Southern Africa Travel News

	James travelled to Zambia visiting the Lower Zambezi National Park, the mighty Victoria Falls, Kafue National Park and finally the South Luangwa National Park. "Zambia has so much to offer - it really is a fantastic alternative safari destination" Read more ...
	Rose travelled to Victoria Falls and Botswana, visiting the Okavango Delta, Kwando and Linyanti area. "You can't beat luxury lodges especially when mixed with horse-riding across stunning countryside" Read more ...
	Jen visited the untouched, wild coast of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. "The coastline stretches on as far as the eye can see without a person in sight - the perfect hideaway" Read more ...

James in Zambia
“This really is a wild and wonderful African country with incredibly diverse national parks, here are some of my highlights - watching a river crossing of 200+ elephants from my kayak in the Lower Zambezi, hooking a Tiger Fish during my stay at Royal Zambezi Lodge, taking a mere five seconds to get completely drenched as 600million cubic metres of water per minute crash over the mighty Vic Falls, a Sunday morning visit to the village of Siankaba on the Upper Zambezi, viewing 200 buffalo & five stalking lions from a helicopter above the Busanga Plains (Kafue NP) and finally walking on a sand bank in the Luangwa River to reach our early coffee spot surrounded by hippos!

What makes Zambia a great destination for the first time, second time or even serial African traveller is the incredibly high standard of guiding throughout the country. This is maintained by some of the toughest examinations Africa has to offer and all
the guides I was lucky enough to meet easily displayed all their talents in the fantastic variety of activities on offer - boat safaris, kayaking safaris, mokoro, fishing, walking safaris, game drives and night drives".

Rose in Botswana
“Riding through the Delta is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Okavango Horse Safaris owners PJ and Barney show Botswana at its best, with exceptional knowledge of its wildlife, and high quality horses. Following hyena across the flood plains and examining the previous night’s tracks off a horse makes you feel like one of the great white hunters who made Africa so famous. To explore Africa from a horse is to rediscover it for yourself, riding over bush which has never ever been touched before.”

Jen in South Africa
“This is a stunning province with so much to offer – loads of history (the site of some of South Africa’s most famous battles), great wildlife, pristine beaches and sun! Thonga Beach Lodge was a highlight of the trip. Accessible only by 4x4 vehicles, Thonga is a luxurious beach lodge set on the Maputuland coast. Relaxing on the beach, snorkelling and scuba diving are just some of the activities to enjoy at the Lodge. I especially enjoyed the fabulous sunset over Lake Sibaya, seeing thousands of stars from the beach, and kayaking on the Lake the next morning where baby crocodiles lazed on the sandbanks.”
            

Indaba - Africa Travel Fair
Following their time spent spotting wildlife, horse-riding across deserts and star-gazing, it was time to fly down to Durban and meet partners from across Africa – lodge owners, professional guides, specialist ground agents and activity operators – to find out all the latest news and views. Over 100 meetings, dinners and lunches later, the team have managed to put together their top tips for what’s hot in the year ahead:

Lemala Serengeti - Asilia Lodges and Lemala combine to make the ultimate in Northern Circuit / Wildebeest migration luxury private safaris.

Pumlulani, Lake Malawi - the first luxury lodge in Lake Malawi National Park. Opening on the first of July we have arranged a fantastic exclusive offer for clients who book in the next month.

Bawe Island, Zanzibar - Our new secret. With Zanzibar experiencing a surge in popularity, it is becoming more difficult to find true barefoot luxury. Bawe offers just that - a beautiful private island a short boat ride off the west coast of Zanzibar. With just 15 deluxe cottages scattered along the beach line with lovely views of the Indian Ocean, Bawe is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

Safari & Adventure Company - this is Wilderness Safaris new portfolio of classic camps in stunning locations throughout Southern Africa. Imagine Africa favourites include Rocktail Bay Lodge's new sister camp Rocktail Beach Camp on South Africa's Elephant Coast as well as Lianshulu in Namibia's Caprivi Strip. New camps set to open soon in Etosha, Namibia and Botswana's Kalahari!

Porini's opening up in Tanzania - Porini Rhino Camp  dominates luxury tented camp operations in Kenya and we are thrilled to hear that they are now moving into Tanzania opening up fantastic competition for Lemala Ngorongoro

If you would like to hear more about their time overseas and get the latest recommendations or be one of the first to visit some of the new lodges, then please contact James, Rose or Jen on 020 7622 5114.