Africa

Explore our most popular destinations
  • Ethiopia

    Land-locked Ethiopia is – without a doubt – one of Africa's most all-encompassing, safe and beautiful countries, boasting landmarks and landscapes that are awesome in so many ways. A visit here will no doubt begin in the nation’s capital (it’s often referred to as the capital of Africa), Addis Ababa. It’s a good idea to start your Ethiopian sojourn with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia to see the fossilised skeleton of Lucy, the world's most famous early human ancestor (over 3 million years old), discovered in the area in the 1970s. Stay somewhere wonderful where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the grace and genuine hospitality of the Ethiopian people. Several hotels here offer international cuisine and luxurious, pampering settings from where to get to know your surroundings. Several things you’ll want to put on your “must-see” list includes the Addis Mercato – the sprawling, open-air market that’s perfect for picking up a few souvenirs – a handful of museums and St. George’s Cathedral. Take a cooking class, and learn to make something new and exciting, or, if the weather’s benevolent, take up temporary residency at your hotel’s poolside from where you can spend a few hours, or a day, in perfect bliss. Once you’ve exhausted all the city has to offer (or all the relaxation you require), it’s time to head off and explore the history, fauna and natural sights of this fascinating destination. Hiking enthusiasts will revel in the trekking opportunities in the highlands of northern Ethiopia’s spectacular Simien Mountains. The Lalibela area is strewn with ancient sights; expect to feel the world stand still as you make your way through the exquisite, rock-hewn churches. The fabled city of Gondar is equally worth a visit to see the medieval castle, the “Camelot of Africa”, and Debre Berhan Selassie, Ethiopia’s most beautiful church.
  • Kenya

    We can’t introduce Kenya without mention of the oscar-winning film ‘Out of Africa’. Whether you saw it back in 1985 or have watched it since, it will have left you with an adventurous feeling of falling in love with the country’s stunning landscapes. The gorgeous Maasai Mara savannah, romantic picnics, and breathtaking sunsets spring to mind. Go here if you’re looking for one of the best safaris you’ll ever take; seek genuine ‘once in a lifetime’ encounters with the fascinating Maasai people; or love dramatic, natural scenery. Nairobi, a vibrant, multicultural and modern city with skyscrapers, fine dining restaurants, theatres and shopping malls, is where most holidays in Kenya begin. Spend a night or two relaxing and exploring. Start with the Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of author Karen Blixen whose memoirs were the basis for the famous film, ‘Out of Africa’. And meet the sweet little orphaned elephants at The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust that are carefully nurtured before being released back into the wild when they’re ready. The main event in Kenya is a safari. And the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best places in the world for this because of the sheer variety of species you’ll see. Take game-drives in search of the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) and the hippos and crocs that wallow in the Mara River. Between July and October is a fantastic time frame to come if you’re looking to witness the annual migration of around one and a half million wildebeest, along with antelope and zebra — and their predators — rightly referred to as “one of the greatest shows on earth”. For an insight into Kenya’s rich tribal culture, join a tour with one of the red-cloaked, famously tall, Maasai warriors. He’ll show you around the local village and you’ll see the tribeswomen crafting colourful beaded necklaces. Their way of life has been beautifully preserved and time spent with the Maasai will never be forgotten. More off the beaten track is Laikipia, which has the second highest concentration of wildlife after Maasai Mara. From here, visit remote and unspoilt pockets of our planet. Take to the skies by helicopter for a trip over Mount Kenya’s extinct volcanic peaks, glaciers and forest covered slopes. Or get to feel like a true explorer in the Great Rift Valley, where Lake Baringo is famous for its flocks of flamingos and the Njemp fishermen who continue to live the same traditional lifestyle they have for over 200 years. Meanwhile, Lake Bogoria attracts Greater Kudu, buffalo, zebra and smaller plains game, but it’s the geysers and hot springs along the shoreline that make this place spectacular. Wherever you go in Kenya, it’s still possible to find some of the last remaining, unchanged wildernesses of the world.
  • Morocco

    Just a short-haul flight from Europe and yet worlds away, Morocco oozes exoticism and intrigue. Bustling cities hallmarked by Moorish architecture meet the orange sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and gorgeous stretches of sandy beach, with a good sprinkling of quirky characters to encounter along the way. It’s an intoxicating place that’s on every hip traveller’s bucket list. The heady scent of rose-infused oils, spices and tagines stewing in outdoor ovens fills the air. It’s distinctly Moroccan and beckons you to explore. The snake-charmers, storytellers and street food stalls of Djemma El Fna in Marrakech must be experienced to be believed, but the scene can be surveyed from the comfort of a rooftop restaurant with a refreshing glass of mint tea if you prefer. A similar experience can be had in the Imperial City of Fès, which is perhaps a bit more traditional and its cobblestoned medieval streets and historic buildings on every corner will transport you back in time. Or, hire a guide (so that you don’t get lost) and meander the labyrinthine souks to shop for handcrafted leather bags, rugs and slippers that are hard to resist. For a complete contrast, head into the Atlas Mountains where green valleys lead to fascinating Berber villages. Enjoy the welcome cool and sense of pure escapism, the waterfalls and natural springs, the lakes and forest of the elegant ‘spa town’ of Ifrane that has been likened to Switzerland. But, if you’re looking for an adventure, take a guided mule trek, a walk in Toubkal National Park, or a serene hot-air balloon trip complete with a champagne breakfast for spectacular vistas. If you wish to spend some time on the beach, Agadir is a great choice and an exfoliating Moroccan hamman spa treatment is the perfect way to prime your skin for a beautiful tan.
  • Rwanda

    For such a tiny country, Rwanda – officially the Republic of Rwanda – punches way above its weight when it comes to tourism offerings, and Kigali, the capital – with its trendy bars and restaurants, cool cafe culture, fascinating museums, boutiques and other cultural pursuits – wants for nothing. Hard to imagine, right? But the country has come a long way since the horrific genocide of the mid-90s and is now one of Africa’s most desirable destinations. Hotels and resorts built in recent times are not only spectacular, but they take every measure to be eco-friendly and to respect the environment, one that’s inhabited by the legendary mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and countless other animals and unique birds. Reforestation and other Green initiatives are high on the country’s agenda, the most aggressive in Africa. Getting a permit to go see the gorillas on a trek is a costly endeavour (you’ll obviously need a guide), and don’t forget you’ll no doubt require a visa before you go; an East Africa Tourist Visa can usually be obtained online. Start your visit in Kigali, where you’ll have a choice of very fine hotels and the opportunity to, at the very least, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before heading north to the Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking. Stop by the small Dian Fossey museum in Musanze, and get to know the silverbacks she studied for decades. There’s also The Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, opened in 2021, which continues Dian’s work today and is open to the public. Don’t miss the stunning environs of the Nyungwe Forest National Park, southwest of Kigali, where the impish chimps and other beauties reside. By no means does this exhaust the endless list of experiences to be enjoyed in the country, but it’s certainly a good start.
  • South Africa

    South Africa is a destination that instantly propels you from everything that’s familiar to a world of adventure, wild scenery and vibrant culture. Authentic, unique and inspirational experiences abound. Enjoy wildlife encounters on safari, historic journeys in Cape Town and Johannesburg and fabulous gastronomic moments in some of the world’s most renowned wineries. At its heart is the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. A popular sightseeing destination, you can easily spend a few days here. The cable-car ride up Table Mountain – camera in hand – is almost expected, while shopping and lunching at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a delight and a trip to Robben Island prison is certainly thought-provoking. To feel the sand between your toes, head for one of the beaches such as Camps Bay. It’s an affluent suburb and a nice place to enjoy the Atlantic, meet the locals and sample some beachside cafes. There’s whale-watching along the Cape too, or enjoy a round of golf on one of the fine courses. From the city, drive out along the Garden Route – a stunning ensemble of floral beauty – passing wild beaches, sparkling lakes and rolling hills en route. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, horse riding, penguin-spotting and more. If you enjoy the gourmet food scene, the Winelands are a must. Begin with a vineyard tour, then savour a special lunch of fresh Cape cuisine accompanied by a select bottle of wine as you gaze out at the picturesque valley scenery. At least once in your lifetime, a safari is highly recommended, and Johannesburg is often the place to embark on an onward adventure to the bushlands. The city has shaken off its reputation as somewhere to pass through as quickly as possible, and a couple of days can be spent exploring the arts scene, political heritage and local townships such as Soweto. It’s a springboard to top wilderness destinations including Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The winter months of May to September are good for game drives and tracking animals, including lions, elephants and rhino, and with the help of an expert tracker it’ll be one of life’s most thrilling experiences. Along with birdwatching, stargazing, sundowners and dinner around the boma, this part of the world will leave you with memories that will last for ever.
  • Tanzania

    The lure of the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro – otherwise known as the Roof of Africa as the highest peak on the continent – will, without a doubt, instil boatloads of excitement as you plan your trip to hike the peaks and visit with the Big Five. Then there’s the beaches, the friendly people, fascinating culture of Dar es Salaam and the Zanzibar Archipelago. Tanzania has all this and more wrapped up in one adventurous and enticing package. Furthermore, if you plan to visit Kenya and Uganda on the same trip, visa re-entry fees will be waived if you’re travelling between the three countries as long as your single-entry visa remains valid for each destination. Spend a few days in Dar es Salaam when you arrive. It’s the country’s largest city, although not it’s capital. The cultural sites, museums and zoos are worth exploring, and the seafood is certainly worth sticking around for. Plan to come between July and October, the driest time of the year. It also happens to be when millions of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the Serengeti during the annual Great Migration. About a 23 mile hop from the shore is Zanzibar by ferry, the semi-autonomous archipelago otherwise known as the Spice Islands. Life here is different in all aspects of life. Ruled by the Sultanate of Oman for centuries, it was a base for traders from the African Lakes region, India and the Arabian peninsula. Today, it’s a fascinating destination, and the ancient city of Stone Town is a UNESCO world heritage site well worth discovering. Whatever you do, don’t leave Tanzania without a tanzanite or two, for yourself or someone special. The purple and blue precious gemstone comes from a location at the foothills of Mount Kilamanjaro, the only source in the world.
  • Zambia

    Look no further if you seek a luxury safari somewhere off the beaten track that’s a lot less busy than some of the more traditional African destinations. Your interest in landlocked, often overlooked, Zambia may have been piqued when, a few years ago now, she who was Meghan Markle and her Prince Harry travelled to Botswana and then to neighbouring Zambia on a holiday before in the early days of their relationship. Not long after that, in 2017, Zambia was named safari destination of the year when, what seemed like all of a sudden, the country woke up, realised its potential and quickly went about making the country far more accessible and accommodating. Beautiful resorts and lodges were built, and tour guides and companies expanded their horizons. Results speak for themselves. Those who come here are, for the most part, intrepid travellers who want to discover an Africa still unknown to the masses who flock to the parks in Kenya, Northern Tanzania and South Africa. As home to Victoria Falls (indigenously, “Smoke that Thunders”) on its border with Zimbabwe, twenty national parks – primarily those lining the crocodile and hippo-infested Luangwa River – and so many superb wildlife sighting opportunities, Zambia today offers high-end safari experiences and access to many superb hotels and lodges. Furthermore, Zimbabwe and Zambia recently agreed to a joint visa, allowing visitors to enter both countries on one permit. The icing on the cake: A safari in Zambia will cost you about half what it will in Botswana. A few interesting facts about Zambia are worth noting: English is the country’s official language, so communication will never be an issue. That’s a legacy left by the British protectors, who departed what was then Northern Rhodesia, in 1964. Some trivia: the country entered the 1964 Summer Olympics as Northern Rhodesia, and left in the closing ceremony as Zambia on 24 October, the day independence was declared.