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.
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: The Ultimate Coastal Wilderness
Mozambique represents the frontier of luxury coastal travel in Africa, offering an untouched alternative to more crowded Indian Ocean destinations. With its sprawling coastline and protected marine sanctuaries, the country provides a sophisticated blend of adventure and seclusion. Our itineraries prioritize the private islands of the Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos, where the focus remains on marine conservation and high-tier exclusivity.
We specialize in the “Bush and Beach” transition. Mozambique is the natural extension for a southern African safari, allowing guests to move from the dusty savannas of the interior to the turquoise waters of the coast in a single day. This creates a balanced journey that pairs intense wildlife tracking with profound coastal relaxation.
Zambia remains one of the few places in Africa where the wilderness feels truly frontier-like and undisturbed. It is the birthplace of the walking safari, a tradition that continues to define the country’s high-tier guiding standards and immersive approach to wildlife tracking. Our bespoke itineraries focus on the remote river systems of the Luangwa and the Zambezi, providing a visceral connection to the savanna that is often lost in more commercialized destinations.
We prioritize authentic immersion. By utilizing seasonal bush camps and private concessions, we ensure our guests experience the “Real Africa” away from the constraints of permanent infrastructure. Zambia’s commitment to low-impact tourism and expert-led exploration makes it the premier choice for seasoned travelers seeking a sophisticated but gritty wilderness encounter.
Zimbabwe is frequently cited by industry experts as the premier destination for authentic, high-tier safaris. This reputation is built upon the country’s rigorous professional guiding examinations, which are the most demanding on the continent. Our bespoke itineraries leverage this expertise, focusing on the remote floodplains of Mana Pools and the vast elephant corridors of Hwange to provide a deeply educational and visceral wilderness experience.
We prioritize raw, unfiltered encounters. Zimbabwe offers a sense of space and seclusion that is increasingly rare in East Africa. Whether you are tracking lions on foot in a private concession or navigating the Zambezi by canoe, the focus remains on high-level safety and a profound understanding of the savanna’s ecology.
Namibia offers some of the most surreal and ancient environments on Earth, characterized by its vast, open spaces and dramatic geological formations. It is a destination defined by silence and scale. Our bespoke journeys focus on the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, the desolate Skeleton Coast, and the wildlife-rich Etosha Pan, ensuring a seamless transition between these contrasting ecosystems.
We prioritize exclusivity in remote regions. By utilizing private concessions and fly-in safari logistics, we provide access to areas that remain untouched by mainstream tourism. This approach allows for a profound immersion into the Namibian desert, where the focus is on the raw beauty of the terrain and the resilience of its desert-adapted wildlife.
Botswana is widely regarded as the most exclusive safari destination in Africa due to its “high-value, low-volume” tourism model. By limiting guest numbers and permanent structures, the country preserves a pristine, untouched quality across its diverse ecosystems. Our itineraries focus on private concessions within the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti, ensuring your wildlife encounters occur in total seclusion.
We prioritize ecological integrity. Botswana’s commitment to conservation has created a sanctuary for the continent’s largest elephant population and some of its most successful predator-prey dynamics. Traveling here offers a profound sense of isolation and a deep connection to the natural world.
South Africa offers a level of diversity that is unmatched on the continent, earning its reputation as “The World in One Country.” From the high-density predator populations of the Sabi Sands to the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town, the country provides a multifaceted luxury experience. Our bespoke itineraries focus on the private reserves bordering the Greater Kruger, ensuring exclusive, off-road tracking within some of the world’s most prestigious wildlife sanctuaries.
We prioritize seamless travel between distinct environments. By integrating private bush flights and luxury transfers, we allow you to transition from a sunrise game drive in the bushveld to a sunset dinner on the Atlantic coast within a single day. This structural flexibility makes South Africa the ideal choice for travelers seeking a balance of high-tier wildlife encounters, world-class culinary experiences, and dramatic coastal scenery.
Uganda serves as the geographical transition point where East African savannas meet the West African rainforests, resulting in a level of biodiversity that is unparalleled in the region. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” the country offers a raw and authentic wilderness experience that caters to those seeking a deeper connection to nature. Our bespoke itineraries focus on the misty heights of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the powerful surge of the Nile at Murchison Falls, ensuring a diverse and high-impact journey.
We prioritize exclusivity in remote territories. By selecting luxury lodges situated on the edge of protected ecosystems, we provide a base for intimate wildlife encounters that are both sustainable and profoundly moving. Uganda’s varied terrain allows for a unique “Primate and Plains” combination, where you can track mountain gorillas in the morning and observe tree-climbing lions in the afternoon.
Rwanda has emerged as Africa’s most sophisticated conservation success story, offering an intimate and highly regulated encounter with some of the world’s rarest primates. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” the country’s dramatic verticality and verdant terrain provide a striking contrast to the flat savannas of neighboring East Africa. Our bespoke itineraries focus on the high-altitude cloud forests and pristine lakes that define this emerald heart of the continent.
We specialize in high-impact, low-volume tourism. By limiting access to sensitive habitats like Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda ensures that every encounter with the mountain gorillas is exclusive and sustainable. This commitment to conservation-led luxury provides our guests with a profound sense of purpose and unparalleled access to the front lines of wildlife protection.
Tanzania represents the ultimate safari archetype, home to the highest concentration of wildlife per square kilometer on the planet. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the prehistoric depths of the Ngorongoro Crater, the country offers a scale of nature that is difficult to replicate. Our bespoke itineraries focus on maximizing your exposure to the Great Migration while ensuring your accommodation provides a sanctuary of luxury away from the primary tourist transit routes.
We emphasize geographical diversity. Tanzania allows for a rare combination of high-altitude trekking on Mount Kilimanjaro, world-class big cat tracking on the savanna, and a sophisticated retreat to the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar. This multi-layered environment ensures that every journey can be tailored to balance intense exploration with refined relaxation.
The Ultimate Luxury Safari Experience!
Kenya is the definitive African safari destination because it offers the highest density of iconic wildlife and the most established luxury infrastructure. It is where the modern safari began. Our bespoke itineraries bypass standard tourist routes, offering an intimate connection to these legendary ecosystems through private, off-road access.
We prioritize exclusivity. While public parks face heavy traffic, our guests reside in private conservancies where the ratio of wildlife to vehicles is strictly managed. This ensures a quiet, profound encounter with the wild.
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 wildlife encounters.
Intimate Knowledge
Tailored Journeys
Cultural Connection
TRAVEL IDEAS
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
Jeff Stivers
Programme Director for Asia, Africa & the Pacific
REI Adventures
Dale Jensen
Dale Jensen and Associates Manager Gibbs Farm Founder, Karatu Education Fund
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
Andreas and Mechthild
Kenya – Rwanda – Tanzania – Zanzibar – February 2025
2025
Heike and Thomas
South Africa – 2019
2019
Andreas and Yvonne
Kenya – May 2022
2022
BLOG
Safari Stories & Insights

Flying Safaris vs Overland Safaris: Transportation Method Comparison and Cost Analysis
There’s a moment on every safari that has nothing to do with lions or leopards. It happens the second you leave the airport or the lodge gate behind and realize you’re actually moving through Africa, not just toward it. How you make that journey, whether you’re buzzing over the Serengeti in a six-seater plane or bouncing along a dirt track watching a Maasai herder walk his cattle across the horizon, shapes the entire feeling of the trip. Some travelers don’t think about this until they’re deep into planning. They should think about it first. A flying safari moves you between parks and camps by light aircraft, hopping from bush airstrip to bush airstrip so you spend your time game viewing instead of driving. An overland safari moves you by 4×4 vehicle or safari truck along roads and tracks, turning the transfers themselves into part of the adventure. Neither one is the “correct” way to see Africa. They’re different lenses on the same continent, and the right choice depends on how much time you have, who you’re traveling with, and what kind of experience you’re actually chasing. Table of Contents Two Ways to Fall in Love With Africa What Actually Happens on a Flying Safari What Actually Happens on an Overland Safari Flying vs Overland: Head-to-Head Comparison How Country and Itinerary Shape the Decision Key Takeaways Flying safaris use light aircraft between bush airstrips, cutting transit time and opening access to remote, wildlife-dense areas that roads simply don’t reach. Overland safaris use 4×4 vehicles or trucks, trading speed for immersion: villages, farmland, and spontaneous sightings unfold along the way. Luggage on flying safaris is strictly limited to soft-sided bags, usually around 15kg, which matters a lot if you’re traveling with camera gear. Solo travelers and couples often gravitate toward flying for efficiency, while families and larger groups often find overland safaris more social and better value per day. Some of Africa’s best camps, particularly in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Kenya’s remote conservancies, are only realistically reachable by air. Two Ways to Fall in Love With Africa A flying safari is a style of African travel in which guests move between parks, reserves, and camps aboard small light aircraft, landing on unpaved bush airstrips close to the lodges themselves. An overland safari is a style of African travel in which guests move between the same destinations by road, typically in a 4×4 safari vehicle or a larger overland truck, following highways and tracks that wind through towns, farmland, and open bush. Both get you to the same place, eventually. But the journey between those places is where the two experiences split apart completely. On a flying safari, the transfer is a scenic bonus, a chance to see the Rift Valley escarpment or the braided channels of a delta from above before you’ve even unpacked. On an overland safari, the transfer is the story itself. You watch the land change color, texture, and rhythm mile by mile, and you arrive at camp having actually felt the scale of the country you’re in. Neither wins outright. The right choice comes down to how many days you have, how many people you’re traveling with, and whether your dream safari involves maximum wildlife hours or maximum immersion in the in-between spaces most travelers never see. What Actually Happens on a Flying Safari Flying safaris run on small aircraft, usually single-engine Cessna Caravans or similar bush planes seating anywhere from six to fourteen passengers. These aren’t scheduled commercial flights in the traditional sense. They’re light aircraft charters or shared scheduled services that hop between remote airstrips, often making two or three stops to drop and collect passengers at different camps along the route. You land, and there’s no terminal, no baggage carousel, no customs queue. Usually it’s a dirt or gravel strip, a small thatched shelter, and a guide from your camp waiting beside an open-sided safari vehicle. Sometimes the game drive back to camp becomes your first game drive of the trip, since the road from airstrip to lodge often cuts straight through prime wildlife territory. The catch is luggage. Light aircraft have strict weight and shape restrictions, generally around 15kg per person in a soft-sided duffel bag, no hard suitcases, because rigid luggage doesn’t fit the aircraft’s storage hold. This matters enormously if you’re planning to bring serious camera gear, and it’s worth reviewing a detailed packing list before you commit to a fly-in itinerary. Flying Safari at a Glance Aircraft type: Small single-engine planes (Cessna Caravan, Cessna 206, or similar), typically 6 to 14 seats Passenger numbers: Shared flights with a handful of other travelers, occasionally private charter for families or small groups Luggage limits: Roughly 15kg per person, soft-sided duffel bags only, no hard-shell suitcases Airstrip access: Unpaved bush strips located minutes from camps, often with wildlife visible from the runway itself Transit time: Minutes to a couple of hours between camps, compared to a full day by road There’s something genuinely thrilling about this way of moving through Africa. You see the Okavango Delta’s water channels fan out like veins beneath the wing. You catch the Serengeti’s plains stretching to a horizon with no visible edge. It reframes the scale of what you’re about to experience on the ground. What Actually Happens on an Overland Safari Overland safaris move guests by road in a 4×4 safari vehicle, usually a modified Land Cruiser or similar with pop-up roof hatches for game viewing, or in a larger converted overland truck built for bigger groups. The distinction between these two matters. A small-group 4×4 overland safari, typically four to seven guests, feels personal and flexible, with a guide who gets to know your interests over days on the road. A classic overland truck tour, often carrying fifteen to twenty-four passengers, moves at a steadier, more social pace, with a shared itinerary, communal camping, and a built-in sense of group adventure. What both share is continuity. You keep the same guide and often the same

Tipping on Safari: Complete Guide to Gratuity Amounts for Guides, Trackers, and Lodge Staff
Wondering how much to tip your safari guide or the camp staff who make your stay unforgettable? This guide breaks down exactly what to give, when, and to whom — so you can stay focused on the lions, not the etiquette.

How Safari Conservancies and Private Concessions Work: Access, Wildlife, and Pricing Explained
Not all safari land is created equal, and the difference between a national park, a private conservancy, and a concession can completely transform your trip. This guide breaks down how each model works, who controls access, and why it matters for the wildlife encounters and experiences you’ll actually have.

What to Pack for an African Safari: Complete Checklist by Season and Destination
Packing for an African safari is never one-size-fits-all — the right gear depends on where you’re going, when you’re traveling, and what you’ll be doing once you arrive. This complete guide breaks it all down so you show up prepared for every moment, from misty morning game drives to golden-hour sundowners.
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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.