Safari Legends 2025
Johannesburg
1 Night
Your Safari Legends adventure begins in Johannesburg, with an optional pre-night stay at the luxurious InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel. Conveniently located near the airport, this extra night can be arranged to ensure you’re rested and ready for the unforgettable journey ahead.
MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa
2 Nights
Begin your safari at MalaMala Game Reserve, sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. Known for its exceptional Big Five game viewing, MalaMala’s river frontage attracts abundant wildlife. Understated luxury, inviting comfort, and superb service combine to make MalaMala Camp one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. Enjoy a traditional African boma dinner under the stars, suites with panoramic views, and the pool.
Private Kwara Reserve, Botswana
2 Nights
The Private Kwara Reserve in the Okavango Delta offers pristine, game-rich wilderness with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope. Splash Camp provides eco-friendly luxury in spacious tents with private decks. Dine under the stars and enjoy immersive wildlife experiences and personalized service.
Chobe National Park
1 Day
After a short flight from Kwara, continue your Safari Legends adventure with a scenic river cruise on the Chobe River. Here, you’ll witness elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles gathering along the water’s edge – a vital lifeline for wildlife during the dry season.
Victoria Falls
3 Nights
Your safari concludes at Victoria Falls, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth. Stay at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern comforts. Relax in lush gardens, enjoy high tea on the Stanley Terrace, and admire the stunning falls.
Johannesburg
1 Night
Your Safari Legends adventure begins in Johannesburg, with an optional pre-night stay at the luxurious InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel. Conveniently located near the airport, this extra night can be arranged to ensure you’re rested and ready for the unforgettable journey ahead.
MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa
2 Nights
Begin your safari at MalaMala Game Reserve, sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. Known for its exceptional Big Five game viewing, MalaMala’s river frontage attracts abundant wildlife. Understated luxury, inviting comfort, and superb service combine to make MalaMala Camp one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. Enjoy a traditional African boma dinner under the stars, suites with panoramic views, and the pool.
Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana
3 Nights
Private Kwara Reserve, Botswana
2 Nights
The Private Kwara Reserve in the Okavango Delta offers pristine, game-rich wilderness with lions, leopards, cheetahs, and large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope. Splash Camp provides eco-friendly luxury in spacious tents with private decks. Dine under the stars and enjoy immersive wildlife experiences and personalized service.
Chobe National Park
1 Day
After a short flight from Kwara, continue your Safari Legends adventure with a scenic river cruise on the Chobe River. Here, you’ll witness elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles gathering along the water’s edge – a vital lifeline for wildlife during the dry season.
Victoria Falls
3 Nights
Your safari concludes at Victoria Falls, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth. Stay at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern comforts. Relax in lush gardens, enjoy high tea on the Stanley Terrace, and admire the stunning falls.
Safari Legends 2025
We are pleased to announce our newest 2025 journey: Safari Legends by Private Air. This extraordinary expedition is designed to immerse you in Africa’s most iconic Big Five landscapes and private reserves, all seamlessly connected by private air travel. With a focus on prime wildlife locations during the best game viewing months, this journey promises luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and an intimate group size limited to just 19 guests.
Safari Legends takes you to the heart of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations: South Africa’s MalaMala Game Reserve, Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta, and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls. Over 11 spectacular days you will encounter the legendary Big Five, alongside a rich diversity of wildlife, including African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles. Engage in exclusive activities only available on private reserves, such as walking safaris, off-road game drives, night drives, mokoro excursions, and big game river cruises.
PRIVATE AIR IS ESSENTIAL
The Safari Legends itinerary covers remote and diverse wilderness areas, making private air travel indispensable. Chartered aircraft ensure efficient and comfortable access to our destinations. Direct flights to MalaMala Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park, allow us to maximize exploration time with a timely arrival for an afternoon game drive. In Botswana, Mashatu Game Reserve in the secluded Northern Tuli Private Game Reserve and the Kwara Reserve in the Okavango Delta both require private air to avoid forced overnights and lengthy road transfers. Flying privately to Chobe National Park allows for a flexible departure time and stopover for a river cruise, which scheduled flights can’t accommodate.
Private air travel effortlessly links destinations, controls timing to maximize opportunities, avoids backtracking and overnights to catch early commercial flights, and provides efficient customs and immigration processes. Additionally, it offers enhanced security, comfort, and exclusivity, ensuring a seamless and luxurious safari experience.
Highlights
- Trek through the bush in MalaMala for intimate wildlife encounters with the Big Five in their natural habitat.
- Explore the “Land of the Giants” home to Africa’s largest elephants and towering giraffes.
- Walk among ancient baobab trees and explore the vast, untouched wilderness of Mashatu Game Reserve.
- Experience the traditional African boma dining under the stars, complemented by local flavors and fine South African wines.
- Watch lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the prowl in the Kwara Reserve, offering prime predator viewing.
- Glide along the waterways of the Okavango Delta, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife.
- Observe elephants, buffalo, and more on a tranquil Chobe River cruise.
- Witness the awe-inspiring majesty of Victoria Falls, the largest curtain of falling water in the world.
- Meet conservationists and learn about efforts to protect endangered species in Africa’s wildest landscapes.
Itinerary at a Glance
Safari Legends 2025
MALAMALA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA
Begin your safari adventure at MalaMala Game Reserve, situated in the northeastern reaches of South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province. MalaMala shares a 12-mile, unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park and is one of the largest Big Five game reserves in South Africa featuring a long stretch of river frontage. This perennial river acts as a magnet for animals and is the foundation of MalaMala’s unrivaled game viewing and opportunities to see leopard, African wild dogs, elephant, buffalo, and a host of other species. Here, knowledgeable rangers act as hosts, guides and educators to complete the game-viewing experience.
Understated luxury, inviting comfort, and superb service combine to make MalaMala Camp one of Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. Each thatched rondoval – an elegant reimagining of classic round hut-style architecture – boasts an outdoor living space with panoramic views. Spacious, climate-controlled en-suite rooms are decorated with natural materials and traditional African craftsmanship.
Dining at MalaMala Camp is a highlight, with gourmet meals served in a variety of settings, including the traditional African boma under the stars, the dining deck overlooking the river, or in the comfort of your suite. The camp also features a swimming pool, a well-stocked library, a bar, and a safari boutique.
MASHATU GAME RESERVE, BOTSWANA
Next we journey to the wild and rugged beauty of Botswana at Mashatu Game Reserve, a vast 104,000-acre privately owned expanse within the conserved Northern Tuli Game Reserve. Known as the “Land of the Giants,” it’s home to some of Africa’s most iconic large species, including the largest population of elephants, towering giraffes, and the massive eland, the world’s largest antelope. Additionally, ostriches, the largest birds, and ancient baobab trees dominate the landscape, further contributing to the reserve’s nickname. These “giants” of the animal and plant world thrive in Mashatu’s vast, diverse ecosystem.
At Mashatu Lodge, guests experience luxurious bush accommodations designed to blend into the surroundings. Each spacious suite features elegant decor with earthy tones, handcrafted furniture, and expansive glass doors that open onto private decks with stunning vistas. The open-plan layout, thatched roofs, and high ceilings enhance the
connection to nature.
Enjoy breakfast and lunch al fresco on the deck and dinners under the stars in a traditional African boma. Each meal is paired with a selection of fine South African wines, chosen
to complement the flavors of the cuisine taking inspiration from local flavors and ingredients, reflecting the rich food heritage of Botswana.
PRIVATE KWARA RESERVE, BOTSWANA
The Private Kwara Reserve, in the heart of the Okavango Delta, offers one of Africa’s most pristine and game-rich environments. Spot lions on the hunt, leopards stealthily stalking through the bush, and cheetahs sprinting across the open plains. The reserve is also home to large herds of elephant, buffalo, and antelope, as well as African wild dogs and hyenas. In the waterways, you’ll find hippos and crocodiles, while the skies above are filled with a vibrant array of birdlife. Kwara offers a truly immersive wildlife experience.
Nestled within Kwara, eco-friendly Splash Camp offers spacious, elegantly designed tents perched on wooden platforms, with private decks. Inside, a blend of contemporary comfort and rustic charm awaits with en-suite bathrooms and both indoor and outdoor showers.
Dining at Splash Camp is equally captivating whether you’re enjoying breakfast as the sun rises over the delta, a leisurely lunch in the cool shade, or a multi-course dinner under the stars. The intimate atmosphere of the camp ensures personalized service, making every dining experience as memorable as the adventures of the day.
CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Continue your Safari Legends adventure with a river cruise on the Chobe River and witness elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles enjoying the water – essential for them during the dry season. Then on to Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke That Thunders,” one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this awe-inspiring waterfall is the largest curtain of falling water in the world, stretching over a mile wide and plummeting more than 350 feet into the Zambezi Gorge below.
The Victoria Falls Hotel, dating back to 1904, blends old-world charm with modern comforts, featuring elegant rooms adorned with period furnishings. Relax in the lush gardens, enjoy high tea on the Stanley Terrace, and dine at the hotel’s renowned restaurants. This iconic hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination, offering a luxurious retreat that perfectly complements the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Victoria Falls.
Expedition Leaders
Our Expedition Leaders bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every Scheduled Safari. With years of expertise in leading safaris and coordinating complex travel logistics, they make sure each journey runs smoothly and exceeds expectations. From navigating Africa’s diverse landscapes to sharing their passion for wildlife, culture, and conservation, our Expedition Leaders elevate your experience with their personal insights and attention to detail. They are on hand throughout your safari to guide you through every step, so that your adventure is enjoyable, worry-free, and truly remarkable.
Our Expedition Leaders bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every Scheduled Safari. With years of expertise in leading safaris and coordinating complex travel logistics, they make sure each journey runs smoothly and exceeds expectations. From navigating Africa’s diverse landscapes to sharing their passion for wildlife, culture, and conservation, our Expedition Leaders elevate your experience with their personal insights and attention to detail. They are on hand throughout your safari to guide you through every step, so that your adventure is enjoyable, worry-free, and truly remarkable.
Journey Experts
Our seasoned Journey experts specialize in meticulously planning our Scheduled Safaris. With extensive experience in travel, tourism, and aviation, they have carefully designed every aspect of your safari to ensure an extraordinary adventure. Now that the groundwork is done, they will work closely with you to handle the finer details, from equipping you with information needed to obtain visas and vaccinations to providing essential packing tips and answering all your pre-trip questions. Their goal is to help you feel confident and excited as you embark on your safari, knowing that every aspect has been meticulously planned for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Our seasoned Journey experts specialize in meticulously planning our Scheduled Safaris. With extensive experience in travel, tourism, and aviation, they have carefully designed every aspect of your safari to ensure an extraordinary adventure. Now that the groundwork is done, they will work closely with you to handle the finer details, from equipping you with information needed to obtain visas and vaccinations to providing essential packing tips and answering all your pre-trip questions. Their goal is to help you feel confident and excited as you embark on your safari, knowing that every aspect has been meticulously planned for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
Safari Legends 2025
To ensure a stress-free experience, everything you need is included in the cost, from activities to gratuities. Privately chartered planes offer convenience and efficiency, with direct-to-camp flights that reduce travel time, maximize game viewing, and eliminate the need for unnecessary overnight stays or complex customs and immigration processes.
Included in your scheduled tour
- All accommodations, meals, park fees, community fees, tours, and private air travel as indicated in the detailed itinerary.
- The services of a Bushtracks expedition staff and local guides.
- All group activities and excursions.
- Drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey.
- Local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals.
- Laundry at MalaMala Camp, Mashatu Lodge and Splash Camp.
- All airport departure taxes.
- All gratuities during group activities.
- Porterage of one soft-sided checked bag.
Price
Five Departures in 2025
June 1 – 11
July 14 – 24
August 6 – 16
August 15 – 25
August 30 – September 9
Safari Legends 2025
Participants must be fully mobile, able to climb into and out of private aircraft and safari vehicles without assistance, able to climb up and down stairs without a railing, able to stand unaided and capable of walking moderate distances at an easy pace, at times over uneven terrain, and be able to withstand hard-riding four wheel-drive vehicles that travel over dirt roads and rough, bumpy ground.
6 years of age or older (some activities subject to age restrictions).
From June to early September, South Africa experiences its dry winter season, with cool mornings and evenings and warm, sunny days ranging from 59°F to 77°F. Game viewing is excellent during this time as animals gather around water sources. In Botswana, it’s both the dry season and the flood season in the Okavango Delta, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F, making it prime wildlife viewing season. Zimbabwe enjoys cool mornings (50°F) and warm afternoons (up to 77°F), with Victoria Falls in full flow and excellent game viewing opportunities.
International air to Johannesburg, South Africa and from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and any other commercial flights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, spa and room service, minibar charges, and laundry at Victoria Falls Hotel; premium brand drinks; communication costs; costs of obtaining passports, visas, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; extra beverages, meals, or gratuities when not with the group; optional tours and activities.
Safari Legends 2025
If you are traveling with your own group, Going Private is the ultimate way to personalize your flying safari adventure.
Safari Legends can be exclusively booked for your group, offering complete flexibility and personal attention. With your own group, sharing a private aircraft is cost effective and an essential component to efficient, time saving travel, flying you directly to camps and making the most of your time in Africa’s remote and stunning wilderness.
Whether it’s a family celebration, corporate retreat, milestone anniversary, honeymoon, multi-generational family vacation, or a bucket-list journey with friends, a private safari is designed around your preferences, providing a seamless, immersive, and unforgettable experience. Perfect for creating lifelong memories, connecting with loved ones, or simply celebrating life’s most important moments in Africa’s breathtaking wilderness.
Price and availability are based on group size.
WHY GO PRIVATE?
- Flexible Itinerary: Tailor dates and activities.
- Exclusive Private Air Travel: Private charter flights ensure efficient, direct travel between remote destinations, giving you more time to explore and less time in transit.
- Personalized Activities: Customize your safari experience with private game drives, guided bush walks, cultural visits, and exclusive wildlife interactions—just for your group.
- Backstage Activities: Enjoy special conservation or community activities booked solely for your group.
- Tailored Group Dynamics: Whether traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, your private safari can be adapted to accommodate traveler ages, fitness levels, and interests, ensuring everyone enjoys the journey.
EPIC GAME DRIVES
RELAXING SUNDOWNERS
outdoor dining
PRIME photography
EPIC GAME DRIVES
RELAXING SUNDOWNERS
outdoor dining
PRIME photography
OVER THREE DECADES CRAFTING LUXURIOUS SAFARIS
A Few Things Set Us Apart
With ground transportation and fully-staffed offices in South Africa and decades long relationships with trusted travel partners throughout Africa, we ensure seamless coordination at every stage of your adventure.
PRIVATE AIR IS ESSENTIAL FOR SAFARI LEGENDS
Efficient Access to Remote Locations
Private air travel opens the door to some of Africa’s most secluded and untouched safari locations, which are often beyond the reach of commercial flights, or take hours over challenging roads to reach by vehicle.