Guided Safari Tours: Beyond the Big Five to African Culture

When most travellers imagine a trip to Africa, their minds conjure images of breathtaking landscapes and thrilling game drives. However, what truly sets a journey apart are the experiences that go beyond the expected — those that immerse travellers in the rich tapestry of local culture, traditions, and daily life.

At Collette, these off-the-beaten-path interactions with the people, tribes, and townships of Africa are not merely add-ons, but pivotal inclusions that transform an ordinary trip into an extraordinary adventure.

I sat down with Product Design Manager Roger Clulow, our Africa tour designer and 25-year tour design veteran, to learn the ways in which Collette is a thought leader in the space of small group African safari tours.

Connecting with African Culture

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

One of the unique aspects of our African safari tours is the opportunity to connect deeply with local people and culture.

"With our African tours, there’s obviously a very strong focus on wildlife and game viewing,” Roger said. “But it just so happens that some of the locations we visit on these tours are also the homes of indigenous people. This provides a really valuable opportunity for our travellers to meet, engage, and learn from these traditional landowners."

These encounters aren't merely about observation. They are about interaction and supporting local communities in Africa — learning from people who still maintain unique traditions and practices, such as hunting, gathering, song, dance, unique dress, and food.

"It’s a really rich learning experience for our travellers, and it’s often something that they didn’t really think about or expect," Roger said.

The Township Experience

In addition to visiting villages, our tours also delve into the lives of local township residents.

"Townships are not typically places that a tourist would visit,” Roger said. “They’re normally a little bit more advanced and sophisticated than an African tribal village. At Collette, we go into townships because we want our travellers to see what life is like, then meet local residents."

For instance, in Chinotimba Township near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, travellers have the chance to enjoy a home-hosted lunch where they meet local families, learn about their history, work, and daily challenges. This lunch is featured on our Wilderness of Southern Africa tour.

Interactions like these are invaluable, offering a deep understanding of local life and fostering genuine connections.

“It’s a very rich learning experience for our travellers to see how these people live… It truly is something that is very memorable for our travellers and stays with them,” Roger said.

The Impact of Local Community Connection on Travellers

Transformative Experiences

Connecting with local African communities leaves a lasting impact on travellers. According to Roger, Collette travellers often report that these interactions offer unique perspectives that they didn’t expect. He said that many travellers cite these conversations as their favourite moments on tour.

"Very often, the interactions with people in some of these remote locations—indigenous people and tribes—are a highlight for travellers,” Roger says. "I’ve seen travellers get very emotional meeting a local family who live quite a different life, but at the end of the day have the same desires in life that our travellers have. It's very heartwarming for them. It's often confusing how someone who has so little is often very happy in life."

Lifelong Memories

These moments of connection provide more than just memories. They challenge travellers' perspectives and offer insights that stay with them forever.

"Our travellers witness smiles, happiness, and a strong sense of community in the simplest settings, which stays with them really for the rest of their lives," Roger notes. Such powerful, life-enriching experiences naturally become treasured memories.

Social Responsibility and Global Impact

Commitment to Supporting Local Communities in Africa

At Collette, we are deeply committed to ensuring our tours are socially responsible and beneficial to the communities we visit.

"We spend a lot of time investing in making these cultural interactions possible for our travellers,” Roger said. “It's an opportunity and a privilege for our travellers to meet local people in their local environments, which are typically very different from where our travellers come from."

By partnering with local organizations and supporting their initiatives, we aim to contribute positively to the regions we explore.

For example, on our African Safari: Kenya & Tanzania tour, we visit Shanga. This organization supports physically and intellectually disadvantaged individuals by providing them with employment and a means to create beautiful arts and crafts.

Similar impactful experiences are part of our itineraries across Africa.

Making a Difference

Roger emphasizes the broader impact of our philosophy: "For us, it’s very important that we do what we can to make the world a better place and educate our travellers on different challenges around the world."

By connecting travellers with meaningful projects and communities, we foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for global cultural diversity.

Deep Local Connections

Being deeply engaged with local communities means we know precisely where to go, who to meet, and how to create unique, unforgettable moments.

"We design all of that ourselves,” Roger said. “And so we are very close to what’s happening on the ground.”

It is deeply important to him that these tours highlight our commitment to offering authentic and personal travel experiences.

Why Choose Collette for Your African Safari?

Thoughtfully Curated African Safari Itineraries

Our dedication to meticulously crafting each itinerary sets our safari tours apart. Our tours are designed by travellers, who are just as curious and excited about exploring the world as the people who take our tours.

“We curate and really handcraft our itineraries to deliver the experience that we want for our travellers," Roger said. "We even go and select every hotel we want to work with.”

This hands-on approach ensures a seamless and enriching travel experience every step of the way.

Competitive Pricing and High Standards

Despite our competitive pricing, we do not compromise on quality.

Our small, unique lodgings are in prime locations, ensuring comfort and a true taste of local hospitality. Moreover, our tours are designed with a thoughtful balance of activities and free time.

How to Book Your African Safari

Explore Africa with Collette and discover the immersive journey that awaits beyond the wildlife and scenic landscapes.

You can learn more about our safari tours here. When you’re ready to book your tour, call us or see your travel professional and ask for Collette.