Timing Your Safari Experience

Timing is everything when planning your African escapade, as each season brings its own flavour to the experience. Here are the three main safari seasons that'll help you decide when to pack your binoculars and embark on a wildlife adventure:

The dry season: In South Africa, this spans from June to September, while in East Africa, it's from January to March. With sparse vegetation and limited water sources, animals tend to congregate around waterholes, making it easier for you to spot them. Plus, the weather is cooler, and pesky insects take a hiatus, which is always a win in our book.

The rainy season: Also known as the wet or green season, this time of the year sees the landscapes transform into a lush, verdant paradise. Newborn animals make their adorable debut, and migratory birds grace the skies with their colourful presence. While the rain might create challenges for game drives and muddy roads, it's also a time when you'll find fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations.

The shoulder season: This transitional period between the dry and wet seasons falls in spring or autumn. The weather is generally pleasant, and you'll find a nice balance of both worlds: moderate animal sightings and more affordable prices compared to the peak dry season. It's a great option for those who prefer to avoid the extremes of both the wet and dry seasons while still enjoying an unforgettable safari experience.

Each season brings its own distinctive charm to the African safari experience. It's important to consider these seasonal nuances when planning your travels for trips focused on abundant wildlife sightings, stunning scenery,, a more budget-friendly trip, or both. 

Best Safari Options in South Africa

South Africa is a treasure trove of safari experiences, offering a diverse range of destinations to cater to all types of wildlife enthusiasts. Let's explore some of the country's most sought-after safari spots and how to get there using your hard-earned British Airways Avios points.

Samara Karoo Private Reserve

Get ready to step into a whopping 70,000-acre playground for wildlife. This is where the likes of the rare Cape Mountain Zebra play hide and seek, and majestic cheetahs do their daily sprints. Samara Karoo Private Reserve is not just a safari experience, it's an invitation to a luxurious retreat where you can kick back, enjoy the view, and, who knows, be the live audience for a zebra-zebra chase or a cheetah sprint race.

Kruger National Park

This is where the Singita Lebombo awaits; where ultra-luxury is your companion and the dramatic Lebombo Mountains are your constant backdrop. This isn't just a lodge, it's a 5-star window into the wild, offering game viewing that's just as unparalleled as the threads on their Egyptian cotton sheets. It's like being in a wildlife documentary but with room service.

Motswiri Private Safari Lodge

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, look no further than this family-friendly lodge that offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience. Here, you can shake hands (metaphorically, of course) with the Big Five and a star-studded line-up of other fascinating species. The secret? Motswiri sits in the heart of a diverse habitat, a veritable wildlife cocktail that promises a safari experience unlike any other.

Avios Flights Information

Now let’s move on to the BA reward flight search for these incredible South African safari destinations. You can make the most of your Avios points with flights between London and either Cape Town or Johannesburg. Here's the breakdown:

For off-peak travel to Cape Town, Avios reward seats can be booked for:

• 32,500 in Premium Economy each way
• 90,000 in Business Class each way

For Johannesburg, off-peak Avios reward seats are available for:

• 47,500 in Premium Economy each way
• 90,000 in Business Class each way

Once you touch down in South Africa, convenient transfers via internal flights or cars will whisk you away to your chosen safari destination. 

Best Safari Options in East Africa

East Africa is synonymous with safari adventures, offering an incredible array of destinations that promise unparalleled wildlife encounters. Let's take a look at some of the top East African safari options in Kenya and how you can use your Avios points to get there.

Mara Plains Camp, Kenya:

Picture this: A luxury tented camp that's as close to the heart of the wild as it is to the heart of luxury. Nestled on the Ntiakitiak River's banks, this camp isn't just exclusive; it's the golden ticket to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. Imagine waking up to the sight of the Great Wildebeest Migration, right outside your canvas door. And with their rock-solid commitment to conservation, you can enjoy all the extraordinary wildlife, guilt-free. Mara Plains Camp is not just a safari experience, it's an eco-conscious adventure in the wild that'll have your heart racing and your Instagram popping.

Emakoko Hotel, Nairobi National Park, Kenya: 

The Emakoko Hotel is a unique gem situated in the heart of Nairobi National Park. Offering a tranquil retreat from the busy city of Nairobi, this boutique lodge allows you to enjoy incredible wildlife encounters without venturing far from the city. With its blend of luxury, authenticity, and accessibility, the Emakoko Hotel is an excellent choice for those looking to combine a city break with an unforgettable safari experience.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya:

Ever dreamed of visiting a real-life Noah's Ark? Well, this is as close as it gets. This isn't your run-of-the-mill safari destination; it's a wildlife nirvana, boasting more than 130 black and white rhinos, not to mention the Big Five, and countless other species that call this place home. The accommodations range from 'glamorous glamping' to 'luxury lodges' that could give five-star hotels a run for their money. With its heart set on conservation and landscapes that will take your breath away, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is ready to serve up an unforgettable slice of safari life.

Avios Flights Information

Let's hop onto a BA reward flight search and set our sights on these incredible East African safari destinations. Here's how you can get there using your Avios points when you book off-peak reward seats between London and Nairobi:

• A seat in Premium Economy can be yours for 67,500 Avios each way.
• If you fancy travelling in style, Business Class seats can be redeemed for 100,000 Avios each way.

Once you arrive in Nairobi, your safari adventure isn't far away. You can reach your chosen safari destination via internal flights or cars.

These East African safari options are not just about seeing the wildlife, they're about creating memories that will stay with you, long after the African dust has settled from your boots. 

As your one-stop Reward Flight Finder (RFF) for all things Avios-related, we continually update you with the latest reward seat availability, making it easier for you to plan your dream holidays. So, keep checking Reward Flight Finder (RFF) for the best opportunities to turn your Avios into unforgettable adventures.

Timing Your Safari Experience

Timing is everything when planning your African escapade, as each season brings its own flavour to the experience. Here are the three main safari seasons that'll help you decide when to pack your binoculars and embark on a wildlife adventure:

The dry season: In South Africa, this spans from June to September, while in East Africa, it's from January to March. With sparse vegetation and limited water sources, animals tend to congregate around waterholes, making it easier for you to spot them. Plus, the weather is cooler, and pesky insects take a hiatus, which is always a win in our book.

The rainy season: Also known as the wet or green season, this time of the year sees the landscapes transform into a lush, verdant paradise. Newborn animals make their adorable debut, and migratory birds grace the skies with their colourful presence. While the rain might create challenges for game drives and muddy roads, it's also a time when you'll find fewer crowds and better deals on accommodations.

The shoulder season: This transitional period between the dry and wet seasons falls in spring or autumn. The weather is generally pleasant, and you'll find a nice balance of both worlds: moderate animal sightings and more affordable prices compared to the peak dry season. It's a great option for those who prefer to avoid the extremes of both the wet and dry seasons while still enjoying an unforgettable safari experience.

Each season brings its own distinctive charm to the African safari experience. It's important to consider these seasonal nuances when planning your travels for trips focused on abundant wildlife sightings, stunning scenery,, a more budget-friendly trip, or both. 

Best Safari Options in South Africa

South Africa is a treasure trove of safari experiences, offering a diverse range of destinations to cater to all types of wildlife enthusiasts. Let's explore some of the country's most sought-after safari spots and how to get there using your hard-earned British Airways Avios points.

Samara Karoo Private Reserve

Get ready to step into a whopping 70,000-acre playground for wildlife. This is where the likes of the rare Cape Mountain Zebra play hide and seek, and majestic cheetahs do their daily sprints. Samara Karoo Private Reserve is not just a safari experience, it's an invitation to a luxurious retreat where you can kick back, enjoy the view, and, who knows, be the live audience for a zebra-zebra chase or a cheetah sprint race.

Kruger National Park

This is where the Singita Lebombo awaits; where ultra-luxury is your companion and the dramatic Lebombo Mountains are your constant backdrop. This isn't just a lodge, it's a 5-star window into the wild, offering game viewing that's just as unparalleled as the threads on their Egyptian cotton sheets. It's like being in a wildlife documentary but with room service.

Motswiri Private Safari Lodge

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, look no further than this family-friendly lodge that offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience. Here, you can shake hands (metaphorically, of course) with the Big Five and a star-studded line-up of other fascinating species. The secret? Motswiri sits in the heart of a diverse habitat, a veritable wildlife cocktail that promises a safari experience unlike any other.

Avios Flights Information

Now let’s move on to the BA reward flight search for these incredible South African safari destinations. You can make the most of your Avios points with flights between London and either Cape Town or Johannesburg. Here's the breakdown:

For off-peak travel to Cape Town, Avios reward seats can be booked for:

• 32,500 in Premium Economy each way
• 90,000 in Business Class each way

For Johannesburg, off-peak Avios reward seats are available for:

• 47,500 in Premium Economy each way
• 90,000 in Business Class each way

Once you touch down in South Africa, convenient transfers via internal flights or cars will whisk you away to your chosen safari destination. 

Best Safari Options in East Africa

East Africa is synonymous with safari adventures, offering an incredible array of destinations that promise unparalleled wildlife encounters. Let's take a look at some of the top East African safari options in Kenya and how you can use your Avios points to get there.

Mara Plains Camp, Kenya:

Picture this: A luxury tented camp that's as close to the heart of the wild as it is to the heart of luxury. Nestled on the Ntiakitiak River's banks, this camp isn't just exclusive; it's the golden ticket to the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. Imagine waking up to the sight of the Great Wildebeest Migration, right outside your canvas door. And with their rock-solid commitment to conservation, you can enjoy all the extraordinary wildlife, guilt-free. Mara Plains Camp is not just a safari experience, it's an eco-conscious adventure in the wild that'll have your heart racing and your Instagram popping.

Emakoko Hotel, Nairobi National Park, Kenya: 

The Emakoko Hotel is a unique gem situated in the heart of Nairobi National Park. Offering a tranquil retreat from the busy city of Nairobi, this boutique lodge allows you to enjoy incredible wildlife encounters without venturing far from the city. With its blend of luxury, authenticity, and accessibility, the Emakoko Hotel is an excellent choice for those looking to combine a city break with an unforgettable safari experience.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya:

Ever dreamed of visiting a real-life Noah's Ark? Well, this is as close as it gets. This isn't your run-of-the-mill safari destination; it's a wildlife nirvana, boasting more than 130 black and white rhinos, not to mention the Big Five, and countless other species that call this place home. The accommodations range from 'glamorous glamping' to 'luxury lodges' that could give five-star hotels a run for their money. With its heart set on conservation and landscapes that will take your breath away, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is ready to serve up an unforgettable slice of safari life.

Avios Flights Information

Let's hop onto a BA reward flight search and set our sights on these incredible East African safari destinations. Here's how you can get there using your Avios points when you book off-peak reward seats between London and Nairobi:

• A seat in Premium Economy can be yours for 67,500 Avios each way.
• If you fancy travelling in style, Business Class seats can be redeemed for 100,000 Avios each way.

Once you arrive in Nairobi, your safari adventure isn't far away. You can reach your chosen safari destination via internal flights or cars.

These East African safari options are not just about seeing the wildlife, they're about creating memories that will stay with you, long after the African dust has settled from your boots. 

As your one-stop Reward Flight Finder (RFF) for all things Avios-related, we continually update you with the latest reward seat availability, making it easier for you to plan your dream holidays. So, keep checking Reward Flight Finder (RFF) for the best opportunities to turn your Avios into unforgettable adventures.