Luxury African Safari with Abercrombie & Kent: Maggie’s Journey Through Southern Africa
By Maggie Lawler – Travel Advisor, Bursch Travel Omaha
Discover what a luxury African safari is really like as Bursch Travel advisor Maggie Lawler shares her Abercrombie & Kent journey through Southern Africa.
If you know me well, you know that an African safari is my ultimate form of relaxation.
There’s something special about the combination of incredible wildlife, peaceful landscapes, wonderful people, and sharing stories around the dinner table after a day of adventure.
In March 2025, I traveled with Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) on an educational safari through South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. It was my second experience with A&K, and once again, I was reminded why I love this style of travel so much.
From watching elephants along the Chobe River to spotting lions in the Okavango Delta, every destination brought something memorable. And throughout the journey, I was impressed by how seamlessly adventure and comfort came together.
Why I Love Traveling with Abercrombie & Kent
I’ve been fortunate to experience several African safaris over the years, and Abercrombie & Kent continues to impress me.
What sets A&K apart is how smoothly everything comes together. From airport transfers and bush flights to knowledgeable guides and beautiful accommodations, the details were thoughtfully handled.
That meant more time enjoying the wildlife, scenery, and people I was traveling with—and less time worrying about logistics.
Starting Our Adventure in Johannesburg
After a long international flight, I arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, where an A&K representative met me and arranged my transfer to the beautiful Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa.
My spacious suite featured a four-poster bed, separate living and dining areas, and a stunning bathroom. It was a wonderful place to rest before heading into the bush.
One tip for anyone planning an African safari: think carefully about your international flights. I upgraded to Delta Premium Select for the long flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg, and the extra comfort made a difference.
Zambia: Victoria Falls, Rhinos, and the Zambezi River
Our next stop was Livingstone, Zambia, where we stayed at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, a beautiful lodge overlooking the Zambezi River.
The elevated treehouse-style accommodations featured private balconies, and wildlife was never far away. We spotted warthogs shortly after arriving, and some travelers even reported hearing hippos during the night!
One evening, we enjoyed a peaceful sunset cruise along the Zambezi, complete with cocktails and sightings of hippos and elephants.
It was exactly the kind of experience that makes safari travel so memorable.
Connecting with the Local Community
Another highlight was visiting a village supported by A&K Philanthropy.
We met women learning bicycle repair and bookkeeping, along with artisans creating jewelry from recycled glass bottles.
Seeing the community’s creativity and enthusiasm was incredibly moving. For me, travel is about more than beautiful places. It’s also about connecting with the people who call those places home.
Seeing Victoria Falls from Above
Before leaving Zambia, I had the opportunity to take a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, and what an incredible experience!
The 22-minute flight was absolutely worth it. From above, I could truly appreciate the enormous size of the falls, the Zambezi River winding through the landscape, and the dramatic gorge carved by the rushing water. It’s one thing to see Victoria Falls in photographs, but seeing it from the air is something else entirely.
We also explored the falls on foot, where we experienced the thunderous sound of the water and the mist rising from below. It’s easy to understand why Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.”
Experiencing the falls from both the air and the ground gave me two completely different perspectives, and I would highly recommend doing both if you have the opportunity.
Botswana: Elephants Along the Chobe River
From Zambia, we continued into Botswana and arrived at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, a beautifully renovated lodge overlooking the Chobe River. The views were incredible, and the wildlife encounters were even better.
During a sunset river cruise, we watched hippos, elephants, and buffalo along the water.
On our game drives in Chobe National Park, we encountered elephants at remarkably close range. One walked so near our vehicle that it felt almost within touching distance!
The animals seemed comfortable around safari vehicles, allowing us to observe their natural behavior. An evening performance of local music and dance added another wonderful memory to our time in Chobe.
The Okavango Delta: Luxury Tents and Incredible Wildlife
Next, we flew over the breathtaking Okavango Delta to Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp. This is where the safari experience became even more immersive.
Our accommodations were permanent luxury tents, but don’t picture a basic camping tent! Mine had comfortable furnishings, modern amenities, and elegant glass doors. There was no air conditioning, but fans helped keep the space comfortable. And the wildlife was right outside!
We spotted buffalo near camp, wildebeests outside our tents, and an incredible variety of animals during our game drives. Among the highlights were female lions, hyenas, giraffes, African wild dogs, and two magnificent male lions.
The tall grass sometimes made spotting wildlife challenging, but our expert guides knew how to read the landscape and track animal activity.
That knowledge makes such a difference on safari.
Chief’s Camp: The Ultimate Luxury Safari Experience
Our final safari destination was Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, reached by helicopter. Of all the accommodations on this journey, this was the most luxurious.
My suite included indoor and outdoor showers, a freestanding bathtub, a private plunge pool, and an enormous deck overlooking the surrounding wilderness. It was absolutely beautiful.
But even with all those amenities, the wildlife remained the star of the show.
We enjoyed more incredible lion sightings, listened to animals moving around camp, and celebrated our time together with music, dancing, and a final sundowner featuring Botswana’s own Okavango Gin.
One Last Leopard Sighting
On our final morning, I decided to skip the scheduled game drive, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and prepare for our departure.
Then someone spotted a leopard! Of course, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I joined a small group for a quick drive, where we found the leopard relaxing in a tree. What a perfect ending to an extraordinary safari.
What Travelers Should Know About Luxury Safaris
One of the biggest misconceptions about African safaris is that you’ll be roughing it. In reality, luxury safari camps can offer beautifully furnished accommodations, exceptional dining, and thoughtful amenities—all while surrounded by incredible wildlife.
After experiencing several safari destinations and operators, I’ve learned that choosing the right itinerary, accommodations, and travel style makes all the difference.
And that’s where working with an experienced travel advisor can really help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury African Safaris
Luxury safari pricing varies depending on the destinations, time of year, accommodations, and length of your trip. The most important thing is to compare what’s included, not just the advertised price.
Some itineraries include meals, drinks, game drives, and transportation between safari camps, while others charge separately for certain experiences. International airfare, travel insurance, and gratuities may also be additional.
Safari does not have to mean luxury, however. Your Bursch Travel advisor can help you plan a safari at a number of different price points.
I recommend starting your planning 12–18 months in advance, especially if you’re interested in smaller luxury camps, specific wildlife experiences, or popular travel dates.
Safari lodges often have limited accommodations, so planning early gives you more choices. It also allows time to coordinate international flights, travel documents, and any necessary health preparations.
Not necessarily! Many safaris focus on game drives in comfortable vehicles rather than strenuous hiking. However, some activities involve uneven terrain, climbing into safari vehicles, or traveling in small aircraft. The level of activity depends on your itinerary.
It’s important to discuss any mobility concerns with your travel advisor before choosing a safari.
Look beyond the accommodations and consider the quality of the guides, the destinations you’ll visit, transportation between camps, and the overall experience.
On my Abercrombie & Kent journey, the knowledgeable guides and carefully coordinated logistics made a tremendous difference. The right safari isn’t necessarily the one with the most destinations. It’s the one that gives you the experiences you’re most excited about.
Maggie’s Safari Travel Tips
After several African safaris, here are a few things I’ve learned:
- Don’t underestimate the travel time. Flights to Africa can be long. If your budget allows, consider a more comfortable seat and give yourself time to adjust after arrival.
- Pack light and thoughtfully. Many safari itineraries involve small aircraft with strict luggage limits. Soft-sided bags are often required, so confirm the rules for your specific trip.
- Bring binoculars. Your guide may spot wildlife in the distance long before you can see it clearly.
- Be prepared for early mornings. Wildlife is often most active around dawn and dusk, making early game drives especially rewarding.
- Don’t focus only on the Big Five. Some of my favorite memories came from watching animal behavior, enjoying the scenery, and meeting local people.
- Leave room for surprises. One of my best wildlife sightings happened when I almost skipped a game drive. You never know when a leopard might appear!
One Final Tip: Plan Your Health Preparations Early
Before traveling, consult a qualified travel health professional about recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention, and other precautions for your specific itinerary.
Requirements vary by country, travel history, and individual circumstances, so don’t assume what worked for another traveler will be right for you.
Is an African Safari Right for You?
If you love wildlife, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences, an African safari deserves a place on your travel wish list.
And you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for adventure. From luxury tented camps to exceptional guides and thoughtfully planned excursions, there are safari experiences for many different travel styles.
Having explored Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana, I know that each destination offers something special.
Ready to experience Africa for yourself?
I’d love to help you choose the right destinations, safari lodges, and itinerary for the adventure you’ve been dreaming about.
Start Planning Your African Safari with Maggie Lawler at Bursch Travel →
