Boating safari experiences

It's safe to say the Zambezi River needs little introduction...And what better way to experience the crocodile-steeped waters, incredible birdlife and animals lining the banks in their hundreds than from the river itself? Swap your 4x4 for something slightly more mellow and float down the Zambezi by boat. By day, motor between the tiny islands and keep your eyes peeled for splashing elephant and colourful waterbirds. By night, mix G&Ts with a pastel-hued sunset and you’ve got the ultimate sunset river cruise. With most lodges offering trips on the water, this is an essential part of any Lower Zambezi safari.

Hop aboard a smooth-sailing catamaran to explore the stunning Knysna lagoon where you'll delve into the history of this protected haven all while eyeing out incredible birdlife. Enjoy idyllic views of Knysna town, Leisure Isle and splashing seals before cruising into deeper waters. The Knysna Heads, two dramatic sea cliffs between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean, are your gateway to a coastline of quiet bays, rugged caves and plenty of marine life.

Travel the tranquil waterways and lagoons of Moremi in style with a boat safari. Leave the jetty as your guide weaves past tall pockets of papyrus where jewel-bright kingfishers wait to speed after a fish, tiny palm islands and banks where the wildest of creatures stop to quench their thirst - think lions, elephant, red lechwe and leopard lurking in the trees. Hear the legends of the Delta and learn all about its four-legged residents from your knowledgeable skipper. Faster and more comfortable than a mokoro, exploring the Delta by boat is always a winning choice, especially in the dry season (July to October). Enjoy the delightful views in the early morning or in the golden hours before sunset when you'll finish with feet-in-the-water sundowners.

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.