Boating safari experiences

Set sail along the coast of Zanzibar the best way we know how...on a bona fide dhow. Used by fishermen and travellers for centuries, it feels like a slice out of a different era. The breeze billowing in pearly-white sails, recline in the cushioned wooden hull, with nothing but ocean views before you - keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins! The real world will feel a million miles away as you watch the sun dip lower over the horizon and with a G&T in hand, a toast to your island adventure is in order.

Unlike the Luangwa in the dry season, the 'Emerald Season' - December to April - is a whole new world of water-logged ebony groves and hippo-filled lagoons. It's home to some of the largest pods in Africa! The wonderful river, fringed by huge fig and sausage trees, rises dramatically, and floating along the water on a boat safari is one of the best ways to view game. The birding scene really comes into its own, in full colourful plumage, and you could see up to 100 species in a single day. Time it just right and you'll be clinking G&Ts as the sun sets over the river. Even better, only a handful of camps are open, so the watery wilderness is all yours.

Through the ride, as we sail down the Ganges, the guests will view the iconic sites of Tulsi Ghat and the Panch Parmeshwar Temple, amongst others.

Odzala may not be a destination often bandied about in travel magazines but it happens to be an oasis for a variety of endangered species and spectacular flora. Criss-crossed by ribbons of flowing rivers, a boat trip is one of the best ways to discover the landscape. Joined by a seasoned local guide, you'll take to the water, passing through dense forest, sunlit clearings and keeping watch for the plentiful wildlife. The Congo Basin plays host to over 400 species of birdlife, from the elusive Great Blue Turaco to large palm-nut vultures. Some of the most predator-free waterways in Africa, you're bound to spot members of the 'Forest Five' ambling through the trees and drinking along the banks. These include western lowland gorilla, forest elephant and buffalo, bongo and the giant forest hog. The scenery is sublime and the photography is amazing, and you'll enjoy the best of both on a boat cruise. Time it just right and you'll witness the sun setting beautifully over the trees. The most pleasant time to visit the forest is in the least rainy months, from May to September.

Matusadona has plenty to boast about, from its wildlife to its picture-perfect landscapes, but Lake Kariba is the true star. The largest man-made lake in the world, it spans over 140 miles of the Zambezi Valley and, seated on a houseboat, it can even feel like you're gazing out to sea. As the wildlife begins to settle down for the night you'll cruise onto the water with a G&T in hand. Watch the scene become enveloped by shades of scarlet and gold as the sun dips behind the Matusadona Mountains, followed by an evening of star gazing.

Dzanga-Sangha may not be a destination often bandied about in travel magazines but it happens to be an oasis for a variety of endangered species and spectacular flora. Criss-crossed by ribbons of flowing rivers, a boat trip is one of the best ways to discover the landscape. Joined by a seasoned local guide, you'll take to the water, passing through dense forest, sunlit clearings and keeping watch for the plentiful wildlife. The Congo Basin plays host to over 400 species of birdlife, from the elusive Great Blue Turaco to large palm-nut vultures. Some of the most predator-free waterways in Africa, you're bound to spot members of the 'Forest Five' ambling through the trees and drinking along the banks. These include western lowland gorilla, forest elephant and forest buffalo, bongo and the giant forest hog. Not to mention, clouds of butterfly! The scenery is sublime and the photography is amazing, and you'll enjoy the best of both on a boat cruise. Time it just right and you'll witness the sun setting beautifully over the trees. The most pleasant time to visit the forest is in the least rainy months, from May to September.

Down Africa's mightiest river, the Nile, you'll take to the water for a boat trip in search of the elusive and animated Shoebill. Ironically, they grow up to 1.5m in height). Helmed by an expert captain (and wildlife-spotter), your boat will navigate the enormous papyrus delta where incredible birdlife flutters amongst the greenery. Along the way, you might spy a Rothschild's giraffe swooping to drink or elephant splashing at the water's edge. If you time it just right, you'll make your return journey as the sun sets.

Zimbabwe may be landlocked but that hasn't stopped it from creating Lake Kariba, a sprawling inland sea fed by the brimming waters of the Zambezi River. When it comes to boating safaris in Zimbabwe, there's little competition with spectacular wildlife on its shores, luxury houseboats to recline on (some even have a jacuzzi) and fantastic fishing. Enjoy a cruise across the water, navigating the bleached leadwood trees and pods of hippo, and finding secluded inlets to explore. The summers get notoriously hot but the best time for dry, calm and cooler weather is between May and July. Make the most out of your Lake Kariba experience and book a houseboat for a couple of nights!

A mere hop, skip and a jump from Victoria Falls is the spectacular Chobe National Park. It’s famed for magnificent elephant sightings, but there’s plenty more in the way of wildlife to spot, making for a wonderful day of game-viewing. In the morning, you’ll head for the border and meet your Botswana guide for the day. Then, it’s straight to the river for a morning boat cruise and eye-level encounters with the watery wildlife and of course, the iconic herds of elephant that line the banks. You’ll enjoy lunch in a nearby hotel before hopping on a vehicle for an afternoon game drive and (hopefully) some predator action, before returning to the border and crossing back into Zimbabwe.