My travel wish list is one which only ever seems to get longer, not shorter, no matter how much travel I do! Over the last 20 or so years I have travelled extensively through Africa and the Indian Ocean, including to all countries that we go to – many on multiple occasions. I have flown, walked, ridden, quad biked, scaled Mt Kilimanjaro, tracked chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, enjoyed a hot air balloon over the plains of the Masai Mara, and taken part in cultural and conservation activities, the highlight possibly being darting a rhino in South Africa. There is an invisible pull which keeps calling me back – which I of course love indulging.
Where I have been recently
This fabulous country never ceases to amaze. The wildlife viewing is world class, and when this is combined with wonderful guiding and myriad activities it is easy to see why it is a perennial favourite for families, couples and solo travellers alike. I was most recently in Kenya on holiday with my partner in late 2024. We combined three different safaris with time on the coast to unwind and relax before coming home – a classic combination for a reason.
I’d heard about the Chyulu Hills and had long wanted to visit. I was not disappointed. Vast open plains in front of Ol Donyo Lodge are dotted with wildlife and with no other camp in the area, you really are in the wilderness, albeit in luxury surroundings. The range of activities is also extensive and whilst I adored galloping alongside giraffe on the plains, Jim was happily tracking cheetah before we met up for an amazing bush breakfast.
Onwards to the Masai Mara, we stayed in two entirely different camps in two conservancies which border the main Masai Mara Reserve. These conservancies offer world class wildlife viewing with strict controls on the number of vehicles, whilst wildlife has free movement. With some amazing wildlife encounters – including spending two hours with a leopard in a tree and watching a lion and cheetah interaction, not to mention the plethora of birds and plains game, it reinforced in my mind why this area is so special.
Our time on the coast was a chance to relax and take it all in before coming home. With a direct flight from the Masai Mara to Diani, it is an easy combination. Msambweni Beach House was a perfect base – with just a few rooms in the main hotel and private villas. The private villa we stayed in offered the perfect balance of comfort, privacy and hospitality with the main hotel – and therefore restaurant – next door and easily accessible.
Every May I find myself in Cape Town for an industry conference. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear what is new, keep up with colleagues and experience more in this vibrant city.
Over the years I have been visiting I have also combined safaris in the Kruger, nature reserves on the coast and time in the Winelands. This year I will be going back to Franschhoek to see what has changed since my last visit a couple of years ago. It is an area constantly evolving, with upgrades, new properties and restaurants all the time.
My last safari in the Kruger – in the Thornybush Private Reserve – was a good reminder, not only of the quality of the safaris here,, but also how varied this enormous area is. This makes it simple to combine camps in different areas whilst also adding to the overall variation of a trip.
In Cape Town the Mount Nelson Hotel was my base last year – what a wonderful five star hotel. My only caution here would be – don’t stay if you don’t have time to enjoy it as well, it will only lead to disappointment if you do! This year I’m looking forward to staying at The Dorp Hotel – another five star hotel and in a totally different area of the city. It also has a very different feel – and great views.
Where is next?
Botswana is a country I love and one in which I have enjoyed some remarkable wildlife sightings, including a wild dog and leopard interaction which was an intense stand off between predators – all of which went their separate ways unharmed. With new areas and camps opening up, and updates to some existing camps, I am looking forward to getting back to see the changes.
Every year the Delta floods, with the water pushing down from the catchment area into the smaller channels. With this, more camps are able to offer the opportunity of viewing wildlife from a different perspective, on a boat or in a mokoro. This year the country has received record rainfall which has resulted in water levels rising and it’s shaping up to be a magnificent year here.
Largely flat, Botswana has a variety of habitats from the watery oasis of the Okavango Delta to the huge expanse of desert – which sustain an amazing amount of wildlife, including desert adapted species such as meerkats and brown hyena. With walking safaris, riding safaris and meeting habituated meerkats alongside traditional game drives, it is a country rich in experiences and wildlife viewing.
This pretty country has flown under the radar for a number of years, however with increased protection of the national parks, and wildlife re-introductions, it now packs a punch. It is scenically beautiful, and varied, and driving offers the opportunity to see local villages and towns, which I love. The lake has always been the jewel in the crown and still is – I will be sure to pay a return visit here.
I am also really looking forward to returning to Majete National Park, south of Blantyre. The years of sustained conservation, in partnership with African Parks, has resulted in increasingly good wildlife viewing. With black rhino also found in this park, alongside the lion, leopard, plentiful plains game and birdlife to match, it is a rewarding safari, with few visitors.
I also hope to visit the tea plantations and Zomba Plateau as I only drove through this area last time and I would love to explore it more, whilst Liwonde National Park is another Malawi gem. Amazing boat safaris and game drives, in the company of expert guides, is always a joy – and I could spend hours watching elephants here.
The constant pull
I could wax lyrical about Zambia. I love the combination of fabulous wildlife, wilderness, exceptional guiding, authentic bush camps and the friendliness of the people. It is a safari connoisseur’s choice – but more importantly for me, the South Luangwa was also home for four years.. I still have many friends who live and work here, most of whom have lovely camps in some of the country’s premier national parks. So whenever I return I not only have the pleasure of catching up with old friends, I also get to stay in beautiful camps and see amazing wildlife.
With many camps – and in some cases – national parks, closing completely for the rains between November and April each year, it is a country which retains its wilderness feel and authentic, seasonal (and very comfortable) camps.
Summary
I love Africa for the endless opportunities and possibilities it presents. Every country has something remarkable to offer and I will continue to travel as much as I can, but I know my wish list will never get shorter.
If you would like to plan a holiday to Africa – no matter how early in the planning process you may be, please do give me, Lucinda, a call and I would be delighted to help.
