Skip to content
Share stories around the campfire on an Ultimate Safaris mobile camping itinerary
Blackback gorilla partially hidden in dense green forest undergrowth
Sunrise safari stop near Mankwe Tented Retreat with open game vehicle and guests
Wide view of a safari group interacting with Maasai guides under a sprawling acacia tree, with Basecamp Masai Mara’s vehicle and distant hills in the background.
Walking safari in Tsavo, Kenya with Tropical Ice
Lion with a horse riding safari in Kenya with Gordie Church and Safaris Unlimited
Small Group Journeys

Set Departures

Set departures

Our small group set departures are something special. We work with just a handful of carefully chosen outfitters, most of whom we’ve partnered with for nearly thirty years — ‘tried and tested’ is an understatement! They’ve earned their stellar reputations by focusing on the things that really matter: travelling to clever, crowd-free locations, hiring only the very best guides, and prioritising boutique, independent accommodation over big-brand names. Their trips are well-paced and carefully curated to emphasise quality experiences, smart routing and meaningful encounters.

Set departures are an efficient, enriching way to explore with a small group of like-minded companions — and ours pack a punch well beyond their price point.

You will love

  • 30+ years of trusted experience
  • Cleverly curated, carefully paced itineraries
  • An efficient way to travel
  • Small group of likeminded companions
  • Experiences that pack a punch for their price point

Let us design your perfect itinerary.

Icon

Itineraries & set departures

South Africa: The World in One Country

Set Departure | From Johannesburg to Cape Town

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through South Africa and Eswatini on this immersive 19-day journey, experiencing the vibrant streets of Johannesburg, the majestic landscapes of Mpumalanga and the cultural richness of Eswatini. Encounter diverse wildlife in Kruger National Park, delve into Zulu traditions, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Cinsta before culminating in the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town....Read More

South Africa – Wonders of the Garden Route

Set Departure | South Africa's Garden Route

Explore South Africa's scenic wonders from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) to the Cape, including Addo Elephant National Park and the picturesque Tsitsikamma Forest, before concluding your adventure in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Forests, mountains, lagoons and beaches meet on this iconic and stunningly beautiful stretch of coastline!...Read More

East Africa: Migration Discoverer

Set Departure | The Great Migration

This amazingly diverse itinerary sees you witnessing the Great Migration in both Kenya and Tanzania, birdwatching on Lake Manyara, spotting the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinos) in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro Crater and hiking foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, all in just 15 days! Operated as a set departure by one of our favourite outfitters, it offers amazing bang for your buck....Read More

MAASAI MARA, NAKURU & AMBOSELI SAFARI : A Kenyan Trilogy

A Kenyan Trilogy

This set departure is a safari in three parts: The Maasai Mara famous for its endless plains and dramatic wildlife encounters, Lake Nakuru with its fabulous bird life; and Amboseli where majestic elephants stroll past a backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. It perfectly encompasses Kenya’s iconic highlights in a seamless set departure, ideal for solo travellers or those who enjoy group travel....Read More

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route

Set Departure | Climb Africa's Highest Peak

Follow one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic trails on this classic ascent of Africa’s highest peak. Traversing lush rainforest, alpine meadows, lava towers and glacier-carved slopes, the Machame Route offers exceptional views, diverse ecosystems, and the best chance to acclimatise en route to the summit. Fully supported with expert guides and camp crew, this seven-day trek is both a physical challenge and a deeply rewarding adventure....Read More

The Essence of Tanzania

Set Departure | Essence of Tanzania

Unwind under vast African skies and discover the wealth of Tanzania’s wildlife on this leisurely safari. From Tarangire – famed for its elephant population and impressive baobab trees – to the world famous Ngorongoro Crater and expansive plains of the Serengeti National Park, this itinerary really epitomises the essence of Tanzania....Read More

Uganda & Rwanda: Gorillas Galore

Set Departure | The Gorillas of Uganda & Rwanda

This 12-day small group journey ventures deep into the forests and highlands of Uganda and Rwanda, offering rare encounters with mountain gorillas in both countries. From the misty slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Rwanda’s dramatic Volcanoes National Park, it’s a richly rewarding journey through two of East Africa’s most captivating primate habitats....Read More

Uganda: Gorilla Express – 3-Night Fly-in Safari

Set Departure | The Call of the Forest

A 5-day fly-in safari from Entebbe to Bwindi offers an efficient and exhilarating way to experience one of the world’s most powerful wildlife encounters: trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Perched on the edge of the forest, your lodge enjoys sweeping views of the canopy, and gorillas and other primates are often seen within the grounds....Read More

Grand Zambezi Safari

Set Departure | A Journey Along Africa's Mighty Zambezi

This small-group lodge safari through Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, starts in Livingstone and ends in Victoria Falls, exploring a huge diversity of ecosystems in just 13 days. Encounter Africa's iconic wildlife, witness the serene beauty of the Zambezi River as it loops through lush plains, then take in its almighty power as it plunges over the iconic Victoria Falls. Natural and cultural wonders await at every turn of this expertly guided safari....Read More

Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe: Great Trans-Africa Safari

Set Departure | Three Mighty Weeks Across Africa

Embark on an extraordinary 21-day journey through the heart of Southern Africa with the Great Trans-Africa Safari. Traversing Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, this guided small-group adventure offers an immersive experience into the continent’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife. From the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, and culminating at the majestic Victoria Falls, each day unveils a new facet of Africa’s natural beauty. ...Read More

Kenya: Maasai Mara on Horseback – 6 & 8-Night Options

Set Departure | Horseriding safari Kenya

A horseriding safari amongst Africa’s animals is an active, exhilarating and adrenalin-fuelled safari. The six or eight night riding safari with Gordie and Felicia Church of Safaris Unlimited traverses the greater Mara Conservancies (adjacent to the Maasai Mara), on a mobile safari that is full of punch and all class. Experiencing this spectacular unfenced and expansive wilderness eco-system on the back of a horse is a journey like no other....Read More

Kenya: Great Walk of Africa

Set Departure | Kenya Mobile Hiking Safari

This is Africa’s definitive walking safari. Hiking for multiple days along two of the most beautiful rivers on the continent, which are the home to the biggest elephant herds in Africa, it’s no wonder this trip has been described as ‘the greatest African bush experience on the continent’....Read More

Botswana: Northern Highlights

Set Departure | Botswana Mobile Camping Safari

A mobile safari is reminiscent of the expeditions undertaken by the early explorers. Each safari is lead by a professional guide who is accompanied by a small convoy of camp staff and the equipment necessary for a self-contained journey through the wilderness. This allows you to access remote wilderness areas within Botswana's national parks and reserves, far beyond the reaches of a morning game drive out of a lodge....Read More

Namibia: Untold

Set Departure | Namibia's Wildlife & Wild Landscapes

Journey deep into Namibia’s untamed wilderness on this fully guided nine-day safari through vast desert, rugged mountains and remote private reserves. From the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha to the wild beauty of Damaraland, the coastal charm of Swakopmund and the sculpted dunes of Sossusvlei, you’ll experience the essence of Namibia in comfort and style. Led by an expert naturalist guide, this is an immersive exploration of Namibia’s most soul-stirring landscapes....Read More

The Soul of South Africa

South Africa's Wildlife & Wine - May 2026

South Africa is a land of striking contrasts – wild coastlines, vibrant cities and untamed safari landscapes – and we’ve handpicked an itinerary that captures its diversity in absolute style! From the coastal charm of the Western Cape to the creative energy of Cape Town, and on to a private Eastern Cape game reserve, you’ll discover a side of the country that is as soulful as it is spectacular. Explore wild places, enjoy fine wine, gourmet meals, fabulous retail therapy and track the Big Five on this fabulous journey....Read More

Into the Heart of Botswana

Bucket List Botswana with Victoria Falls - May 2026

Plunging you deep into the heart of Botswana's iconic landscapes, this bespoke itinerary takes you through the floodplains of the Okavango Delta, the abundant habitats of surrounding game reserves, and the ethereal Makgadikgadi Pans before hopping over the border into Zimbabwe to stand in awe before the magnificent Victoria Falls. Take sunset cruises on the Delta and Zambezi - G&T firmly in hand - and witness a breathtaking array of wildlife and culture.
...Read More

Sri Lanka in Style

Sri Lanka in Style - July 2026

This 17-day ladies-only journey through Sri Lanka unveils a country of timeless culture, diverse landscapes and gracious hospitality. From the bustle of Colombo and the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, to the tea-draped hills of Hatton and the wildlife-rich plains of Yala, you’ll discover an island that surprises at every turn. Blending heritage hotels, tranquil villas and unrivalled elegance, the itinerary balances immersive cultural exploration with moments of indulgence and relaxation, culminating in the charm of Galle Fort’s coastal lanes....Read More

Morocco’s Souks & Sahara – SOLD OUT

Imperial cities & rose-scented desert nights - October 2026

Morocco is an intoxicating mix of colour, culture and cuisine and this year we've cherry-picked some of our old favourites, and added a few new highlights to deliver a truly immersive, awe-inspiring experience. This ladies-only adventure explores all four Imperial Cities - Rabat, Fès, Meknes & Marrakech; and provides the opportunity to sleep beneath a star studded Saharan sky & hike ancient Berber paths in the Atlas Mountains. ...Read More

Icon

Shared Experiences

Icon

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience