Inspirational experiences and tailored safari ideas
In addition to the luxury adventure safari ideas below, we can also arrange fly-fishing with some of the best guides, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, private yacht charter, yoga, micro lighting, paragliding, hang gliding, private light aircraft flying (we need a copy of your log book), private golf tuition and cookery courses.
These ideas can be incorporated in the ultimate, once in a lifetime safari that we tailor just for you!
Walking safaris are one of the finest ways to explore the bush and really keep in-touch with nature! We arrange the most wonderful African walking safaris.
Our favourite way of exploring the bush! An African horse safari is one of the most exhilarating ways of being at one with nature; one gets so close to the wildlife, as the human scent and outline is masked by that...
A Flying Safari is the Ultimate way of going on a safari in Africa and provides the perfect platform for travellers who are wanting to see as much as Africa in a minimum time frame.
Gorilla Safaris and Trekking
In Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo, spending time just feet away from Africa’s largest primates, watching a group of mountain or western lowland gorillas feed and forage whilst cradling their young, can be the most humbling experience imaginable.
To be counted as a true migration, the movement of the animals should be an annual or seasonal occurrence, such as birds migrating south for the winter, or a major habitat change as part of their life.
So many of our clients are serious about photography and these days, most people go on safari with some pretty serious camera kit, too! If you would like to improve your photography, we can arrange for professional photographers or film-makers to...
One doesn’t always have to go on safari in Africa! The coastlines of Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique as well as South Africa, offer so much with the added advantage of very little time difference and good access from Europe and the...
We can offer some wonderful sailing holidays and yachting as an alternative to a beach holiday in Africa. A private yacht is a different way to explore the islands of Africa, providing privacy for you and your friends as well as...
Camel-trekking is a wonderful safari; usually guests walk and the camels carry the gear, although you’re welcome to ride the camels as much as you like! We have the most wonderful camel-treks from three days to two weeks in duration.
Mountain-climbing in Africa is definitely one of those ‘must do’ things, as far as we are concerned! But, there are certain ways in which to explore the mountains, and we don’t take the commercial routes!
The best thing to happen to cycling holidays has just happened in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. We are delighted to offer the first gourmet cycling trails! These cycle journeys start from just one day to a week and include a...
A treehouse! A sleepout! Surely both words make an instant connection to the child in every adult as well as to children themselves? Treehouses and sleepouts can seriously extend the fun and enjoyment, in a clement climate of course, of time spent in the bush, in the desert or even by the ocean.
Fly camping is, for many, the ultimate bush experience and is for those people who don’t want to be “stuck in a vehicle” or just want an exciting and adventurous change from staying at, especially, a permanent camp or lodge. Flycamping also works well for those who want to explore a region mainly on foot, by canoe, on horseback or walking with camels, which could easily be a multi-night experience.
If you are looking for that essential experience in the African bush which offers perfect comfort whilst not losing the essence and feel of being properly “on safari” then a classic permanent camp fits the brief!
Design, style, comfort, excellence, location. Shake - don’t stir! – these ingredients and blend in varying quantities for perfection to suit all tastes. Luxury lodges in Africa, especially the uber-stylish, are ideal for anyone wanting to celebrate a “big” anniversary or birthday, or just those who simply place a high importance on design and style, in whatever measure, as part of their visit to Africa.
Africa is a continent that evokes the senses, the “feel” of the bush challenges one’s sight, hearing and smell especially. Being in a lodge removes to a great extent one essential part of this trio: the sound of the bush, especially at night. Canvas walls allow the sounds of the bush to permeate one’s room, without losing any iota of luxury; the best of all worlds and a huge layer of extra value.
If one is looking for adventure, whether as a couple of a family, or somewhere that’s just vast fun with plenty of variation in activity for a group of friends mixed with wonderful hosting and a totally relaxed atmosphere, then a ranch is the answer.
The ultimate in barefoot luxury has to be a Private Island or Coastal Retreat where the essence of “barefoot living” is mixed with perfect comfort, service and style. The oft-used image of miles of white-sand beach with just “you” leaving a pathway of footprints etched into the damp sand at the water’s edge may be slightly hackneyed but, in real life, it is a perfect antidote to the mad, rushed, “real” world. It is attainable!
Bush Camps are perhaps the ideal balance between more rustic “fly” or “mobile” camps and more permanent camps offering a more advanced luxury experience. Bush Camps tend to be a southern African phenomenon, because they are often closely allied to walking in certain parts of Zambia and Botswana.
Oh my word! Where to start? We have such an array of styles in our beach lodges. Tell us what comes to mind, what your mind conjectures in terms of “Beach Lodge” and we can almost certainly fill the brief.
Boutique Hotels are always wonderful, mixing sympathetic and often unusual décor and style with a very personal hosting ethic – and all in a small and intimate package. So often such properties are also owner-run, which fits brilliantly well with our - and your, as our clients - own preferences. In the same vein, Africa has some examples of the boutique hotel genre that rival anything available anywhere else – and not all are in cities even if many are more urban.
Travelling as a family? Perhaps a small group of friends or just two couples spending some time together on holiday? Wanting to be able to get “close to the action” in terms of game, or be near a specific activity? Do you feel a yearning for something authentic in terms of Africa-bush-living and yet not wanting to give up any basic comforts (Heaven forbid!)?
Time off in this manic, I’m-always-available, information-driven, day and age is precious; a bracket around a few days or weeks that may be the culmination of a long period of work and a considerable amount of planning. No matter how hard we try, with all the pressures that surround us it can be a tough balancing act to make enough time to “spend” (what an apposite word that is!) with those who matter and doing the things we wish.
Some of us are just drawn to the magic of water and for many people the relaxing effects of being on or by the water are part of the rejuvenation that comes with a holiday. So, for those who like to take to the water, whether it’s for the gentle soothing of the sound of the ocean, or being on a river, or taking the helm and sailing under the guidance of a skipper, the sailing and houseboats that we have to offer add another dimension!
What makes Africa so special is its people. The wildlife is wonderful but it is the people that really shape the continent. One can travel to all corners of the globe, but one always misses the warmth and the broad smiles of the African people and their sense of infinite optimism.
It is impossible to travel to Tanzania or Kenya and not be struck by the vibrant red, white and blue blankets (shuka) of the Maasai, the strikingly etched faces of the Samburu or the regal profiles of the Somalis or the friendliness of the Malawians. Sadly, though, the bushmen of Botswana and Namibia are rapidly decreasing and we offer an opportunity to spend time with these wonderful, gentle, people and learn about them in an uncontrived manner.
A Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a unique concept of travel in Africa. It introduces another dimension to a typical African safari, that of the beauty of the continent from the air. Accompanied and guided by experienced pilots who are also experienced safari guides a Fixed Wing Flying Safari is a truly memorable and exclusive experience.
Epic helicopter journeys exploring corners of Africa that few have been to or even ever heard of. We specialise in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, the Congo and Namibia. Our tailor-made safaris cover wild and spectacular mountains, valleys, forests and deserts, with a focus on ‘remote and unknown, unexplored and unforgettable’.
Wow! What a sensational time I had! Thank you for putting together such an interesting trip for me, and a huge thank you for the seamless travelling I had.
Safari to Kenya
Finally I put pen to paper! I just wanted to let you know how delighted we all were with the fabulous safari you organised for us to Tanzania.
Family Safari to Tanzania
This is just a quick note to thank you for all your hard work in arranging what turned out to be a holiday of a lifetime.
Honeymoon to Namibia
Thanks to The Explorations Company, our family trip to East Africa was the trip of a lifetime.
Family Safari to Tanzania and Kenya
Enclosed is a copy of Melanie’s journal from Africa. Although it is a bit long, I thought you might enjoy reading it.
Family Safari to Tanzania
I am delighted that I stumbled across The Explorations Company at the Scottish Game Fair and that you convinced me you were the right people for organising our honeymoon.
Honeymoon to Botswana
There were so many wonderful moments that we had– I could be here all night writing about them. The coffee stops and sundown drinks were always fun and entertaining – in beautiful places on riverbanks accompanied by hippos snorting or kingfishers at their work. I am sure we will speak soon but in the meantime, we are home safe and it was the best holiday ever!
Family Safari in South Africa
Our trip in Africa was a dream come true. We all fell in love with Africa, needless to say and I have told all my friends to book such a trip with you soon.
Family Safari to Namibia and Botswana
Thank you for organising our fantastic trip to Kenya, it now ranks as our favourite holiday ever and we have been on a few!
Family Safari to Kenya
I couldn't thank you enough! Our trip was wonderful, mostly because everyone paid attention to all the details. Africa, was so beautiful and all the people we met were so kind and helpful. Lots of tears leaving.
Safari to Tanzania
As time passes, the memories of our trip to Kenya just continues to get better. I have come to the conclusion that this was my favourite trip ever!
Safari to Kenya
What an incredible time we had on our safari. A huge thank you for organising it! It was without a doubt the most amazing holiday we will ever have.
Riding Safari Kenya
Zambia seems a long time ago but fortunately we only have to get out the photos (as we often do) and it all comes flooding back! It was terrific and there was nothing that we wished we had done differently.
Safari to Zambia
Well I'm with you. For some reason it is a place that just gets into your soul. There are a few places around the world that have done that to me.
Ethiopia
In short the holiday was amazing, beautiful, peaceful, fascinating, hugely educational - just absolutely amazing.
Family Safari Zimbabwe and Riding
I would just like to add my personal thanks to you for the work you did in creating our holiday and ensuring that all our bookings and connections worked out so well.
Safari to Tanzania
We were so pleased to have selected someone with the clear passion and knowledge for the area that you have.
Safari to Kenya
Many thanks for helping me to organize the trip to Kenya! We had a truly wonderful time and were very well looked after! I really loved the fly camping; the riding was great and the horses lovely - thank you for all your professional help.
Riding Safari Kenya
We had the MOST FANTASTIC time in Namibia. Loved it all! We saw amazing scenery met wild and interesting people, not to mention wild and interesting animals and insects.
Safari to Namibia
We had a fantastic time! You really did a great job for us. We both thought San camp was absolutely incredible.
Safari to Botswana
Our trip was wonderful and was a beautifully organised experience. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Castleton.
Family Safari South Africa
If you had heard my voice when I called you to thank you, you would have heard sheer HAPPINESS. This is from the fantastic 11 days in Zambia you have organized for us. We have not a single negative point to report! and I loved all the camps.
Safari to Zambia
We had a fantastic time – as did Marie and Dave - “amazing holiday of a lifetime” is how they summed it up on the flight home. Thanks again for creating such wonderful memories!
Safari to Tanzania
We had both been on standard safaris before so we decided to try something different, perhaps walking in less well known parts of Kenya.
Walking safari Kenya
A big thank you from us all, we all had the most wonderful time and enjoyed everything so much it is hard to decide what we enjoyed the most.
Family Safari to Kenya and Tanzania
Katharine, I would like to thank you for all! My holiday was perfect, I really liked everything... The walking company you recommended is the best company in whole Africa to do the Kilimanjaro Mountain, they are very professional, organized, adorable and careful people! The guides in the mountain were incredible, everybody in our group reached the top of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) and this was one of the most important and valuable experiences that I have ever had in my life!
Tanzania Mount Kilimanjaro and safari
Thank you and your team for the most wonderful flowers that arrived for us today. Thank you also for all your help, care and attention to detail which made everything run so smoothly.
Family Safari to Kenya and Tanzania
Firstly, many thanks for the beautiful flowers. It was the biggest bouquet I have ever received and it was gorgeous.
Safari to Zimbabwe and Zambia
Take the first step on your extraordinary journey into Africa
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
100% Tailor Made
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
Priceless Knowledge
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
Making a difference
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...