AFRICA
Africa is one of the most fascinating continents and offers the visitor a unique access to a concentrated and diverse wildlife like nowhere else. From spectacular and distinctive wild landscapes, ancient cultures and history to cosmopolitan cities, wonderful food, wine and hospitality. Africa, with it’s beautiful quiet beaches and some of the best diving in the world cannot fail to impress.
African Safaris - there are few experiences more thrilling and rewarding than encountering wild animals in their natural environment. Join an expedition into the private game reserves of Southern Africa, witness the Great Migration passage through the Maasai Mara, or take a bespoke walking or canoeing safari in Zambia. Each country has its unique offering to give you a truly fabulous and memorable holiday experience.
Travellers can also enjoy selecting from countless organised experiences such as scuba diving, photography, horse riding, wine tasting, gastronomy, art and history - the list has endless possibilities.
Each country offers a broad variety of accommodation types with something to suit everyone’s budget and taste, from canvas to tree-house, luxury hotels to boutique guest houses.
BOTSWANA
Botswana is the ultimate safari destination. The Okavango Delta is the world’s biggest inland river system, starting as a trickle in the Angolan Mountains. This giant network of waterways seasonally creates a fertile environment attracting an abundance of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. The main game reserves are Moremi, Chobe National Park, Savute and Linyanti Game Reserve.
Further south lie the Makgadikgadi Pans - once one of the worlds largest lakes that dried up thousands of years ago - you can explore these vast open spaces on foot with native Bushmen, and learn from them first hand their culture and bush craft skills. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Tuli Block areas consist of huge grasslands rooted in ancient sand dunes that spring to life when the rains arrive.
Game viewing is undertaken in specially designed 4x4 vehicles, but there are opportunities to strike out on horseback, explore on quad bikes, or paddle a mokoro (traditional dug-out canoes)
ETHIOPIA
Boasting nine UNESCO sites, Ethiopia has a wealth of historical and cultural sites, with its own unique story and one not brought in by colonisation.
The main historic sites are located in the north of the country and include the port town of Bahir Dar from where you can visit ancient island monasteries; Axum, a city reputed to have been the ancient capital of Sheba and famed for its colossal stone obelisks; and the holy city of Lalibela, set high up in the mountains and recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
To the southeast The Bale Mountains National Park is a wild region with deep gorges, glacial lakes, streams and volcanic ridges where you can spot some of the 850 indigenous bird species. While it is not a safari destination, travel through the extraordinary landscapes of Ethiopia which offers the visitor plenty of opportunities to see baboons, wolves and ibex, to name a few. if you want to visit ‘The Hottest Place On Earth’ take an expedition to the Danekil Depression in the north-east part of the country and watch as your flip-flops melt!
KENYA
From the wild savannah to the warm Indian Ocean, Kenya redefines the safari experience with a soul stirring experience. Combine the thrill of game viewing in one its wonderful National Parks, such as the Maasai Mara, Laikipia Plateau or Samburu, with the ultimate beach relaxation.
In the summer months the Maasai Mara wilderness offers the unforgettable spectacle of the Great Migration, as wildebeest, zebra and gazelle undertake their perilous journey for survival.
The added beauty of Kenya is that it is blessed with a stretch of unspoilt coastline, where palm trees cast their shade over white sand beaches and coral reefs protect the turquoise bays. An abundance of beach front hotels offering watersports, snorkelling, scuba diving, boat trips and of course total relaxation.
MADAGASCAR
The oldest island in the world on account of this isolation the country has a unique natural history. The diverse habitat of rainforests, desert, mountains and mangroves is home to 200,000 species, many of them only exist here and amongst them the famous lemurs.
A travellers destination, as most of the country is still well off the beaten track, the country also has some wonderful pristine beaches and superb
marine life.
MALAWI
Often called the “warm heart of Africa” on account of its friendly people, the country has been sculptured by the Great Rift Valley with mountains and lush, fertile valleys but one of its main boasts is Lake Malawi, 600kms long it is the third largest lake in Africa. The inland sea of warm water and pristine sandy beaches is a perfect place for scuba divers, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing, as well as wonderful scenery.
Perfect combination with a safari in Zambia.
MOZAMBIQUE
With a fascinating blend of African, Arab and Portuguese influences, lying just off the northern coast of Mozambique, the Quirmbas Archipelago is a beautiful string of islands that remain ecologically pristine and largely untouched. Further south the Bazaruto Archipelago, made up of 4 islands, only 2 of which are inhabited you will find the National Marine Park and a few excellent lodges.
The South East coast has some of the top diving sites in the world - turtles, white sharks, dolphins, manta rays, humpback whales and over 350 species of fish which thrive on the coral reefs.
NAMIBIA
A fascinating country of wide open landscapes, dominated by deserts along with a striking coastline, salt pans and arid areas.
The famous Etosha National Park is a vast national park dominated by the huge salt pan, savannah grasslands and mopane woodlands that are home to variety of wildlife including the Gemsbok - a large antelope native to this dry region. The towering dunes of Soussusvlei, within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, are spectacular and dramatic. Further north The Skeleton Coast on the Atlantic consists of rugged canyons, dunes and gravel plains making it one of the most inhospitable places in the world, however it is home to Cape fur seals, a variety of desert adapted animals and the Himba tribe.
Inland the rugged terrain of Damaraland, wonderful for star gazing and possibly rhino viewing, also has ancient Bushmen rock art and a petrified forest.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has often been described as a “World in One Country” and is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Colourful combinations of landscapes, people, history, and culture offer the visitor a unique and inspiring experience which has gained it a reputation for appealing to all with mountain ranges, game viewing, parched desert, heavenly beaches and floral kingdoms.
A self-drive holiday is easily achieved, but guided tours can be arranged if preferred. Starting in Cape Town (a perfect destination to escape from the European winter), take a trip through the ‘Winelands’, along the ‘Garden Route’, to the Eastern Cape, or beyond to the Wild Coast up to KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa also boasts some of the best game reserves, including the Kruger National Park. It is not unusual to see all of the Big Five in a single game drive here.
Two of the world’s most iconic rail journeys can be included as part of your itinerary. Rovos Rail and The Blue Train, both view the ever-changing countryside while enjoying luxury accommodation, fine food and personal service.
TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR
Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations and is famous for its animal diversity, notably during The Great Migration where, between July and October, the animals follow an ancient path in a clockwise circuit within the Serengeti National Park, culminating in great river crossings. An exciting day with your driver/guide in 4x4 safari vehicles brings you close to the action, perhaps with guided walking, followed by sundowners and overnights in tented camps.
Ngorongoro Crater evolved over thousands of years with a permanent concentration of wildlife and spectacular views. Lake Manyara and Tarangire parks, can be included in your itinerary to give you a more diverse game viewing experiences. The Southern Tanzania reserves of Selous and Ruaha offer a truly untamed view of Africa.
Zanzibar is just 20 miles off the coast of Tanzania, and stands at the crossroads of ancient trade routes between Africa, Asia and the Orient. With some of the best white sand beaches, history and diving, it is worth a visit.
UGANDA & RWANDA
The inland countries of Uganda and Rwanda are home to Mountain Gorillas and volcanoes.
Uganda is where the East African Savannah meets the West African jungle. Bwindi National Park contains a prolific amount of wildlife including large primates, where you can track chimpanzees through the rainforest and mountain gorillas in the misty mountains. Visit the dramatic Murchinson Falls to view the Victoria Nile River surging through a narrow gap over a massive drop.
One of the smallest countries in Africa, Rwanda has such a diverse habitat including mountains, rivers, lakes, marshes, savannah and verdant forests. Gorilla tracking in the Parc National des Volcanos is one of the main highlights.
ZAMBIA
This beautiful country remains little changed over the centuries and is the heart of wild Africa. Zambia borders to the south Zimbabwe and they share the most spectacular of all the waterfalls, Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is an awe-inspiring sight.
Upstream from The Falls is the Lower Zambezi National Park, famed for its canoeing safaris and tiger fishing. Many of the camps are on the river’s edge so you can experience the tranquility of the flowing waters. In the South Luangwa National Park, home to many of the predators, large herds of buffalo, elephant, plains game and bird life, your game viewing can be done in 4x4 game drives or on walking safaris. Also, there are community activities that provide physical and moral support to local people.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya, it is a truly awe-inspiring sight, and a must for most when travelling to this part of the world. Various tours are available including white water rafting, a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River or the famous 'Flight of Angels', which takes you over the falls by light aircraft or helicopter.
During the dry season (August-October) the game viewing experience in the Hwange National Park is at its best with the wildlife concentrated around the water holes. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, zebra, wild dog and over 430 species of birds can be viewed.
Bordering Zambia, the Mana Pools National Park lies along the Zambezi River with some of the best wild landscapes, perfect for the adventurous traveller.