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Africa destinations

Where to go

...in Africa for the safari of a lifetime!

The great continent of Africa encompasses game-filled savannahs, lush rainforests, idyllic beaches, vast deserts and idyllic islands to name a few. In this section we have tried to give you a brief run through of where to go and what to do in each of “safari” Africa’s main destinations. As a specialist operator to Africa with over 30 years of experience, this web site is just a glimpse of our knowledge so we always recommend that the most effective way to go about planning your luxury Africa safari is to get in touch.

Kenya overview

The first country in Africa to formally establish conservation parks to protect their wildlife, Kenya is still one of the very best countries to head to if you are wanting to experience some of Africa’s major safari highlights such as the great wildebeest migration across the Masai Mara grasslands, the huge “tusker” elephants of Amboseli and the white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean coastline.

Best times to travel – generally seen as being in the northern hemisphere summer months between June and November which is when the country is at its driest (and so game is more predictably located around water sources) and when the great migration herds are in the Mara. This being said, travelling outside of this window can also be a real treat as you will often have many of these iconic areas to yourself.

Highs and lows – the main draw to head to Kenya is, without doubt, the annual arrival of wildebeest in the Masai Mara, between June and November. Combined with the white sand and azure waters of the Indian Ocean, holidays don’t come much better. The downsides are that, in the main seasons, there are a lot of other people!

Tanzania overview

The direct neighbour to its East African cousin, Kenya, Tanzania shares the Mara/Serengeti ecosystem and, as such, can boast similarly high levels of animal numbers with wildebeest migration herds moving through the Serengeti throughout the year. The country is, however, quite a bit larger and also features a southern “circuit” of Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Parks which offer a quieter and more intimate safari along with specialist areas such as Mahale and Katavi for chimps and a land that time forgot. Combined with the infamous spice island of Zanzibar, it is a great option for those wanting a safari and some beach time.

Best times to travel – as with most of Africa, the June to November window is one of the best to visit any of the parks in the country. On top of this, with the wildebeest herds in the southern grasslands of the Serengeti, from late December to March is also excellent.

Highs and lows – as with Kenya, Tanzania boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa on its day. With more area to “play” with, it doesn’t get as busy with tourists as the Mara, but it is still too many for many.

Botswana Overview

Botswana is often sited in the industry as offering the “ideal” African safari…private and unhindered game viewing in what is one of the world’s most pristine wildernesses that is the Okavango Delta. Combined with the stunning power of Victoria Falls and the otherworldly Mkagikgadi Salt pans it is a country that offers a lot!

Best times to Travel – If you are looking to see the Okavango Delta at its most beautiful then you are best to head there as the flood waters pass through, between April and October. The main rains from December to March are generally best avoided.

Highs and Lows – As mentioned above, the private concessions that surround the Okavango are truly a safari goers dream with excellent game viewing and no restrictions. The downside is that this privacy comes with a price tag and Botswana offers the most expensive safaris in the world!

Zambia Overview

Zambia is the destination most of the safari industry would head to if given the choice. Excellent game viewing in the South Luangwa National Park, Kafue and Lower Zambezi combine with some of the continent’s best guiding. To take a walk in the bush in Zambia is to experience one of life’s true pleasures!

Best times to Travel – Zambia is a country of “black cotton”, which is to say, very heavy clay soil. This means that, outside of the dry season, between June and November, travelling around can be rendered nearlya impossible!

Highs and Lows – some of the best walking safaris in Africa along with some of the continent’s best game make Zambia a superb destination. The main downsides are its’ lack of beaches and short game viewing season.

Rwanda Overview

A country of verdant mountains and one of nature’s true “gentle giants” in the highland gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda does, while small of size, pack a big punch as far as experience goes.

These days the gorillas have become, very much, the main focus for many but, with chimps in Nyungwe and plains game in Akagera, there is more than meets the eye.

Best times to Travel – the main gorilla trekking period is during the main dry season of East Africa, from June until November and then again, from January to March.

Highs and Lows – to spend time with the quiet calm of the gorillas is definitely a life changing event for many. The only downside these days is that it has become a very expensive undertaking.

Uganda Overview

Much like its East African neighbour, Rwanda, Uganda is a country that has become synonymous with seeing the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. That being said, with chimpanzees in Kibale, shoebill storks in the Mabamba swamps and great game viewing in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, you can easily spend 10 days here before heading to the beaches of Tanzania!

Best times to Travel – for gorilla trekking and generally touring around you are best to opt for the drier periods between June and November and again from January to March.

Highs and Lows – the country has a lot to offer and is still, relative to some of its neighbours, great value for money. The main downside is that there is a lot of driving around if you are not careful.