Safaris
Africa has long been the subject of intense wonder and fascination for Europeans and Expressions Holidays particularly specialises in organising safari holidays in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia which all off an immense richness and variety of human experience.
The obvious attractions are the magnificent wildlife in their natural habitat and the sensation of the vastness of the African horizon of grasslands, forest, flood plains, desert and dunes. On top of this you have the vibrancy of Cape Town and its remarkable Table Mountain, the beauty of the nearby winelands and their historic Cape Dutch towns and the dramatic scenery of the garden route along the coast. We offer you the chance to visit some of the most world-famous parks and regions in Southern Africa, renowned for their superb wildlife viewing and stunning scenery, including the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Namib desert and the Etosha in Namibia and the Kruger in South Africa. Our safaris are well organised and extremely comfortable. Modern comforts combine with the ambience of a traditional safari. Our range of options for Southern Africa can be extended on request and is ideal for combining city and safari, wetlands and desert, Southern Africa with the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles.
Our safaris
Expressions has teamed up with Wilderness Safaris, a company that started twenty years ago to provide safaris where wonderful African experiences and great game-viewing take place in unspoiled, unmanaged natural habitats. Their camps are small and special. With only between three and twelve rooms each, they provide comfort and luxury, while totally in keeping with their natural surroundings.
The camps
The aim of the camps is to provide today’s comforts at the same time as allowing guests to feel the pulse of wild Africa, but in a well looked after environment. Most of the camps are tented or under thatch with canvas walls. They offer what is considered to be a safe sanctuary, are comfortable but have an authentic bush atmosphere. Large beds, fresh linen, towels, face cloths, good lighting (but often with energy-saving 12 volts), soap and shampoo. Most rooms have en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. Some camps have an additional and optional outdoor shower or bath. The camps are sprayed on a regular basis with an enviro-friendly pyrethroid spray. There are no fences around the camps. Animals do sometimes wander through the camps. (Please see below about Wild Animals). Guests are given strict instructions about personal safety. Most camps do not have regular electrical power but instead have generators on site. The generators are run in the morning and afternoon when guests are out. There is not sufficient supply for hairdryers or air-conditioners, but batteries for video cameras can be charged direct from the generator when you are out on game drives. Most camps have their own airfields nearby. Transfers usually take place around midday so that no activities are missed. Cooking is good, wholesome home-style cooking, served at elegantly set dining tables. The meal times are geared around the best game-viewing times and the activities specific to a particular camp.
Transport
4x4 Land Rovers are used almost exclusively in the camps. Most of the game drive activity camps have open vehicles (the exception is at Etosha). Usually there are three rows of seats in a vehicle plus seats for the driver and front passenger. Numbers are generally restricted to 6 or 7 guests plus guide.
The safaris are sold on the basis of a ‘shared vehicle’. Private vehicles and guides can be arranged at an extra charge.
Air transfers are provided in Cessna 210s, Cessna 206s, Cessna Caravans and Islanders. There is a strict 12kg baggage allowances on the transfers into the camps. All bags must be soft. You should read very carefully the notes we send you at the time of booking about extra baggage and storage of luggage after international flights.
Wild animals
These safaris bring you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no safari into the African wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur. The camps are not fenced and wild animals can wander through the camps. Strict instructions are issued on arrival in camp about personal safety and you should follow the advice given by the local guides and camp managers.
Other important points
You will be travelling with and meeting with a small number of like-minded people, from different parts of the world. Part of the fun and the experience is the way the group interacts in camp and on safari. To get the most out of your safari, co-operation and harmony with fellow travellers is essential. Please do not book one of these safaris if you do not enjoy the company of others. Children under 8 years are not permitted although special arrangements can be made for a party to book exclusive use of a camp. Children aged 8 to 12 years are admitted but families would have to book private activities unless the party has exclusive use of the camp. There is a no smoking policy at all meals, on the vehicles, on aircraft and on boats. If you are a smoker, ‘smoke breaks’ are allowed for on the drives.
Point of booking information
We will provide you with a pre-safari information pack at the point of booking. This is essential reading.