Experiences

Safaris

African safaris come in a variety of styles and often, though not always, involve travel in an open-topped four-wheel drive vehicle in east or southern Africa. The word " safari " means long journey in Swahili and entered the English language in the late 18th century as British explorers made their way through Africa. Although strictly speaking the word means an overland journey, common usage now has it relating to all sorts of trips that include game-viewing and sightseeing, whether it be within an exclusive Private Game Reserve staying in 5 star luxury accommodation for a few nights or for the more budget conscious or adventurous, travelling through National Parks and Reserves in a group in larger vehicles for many days or even weeks at a time.

City Stays

The cities of east and southern Africa provide a wealth of experiences for travellers with each having some unique aspects and all having a choice of attractions for visitors. Johannesburg is the stepping off point for Australians visiting South Africa and its neighbours Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Nairobi, Kenya's Capital is a city of great contrasts and allows for easy access to the world famous game lands of the Masai Mara and the beautiful beaches of Mombasa. In Egypt, travellers have marvelled at Cairo ‘s archaeological wonders for centuries. Today, millions of tourists are attracted each year to the pyramids, temples, mosques and great monuments of the Nile Valley, as well as the stunning diving resorts of the Red Sea.

Rail Journeys

Southern Africa is blessed by the legacy of comprehensive rail tracks left by former colonists and the tourism industry takes full advantage of the great network by operating a choice of holiday rail services, largely in South Africa but also stretching into neighbouring countries and as far north as Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa. Highlights include the Rovos Rail, referred to as 'The Most Luxurious Train in the World', the South African travel icon, The Blue Train and The Shongololo African Rail Cruise, perfect for those who only want to unpack once in 16 days.

Family Safaris

The popularity of family safaris to Africa is booming with parents wanting their children to experience a fun filled holiday with the added educational aspect of the animals, bush environment and African culture. In South Africa there are several malaria-free areas, such as the Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg and the Eastern Cape, which add to the attraction of taking young children on safari without worrying about certain medication. However many of the lodges and camps throughout Africa now welcome and cater for children with their parents. There is a choice of lodges and camps catering for a fully integrated child experience with specialised programmes, kids clubs, special meals and educational wildlife activities. There are also child-friendly properties that accept children of a certain age who wish to take part in the same activities as their parents, meaning a family safari can be tailored to one's own personal requirements. Speak to one of our consultants who can advise on the most appropriate safari for your family.

Adventure Safaris

For the young at heart and more adventurous travellers, regardless of age, there are many ways to explore Africa on an overland safari - as an individual or with a group of like-minded travellers. Group sizes can vary as well as price, choice of accommodation from full-participation trips where you put up your own tent and assist with camp chores, to the trip where everything is done for you and you can relax and enjoy the ride. From short safaris in Botswana to longer safaris crossing several countries, we can suggest the most appropriate for your time and budget.

Honeymoons

Africa is one of THE most romantic continents in the world for Honeymoons! Whether you want to find seclusion in the African bush under billowing mosquito nets, in a secluded tree top hideaway, be treated like royalty with private dinners on white sandy beaches lapping the Indian Ocean, or toast your life together with a glass of Champagne at the world renowned Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, we can arrange it all, and leave you with memories never to be forgotten.

Groups

There are a number of wonderful destinations and locations in Africa perfect for group travel. These can either be escorted or independent, school groups, photographic or special interest tours and range from people wanting an overall view of Africa, to those wishing to focus on a particular region or experience - for example birding in the Okavango Delta or Lower Zambezi, the Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, the photographic desert and dune landscapes of Namibia, the colonial heritage of Mozambique, the Swahili culture of Zanzibar and of course, most importantly, the amazing diversity of the animals throughout east and southern Africa.

Beach Retreats

Africa’s neighbouring islands in the Indian Ocean and the beautiful coastlines of Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique provide ideal settings for relaxing post-safari holidays. With their beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs, tropical vegetation and exotic markets comes a choice of superb accommodation in places like Zanzibar, Reunion and Mauritius. A highlight of all these popular destinations is the exotic cuisine ranging from rich Creole flavours, Indian curries, Muslim biryanis and tangy Chinese stir-fries - many of them put into a truly unique category by the infusion of flavours from the French and Portuguese influence dating back to the trading era.

Culture & History

From the colourful Maasai in East Africa to the nomadic San Bushman in Botswana, experience the fascinating world of Africa’s culture and history with a range of safaris and tours offering an insight to its people and places of natural history.

Escorted Tours - Coming Soon!

New for 2012, Bench International will be introducing Escorted Tours to Africa, led by our very own Africa experts. In 2012 we will be hosting an Escorted Tour to Egypt, including stays in Cairo, Alexandria as well as a cruise on the River Nile and Lake Nasser. Experience Egypt's archaeological wonders on this amazing cultural tour. In addition to our Escorted Tour to Egypt, Bench will also be hosting a tour to experience some of Africa’s top wildlife destinations. Watch this space!