Call n to talk about Night Drives.
The other main activity that distinguishes Zambia from most other countries is the facility for taking night drives. Unfortunately these, too, like walking safaris, are not allowed in many Kenyan locations, which is a shame because this special time of day in the bush sees the emergence of the nocturnal species and prime hunting time for a lot of big cats, who tend to spend the day resting in the shade to keep out of the sometimes fierce African sun. Another nice element of a night drive is the opportunity to stop mid-drive as the sun sets and sip a gin and tonic from the cool-box - all very civilised!
If you are fortunate enough to be able to take a night drive, you may catch sightings of civet, genet, porcupine, scrub hare, bush-baby and various mongoose species, as well as lions on the move and hunting for food. Although you will often have a single driver who acts as a guide during the day, at night you will have a driver and a spotter, who carries an extremely powerful lamp for searching distant trees or lake edges for the tell-tale reflection of predators' eyes.
Maasai Mara ($780 pppn)
As its name suggests, Cottars Camp has been in existence, in one form or another, for over 90 years - a true step back into a vanished world.
Laikipia ($640 pppn)
Situated in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy area of Laikipia, Porini Rhino Camp offers the true bush experience and amazing wildlife.
Laikipia ($640 pppn)
Borana Lodge, and its associated family accommodation, Laragai House, is a working ranch offering a prime safari experience.
Maasai Mara ($610 pppn)
Originally the Roberts family home in the Maasai Mara, Richards Camp is noted for its intimate atmosphere and personal hosting.
Meru ($595 pppn)
Few people interested in visting Africa can fail to have heard the story of 'Elsa The Lioness'. This lodge is named after her.
Maasai Mara ($545 pppn)
Probably our favourite destination in the Maasai Mara, Elephant Pepper is an authentic back-to-nature bush camp.
Laikipia ($495 pppn)
Ol Pejeta is a superb owner-managed traditional bush camp situated in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy region of Laikipia.
Maasai Mara ($476 pppn)
Set in a private conservation area, outside the Mara itself, Saruni offers unusually warm hosting and comfort.