DESTINATIONS

Namibia

Known as the ‘Land of Many Faces’, Namibia is the African safari destination to tick off if you’re up for adventure and an off-the-beaten-track experience. Covering an expanse of Africa’s southwest coast and sharing borders with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Angola, Namibia offers the savvy holiday-maker vast open spaces, ruggedly beautiful landscapes and intriguing cultural experiences stemming from the country’s German colonial history, while the tribes of the north offer insight into more traditional ways of life.

Sandboard down towering dunes at Sossusvlei, kayak through the Caprivi Strip, experience the magic of desert-adapted elephants and lions at Etosha National Park and witness the Skeleton Coast’s eerie shipwrecks and dramatic coastline. Overall ‘The Land of Many Faces’ offers just that to visitors; an opportunity to engage with unique landscapes and wildlife and to meet adventure at every level, making for a surprising and unforgettable African holiday experience.

Zimbabwe

‘Zim’ is known as the Jewel of Africa, and with 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites calling it home, it's not hard to see why. A patchwork of landscapes stitched together with flaming Msasa trees, Zim offers guests friendly and warm hospitality, wild safaris by land and river, luxe camps and adventure at every turn. Dare to canoe amongst the hippos on Lake Kariba or wrestle a Tiger Fish from the end of your line on the Great Zambezi.

A highlight when visiting Zimbabwe is viewing the panoramic Victoria Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hwange National Park is another must-visit destination, offering the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife including one of the greatest populations of elephants on the continent. The Matobo Hills are another popular spot, known for its unique rock formations and ancient rock art, as is Mana Pools, one of the world’s best-preserved ecological zones, with its high concentration of dry-season mammals and exciting variety of landscapes to explore. For history buffs, the Great Zimbabwe ruins are a fascinating glimpse into the country's past.

Mozambique

Perhaps the most enticing feature of Mozambique is its pristine coastline, which stretches over 2,500 kilometres and is home to some of the most exquisite honeymoon-worthy beaches in Africa. Bazaruto Reserve is the first marine park to fall under African Parks’ management; an archipelago seascape made up of 5 islands, 3 of which are inhabited by 5000 humans. Along with this environment comes activities like world-class fishing, surfing and diving, and iconic megafaunas like whale sharks, manta rays, nesting turtles and the region’s last viable population of dugongs.

You can explore the country's national parks, which are untouched wilderness home to a diverse range of wildlife. Niassa Reserve in the north is one of Africa’s largest protected contiguous wilderness areas and shows off significant populations of elephant, lion, leopard, wild dog and sable.

Mozam is more than meets the eye though and in typical African fashion is rich in cultural heritage, with a fascinating history shaped by centuries of trade and colonialism. The country's unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Arab influences is reflected in its vibrant music, art, and cuisine; what makes Mozambique a special place to visit in addition to its astonishing beauty and untouched wilderness is its warm and hospitable people.

Botswana

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, and one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, is the perfect destination for anyone looking to unplug from busy modern life
and connect with nature and the beauty of Africa in a truly authentic way. ‘Bots’ is a land of contrasts, from the verdant and flowing Okavango Delta to the arid red dunes of the Kalahari Desert, making it a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast and camera handler. Important to note here is the country’s genuine commitment to conservation and sustainability. The government has
implemented strict conservation policies to protect Botswana’s wildlife and natural habitats, including dedicating its military to anti-poaching measures, making Bots a prime destination for eco-tourists. Additionally, the country's low tourism numbers ensure that visitors can experience Botswana’s beauty minus the crowds that can often be found in other popular safari destinations.

The Okavango Delta, a vast wetland that is home to an astonishing array of wildlife and birds is a Bots must-see, as is The Chobe National Park, famous for its large herds of elephant (more numbers
than any other country) and other big game. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan offers a sprawling otherworldly landscape, picture perfect, while the Kalahari Desert, the second largest on the continent, is a special place to experience desert-adapted creatures and traditional Bushman
culture.

From the traditional dances of the Kalahari’s San people to the vibrant arts and crafts of the Batswana, there is no shortage of cultural heritage to supplement your safari in Botswana.

Tanzania

A real safari classic, Tanzania is best known for World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration. Tanzania’s oldest and most popular park positively teems with wildlife; witness the 3-week-long phenomenon that is the 6-million-hoof exodus north and the unrivalled

game-viewing opportunities this brings. Ruaha National Park, the second largest in the country, presents an alternative safari experience; travel by land or water to view game along the banks of the Great Ruaha River, and savour this remote and peaceful sanctuary. Katavi National Park, located in the western region of Tanzania, is a natural haven that has remained largely unspoiled. It is known as the habitat of the world's biggest buffalo herds. Mahale Mountains National Park is also worth a flag as it is only accessible by small aircraft, and is home to a large population of chimps - grab your hiking boots and trek your way through this jungle bordering the Congo.

If the vast bush of Tanzania doesn’t fully unwind, then its warm clear, blue ocean and island style will. An archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is known for its immaculate white beaches, historic Stone Town, and spice trade. Mafia and Pemba islands offer secluded privacy and some of the most unspoilt dive sites in the world.

Uganda

Uganda, also named "Pearl of Africa," is a country with a wealth of natural beauty and cultural richness. Landlocked in East Africa on the equator, it is home to a diverse range of wildlife as well as magnificent landscapes such as the mighty Nile River and the scenic Rwenzori Mountains.

The mist-blanketed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the southeast is an ancient rainforest habitat to half of the world’s gorilla population, while Kidepo is Uganda’s wildest park, and one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas. Murchison Falls National Park heralds the world’s most powerful waterfall, booming through the ground of the surrounds.

Kenya

Kenya is a land of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and abundant wildlife, and as such is the ultimate first-safari destination, offering visitors a classic and memorable African adventure.

The country is home to some of the most iconic wildlife species on the planet and boasts one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, The Mara Migration. This spectacular annual wildlife event sees the passage of millions of wildebeests and antelope from Tanzania’s Serengeti to the Mara Reserve in Kenya, attracting visitors from all over the world after a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Amboseli National Park heralds the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, and is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. From here, slide down into coastal towns to revel in white sandy beaches and warm blue tropical waters, while soaking up their rich culture and history.

Zambia

Zambia is a lesser-known safari destination but should not be overlooked. Crowned by the famous Victoria Falls bordering Zimbabwe, Zambia is also bordered by 7 other African countries and 3 great rivers, the Kafue, the Luangwa and the iconic Zambezi river. Raft the rapids near the largest falling curtain of water in the world, ‘Vic Falls’, or enjoy a walking safari or camping under the stars in South Luangwa National Park, the country’s biggest park.

Rwanda

Nicknamed the "Land of a Thousand Hills," Rwanda is a land of majestic landscapes, impressive ancient forests, and vibrant culture. It is also home to some of the most endangered species in the world, the mountain gorilla and golden monkey, who can be found in the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park in the far northwest. A couple hours southwest of here you’ll find Gishwati Mukura, two forests forming a national park, lying in between Rwanda and the Congo and Nile water catchment areas and boasting incredibly rich indigenous wildlife. Forest hop down to Nyungwe in the southwest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a biodiverse sanctuary abounding with bird and wildlife, including the Albertine Rift’s endemic L’Hoest’s monkey.

The people of Rwanda are warm and welcoming; you can explore the country's vibrant markets, taste its delicious cuisine, and learn about its fascinating history and traditions. One tradition worth flagging is ‘Umuganda’, the national community cleanup taking place the last Saturday of every month, and if skipped is punishable by fine. Rwanda is a country that has risen from the ashes of a devastating genocide to become a beacon of hope and resilience for fellow Africans. Visiting Rwanda is an opportunity to witness the power of human resilience, community and the beauty of nature, all in one remarkable place. A compact land area means minimal travel time and makes Rwanda pleasurable to navigate and easily combined with surrounding countries.