Safari Tours and Trips

An 9-day mountain biking safari and nature adventure from South Africa’s Zululand to the wild beaches of Mozambique. On mountain bikes, we explore KwaZulu-Natal, biodiversity hotspot and homeland of the Zulu people. The Valley of a Thousand Hills cradles us as we pedal past primeval granitic domes, and along farms, acacia forests, and meandering rivers. We visit ancient subtropical “sand forest,” the iSimangaliso wetlands, and Lake St. Lucia, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For two exhilarating days in a private reserve, we seek the Big 5—lion, leopard, Cape buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant on a classic safari. Village gatherings and a traditional South African braai (barbeque) connect us to the region’s vibrant culture. Finally, we behold the unspoiled beaches of Mozambique on an epic ride down the coast. We snorkel with bottlenose dolphins and relax at a paradisiacal seaside retreat—think infinity pool and Indian Ocean sunset—bringing our journey to a beautiful end.

Experience some of the world’s most extraordinary places and adventures on this 11-day South African odyssey. Few destinations on Earth can rival South Africa. Our journey begins in Cape Town, nestled between sandstone cliffs and the deep blue Atlantic. Here, we kayak to a penguin colony, cycle the Cape Winelands and hike to the summit of iconic Table Mountain. A tour of a nearby township and lunch with a local restauranteur and beloved community figure connects us with the region’s inspiring culture. From Cape Town, we head to the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains), a UNESCO World Heritage park, to hike in a Lost World landscape of lush forests, towering rock buttresses and misty waterfalls. Finally, we meet our female safari guide. She leads our exploration of Sabi Sands, a vast private reserve near the Kruger National Park where we observe African wildlife in their natural habitat. Zebra and wildebeest loping across the rolling veld. A pride of Transvaal lions lounging by the river. Hyenas laughing in the distance. As our trip draws to a close, we savor the never-forget-it moment when the setting sun paints the sky red over the savanna.

Unparalleled scenery, rich history and epic adventure make this 11-day trip an extraordinary experience. Selected by National Geographic Traveler as a 2015 Tour of a Lifetime. Few destinations on Earth can rival South Africa, and few trips capture its natural and cultural beauty with such attention to detail. Our journey begins in spectacular Cape Town, nestled between sandstone cliffs and the deep blue Atlantic coastline. Here, we kayak to an African Penguin colony, cycle through the beautiful Cape Winelands and hike to the summit of Table Mountain to settle amongst stunning panoramas. Explore Drakensberg, a UNESCO World Heritage park and a hiker’s paradise. Enjoy memorable hikes past cascading waterfalls, lush yellowwood forests and massive rock buttresses. The final leg of our odyssey requires a switch from hiking boots to safari shirts in search of the “Big Five”. Spend time in the incredible Sabi Sands Reserve, a 65,000-hectare reserve that offers one of the best opportunities to observe Africa’s most impressive species in their natural environment. Catch a glimpse of a sunbathing lion, get up-close to a rhino and watch elephants gather at a water hole. Savor the splendor of the moment and bring lasting memories home.

Enjoy a twelve-day, multi-country safari experience in remarkable Southern Africa. Southern Africa is not only home to one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, it’s also full of iconic landscapes and bucket-list destinations like Table Mountain and Victoria Falls. Explore the area’s diverse range of habitats—from classic savannahs to towering mountains and lush grasslands. This adventure is a nonstop highlight reel of some of the most extraordinary regions in Southern Africa. The journey begins while enjoying the first of many African sunsets on a safari cruise at the mighty Victoria Falls. Travel to heart of the Okavango Delta, Southern Africa’s most pristine safari ecosystem. From our stunning private tented campsites, we go in search of wildlife, letting camera lenses capture each encounter with rare wild dog, as well as leopards, lions and more. Traveling further south to Cape Town, take a relaxed cycling trip through the area’s superb wine-tasting region. The trip comes to a close at a private game reserve adjoining Kruger National Park, our final chance to form lasting memories of the area’s majestic landscapes and wildlife.

A 10-day walking, driving and canoe safari in Botswana’s premier northern reserves is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Botswana is one of Africa’s most spectacular destinations. Its winding, grassy plains flood each year, ushering new life into the Okavango Delta. The contrast between bountiful wildlife and deep, unspoiled solitude is remarkable. Lions bask in the shade and elephants wash in the river, yet the landscape has a remote, otherworldly feel. It is a one-of-a-kind place for both thrills and relaxation. The adventure begins in Maun. View the patchwork of islands, grasslands and waterways from above on a short safari flight. Traverse the quintessential wildlife reserves of Moremi, Khwai, Savuti and Chobe. Witness the splendorous, thundering Victoria Falls. Each day brings a new pursuit of wildlife on a series of game drives, mokoro trips and bushwalks. Safaris are led by highly-skilled native guides, each with an incredible passion for the people and animals who call this area home. Wake each morning to the excitement of adventure, and slumber each night to the soundtrack of the surrounding paradise—a sound that will live on in our memories of wild Botswana.

Take a turn off the tourist track on a 13-day adventure through Tanzania’s unforgettable landscapes. Northern Tanzania is a destination comprised of spellbinding contrasts. Lush mountain highlands fade into dry plains, and deeply rooted tribal communities live among herds of roaming wildlife. The effect is a collage of quintessentially African elements. Our adventure explores this great diversity, diving deeper into the people and places that make Tanzania such a unique destination for safari adventure. Search the Serengeti for wildlife grazing along vast grasslands, cycle the verdant slopes of Kilimanjaro, and embark on an epic trek through remote highland Maasai communities deep in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Stroll through the Machare Estate tea and coffee farm, tasting Kilimanjaro coffees grown in a spring-like climate. Enjoy life in a tented safari camp, sharing good conversation with fellow adventurers after the day’s explorations. This trip offers a true breadth of experience that will leave you with a profound respect for Tanzanian land and life alike. This is a great trip for adults and fit, older teens. If you're traveling with younger children, check out our Tanzania Family Adventure.

Prepare for nine days of incredible wildlife and classic landscapes on this unforgettable safari experience. Tanzania brings the quintessential safari trip to life—large stretches of stunning landscape, flat-topped acacia trees silhouetted against orange-purple sunsets, and graceful, powerful animals racing across the vast savannah. Our journey offers a unique way to get up-close with the culture and wildlife of the region on an intimate safari adventure. We begin with views of Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world, learning about the varied tribal communities that make up the rich tapestry of life in Tanzania. In Tarangire, massive herds of elephants congregate and the riverine forest is interspersed with gigantic baobab trees. Witness the largest intact, imploded crater in the world and incredible animal sanctuary at Ngorongoro Crater. In the famous Serengeti, home to the world's largest annual migration of mammals and varied predators, we bask in the sights and sounds of the land and its many, constantly-moving animal residents. Our trained guides are deeply passionate about the region. Their knowledge of Eastern Africa, its culture and its wildlife is a pivotal part of our immersion into this remarkable destination.

Spend nine exciting days exploring Tanzania’s vibrant culture and captivating wildlife reserves. Tanzania is quintessential safari land. Thousands of animals stream across the vast stretches of savannah. Giraffes gallop past baby elephants still clinging to their mothers and lions move gracefully toward their prey. The whole scene blends seamlessly into a multi-hued sky, where the sun floods the land with life-giving light. This trip provides a chance for the whole family to experience the thrill of safari in the most classic sense. Our safari mixes fun activities with visits to Tanzania’s premier wildlife parks, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Visit a traditional Maasai village and hike with warriors to the top of the Rift Valley Escarpment. Cycle past farmlands and play games with local children at a highlands orphanage. Have cameras ready during a visit to the Serengeti National Park, one of the largest and last remaining wildlife sanctuaries in the world. With kid-friendly, comfortable lodging along the way, the whole family can enjoy a safari dream come true. Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-17 will receive the REI Flash 18 Pack (while quantities last, colors may vary). Learn more about REI Family Adventures. Not traveling with kids under 18? Check out our Tanzania Classic Safari trip or inquire about a private departure of this itinerary.

Spend 16 days on a memorable exploration of Nepal, from south to north. Home to the world’s highest mountains and steeped in ancient traditions, this small country packs mighty adventure and plenty of heart. Nepal is a land of stupas and snowy peaks, dramatic vistas and diverse geography. In less than 200 miles, it rises from just 300' on the border with India to over 29,000' at the summit of Mount Everest. We explore its tropical south to its Himalayan north, following paths once taken by Nepal’s royalty. Our journey begins in Kathmandu where we tap into the local spirit of this bustling city and have the opportunity to witness Everest from a birds’ eye view. In the subtropical jungle of Royal Chitwan National Park, we travel astride elephants looking for rhinos, monkeys, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Next, we hike through the Middle Hills, a destination is largely untouched by the modern world. Lastly, we helicopter into the Langtang Valley to hike amongst breathtaking Himalayan giants. Each new day brings new adventure and a renewed appreciation for the serenity of stunning Nepal.