Good to know

Learn more about our experiences

Experience

30 years of travel
experience

Crafting your African adventure

Passion

A passion for showing the
world the real Africa

Experience

30 years of travel
experience

Passion

A passion for showing the
world the real Africa

Crafting your African adventure

Good to know and consider the following when planning your intended trip to Africa.

Which of these categories grab your attention or would you prefer a mix of them all?
We can work through these when planning your itinerary so we know how to narrow down exactly what it is you would like to see, do and experience.

What do you want to experience?

Culture
History
Nature & Wildlife
Adrenalin
Activity
Speciality

Culture

are you interested in cultural experiences?

*Southern Africa offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences *vibrant rhythms of Zulu dances in South Africa *captivating storytelling of San Bushmen in Botswana, *rich history of the Great Zimbabwe ruins * red ochre body paint of the Himba tribe of Namibia *explore ancient rock art, marvel at the intricate beadwork of the Ndebele people *taste traditional cuisine or learn how to cook an authentic Cape Malay dish *engage with local communities, churches, or schools for an unforgettable cultural journey.

*East Africa boasts a kaleidoscope of cultural treasures *bustling markets of Stone Town in Zanzibar, where Arabic, Indian, and Swahili influences converge *Maasai way of life in Kenya and Tanzania *In Uganda, immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of traditional drumming and dance

History

does history intrigue you?

*South Africa’s historical tapestry unfurls a captivating narrative for tourists eager to delve into the past *visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned *Trace the footsteps of early human ancestors at the Cradle of Humankind *Exhibits of the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg *Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap, adorned with colourful houses reflecting the area’s Cape Malay heritage *Visit District Six, the Castle of Good Hope and the beautiful SA museum, each landmark and site tells a story of resilience, resistance, and reconciliation.

Nature & Wildlife

do you enjoy the “great outdoors”?

*Africa’s nature and wildlife captivate with its unparalleled diversity and majesty *Vast savannas pulse with the rhythm of life as herds of elephants, giraffes, and zebras traverse the plains *Dense rainforests teem with vibrant birdlife and elusive primates like chimpanzees and gorillas *rivers and lakes host an array of creatures, from crocodiles to hippos *deserts reveal the resilience of species adapted to harsh conditions *Majestic predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs roam freely, embodying the untamed spirit of the wilderness.

Activity

does “getting busy” excite you?

*Africa offers a wealth of outdoor activities amidst its breathtaking natural landscapes *exhilarating safaris to witness iconic wildlife in their natural habitat *trek through lush rainforests in search of rare species *Scale towering mountains like for awe-inspiring views *Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkelling or scuba diving discovering vibrant coral reefs and marine life *Paddle along tranquil rivers in traditional canoes or raft down raging rapids *Africa’s diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, camping, and stargazing, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature.

Adrenalin

are you a thrill seeker?

*Africa’s adrenaline tourism offers an electrifying blend of adventure *bungee jump, gorge swing or fox fly from iconic bridges *leap off cliffs into crystal-clear waters *shark cage dive with great whites *Navigate roaring rapids on thrilling white-water rafting expeditions *scale rugged peaks for breathtaking views of sprawling vistas. *zip-line through dense jungles *sandboard down towering dunes *quad bike across rugged terrains *Africa’s diverse terrain promises adrenaline enthusiasts an unforgettable journey into the wild.

Speciality

do you have specific interests?

Photography, Birding, Hiking, Cycling, Golfing – the lists are endless. If there is something close to your heart that you particularly enjoy, let’s try including this on your itinerary.

Itinerary Tips

Itinerary Tips

When planning your itinerary, I will work with you to ensure we get the most out of the time you have to take your vacation. In the meantime, here are some tips for consideration when planning your length of stay.

Since you may be coming from far away, there will be a tendency to try and pack in as much as possible during your vacation. It is worth noting that it is a lot better to take your time and enjoy each destination than to rush from “pillar to post” trying to fit it all in. This will be a much-anticipated trip and you want to relax and enjoy it at a fair pace.

For those of you that have been to Africa, you will be aware of what works time wise, for those that have not ventured our way before, below is a guideline.

Recommended stay in Cape Town: min 4 nights
Recommended stay in Winelands: 2 to 3 nights
Recommended stay along the Garden Route: 6 to 7 nights
Recommended stay along the Elephant Coast: 6 to 7 nights
Recommended stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: 2 to 3 nights
Recommended trip through Namibia: min 10 nights
Recommended stay on Safari: min 3 nights
You may be visiting Africa to focus on safari and in that case, you will probably be combining destinations. I will suggest guidelines based on your destination choices, time frame and budget.

Also to note, we often consider the “safari” part of your itinerary to be the highlight of your trip. To this end, we recommend you end your visit with your safari.

It means you will no doubt leave on a “high note” and hopefully be inspired to return someday soon. That said, it also means you are in tune with the time zone, the early wake-up calls to embark on a safari will not be as difficult to adjust to if you have spent some time in the country already, compared to if you have just come off a long-haul flight.

Time of Year

I am often asked “when is the best time to visit Africa?” There is no “wrong” time to visit but there are times to avoid if you are wanting to do specific things.

If you want to enjoy the beaches, you need to aim for the summer months and fringes Nov through to March. However, if you are doing the Indian Ocean Islands, almost anytime is good but you then want to avoid the cyclone season. If you want to mokoro in the Okavango Delta, you need to travel when the waters are high enough and this is seasonal. Game viewing is best in some regions in the winter months, when the bush is less dense and the animals are easier to spot, but the summer season also brings its own life to the bush with newborns, migratory birds and incredible lush scenery.

Sometimes you don’t have too much of a choice as to when you are able to travel, and you need to fit it into a particular time frame. I will take all aspects of your request into consideration, and we will work out the best possible itinerary for the time of year you are able to visit our continent.

Budget

This is always the toughest question to ask as a tour planner, however, it really is one of the most necessary pieces of information we require to ensure that we put together the most appropriate and satisfying itinerary for you. Africa can be done on anything from a shoestring budget to an uber luxury one. Having a rough idea of your budget allows us to craft your itinerary “right out the blocks” along the lines of what you are looking for. It avoids unnecessary “to and fro” with inappropriately priced options and allows us to offer you itineraries that will leave you excited about your intended travel plans.

FYI: South African itineraries are costed in South African Rand. Namibia is costed in Nambian Dollars but has the same conversion rate as the South African Rand. All other countries charge tourism services in US Dollars.

It was a fantastic stay. We did an evening drive and a morning drive, saw the big five all roaming freely. Brilliant. The Ranger was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Food was first class. Staff and rooms fabulous. They tidied the rooms every time we left them. Lovely touch by the management who knew we had just been married, (thank you Bev) who put a complimentary bottle of bubbly on ice in our room with a congratulations card.

Paul and Suzaan Cook

Apr 2023
We are all well and back in Belgium. Our trip to SA was wonderful, even our friends who came for the first time to SA were very satisfied! Thanks again for your support and the free upgrade in Pondoro lodge, SUPER! Also BLuu car rental was great and so was Rovos! Next time that we will come to SA or neighbourhoods, I shall contact you!

Lieven de Smit & Friends

Sep 2022
I wanted to say a huge thank you from the kids and me. We had the most fabulous trip! We saw all the big 5 in Sabi Sand, not to mention the fabulous accommodation, service, staff, food and and and… at Nottens. And the spot at Little Sable equally amazing! Lots of cats, giraffe, elephant, hippos…. And again a great lodge, service, food, etc. I am very happy to provide a review and sing your praises!

Bozena Birt and Family

Apr 2023

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