Trip Ideas Safaris Shorter Safaris Are Finally Possible, Thanks to New Direct Flights With new routes to Kenya and South Africa, a week-long safari is closer than ever. By Susan Neva Updated on November 28, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of Asilia An African safari is more accessible than ever, thanks to new direct flights offered by leading US and international carriers. This means that you can spend less of your precious PTO on layovers, and more time on the ground encountering the continent's iconic wildlife and fascinating cultures. In fact, a one-week safari is now doable. United Airlines will begin offering nonstop service from Washington Dulles to Cape Town beginning November 18th, while Delta Airlines has announced a new nonstop route beginning December 17th, from Atlanta to Cape Town. These are in addition to existing direct flights, including Newark to Cape Town (United), JFK to Nairobi (Kenya Airways) and Atlanta to Johannesburg (Delta ). The 102 Best Early Amazon Black Friday Deals We’re Already Shopping — With Prices As Low As $8 As a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor, my company Alluring Africa can craft bespoke itineraries that seamlessly link you with local transfers once you arrive, to get to the heart of the safari action and design your connections in ways that help you overcome any jet lag and maximize your time on ground. Courtesy of Asilia Welcome to your one-week safari To make the most of your time, we’d recommend focusing on a single country, like Kenya or South Africa. By staying in fewer places, you reduce the number of times you pack and unpack or lose valuable time moving from lodge to lodge. With a minimum three-night stay in each destination, you’ll have two full days for unmissable activities like game drives and guided bush walks. Courtesy of Sabi Sands When to go We can advise you on the best time to visit each country or region in terms of the best possible wildlife viewing opportunities. Travel tip: some of the peak times to visit Africa coincide with long weekends like Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, which means you can stretch your annual PTO even further. Plus, you’ll avoid domestic travel congestion by going overseas when everyone else is heading home. Africa also makes for an ideal spring break destination for families with kids. Courtesy of Asilia Inspiring Itineraries Our 7-day Escape to Kenya itinerary from $4,995 per person features two of East Africa’s must-visit wildlife destinations: Laikipia and Masai Mara. Visit two luxury camps that provide front row seats for remarkable wildlife action. We also offer itineraries that combine the best of southern Africa. Our South Africa: Cosmopolitan & Captivating itinerary from $7,950 per person provides the chance to track the leopards of MalaMala and spend a few nights exploring the bustling city of Cape Town With so many direct flight options to Africa, your one-week luxury safari is just a flight away. Susan Neva is a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor. To contact her, email susan@alluringafrica.com or call 321-622-9378. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit