A journey into the heart of the wild

A safari in Africa is a journey into the heart of the wild, a chance to witness nature’s greatest spectacles unfold before your eyes. Where wildlife reigns and we are simply the spectators. A safari holiday can be incredibly rewarding, but to do it right, you need proven expertise by your side, navigating you through the brilliant landscapes in the utmost luxury and comfort.

Oroko Travel, Ireland’s only dedicated luxury travel business, are experts in tailoring luxury safari holidays. Brendan Breen, managing director at Oroko, states: “We’ve been there, and we know these destinations inside out. We make a huge effort to partner with the very best providers in every area that we work with in Africa. It’s hugely important to have that kind of reliability.”

The ultimate goal at Oroko is to make your dream safari come to life. Committed to helping you uncover the same destinations that have captured their hearts, join Oroko as the team reveals some of their favourite safari destinations in Africa.

First-time safari in South Africa

South Africa offers the perfect introduction to the world of safari. In a bustling, busy country, holidays can take on many forms. Oroko know South Africa like the back of their hands. “Using our unparalleled knowledge, we will tailor both the routes and accommodations best suited to your ideal adventure. For example, we can offer magnificent safari options without having to take an internal flight. Our partner property, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is just a three-hour drive from Cape Town, making it an ideal option for young families,” states senior travel specialist, Conor Magee.

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Senior travel specialist, Mary, explains that South African safari lodges manage their days differently than other destinations, suiting those who want a touch of relaxation while on safari. “Though you’re up early and you go out for a game drive, you generally have tea and breakfast muffins when you’re out there. You come back in for breakfast, and you have the middle of the day free. You can spend time by the pool, have a nap, read a book and then you have lunch and afternoon tea before heading out on another game drive in the afternoon.” After days of adventure, unwind in style by savouring gourmet meals under the African sky dotted with stars. Mary says, “I find sundowners very special as well. Having a lovely, shared moment as a family, while looking out at the beautiful scenery and wildlife. It’s really special.”

Tanzania and Zanzibar with teenagers

As your children grow older, you can take your adventure to the next level and enjoy a more off-the-grid, experiential holiday. Teenagers are more likely to tolerate longer transfers and lengthier safaris, making Tanzania an excellent choice for families with teens.

For the ultimate adventure, witness the vast plains of the Serengeti, embark on immersive walking safaris in Ngorongoro Crater and track the Big Five in Tarangire National Park. Along the way, encounter some of the warmest, most hospitable people who will share their magnificent culture on tailored experiences. Mary cherishes a particularly memorable experience while driving between two Serengeti locations. “Passing by villages, I heard the sounds of people singing during mass. It was a beautiful moment, witnessing the community coming together. It was incredibly moving.”

End your Tanzanian safari on Zanzibar’s idyllic coast. Settle into a luxury Oroko partner resort such as Zuri Zanzibar and relish in pure beach bliss with top-class dining, wellness facilities, excursions and water sports. “Zuri Zanzibar is one of the nicest properties I’ve seen in my entire life, and I inspect a lot of nice hotels. There’s just so much to do, it’s so diverse,” says senior travel specialist, Aisling.

Namibia, the ultimate playground for the adventurous spirit

A land of superlatives and contrasts, Namibia boasts surreal landscapes akin to a natural art gallery. From the rolling red dunes of the Namib Desert to the rugged mountains of Damaraland, it is a tapestry of nature’s grandeur, offering unparalleled adventures for those who seek it.

For those who love a grand adventure, Namibia’s vast diversity allows for a wealth of varied activities within the confines of one country. When you are not out on safari in the magnificent Etosha National Park, explore otherworldly landscapes, such as Deadvlei. Here, the stark black silhouettes of sun-charred trees stand out magnificently against the ochre sand, making for a hauntingly beautiful scene. Coastal towns like Walvis Bay and Swakopmund also make for great stops along the way, offering respite from the inland heat as well as marine life photo opportunities and adventure activities.

Botswana for safari veterans

Botswana is home to some of the most extraordinary ecosystems on earth. Its most celebrated natural wonder is The Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta fed by seasonal floods. The unique waterways allow you to embark on a mokoro boat safari, one of Brendan’s favourite ways to safari in Africa: “You’re paddling along a flat waterway with no current, there is no sound. Once you pull the oar into the boat and just sit there in silence, you will pick up everything that’s going on around you.”

The reason why Botswana is so pristine is because it is incredibly difficult to explore. When done right, with guidance from experts, it is truly incomparable in its beauty and wildlife. Take the road less travelled as you embark on an exhilarating fly safari combining Botswana’s floodplains with the remote Linyanti Wildlife Reserve and the pristine banks of the Zambezi river. With Oroko, set out on guided game drives, photography safaris, village visits, stargazing and river cruises. For more holiday inspiration, download the Oroko Luxury Safari Brochure. When you are ready to plan the safari of a lifetime, call Oroko Travel on 01 2600 240 or email info@orokotravel.ie