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Home > Africa > Recommended Experiences
     
 
Africa  
     

For most people, Africa evokes images of sun-drenched plains, nomadic tribes, and vast game parks, and though all of this is present, Africa offers visitors more than just safaris and sunsets.  Exceptional sailing and scuba diving awaits you on the east coast and if you like breathtaking views with your adventure, then Mount Kilimanjaro is for you.  Cape Town is a prime shopping destination where you can buy everything from crocodile teeth to gold bracelets, and if you are interested in seeing other people’s riches, then a trip to the Egyptian Pyramids will put a sparkle in your eye.  Africa will surprise you with its wealth of experiences and although you may come for its beasts, you will stay for its beauty.


   
     
South Africa    
     

South Africa is a young nation, transformed from a country of racial segregation to a diverse nation of unity and hope, boasting many traditions and rich cultures, joined together to become a “rainbow nation”. 

There is something for everyone, from luxurious, modern clubs and casinos in big cities with large active hotels, to the more historical, scenic towns and villages with amazing cultural museums and monuments with quaint little lodges in their setting.  It is home for “the Big Five”, i.e. elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino, as well as a vast array of other fascinating animals and birds.  It is great to be able to visit them in their own natural habitat.  South Africa is truly a magical destination.

   
     

Cape Town

One word truly sums up this destination - exceptional! South Africa’s “Mother City” is indescribably beautiful, steeped in fascinating history and pulsating to a heady African rhythm.  A ride in a cable-car to the top of Table Mountain, a ferry journey to Robben Island, or a meandering tour through the South African Winelands will leave you in no doubt that this place is an absolute highlight on any vacation to Africa. No visit to Cape Town is complete without a stay at the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel, idyllically located where earth, sea and sky meet, poised above the Atlantic surf and flanked by majestic Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Another standout experience is a getaway to Bushmans Kloof this privately owned wilderness reserve is world-renowned for its 130 rock art sites. Immense open plains, deep ravines, spectacular waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations characterize this ecological oasis, nestled between the majestic mountains of the Cederberg and the vast plains of the Great Karoo.

   

     

The Garden Route

Framed by the majestic Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma and Langeberg Mountains, Mossel Bay and Storm’s River, this coastal route to the east of Cape Town holds visitors spellbound with an abundance of rivers, spectacular mountain passes, lagoons, lakes, beaches and birdlife. Knysna is one of South Africa’s most visually arresting resorts with its famous sandstone heads guarding the sea entrance to a spectacular tidal lagoon.

   
     

Johannesburg & Pretoria

They came from far and wide to strike it rich when gold was discovered here in 1886, and the “City of Gold” still pulsates with entrepreneurial energy. A must-see is the Apartheid Museum which takes visitors on a fascinating, shocking, humbling and ultimately inspiring journey. South Africa’s administrative capital to the north, Pretoria is famed for its grand architectural masterpieces, countless museums and thousands of magnificent Jacaranda trees.

   
     

Blue Train and Rovos Rail

Take a train journey in to a timeless world of grace, elegance and romance, where spectacular scenery stirs the imagination and luxurious comfort soothes the body and soul.  The Blue Train offers journeys between Cape Town and Pretoria, or along the Garden Route.  Rovos Rail also offers trips through Swaziland, Durban, Namibia, and of course, their annual 12-night journey between Cape Town and Tanzania

 
     

Greater Kruger National Park

South Africa’s world-renowned Kruger National Park is home to “the big five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). Peripheral private game reserves in the Sabi Sand and Timbavati areas offer incredible game viewing twice daily in open 4x4 vehicles. This is safari country with outstanding viewing opportunities; no fences between each reserve’s boundaries and the park allow the main attractions to wander freely.

   
     

Sun City

Approximately a two-hour drive northwest of Johannesburg, in the midst of untamed bush, is Sun City, an entertainment Mecca, with a championship golf course, and a man-made beach! The nearby Pilanesberg National Park also plays host to “the big five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), and features abundant bird life.


   
     
Zambia    
     
Zambia is a landlocked country, two thirds of which is situated in the tropics.  It is well known for the Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world, which it shares with Zimbabwe.  Locals from both countries call this phenomenon “Mosi-oa-tunya”, “The smoke that thunders”.    
     

Victoria Falls & Livingstone

The name Victoria Falls was originally coined by explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. But the local people, both in Zimbabwe and Zambia, refer to Victoria Falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” which means “The Smoke that Thunders”. Due to the relentless mist above the falls created by the downward plummet of millions of gallons of water, a small rainforest has actually developed. Livingstone offers an ample array of activities, so why not take a microlight over this stunning region, canoe above the falls, or whitewater raft below them? Of course, you could also make time for the second highest bungee jump in the world from Victoria Falls Bridge.  For an adventurous but adrenalin free alternative explore the Mukuni and Maramba cultural villages which provide a fascinating opportunity to observe traditional daily life, or even participate in an amazing Elephant Back Safari.

   

     

Luangwa

Experts have called this area in the north east of Zambia one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of game around the Luangwa River and its ox-bow lagoons are dramatic. In addition, the topography of the area makes it ideal for walking safaris. Here the magnificent World Heritage Wetlands Site of Lochinvar National Park provides a perfect opportunity to stay at a tented safari camp.


   
     
Botswana    
     

Botswana is a landlocked country, the size of Texas, situated in the centre of Southern Africa.  It is a peaceful country known for diamonds and of course the splendid Okavango Delta, a remarkable wetland paradise located within the arid Kalahari Desert.  Knowing that three quarters of Botswana is a desert makes the Delta even more spectacular than imagined, as it lies between shallow fault lines at the end of the Great African Rift Valley.

About forty percent of the country has been set aside for wildlife and is a true nature sanctuary.  The government is very serious about keeping poachers out of the reservations and conservation, in general, is a high priority.

   
     

The Okavango Delta

Botswana is home to the largest inland delta in the world. Game abounds year-round in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Camps in these areas are classified as: land camps – where safaris are undertaken in open 4x4 vehicles; water camps – where activities are centered on boating and mekoro trips; or combination camps - where you can experience the best of both safari styles (subject to water levels which are seasonal).

 
     

Greater Chobe National Park

This vast area in the far north of Greater Chobe National Park is revered for its huge and thundering herds of elephants. The diversity of seasonal floodplains and grasslands on offer means you can enjoy a game drive in the morning and a river cruise in the afternoon. One of Africa’s world famous big game areas, the Savuti Channel is famous for its lion & hyena populations, and just northwest of Savuti is Linyanti, yet another outstanding game viewing area boasting a range of activities.

   
     

Safari Life

A day on safari in Botswana typically starts with a rather early morning wake up call. You meet in the central area for a snack and juice in the darkness before departing on an activity, with a stop for a snack and coffee en route. Upon return to camp at about 10.30am you will enjoy a sizeable brunch. Free time is then ample during the heat of the day to enjoy a siesta or a dip in the pool. At about 3.30pm, enjoy afternoon tea with cakes and savories. Then it is time to depart for your afternoon activity, with a stop for cocktails at sunset. The return to camp at approximately 8pm will ensure you are greeted by a three-course dinner.


   

     
Namibia  
   

This vast country is known for its contrasting landscapes.  The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its soaring dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space.  In the north, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains in the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savanna and lush vegetation.  Dinosaur footprints, prehistoric rock art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis, all bare witness to the timelessness of Namibia.

 
     

Swakopmund

This fascinating, diverse and unique country is full of wide horizons, endless stretches of golden desert dunes and rocky plains that are so unusual in formation they seem somewhat more likely in outer space. Namibia’s premier coastal resort is Swakopmund, a pretty town with palm trees lining the streets and many eye-catching turn-of-the-century colonial buildings. Activities here include exciting adventures on the magnificent dunes such as sandboarding and quad biking.

   
     

Skeleton Coast Park

To the north of Swakopmund bordering the Atlantic Ocean lies Namibia's Skeleton Coast. This is truly one of our planet's most beautiful places, in all its wild, desolate and uninhabited raw glory.  Travelers will enjoy outstanding views of wind swept dunes, rugged canyons, and far-reaching mountain ranges.

   
     

Sossusvlei

Unique and breathtaking in its beauty, Sossusvlei is situated in the Namib Nauklaft Park. The photogenic lure of this area is breathtaking, boasting exceptional scenery, as well as a wild and romantic spirit. It is made up of a vast, dry clay pan over which towers a sea of magnificent sand dunes, reputedly the highest dunes in the world. Travelers can experience the unimaginable magic of flying above the Namibian desert in a hot air balloon. 

 
     

Etosha National Park

The word ‘Etosha’ means ‘the great white place of dry water’. The heart of this area is an expanse of shimmering images created by this vast salt pan.  Travel to Etosha, will make your Namibian vacation complete.

   
     

Damaraland

If you want to be inspired by one of Mother Nature’s rarest beasts, searching for the endangered Desert Elephant in Damaraland is a must.  The remote area of Damaraland also offers some of the most spectacular stargazing in the world.


   
     
Kenya    
     

Kenya is the home of ‘safari’. The boundless wilderness and big game of this country have long attracted adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other African country boasts such an incredible range of landscapes, unique geographical features and species as Kenya. The endless plains of the Masai Mara are renowned for one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth – the migration! Travel to Samburu to see one of Kenya’s rare species – the Long-Necked Gerenuck


 
     
Tanzania    
     

From Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest, permanently snow-capped, free-standing mountain in Africa to the warm and exotic island of Zanzibar, nearly a quarter of Tanzania, East Africa’s largest country is made up of protected national parks.  Here the finest game sanctuaries of Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha, and Selous beckon with extraordinary scenery, staggering topography, warm people and incredible wildlife, making this a trulymagnificent country to visit.


   
     
Zanzibar    
     

This romantic paradise island is situated in the Indian Ocean, about 21 miles off the coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar remains wonderfully unspoiled; it’s an idyllic mix of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas with a strong Arabic influence. It is the largest coral island off the coast of Africa. Mnemba Island, located just off the coast of Zanzibar is renowned by travelers as one of the most romantic ocean destinations in the world, offering privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline.


 
     
Mauritius    
     

The small volcanic island of Mauritius is situated in the warm inviting water of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by magnificent coral reefs and an abundance of exotic and colorful sea life. The scattering of quaint towns and villages offers visitors an opportunity to see true Mauritian life while the watersports on offer are wide-ranging, from excellent diving and snorkeling to deep-sea fishing. The historic capital of Port Louis showcases a bustling marketplace brimming with exotic spices, gifts and unique souvenirs.


   
     
Seychelles    
     

The islands of the Seychelles offer a world of perpetual golden summer, where people and nature live in effortless harmony. The Seychelles is the name given to an archipelago of 115 islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean. All the islands are splendid in their own right; Mahe boasts 75 beaches, Praslin is home to the Coco de Mer, and La Digue is a bird lover’s paradise. But no visit to the Seychelles is complete without a trip to North Island – one of the most beautiful islands on the planet.


 
     
Mozambique    
     

Mozambique is once again emerging as a tourist favorite. Vilanculos is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a string of beautiful, small sandy islands lying roughly 12 miles from the mainland.  The main islands are Santa Carolina, Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque. They offer a quintessential tropical vacation with undiscovered palm and Casuarina tree shaded beaches. There are rich tropical reefs, clear warm water and excellent surf, plus rock and fly-fishing alternatives. This is the area Dugong seacows choose to call home!
 


   
     
Rwanda    
     

Rwanda is a land of great diversity and beauty and is famous for its Gorillas. Situated in the heart of Africa the country shares the natural riches from both the Congo Basin and the Great Rift Valley of eastern Africa resulting in unsurpassed biodiversity. Among its many and enduring attractions are the primates, in particular the Mountain Gorillas; one of the most awesome wildlife interactions in the world. The capital city Kigali is located at Rwanda's geographical heart. Kigali is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate and is conveniently located within three hours' drive of Parc des Volcans, home to the Mountain Gorilla.

 
     

Nyungwe National Park

This jungle in the south of Rwanda is the largest and most ancient afro-mountain forest remaining in the East and Central Africa, dating back to the last ice age. Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its large families of Colobus Monkeys, Chimpanzees and over 14 species of primates, as well as 86 mammal species. Nyungwe is one of the largest mountainous rainforests remaining in Africa. One of the Africa’s best kept secrets; the forest is interspersed with well marked and maintained trails and boasts 13 rare primate species, the world’s largest ever recorded arboreal troupe of black/white Colombus Monkeys, over 300 species of birds and 100 types of orchids.

There are two species of chimpanzee in Africa; the Bonobo and the Common Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) – often shortened to Chimpanzee, and sometimes referred to as the Robust Chimpanzee. The largest remaining populations can be found in central Africa and number around 400 individuals, needless to say their population in Rwanda is an endangered one.

 
 
     

Parc des Volcans

Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda in the Virunga Mountains – a magnificent chain of dormant volcanoes in the north of the country – the park forms part of the extension of the Congo-Nile divide, separating two of Africa’s most important watersheds. The park is a haven to numerous mammal and bird species, the most notable being the endangered Mountain Gorilla, currently a mere 700 individuals.


 
     
Egypt    
     

Most people who think of Egypt think of antiquities, but Egypt offers much more. Certainly it is a prime location to see the great heritage from the ancient world, including Pyramids and wonderful temples, but it is also part of the Holy Land, and tours to Christian and other religious monuments are popular. Yet Egypt also offers nature and desert treks, great scuba diving and even golf, fishing and birding expeditions. Relax on the beaches of the wondrous Red Sea or Sinai coasts, take in the high culture of Cairo, or even leisurely float down the Egyptian Nile on a luxurious river boat.

 
     

Cairo

The ‘Triumphant City’ is one of the world's largest urban areas and offers many sites to see. It is the administrative capital of Egypt and is close to almost every Egyptian Pyramid, including the Great Pyramids of Giza located on the very edge of the city. Cairo is constantly full of life and movement, with the noisy honking of horns, children playing in the streets and merchants selling their wares and services. Browse the many souks (bazaars) largely unchanged since the 14th century and pick up spices, perfumes, gold and silver, or try some of the famous street markets for fabrics, including Egyptian cotton. Discover Cairo, the melting pot of ancient and modern Egyptian civilizations.

 
     

Nile Cruising

The Nile has been Egypt's primary source of water for thousands of years. Until the Aswan High Dam was built in 1971, farmers along the Nile Valley relied on the river's annual flooding to drench the soil and fertilize it with silt, while during ancient times rituals were dedicated to pleasing the gods that controlled it. The Nile Valley contains thousands of ancient monuments, earning it a reputation as the largest open air museum in the world. Sail the majestic Nile between Luxor and Aswan from the comfort of a cruise ship. Watch 5,000 years of history unfold on an unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt.

   
     

Luxor has often been called the world’s greatest open air museum. The number of preserved monuments in the area is unparalleled. Karnak hosts one of the largest concentrations of temples in the world, spanning an area almost the size of Central Park. Lose yourself in an avenue of sphinxes or a forest of stone columns colored and inscribed with hieroglyphs. Stand under monumental gateways and rest in the shade of once holy sanctuaries.

 
     

Edfu was the Greek city of Apollinopolis Magna, and is a religious and commercial center located about 65 miles north of Aswan. This friendly town produces sugar and pottery and is home to the Temple of Horus, considered by many to be the best preserved cult temple in Egypt. French and Polish teams have excavated some of the ancient city, finding Old Kingdom mastabas (tombs) and Byzantine house.

   
     

Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town has a distinctively African atmosphere. The Nile here flows through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. Stroll along the broad Corniche to watch the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sit in a floating restaurant and listen to Nubian music while eating freshly caught fish. Explore Kitchener's Island, known for its gardens and the exotic plants British general Haratio Kitchener planted there.

 
     

Sharm el Sheikh

The simplicity of sun, sea and sand blends with upscale hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment to make up Sharm el Sheikh. Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this place is known as one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the world. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. Activities abound in the area and include diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, horse and camel riding, desert safaris, and great nearby antiquities attractions.


 
     
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