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Insights From Our Teams’ Travels Across Africa This Year

There are moments in Africa that are difficult to anticipate until you are there. A silverback gorilla pausing just a few feet away. A line of elephants gathering at the edge of a river. The quiet rhythm of walking through the bush, taking in your surroundings.

At Vaya Adventures, our approach is grounded in firsthand experience. Our specialists spend time in the field, exploring new regions, revisiting trusted camps, and building close relationships with guides and local partners. The result is a deeper understanding of how each journey unfolds.

So far this year, our team has traveled through Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda, with more to come. What follows are their reflections, each offering a distinct perspective on safari. Each experience is different, but together they offer a sense of what safari can be

Dervla Pinto — Botswana & Greater Kruger

Wild landscapes, green season travel, and long-awaited encounters

Where did you travel, and what was the focus of your journey?
This year I traveled to the Greater Kruger area and several unique ecosystems within Botswana. This was a research trip, with the main part generously hosted by two lovely portfolios, Desert & Delta and Ker & Downey Botswana. This was travel during green season, which is not traditionally considered a great time to go, but I had some of the best game viewing I have ever had.

In Botswana, we covered Savute, which is a unique area that is sort of part of the Chobe ecosystem, the Okavango from top to bottom, and the Central Kalahari.

What moments stood out most?
There were so many special moments. Breaking my own wild dog curse (I have never really seen them across 21 years, and I got to see them twice on this trip, and it was so emotional), traveling for four nights with Steph, my lovely colleague who I do not get to spend a lot of time with in person, watching an absolutely insane interaction between a leopard and an elephant, having my first ever female guide, seeing so many amazing leopards, and watching a small one practice stalking.

Seeing a new species, a sitatunga, getting to spend time in a photographic hide in the Kalahari, and doing an amazing walk with the San Bushmen to learn ancient knowledge was extremely moving.

What surprised you?
I was surprised to get to see wild dogs at all, but to see them in two different landscapes was a dream come true, and I cried quietly both times.

What did the trip feel like overall?
Like a nervous system reset. Being in the bush makes the world make sense for me, and that happens every time.

Any advice for travelers
Do not let the weather, the dramatic skies, and the thick bush scare you. Lean into the experience. It is quiet, and nature will always provide, even though driving conditions and rescuing other vehicles added to the adventure.

Who is this trip best for?
This trip is for people looking to disconnect and reconnect at the same time. It is wild landscapes, big skies, and fascinating people.

Jim Lutz — Kenya & Uganda

A father and daughter journey through East Africa

Where did you travel, and what kind of journey was it?
I traveled to Kenya and Uganda with my 19-year-old daughter. We first went to Kenya, where we did a walking safari with Karisia Walking Safaris, an exceptionally well-run organization with fantastic guides and logistics. It is an amazing part of Kenya, and we saw a huge variety of wildlife on foot over the course of three days, with many close encounters.

Then we spent three nights in the Mara North Conservancy at Offbeat Mara Camp, a tented camp that is not luxurious but offers incredible wildlife viewing at very close range. Then we went to Uganda, where we saw Murchison Falls, a massive waterfall on the Nile River, and saw chimpanzees and gorillas in the wild.

A standout moment
At one point, a very big silverback gorilla sat down about ten feet from me and my daughter. Then it got up, looked at us, and started walking towards us. About five feet from us, it stopped, yawned, and walked past us.

Did anything surprise you?
I had heard of the Laikipia region in Kenya and the Samburu people, but the experience went way beyond what I was expecting, both in terms of the wildlife we saw while trekking from camp to camp and the interactions we were able to have with the Samburu guides and trackers. It was an extraordinary experience.

What did this trip feel like?
As many great trips are, it was a combination of exhilarating, inspiring, eye-opening, at times tiring, and just plain fun, especially traveling with my daughter, who is a freshman in college and was on winter break.

Advice for travelers?
Ask about walking safaris. It is great to mix it up and get out on your own two feet on safari. Also, push yourself out of what might be your comfort zone and include Rwanda or Uganda on your trip. They are less visited than Kenya or Tanzania, and you will not regret it.

Who is this trip best for?
The walking safari is perfect for anyone who likes to hike and is looking for a bit more of an adventurous trip. It is not a super strenuous trek, but you do have to walk several hours each day between the camps.

Stephanie Peterson — South Africa

Diverse landscapes and a strong introduction to safari

Where did you travel, and what was the focus?
I traveled to South Africa to explore a few private game reserves in the Eastern Cape and in the north near the Botswana border. The purpose of my trip was to explore Kruger-alternative safari destinations as well as malaria-free, family-friendly ones. Overall, it was very fast-paced, but I got to see and experience a lot of incredible lodges and safari destinations that we will hopefully send Vaya guests to in the future.

Standout wildlife moments
Having the luck and privilege of seeing a black rhino while out on a walking safari was a standout experience. Black rhinos are extremely endangered and elusive animals, and not many people are lucky enough to see them even from a vehicle. Our experience was truly a testament to our guide’s knowledge and skill in the bush.

Witnessing three cheetahs actively hunting was another special safari experience.

What surprised you?
I was absolutely blown away by Kwandwe’s Great Fish River Lodge. There was not a single detail that was not meticulously thought out or executed. The guiding and tracking, the hospitality, the incredible food, and the stunning accommodation were all excellent.

What did you love most?
I tend to love everything, but I was really surprised at the diversity of landscapes I got to experience on safari in different regions of Africa. Each reserve was truly different and had something unique and special to offer. I generally just love being outside, and getting to spend so much time in nature while on safari was a real treat.

Advice for travelers
I would recommend pairing two different safari areas together to enhance your experience and see a variety of landscapes, wildlife, and guiding styles. The perfect trip to South Africa would include time in Cape Town or the Cape Winelands, followed by two safari stays. If you have extra time, I would also include time along the ocean.

Who is this trip best for?
South Africa is perfect for first-time safari trips. The game viewing is incredible and diverse, and the lodge accommodations are absolutely spectacular. There is something for everyone, and your Vaya Destination Specialist can tailor your experience to your preferences.

Gareth Smith — Southern Africa & Chobe

A different perspective: safari by river

Where did you travel, and what was the focus?
Southern Africa. I traveled to northern KwaZulu-Natal and Chobe National Park. The primary focus was safari in less-visited areas and accommodations, with the goal of building on locations that we want our clients to consider as part of their trips.

Standout experience
I spent two nights on the Chobe Princess, a river safari focused on the Chobe River and the large herds of elephants in Chobe National Park. Over the course of my two decades in the industry, this was my first time spending time on a vessel on safari. It is something I will never forget and would absolutely suggest to our clients.

A moment that stayed with you
At one point, our captain stopped the vessel alongside an area frequented by elephants. Over the course of about three hours, during lunch, we watched around 300 to 400 elephants come down to drink from the river. In all my time on safari, both as a guide and on my own trips, I have never seen herds that size.

What made it even better was how the herds interacted with each other, from playful interactions among younger elephants to more confrontational moments with older bulls showing dominance. It was something I will always speak of and remember.

What made this experience different?
The Chobe River added another element and stands out from most other safaris.

Advice for travelers
I would suggest ending the trip with the river cruise. It felt like a good way to relax and enjoy downtime, with a much slower pace than a traditional safari. I was happy with the two-night cruise. Although there is a three-night option, I would still recommend two nights, as the third day could feel repetitive.

Who is this trip best for?
This is great for a wide range of travelers, but especially for those returning to Africa or those looking for less-visited locations with fewer people.

Considering Your Own Unique Safari Experience?

There is no single way to experience Africa. Some travelers are drawn to classic game drives across open plains, while others prefer walking safaris, river journeys, or time spent with local communities.

At Vaya Adventures, our specialists use firsthand experience to design tailored itineraries, pairing exceptional guides, carefully selected camps, and seamless logistics.

If you are considering a trip to Africa, we would be happy to help you explore what that journey could look like.

Plan Your Custom Safari