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.

Itineraries & set departures

See Itinerary

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.

See Itinerary

South Africa: 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!

See Itinerary

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.

See Itinerary

Kenya: A Kenyan Trilogy

Set Departure | 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.

See Itinerary

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route

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.

See Itinerary

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.

See Itinerary

Uganda & Rwanda: Gorillas Galore

Inspiration Itinerary | 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.

See Itinerary

Uganda: Gorilla Express

Inspiration Itinerary | 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.

See Itinerary

Grand Zambezi Safari

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.

See Itinerary

Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe: Great Trans-Africa Lodge 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-African Lodge 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.

See Itinerary

Masai Mara with Safaris Unlimited – 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 Masai 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.

See Itinerary

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’.

See Itinerary

Northern Botswana: Under Canvas

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 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.

See Itinerary

Namibia: Untold

Set Departure | Namibia's Wildlife & Wild Landscapes

This small group set departure takes in Namibia’s wild landscapes and their wild inhabitants in nine thrilling, expertly-guided days. From the big cats of Ongava to the white-washed elephants of Etosha’s salt pans and the ethereal beauty of Sossusvlei’s gargantuan sand dunes, ‘Namibia Untold’ captures the country’s breathtaking beauty in all its staggering diversity.

See Itinerary

South Africa: The World in One Country

Set Departure | From Johannesburg to Cape Town

See Itinerary

South Africa: Garden Route

Set Departure | South Africa's Garden Route

See Itinerary

East Africa: Migration Discoverer

Set Departure | The Great Migration

See Itinerary

Kenya: A Kenyan Trilogy

Set Departure | A Kenyan Trilogy

See Itinerary

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route

Climb Africa's Highest Peak

See Itinerary

The Essence of Tanzania

Set Departure | Essence of Tanzania

See Itinerary

Uganda & Rwanda: Gorillas Galore

Inspiration Itinerary | The Gorillas of Uganda & Rwanda

See Itinerary

Uganda: Gorilla Express

Inspiration Itinerary | The Call of the Forest

See Itinerary

Grand Zambezi Safari

A Journey Along Africa's Mighty Zambezi

See Itinerary

Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe: Great Trans-Africa Lodge Safari

Set Departure | Three Mighty Weeks Across Africa

See Itinerary

Masai Mara with Safaris Unlimited – 6 & 8-Night Options

Set Departure | Horseriding safari Kenya

See Itinerary

Kenya: Great Walk of Africa

Set Departure | Kenya Mobile Hiking Safari

See Itinerary

Northern Botswana: Under Canvas

Set Departure | Botswana Mobile Camping Safari

See Itinerary

Namibia: Untold

Set Departure | Namibia's Wildlife & Wild Landscapes

Shared Experiences

Track black rhino on foot

Experience world-class walking safaris

Fly camp under the stars of the Makgadikgadi

Join the herd on a horseback safari

Explore Zambia’s nocturnal world on a night drive

Encounter big game on a safari drive

Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

Enquire Now

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218