Africa
AFRICA
Africa is the 2nd largest continent on planet earth and comprises over 50 countries. Naturally, given its size, the travel options and experiences in Africa are diverse. The most popular tourist experience is taking a safari in one of the many animal parks in Central and South Africa. Similarly popular is experiencing desert life in northern Africa (eg. Morocco).
Africa is generally most ideal for organised Group travel rather than independent travelling and we have a couple of staff members who are African travel specialists who can assist you in finding the perfect African travel experience.
Botswana
A Botswana Safari adventure takes you into a world of diverse landscapes, from the sandy vastness of the Kalahari Desert to the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta. This maze of lagoons and waterways covers 15,000 sq kms and is a haven for birds and animals like hippo, crocodiles, elephant, leopard and rare antelope like lechwe and the shy sitatunga.
Continue your Botswana safari north of the Delta into Chobe National Park where lions prowl the Savuti grasslands and some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa can be seen along the Chobe River. Botswana is also renowned for its sophisticated and exclusive eco-lodges and camps, providing comfort and service in the heart of true wilderness. These intimate camps accommodate between 12 and 20 guests, making a Botswana safari an authentic and personalised experience.
Congo
The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) is a surprising central African gem with seemingly endless pristine tropical forest and fingers of moist savannah across its interior. Covering an area of almost 342 000 square kilometres, it holds a population of a mere 4 million people, of which 70% live in the south-western urban centres of Brazzaville (the capital) and Pointe-Noire (the major port); the rest of the country is sparsely populated and largely pristine.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo’s remote north-west is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, having been proclaimed by the French administration in 1935. This region of the vast Congo Basin contains the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, surpassed only by the Amazon. Odzala is blessed with numerous habitats, which range from dense primary forest to forest fringe, savannah, wide, languid rivers, and bais or salines (swampy grassy clearings). The park now has two intimate eco camps which offer good quality accommodation, with the aim of using responsible lowland gorilla-orientated tourism as a catalyst to spread the rainforest conservation message.
This vast, wild region, with its wide range of habitats, is home to an incredible diversity of life. It holds globally significant populations of western lowland gorilla and forest elephant as well as vast numbers of other species: 430 bird species and more than 100 mammal species of which around 50 are classified as medium or large-sized including forest buffalo, leopard, bongo antelope, giant forest hog and hippo. It also has the highest number (11) of diurnal primates for any forest block in central Africa, as well as central Africa’s highest density of chimpanzees.
Egypt
The ancient land of Egypt is considered a cradle of our civilization. A curious mix of old and new, Egypt offers everything you could need in a holiday; fascinating historic sites, mysterious landscapes, exotic culture, colourful souks, tantalizing cuisine, a sunny climate and gorgeous beaches.
The remnants of a once dominant ancient culture remain today and are one of the main reasons for visiting this country. Wander the shady corridors of grand temples, marvel at long-hidden desert tombs and spend hours learning about Egypt’s glorious past through the wealth of treasures on display in its museums. Sail the iconic Nile River and spend an evening watching the sun set by the grand Pyramids of Giza.
Egypt is a fascinating mix of frenetic cities, stark deserts, lush oases and a well-established tourism industry. Take a step back in time, while enjoying the comforts of modern travel, in this mythical destination that has attracted tourists for millennia.
Ethiopia
Broaden your travel to Africa by visiting historical and cultural Ethiopia with a civilisation dating back thousands of years. Ethiopia is also rich in scenery with varying topography including the Great Rift Valley and the Blue Nile. Visit the medievel archaeological wonders of Axum, believed to be the ancient capital of Sheba, and the amazing rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
The Omo region of Southern Ethiopia is also home to many fascinating tribal peoples, each with their own culture and customs. This remote region has only recently become more accessible to outsiders, and sadly the traditional lifestyle of the people is already fast disappearing.
Kenya
Kenya is Africa’s prime game viewing area and is renowned for its dramatic and varied scenery, magnificent game parks and abundant wildlife. Mt Kenya, Mt Kilimanjaro and the steep escarpments of the Rift Valley provide a stunning backdrop to amazing wildlife encounters.
Samburu Game Reserve in the north is a semi-arid region of great beauty and exciting big game like lion and elephant, as well as strange desert adapted species such as blue-legged Somali ostrich and Gerenuk antelope. In contrast, the famous Masai Mara in the south is an area of rolling grasslands which attract the countless multitudes of wildebeest and zebra which migrate here every year. Kenya is also the home of fascinating traditional tribes like the Masai and Samburu.
Malawi
The relatively small, land-locked country of Malawi is dominated by the Rift Valley and the astonishing expanse of Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s largest lakes. With soaring mountains and lush valleys it is renowned for its beauty as well as many rare or endemic species of plants and animals.
Malawi is also called “the Warm Heart of Africa” because of its hospitable, friendly people and the opportunities to meet the locals. Visit local villages and explore the markets. On the shores of Lake Malawi you can visit fishing villages, relax on golden sandy beaches and snorkel amongst unique and colourful fish. The national parks like Liwonde and the upland area of the Nyika Plateau protect an amazing diversity of fauna and flora, from elephants to rare species of orchids.
Madagascar
Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, is a strange and exotic land ringed by golden beaches and palm trees. Its spectacular landscapes are resplendent in their variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes, dense rainforests, spiny forests and coral reefs. Having separated from Africa almost 160 million years ago, the island is home to an immense diversity of unique flora and fauna, including endemic plant species, chameleons, reptiles, and over 50 different species of lemurs.
Mauritius
A jewel in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the tropical island paradise of Mauritius is both an exotic holiday destination and an ideal stopover en route to Africa. Dramatic volcanic mountains form the centre of the island, whilst most of the spectacular coastline is protected by a coral reef. Surrounded by unspoiled white sandy beaches and a warm turquoise sea, Mauritius is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday or winding down at the end of a safari in Africa. Friendly and hospitable, the island is an ethnic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Creole and French and is renowned for its wonderful food and unique cuisine. Mauritius also has a high standard of tourist infrastructure with excellent hotels, restaurants and guest services.
Middle East
The ancient lands of mystery and romance of the middle east have lured travellers for centuries. Awe-inspiring monuments and lost cities like Petra and Jerash, desert fortresses and spice filled souks are the perfect ingredients for a fascinating and exotic holiday experience. Travel vast seas of desert sands to remote oasis towns in Oman or the Arab Emirates. Wallow in the briny waters of the Dead Sea. Cruise the spectacular, cliff-lined waterways of the Musandam Peninsula, or follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan’s Wadi Rum.
There are many options for travel to the Middle East including city stopovers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi en route to Europe, tailor made tours of Jordan, Oman and the U.A.E., desert safaris and desert resorts.
Morocco
Morocco is a land of mystery and romance, offering a profusion of historical treasures and natural wonders. Wander down narrow laneways in the ancient medinas (old cities) of imperial Fes or Marrakech, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Marvel at lavish palaces, ancient mosques and colourful souks piled high with spices, dried fruits and spicy cakes. Visit an hammam, see the old tanneries and dye pits , or visit the roman city of Volubilis. Morocco also has amazing desert and mountain landscapes. In the Atlas mountains the ruins of hilltop kasbahs (fortresses) rise above rocky gorges, whilst the endless sand dunes of the Sahara Desert are home to hardy Berber nomads.
Mozambique
Mozambique’s long coastline and off shore islands are fringed by white sandy beaches and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Just off the coast, near Vilanculos, is a beautiful necklace of tropical islands – the Bazaruto Archipelago – perfect for idyllic, off-the-beaten track beach holidays. The two largest islands are Bazaruto and Benguerra. Popular with eco-conscious travellers, the islands are an astonishing paradise of natural beauty, with gorgeous beaches, coral reefs and exotic marine life. Protected as part of a marine park, they are largely uncommercialised and perfect for snorkelling, fishing and some of the world’s best scuba diving.
Mainland Mozambique’s remote north coast is another area of outstanding natural beauty and spectacular snorkelling and diving. Here you will find Pemba, the Quirimbas Islands National Park and the World Heritage protected Ilha de Mocambique, a small island with an ancient Arabic heritage and 400 years of Portuguese colonial history.
Namibia
Vast and stunningly beautiful, Namibia is a timeless land of dramatic deserts, endless blue skies and strange and unique wildlife specially adapted to the harsh environment. It has the highest sand dunes in the world, shimmering plains, rugged mountains, and the mysterious and aptly named Skeleton Coast. The famous Etosha National Park is a wildlife reserve on a vast salt pan where perennial springs attract elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, springbok and gemsbok.
Although the population is small, there is a rich tapestry of cultures, from the original Bushmen hunter gatherers to the Herero pastoralists in their Victorian dress, and the nomadic Himba of the far north.
If you are short of time the best ways to cover the enormous distances between deserts, dunes and oases is by scheduled light aircraft transfers that provide breathtaking views of this extraordinary land from the air.
Rwanda
As peace and stability have returned to Rwanda, the Parc National des Volcans has once again become the most popular place to undertake one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences – an encounter with the magnificent mountain gorilla. These endangered primates, made famous by zoologist Dian Fossey, live in the rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes on the border of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo and in Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest. The park is easily reached by road from Kigali, the capital, which is a short flight from Nairobi.
You can also trek in search of chimpanzee and other primates in the beautiful montane rainforest of the Nyungwe Forest National Park south of Lake Kivu.
South Africa
Often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa is populated by a mix of African, Asian and European people, with a rich variety of languages and cultures. There are a range of South Africa safaris and tours which will take you across a variety of landscapes, including spectacular mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, forests, deserts, sun-drenched beaches as well as wilderness areas teaming with incredibly diverse wildlife such as the renowned Kruger National Park. At the same time, South Africa offers a sophisticated tourist infrastructure, excellent road and air networks and top-shelf accommodation.
Tanzania
Tanzania is world famous for its spectacular scenery and wildlife with the northern part being the most visited. The escarpments and volcanoes of the Great Rift Valley form a dramatic backdrop to the game-covered plains below. Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5895m, is a mecca for trekkers and mountaineers.
Tanzania’s national parks are a haven for huge concentrations of animals and birdlife. The Serengeti alone has nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra which migrate along age-old pathways, followed by lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and jackal. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcanic caldera where 25,000 animals live in a setting of unparallelled grandeur. Maasai tribespeople have inhabited this region for hundreds of years, herding their cattle and living in harmony with the wildlife.
Uganda
Called “The Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill because of its scenic beauty, Uganda is a country of snow-capped mountains, open savannahs, dense rainforests where gorillas and other primates roam free, and the huge expanse of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile at Jinja. A range of Uganda safaris offer the chance to view some of the last remaining Mountain Gorillas in the world located in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga Volcanoes on the border with Rwanda’s Parc des Volcans. A trek to see the Mountain Gorillas is one of earth’s greatest wildlife experiences.
For more traditional Uganda safaris you can visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its abundant game and its huge population of hippo in the beautiful Kazinga Channel. There is also a population of chimpanzees here in Chamburu Gorge. Most of Uganda’s chimpanzees live in the beautiful Kibale Forest National Park.
Zambia
The jewel in Zambia’s crown is without doubt the scenic wonder of the Victoria Falls. But the country also offers fabulous game viewing without the crowds, in wild, game-rich national parks. The beautiful South Luangwa National Park and the more remote North Luangwa National Park have a number of comfortable lodges and rustic safari camps which cluster along the languid, hippo-filled Luangwa River. Walking safaris with an armed ranger are a speciality. The Lower Zambezi National Park bordering the vast and powerful Zambezi River, is another mecca for wildlife lovers. Intimate and stylish safari camps offer guests a range of guided activities including drives, walks, river safaris, fishing and canoeing.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s wonderful national parks still offer some of the most spectacular game viewing in Africa. Despite the difficulties the country has experienced in recent years, our suppliers, and all recently returning clients, report that the wildlife is flourishing and the game viewing still magnificent. There are a number of lodges recommended by our wholesaler which are still operating successfully in areas far from any political strife.
Apart from traditional game viewing safaris by 4WD, Zimbabwe is also renowned for walking safaris with a professional guide, and canoeing safaris on the Zambezi River. And of course no safari would be complete without a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls.
The Village Travel acknowledges African Wildlife Safaris for some of the content in this section.
Africa is the 2nd largest continent on planet earth and comprises over 50 countries. Naturally, given its size, the travel options and experiences in Africa are diverse. The most popular tourist experience is taking a safari in one of the many animal parks in Central and South Africa. Similarly popular is experiencing desert life in northern Africa (eg. Morocco).
Africa is generally most ideal for organised Group travel rather than independent travelling and we have a couple of staff members who are African travel specialists who can assist you in finding the perfect African travel experience.
Botswana
A Botswana Safari adventure takes you into a world of diverse landscapes, from the sandy vastness of the Kalahari Desert to the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta. This maze of lagoons and waterways covers 15,000 sq kms and is a haven for birds and animals like hippo, crocodiles, elephant, leopard and rare antelope like lechwe and the shy sitatunga.
Continue your Botswana safari north of the Delta into Chobe National Park where lions prowl the Savuti grasslands and some of the largest herds of elephants in Africa can be seen along the Chobe River. Botswana is also renowned for its sophisticated and exclusive eco-lodges and camps, providing comfort and service in the heart of true wilderness. These intimate camps accommodate between 12 and 20 guests, making a Botswana safari an authentic and personalised experience.
Congo
The Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) is a surprising central African gem with seemingly endless pristine tropical forest and fingers of moist savannah across its interior. Covering an area of almost 342 000 square kilometres, it holds a population of a mere 4 million people, of which 70% live in the south-western urban centres of Brazzaville (the capital) and Pointe-Noire (the major port); the rest of the country is sparsely populated and largely pristine.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Congo’s remote north-west is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, having been proclaimed by the French administration in 1935. This region of the vast Congo Basin contains the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, surpassed only by the Amazon. Odzala is blessed with numerous habitats, which range from dense primary forest to forest fringe, savannah, wide, languid rivers, and bais or salines (swampy grassy clearings). The park now has two intimate eco camps which offer good quality accommodation, with the aim of using responsible lowland gorilla-orientated tourism as a catalyst to spread the rainforest conservation message.
This vast, wild region, with its wide range of habitats, is home to an incredible diversity of life. It holds globally significant populations of western lowland gorilla and forest elephant as well as vast numbers of other species: 430 bird species and more than 100 mammal species of which around 50 are classified as medium or large-sized including forest buffalo, leopard, bongo antelope, giant forest hog and hippo. It also has the highest number (11) of diurnal primates for any forest block in central Africa, as well as central Africa’s highest density of chimpanzees.
Egypt
The ancient land of Egypt is considered a cradle of our civilization. A curious mix of old and new, Egypt offers everything you could need in a holiday; fascinating historic sites, mysterious landscapes, exotic culture, colourful souks, tantalizing cuisine, a sunny climate and gorgeous beaches.
The remnants of a once dominant ancient culture remain today and are one of the main reasons for visiting this country. Wander the shady corridors of grand temples, marvel at long-hidden desert tombs and spend hours learning about Egypt’s glorious past through the wealth of treasures on display in its museums. Sail the iconic Nile River and spend an evening watching the sun set by the grand Pyramids of Giza.
Egypt is a fascinating mix of frenetic cities, stark deserts, lush oases and a well-established tourism industry. Take a step back in time, while enjoying the comforts of modern travel, in this mythical destination that has attracted tourists for millennia.
Ethiopia
Broaden your travel to Africa by visiting historical and cultural Ethiopia with a civilisation dating back thousands of years. Ethiopia is also rich in scenery with varying topography including the Great Rift Valley and the Blue Nile. Visit the medievel archaeological wonders of Axum, believed to be the ancient capital of Sheba, and the amazing rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
The Omo region of Southern Ethiopia is also home to many fascinating tribal peoples, each with their own culture and customs. This remote region has only recently become more accessible to outsiders, and sadly the traditional lifestyle of the people is already fast disappearing.
Kenya
Kenya is Africa’s prime game viewing area and is renowned for its dramatic and varied scenery, magnificent game parks and abundant wildlife. Mt Kenya, Mt Kilimanjaro and the steep escarpments of the Rift Valley provide a stunning backdrop to amazing wildlife encounters.
Samburu Game Reserve in the north is a semi-arid region of great beauty and exciting big game like lion and elephant, as well as strange desert adapted species such as blue-legged Somali ostrich and Gerenuk antelope. In contrast, the famous Masai Mara in the south is an area of rolling grasslands which attract the countless multitudes of wildebeest and zebra which migrate here every year. Kenya is also the home of fascinating traditional tribes like the Masai and Samburu.
Malawi
The relatively small, land-locked country of Malawi is dominated by the Rift Valley and the astonishing expanse of Lake Malawi, one of Africa’s largest lakes. With soaring mountains and lush valleys it is renowned for its beauty as well as many rare or endemic species of plants and animals.
Malawi is also called “the Warm Heart of Africa” because of its hospitable, friendly people and the opportunities to meet the locals. Visit local villages and explore the markets. On the shores of Lake Malawi you can visit fishing villages, relax on golden sandy beaches and snorkel amongst unique and colourful fish. The national parks like Liwonde and the upland area of the Nyika Plateau protect an amazing diversity of fauna and flora, from elephants to rare species of orchids.
Madagascar
Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island, is a strange and exotic land ringed by golden beaches and palm trees. Its spectacular landscapes are resplendent in their variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes, dense rainforests, spiny forests and coral reefs. Having separated from Africa almost 160 million years ago, the island is home to an immense diversity of unique flora and fauna, including endemic plant species, chameleons, reptiles, and over 50 different species of lemurs.
Mauritius
A jewel in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the tropical island paradise of Mauritius is both an exotic holiday destination and an ideal stopover en route to Africa. Dramatic volcanic mountains form the centre of the island, whilst most of the spectacular coastline is protected by a coral reef. Surrounded by unspoiled white sandy beaches and a warm turquoise sea, Mauritius is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday or winding down at the end of a safari in Africa. Friendly and hospitable, the island is an ethnic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Creole and French and is renowned for its wonderful food and unique cuisine. Mauritius also has a high standard of tourist infrastructure with excellent hotels, restaurants and guest services.
Middle East
The ancient lands of mystery and romance of the middle east have lured travellers for centuries. Awe-inspiring monuments and lost cities like Petra and Jerash, desert fortresses and spice filled souks are the perfect ingredients for a fascinating and exotic holiday experience. Travel vast seas of desert sands to remote oasis towns in Oman or the Arab Emirates. Wallow in the briny waters of the Dead Sea. Cruise the spectacular, cliff-lined waterways of the Musandam Peninsula, or follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in Jordan’s Wadi Rum.
There are many options for travel to the Middle East including city stopovers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi en route to Europe, tailor made tours of Jordan, Oman and the U.A.E., desert safaris and desert resorts.
Morocco
Morocco is a land of mystery and romance, offering a profusion of historical treasures and natural wonders. Wander down narrow laneways in the ancient medinas (old cities) of imperial Fes or Marrakech, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Marvel at lavish palaces, ancient mosques and colourful souks piled high with spices, dried fruits and spicy cakes. Visit an hammam, see the old tanneries and dye pits , or visit the roman city of Volubilis. Morocco also has amazing desert and mountain landscapes. In the Atlas mountains the ruins of hilltop kasbahs (fortresses) rise above rocky gorges, whilst the endless sand dunes of the Sahara Desert are home to hardy Berber nomads.
Mozambique
Mozambique’s long coastline and off shore islands are fringed by white sandy beaches and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Just off the coast, near Vilanculos, is a beautiful necklace of tropical islands – the Bazaruto Archipelago – perfect for idyllic, off-the-beaten track beach holidays. The two largest islands are Bazaruto and Benguerra. Popular with eco-conscious travellers, the islands are an astonishing paradise of natural beauty, with gorgeous beaches, coral reefs and exotic marine life. Protected as part of a marine park, they are largely uncommercialised and perfect for snorkelling, fishing and some of the world’s best scuba diving.
Mainland Mozambique’s remote north coast is another area of outstanding natural beauty and spectacular snorkelling and diving. Here you will find Pemba, the Quirimbas Islands National Park and the World Heritage protected Ilha de Mocambique, a small island with an ancient Arabic heritage and 400 years of Portuguese colonial history.
Namibia
Vast and stunningly beautiful, Namibia is a timeless land of dramatic deserts, endless blue skies and strange and unique wildlife specially adapted to the harsh environment. It has the highest sand dunes in the world, shimmering plains, rugged mountains, and the mysterious and aptly named Skeleton Coast. The famous Etosha National Park is a wildlife reserve on a vast salt pan where perennial springs attract elephant, black rhino, lion, cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, springbok and gemsbok.
Although the population is small, there is a rich tapestry of cultures, from the original Bushmen hunter gatherers to the Herero pastoralists in their Victorian dress, and the nomadic Himba of the far north.
If you are short of time the best ways to cover the enormous distances between deserts, dunes and oases is by scheduled light aircraft transfers that provide breathtaking views of this extraordinary land from the air.
Rwanda
As peace and stability have returned to Rwanda, the Parc National des Volcans has once again become the most popular place to undertake one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences – an encounter with the magnificent mountain gorilla. These endangered primates, made famous by zoologist Dian Fossey, live in the rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes on the border of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo and in Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest. The park is easily reached by road from Kigali, the capital, which is a short flight from Nairobi.
You can also trek in search of chimpanzee and other primates in the beautiful montane rainforest of the Nyungwe Forest National Park south of Lake Kivu.
South Africa
Often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa is populated by a mix of African, Asian and European people, with a rich variety of languages and cultures. There are a range of South Africa safaris and tours which will take you across a variety of landscapes, including spectacular mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, forests, deserts, sun-drenched beaches as well as wilderness areas teaming with incredibly diverse wildlife such as the renowned Kruger National Park. At the same time, South Africa offers a sophisticated tourist infrastructure, excellent road and air networks and top-shelf accommodation.
Tanzania
Tanzania is world famous for its spectacular scenery and wildlife with the northern part being the most visited. The escarpments and volcanoes of the Great Rift Valley form a dramatic backdrop to the game-covered plains below. Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5895m, is a mecca for trekkers and mountaineers.
Tanzania’s national parks are a haven for huge concentrations of animals and birdlife. The Serengeti alone has nearly 2 million wildebeest and zebra which migrate along age-old pathways, followed by lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and jackal. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcanic caldera where 25,000 animals live in a setting of unparallelled grandeur. Maasai tribespeople have inhabited this region for hundreds of years, herding their cattle and living in harmony with the wildlife.
Uganda
Called “The Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill because of its scenic beauty, Uganda is a country of snow-capped mountains, open savannahs, dense rainforests where gorillas and other primates roam free, and the huge expanse of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile at Jinja. A range of Uganda safaris offer the chance to view some of the last remaining Mountain Gorillas in the world located in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in the Virunga Volcanoes on the border with Rwanda’s Parc des Volcans. A trek to see the Mountain Gorillas is one of earth’s greatest wildlife experiences.
For more traditional Uganda safaris you can visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its abundant game and its huge population of hippo in the beautiful Kazinga Channel. There is also a population of chimpanzees here in Chamburu Gorge. Most of Uganda’s chimpanzees live in the beautiful Kibale Forest National Park.
Zambia
The jewel in Zambia’s crown is without doubt the scenic wonder of the Victoria Falls. But the country also offers fabulous game viewing without the crowds, in wild, game-rich national parks. The beautiful South Luangwa National Park and the more remote North Luangwa National Park have a number of comfortable lodges and rustic safari camps which cluster along the languid, hippo-filled Luangwa River. Walking safaris with an armed ranger are a speciality. The Lower Zambezi National Park bordering the vast and powerful Zambezi River, is another mecca for wildlife lovers. Intimate and stylish safari camps offer guests a range of guided activities including drives, walks, river safaris, fishing and canoeing.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s wonderful national parks still offer some of the most spectacular game viewing in Africa. Despite the difficulties the country has experienced in recent years, our suppliers, and all recently returning clients, report that the wildlife is flourishing and the game viewing still magnificent. There are a number of lodges recommended by our wholesaler which are still operating successfully in areas far from any political strife.
Apart from traditional game viewing safaris by 4WD, Zimbabwe is also renowned for walking safaris with a professional guide, and canoeing safaris on the Zambezi River. And of course no safari would be complete without a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls.
The Village Travel acknowledges African Wildlife Safaris for some of the content in this section.
