Small Group Touring & Expedition 2026: Safari

Imagine waking to the distant calls of wildlife, watching elephants gather along riverbanks at golden hour, and standing before one of the world’s most powerful natural wonders as mist rises into the air. This is safari travel at its most enriching journeys designed to immerse you in Africa’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and cultures, guided by experts who bring each moment into focus.

From game drives across renowned national parks to meaningful cultural encounters and carefully selected accommodations, small-group safari touring offers a deeper, more seamless way to experience Africa. Every detail is thoughtfully planned, allowing travellers to focus on discovery, connection and unforgettable moments in the wild.

Below, discover one of our trusted small-group touring partners, with a hand-picked itinerary that captures the very best of southern Africa.

Collette Explorations delivers expertly guided small-group journeys that combine iconic sights with meaningful local experiences, creating immersive travel that feels both seamless and deeply rewarding. With a legacy dating back to 1918, Collette is known for its carefully crafted itineraries, handpicked accommodations and knowledgeable guides who bring each destination to life.

Collette’s Explorations tours are designed for travellers who want to go beyond surface-level sightseeing. Small group sizes allow for richer cultural interaction, while thoughtfully balanced itineraries blend wildlife encounters, natural wonders and local experiences. From safari game drives to winery visits and community interactions, each journey is paced to ensure travellers experience the destination in depth without the stress of planning or logistics.

With inclusions such as on-tour flights, expert Tour Managers, and a wide range of meals and activities, Collette offers exceptional value and comfort throughout the journey. The experience is structured yet flexible, providing reassurance while still allowing moments of spontaneity and discovery.

Best Suited For:
Travellers seeking a well-organised, small-group safari experience that blends wildlife, culture and comfort, with expert guidance and thoughtfully curated inclusions throughout.

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana
A 14-day small-group journey with  Collette Explorations showcases the cultural richness and abundant wildlife of southern Africa. This carefully designed itinerary spans three countries, combining iconic natural landmarks with immersive safari experiences and meaningful cultural encounters. Highlights include searching for the “Big Five” across eight different wildlife safaris, exploring Pilanesberg National Park, cruising along the Chobe River in Botswana, and witnessing the thunderous beauty of Victoria Falls. Travellers also enjoy South African wine country experiences, township visits, and opportunities to learn about local communities and conservation efforts. With 29 included meals, handpicked accommodations, and expert guidance throughout, this journey delivers a seamless safari experience that captures Africa’s diversity, beauty and spirit.

G Adventures, in partnership with National Geographic Signature Journeys, offers small-group safaris that go beyond observation to deliver deeper understanding and positive impact. Founded in 1990 as a social enterprise, G Adventures has long believed travel can be a force for good supporting local communities, protecting cultural heritage, and creating meaningful connections between travellers and the places they visit.

National Geographic Signature Journeys represent the most elevated expression of this philosophy. These luxury small-group tours combine outstanding accommodations with exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences led by experts such as conservationists, historians and cultural specialists. With a strong focus on sustainability and education, travellers gain rare access to people and places that bring Africa’s wildlife and cultures vividly to life.At the heart of every journey is G Adventures’ community tourism approach, supported by its 
G for Good initiatives. From partnerships with local communities to conservation-focused experiences and contributions to projects through the Planeterra Foundation, each itinerary is designed to ensure travel benefits extend far beyond the traveller. The result is a safari experience that feels enriching, responsible and genuinely memorable.

Best Suited For:
Travellers seeking a luxury small-group safari that blends wildlife, culture and conservation, with meaningful access, expert guidance and a strong social impact ethos.

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Signature: South Africa from Cape Town to Kruger
A 10-day luxury small-group journey with G Adventures × National Geographic Signature Journeys travels from Cape Town to Johannesburg, revealing South Africa’s diversity through iconic landscapes, rich cultural encounters and unforgettable safari experiences.
Highlights include immersive wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park alongside Endangered Wildlife Trust conservationists, cultural storytelling at the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, and stays in stunning lodges designed for comfort and connection to place. From coastal scenery and vibrant cities to vast savannahs alive with wildlife, this journey balances adventure with refinement, delivering a safari experience shaped by curiosity, conservation and unforgettable moments.