Back to Destinations Exeter Safari Company
Overview
With decades of experience and expert local knowledge, Exeter Safari Company unveils the treasures of Africa, from the rolling winelands of South Africa and vast plains of Tanzania's Serengeti to the red sand dunes of Namibia and white-sand beaches of Seychelles.
There is no one quintessential African experience. The continent is alive with countless adventures that reveal Africa’s wildlife, culture, and cuisine. Recognizing this – and the fact that no two guests have the same needs, wish list, or budget – Scott Simpson, co-founder of Exeter Safari Company and a South African native who has spent his whole life exploring the African continent, oversees the creation of each itinerary. With a multitude of safari options, from ultra-luxe safari lodges (complete with private butler service) to intimate, affordable, well-located tented camps in the heart of the African wilderness, Exeter can provide a plethora of options for a perfectly personalized adventure. Expanding beyond East and South Africa, they can arrange trips to Indian Ocean destinations like the Seychelles, Zanzibar, and São Tomé and Príncipe. These islands are perfect for honeymoons, whether booked as a stand-alone trip or as an add-on to an African safari. Exeter’s local knowledge, connections, and more than 30 years of experience ensure the highest possible level of service before, during, and after a safari. From the best guides to the most reliable transportation options, Exeter puts experience and relationships to work for your clients to ensure their trip goes off without a hitch.
Insider Guide
– Customized Itineraries
– Concierge Services
– Meet & Greet Services
– VIP Access
– Air
– Accommodations
– Yachts
– Private Charter
– Private Touring
– Private Transportation
– Rail Services
– Special Surprises
– Family-Friendly Activities and Experiences
– Multi-Activity Tours and Experiences
– Themed Experiences
– Educational Experiences
Botswana
Egypt
Jordan
Kenya
Madagascar
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Rwanda
Seychelles
South Africa
Tanzania
Zambia
Everyone packs the sunscreen, but the item that truly transforms a safari is a good pair of binoculars, one per person rather than a single set shared amongst the vehicle. So much of the magic happens at a distance and in an instant, a leopard draped in a marula tree or a martial eagle on its kill, and with your own pair you never miss the moment waiting your turn. Look for 8×42 or 10×42 (the second number gathers the light you need at dawn and dusk when the animals are most active), practice finding moving subjects at home before you go, and wear them around your neck from the moment you leave camp so they are ready the second your guide says the word.
The short answer is anytime. While there are better and worse times to be on safari throughout the various regions of Africa because the continent is so large and so diverse whenever you are looking to travel there will be a destination that is right for you.
Traditionally, the best time to go on safari is during the dry season that broadly runs from June through October; however, this season does vary significantly depending on where in Africa you are considering. During the dry season, the vegetation is much less dense, and because the grass is shorter, it is much easier to track and locate wildlife. Additionally, when there is less rainfall, there are fewer available water sources for wildlife to gather around. This results in the animals tending to congregate around the same lakes, pans, and rivers, which again makes for great game viewing (and leads to some interesting herbivore/predator encounters!).
Often during the wet season, also called the green season, when water sources are abundant, the wildlife tends to spread out over an enormous area. Many camps and lodges close during this time of year, often December through February, as the dirt tracks that surround the lodges become impassable.
Another aspect to consider, especially if visiting East Africa, is the great migration. Please visit our page to explore this topic in depth, as it will give you a good idea of where the migration is at any given time of year.
At Exeter Safari Company, we believe that a truly exceptional safari should leave a lasting, positive imprint on the places and people who make it possible. Sustainability and community upliftment are woven into the way we design every journey, ensuring that travel to Africa becomes a force for conservation, opportunity, and genuine connection.
We are proud to partner with a carefully chosen group of organizations whose work reflects our values. In South Africa, we support Uthando (Love) South Africa, a certified non-profit that links tourism with grassroots community development projects, creating stability and growth opportunities for local populations. Travelers spending time in Cape Town are welcome to join a respectful and engaging philanthropic tour to see Uthando’s work firsthand.
Conservation sits at the heart of our commitments. Through the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, we contribute to the research, education, and protection efforts safeguarding Africa’s dwindling cheetah population and their ecosystems. In Kenya, we stand alongside the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, East Africa’s first and leading private rhino sanctuary, whose pioneering work has helped grow its rhino population from 15 to more than 270 today.
We also champion community-led enterprise. Every Exeter traveler receives a piece of Mulberry Mongoose jewelry in their pre-departure package, handcrafted by local artisans in Zambia’s South Luangwa from snare wire recovered from poaching traps. Each piece supports these craftswomen and their families while funding anti-poaching and wildlife conservation efforts.
By simply traveling with Exeter Safari Company, our guests become active participants in protecting Africa’s iconic wildlife and empowering its communities. We remain committed to responsible, meaningful travel that gives back, because the future of Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and people is a responsibility we are honored to share.
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