Destination Guide: Vacationing in Africa

Africa offers an incredible diversity of destinations, with each region showcasing its own unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultures. From the vast savannas of Kenya and Tanzania, home to the Great Migration, to South Africa's private game reserves, safaris here promise unforgettable encounters. Botswana’s Okavango Delta offers lush wetlands teeming with wildlife, while Namibia’s stark deserts create a striking backdrop for rare desert-adapted animals. Uganda and Rwanda provide a chance to trek through rainforests in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Whether exploring luxury lodges or remote wilderness camps, African safaris blend adventure with conservation, offering an unparalleled connection to nature. Each destination presents a distinctive safari experience, creating a tapestry of memories across the continent.

Traveling to Botswana

Why go:

Botswana is renowned for luxury safaris, offering diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and exclusive lodges. Private guides, bespoke game drives, and seamless service await.

Best Time to Visit:

  • January–February: Lush landscapes, bird migrations, and antelope births.

  • April: Warm days, cool nights—ideal for exploration.

  • May–October: Dry season with perfect game viewing conditions.

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge – A luxurious camp along the Savute Channel, offering top-tier game viewing.

  • Mombo Camp – Nestled in the Okavango Delta, known for exceptional wildlife encounters and service.

Highlights:

  • Game drives with elephants, lions, and zebras.

  • Birdwatching in the Okavango Delta.

  • Mekoro canoe trips through tranquil waterways.

Unique Activity:

  • Helicopter Flight Over the Okavango Delta – Soar above the vast wetlands, spotting wildlife from the sky.

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tree without branches growing amongst some smaller trees and rocks with a bright blue sky in Botswana
An open deck set up for dinner in Botswana that is open to the countryside
Close up of an elephant in grass next to a road in Botswana

Traveling to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda)

Why Go:

East Africa offers iconic safaris, lush landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences, with luxury lodges providing ultimate comfort and adventure.

Best Time to Visit:

  • January–March: Ideal for Kilimanjaro climbs and wildebeest calving.

  • June–September: Best for gorilla tracking and witnessing the Great Migration.

A woman sitting in a wood chair overlooking Tanzania-Ngorongoro-Nomad-Entamanu-2 (1).jpg

Traveling to Kenya

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Giraffe Manor – A boutique hotel where giraffes join guests for breakfast.

  • Mahali Mzuri – Sir Richard Branson’s safari camp in the Maasai Mara, with prime views of the migration.

Highlights:

  • Witness the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara.

  • Visit Amboseli National Park for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • Explore Nairobi’s cultural scene, including museums and markets.

Unique Activity:

  • Breakfast with Giraffes at Giraffe Manor – Enjoy an intimate breakfast as giraffes visit your table.

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Close up of a giraffe in the plains of Kenya
Kenyan mountainside at sunrise

Traveling to Tanzania

Top Luxury Accommodations

  • Singita Sasakwa Lodge – An opulent lodge overlooking the Serengeti.

  • Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti – Features an infinity pool with views of a wildlife watering hole.

Highlights:

  • Witness the Great Migration crossing the Serengeti.

  • Visit Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife-rich caldera.

  • Climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a breathtaking summit experience.

Unique Activity:

  • Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Serengeti – Drift over the plains at sunrise, spotting wildlife from above.

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A cheetah roaming the grass fields in Tanzania
two zebras crossing necks in Tanzania

Traveling to Uganda

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – A luxury camp in Bwindi, offering exclusive gorilla trekking.

  • Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – An eco-luxury lodge with personal guides.

Highlights:

  • Trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park for its diverse wildlife.

  • Enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.

Unique Activity:

  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Get up close to endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

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A gorgeous waterfall in Uganda
A baby gorilla sitting in a tree in Uganda

Traveling to Rwanda

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • One&Only Gorilla’s Nest – A high-end lodge near Volcanoes National Park, offering luxury trekking experiences.

  • Singita Kwitonda Lodge – A serene property with panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains.

Highlights:

  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

  • Visit the Genocide Memorial in Kigali for a deep cultural insight.

  • Explore Lake Kivu’s tranquil shores.

Unique Activity:

  • Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony – Attend this traditional ceremony, where newborn gorillas are named.

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A monkey sitting in tall grass calling out in Rwanda
A volcano covered at the top by clouds in an otherwise clear sky in Rwanda

Traveling to Mozambique

Why Go:

Mozambique offers unspoiled beaches, vibrant marine life, and secluded luxury resorts.

Best Time to Visit:

  • May–September: Ideal for diving, whale watching, and fly-fishing.

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort – A retreat with private villas and water sports.

  • White Pearl Resorts – Ocean-view suites with exclusive diving experiences.

Highlights:

  • Swim with whale sharks.

  • Dive and snorkel vibrant coral reefs.

  • Enjoy cultural festivals, including Festival Esperança.

Unique Activity:

  • Whale Shark Diving – Experience the thrill of swimming alongside these gentle giants.

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two scuba divers swimming along a coral-filled ocean floor followed by fish in Mozambique
A cozy cottage situated at the end of a dock on the ocean in Mozambique at twilight

Traveling to Namibia

Why Go:

Namibia’s dramatic desert landscapes and unique wildlife offer adventure and luxury in equal measure.

Best Time to Visit:

  • June–November: Dry season for excellent wildlife sightings.

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Little Kulala Lodge – A desert retreat with direct access to Sossusvlei’s red dunes.

  • Ongava Lodge – Located on a private reserve near Etosha National Park.

Highlights:

  • Explore the vast Namib Desert and Sossusvlei.

  • Visit Etosha National Park for desert-adapted wildlife.

  • Fly over the haunting Skeleton Coast.

Unique Activity:

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Sossusvlei – Soar above the dunes at sunrise for an unforgettable experience.

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A desert road through the mountains in Namibia
A cheeta getting some shade from a desert plant in Namibia

Traveling to Seychelles

Why Go:

Seychelles is a tropical paradise with turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and luxury resorts.

Best Time to Visit:

  • May–October: Perfect for snorkeling, diving, and calm seas.

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Six Senses Zil Pasyon – A private island resort offering villas with infinity pools.

  • North Island Resort – An exclusive retreat with bespoke service and private beaches.

Highlights:

  • Dive and snorkel vibrant coral reefs.

  • Explore Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, home to the endemic coco de mer palm.

  • Enjoy birdwatching on Cousin Island.

Unique Activity:

  • Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve Exploration – Discover rare flora and fauna in this UNESCO-listed forest.

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A rooster roaming the streets of Seychelles
Vibrant coral roofs covered by deep blue water in Seychelles

Traveling to South Africa

Why Go:

South Africa offers a blend of cosmopolitan cities, scenic coastlines, and wildlife-rich reserves.

Best Time to Visit:

  • June–September: Dry season, perfect for safaris.

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Royal Malewane – A premier safari lodge known for exceptional service.

  • One&Only Cape Town – A waterfront retreat with fine dining and stunning views.

Highlights:

  • Safari in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands.

  • Taste wines in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

  • Drive the scenic Garden Route and visit Cape Point.

Unique Activity:

  • Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai – Get up close with great white sharks.

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The belmond resort pool with mountains in the background in South Africa
luxurious beach resorts surrounded by mountains in Cape Town South Africa

Traveling to Zimbabwe

Why Go:

Zimbabwe offers the majestic Victoria Falls, vibrant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit:

  • June–October: Dry season with prime wildlife sightings.

Top Luxury Accommodations:

  • Matetsi Victoria Falls – A riverside lodge with elegant suites and private game drives.

  • Singita Pamushana Lodge – Nestled in Malilangwe Reserve, offering luxury and cultural immersion.

Highlights:

  • Visit Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

  • Enjoy safaris in Hwange and Mana Pools.

  • Explore the Great Zimbabwe ruins.

Unique Activity:

  • White Water Rafting on the Zambezi – Experience thrilling rapids below Victoria Falls.

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Matetsi Victoria falls a waterfall coming off a cliff into a ravine
close up of the front face of an elepant

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