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Top places to visit in Africa in 2024

Eliza

Eliza

Marketing Manager
Published on

18 Dec 2019

Updated on

26 Mar 2024

Africa Giraffe

There are so many places we love visiting (and re-visiting) and even though it's our job to travel and we're fortunate to travel more than most, our experts all still have a huge bucket list of places they'd love to see and many favourites they'd like to revisit.

After much debate, we've narrowed down our list and included our favorites below.

Which of these are on your bucket list? We'd love to hear from you!

1. Kenya - ultimate safari and beach combo

Kenya  Hot  Air  Ballon  Safari

Are we biased? Maybe. Are we right? Definitely!

Whether you are a first-time safari visitor or a safari veteran, Kenya has it all. You have superbly contrasting topography, incredible wildlife and a vast spectrum of ways to view all of this.

The Masai Mara is teaming with wildlife, home to some of the densest concentrations of big cats on the planet, plus is where the famous river crossing takes place during Wildebeest Migration is an absolute no-brainer. A must if you are looking to see as much wildlife in a short space of time.

But, if you have the time, and inclination, we would always recommend teaming the Masai Mara with another area of Kenya so that you can experience the varied landscape and wildlife the country has to offer. Samburu with its colourful tribesmen, dramatic arid landscapes and famous 'Samburu Five' is a favourite, or Amboseli where you can see great herds of elephants trundling past Mount Kilimanjaro in a postcard-perfect snap, or Laikipia which has a very healthy population of black rhino, and where you can enjoy camel safaris, as well as walking and sleeping out under the stars.

A Kenyan safari neatly dove tails in with an easy-access stay on a stunning, coral-white sandy beach stay at Diani, or the cultural UNESCO site of Lamu island.

Take a look at our Kenyan Big Five and Beach honeymon.



2. Serengeti, Tanzania - the definitive safari destination

Serengeti Wildebeest Migration

Tanzania is well known for its northern safari circuit, featuring the Ngorongoro Crater and hosting one of the most renowned wildlife spectacles on Earth - the great wildebeest migration. The grassland savannahs of the Serengeti are mesmerizing and its vastness means you can get away from any other visitors.

Our top tip for the Serengeti? Get out of your vehicle and try a walking safari.



3. Victoria Falls - Zambia and Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls

Straddling the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is thunderous and awe-inspiring. The third tallest falls in the world, and twice as deep and wide as Niagara Falls, a helicopter-flight over these incredible falls is a must to appreciate their sheer scale.

To see the falls in all their glory, visit after April when water levels will be at their highest after the rains. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here from ziplining through the forest, to bungee jumping for those looking for a stronger adrenaline rush and white water rafting.

Victoria Falls combines perfectly with Botswana, Zambia or Zimbabwe as the start or end to a safari trip.


4. Sao Tome and Principe - Untouched, tropical island relaxation

Sao  Tome  Principe

Hoping to visit somewhere your friends haven't been? Sao Tome & Principe might just be the answer. Two prehistoric islands set fast for millions of years in the mid-Atlantic offering: an interesting cultural history; beautiful primary forest walks; excellent birding and quite simply some of the most amazing beaches you will come across.

At different times of the year, you will be able to watch whales breaching, at others, you will be able to fight big game fish or witness turtles nest or hatch. Come and see for yourselves before this place hits the front pages for its stunning offerings and the handful of hotels that currently offer a very comfortable but intimate experience become inundated.



Penguins, wine and safari - South Africa

Sunway  South  Africa  Boulders  Beach Penguins

"The description – A World in One Country encapsulates South Africa and the incredible range of experiences that it offers. Cosmopolitan Cape Town and the beautiful Cape Winelands are packed with incredible restaurants,

The Garden Route is perfect for families and world-class safaris cab be enjoyed around the Kruger National Park. History buffs will love the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars, whilst the beaches around Durban are perfect for relaxing at the end of a busy trip."

Ali, wine and safari enthusiast in equal measures.

Take a look at our self-drive garden route or give Ali a buzz to find out more.




Private tropical island – Fanjove, Zanzibar

Fanjove Lighthouse Snorkelling
Fanjove Lighthouse

“The most exciting Indian ocean hotel opening in the past years by a mile. People throw phrases like ‘desert island’ bliss around too generously... but for Fanjove they are spot on. A tiny island with all the remoteness and isolation of Robinson Crusoe’s desert island, combined with the spoiling service of a five hotel. If I could whisk my wife away on a romantic break, I know where I’d go.”

Birdwatching paradise - Gorongosa Mozambique

Gorongosa National Park Safari
Gorongosa National Park

“One of Africa’s sleeping Giants is awakening... this year we have sent a handful of customers to Gorongosa in Mozambique – and their experiences have been incredible.

Located at the southern end of the great rift valley Gorongosa now offers a brilliant wildlife experience... lions, elephants and everything else... and a birders delight... someone counted 130 species in one sitting. I think 2020 is going to be the year Gorongosa completes its rehabilitation to its rightful place as one of Africas top safari destinations.”

Ali – Mozambique expert

If you fancy exploring all that Mozambique has to offer from Gorongosa to its magical beaches, give Ali a call today.




Unspoilt and wild - Zambia

Luambe Camp Luambe Zambia Timbuktu Travel 6

"Often overlooked by visitors who are drawn in by the charms of neighbouring Botswana, Zambia is reinventing itself as a true luxury safari destination, with some world-class lodges found across the country to complement its more traditional bushcamps.

Safaris in the stunning Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks are a must-do, whilst those with more time can head off to the North Luangwa, Liuwa Plains and even the tiny Luambe National Parks to follow the road-less-travelled. Of course a few days in iconic Victoria Falls is easy to add to any itinerary in Zambia, with some stunning places to stay here to round off any Zambian safari."

Ruth, Zambia aficionado

If you're considering a romantic getaway and want to escape the crows, take a look at this honeymoon safari trip idea or give Ruth a call today to start planning the adventure of a lifetime.




Rwanda - gorillas in luxury

Gorilla Twins Gorilla Fund

Rwanda has completely re-invented itself. As a tourism destination that is.... the place, and the people are as wonderful as they’ve always been – but this fascinating landlocked country in the heart of Africa has in 2019 seen openings by some of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands – One & Only, Singita, and Wilderness to name but a few.

As well as this, they are involved with one of our favourite organisations ever – African Parks – a far sighted conservation NGO that is re-invigorating about 20 National parks in Africa, Rwandas Akagera NP.

Ben, our Founder says: "My recent visit to Rwanda was hands down the most interesting and engaging safari of the year. And of course, coming face to face with a mountain Gorilla for 60 thrilling minutes in the Virunga Volcanoes was thrilling. “



A varied and diverse safari experience - Zimbabwe

A Lion In Zimbabwe

"Breathtaking Zimbabwe offers arguably the most diverse and comprehensive safari experiences anywhere in Africa. Iconic parks such as Hwange and Mana Pools are must-dos and provide some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa, whilst hidden gems such as the Matobo Hills and Gonarezhou are perfect for more adventurous travellers.

A houseboat experience on Lake Kariba is perfect for larger groups, with all visitors to Zimbabwe able to take advantage of Africa’s best guides, who are a hallmark of the amazing safari experiences the country offers."

Ruth, Zimbabwe enthusiast

To find out more about Zimbabwe, give Ruth a call who will share his enthusiasm and love of the country with you, or take a look at our classic Zimbabwe self-drive trip suggestion.




Feeling inspire? To find out more about any of these destinations and to start planning your next trip, please give us a ring on 01768 603715 - we'd love to share our knowledge with and get you excited about your next holiday!

To take a closer look at our wonderful team featured in this article, click here or check out their photos below to put faces to names.

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