to pack, how to choose locations, and two top lodges that go the extra mile with pro-camera gear and photo-studio facilities.
Nature’s light: Early morning and late afternoon light in the savannah is magical for wildlife photos.
Wildlife action: From buffalo herds to lion hunts, Africa offers thrilling subjects that make for powerful images.
Unique lodges: Some properties now cater specifically to photography-minded guests with high-end gear and expert support.
At Ishara Mara, guests gain access to their on-site Canon Brand Experience Centre with complimentary high-end Canon cameras, lenses, a photo-editing suite and three resident professional photographers.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge also offers a branded Canon photography studio where guests borrow Canon mirrorless cameras and lenses, guided by in-house professional photographers.
Worth noting: While both are Canon-based, there’s no strong indication that Nikon gear is similarly supplied.
Bring a 70-200mm lens plus a 100-500mm zoom if possible—wildlife often stays a distance.
Tripod or bean-bag: Useful for low-light or dawn shoots.
Extra SD cards and batteries: Africa’s long days and drives demand spares.
Neutral-coloured clothing to minimise reflections, and a lens-clean cloth for dusty conditions.
Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve & Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park: Migration, big cats, plenty of drama.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta: Elephants in water, flooded plains, reflection shots.
Namibia’s Sossusvlei & Etosha National Park: Desert light, minimal crowds, epic landscapes.
Book at least 3-4 nights at a dedicated photography-lodge like Ishara or JW Marriott to justify the gear and time.
Schedule drives during dawn and dusk for best light.
Ask your guide for vantage points—e.g., backside of a migration ridge or water-crossings where wildlife patterns repeat.
Editing matters: Use RAW format, edit exposure and contrast early, and consider bringing a lightweight laptop or tablet.
At Oloi Shorua we understand that a luxury safari isn’t just about spotting the Big Five—it’s about preserving memories. That’s why we recommend lodges with dedicated photography support, letting you come away with gallery-worthy images, not just snapshots.
We handle the logistics—flights, transfers, use of gear—so you can focus on capturing the moment.
🎥 Want to see these lodges and experiences in action?
Check out our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel for real safari footage, lodge reviews, and expert travel tips.
📧 connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971 54327 1152
This post is for travel-educational purposes only. Gear availability may vary; always check with the lodge in advance. Wildlife behaviour is unpredictable—safety and environmental respect always come first.
Read MoreA honeymoon safari is unlike any other journey — it blends adventure with intimacy, wild beauty with luxurious comfort. Africa offers some of the world’s most romantic settings, where candlelit dinners in the bush and starlit skies create memories that last a lifetime.
Unmatched Romance: Private game drives, secluded suites, and champagne sundowners.
Luxury Meets Wilderness: Stay in lodges where every detail is designed for couples.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments: Witness the Great Migration, hot air balloon over the savannah, or sip wine by the fire with lions roaring in the distance.
Masai Mara, Kenya: Iconic plains, luxury lodges like Il Moran, Olonana, and Ishaara for honeymooners.
Serengeti & Ngorongoro, Tanzania: Secluded tented camps and dramatic landscapes, perfect for private escapes.
Okavango Delta, Botswana: Mokoro rides at sunset, wildlife encounters in complete privacy.
South Africa & Mozambique: Combine luxury game lodges with Indian Ocean beaches for a “bush and beach” honeymoon.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: A breathtaking sunrise view of the African plains.
Bush Dinners & Private Picnics: Gourmet dining under the stars.
Couple’s Spa Treatments: Luxury lodges often include wellness and spa experiences.
Indian Ocean Extension: Seychelles, Zanzibar, or Mauritius to end your safari in paradise.
We craft bespoke honeymoon safaris that combine exclusivity, luxury, and romance. With every trip prepaid, you’ll enjoy seamless service without worrying about unexpected costs. Just focus on each other, while we handle every detail.
🎥 See More Safaris in Action
Discover real safari moments, expert tips, and lodge reviews on our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel. Subscribe for immersive travel stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
📧 connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971 54327 1152
Taking your children on safari is one of the most rewarding travel experiences — it’s not just a vacation, but a chance to open their eyes to the wonders of nature. With the right planning, a luxury family safari balances adventure, education, and comfort, making memories that last a lifetime.
Educational Value: Children learn firsthand about wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation.
Bonding Time: No screens, just shared experiences in the wild.
Luxury Comfort: Family-friendly lodges offer villas, pools, and kids’ clubs.
Kenya – Masai Mara & Amboseli: Big Five sightings, cultural encounters, and excellent family lodges.
Tanzania – Serengeti & Ngorongoro: Wide open plains, dramatic wildlife scenes, and private family tents.
South Africa – Madikwe & Kruger: Malaria-free reserves with family-focused safari programs.
Botswana – Okavango Delta: For adventurous families, offering mokoro (canoe) rides and walking safaris.
Family Suites & Villas: Spacious accommodation for parents and children.
Child-Friendly Programs: Junior ranger activities, wildlife tracking, and storytelling.
Safety & Convenience: Fenced lodges, flexible dining, and medical support.
Minimum Age: Many lodges welcome children from 6+, but some cater to younger kids too.
Health Prep: Vaccinations and malaria prevention may be required — always check with your doctor.
Packing Smart: Binoculars for kids, neutral clothing, sun protection, and plenty of books for downtime.
Upfront Payments: With Oloi Shorua, your safari is prepaid — accommodation, meals, and transfers included. You’ll only need to budget for extras like premium beverages or souvenirs.
We specialize in crafting seamless luxury family safaris with curated lodges, private vehicles, and personal guides. From toddlers to teens, we ensure every family member enjoys the magic of Africa.
🎥 See More Safaris in Action
Discover real safari moments, expert tips, and lodge reviews on our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel. Subscribe for immersive travel stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
📧 connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971 54327 1152
An African safari is exhilarating — days filled with game drives, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. But after the dust of the savannah, many travelers crave a soft landing: warm turquoise seas, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts. That’s why combining a safari with the Indian Ocean islands — Seychelles, Zanzibar, and Mauritius — is the perfect way to end your journey.
Famous for its powdery white beaches, granite boulders, and lush rainforests.
Ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking privacy.
Luxury resorts on Mahé, Praslin, and private islands offer spa treatments, diving, and fine dining.
Easy flight connections from Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa.
Known as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar blends Swahili culture with stunning beaches.
Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for exploring history, markets, and Arabic architecture.
Just a short hop from Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara — ideal for travelers who want safari + beach in one trip.
Beach lodges range from boutique chic to all-inclusive luxury.
Famous for turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and mountain backdrops.
Excellent for families thanks to kids’ clubs, water sports, and multi-room villas.
Golf, diving, rum tours, and vibrant Creole cuisine add variety to your stay.
Direct connections from Johannesburg and Nairobi make it a convenient add-on.
Balance: Safari mornings can start at 5 a.m.; an island stay lets you slow down.
Luxury: Africa’s top beach resorts rival the world’s best in service and style.
Romance & Family Time: Whether it’s a honeymoon in Seychelles or family fun in Mauritius, islands let you unwind after adventure.
Seamless Planning: At Oloi Shorua, we curate packages that include safari lodges and island resorts, with all transfers handled so you don’t have to think about logistics.
🎥 See More Safaris in Action
Discover real safari moments, expert tips, and lodge reviews on our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel. Subscribe for immersive travel stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
📧 connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971 54327 1152
When planning a luxury safari in Africa, two countries often top the list: Botswana and South Africa. Both promise extraordinary wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and world-class lodges. But they offer very different experiences — and the right choice depends on your travel style, budget, and expectations.
Botswana is the gold standard of low-impact, high-quality safaris. The government limits visitor numbers and emphasizes conservation, meaning you’ll never feel crowded. Expect:
Okavango Delta: A unique wetland paradise, explored by traditional mokoro canoes or small motorboats. Wildlife sightings include elephants, hippos, and rare birds.
Chobe National Park: Famous for its massive elephant herds and predator action.
Lodges: Intimate, often with only 6–12 tents, offering highly personalized service.
Style: Fly-in safaris dominate — light aircraft connect camps due to distances.
Budget: Premium pricing, often higher than South Africa, but unmatched exclusivity.
South Africa is ideal for travelers who want variety — safaris paired with cities, beaches, and wine regions. Expect:
Kruger National Park & Private Reserves: Big Five game drives in iconic reserves like Sabi Sands and Timbavati, where leopard sightings are legendary.
Malaria-Free Reserves: Madikwe and Pilanesberg offer excellent game viewing without malaria risk, ideal for families.
Cape Town & Winelands: Combine safaris with cultural city stays, world-class dining, and vineyard tours.
Style: Drive-in access possible; larger range of accommodation from luxury lodges to more affordable options.
Budget: Wider range — from mid-tier to ultra-luxury.
Choose Botswana if you want remoteness, exclusivity, and pristine wilderness. Best for seasoned safari-goers, honeymooners, and photographers.
Choose South Africa if you want accessibility, family options, and diverse add-ons like Cape Town and the Winelands. Perfect for first-time safari travelers.
Best of Both Worlds: Many of our clients combine the two — for example, 3 nights in Sabi Sands followed by 4 nights in the Okavango Delta.
At Oloi Shorua, we design safaris that blend your personal style with Africa’s finest offerings. Whether you dream of Botswana’s silent waterways or South Africa’s iconic leopard sightings, we’ll make it happen seamlessly.
🎥 See More Safaris in Action
Discover real safari moments, expert tips, and lodge reviews on our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel. Subscribe for immersive travel stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
📧 connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971 54327 1152
At Oloi Shorua, we believe a safari is more than just booking a room with a view — it’s about trusting the entire journey. That’s why before any lodge appears in our itineraries, we put it through a rigorous, firsthand evaluation.
With hundreds of camps across Africa, no two are the same. Some boast prime wildlife locations, others excel at family comforts, and some shine through their conservation impact. Our role is to filter, compare, and experience each one personally — so when you travel with us, you know you’re getting a property that’s been carefully vetted.
Location First – Lodges must sit in prime wildlife areas — migration corridors, rhino sanctuaries, or near key water sources.
Comfort & Style – We look at room quality, dining, guides, pools, spas, and the balance between wilderness and luxury.
Logistics – Travel should feel seamless. We test whether it’s better to fly into a bush strip or enjoy a scenic drive.
Traveler Profile Fit – Honeymooners, families, photographers, or seasoned safari-goers — each type of traveler deserves the right match.
Sustainability – Conservation and community projects are non-negotiable for lodges we recommend.
Game-viewing quality: Does the lodge have exclusive conservancy access or too much vehicle traffic?
Service consistency: Are guides attentive and knowledgeable? Do staff adapt to guest needs?
Little luxuries: Is breakfast served in the bush? Are there star beds or private plunge pools?
By testing every lodge ourselves, we eliminate guesswork for you. You won’t face “surprises” — instead, you’ll arrive knowing your lodge was chosen with your travel style, comfort, and expectations in mind.
As safari demand rises for 2026, our recommended lodges (like Ishara Mara, Solio Lodge, Lemala Osonjoi, and Olonana) are already filling up. By booking through us, you get expert guidance, insider knowledge, and seamless planning from people who’ve stayed there.
👉 Curious to see which lodges made our 2026 list after testing? Read our full guide to the Best Safari Lodges in Kenya & Tanzania for 2026
🎥 See More Safaris in Action
Discover real safari moments, expert tips, and lodge reviews on our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel. Subscribe for immersive travel stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
📧 Contact us today at connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971543271152
Let’s design your safari with lodges we know and trust.
When planning a safari, your choice of lodge or camp is just as important as the parks you visit. At Oloi Shorua, we don’t simply recommend lodges off a list — we personally test, review, and revisit each property before including it in our itineraries.
Our process looks like this:
Wildlife Location First – We prioritize lodges located in prime wildlife areas (migration routes, rhino sanctuaries, elephant corridors).
Style & Comfort – From ultra-luxury tented camps to boutique eco-lodges, we balance modern comforts with authentic safari charm.
Access & Logistics – Some areas are best accessed by bush flights, others by scenic drives. We carefully choose lodges that minimize travel fatigue.
Guest Profiles – Families, honeymooners, photographers, or seasoned safari-goers — every lodge fits a different type of traveler.
Sustainability & Conservation – We only work with properties that actively support conservation and local communities.
With that in mind, here’s our curated list of the best safari lodges in Kenya & Tanzania for 2026.
Ishara Mara – A new benchmark for modern luxury, offering breathtaking Mara views.
Angama Mara – Iconic, perched high above the plains with sweeping migration views.
Governors’ Il Moran Camp – Exclusive and intimate, perfect for serious wildlife enthusiasts.
Sanctuary Olonana – A luxury riverside lodge with exceptional service and sustainability focus.
Tawi Lodge – Set in a private conservancy, offering Kilimanjaro views with eco-luxury charm.
Solio Lodge – Nestled in Kenya’s first private rhino conservancy, a haven for black and white rhino sightings.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp – Known for rhino conservation and immersive wilderness.
Segera Retreat – Luxury, art, and conservation combined in a private Laikipia retreat.
Singita Grumeti Reserves (Sasakwa, Sabora, Faru Faru) – Synonymous with exclusivity and migration access.
Serengeti Under Canvas (andBeyond) – Mobile camps that follow the migration.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – The iconic “Versailles of Africa” with the best crater-edge views.
The Highlands Ngorongoro – Dome-shaped suites offering both comfort and wilderness immersion.
Lemala Osonjoi Lodge – Elegant new lodge offering views of the crater.
Chem Chem Lodge – A slow-safari retreat between Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (andBeyond) – Luxurious treehouses set deep inside the national park.
Book 12–18 months ahead if you want the top lodges during migration.
Consider a Kenya + Tanzania combo itinerary:
1 night Nairobi
2 nights Lake Naivasha
3 nights Masai Mara
3 nights Serengeti
2 nights Ngorongoro Crater
1 night Lake Manyara
All-inclusive advantage – Your safari is prepaid: accommodation, meals, transfers, and activities are covered. You’ll only need extra for tips, premium drinks, or personal shopping.
👉 Wondering how we select lodges for our clients? Discover our behind-the-scenes process in How We Personally Test Every Lodge Before Recommending It.
🎥 See More Safaris in Action
Discover real safari moments, expert tips, and lodge reviews on our Oloi Shorua YouTube channel. Subscribe for immersive travel stories and behind-the-scenes experiences.
📧 Plan your 2026 luxury safari with us: connect@oloishorua.com
📱 WhatsApp: +971543271152
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