Active experiences

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.

Take a leaf out of the chimpanzee's book and experience Nyungwe forest from the treetops. The only one of its kind in East Africa, the Canopy Walk is a 200m-long rope-style metal bridge suspended between ancient mahoganies. From your vantage point about 60m above the forest floor, enjoy the flash of colourful birdlife (there are some 300 species) and look out for Nyungwe's baker's dozen of primates, including the rare golden monkey and colobus. Once you've spied all the flora and fauna you can, with a good dose of amazing views, you'll return to the ground.

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.

One of the most popular activities in Nambia is a five-day hike from Hobas to Ai-Ais through the Fish River Canyon. The magical 85km route, which follows the sandy riverbed past a series of ephemeral pools, is open from 15 April to 15 September, though you will have to book in advance.

Why visit them on the outside if you can discover them on the inside? Come and be part of this great adventure, discover a unique place in the world, surrounded by turquoise waters and large rock formations. Go kayaking and get to know the Cathedral, Chapel and marble tunnel. Let yourself be surprised by one of the most beautiful landscapes with our kayak Guides entering the different formations, being able to appreciate and be in direct contact with nature.

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.