Active experiences

The mist-covered hillsides of Bwindi’s ‘impenetrable’ forest are home to over half the world's population of wild mountain gorillas. You'll depart in the early hours with a seasoned ranger to trek the rugged terrain in search of one of 19 habituated family groups, and once found, spend a precious hour watching them. While the hike can be gruelling, the sight of a fully-grown silverback emerging from the vines or the rambunctious baby gorillas playing close to their mothers is one you won't forget. The gorillas are well-hidden from the world and you'll have the chance to see them just as they are when no one's watching. There is also the option of a habituation permit, where you'll spend up to four hours with the gorillas. Trekking can be done year-round, but the ideal conditions are probably from June to September and December to February when the park is drier and humidity is lower. Trekking in the middle months does, however, attract a lower permit price. The choice is yours!

May is a prime month to visit Lake Malawi, a freshwater paradise between Malawi and Mozambique. The famed regions of Cape Maclear, Likoma Island and the slightly more intimate Mumbo Island are internationally renowned for their beauty and wonder. The glowing green waters, powdery beaches and exceptional tropical diving provide entertainment no matter what the fancy. Don't waste a moment and explore the tropical fish beneath the glassy surface, get active with the numerous watersports or just lay back and relax as the day unfolds.

Gazing over the edge of the glorious Victoria Falls, it's no surprise to learn that its local name means, 'the smoke that thunders'. Spend the morning or afternoon exploring one of the Seven Wonders of the World, meander along the walking trails and stop off at each of the 4 view points to see the falls from every angle. As one of the world's largest waterfalls, there is no bad time to be there but it reaches a roaring zenith in May when 10 million litres of water cascades into Batoka Gorge. If you want to have a more involved experience then this can be booked as a guided activity and you can easily pop over to the Zimbabwean side to experience the falls from a different angle for an additional cost.

After the rains come, the lower stretch of the Zambezi branches out onto the floodplains of Northern Zimbabwe. This natural waterpark is a haven and a canoe safari is the best way to explore this seasonal gathering, bringing you much closer to the animals than possible on the land - especially as you wend your way past harrumphing pods of hippo. Sit safely just a few yards from an unhurried pride of lions lapping at the water’s edge, paddle past elephants as they cross from one side of the Zambezi to another and enjoy the myriad of bird species that make their homes on the banks of the river. Crocodiles and hippos are in abundance and therefore these magical journeys are not for the faint hearted. This experience is always carried out with a highly qualified guide and can last anything from 2-3 hours to 2-3 days, the choice is yours.

Kibale is a thriving hub of primates, from the black and white colobus to the chimpanzees, which are the star players. Led by your expert guide, set out on a trekking expedition through the dense forest to see the chimps in their leafy home, where you'll spend an hour with them. Once you discover their location for the day, watch as they swing through the vines, forage for nuts and fruit, and groom each other. If you're on an evening trek, you may even see the chimps building a nest for the night. Kibale boasts nearly a quarter of Africa's chimpanzee population, which live in three large troops, making it one of the ultimate places to see them up close. The best, most comfortable and least rainy time to go is between June and August, or December and March.

Tarangire has a rare water source flowing through the area, drawing in great herds of elephant and other wildlife. This, combined with mild weather conditions creates the ideal environment for walking safaris. Spend anything from a morning to a couple of nights on foot, as a trained guide leads you on an interpretive wilderness journey, examining all the links, from the Siafu ants to the mighty bull elephant, in the circle of life.

One of the most magnificent natural features of Gonarezhou National Park is the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs. Take a game drive to see these magnificent red sandstone cliffs, which have been formed through eons of erosion. Overlook the scenic Runde River valley, where lion, leopard, cheetah (including the rare king cheetah), buffalo, giraffe, zebra and many species of large antelope roam. The rare nyala and smaller suni are two of the highlights of the Park's smaller antelopes. In addition, hundreds of species of birds may be spotted in the Park. Unique species of aquatic wildlife such as the Zambezi Shark, Freshwater Goby, Black Bream and the unique turquoise killifish can be seen within the Park's rivers and pools.

The South Luangwa might be the home of the walking safari, but the North Luangwa is where they really come alive. Here, there are no game drives, just your own two feet and truly excellent guides that know the wilderness like the back of their hands - and zero permanent lodges cluttering up the landscape! The walks aren’t designed to be route marches either - it’s all about taking in the epic wildlife and scenery and truly getting back to nature. Stroll beside languid waterways where hippos doze and the birdlife is incredible, watch the horizon for members of the Big Five and delight in the smallest details. That's what a walking safari is all about.

Kisite Marine Park is just a short boat ride from Msambweni Beach, and is home to one of Kenya’s largest and most spectacular coral reefs. Each morning, visitors to the reef climb aboard a dhow (a traditional East African sailing boat) and venture out for a morning of snorkelling. Dolphins often cruise the islands around the reefs and accompany visitors on these expeditions and then maybe even escort them to Wasini Island to delight in Charlie Claws infamous fresh crabs and a cold coca cola.

Phinda offers the rare opportunity to see both black and white rhino in the wild. Experienced guides take you out into the bush on foot, where they interpret the tracks and signs in the attempt to locate one of these majestic creatures—one of Africa's biggest and most endangered animals.

Africa’s highest mountain is certainly no walk in the park. Standing close to the equator and yet maintaining a permanent snowcap, you know that summiting this dormant volcano is not for the faint of heart. Several days of hard fought trudging carries you away from the game plains, landing you at 5,895 metres just in time to take in the most spectacular sunrise you’re ever likely to witness. Hundreds of kilometres of flat savannah with dotted lakes, silver in the slanting morning sunlight, stretch away from your feet and add to the dizzying high of having conquered perhaps the most handsome of the ‘Seven Summits’.

You may have heard of Naivasha, the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley, but we'll let you in on its best kept secret. A short boat ride from the shore (passing pink-eared hippo as you go), lies Crescent Island, a well-protected gem with more wildlife per acre than any other park in Kenya. Put on your safari boots for a scenic walk across the island with flourishing birdlife from pelicans to eagles that soar overhead, and plenty of plains game. Watch families of giraffe snack on acacia leaves or stretch with impressive agility to drink from the water's edge, and wildebeest and gazelle gathered in their hundreds, only disturbed by the occasional jackal. Lay out under the shade for a picnic overlooking the steamy springs of Hell's Gate (which just might be your next stop) before returning to your lodge on the mainland.

Head out sightseeing in Windhoek for a comprehensive look at the capital's history from the colonial era to modern times, as well as taking you to other places of interest like Christuskirche, Alte Feste Museum, Heroes Acre, Gibeon Meteorite Fountain, The Old Location, The Station.

​Take Africa’s largest lake, pull the plug, and watch as millions of tonnes of water sluice through… That plughole is Jinja in Uganda where Lake Victoria’s contents spill out, forming the Nile and some of the world’s most spectacular rapids. Hurtle down a broiling field of spray, being flung from side to side at the mercy of age old currents, and cling on, heart in mouth, as the raft’s nose rides abruptly over a curling crest – and all this with only helmet and paddle for protection.

The bustling town of Arusha sits in the shadow of Mount Meru, an active volcano and the second highest peak in Tanzania. Take a trip into the Arusha National Park and hike Mount Meru’s slopes, where you will encounter a variety of interesting wildlife species—a startlingly diverse environment with amazing views of Kilimanjaro. Enjoy hiking along the crest of the crater rim, with distant, views of Kilimanjaro from the summit, and the ability to see a lot of wildlife on the lower slopes in the form of a walking safari. This is also a chance to escape the tourist crowds.

Walking is the ideal way to experience the raw beauty of Tuli. Being on foot provides game viewing opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise have on a game drive through this rugged landscape. It is also a much more intimate experience, as you enjoy learning about some of the smaller creatures of the bush, and appreciate the art of tracking animals that you might not even know existed. You can reach many areas that vehicles can't go. Tuli is famous for its large elephant populations, and one of the greatest experiences is to encounter one of these great beasts on foot with an experienced guide (safely, from a distance). Walking offers a holistic experience—a peaceful opportunity for reflection.

The Spitzkoppe is best seen at dawn or dusk when the light paints the granite in soft colours of pink and crimson. Photograph the main peak, which is 1784m high and some 700 million years old, and enjoy a nature walk or climb among the intriguing rocks and arches.

Visit Mafia Island between October and March to swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest known fish species, as they slowly migrate north. Take a boat out from the island to the deeper water and then jump in with snorkel and fins and float beside these gentle giants as they open their mouths and feed on plankton, completely relaxed by your presence. The water is clear and warm in this part of the Indian Ocean, and you can spend hours enjoying the company of these great animals. Head back to the island and end your day with cocktails and a tropical sunset, a life-changing experience that will stay with you forever.

Being on horseback allows you to get close to animals like the endangered roan and sable antelope or the usually skittish Hartmann’s mountain zebra without disturbing them. Beginners and advanced riders alike can ride across the grassy plains and red dunes, drink in the beauty of the Kalahari landscape and enjoy its stillness.

Just 700m shorter than its more famous sister, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya is a sight to behold. You emerge from the bordering forests onto stretches of grassy mountain plains broken with deep valleys and lush mountain streams. As you climb higher into the land of giant lobelia’s the temperature drops and Mt Kenya’s three peaks; Batian, Nelion and Lenana tower above you. Those who summit Lenana for sunrise are rewarded with spectacular views, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt Kilimanjaro. Technical alpine climbers take on Batian and Nelion, which some of the world’s best climbers have declared to be amongst the most challenging and rewarding technical ascents in the world.

One can often miss the details of the bush—a leopard track in the sand; a rare bird call; or a unique flower—when bumbling in a vehicle. Guided walks are a fantastic way to explore the Waterberg area, with its soaring massif and rolling plains. These can be in the form of a gentle stroll to identify insects and birds - or spot a porcupine quill, track animals through the bush, or learn the medicinal properties of various trees and plants. If you're in the area, your expert guide may take you to see the gallery of San rock paintings dating back thousands of years. Return to camp for a hearty brunch!

Experience the Garden Route National Park's restless breakers, rocky coastline and indigenous forest, its magical world of marine life. Meet the Knysna seahorse, Brenton blue butterfly or colourful Knysna turaco. Walk on the beach, go canoeing on rivers and fresh-water lakes or head for the hills on foot or on your mountain bike.

Pioneered by the legendary conservationist Norman Carr in the 1950s, South Luangwa is the birthplace of the walking safari. You'll be led by a park ranger and expert guide, trained to decipher the tiniest detail and predict an animal's movements, often leading to moments unique to a walking safari. And your guide has a bank of knowledge to go with every discovery. Along the way, you'll cross rivers in between herds of elephant and spy on leopard dozing in a tree, stopping occasionally to examine the handiwork of a dung beetle, admire the birds, or for a well-earned cup of tea. Seeing wildlife undisturbed and in their own element, from the smallest critters to the biggest, this is a walking safari in South Luangwa. Leave at first light to catch the animals at their most active and you'll be out for around four hours. For the most comfortable and lucrative conditions, June to September is the best time to go. Don't miss this Timbuktu favourite!