Boating safari experiences

It’s usually Hermanus that steals the show when it comes to whale-watching, but the drive along the picture-perfect coastal road from Cape Town through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay is just as spectacular. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic creatures as you go and when you reach Hermanus, stretch your legs with a stroll through the galleries, bookstores and boutiques. After a lazy lunch, head into the hills of the Hemel-en-Aarde for a taste of the grapes from a cool-climate region, in particular the South African speciality, Pinot Noir.

Pemba’s lush, undulating interior is beautiful and wild, but nothing compared to the tropical waters that surround it. Here, fisherman craft handmade traditional sailing boats called dhows using mango wood and invite you to experience sailing their way. They can take you on a day trip to a secretive sandbank to enjoy a picnic lunch on powder sand, watch the sunset from the open ocean or jump right in and snorkel the colourful reefs that surround this quiet, castaway island.

Leave the island in a speedboat in search of the oceans most majestic creatures, whales. Your skipper will give you a run-down of the whales you might see, their traits and the best way to see a whale up-close while respecting their peace. There is always the chance to see whales in Mauritius, as long as the weather conditions are good, but Humpback Whales migrate between July and November. The species you're likely to see year-round include Blainville's Beaked Whale, Gray's Beaked Whale, Dwarf Sperm Whale and the Sperm Whale, which is a favourite in Mauritius. Expect to be enthralled and humbled by these giants of the deep as they blow, flap and (if you're lucky), leap from the water.

Dubbed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the Bazaruto Archipelago is nothing short of picturesque. Ask anybody and they'd tell you, one of the best ways to take in this dreamy destination is from a dhow. The traditional way of getting around these seas for thousands of years, dhows have become synonymous with Africa's east coast. From the island's quiet beaches of soft white sand you'll watch local dhows sail to and fro on the turquoise waters. As the wind fills the wistful, curved sails, you'll cruise across the water, toasting another splendid day as the sun turns the sea from gold to pink to dusky blue. Keep your eyes peeled for flocks of pelicans, sea turtles, rare dugong and dolphin dancing in the waves! Temperate and steady most of the year (with the chance of rain between January and March), there isn't a 'bad' time for a dhow cruise.

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.

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!

If you dream of seeing dolphins, seals and whales (in the right season), Knysna's liquid landscapes bring your dreams to life. On board the magnificent 50-foot Outeniqua yacht, take in the gentle estuary views before crossing through the Headlands to experience the delights of the Indian Ocean. While you meander down the coast, watch for playful dolphins, soaring seabirds and more, before returning to the picturesque Knysna lagoon.