Victoria – Uganda & Rwanda

As I’m busy creating incredible safari itineraries for my clients, I am inevitably dreaming about my own next adventure. For 2024 I am turning my eyes towards the primates of Uganda and Rwanda.

Uganda, Pearl of Africa, is a beautiful country offering a diverse array of wildlife activities: chimp trekking in Kibale and Kyambura Gorge, a classic safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (home to the famed tree climbing lions) and of course gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, where I also hope to enjoy an hour observing the cheeky antics of the golden monkeys! Our Primates and Wildlife itinerary highlights how Uganda’s wonders make for an incredible single destination itinerary.

I will, however,  be taking advantage of the convenient border crossing highlighting the shared landscape of the Virunga mountains that are home to both Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This is the region where Dian Fossey’s groundbreaking work set in motion the conservation effort that have allowed the gorilla population to thrive and grow – a visit to the research center is recommended.

Adding time in Akagera National park – home to some of East Africa’s most scenic savannah – and its rich variety of plains game, lions, hippo, crocodiles for your safari, and chimp trekking in Nyungwe offer you a brilliant 12 night itinerary (Rwanda – Land of a Thousand Hills)

And don’t forget – the gorilla trekking of Uganda and Rwanda make for a brilliant add-on to a Kenya or Tanzania itinerary, with excellent connectivity!

Susan – Botswana

After my adventures in Kenya last year, I’m heading to Southern Africa this time, for a safari in Botswana. Combining the Chobe River system, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi.

My safari begins in the north with Chobe National Park, celebrated for having one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Africa.  I am looking forward to boat cruises and game drives, gorgeous sunsets and those starry skies.

I will also see the Savute, renowned for dramatic predator-prey interactions amongst large prides of lions, hyenas and cheetah, and the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, known for its pristine wilderness and being a haven for wild dogs.

Of course, my exploration of the Okavango Delta will run the gamut – from the Moremi National Park, to Khwai Private Reserve and Shinde Concession, and I hope to see the beautiful, rare Red Lechwe and the reclusive Sitatunga.

In a stark contrast, my last stop will be the vast, otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – remnants of an ancient lake and home to unique desert adapted wildlife. Exploring the pans on a quad bike, walks with the Zu’/hoasi bushmen and visiting with the habituated meerkats are some of the unique experiences I am looking forward to on this adventure.

Vanessa – KwaZulu Natal

I am super excited to be returning to South Africa to the place where I grew up and still call home – KwaZulu Natal! It offers some unique and special safari experiences among its diverse landscapes: The majestic Drakensberg, the rolling hills of Zululand, a dramatic shoreline, lush forest and vast wetlands. I’m looking forward to seeing not only the Big Five, but also the amazing variety of wildlife and especially cheetah, as I explore Thanda Safari Lodge and Phinda Game Reserve, amongst others. Besides some immersion in the rich Zulu Culture, visiting traditional villages to learn about their history and customs, I’ll also be going off the beaten path to explore a few properties situated on the stunning Indian Ocean Coastline

And then I am off to Mozambique with its pristine beaches, turquoise water and laid-back vibes… Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation or pampering, this part of the Indian Ocean has it all. Luxury lodges and resorts along the coast and on the islands of  the Bazaruto Archipelago, offer an array of activities such as deep-sea fishing, exceptional snorkeling around the coral reefs and scuba diving. Then of course there are visits to small villages, dhow cruises at sunset, some of the freshest and best seafood in the world, and of course just relaxing on the powder white beaches … I can’t wait!

Yvette – Botswana and Cape Town

Like Susan, I intend to revisit Botswana, but focusing on the Okavango Delta only. By far the largest inland delta on earth, (and UNESCO world heritage site) it has always fascinated me to think that water from the Angolan highlands travels nearly 1000 miles to fan out and flood this 1000 square mile network of islands and channels teeming with wildlife. As result of tectonic shifts, what was once the bottom of a vast lake, became this remote paradise and I look forward to the sights and smells, not to mention the sounds of Hadeda and Fish Eagles to remind me where I am when I open my eyes.

Courtesy of the direct flights on United Airlines and Airlink I will also be able to spend some time catching up in Cape Town on my way back. She may be known as the Mother City, but she’s a very lively lady, and there is always some fresh refurbishments to assess, some new restaurants to try, and yet another new adventure to look forward to… I’m always up for anything that involves a life jacket and / or helmet, so it could be a sidecar around the peninsula, a zipline through the forest or a day out on the ocean. Time will tell…