Spend Easter on Safari in Southern Africa: where, how, when to book

When it comes to Easter in Southern Africa, you are simply spoilt for choice! Enjoy a completely different experience and plan a special Easter vacation in some of the most beautiful places on earth. Get away from the somewhat overrated and commercialized travel destinations and take a trip to Africa where you can witness the Zebra Migration or see a rainbow light up the sky above the mighty Victoria Falls. Take the kids on an unforgettable safari or sip on a chilled glass of Chardonnay harvested in the Cape Winelands. Our experts have put together a list of our favorite tours to make the most of Easter 2019.

Easter in Southern Africa - Our Favorite Tours

1. Safari and Beach Escape

Destinations: South Africa and MozambiqueDuration: 9 Days

Machangulo Lodge offers an incredible gin experience out on the ocean-view deck.This tour is ideal for travelers looking to combine the adventure of being on safari, with some relaxation on a tropical beach. With its lush green vegetation, warm sunny days, and babies out exploring the bush under the watchful eye of their mothers; the Kruger National Park is an incredible game viewing destination during the month of April. Nestled in the Mjejane Game Reserve which incorporates the world-renowned Kruger National Park, Mjejane River Lodge overlooks the Crocodile River which is an important water source and attracts an abundance of wildlife. Mornings are spent in open safari vehicles exploring the Kruger National Park, discovering the diverse birdlife, flora, and animals, particularly the famous Big Five. Late afternoon game drives are spent in the private Mjejane Game Reserve and continue into the early evening, providing opportunities of spotting rare nocturnal species. The journey then continues to the magical coast of Mozambique which is known for its white sandy beaches, warm crystal blue ocean, and untouched coral reefs that teem with marine wildlife - a paradise for divers. Machangulo Beach Lodge is a haven for those seeking exclusivity, relaxation, and a little bit of adventure.

2. Luxury Kruger, Victoria Falls & Cape Town

Destinations: South Africa and ZimbabweDuration: 11 Days

The suites at Jock Safari Lodge blend in seemingly with nature, making for an unforgettable safari experience.This tour is the ultimate exploration of Southern Africa, discovering iconic destinations and unforgettable experiences. Starting off the journey in the south-western corner of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, guests are treated to a special relaxation retreat that tells the heartfelt story of Jock of the Bushveld. Positioned within a private concession, Jock Safari Lodge offers exclusive open-vehicle game drives, big five game viewing, and guided bush walks - all of which form part of the safari experience. The adventure continues as you explore the majestic Victoria Falls - renowned as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. During April you may be treated to a ‘lunar rainbow’ when, on a cloudless night at full moon, you can see a rainbow in the spray from the Falls. The Elephant Camp offers authentic tented accommodation, guided visits to the falls, and a rewarding safari experience that includes nature walks and a unique encounter with an African elephant. Completing this journey of a lifetime is a stay in the mother city of Cape Town which is known for its vibrant streets, picturesque landscapes, award-winning restaurants and vineyards, and unforgettable adventure activities. The Commodore Hotel nestles in the popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and offers convenient access to Cape Town’s top tourist attractions.    

3. Garden Route, Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari

Destination: South AfricaDuration: 12 Days

Shamwari has a thriving elephant population that is regularly seen on game drives.This 12-day tour visits the iconic city of Cape Town which is renowned for its vibrant streets, decadent cuisine, picturesque landscapes, and adventure activities. The adventure continues with a self-drive along the famous Garden Route, visiting top attractions such as the Cango Caves, ostrich farms, indigenous forests, pristine beaches, sandstone cliffs, and the idyllic Knysna lagoon. It is then time to marvel in an unforgettable safari experience with Shamwari Game Reserve showcasing its passion for wildlife conservation and incredible big five game viewing.

4. Madikwe & Cape Town

Destination: South AfricaDuration: 7 Days

Madikwe Game Reserve encompasses grassland, forest, and the rocky Tshwene Tshwene hills.This 7-day tour truly highlights South Africa’s heritage, exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town before embarking on an unforgettable safari adventure in one of South Africa’s lesser known big five game reserves - Madikwe.Three days are spent in one of the best conservation areas in Africa. Madikwe Safari Lodge allows one to enjoy the finer things whilst exploring the bush on dawn and dusk open-vehicle games that are led by professional guides. Madikwe Game Reserve provides the incredible privilege of seeing the big five and other fascinating species, including the highly endangered African Wild Dog that thrive in this spectacular reserve.Continuing on the journey, the final stop is the “mother city” of Cape Town, known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant restaurants and cafes, cobbled streets, brightly colored houses, and the wide selection of adventure activities. Cape Town is uniquely different with something to offer each person who visits.

5. Cape Town to Durban Rovos Rail Safari

Destination: South AfricaDuration: 7 Days

The Rovos Rail lounge is the ideal place in which to relax, enjoy a beverage, and admire the scenery.One of the most unique means of exploring South Africa’s hidden gems and incredible scenery, is by train. But not just any train - the extravagantly luxurious Rovos Rail. This 7-day rail journey begins in the bustling city of Cape Town and traverses a variety of diverse regions across South Africa, ending in the warm seaside city of Durban. Stops along the way include the picturesque Cape Winelands, the semi-desert Great Karoo region, the lush subtropical Valley of a Thousand Hills which offers a thrilling safari adventure in the big five Nambiti Game Reserve, the quaint historic village of Matjiesfontein, and the tranquil Roodeplaat Dam which is a popular destination for birdwatching, freshwater angling and a variety of water sports.

6. Authentic Journey though Botswana

Destination: BotswanaDuration: 7 Days

A mokoro safari is one of Botswana's most exclusive experiences and offers incredible photo opportunities.This seven-day tour offers an extraordinary blueprint of Botswana with a well-balanced selection of water and land camps that enhance the overall safari experience.Nxai Pan National Park is well known as the second largest land migration destination in Southern Africa, with thousands of zebras migrating to the area. Experience authentic tented accommodation, a day trip to the renowned Baines’ Baobabs, and unrivaled views of the surrounding white salt pans and waterhole that afford incredible game viewing opportunities - particularly of elephants showing their dominance regularly.The tour continues to a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta. With its unspoilt wilderness and narrow waterways, you are sure to have an authentic safari experience. Enjoy day and night game drives, unique mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) safaris, and boat cruises.Staying in the Okavango Delta, the tour continues to another private concession and camp that is surrounded by permanent water and shares a common boundary with Moremi Game Reserve which offers consistently good game viewing. The safari experience at Kwara Camp includes day and night game drives, bush walks, mokoro excursions in the shallower waters and boating safaris in the deeper waterways. With both land and water activities on offer, superb lagoon views and open-air showers, Kwara is one of the Delta’s best-kept secrets.

7. Benguerra Island Mozambique Retreat

Destination: MozambiqueDuration: 5 Days

Azura Benguerra Island is ideal for romantic getaways, offering private dinners on the beach and several cozy seating areas.Offering an idyllic luxury island getaway, &Beyond Benguerra Island encompasses an indigenous casuarina pine forest, shimmering white sand beaches, and the warm Indian Ocean.The luxurious Azura Benguerra Island Resort is set along a gorgeous swimming beach that has direct boat access. With its rim-flow swimming pool that looks out onto the ocean, revitalizing back massages, ice-cold cocktails, and fragrant Mozambican seafood cuisine; Azura is the perfect place for couples and families looking for an intimate relaxation retreat. An adventure awaits at Azura Benguerra Island with opportunities to experience ocean safaris, turtle nesting, seasonal whale watching, game fishing, private dining, sunset dhow cruises, and community visits.Easter in Africa is dreamy with its pleasantly warm weather that is ideal for exploring the city streets, basking on a tropical beach, or embarking on an exhilarating safari in an untouched wilderness. Safari.com has an incredible selection of unforgettable tours and experiences, so let one of our Travel Experts help you find a vacation that is best for you!

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