Out Of Africa: Your Guide To A Chic African Safari
It's time for Africa!
Strap in, we’re going on an adventure!
Now, this trip has been at the top of my bucket list since I could remember, and whilst you might think I’ve now ticked it off, it’s merely been replaced with ‘African safari, again.’ I can’t be sure if it was the takeaway Aperol Spritz’ that fit perfectly into the cup holders of the safari truck, or the golden sunsets that made it feel like you were on the set of The Lion King, but this holiday is something I urge you to experience for yourself.
So, come with me as I take you through my perfect itinerary for the holiday of a lifetime!
Day 1 – 3 | Brisbane to Cairo
After a solid 20 hours of travel, we jumped off the plane and straight into the hustle and bustle (and 40-degree heat) of Egypt’s capital, Cairo. To make the next six days in Egypt a breeze, my husband and I booked through Exotic Destinations who organised both a private driver and guide to take us around to all the sights. Highly recommended! Greeted by our guide, our visas were all organised and we were quickly whisked away to our first hotel of the trip: Mena House. Our jaws almost hit the floor walking into our room and opening the blinds to see the Pyramids of Giza just a stone’s throw away.
Lapping up the view at breakfast each morning, we would meet our guide who took us to see all the iconic landmarks, the Pyramids of Giza (because we weren’t close enough already), the Sphinx, the tombs of Memphis and so much more! Now you obviously need to schedule a lunch break in, so my suggestions: Khufu Restaurant (voted #1 in Egypt by The World’s 50 Best) and Abu Tarek which is a much more casual, yet immersive experience into traditional Egyptian food.
Day 4 – 6 | Cairo to Luxor
A quick one-hour flight along the longest river in the world and we were in Luxor. Again, met with a guide and driver, we were quickly transported to Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel. Built in 1886 this hotel will charm you with its gorgeous gardens (featuring flamingos!!) and magical views. Dropping off our bags, we crossed the road to jump on a sunset felucca ride down the Nile. Hot tip: ensure you go on a windy day.
With another couple of jam-packed sightseeing days, we saw the wonders of Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, met the artisanal women crafting items from Egyptian cotton and witnessed the craftsman working with pure stone at the Alabaster store.
You’d think that with two super-knowledgeable guides, we’d get the inside scoop on how the pyramids were built, but nope! We left Egypt totally fascinated but with even more questions than when we arrived. Go figure!
Day 7 – 9 | Cairo to Kenya
Heading much further south, my husband and I travelled down to Kenya, meeting up with our family to head to the one and only Giraffe Manor. This boutique hotel is exactly what you imagine. Never short of a content moment, you are greeted with high tea joined by giraffes, where the staff will ensure everyone gets significant, up close and personal time with the long-necked locals. So up close that my husband even put a pellet in his mouth to give one big boy a kiss. So pucker up and prepare for some slobber! This exclusive hotel is truly an experience where nature meets luxury in a one-of-a-kind experience.
@bridgetbrown__ Giraffes did me dirty 🦒 #fyp #africanadventures #junglejive #wildlifewonders #giantgiraffes #feedingtime
This all-inclusive gem has everything, so you never need to leave… but if you’re as obsessed with elephants as I am, the Sheldrick Wildlife Elephant Orphanage is worth stepping out for! Watching those teeny-tiny (but actually huge) baby elephants stumble around and chug their milk will make your heart melt. Plus you can also have a quick pat as they walk by!
Day 10 – 14 | Kenya to Tanzania
Nestled within the iconic landscape of the Serengeti Tanzania is Singita, an exclusive retreat where the wildlife is quite literally on your doorstep. Our first lodge, Sasakwa, an Edwardian manor house with panoramic views of the Serengeti National Park. This hotel has to be one of the most gorgeous places I have stayed with the interiors perfectly decorated and the food incredibly moreish. Each day brought about two breathtaking safaris – the first, sunrise. Our personal safari guide, Gracious, was ready to meet us each morning in a truck with ponchos for the fresh drives – we were ready!
Whilst the first 20 minutes of each day was stopping to look at the stick in the distance that “could be an elephant”, Gracious quickly learnt who he was dealing with and came through with much more significant sightings. Over the course of our stay, we witnessed the birth of a baby giraffe, a pack of lions as they hunted their lunch and an abundance of elephants (Gracious knew they were my favourite so he ensured I saw them each day). The sunset safaris however were my favourite. As the sky turned its golden hues, Gracious would find a spot (lion-free) to pull up and set up drinks. Champagne anyone?
What would we do between safaris? Well not much. We enjoyed our decadent meals at the restaurant (recently ranked by The Australian as one of the Top 10 Dining Experiences in the world), then took our full bellies to either the hotel pool, complete with sweeping vistas over the Serengeti National Park, or back to our private pool – with the same incredible view from a slightly different angle.
Day 14 – 17 | More Tanzania
Sticking within the Singita brand, we travelled by safari just a couple of hours to another lodge, Faru Faru. Located alongside the Grumeti River, the hotel pool looks over the busy waterhole that, if you go in migration, is full of animals. Our days were filled with more safaris, more eating and time in the pool. As our holiday was coming to a close we had one mission, which was to see the elusive leopard – the one animal we were yet to spot! And boy was Gracious determined to make this happen!
As the sun disappeared each day we were escorted back to our rooms by security guards who were also on the lookout for this leopard (make sure you lock your doors). We were starting to think there was no leopard at all… however, it was on the last day that my husband (he won’t let you forget it) spotted the fleeting leopard. Whilst it was quick, we were all satisfied to be leaving knowing not only had we seen an abundance of animals, we had now seen the Big Five!
So, as I wrap up my unforgettable two weeks, all I can say now is go and try it for yourself. You’ll love every minute of it!
