This great continent of ours has unlimited room to explore in the lifetime the average person has on this planet, and every corner has its unique pull and appeal. When we talk about safari spots, of course we think of elephants and leopards navigating the savannah, but we might also be thinking about somewhere good to snorkel and watch the colourful marine life go by, or perhaps somewhere great to hike and discover the human and animal history that came before us. The appeal of Africa is in its cultural wealth, its wide open spaces, its density of wildlife, and its diversity of landscape and terrain.
So, in order to cover all bases, we’ve picked 8 countries in southern and east Africa and pin pointed one great place to stay in each one… (two in Malawi because we couldn’t resist). Imagine a trip that would take you across the continent? If we had all the money in the world, you know where we would be.
Malawi is a huge focus for conservation achievements at the moment as we watch years of hardship be overcome by hard work and perseverance. On our blog we have featured the cheetah relocation project of last year and now only last month Malawi’s Liwonde National Park welcomed its first lions in several years. So now the big cats join the great African elephant in Liwonde, contributing to the diversity of species this park is welcoming once again. These images from Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde show not only the epic elephant sightings possible, but the diversity of activities and safari experiences. This place deserves to be rediscovered, supported, appreciated, and nurtured.
Surrounded by living history, embraced in the boulders that were the very canvases of the early Bushman of Namibia. Ai Aiba Lodge is a fascinating and spine-tingling getaway in the Erongo Mountains Nature Reserve, where protected fauna and flora thrive between mind-boggling granite formations. Renowned rock paintings adorn cave walls offering us modern day folk a glimpse into the story of the land before our time. This is a destination with a difference.
Changa Safari Camp and its poolside views are all the inspiration we need as we are transported to the banks of Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park. A pastel sunrise in the dawn sky above the lake oozes a feeling of peace and tranquility, and its hard not to feel entirely in tune with nature from this perfect position at the pool. Only 8 luxury tents keep things private and exclusive, while the renowned wildlife population is endlessly entertaining.
An African oasis in the Serengeti wilderness, isolated from the rush of spectators who flock to this spectacular wildlife region to see some of the continent’s greatest performances of nature. This is Ehlane Plains Camp; a luxurious yet authentic out of Africa abode, unfenced from the ambling wildlife and entirely untamed. This Tanzanian destination sings of exploration and old era discovery. It’s draped in elegance and offers exclusive Serengeti splendour. We’re in love.
Those beautiful Moremi floodplains, winding lagoons, draping trees full of birdsong, and secluded, simple safari tents that look out into the wilderness that is alive with Africa’s most supreme wildlife populations. Camp Moremi is sublimely positioned beneath ebony trees in the Xakanaxa region of Moremi Game Reserve, and is surrounded by the excitement of the Delta. Families will find this the perfect place to unwind with children in tow and kick back for that classic Botswana safari magic. With mid-year holidays only a couple of months away, it’s time to start dreaming again!
The mighty Zambezi; an essence of Africa, full of history and brimming with stories of olden day explorers and untamed wildlife. Some of the greatest adventures of a lifetime await on the banks of this beast, the Zambezi River, and the casual tented suites of Little Vundu is where you’ll find them. This is a place that defines what it means to connect with your roots in nature and embrace the beauty or the trees, the birds, the river, the dirt, the stars, the sounds, and the animals. We’re hooked on this safari experience.
What an invitation to sit back, relax, and be taken care of by warm, welcoming people in the heart of South Africa’s safari landscape. The team at the historic Kirkman’s Camp in the Sabi Sand certainly knows how to make you feel like you’re on holiday with outstanding service and smiles. We’d be quite happy poolside with a view, keeping cool with a slice of melon on this mid-week afternoon!
A serene forest retreat, delicately encased in glass so that not a bird flies by unnoticed, and the movement of the trees is a soothing presence all round. This is the jungle the mountain gorillas call home, and here at Bwindi Lodge, the energy of the protected impenetrable forest invigorates and revives weary trekkers after a day spent on the dense slopes with the great apes. There are 8 luxury bandas and a soon-to-be open Forest Spa which will complete this tranquil experience between the trees. With an enormous diversity of birds, monkeys, lush greenery, and a trickling stream running by, Bwindi Lodge has just shot straight to the top of our Uganda bucket list. Namaste!
“Maybe tomorrow” – what an apt description of the thoughts that come to mind just looking at these photos of blissful beach living in the middle of Lake Malawi. Kaya Mawa is the translation of this classic phrase of procrastination and it is this most divine lodge on Likoma Island where relaxation is insisted upon. When you’re not tempted to drift in and out of sleep on the incredible day bed, you’re invited to dine under starlight on the beach, or snorkel in the shallows, kayak towards the horizon, or cruise across the lake with the African wind in your hair. Kaya Mawa is all our weekend feels right now.
