Africa's Highlights; Away From The Crowds

Best of Africa - Africa Itinerary Highlights 2

The highlights below are a choice of safaris that a second or third time visitor to Africa would appreciate. Staying clear of the hotspots we start avoiding the crowds and focus more on walking safari, night drives and specific game. We also bring your attention to the most important factor; planning your trip for the right time of year.

The vast majority of Africa's parks are at their peak at the end of the dry season, when the game congregates around the rivers (hence the repitition below of prime time game viewing being in August, September and October)

No 1) The Serengeti and The Wildebeest Migration, Tanzania

The Great Serengeti Migration is one of the worlds most spectacular wildlife events. Often referred to as 'The Greatest Show on Earth' the Migration is the largest movement of herds on the planet; the site is simply breathtaking. Late July/August opens up the far North of the park, away from all the crowds. The area is called the Lamai Wedge and hardly anyone knows about it!

No 2) The Busanga Plains, Zambia

Accessible for only 6 months of the year due to water levels, the Busanga Plains in Zambia’s Kafue National is one of Africa’s last untouched big game locations. Home to an incredible diversity of game and no people this is a safari connoisseurs Eden! Prime time viewing in August, September and October.

No 3) Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania.

African Travel is all about discovering hidden reaches as utterly beautiful as Mahale. This vast stretch of tropical forested National Park, meets the fresh waters of Lake Tanganyika and hosts one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world. Miles from anywhere visitors can combine trecking with the chimps with an exceptional beach holiday. Prime time viewing in August, September and October.

No 4) Walking with leopards in South Luangwa, Zambia

Regarded as the place to see leopard in Africa, South Luangwa offers incredible walking safari and an overall level of guiding regarded as the very best. The park is beautiful and frequented by very few visitors. Prime time viewing in August, September and October.

No 5) All about lions, Botswana

Ultimately the success of most peoples safari depends on encounters with big cats. If lions are your thing then there is no better place to see them at their most ferocious than in Botswana. Duba Plains Camp in the Delta hosts ‘arguably’ the highest concentration of lions in Africa and the Savuti Marshes in Chobe is home of the only pride in Africa that habitually hunt elephant. Prime time viewing in August, September and October are the best months but October is exceptionally hot.

No 6) The Tsodilo Hills, Botswana

Described as the ‘Louvre of the Desert’ the magical Tsolido Hills in Botswana’s Kalahari are home to one of the largest concentrations of Bushman rock art in the world. The area, visited by few, is respected by the locals as a place of worship by ancestral spirits. Over 4,500 paintings have been found. This place is best avoided when its too hot (ie October/December) and best out of the rains as it is effectively a walking camping trip. We would choose from June to September.

No 7) A flying circuit to the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland, Namibia

Rugged and raw, Damaraland is home to spectacular scenery, desert elephant and black rhino. Combine this with a flying trip up the Skeleton Coast as far as Serra Cafeema and you will reach areas of utter Wilderness; areas that seem baron yet captivate any visitor. European Summer months are the best time to travel. European summer months are the best time of year to travel but May is something very special indeed, albeit rather chilly in the morning!

No 8) Elephant, Elephant and more Elephant, Kwando and Selinda Reserves Botswana

The largest movement of mammals on the planet occurs in Botswana in August and September as approximately 5 million of Africa’s largest game congregates around the rivers. It is not uncommon at this time of year to see elephant herds in their hundreds in Chobe itself but the crowds the park draws in can ruin the experience. Travel west and you find the privacy of the Kwando and Selinda Reserves; game at this time of year is phenomenal, exclusivity guaranteed. Prime time viewing is August, September and October (although October is an incredibly hot month.

No 9) Singita Serengeti , Tanzania

Regarded by many as the best safari reserve in the world, Singita Serengeti is a private reserve adjacent to the Serengeti, a reserve as large as the Masai Mara itself. Newly opened Sasakwa is the flagship property, an exceptional lodge that stakes its claim as Africa’s finest safari lodge. With extraordinary views across the savannah, infinity pools and unparalleled levels of luxury, the setting is perfect. Home to the Wildebeest Migration, unrivalled game viewing, exclusivity and privacy are guaranteed. We believe this is Africa at its very best. June/July are THE best months to be here (it’s a migration thing!) but the lodge is pretty incredible throughout as it has superb resident game.

No 10) Lake Turkana Helicopter Safari, Kenya

Flying helicopter safari that stays away from the crowds. The trip includes fishing for gigantic Nile Perch, viewing some of Africa’s largest crocodiles, camel trecking to indigenous tribes and staying in lodges accessible by helicopter only. September to October is fantastic.

We strongly recommend that you telephone us to arrange a private presentation or simply to discuss any plans that you may have on Tel 44 (0) 20 7471 8780 or Email Us