Why Safari With Collette
By Travelers, For Travelers: This is the Collette Difference
Safari in Style
Our expert team of travel enthusiasts has been curating safari adventures in Africa for over three decades, creating itineraries that capture the region’s diverse landscapes and untamed wildlife. From the savannas of the Serengeti to the waterways of the Chobe River, each destination is carefully selected to showcase the region’s natural wonders.
Closer to Culture
Meet people in their homes and local communities. Dine with them during home-hosted meals and learn about their culture through conversations along the journey.
Comfort in Africa
On your safari adventure, there’s no rush – you’ll generally enjoy 2-3 nights in each location. With minimal one-night stays, unwind and let your wild heart beat out a new rhythm. Stay in smaller, more intimate lodges and tented camps situated in prime locations.
FEATURED TOURS
SMALL GROUP
EXPLORATIONS
African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania
SMALL GROUP
EXPLORATIONS
Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana
SMALL GROUP
EXPLORATIONS
New Tour
Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land & Water
Travelers said it best
Patricia A.
Treasures of Egypt Traveler
“This trip was filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and literally, wonders of the world, but the reason to do it with Collette is the manner in which you take care of the details and care for us to give us the best experience without us having to deal with a plethora of details. You all are masters of making it easy for the traveler.”
Brenda K.
Wilderness of Southern Africa: Safari by Land and Water Traveler
“It was a trip of a lifetime! Every moment was perfect! How so many things of significance could happen in such a timely fashion was beyond words. … Fabulous travel, grand hotels and lodging experiences including tents and boats, exceptional drivers and leaders, delicious and plentiful food and all handled for the pleasure and ease of those traveling! I loved the fellow travelers who became like family! Life is wonderful with Collette!”
"I grew up in South Africa and have been in the tourism industry for thirty years. Uncovering Africa's beauty is my passion. We design our own itineraries and hand-pick safari lodges and experiences. It allows us to listen and react to traveler feedback and build the exact experience our travelers are looking for. A lot goes into planning a safari. We want travelers to be focused on the moment, not the logistics. We know that safety is a must, but so is comfort and the little things like a day room for late-departing flights and a perfectly timed sundowner. We plan it all out to the letter.”
Roger Clulow
Africa Product Designer
Sneak Peek: Your African Adventures Await
Frequently Asked Questions
Going on Safari
On game reserves and in National Parks, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige. Avoid wearing blue as Tstetse flies are attracted to that color. Camouflage patterns should be avoided as only the military wear this.
Game drives tend to last about 3 hours – more if game viewing is good; less if the weather conditions are extreme. Vehicles are open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles. Note that specific vehicles will vary by tour.
They vary from standard hotels to lodges, tented camps, and even house boats.
Accommodations vary from standard hotels to lodges, tented camps, and even safari boats. These different stays mean some different experiences, but you can trust they're all carefully selected to get you close to the action.
Speaking of, when you stay outdoors you may find small creatures like geckos sharing your space! Talk about getting close to wildlife!
Jokes aside, these things will always be true:
- You’ll always have immediate access to a private bathroom.
- Both internet access and air conditioning are available, but not guaranteed.
- Electricity is widely available, but can be disrupted. If you require use of a CPAP or breathing support overnight, we strongly recommend a different tour.
Specific vehicles vary across each park and region, but you can count on 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs and/or open sides. With 6, 8, or at most 10 people in a vehicle, travelers are always in a prime position for viewing wildlife.
Yes – each tour has unique size and weight limits for luggage. African Safari: Kenya & Tanzania and The Plains of Africa tours require travelers use a soft-sided duffel with a max weight of 33lbs/15kg. An additional small personal bag is permitted. Duffels with rollers are not recommended. Why? Space is extremely limited on safari vehicles and bags need to be malleable to fit.
For other Africa tours, most bags should be under 50lbs/23kg and less than 62in /157cm total (length, width, and height added together). Be sure to check pre-tour travel documents for specific requirements.
We recommend bringing your own universal plug adapter and voltage converter or bring appliances that have built-in voltage converters. Common plugs in this region are C, M, D, G, and N.
Good news – most lodges have access to laundry services. Clothing is typically sent out for service and returned the next day, so plan to do it on the first day of a 2-night (or more) stay. All laundry services are payable to the lodge directly.
Most lodges and camps provide mosquito nets. When not provided, the property often uses repellents, unless in the city where they're not necessary.
Travelers are encouraged to discuss antimalarial medication with their medical professional, wear protective clothing at night, and bring repellent that contains up to 30% DEET.
WEBINARS
Ask the Expert Series: Snapshot of South Africa
During this live interview and Q&A, we’re sitting down with Thabelo Moji to talk about her time on the road with travelers in the place she calls home: South Africa. She is a local expert, and is excited to share the real picture of what you can expect during your travels with Collette.
Designing Collette’s Global Tours
Collette Product Design Manager Roger Clulow hails from South Africa, lives in Australia, designs much of our product in Africa, and is a seasoned world traveler himself. All of these experiences get funneled into the tours your clients enjoy, especially our small group Explorations tours.