Wildlife experiences

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.

Leave the island in a speedboat in search of the oceans most majestic creatures, whales. Your skipper will give you a run-down of the whales you might see, their traits and the best way to see a whale up-close while respecting their peace. There is always the chance to see whales in Mauritius, as long as the weather conditions are good, but Humpback Whales migrate between July and November. The species you're likely to see year-round include Blainville's Beaked Whale, Gray's Beaked Whale, Dwarf Sperm Whale and the Sperm Whale, which is a favourite in Mauritius. Expect to be enthralled and humbled by these giants of the deep as they blow, flap and (if you're lucky), leap from the water.

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.

Embark on a game drive as dawn appears or dusk approaches, where the wildlife of Chobe is on full display. Your knowledgable guide knows every hot spot and secret perch so they'll steer your experience in the right direction. This region of Botswana is home to the largest concentrations of elephant in Africa so you'll be treated to herds marching across the plains and stopping by the river. Keep your binoculars ready to spot the flick of a leopards tail and ferocious yawn of a lion. Stop for sustenance beneath a leafy acacia before heading back to your lodge with plenty of stories to tell.

The up-and-coming safari gem of Rwanda, Akagera offers some truly stellar game viewing. Join your guide for an epic morning, afternoon or full-day in an open 4x4 to spot the best of the park's wildlife. You're sure to be the only ones around for miles. Dubbed as some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa, Akagera is home to giant herds of buffalo, rare antelope, fantastic birdlife and the Big Five, including incredible tree-climbing lion and black rhino. Stop for a picnic in the shade or iced sundowners before retuning to base.

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.

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.

Down Africa's mightiest river, the Nile, you'll take to the water for a boat trip in search of the elusive and animated Shoebill. Ironically, they grow up to 1.5m in height). Helmed by an expert captain (and wildlife-spotter), your boat will navigate the enormous papyrus delta where incredible birdlife flutters amongst the greenery. Along the way, you might spy a Rothschild's giraffe swooping to drink or elephant splashing at the water's edge. If you time it just right, you'll make your return journey as the sun sets.

Zimbabwe may be landlocked but that hasn't stopped it from creating Lake Kariba, a sprawling inland sea fed by the brimming waters of the Zambezi River. When it comes to boating safaris in Zimbabwe, there's little competition with spectacular wildlife on its shores, luxury houseboats to recline on (some even have a jacuzzi) and fantastic fishing. Enjoy a cruise across the water, navigating the bleached leadwood trees and pods of hippo, and finding secluded inlets to explore. The summers get notoriously hot but the best time for dry, calm and cooler weather is between May and July. Make the most out of your Lake Kariba experience and book a houseboat for a couple of nights!

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.