For most of this month we will be changing up our article format just a little to focus on an area of the world that is close to my heart, and always becomes close to the hearts of any clients we send there.
It's very rare that we receive an inquiry that states we want to go to Tanzania, or Uganda or South Africa. Almost always the request is "we want to go to Africa." Now, as a rather large continent, that means a lot of work goes in to consulting with clients to decipher which country or countries are their perfect fit. I cannot begin to describe the effect that these countries will have on you. Over 3 long African trips I have visited 8 countries, and I have laughed (a lot) and cried (quite a lot) in each of them. There is nowhere else in the world that will feed your soul to brimming more than this continent. Please join me over the next 3 articles as I present an all too brief travel guide for 9 different African countries.
And I must give special thanks to our amazing partner Hills of Africa for curating the incredible experiences I have loved, as well as many of our clients trips. Owner, Sandy Salle is a wonderful friend, and a curator of perfect African trips because she pours her heart and soul into every one.
Botswana
Top Destinations:
- Okavango Delta
- Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
- Nxai National Park
- Chobe National Park
- Moremi Game Reserve
Known For:
- Elephants
- Diamonds
- San Bushmen
- Abundance of Wildlife
Best Combined with South Africa or Zimbabwe
When To Go:
The best time to visit is during the dry season, May to October. Temperatures will range between 75F and 95F, so warm sunny days. Water levels in the dekta are also at their highest level during the dry season creating the waterways and channels that Botswana is so famous for.
Botswana offers visitors:
- Amazing game viewing opportunities
- The Okavango Delta with both land and water based activities
- Unique views and accommodations on the salt pans
- Bird-viewing paradise
- Vast herds of elephants
Kenya
Top Destinations:
- Nairobi
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Amboseli National Reserve
- Samburu National Reserve
- Tsavo East National Park
- Coastal areas
Known For:
- The Great Migration
- Maasai Culture
- Flamingos
- The Big Five
- Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Best combined with Tanzania and Zanzibar for the beaches
When to Go:
There's no bad time to visit Kenya, but peak season is June thru October when migration river crossings are most likely. Rains are during April and May.
Kenya offers visitors:
- The perfect mix for those wanting to explore culture in addition to wildlife
- The unique Great MigrationA surprisingly wide variety of landscapes and experiences in a single country
South Africa
Top Destinations:
- Cape Town
- Kruger National Park
- Johannesburg
- Madikwe
- Marataba
- Welgevonden
Known for:
- Wine and culture
- Whales
- Kruger National Park
- African Penguins
- Big Five
- History
Best combined with Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls and Botswana for the Okavango Delta.
When to Go:
Year round! High season in Cape Town is November thru April, while high season for game viewing is June thru October.
South Africa offers visitors:
- Too much!
- Deep cultural and historic connections in Johannesburg and the Soweto Township
- Wine, coffee and cuisine
- Beautiful boutique hotels, luxury lodges and charming camps
- Perfect for families and first-timers to the continent
- Amazing wildlife on land and sea
If you're ready to start booking your own African Adventure, let us know! Click the button below to get started.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
