Wildlife experiences

One third of wild cheetahs live in Southern Africa and you'll have the chance to visit the centre working hard to protect these fast and fierce cats. Spend a few hours at the Cheetah Conservation Centre where you'll see the big cats at feeding time and on the 'hunt' for specially made lure. Learn about the history and promising future of cheetah conservation at the museum before heading out on a game drive to spot the rehabilitated cats on their own turf - cameras at the ready!

In Namibia's far north, you don't have to look far for the wildlife. In the early morning light or once the midday heat subsides, head out on a game drive where your seasoned guide will share the headline and low-key creatures of Etosha. Zig-zag between nearby waterholes where the big cats stop for a drink as herds of zebra and antelope gather in herds on opposite banks. Let your eyes wander across the plains where tall giraffes and tiny Damara dik-diks graze, and families of elephant stroll among the mopane trees. Not to mention the chance of spotting the endangered white rhino! Stop for a steaming cuppa or sundowner before returning to camp.

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.

Damaraland is a starkly beautiful place of mountains and red-rocked desert vistas. It's in this arid environment that the elephant has learned to thrive with as little as 100mm of rain each year. Join your expert guide on a 4x4 drive into the desert to track these incredible animals as they trek along the parched riverbeds between scarce water sources and feeding grounds.

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.

Just shy of dawn or as dusk approaches in the afternoon, chuck your khakis on and head out for a game drive across Samburu's rust-coloured landscape. Amongst the dramatic outcrops, there lurks the Special Six including the stunning reticulated giraffe and long-necked gerenuk who snack on juicy acacia leaves, the elusive Somali ostrich, and down by the snaking Ewaso Nyiro river, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx and Günther's dik-dik gather for a drink. Driving by the pockets of greenery at the river's edge, you'll spot splashing elephant, hippos soaking in the water and a plethora of birdlife. Take in every inch of this unique and wild park where lions nap under the shade of golden tamarinds and black rhino leave tracks in the sand. Then, return to camp for a well-deserved G&T.

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.

Lake Nakuru may dazzle with its birdlife, but its shores attract some rather special visitors too. Take in the startling sight of rare white rhino as they walk beside the lake to enjoy a drink before ambling on to graze in the expansive plains . They're also joined by the elusive black rhino, distinguished by its hooked lip and feisty attitude. As the only entirely fenced national park in all of Kenya, Lake Nakuru has become a haven for these endangered and very rare beauties. On a game drive through this wild corner of the Great Rift Valley, enjoy the bucket list-worthy chance to see the black and white rhinos on their own turf.

In Otijawarongo, conservation is king and you'll delve right in with a visit to the Africat Foundation. Their mission is to understand the lives of leopard and brown hyena, and how to assist their survival. On a tour of the centre, learn how local children are introduced to wildlife conservation and communities are involved in important initiatives. Plus, you'll get the low down on protecting pangolins from climate change. Return to camp with a new zest for conservation!

Journey into the verdant forests of Volcanoes National Park, one of the only places in the world where endangered golden monkeys are found - and you are able to get as close. You'll make tracks in the early morning to follow your seasoned guide on a trekking adventure to find these fascinating and animated primates. There are two habituated troops, the largest of which has between 80 and 100 monkeys, which can be found at the foot of soaring Mount Sabyinyo. You'll spend an hour there and be fully immersed in their world, surrounded by the bronze-backed primates as they scamper through the undergrowth, leap through the bamboo branches and investigate their guests (that's you!). It's also less strenuous compared to other activities in the area thanks to the relatively flat terrain and length of treks (it can take as little as 30 minutes to locate the troop).

As if Dzanga-Sangha wasn't unique enough, it also provides marshy clearings amongst the thick rainforest, the perfect place to explore on foot. An experienced guide will lead the way, calling out trivia about the history and heritage of the area, its wildlife and its people. The bais are where most of the forest's wildlife gathers, including eye catching flocks of Great Blue Turacos and the endemic Dzanga robin, herds of forest buffalo and elephant foraging for minerals, and pint-sized red river hogs rolling in the mud. Be prepared to get more than a little mucky and wet, crossing the bai to explore a tiny island and seeing species you've never encountered before, closer than you would ever expect. Your boots will surely need drying by the fire, but trust us, it'll be more than worth it. Or for the greatest adventure, sleep out on a research platform and wake up to sunlight streaming through the mist as elephant wallow in the mud.

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.

Round these parts, horseriding is almost a given! The even savannah leads perfectly into the lush foothills of Mount Kenya, and there are plenty of lodges on pretty conservancies that offer guided rides to find the wildlife. If you can't imagine a better way to explore the plains of Kenya, we're happy to arrange a multi-day excursion. Enjoy a safari from the back of your wild guide, where you can spot protected wildlife like black rhino (Laikipia is home to around half of Kenya's population) and the rest of the Big Five, as well as gangly giraffe, herds of Grevy's zebra and buffalo, and if you're lucky, the beautiful African painted dog.

In Zimbabwe, elephant reign supreme and nowhere more so than Mana Pools, which occupies prime land beside the Zambezi River. Apart from the hazy blue forests of Ana trees, the area is rather sparsely vegetated, making it perfect for a walking safari with few hiding spots. Your guide is highly trained in understanding wildlife dynamics and how to find the myriad animals, while remaining mostly undetected. Using the clues left behind by wildlife, you may be walking quietly through the forest when an elephant stands on its back legs to reach the treetop bounty or follow a pack of African painted dog on their travels, sometimes getting within a few meters. Much of the wildlife is quite used to humans tramping through the park! Stop for chilled drinks while a herd of buffalo grazes downwind before returning to camp. The driest, safest and most rewarding time for a walking safari is between May and September.

Depart from camp with your expert guide and tracker in tow to follow the trail of the rare black rhino. Venture out in a 4x4 as your tracker susses out the location of these tough-skinned beauties, where you'll continue on foot. Learn the ropes of rhino tracking from the best and experience the thrill of seeing these secretive creatures in the wild and up-close. Watch in wonderment as they trundle amongst the boulders and nibble on a euphorbia plant as your guide fills you in on the hard-won conservation efforts in Damaraland.

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.

Ditch the jeep and explore the crisp, crimson landscape of Samburu on foot. Follow your expert guide as they lead you on a journey of tracking black rhinos and the 'Special Five', and spotting the details that are often missed. Let your safari slow to a gentle pace as you stop to learn the names and uses of desert-dwelling flora, discover skeletons left behind by predators (both large and small) and examine rock formations for tiny critters.