Boating safari experiences

Take in Murchison Falls at its thundering and most breathtaking on a boat trip to the mist-swirled base. Begin your trip further down the park, where you'll float along the Nile River, passing yawning hippos and crocodiles as they glower from below the water. Formed as the rushing Nile River squeezes through a 7m gap in the Albertine Rift Escarpment, Murchison Falls is a true spectacle and one of the world's most powerful waterfalls. The park's plentiful wildlife often gathers to drink at the base, so you can get started on your game viewing. The falls are at their most magnificent during the rainy season, especially late May and November, when the birdlife is most verdant as well.

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.

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.

Nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', the Bazaruto Archipelago is nothing short of sensational. And what better way to explore it all than on a boat trip round its five fabulous islands? The archipelago sits within a protected marine reserve, complete with powdery soft beaches, azure water and amazing sea life. Climb to the top of the sand dunes, park off under a palm on one of the uninhabited isles, search for the rare pansy shells, snorkel along the life-filled reefs and scan the water for everything from dolphin to dugong on the way. Stop for a beach picnic and a dip in the water to finish of a magnificent day of island hopping.

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.