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WELCOME TO

ONLY ONE SAFARIS

Where Time Finally Belongs to You

WE ARE

Only One Safaris

We were not always safari people. In fact, we were just like you—high-achieving professionals who heard about “safaris” and thought, “I’ve seen it already on TV, who needs to see it in the flesh.” Until one day, we tried it ourselves.

And everything changed.

It was not a vacation. It was a full-on reset. A mental, emotional, and spiritual shift. Something about the rhythm of nature, the stillness of the land, the way time stretches in the African wild—it reordered our perspective on everything.

Now, 20+ years later, we are the team behind Only One Safaris: A boutique, expert-led safari company founded by professionals who have lived and curated unforgettable African experiences since the early 2000s.

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EXPLORE AFRICA

Our Destinations

We have personally experienced every lodge, every route, every moment we recommend.
From the vast plains of Kenya to the waterways of Botswana, we will match you with the perfect destination for your dream safari.

Mozambique offers pristine beaches and emerging wildlife destinations along its 2,500km Indian Ocean coastline. This off-the-beaten-path destination is perfect for combining with a traditional safari for a bush-and-beach experience, offering some of Africa’s most untouched marine environments and developing land-based safari opportunities.
Mozambique
Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari and offers an authentic, wild Africa experience. With vast national parks, the mighty Zambezi River, and a portion of Victoria Falls, Zambia provides exceptional wildlife viewing with a sense of remoteness and adventure.
Zambia
Zimbabwe offers an authentic safari experience with some of Africa’s most knowledgeable guides, diverse wildlife, and the magnificent Victoria Falls. With fewer crowds than many safari destinations, Zimbabwe provides intimate wildlife encounters in spectacular settings.
Zimbabwe
Namibia offers a safari experience like no other, with otherworldly landscapes, desert-adapted wildlife, and ancient cultures. From the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei to the eerie shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast, Namibia is a land of stark, beautiful contrasts and unforgettable vistas.
Namibia
Botswana offers some of Africa’s most exclusive and pristine wilderness experiences. With a focus on low-impact, high-value tourism, Botswana provides extraordinary wildlife viewing in uncrowded settings, from the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the stark beauty of the Kalahari Desert.
Botswana
South Africa offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences, from world-class safari destinations to cosmopolitan cities, stunning coastlines, and renowned wine regions. This sophisticated destination combines luxury, adventure, and cultural richness in one remarkable package.
South Africa
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” offers extraordinary wildlife diversity from mountain gorillas to classic savanna safaris. This lush, green country is home to the source of the Nile River and provides a less-crowded, authentic safari experience with warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty.
Uganda
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda offers a remarkable wildlife experience centered around mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Beyond gorillas, Rwanda’s stunning landscapes, forward-thinking conservation efforts, and inspiring story of transformation make it a deeply moving destination.
Rwanda
Tanzania offers some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania delivers iconic African experiences that create memories of a lifetime.
Tanzania
Kenya is the birthplace of the modern safari and offers one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife experiences. From the vast savannas of the Masai Mara to the elephant herds of Amboseli with Kilimanjaro as backdrop, Kenya provides the full spectrum of African safari adventures.
Kenya
PLAN YOUR SAFARI

WHY US

Why Choose Only One Safaris

Immersive Luxury

Experience Africa’s wilderness through our carefully selected luxury camps and lodges that blend comfort with authentic connection to nature

Exceptional Destinations

Access the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes across Africa’s premier safari regions

Intimate Knowledge

Benefit from over 50 years’ of collective experience from our small team of experts

Tailored Journeys

Benefit from our completely customized itineraries designed around your specific interests, pace, and preferences
wired-outline-1953-african

Cultural Connection

Engage with local communities through respectful, meaningful experiences that reveal the rich human heritage of Africa

TRAVEL IDEAS

Itineraries

Cape Town
9 Days Cape Town, Winelands and Sabi Sabi Safari
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South Africa
12 Day Best of South Africa Scenery and Safari
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Cape Town & Botswana
9 Days Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Okavango Delta (Botswana)
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Zimbabwe & Botswana Family Safari
9 Days Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Botswana Family Safari
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Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari
12 Days Botswana, Victoria Falls and Ultimate Zimbabwe Safari
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Northern Tanzania
11 Day Northern Tanzania Family Safari
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Tanzania & Zanzibar
10 Day Flying Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar
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Tanzania
10 Day Beautiful Tanzania
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Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya
11 Days Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya Gorilla and Ultimate game drive experience
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Kenya
8 Day Kenya Abedare & Laikipia Safari
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All Itineraries

What people say about us

Recommendations

“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Mark for many years, and our collaboration has always been seamless and rewarding. Mark’s deep knowledge of Africa, combined with his professionalism and genuine passion for creating unforgettable journeys, makes him stand out in the safari industry.

He has an exceptional ability to design tailor-made safari experiences that balance comfort, authenticity, and remarkable wildlife encounters. The driver/guides he personally trains deliver outstanding service, share a wealth of wildlife knowledge, and go the extra mile to ensure every guest’s experience is truly special.”

Jeanette De Jong
Product Manager | Riskja Travel
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark and his team for many years, collaborating on hundreds of active, adventure-filled journeys — from the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the vast plains of the Serengeti and beyond. Their expertise in the logistics and operational details of safaris ensures that every trip runs seamlessly, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the magic of East Africa.”
Jeff Stivers
Programme Director for Asia, Africa & the Pacific
REI Adventures
“I’ve known Mark Donnelly for no less than 20 years and had the pleasure of working with him doing marketing and sales in the USA. He was always professional and had a passion for the safari industry. As a team, we worked very successfully and had a great relationship. If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to reach out to me.”
Dale Jensen
Dale Jensen and Associates Manager Gibbs Farm Founder, Karatu Education Fund
“I had the privilege of working with Mark Donnelly from 2006 to 2019, during which I served as Head Guide. Mark was not only a director but also an exceptional mentor who inspired and guided us to deliver the highest standards of service. His leadership was defined by professionalism, friendliness, and a genuine passion for Tanzania. Through his training and support, he shaped us into top-quality safari guides, committed to creating memorable experiences for every guest. For me, Mark remains the best example of a leader and guide in the safari industry”
Rama Mmasa
Safari Guide

“We would like to thank you very much for the great organization of our Tanzania trip. It was an unforgettable experience with many lasting memories. The people, the varied nature and of course the animals impressed us.

The selection of lodges was excellent and so was the tour planning. The highlight of the trip was our driver Joseph, who grew close to our hearts during our time together. He was well connected, had extensive knowledge and a great way of conveying this knowledge to our children in a vivid way. Joseph made this trip very special.

Family Ott
Tanzania Family Safari - July 2025

2025

“The trip was perfectly organized and structured from start to finish. Thanks to the meticulous vouchers and the accompanying travel program, we really didn’t have to worry about anything else. We are so happy and grateful that we came to you this spring! Initially just to get some inspiration. But honestly, handing over our honeymoon to you was the best thing we could have done! THANKS!

It was our first trip to (South) Africa, but we will come back. Maybe to Namibia next time, but definitely Cape Town again. We fell in love with this city and felt at home. South Africa enchanted us. Also, because we were able to travel so relaxed and carefree.”

Katja and Uwe
South Africa and Mozambique – November 2022

2022

“Our stay in the Okavango Delta was indescribable! Everything was just great, and we had highlights every day. The journey in the small plane was an adventure, the reception by Sedic, our guide, was very warm-hearted and focused only on us. We could ask for anything and he tried to make it possible. We really saw everything one could wish for on our safaris. Prides of lion eating, single male lions, male lion brothers, wild dogs, a leopard cub with mom, and much more. Our accommodation left nothing to be desired and also the very personal care by our guide Sedic. Simply perfect days in the Okavango Delta.”

Kathleen, Lennard and Lotta
Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe – August 2023

2023

“I would like to thank you and your team for organizing this extraordinarily beautiful and successful trip. They were wonderful days with many, sometimes sensational animal encounters in very beautiful landscapes and in very special accommodations. The support was smooth, the guides very committed and competent. And last but not least, the food was always excellent.”
Andreas and Mechthild
Kenya – Rwanda – Tanzania – Zanzibar – February 2025

2025

“Africa experts at work!! After our Tanzania vacation (Safari + Zanzibar), which we had already planned by Martina, South Africa was now on the program. What can I say? Once again, a perfect consultation and planning, individually-tailored to our wishes. You can tell that real Africa lovers work here who know what they are selling. And if something doesn’t work out as planned on site (whale watching tour in Hermanus was booked and paid for, but you didn’t know in Hermanus), then you get immediate help from Martina’s team after a short phone call or an e-mail. So, we felt perfectly looked after for the whole 2.5 weeks, even on site in Africa. The trip itself was an absolute dream, first a few days of safari in the north, then along the Garden Route, with the crowning glory in Cape Town. Our next destination in Africa is Uganda and we will also have this trip planned by Martina with absolute certainty my husband and I can recommend this Africa travel specialist without reservation.”
Heike and Thomas
South Africa – 2019

2019

“I would like to thank you, especially Mrs. Hirschberg, very much for the great and very fast travel planning. I have already booked a safari with you for the 2nd time and everything was well selected and organized. The last trip in May was a combination of safari in the Masai Mara and beach holiday in Diani Beach. I was particularly impressed by the speed and knowledge of the travel area.”
Andreas and Yvonne
Kenya – May 2022

2022

BLOG

Safari Stories & Insights

Expert tips, destination guides, and transformative travel tales
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei

Sossusvlei & Deadvlei: Climbing “Big Daddy”

February 22, 2026

TL;DR – The Namib Desert holds some of the tallest dunes on Earth, but nothing beats the view from the top of “Big Daddy.” Climbing this 325-meter dune gives you a bird’s-eye view of Deadvlei – a white clay pan filled with 900-year-old skeletons of trees. It is a quiet, visual reset that feels like walking through a surrealist painting.

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Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: The Leopard Capital

February 19, 2026

TL;DR – Seeing a leopard in the wild is usually a matter of rare luck, but Sabi Sand changes the game. This reserve has the highest leopard density in the world and animals that are calm around vehicles. By choosing a private lodge here, you trade the frustration of crowded public roads for intimate, world-class wildlife sightings.

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The Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater: Beating the Traffic

February 15, 2026

TL;DR – The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder, but its popularity means heavy vehicle traffic. To experience this “Garden of Eden” without the crowds, you must reach the gate by dawn. Staying at a lodge on the rim gives you a head start, allowing you to enjoy the crater floor before the day-trippers arrive.

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mokoro

Mokoro vs. Motorboat: The Delta Explained

February 12, 2026

TL;DR – Gliding through the Okavango Delta is the ultimate safari reset, but the experience depends on your choice of craft. While motorboats cover distance and find big game, the mokoro offers a silent, eye-level connection with nature. Understanding the seasonal water levels is the key to choosing the right camp for your journey.

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Let's Create Your African Adventure

Have questions about planning your safari? Want to discuss your dream African adventure? We are here to help you create the perfect journey.

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