Still a destination largely off the radar of the wider safari world, Zambia is home to the original walking safari. With vast national parks and limited numbers of visitors, you will often feel like you have the bush entirely to yourself. Venture out on foot with your expert guide as he shares his encyclopedic knowledge of the bush, tracking wildlife by reading the clues left behind on the earth or spend the morning trying to see as many species of birds as possible as you move silently through the landscape.
The country is home to the mighty Zambezi River, which you can explore on boating or canoeing safaris. Feel the mist on your face as take in the magnificence of the iconic Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘the smoke that thunders’. Gain an aerial perspective with a microlite flight, raft through the whitewater canyons below the falls or sip cocktails on a sunset river cruise above the falls.
A land of contrasts, Namibia is a destination of unexpected experiences set against stunning desert landscapes. Drift over a sea of endless dunes in a hot air balloon as first light illuminates the rippling waves of orange below. Hike to the top of the tallest dune before running down the other side into the Dead Vlei, a petrified lake known for its stark beauty. Track rare black rhinos on foot or explore oases and discover the unique desert-adapted wildlife drawn to the promise of water. Watch cheetahs in an all-out sprint at the Cheetah Conservation Fund or go birdwatching along the coast where flocks gather in the thousands. Venture to the far north and visit a remote Himba village, meeting the nomadic herdsmen known for their distinctive use of red clay on their hair and body.
Spend an afternoon around one of the famed Etosha waterholes, teeming with animals gathered from across the national park. See as the herds of springbok and ostrich part to make way for elephants covered in a thick later of ghostly white mud. Take in the sight of a lone oryx climbing a dune, the twin spires of its horns silhouetted in the dusk light. Sip on cocktails around the campfire of your luxury camp as a canopy of a million stars stretches overhead. Visit sleepy coastal towns and peruse boutique shops for local art or sample the freshly caught seafood served in charming cafes.
Perhaps the best-known African country for safaris, Kenya is wonderfully diverse with a wide variety of cultural and natural landscapes to explore. Countless stories have been inspired by Kenya, and many of the continent’s most iconic experiences are found here. From the Great Migration in the Masai Mara to the famed Samburu warriors clad in red, Kenya is a fantastic destination for everyone from families to honeymooning couples.
Watch cheetahs sprint across the savannah in pursuit of a lone wildebeest from amid the millions. Go horseback riding through the forest, seeking out giraffes as they graze the treetops. Meet baby elephants face to face at one of the acclaimed elephant sanctuaries. Spend an afternoon with elephants against the magnificent backdrop of Mt Kilimanjaro.
With many family run properties, the camps are cozy and intimate, welcoming you in and making you feel right at home. Soak in your private tub as zebra graze outside your room or sip on a gin and tonic around a roaring fire as you swap stories with your fellow travelers.
