Where to go in Africa

We can't say enough about South Africa – the country simply has it all. Exquisite beaches and vibrant cities (including Cape Town, a strong contender for the most beautiful city on the planet), wildlife parks and reserves, arid deserts, colourful cultures and a human history dating back millions of years. The only problem you may have is choosing what to fit into your South Africa safari, but we have a few recommendations. Drive the famous Garden Route – the wind in your hair as you wind along the coastal roads, hike in the towering Drakensberg mountains, enjoy a South African safari in the king of nature reserves, Kruger National Park, or sit back and let the wine do the talking in the world-famous Cape Winelands.

Tanzania is, without a doubt, a fabulous introduction to Africa and all things safari. It’s the largest country in East Africa, and almost a third of the vast lands are protected for game viewing, so safari opportunities are endless and always exciting. It’s got game drives galore, but don’t be fooled into thinking that’s all you can do on a Tanzania safari: what about trekking for chimpanzee in Mahale, walking and fly camping in Tarangire, boating in Selous or relaxing on the magical Indian Ocean coastline? And no description of a Tanzania safari would be complete without a mention of the Great Migration in the Serengeti, one of the natural world’s most spectacular wildlife shows.

Kenya is the original safari destination. Home of the famous Masai Mara, the country has a decades-long history as the place to see the epic annual wildebeest migration. Sightings are certainly spectacular as the plains become flush with a moving melee of black ungulates, followed closely by lions and cheetahs who pick off the young and weak. Alternatively, a Kenyan safari could take you north to Samburu, with its arid thornveld and amazing leopard sightings, or to Amboseli, with its stunning views of Kilimanjaro, or even to the picture-perfect beaches on the Indian Ocean coast. We could send you to Kenya for months and you wouldn't be able to see it all.

When you’re on safari, Botswana is a window into the Africa of old, where wildlife follows an ancient flood cycle and long-ago cultural customs are still practised.

With 40-plus percent of the country designated as protected game-viewing areas, Botswana's safaris are wild, breathtaking and guaranteed to be jam-packed full of animals. In fact, the conservation-focused government is doing more than any other African country to protect its wildlife heritage.

The Okavango Delta, Africa's largest wetland wilderness, is the crown jewel in any safari and teems with animals year-round. Much of the rest of the country is made up of the Kalahari Desert, with the Central Kalahari home to the ancient San people, whose culture is the oldest in the world.

Zimbabwe is like a bright phoenix, its wildlife arising out of a rocky past to once again become one of Africa's top safari attractions. The home of the great Victoria Falls in the north, the wild and beautiful Hwange National Park, serene Mana Pools, and pristine, unexplored tracts of land in the south and east, a Zimbabwe safari is for travellers looking for a touch of adventure. Safe to say, everyone who visits Zimbabwe returns raving about the friendly people, beautiful scenery and incredible, off-the-beaten-track wildlife experiences, so we suggest you go there now, before more people catch on…

If you love exploring the wildest corners of Africa, then a Zambia safari is for you. The country has some of the largest (and least visited) national parks supporting rich concentrations of elephant, wild dog and leopard. The great Kafue and Luangwa rivers breathe life into the central parts of the country, while the lazy Zambezi River flows along the southern border with Zimbabwe, and plunges into the Victoria Falls near the town of Livingstone. Experience thrilling walking safaris in Zambia, particularly in the South and North Luangwa national parks, where you can truly disappear into the wilderness, connect with nature and definitely disconnect from the world of e-mail, at least for a little while.

There's something special about Namibia. Perhaps it's the arid nothingness of the blood-red deserts or the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast? Maybe it’s the endless salt pans, the glorious wildlife or the towering dunes of Sossusvlei? Whatever the potion, those who embark on a Namibia safari are changed forever, and return again and again. Quad bike in the roaring dunes of the Namib Desert in the southeast of the country, visit star attraction Etosha National Park in the north or self-drive the length of the country along the eerie Skeleton Coast – an extraordinary experience, and a way to truly feel the soul of Namibia.

Dreaming of powder-white sand, swirling sapphire waters and a cocktail glass of something exotic? Then look no further than Mauritius, the Indian Ocean’s palm-fringed superpower and original beach paradise. As well as sun-lounging and cocktail-sipping, there are plenty of adventures to be had and lush tropical rainforests, spectacular steep-rising mountains and epic waterfalls crying out to be explored. If the ocean is more your thing, diving and snorkelling in pristine underwater gardens alongside a kaleidoscope of tropical fish is next-level fabulous, not forgetting the waterskiing, parasailing, kayaking, windsurfing… Whatever happens, we guarantee that you will never be bored on a Mauritius holiday.

With more than 115 tiny white islands glistening like pearls in the brilliant-turquoise Indian Ocean, the Seychelles brings a whole new meaning to the word "idyllic". The main islands Mahé and Praslin may offer high-octane glamour alongside endlessly perfect beaches, but the archipelago offers far more than first meets the eye. For back-to-nature experiences, try Fregate Island with its shuffling jumbo tortoises, Desroches to admire profusions of wild and colourful orchids or La Digue to spot the aptly named paradise fly-catcher. So, whether you’re looking for a sunlounger and a cocktail on the hour, every hour, or a Robinson Crusoe escapade, a Seychelles holiday should definitely be on your list.

Versatile, vibrant, and incredibly intriguing below the dazzling surface of medinas and mountains, Morocco sets the stage perfectly for a North African trip crammed to the brim with memorable experiences. Some are quintessential and utterly fabulous in their iconic status: shopping up a storm in the souks of Marrakesh, getting lost in the giant puzzles of alleys in Fez, and the chance to enjoy a sunset cocktail at Rick’s Café a la Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca. But that’s not all it has to offer... How about the experiences that you don’t find in the travel brochures, the ones that take you a little out of your comfort zone and conjure memories that will stay with you long after you’ve lugged your Berber carpet home? We’re talking star-gazing in the Sahara from the pared-back glamour of a Bedouin camp, hitting pause on daily life in the Agafay on a trek through ancient villages, and a slice-by-slice tour of Moroccan gastronomy and delectable street food. Welcome to Morocco, Timbuktu-style.

Discovering a new country is always exciting – and when that country happens to be one with an extraordinary history, filled with millennia-old tombs and temples, sand dusted pyramids, and perfectly-carved hieroglyphics and vivid artworks, there’s all the more reason to add it to your bucket-list, pronto. Located on the eastern side of North Africa, its lifeblood the mighty Nile River, Egypt is one of the oldest tourist destinations on the planet and its marvels are endless. But whilst the ancient architecture is guaranteed to bring out the student in most of us, Egypt certainly isn’t a one trick pony. Dig deeper past the Saharan sands and gigantic pyramids, and you’ll find fertile valleys, luscious oases, and islands shaded by date palms, ripe for exploration. The coast is renowned as one of the diving world’s best and a magical, kaleidoscopic realm awaits under the azure waves. On the surface, the sandy beaches cry out for a sun lounger and a towel – and if none of that suits, take to the water for a cruise down the Nile and enjoy the sights and sounds in pure luxury.

Although never forgotten, the tiny landlocked country of Rwanda has come a long way since the genocide-ridden days of the 1990s. Today the Rwandans are a united nation, full of open smiles and genuine warmth, and are keen to show their gem of a country to anyone who’s thinking of a Rwanda safari. And with vast tracts of unspoilt, luscious vegetation, spectacular sightings of iconic mountain gorillas in the mist, dense jungle forest and a healthy dose of culture and promise in Kigali, there’s plenty to show off and a lot more than first meets the eye.

Rather like its neighbour, Rwanda, Uganda has shrugged off the dark shadows of the past and grown into its deserved title as the "Pearl of Africa". Often overlooked as a safari destination, this small, landlocked country packs one hell of a punch when it comes to bucket-list experiences.Probably most famous for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking (and justifiably so, with the world’s highest concentration of primates inside its borders), a Uganda safari may also include tree-climbing lions, enormous herds of elephants and sightings of more than 1000 species of birds. And then there’s the scenery – pounding rivers and serene lakes, misty mountains and savanna plains. This is a magical place with enough to keep even the most indomitable travellers enthralled.

Mozambique is not on the "traditional" African safari circuit, but that’s just one of the reasons we love it. Where else in the world can you combine a tropical beach getaway on the warm Indian Ocean with a spectacular wildlife safari, and all without the crowds? It can be expensive to travel to Mozambique, but the country’s unrivalled beauty and wildness make it worth every cent. White beaches fringed with thousands of mango trees, shocking blue seas filled with whale sharks and dugongs, and the stunning Gorongosa and Niassa national reserves are just some of the highlights you can squeeze in to a Mozambique holiday.

The world’s fourth-largest island, Madagascar is more like a mini continent. Its remarkable ecosystem supports large numbers of bizarre creatures, and an incredible 80 percent of the critters that call the forests home are endemic – they are not found anywhere else in the world. From lemurs to dancing sifakas and every rainbow-coloured chameleon in between, Madagascar is a wildlife-lover's dream. And then there are the landscapes – eccentric, colourful and full of contrasts, from tropical jungle and parched desert to grassy plateaus and spiny forests. Add a blend of African, Asian and European cultures, and the country becomes one in a million. A Madagascar holiday may cost more than other destinations on the continent, but it’s worth every cent.

Dubbed the friendliest country in Africa, Malawi offers a holiday that is the perfect add-on to any southern African safari. For a good dose of R&R, head to Lake Malawi. Known as the "Lake of Stars", the shimmering expanse of water is one of the largest lakes on the continent – so big, in fact, that you'd be forgiven for thinking you were beside the Indian Ocean. Here, it’s time for freshwater diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking or just some good old-fashioned beach time on the sandy shores. For something more active, the dramatic peaks of Mount Mulanje and the Zomba Plateau in the south provide incredible hiking opportunities. Venture further north to the Nyika Plateau and some beautiful walking trails through the rolling grasslands.

Cast aside everything you thought you knew about Ethiopia and start from the beginning. The oldest, independent nation in sub-Saharan Africa, the country was Christian before much of Europe and its cultural identity is peerless, beautiful and enchanting. Today, the economy is developing quickly and international visitors are beginning to trickle in but the experiences are still timeless and quite unlike anything else on the continent. Ancient treasures and medieval monuments rub shoulders with breath-taking national parks home to rare and endemic species, and in the south, you’ll find fascinating indigenous groups that offer a glimpse into a forgotten realm. But be warned – one trip will lead to a love affair that will bring you back again… and again.

Ask most travellers about Swaziland (now officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini) and a few may have passed through on a road trip to the coast, whilst the really intrepid may have spent a weekend in the rolling green valleys. But to only spend a couple of days here is a disservice to the beautiful, landlocked country. A microcosm of the very best of Southern Africa, there’s a wealth of wildlife in the national parks and reserves to discover, phenomenal scenery to gaze at and a variety of adrenalin-boosting activities to get stuck into. What really makes the country stand out from its southern neighbours, however, are the magnificent, colourful festivals and ceremonies, celebrated by a culture that’s rich, traditional and incredibly intriguing.

A teeny-tiny, two-island nation, São Tomé and Príncipe is the stuff of adventures. The tropical slivers of land with their jungled rainforest and golden beaches might look more at home in the South Pacific, but they are in fact in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Gabon in West Africa. Formed by volcanic activity, the islands were never really part of the African continent which in part explains their unique flora and fauna – think larger-than-life orchids, rare tree ferns and giant sunbirds. But what we really love is the chance to explore somewhere intoxicatingly different, where the blend of Portuguese and West African influences combine for an experience like nowhere else on the continent.

If you thought all tropical islands were the same, think again and take a peek into the kaleidoscopic world of Reunion Island. A tiny speck between Mauritius and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, it might not look like much on Google Maps, but its diminutive 2500 square kilometres pack a real punch. Three sensational "cirques", formed by ancient collapsed volcanoes, plunge into the centre; the active Piton de la Fournaise towers high into the sky; emerald forests give way to sparkling waterfalls; and shimmering, sandy beaches rub shoulders with vibrant towns. Plenty for outdoor-lovers then, but with a heady mix of French, Creole, Indian and Chinese cultures that appear in everything from the food to the architecture, and good dose of chic beachside R&R, a Reunion Island holiday couldn’t possibly disappoint anyone.

It’s definitely not the first country mentioned in the travel brochures, but after more than its fair share of political problems and strife, Chad's current relative stability has allowed it to open up to intrepid safari goers. But why on earth would you want to visit? Well, there are mind-boggling concentrations of wildlife in Zakouma National Park, ethereal landscapes that could belong on a different planet and an energetic and eccentric capital city. We won't beat about the bush – a Chad holiday is not for the faint-hearted. The country is hot, dry and difficult to negotiate. But the true magic lies in experiencing a place so staggeringly unknown and remote that few people will ever have the chance to visit.

If we could say one thing about Lesotho, it would be that it’s astoundingly underrated. The tiny kingdom is in fact an independent country surrounded completely by South Africa, yet the two couldn’t be more different. Lesotho is a wild, mountainous place (the lowest altitude is 1400 metres above sea level, believe it or not!), with superlative-laden alpine scenery around every precipitous corner. Most travellers on a Lesotho holiday explore the country on multi-day treks through its dramatic hills and traditional villages, on foot or atop a hardy pony. But if you have a day or two either side, don’t leave in a rush – this is a place for taking it slow and enjoying the legendary hospitality and culture of the local Basotho people.

The Republic of the Congo, also known as the Congo, and not to be confused with neighbouring DRC, is a hidden green land of hot and steamy equatorial forest. Part of the larger Congo Basin, the rainforest is the second largest in the world, and 1000 bird species, 10,000 plant species as well as forest elephant, buffalo and rare bongo shelter among its ferns. But the biggest draw is the western lowland gorilla, and intrepid travellers who make the journey are rewarded with the most thrilling of sightings. Still not convinced? Well, what if we told you that the Congo is a calm, ever-stabilising nation that is truly on the cusp of becoming one of the finest ecotourism destinations in Africa?

There are certainly no guide books for the Central African Republic (CAR), and travel there definitely isn't for the fainthearted, but take the plunge and you’ll find a staggeringly beautiful country that’s home to some epic wildlife. The CAR’s troubled history is not to be glossed over – it's suffered from a variety of political problems, poaching and civil war, particularly since 2012 – but away from the news headlines are a few particular areas that offer adventurous travellers something to really get excited about. There are forests and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, little-known nature reserves and fascinating communities, but the place for raw, larger-than-life wildlife experiences is undoubtedly Dzanga-Sangha National Park. It may be humid and there may be a good deal of red tape to tackle but if you’re hankering after a good dose of adventure, add the CAR to your list.