Wildlife experiences

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.

Early evening, you will be driven around 45 minutes for a bush dinner and rendezvous with elephant in the wild at this lovely place called Dera Amer.

Explore the papyrus swamps of Lake Victoria on a boat cruise in order spy the endangered shoebill stork. It's among these fluffy papyrus reeds where a number of rare, jurassic-looking shoebill pairs live, including a plethora of other incredible birdlife. If it's a more romantic setting you'd like, why not cruise the lake at sunset, where you'll nearly touch the equator.

Depart from camp as the morning breaks over the plains and the wildlife wakes, or after a siesta in the late afternoon, for a game drive in the bowl of the Great Rift Valley. And believe us, there's plenty to see... Keep your binoculars and camera on hand to spot vast herds of stamping buffalo, prides of lion peering out from the savannah and unmistakable swish of a leopard's tail in the treetops. The park is also home to rare white and black rhino! Trundle past Lake Nakuru where you'll revel in the birdlife, from the tiniest colourful bee-eater to the Verreaux's eagle soaring regally overhead.

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!