When considering a holiday to Africa, most people think of the classic safari in the more famous spots like South Africa or Kenya, but Africa is a massive continent with a melting pot of different cultures, climates, landscapes, and wildlife. A holiday here depends on your interests and what you’re hoping to see but one thing’s for sure - there’s adventure waiting for you!
I was born and bred in South Africa and have spent my whole travel career exploring the continent, so adding East Africa to my portfolio of holiday destinations was the obvious next step in growing my travel business.
Over the years, my wanderlust has taken me from the lush rain forests of Uganda to the Makgadikgadi salt pans of Botswana, from the red desert dunes of Namibia to the majestic Victoria Falls, and even to the tropical island nation of the Maldives so if you are looking for a unique and tailormade holiday to Africa, read on to discover all the magical regions your dream African odyssey could take you to.
Southern Africa is one of the most well-travelled regions in Africa for locals and international visitors alike. We offer bespoke itineraries in countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho. Some of the most popular regions include Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Sossusvlei, Kruger National Park, and Chobe National Park.
Whether you are viewing wildlife in the Kruger National Park, whale watching in Hermanus, hiking up Table Mountain, driving the picturesque Garden Route or enjoying a sundowner in the Cape Winelands, you’ll find South Africa is a destination that captivates from start to finish. Together with Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula is one of the most impressive regions of South Africa. Highlights include Simon’s Town with Boulder’s Beach penguin colony, the ocean walkway from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay via St. James beach and the Groot Constantia wine region which boasts spectacular scenery and some of the best wines in South Africa. If you are heading to South Africa’s iconic Kruger Park to view the famous Big Five, some must-see highlights after your safari include the tourist attractions of the picture-perfect Panorama Route. You’ll be treated to some spectacular scenery, which includes Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Bourke’s Luck Potholes and you’ll never forget the views from God’s Window or the captivating Three Rondavels.
Expect an immersive African highland experience when you head to Lesotho, also known as the ‘Kingdom of the sky.’ Situated in the awe-inspiring Maloti Mountains and with the highest peak in Southern Africa, this majestic sovereign enclave is the perfect place to get your hiking gear out to summit its glorious mountaintops. You’ll also get the chance to meet the local Basotho people, marvel at the ancient rock art of Ha Baroana, explore the vibrant city of Maseru and cross the iconic Sani Pass.
Botswana is a safari-lover’s paradise and if you’re planning an adventure here, this stunning country is home to some of the continent’s most luxurious lodges and camps - with views to die for! Whether it’s the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the Chobe floodplain, or the Okavango Delta, you’ll be spoilt for choice with luxury accommodation in all of the top safari hotspots. While Botswana’s Kubu island is still largely considered a sacred place by locals, visitors are allowed to camp below the iconic baobabs upon these sprawling salt flats offering 360-degree views across the plains, where all you can see is an infinite white horizon. The lack of human habitation means that it’s also one of the world’s most magical locations for uninterrupted stargazing.
Zambia is an African jewel that sits right in the heart of the continent, from the iconic Victoria Falls, the vibrant and bustling markets of Lusaka to the wildlife-rich national parks like Kafue and South Luangwa, Zambia offers a myriad of exciting things to do. With canoe and horse safaris on offer adventure lovers will not be disappointed. The Blue Lagoon National Park is among Zambia’s most beautiful locations. Situated on the Kafue Flats, the vast floodplain attracts thousands of Kafue lechwe, zebra, sitatunga, some buffalo and numerous waterbirds. It’s also home to huge river pythons which are attracted by the concentration of the lechwe and birds. The vast flat landscape sets this Park apart from the other Parks in Zambia making it a wonderful add-on to your tour of Zambia.
If your perfect holiday includes endless starry skies, blazing African sunsets, friendly locals, and towering sand dunes look no further than Namibia. From the wild coastlines of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and the Skeleton Coast to Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon and Kolmanskop in the south, Namibia is known as the land of endless horizons. The vast distances and epic landscapes of this country make it one of the world’s greatest road trip destinations. It's also home to Africa’s largest canyon, its oldest desert and some of its highest sand dunes. It boasts a captivating 1,500km coastline where the desert astonishingly meets the sea.
Thanks to the Great Migration, East Africa is home to some of Africa’s most famous safari destinations like Kenya and Tanzania, while Uganda and Rwanda offer the ultimate in primate trekking and off-the-grid adventures. At the top of the list for African island bliss you’ll find the Seychelles, and Zanzibar - popular options for luxury honeymoons and beach holidays.
If you are seeking a combination of thrilling safaris, stunning beach destinations and immersive cultural encounters, Kenya is your ticket to holiday heaven. From the Masai Mara to Diani beach and everything in between, Kenya offers action-packed adventure for the entire family. Situated in Kenya’s central highlands, Aberdare National Park is one of the country’s most enticing hidden gems. Among the beautiful waterfalls, rivers, hills, and natural bamboo forests you’ll discover the many wild animals that thrive here, such as lions, buffalos, leopards, colobus monkeys, and baboons. Often called the “Jade Sea,” Kenya’s Lake Turkana is a natural wonder, it’s the largest desert lake in the world and offers stunning views and opportunities for exploration. Located along the shores of Lake Turkana, Eliye Springs is a tranquil and picturesque spot where you can relax on the sandy beaches, enjoy the beautiful sunsets, and even take a dip in the lake.
With the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar it’s no wonder that Tanzania is one of the most sought-after sun, sea and safari holiday destinations in Africa. If you are looking for the ultimate African adventure, you’ll find that this country is staggeringly beautiful, populated by a warm Swahili culture, and home to some of the best wildlife on the planet. Boasting modern cities, glimmering white sandy beaches, exotic wildlife, bulbous baobab trees and the snow-topped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a spectacular holiday destination tailormade for safari enthusiasts, trekkers, explorers, divers, culture vultures and history buffs alike.
Zanzibar is an idyllic African paradise boasting white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters but there’s a whole oceanic world just waiting to be explored below its postcard-perfect setting. If you’re a keen aquatic adventurer, you can look forward to diving or snorkelling around kaleidoscopic coral reefs teeming with schools of colourful fish, as majestic dolphins and captivating whale sharks gracefully glide in and around its reefs. It’s the stuff island dreams are made of. One of the most romantic things to do in Zanzibar is to dine at a rooftop restaurant. The Emerson Spice ‘Tea House’ is one of Stone Town’s most renowned restaurants and offers a stylish spot to relax for the evening, enjoy the sound of the calls to prayer from the town’s many mosques and watch the sun as it sets over copper-coloured rooftops. Zanzibar is renowned for its spices, so a visit to the Darajani Bazaar in Stone Town is one of the island’s main attractions. This aromatic spice market is a truly authentic experience and one of the best things to do on the island. Fancy swimming with turtles? Zanzibar's Baraka Natural Aquarium offers the chance to see, swim and feed these delightful animals. Native turtles are brought to the aquarium if they are injured or rescued from fishermen’s nets and when they reach a certain size, they are released back into the ocean.
From scenic mountain views to islands, beaches, fishing boats, and a myriad bird and animal species if you are looking for the best of Africa, there’s an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife to see in Uganda. Situated in the wild frontier region of Uganda, Kidepo National Park is known as Uganda's own Serengeti. If you are up for an adventurous and off-the-beaten-track safari, it’s home to an abundance of wildlife and awe-inspiring, rugged beauty. Lake Victoria in Uganda is not only Africa’s largest lake and the world’s largest tropical lake; it also boasts one of the world’s largest ecosystems.
While Rwanda is famous for its mind-blowing landscapes and mountain gorillas, this African gem offers a treasure trove of exciting experiences. From cityscapes and rich cultural attractions to natural scenic beauty and game rich safaris, there’s something to suit every kind of holidaymaker. Rwanda’s tropical mountain forests in Africa are just begging to be explored. Within its mist-covered peaks and vibrant greenery you’ll discover a cacophony of primates, from mountain gorillas to chimpanzees and Ruwenzori colobus monkeys. Lake Ihema is a tranquil oasis and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Rwanda. Boat safaris on the lake offer a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species up close and don’t forget to bring your camera; the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking.
If you are looking for all-out luxury, the Seychelles should be at the very top of your bucket list. These islands offer pure bliss and the opportunity to simply indulge. It’s no secret that the tropical island paradise favoured by celebrities, honeymooners and the uber stylish is the stunning Seychelles. With dreamy white powder beaches, turquoise waters and lush virgin forests you have the perfect backdrop to soak up the good life in sheer luxury. A holiday in the Seychelles puts more than sunshine into your life. These unspoilt islands in the Indian Ocean are some of the most beautiful in the world. Curieuse Island is one of the most exotic locations to check out and come face to face with the island’s most famous residents – giant tortoises!
Africa is not just a place it’s a feeling. It has deliciously warm weather, immense beauty, varied wildlife, amazing beaches, and mouth-watering wine and food. Whether you’re looking to experience a classic Big 5 African safari, relax at the beach, learn about interesting cultures, or indulge in the region’s culinary delights, this continent will certainly deliver. If you are looking for a tailormade Africa itinerary designed by an expert Call UK 01233 80 27 27 or visit our website www.bestofsouthafricatravel.co.uk and we will help you plan your dream holiday.
Fond memories of Thanda !
In spite of the weather playing havoc with our travel plans , Ash Jarvis of Best of South Africa Travels took everything in hand and ensured that our party of 9 which had managed to meet up in Johannesberg could relax and wait in comfort before continuing our journey to Kwazulu-Natal. There began the trip of a lifetime surpassing the …
