Africa

Six ways to see Africa: Deserts, mountains and coastlines

Embark on a journey of discovery to a continent that can offer you all the extremes of the world, from arid desert to jungle, towering mountain and dramatic coastlines. And if the thought of spectacular African landscapes isn’t enough to get you packing your bags, our resident experts have shared their top tips on how to make the most of any trip to Africa.

Africa
Africa
Africa
Africa

River

Grab a paddle and be one of the lucky few to canoe the incredible Selinda Spillway which, for the first time in three decades, had overflown and created a wonderland of waterways that connect all the way from the Western Okavango Delta to the Zibidianja Lagoon in the East. In Mya, the waters swell and the Delta comes alive giving you the chance to see the best of African wildlife closer than ever before as you skim past newly created watering holes. But you better get moving as this magical adventure won’t be around forever.

Africa
Africa
Africa

Jungle

Known as the land of a thousand hills, a journey to Rwanda is sure to see you trekking through the dense jungle towards crater rims of dormant volcanoes and deep into cloud forests to track the elusive mountain gorilla. Here you will have the opportunity for a face-to-face encounter with the endangered silverbacks on the slopes of the densely forested Virunga mountain chain. The Virungas are home to the largest mountain gorilla population in the world and we have found one of the only places to view these animals in their natural habitat.

Africa
Africa

Plains

For most of us, it’s Africa’s vast plains that characterise the continent’s landscape, so we have discovered the most luxurious way to experience the sprawling Kalahari – on the largest private game reserve in South Africa. 1,000sqkm of pure wilderness is yours to discover on horseback for close-encounters with black rhinos, antelopes, cheetahs, hyenas and lions. With our safari guide and tracker at your disposal, you’re in with the best chance of spotting one of these majestic animals in their natural surroundings.

Africa

Beach

You may not naturally associate Africa with a luxurious beach holiday on a tropical island, but this is what makes Mozambique so special. Slightly off the tourist radar, Mozambique is a place so ruggedly beautiful and remote that you feel as if you’ve stumbled across a new part of the world. Although the mainland is a luxury destination in its own right, it is the islands off Mozambique that we are drawn to. Get there at the end of June for amazing beach weather perfect for taking part in the annual Kueto Siriwala Festival on Ibo Island where local tradition is on display in the form of dance music and amazing seafood.

Africa
Africa

Mountain

Spectacular mountains bless the African landscape, from the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro to the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. But, we prefer taking the road less travelled and there is no better way to experience the truly unspoiled African landscape than with a trek through Tanzania’s Mabrika mountain range amongst the clusters of wild game and truly untouched landscapes. Rivers, valleys and peaks line the uninhabited lands where encounters with wild elephants, leopards and baboons lead you towards one of our favourite vantage points in the world atop the highest peak of Mabrika.

Africa
Africa

Desert

Vast deserts cover much of the African landscape but a more unique occurrence happens in the heart of the Kalahari where vast oceans of sand are met by a sea of salt. At the peak of dry season, beginning in June, Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pan becomes a white desert ideal for a quad bike adventure tracking meerkat, hyena and wildebeest. Our luxurious 1940’s styled safari tents dot the grounds of the camp but we recommend a slumber party on the boulders of the Makgadikgadi to watch the red sunset over the barren landscape revealing an unparalleled view of the densely populated night sky.