Safari experts & storytellers. Since 1991
Small-group Exclusive Safaris for Lifelong Memories
Our small-group safaris are for groups of up to twelve people travelling together, whether friends or colleagues. The focus is on exclusive, tailor-made experiential trips that create lasting memories and build strong relationships.
Evenings around the fire become storytelling moments, and every game drive sparks curiosity and connection. Create unforgettable holiday experiences that blend adventure, luxury, and purpose for small groups.
Our favourite small-group safari ideas
Why book with us?
Tailor-made experiential safaris - with love
"Travel in Africa is about knowing what, when and where to go - a few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the Greatest Show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Our crew of passionate safari experts have lived and worked in Africa for most of their lives. Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!"
Simon Espley - CEO, Africa Geographic
All you need to know about safaris for small groups
Small-group safari basics
For groups of friends or colleagues who want to spend time together in a relaxed, inspirational environment.
Tailormade itinerary and activities to meet specific group interests and expectations, from wildlife encounters to cultural learnings and conservation activities. For example, we could hire a predator researcher or professional photographer to host the tour or arrange a visit to a local cultural event.
Fit-for-purpose lodges, including those with multi-room suites (also used by families) and shared common spaces or exclusive-use safari villas with dedicated game drive vehicles and guides.
All-inclusive packages: Seamless travel with everything arranged, so you can focus on enjoying time together.
Flexability for business colleagues who need time to break way for meetings and work sessions.
What are the best group safari activities?
Our group safaris often include experiences beyond game drives and bushwalking, such as:
Other locally relevant activities such as hot air ballooning, mokoro and boat outings, local village visits, extended game drives with packed meals, a night on an elevated star bed, or a sleepout on a salt pan with a comfortable mattress and mosquito net.
A trip theme, for example, predators, local culture, art or bird-watching and hiring a specialist guide to accompany the group.
Planning for special events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or stellar business performance, by including a celebratory bush dinner or surprise themed sundowner stop for drinks and canapes.
Arranging for the group to attend an event of cultural significance, if and when available, while always respecting the dignity of the local people.
A more spiritual safari theme, such as gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, or an adventurous theme, such as an extended walking safari.
Combining a classic wildlife safari with toes-in-the-sand time off - Bush & Beach - or with an iconic destination such as Victoria Falls, where you have many activities to choose from.
What lodge options are best for small groups?
Safari villas or dedicated lodge family units are often the best choice for small groups.
These options offer a fully personalised, private holiday experience. They come with all the conveniences and services of a "home-from-home," including private use of vehicles and driver guides, a dedicated chef, butler, and room attendants, as well as features like private pools and children's areas.
Depending on group size and preferences, we may book out an entire bush camp or small lodge to ensure exclusivity and privacy.
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Frequently asked questions
We can tailor group trips to any destination listed on our website, and we select the best option based on your expectations for your friends and colleagues.
See our First Timer’s Guide for more information on where to go and when to book.
Most group safaris we arrange for friends and colleagues are for four to 12 people, but we can accommodate up to 16 and still maintain the quality control we are known for. Larger groups are possible by special arrangement, subject to exclusivity limitations.
The larger the group, the fewer lodge and experience options are available. For example:
Many luxury lodges in the best wildlife areas accommodate up to 16 guests.
Game drive vehicles accommodate between four and eight people, depending on the level of exclusivity, and so the size of the group influences the number of vehicles and level of exclusivity.
Certain activities have group size caps, for example, gorilla trekking (eight) and walking safaris (six to eight).
The "best" time for an African safari is generally the dry seasons in Southern Africa (May to October) and East Africa (January to March, and June to October). These months offer prime wildlife viewing, as sparse vegetation and animals congregating at water sources make for ideal conditions.
That said, for lower prices and special interests such as birding, the wet seasons (e.g., green season in Botswana from January to April, or short rains in East Africa from November to December) can be ideal, offering lower prices, fewer crowds, and the delightful spectacle of migratory birds and newborn animals.
Group safaris typically cost from US$700 per adult, per night, depending on the accommodation comfort level and activities. This price usually includes accommodation, all meals, game drives, experienced guides, airport transfers, and 24/7 support from our team.
You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.
Peak season bookings require 12–18 months of advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.
Click here to schedule a no-obligation call with one of our Safari Experts or fill in our 2-minute form with your questions. Our team of experts are here to help! Whether you’re curious about the best time to travel, want to hear first-hand about an experience or need help planning your safari.
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Our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
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We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!