Hear that? That’s the drum roll for the ride of your life.
Game for a safari in Africa but thought it was too out of reach? Reach again. Cosmos stretches your budget farther than a giraffe can stretch its neck to introduce you to the wild creatures and ancient cultures of Africa. The Maasai warriors are pounding their djembe drums in anticipation of your arrival—and your thrilling departure into the wildlife-filled reserves aboard airy 4-wheel drive vehicles tailor made for small group fun and monumental moments. Get ready to race along zebras, rhinos and buffalo, not to mention lions, leopards and cheetahs. This is how the cool cats see Africa. From Serengeti game drives in search of the “Big 5” to wine tastings at the South African vineyards that craft the big reds, Cosmos turns your African dreams into reality. Whether you point your compass toward Africa’s cities, savannas or seas, you'll find a world of discovery within reach from mountainous Morocco to the sunny South. With Cosmos, you’ll always have Casablanca. And Kenya. And Cape Town.
Wildlife to City Lights
The marvels of East and Southern Africa are sure to capture your heart. Between the colorful cultures, spectacular landscapes, and amazing wildlife, you can add goosebumps and butterflies to your animal checklist! Love roams free in these remarkable destinations just as lion, rhino, and leopard do. Where else can you check off bucket list experiences like feeling the spray from Victoria Falls and safari in Serengeti National Park to visiting the top of Table Mountain and walking in the footsteps of Mandela. The love doesn’t stop there. We introduce you to the art of glassblowers, to the immense biodiversity of the famed Garden Route, to vital elephant conservation efforts, and to the distinctive Zulu people and their customs. Let us show you the safari in Africa you’ve always dreamed of. Where nature pulsates through you. Where traditions can’t be tamed. Where the romance of adventure inspired by early explorers lives on.
The African Experience
Africa is renowned for incredible natural wonders, colorful cultures, and warm people ready to share fascinating traditions, stories, and smiles. Whether you’re dreaming of East Africa where safari is king or Southern Africa where you’ll mix it up with safari days plus more civilized discoveries—Cosmos simply doesn’t miss any of the must sees!
Safari Lodges
Thoughts of safari conjure visions of wildlife and beautiful landscapes, but safari accommodations are equally as diverse and play an integral part of the safari experience. Where you eat, sleep, and relax is important after a rewarding day in the bush. Cosmos understands this, so we’ve personally visited and hand selected the best safari lodges that deliver comfort, great service, and the desirable amenities. And location? You’ll stay in the heart of some of Africa’s most celebrated national parks, game reserves, and conservancies.
What to Expect
Nothing compares to the surprising wonders of a wildlife safari in Africa. While we have learned to expect the unexpected where Mother Nature is concerned, one thing is certain: you’ll always experience the expertise and extra care designed to make your days and nights an extraordinary experience.
Expert Guides
Nothing is more awe-inspiring than seeing wild animals in their natural habitat...and with some expert help, you’ll get the chance to see the animals so close that you’ll earn your stripes in spotting wildlife! In addition to your professional Tour Director, each Cosmos safari tour includes trained experts with years of experience in tracking and spotting game. This is both an art and a science that takes years to perfect. Some guides have formal and practical training, while others have grown up in the bush and rely more on their senses and intuition. It is truly an honor to watch and study how they work their craft with an understanding and care for Africa’s wildlife.
Custom-Built Safari Vehicles
Our rugged yet comfortable safari vehicles provide you with the best possible experience and excellent views of Africa’s spectacular wildlife and landscapes. Custom-designed, 4-wheel-drive safari vehicles in Kenya and Tanzania feature a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography. We limit each vehicle to a maximum of six passengers, ensuring you’ll always have a window seat. In Southern Africa, you’ll travel in an open-sided, 4-wheel-drive safari vehicle with a maximum of nine guests.
The Great Migration
Thunder on the plains
Each year, Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park play host to one of nature’s greatest spectacles: The Great Migration. Many believe this is an annual event but, in fact, it’s a continuous movement of over two million animals searching for fresh grazing lands and water. Crossing the seemingly endless plains, along with some 200,000 zebra and 500,000 antelope, are the earth-shaking hooves of 1½ million wildebeest. Braving the expanse of the unforgiving elements and a precarious gauntlet of big cats and even bigger crocodiles is survival of the fittest at its highest test.
Mother Nature Calls the Shots
The Great Migration is a spontaneous natural event that is largely driven by rain patterns and is difficult to predict from year to year. Our best advice is to include both Kenya and Tanzania on the same trip. Cosmos includes stays in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti, so you’re guaranteed to see the herds no matter when you visit. River crossings are more of a challenge, peaking in July and August, but we’ll adjust game viewing if there is a chance to witness this rare and extraordinary sight! If you choose to visit just one country, and seeing the migration is at the top of your list, consider the guidelines below.
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January & February—Herds gather in the southern Serengeti to give birth to their young—nearing 500,000 calves.
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March—Herds begin moving north to the central Serengeti, in search of fresh grazing.
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April & May—Herds remain throughout the central and western corridors of the Serengeti.
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June—Herds begin moving into the northern Serengeti.
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July—Herds linger in the northern Serengeti and begin to cross into the Maasai Mara.
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August to Late October/Early November—Herds remain in the Maasai Mara.
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December—until the end of the rainy season to begin their return to Serengeti.