Bellingham Safaris

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Bellingham Safaris Taking you on the world's finest safaris in support of conservation and restoration. Thank you for visiting our page. Simon and Jen Bellingham
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Having started off as marine and safari guides before progressing into travel design and tour operations, we have over 30 years combined experience in the luxury wildlife safari business. Between us we have travelled to all 7 continents in search of ultimate wildlife experiences in the most remote and pristine areas on our planet. We pride ourselves in exceeding expectations and providing our gues

ts with life-changing wildlife experiences and exceptional service. We look forward to hosting you on the wildlife journey of your dreams.

Boulders Beach voted 2nd best beach in the world by Beach Atlas Golden Beach Awards 2024. They had this to say “Boulders...
24/04/2024

Boulders Beach voted 2nd best beach in the world by Beach Atlas Golden Beach Awards 2024. They had this to say “Boulders Beach in South Africa isn’t just a picturesque stretch of sand; it’s a bustling metropolis for African Penguins, also affectionately known as Jackass Penguins (and yes, they do live up to their name with their distinctive braying sounds). This unique spot allows you to chill on the beach while watching these tuxedo-clad locals waddle around, proving that beach bods come in all shapes and sizes.”

Happy FriYay. If you’ve had a hard week, we hope you get some rest. But mostly we hope you’re dreaming of a wildlife saf...
12/04/2024

Happy FriYay. If you’ve had a hard week, we hope you get some rest. But mostly we hope you’re dreaming of a wildlife safari where you can enjoy watching all the big and small creatures going about their daily “work” like this dung beetle rolling his precious dung ball. Did you know that in relation to its size the dung beetle is not only the world’s strongest insect – it’s the world’s strongest animal! A “roller” can move the equivalent of a human dragging six full double-decker busses along a road!
Photo: ol Donyo lodge, Kenya

Sneak peek of the magical transformation happening now…. If you’ve travelled to Ngala Tented Camp, you’ll know how speci...
11/04/2024

Sneak peek of the magical transformation happening now…. If you’ve travelled to Ngala Tented Camp, you’ll know how special the people and place is. Simon and Jen Bellingham used to work here circa 20 years ago and it’s always been a favourite of ours. We can’t wait to visit again and to take you “home” again. Watch this space.

Combining the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) - we’re here to make it so seamless that you’ll hardly know yo...
09/04/2024

Combining the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) - we’re here to make it so seamless that you’ll hardly know you’ve crossed a border. Here’s how we do it. Rather than returning to large international main airports for a time-consuming flight, and possible airport changes in Nairobi; the Migori-Tarime flight and road combination is much faster. If you are travelling from the Masai Mara, you will board a 40-minute light aircraft flight to Migori airstrip and then do a road transfer of approximately 30 minutes to the Isebania-Siriri border post. Here you will go through customs and immigration processes, assisted by your driver. After clearing, you will be driven the approximately 15 minutes to the Tarime airstrip to board your flight to one of the Serengeti National Park airstrips. This flight will take around 30 minutes, depending on the destination airstrip. Simple as!!! The trip from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara is the same in reverse. If you’re dreaming of East Africa and struggling to choose between the Serengeti and the Mara, don’t worry, we’ve got this 🐆🐆🐆
Photo: cheetah at Namiri Plains Camp in the Eastern Serengeti

04/04/2024

In remote destinations things are always changing; there are changes in the wildlife that frequent different areas; new camps come and go; the ways in which you get to these areas change and so much more…. One of the great privileges of running a well-informed wildlife travel company is visiting the places that you would like people to experience, for someone passionate about wildlife this is indeed a treat as demonstrated in this glimpse of some of the wildlife Shelly filmed on her recent site inspection of andBeyond’s lodges in the Okavango Delta. Shelly can now add Xaranna, Sandibe and Nxabega lodges to the many lodges she has personally vetted for our guests including many of the Wilderness Safaris, Great Plains and Natural Selection camps, as well as Letaka overland mobile camps and more! Expert knowledge takes time and investment and living and breathing Africa is in our blood. Big thanks again to Maida and the andBeyond team for inviting Shelly on this wonderfully informative and wildlife-packed educational!!! To learn more about Botswana feel free to contact us via DM or pop Shelly an email on [email protected]

Samara has just shared new images from their extensive seven month renovation of Karoo Lodge, and we are loving the new ...
20/03/2024

Samara has just shared new images from their extensive seven month renovation of Karoo Lodge, and we are loving the new look!!! Drawing their inspiration from the natural landscape and local culture, the design team have successfully combined traditional Karoo style and contemporary South African design with personal touches evoking Samara's journey as a family-run conservation project. Karoo Lodge now sleeps 24 guests across 10 standalone suites located in the lodge grounds, all with spectacular views over the mountain landscape. Within the main lodge, new living, dining and learning spaces include an atmospheric dining room, library, farm-style kitchen, Spekboom tree filled courtyard, wine cellar, bar, gift shop and interactive Story Room showcasing Samara's past, present and future. The Karoo — a landscape of space, stars and silence — holds a special place in the hearts of many. With the re-imagined Karoo Lodge, Samara is truly the jewel in its crown. This Sustainable Lodge Partner of ours is also a Fellow Member of The Long Run – an organization that supports the world’s most sustainable nature-based travel destinations. Plus it is our favourite place to view Cheetah, up close and personal!

📍 Samara Karoo Lodge, Karoo, South Africa

SUNDAY REVIEW:"This was our second time booking with Bellingham and we were once again very satisfied. Shelly assisted u...
17/03/2024

SUNDAY REVIEW:
"This was our second time booking with Bellingham and we were once again very satisfied. Shelly assisted us with the reservations and providing all the information we would need. I really like their customized itinerary which can be viewed online. Shelly and the whole Bellingham team are quite responsive and answered all my questions. I recommend them unreservedly." ~ Trustpilot review by Alain DeWitt

📍 Sustainable Lodge Partner:

📷 Sable Alley - Okavango Delta

12/03/2024

Shelly from our team is currently on an exciting agent educational to Botswana, where she is exploring andBeyond private concessions in the Okavango Delta, including Nxabega, Sandibe, and Xaranna. Her mission is to experience the lodges and reserves firsthand so that we can continue providing you, our valued guests, with well-informed recommendations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Maida and andBeyond for graciously hosting our team during this journey . Stay tuned for Shelly's firsthand insights and recommendations!

SUNDAY REVIEW:"Holiday of a lifetimeJust returned from an 18 day trip organised by Bellingham Safaris, covering South Af...
25/02/2024

SUNDAY REVIEW:
"Holiday of a lifetime
Just returned from an 18 day trip organised by Bellingham Safaris, covering South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls). The trip involved numerous flights & hotels/lodges. All the choices & arrangements were superb. Throughout, we felt that they were ensuring that everything went according to plan. We cannot fault Bellingham in any way & would highly recommend them to anyone planning a similar trip. In fact they were recommended to us by close friends who made a similar trip in 2020. Whilst this was the most expensive holiday we have ever taken, I feel that we got good value & do not regret any of the choices. We would happily use this company again, if & when we return to southern Africa. Thank you Bellingham for looking after us so well & for an unforgettable holiday." ~ Trustpilot review by John

📍 Sustainable Lodge Partners:

📷 Mpala Jena Camp - Victoria Falls
Sable Alley - Khwai Private Reserve
Londolozi Varty Camp - Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Babylonstoren Farm Hotel - Cape Winelands

We are LOVING the sneak peeks we’re getting from Samara Karoo Lodge, this is such a wonderful “secret gem” for so many r...
23/02/2024

We are LOVING the sneak peeks we’re getting from Samara Karoo Lodge, this is such a wonderful “secret gem” for so many reasons:
💚Samara sits in the Great Karoo, which has been referred to as South Africa’s “soul space” – a unique landscape with cultural significance in true “big sky country”
💚Samara is in the path of once famous 19th century Springbok migration which was larger than that of the Serengeti
💚Guests are invited behind the scenes to participate in conservation activities and become part of Samara’s restoration journey. This may take the form of Spekboom planting or wildlife translocations
💚Unrivalled cheetah viewing with heart-stoppingly beautiful backdrops – cheetah were re-introduced after over a century and can now be safely viewed on foot from a respectful distance
💚Night drives with Aardvark, Bat-eared Fox, Spring-hare and other nocturnal denizens
💚The first Lion, African Elephant and Black Rhinoceros reintroduced into the area after a century
💚Fellow member of The Long Run

Londolozi Private Game Reserve: A Return to Paradise! We're delighted to share this Guest Gallery from one of our talent...
02/02/2024

Londolozi Private Game Reserve: A Return to Paradise!

We're delighted to share this Guest Gallery from one of our talented guests. This visit marked one of many return trips to Londolozi, reaffirming the enduring allure of this remarkable safari destination. Swipe through to relive the magic of the African bush through our guest's lens.

📸 Photo Credit: Thais Racy
📍 Safari Destination: Londolozi Private Game Reserve, South Africa



Well done and much deserved cover feature of  💚💚💚
01/02/2024

Well done and much deserved cover feature of 💚💚💚

SUNDAY REVIEW:"Excellent trip to Patagonia. I can't thank the whole team enough. Our guide, tracker, and driver were ama...
28/01/2024

SUNDAY REVIEW:
"Excellent trip to Patagonia. I can't thank the whole team enough. Our guide, tracker, and driver were amazing and Bellingham made sure everything ran smoothly. We couldn't have done it without them. We saw Pumas up close, Glaciers so close you could touch them, and magnificent scenery. Truly remarkable." ~ Trustpilot review by KB

Earlier this month our guests spent three full days in search of the “lord of the Andes”, the Puma, in the Torres Del Pa...
23/01/2024

Earlier this month our guests spent three full days in search of the “lord of the Andes”, the Puma, in the Torres Del Paine Mountains. On the first day they viewed an impressive male from a distance along with Guanacos and several birds, including Chilean Flamingo; the second day also afforded distant views of Puma, as well as spectacular views of the smallest and the largest owls in Patagonia, the Austral Pygmy Owl and Lesser Horned Owl; and on the third and best day they had excellent views of two males and a female Puma that they spent several hours enjoying up (very!) close and personal. Other key mammals included herds of Guanaco, South American Gray Fox and European Hare. Fantastic birdwatching was had with 49 species observed including the mighty Andean Condor. Our guests also enjoyed stunning glacial landscapes at Los Glaciares National Park, one day hiking and one day by boat, while based at the quaint town of El Calafate.

📷 Photo credit from our guide: Nicolas Olejnik

01/01/2024

Happy New Year! ✨🥂

25/12/2023

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!✨

Chameleon rescue! During our return journey from an incredible family adventure in Madagascar, our trusted Madagascan dr...
22/12/2023

Chameleon rescue! During our return journey from an incredible family adventure in Madagascar, our trusted Madagascan driver, Toky, spotted a magnificent Oustalet’s chameleon attempting to cross a bustling road in the capital city, Antananarivo. Without hesitation, Toky swiftly applied brakes and activated the hazard lights, enabling Simon to rescue the chameleon from harm's way. Toky then drove us to a small park within the city where we relocated the chameleon. This bitter-sweet episode served as a perfect conclusion to our travels - a poignant reminder of the extraordinary wildlife that this "treasure island" holds and the threat of continued deforestation which we must fight against. The first two attached images capture the chameleon, one within the car and the other within its newfound safe and tranquil sanctuary. The third image features the "rescue team", including our valiant driver.

We’ve had a veritable feast of fauna - mammals, birds, herps, reptiles and more, this is just a taste of the wonderful w...
11/12/2023

We’ve had a veritable feast of fauna - mammals, birds, herps, reptiles and more, this is just a taste of the wonderful wildlife that we’ve experienced in the forests around - what a treat!!!

SUNDAY REVIEW:"This was my first visit to Madagascar. I chose this trip based on Bellingham Safaris recommendations for ...
03/12/2023

SUNDAY REVIEW:
"This was my first visit to Madagascar. I chose this trip based on Bellingham Safaris recommendations for an experience that would combine exploring the unique natural habitat of this island with enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of a secluded VIP lodge on the ocean. Both of these goals were achieved and more (the food was superb, a unique combination of cuisines of Africa, the Asian subcontinent and France). One of the best ecotourism trips I've ever done and one that I will strongly recommend to family and friends. Key to its success was the outstanding organization of the trip by Bellingham Safaris and their ever vigilant presence (via WhatsApp) throughout the entire journey. Overall a magical experience." ~ Trustpilot review by Francesco

28/11/2023

The gratification from receiving great feedback about a camp, the wildlife it offers, and the people that make it special, can’t be understated. It means the world to us and reinforces our commitment to creating moments of happiness and connection through our positive impact safaris. We particularly enjoyed the feedback shared by our very well-travelled guest, Sarah, regarding her 6 night immersive stay at Selinda Camp in Botswana:

“Selinda was such an excellent camp for leopards. Also one of the most pleasant and friendly staff I have ever had. An extremely well run and warm camp. It’s really been lovely here because staff and guide are excellent and I have gotten a special sighting every outing.”

📷 Leopard footage at Selinda by our guest Sarah Stewart
📍 Selinda Camp

Singita Milele, an exclusive-use villa situated high on the slopes on Sasakwa Hill in the heart of the Serengeti, is the...
03/11/2023

Singita Milele, an exclusive-use villa situated high on the slopes on Sasakwa Hill in the heart of the Serengeti, is the latest addition to Singita’s portfolio. With a front-row seat to the seasonal Great Migration – as well as countless other game-viewing experiences year round – this breathtaking villa is surrounded by 350,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the world-renowned Grumeti Reserve in northern Tanzania. Ideal for families or groups of friends, Singita Milele can accommodate up to 10 guests in five individually designed suites, each of which include a large outdoor deck and shower, a private whirlpool bath and sweeping views of the endless savannas below. The lodge will have an outdoor wellness & yoga sala, fitness centre, infinity swimming pool with majestic views, and an intimiate movie room.

Bookings to stay at Singita Milele, from May 2024, are available. Please contact us for more information. We can’t wait!

So proud of our Springboks bringing it home AGAIN 💚💛   🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
29/10/2023

So proud of our Springboks bringing it home AGAIN 💚💛 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

We've been saying forget Mauritius and go to Bazaruto for years. To back us up the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique ha...
27/10/2023

We've been saying forget Mauritius and go to Bazaruto for years. To back us up the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique has been voted the Top Island in Africa & The Indian Ocean during the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards (ahead of the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles and Mnemba Island!). This is the perfect "escape to paradise" for families to create lasting memories with loved ones. Picture your days filled with sun-soaked adventures on the pristine beaches, and evenings under the stars. It's an experience that you'll cherish for a lifetime. To help you realize your dreams, our favourite lodge in the area is offering a "kids stay free" special. Please contact us for more information
🏝️🏖️👙☀️🐚
THE DETAILS
Third child sharing a villa with two other children stays for free
Valid all year (2023 & 2024)

Two children sharing a villa with parents stay for free
Valid 25 November — 15 December 2023 & 6 January — 31 March 202

"Fantastic….there are no words to describe the East African adventure that Mari and I experienced. All aspects were top ...
23/10/2023

"Fantastic….there are no words to describe the East African adventure that Mari and I experienced. All aspects were top tier and executed flawlessly …..Bellingham coordinated a “smooth oiled” itinerary that worked to perfection. Of course Adam was the “frosting on the cake”…..he added a indescribable fun and knowledgeable component that is the BEST. Hats off to Bellingham and Adam." Feedback from lovely guests Larry and Mari, on tour with private guide Adam Bannister and Bellingham Safaris. Adam is not only a highly skilled and experienced guide but also an accomplished photographer, as evidenced by these superb images documenting Larry and Mari's travels through Kenya.

📷

SUNDAY REVIEW:"We had a few delays with our travel, and Shelly was wonderful in rebooking everything for us. Simon took ...
22/10/2023

SUNDAY REVIEW:
"We had a few delays with our travel, and Shelly was wonderful in rebooking everything for us. Simon took great care of us in Cape Town, and went out of his way to give our kids an awesome experience. Having an organised and guided experience in South Africa made us feel safe, and took all the hard work out of finding our way around and organising activities. Thoroughly recommend!
Ulusaba safari was amazing! We wouldn’t have known to go here without Shelly’s recommendation." ~ Trustpilot review by Robertson family

ANTARCTICA: 30% OFF ON NEW YEAR’S ITINERARYDue to a last minute rescheduling and for a limited time only we are offering...
18/10/2023

ANTARCTICA: 30% OFF ON NEW YEAR’S ITINERARY

Due to a last minute rescheduling and for a limited time only we are offering a 30% discount on our favourite voyage to the Antarctic continent – visiting the Falkland Islands and South Georgia en route. You can expect to encounter some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. Fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins await, offering a jaw-dropping panoramic display of untouched nature. This 21 day expedition is perfectly timed to enjoy phenomenal wildlife and to take in the New Year – from 29 December 2023 to 18 January 2024 – and guests will travel aboard the world-class lovely ship, the MS Seaventure. Go visit this wild and magical place ruled by penguins and seals at the bottom of our Earth!!!

HIGHLIGHTS:
▪️ Exploring the port of Stanley
▪️ Penguin rookeries with hundreds of thousands of birds on South Georgia
▪️ Zodiac cruising amongst colossal icebergs
▪️ Potential encounters with Orca, Humpback and Minke whales
▪️ A visit to Grytviken, a former whaling station, and the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton

“We spent some time with the Segera canine unit. This small team of highly trained men, woman and dogs, are an incredibl...
16/10/2023

“We spent some time with the Segera canine unit. This small team of highly trained men, woman and dogs, are an incredible asset to the ranch, and the neighboring community. We had so much fun watching the dogs, and handlers, in action as they tracked down Diana (who was pretending to be a poacher). Their scent of smell is out of this world. What a fantastic experience and story at ”
📷 and ✍️ by Photographer, Environmental Storyteller and friend on safari in partnership with

Azura Benguerra Island lodge is perfectly located in the enchanting Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. With its pristine ...
28/09/2023

Azura Benguerra Island lodge is perfectly located in the enchanting Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. With its pristine beaches and warm, clear waters, and most importantly no crowds, it is the picture-perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.

You can do everything (or nothing) here:
🐠 Dive into adventure with snorkelling and SCUBA, or try your hand at fishing.
⛵️ Sail on a traditional dhow or get active with some kayaking.
🏖 Soak up the sun, cocktail in hand on the island's white sandy beaches.
💆‍♀️ Indulge in spa treatments infused with traditional African healing.

The island is a national park and home to an array of wildlife – from tropical corals and fish, to playful dolphins, to majestic humpback whales (winter delights!), to elusive endangered dugongs that graze on the sea grass beds - there is no shortage of marine life to discover. With its beachy but luxurious accommodation options, spectacular views, and unspoiled natural beauty, Azura Benguerra Island is a must-visit hidden gem for anyone seeking a tropical paradise getaway, and is perfectly paired with any safari to Southern Africa.

SUNDAY REVIEW:"We had an awesome trip which had been skillfully designed to get the most out of some unique places in Af...
24/09/2023

SUNDAY REVIEW:
"We had an awesome trip which had been skillfully designed to get the most out of some unique places in Africa. Simon's enthusiasm and knowledge was outstanding (once again) and facilitated some amazing sightings and unforgettable experiences. The Bellingham Safaris team was excellent in making our plans customized for our small group. All of our travel arrangements were streamlined and pulled off without any issues. The camps we stayed at were unique, extremely comfortable and in proximity to abundant wildlife without any crowds." ~ Trustpilot review by R. Spaulding



📷 Simon Bellingham

SWIPE LEFT. First pic is us blissfully soaking in the wood fired hot tub at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge (with whales frolick...
20/09/2023

SWIPE LEFT. First pic is us blissfully soaking in the wood fired hot tub at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge (with whales frolicking in the background). Second pic is exactly one week later!!! The ocean decided to put on quite a show with massive waves and a spring tide combo. This is a wonderfully wild and elemental coastline which is what makes the location of Lekkerwater so incredibly special. We can't help but wonder what the newborn whales thought, perhaps some good training for their upcoming travels down to Antarctica.

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Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

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+27217834380

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