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Africa

Maasai Mara Handpicked Kenya Tanzania

Africa  

Souqs, savannas, safaris and the Sahara – the lure of Africa is its diverse wildlife, thousands of cultures and breathtaking landscapes.

Originally meaning ‘to travel’ in Arabic and Swahili, the word ‘safari’ can describe many types of epic adventure in Africa. There’s the ancient Egypt kind – discovering the lost city of Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings. The nomadic one – veering away from Morocco’s souqs and medinas and being hosted by a Berber family in the Sahara. The local village version – cherishing moments of interaction with Maasai, San and Malagasy cultures. And, of course, the wildlife way – heading in search of the Big Five in any number of game reserves and parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kruger and Lake Nakuru, to name a few. What does your African adventure look like?

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When to go

The best time to visit Africa shifts from south to east to north, depending on rainfall and wildlife.

Southern Africa
Botswana, Namibia and South Africa: For game viewing, travel in the cool but dry months of July to October – or early November in Namibia - when wildlife clusters around the remaining waterholes. It can get busy, especially in hotspots such as Kruger – so book well ahead and expect higher prices. Animals disperse in the green season, from November to March, making it much harder to see – although there are more young animals present at this time.  If you’re heading to Cape Town, the rain pattern is reversed – with the scorching months of November to March being the driest.

East Africa
In Kenya and Tanzania, the highlight is the Great Migration, best from July to October when the Mara River crossing takes place. Game is present all year, however, but the long rainy season in March to May (with the heaviest rains from April to May) is not the best time to visit as wildlife disperses and is hidden by vegetation, and rain can make roads impassable. However, there are some great deals available during this period, so it's worth considering if you're on a really tight budget. Be aware that Kilimanjaro climbs are risky in the wet season, and that afternoon downpours are heavier along the coast and islands. Some lodges in remoter southern Tanzania will close during this period.

For gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda, be prepared if you are going during the rainy seasons of November, and from March to May – especially in Uganda, where treks usually take longer. It doesn’t rain all day every day, but comes in big bursts, and gorilla tracking permits may be heavily discounted – but if you aren’t a fan of rain, think about booking outside the rainy season.

North Africa
Spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking and cycling holidays in Morocco – though expect dust storms in the desert from February to April. Avoid the Sahara in midsummer; temperatures will be much more pleasant on the coast.

Attractions

Botswana

Home to large populations of wildlife, rugged national parks, wetlands alive with birds and one of the world’s largest deltas, Botswana’s bounty of natural treasures is remarkable.

With winter sunshine, a temperate climate and golden sunsets, it’s no wonder most locals have beaming smiles - they’re surrounded by some of Mother Nature’s greatest triumphs.


Egypt

Awesome ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination.

You’ve got to see it to believe it in Egypt – the chaos of Cairo (seriously, this city never stops); the bustling bazaars; the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza and the world’s most famous lion with a human head (the iconic Sphinx). Only in Egypt can you sail into the sunset on a felucca cruise along the Nile, jump on the back of a camel and ride into Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, then float facing towards the sky in the glittering expanse of the Red Sea. Take a moment as time stands still in Egypt.


Kenya

Kenya is a country that beckons with rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and some of the most exciting wildlife encounters in the world.

From the snow-capped peak of mighty Mt Kenya to the golden, grassy plains of the Central Highlands to the pink blush of Lake Nakuru, Kenya does the great outdoors like nowhere else. Join your local leader as you journey through the incredible Serengeti on a safari, head deep into the heartland of the Maasai tribespeople, watch hippos on the waters of Lake Naivasha, or explore the bustling capital of Nairobi. Whether you want to search for the Big Five, learn how to do the adumu (jumping dance) with the Massai, or cook and eat traditional Kenyan food under the stars, Kenya is waiting for you to explore. 


Charming towns

Discover Juneau – accessible only by boat or plane, or the wildly remote Barrow, America’s northernmost town. 

Morocco

When people throw around the word ‘exotic’, they’re probably referring to places like Morocco.

Places where riding a camel over dunes while the sun shimmers dramatically on the horizon is not an unusual thing. Where tagines come spiked with saffron and argan, carpet merchants haggle in the bazaars and Berber tribesmen herd goats on the slopes of the High Atlas Mountains. A Morocco tour is basically the answer to all your Lawrence of Arabia-type fantasies (right down to the swirling white djellabas): you’ll stay in historic riads, camp beneath the Saharan stars and enjoy some classic Maghreb hospitality (usually featuring plenty of cous cous). Whether it’s the wind-battered port town of Essaouira or the crumbling Kasbahs and oases of the deep desert – ‘exotic’ doesn’t come close.


South Africa

The whole ‘country of contrasts’ thing has become a bit of a cliché.  But what else do you call a place where (in a three week period) you could happily slalom between penguins waddling on the Cape and lions stalking the bushveld, cinematic coastal switchbacks and burnt Kalahari sand, the oldest wine industry outside Europe and cutting edge fusion cuisine? ‘Contrast’, doesn’t really do South Africa justice. The beauty of a South Africa tour (besides the peace of mind that comes with an expert local guide) is being able to fit so much Africa into so little time. From the Stellenbosch winelands to Kruger, Blyde River and beyond, this is a place where you can take your safari with a side of espresso.


Tanzania

Home to 'the Big Five', a big mountain and a whole host of big experiences, Tanzania is a must for every African adventurer.

Search for predators in the Ngorongoro Crater, chill out on Zanzibar's perfect beaches and climb the continent's highest peak. Tanzania offers outdoor experiences, supreme wildlife viewing, warm people and the chance to connect with ancient cultures.


Uganda

Many travel to Uganda to catch sight of the mystical, mountain gorillas living in the dense forests.

Uganda’s attractions don’t stop there. The hippo-filled rivers, abundant birdlife, serene lakes and villages filled with enthusiastic locals consistently capture the attention, imagination and hearts of travellers worldwide.


Zambia

Zambia is home to emerald green national parks with abundant crocodile, elephant and hippo populations.

While the village communities holding centuries of traditional wisdom will stop you in your tracks, it's Mother Nature's 'Smoke that Thunders' (known as Victoria Falls to most) that steals the show as Zambia's standout attraction. Adrenaline-charged sports, markets full of tribal mementos and thrilling safari adventures play worthy supporting roles to Victoria Falls’ show-stopping spectacle.

 

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