Wildlife experiences

It's one of life's greatest joys to tread through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, hear a hushed, "there they are", and see the surreal figure of a fully-grown mountain gorilla for the first time. You will leave in the early hours and be led by your seasoned guide through the jungle that covers the volcano foothills. After walking for up to four hours (directed by the findings of a scout), you will spend an magical hour watching the antics of these mysterious creatures. See the fascinating family dynamics, youngsters at play and the comical grooming process. The gorillas can be up to three times the size of an average man yet are still remarkably tolerant of human visitors. The best time to go is the dry season (June - Sep). Known as one of Africa's most beautiful rainforests, it is home to around half of the world's mountain gorilla population (300) and it's one of the best places to see them in the wild. And every cent goes back into protecting them and their home!

A verdant tangle of wildlife-brimming tropical forest and some of the most amazing gorilla-trekking territory in the world, Dzanga-Sangha is a real gem. The park is a sanctuary for dozens of endangered species, including one of Africa's most diverse collections of primates, which you'll discover while exploring this piece of the Congo Basin on foot. You'll leave in the early light, led by your experienced guide across the delightfully flat terrain, walking straight into the forest to find a family of western lowland gorilla. Spend a memorable hour with these smaller relatives of the mountain gorilla, watching as they tumble along the forest floor, snack on insects and groom each other. While the rainforests of Africa are almost perpetually damp, the best and least rainy time to go is between May and September.

Under a canvas of stars, set out from camp in a jeep to spy on the wildlife as Amboseli comes alive with a whole new cast of creatures. Even more so than the day, night time belongs to the predators. Lions slink between the trees, sniffing out hidden antelopes, and spotted hyenas howl in excitement as they look for leftovers. In the quiet of the evening, scan the brush for a pair of glowing eyes - then try and figure out if they belong to a bush baby, aardvark or even the shy civet. Your guide knows all and won't let any rustle go unnoticed!

Known as Rwanda's rising star of safari, Akagera is a vast landscape marked by its large and gleaming lakes. Take to the water early in the morning or at golden hour when birdlife from its 520 species takes a last flight before settling into the forest-fringed shores. Cruise the lake, navigating lurking crocodile (the highest numbers in Africa) and pods of hippo, whilst spotting the wildlife on shore. As the sun sets, casting its colours across the water, enjoy a chilled drink and snap all the photos you can.

Of all the Kruger's wild and woolly creatures, the Big Five induces the most gasps - and with good reason! At sunrise (or as sunset approaches), depart from camp on a game drive with your expert guide to track Africa's most famous quintet. Explore the rolling savannah, lush valleys and river banks where you may spy a languid leopard on a branch, elephant splashing in the water, rhino and buffalo snuffling in the grass and a pride of lion snoozing in the shade of a fever tree.

When it comes to conservation and unbelievably diverse wildlife, Laikipia has them both in spades. Take your seat on an open 4x4 in the early mornings and late afternoons, setting out to ogle more animals than you could imagine. Laikipia has some of the best wildlife in Kenya including the likes of giraffe, Grevy's zebra, cheetah and growing packs of painted dogs. Keep your binoculars poised to see the Big Five, including almost half of Kenya's black rhino population who graze in the shadow of Mount Kenya!

Southern Africa is crammed with scenes straight out of The Lion King, but we don't know if there's one quite as endearing as seeing a tiny meerkat wriggle out of their burrow to inspect the human in front of them. In the surreal Makgadikgadi Pans, you'll be escorted by a guide to the sandy home of habituated meerkats. These animated creatures aren't tame but they are certainly curious and might curl up in your lap on a chilly morning or use your head as a platform for a better view. It's fascinating to watch their eyes dart and noses sniff the wind as they keep a lookout for predators.

Across East Africa, lions can be found lazing in the sun and draped over rocks but the big cats at Lake Manyara do things a bit differently. Garnering wonder from many safari-goers, generations of lion have been sizing up a sturdy tree, clawing their way to a comfortable branch and spending the day snoozing under the leaves. Whether it was to escape charging buffalo or the pesky midday flies, the habit has stuck! It's a real treat to spot the famous tree-climbing lions on a game drive in the park.

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.

Depart from the jetty to sail down Swakopmund's coast in a catamaran. This double-hulled vessel is steady with plenty of space to scan the waves from the stern. Your ocean adventure will be led by top sea-going guides and an expert skipper who share the secrets of the deep with you. Keep your eyes wide open to spot the lithe dolphins as they swim beside the boat, docile Leatherback Turtles and sunfish that emerge from the depths. Not to mention the flurry of pelicans and diving birds! If you're in town between July and November, you may even spot Humpback or Southern Right Whales who emerge to sun their bellies. Your guides will point out the highlights of Namibia's western coastline, from the Pelican Point lighthouse to the standout ships anchored in the bay. Before heading back to shore, enjoy a tasty lunch of freshly-shucked oysters, sweet treats and champagne.

Well cared for and utterly majestic, the elephants at the Kandy foundation are a joy to meet. Help the mahout (keeper) as they give out medicine and vitamins, then join an elephant on their walkabout across the grounds. You can also be part of bathtime - but there's a good chance you'll get soaked. Visit the on-site museum to delve into Sri Lanka's complex history with elephants and what the foundation does to protect these gentle giants.

We'd bet our hides, you've heard of the Big Five, but do you know about the Samburu Special Five? Swap Africa's biggest names for these unique and rare creatures on a game drive through sun-baked Samburu. Roll call...Grevy's zebra (who gather in a dazzle of black and white), the aptly-named long-necked gerenuk who startles by standing on its hind legs to reach the juiciest leaves and produces young throughout the year - keep your eyes peeled for a fawn taking its first tottering steps. Look out for Somali ostrich, long-horned Beisa oryx and striking reticulated giraffe as they meander down dry river beds. And the best part is, most of these animals can't be found anywhere else in Africa.

The vast Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s largest wilderness areas, and the perfect habitat for the infamous and energetic wild dogs. Even better, time a safari to see the dogs with their puppies at a den site from May to June, where the puppies come out in the mornings and evening to play and feed, providing amazing photographic opportunities. In the drier months between may and October, antelope and other prey species tend to concentrate around the water sources, making this a great time to see other predators, such as lion and leopard, too.

Within the protected and super remote Linyanti, you'll explore the grasslands and marshy plains on a game drive. As dawn breaks or dusk approaches, your expert guide will lead you on a journey across this wildlife haven. Traverse the landscape in search of big cats, even bigger elephant and the incredible African painted dog on the hunt (visit between July and August to see the scampering pups). Stop for a refreshing cup of something hot or a sundowner before you return to camp.

The birdlife in Liuwa is extraordinary, and it’s not unusual to spend hours at a single waterhole, simply watching the avian comings and goings. Depending on the time of year, expect to see hundreds of pelican, wattled or crowned crane, geese and smaller waterbirds. Other "specials" include pink-billed and clapper larks and white-cheeked bee-eaters, and the park is also home to grey crowned cranes, recently classified as Endangered due to population decline. Keep cameras ready for the raptors too, including bateleur and martial eagles and greater kestrel.

African wild dog are a favourite amongst many safari enthusiasts across the globe. This highly endangered and rarely-seen carnivore can be difficult to find at the best of times. June is characterised by hot, still days, low humidity, low rainfall and more importantly; the perfect opportunity to encounter these animals. Head to the Ruaha National Park of Tanzania for the African wild dog denning season and dramatically increase your chances of meeting this charismatic animal.

Rhinos are under constant threat from poaching, and there are only a few places you can go to in East Africa to find them living safely and comfortably in the wild. Meru is one of these places. The thick vegetation and lush swampy riverlines make the Meru rhino sanctuary a real haven for these prehistoric giants. Forty odd rhinos, an equal mixture of black and white, are monitored closely by rangers working around the clock. With such large numbers, good, clear sightings of them are guaranteed.