South and East Africa

For travellers, Africa is often synonymous with adventure. Nations like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia offer some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters on Earth. Vast national parks and private reserves are home to the legendary “Big Five” — lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo — along with countless other species. Witnessing the Great Migration across the Serengeti, soaring above the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon, or gliding through the Okavango Delta by canoe are experiences that forge an intimate connection with the natural world.

Yet Africa’s greatest treasure is its people. With over two thousand languages spoken, the continent brims with cultural diversity and artistic expression. The rhythmic beats of West African drums, the vibrant hues of Maasai beadwork, and the rich aromas of Moroccan spice markets each tell a story of identity and heritage. Every region offers its own unique traditions, cuisines, and celebrations, weaving together a continent alive with colour and spirit.

The best time to visit Africa varies by region and the experiences you want, but it generally depends on wildlife, weather, and crowds. The dry season, from June to October, is ideal for most safari destinations, including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa, as thinner vegetation and animals gathering near water make sightings easier.

The wet season, from November to March or April, offers lush landscapes, newborn animals, and migratory birds, with fewer crowds, though some remote areas may be harder to reach. East Africa stays warm year-round, with the dry season best for safaris, while southern Africa is cooler and drier from May to September and hot and wet from December to March.

Timing can also enhance exceptional experiences: the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara peaks from June to October, gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is best in June–September and December–February, and migratory birds are most abundant during the wet season.

At the heart of sustainability efforts in this region are the three pillars: conservation, sustainability, and community development. These principles guide all aspects, from eco-friendly infrastructure to community engagement. For instance, the Zambezi Queen uses a water-jet propulsion system, reducing impact on the riverbed and surrounding flora and fauna. Additionally, the houseboats are equipped with solar heating systems, fuel-efficient generators, and energy-saving lighting to minimise their carbon footprint.

Beyond environmental considerations, initiatives have been implemented, such as installing eco-friendly solar-powered boreholes to provide clean drinking water to nearby villages. Purchasing local crafts and produce supports the livelihoods of local artisans and farmers. Responsible tourism practices include respecting wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and observing quietly, conserving resources by using water and power mindfully, and packing with care by bringing reusable items and eco-friendly toiletries.

Kruger National Park – The Heart of South African Wilderness

Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, spans nearly 20,000 km² in northeast South Africa, bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Renowned for its biodiversity, accessibility, and top-tier infrastructure, it attracts both first-time safari-goers and seasoned adventurers.

Established in 1898 by President Paul Kruger to protect threatened wildlife, the park now forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, linking Kruger with Mozambique’s Limpopo and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou parks, allowing animals to roam freely across borders.

Home to 147 mammal species, 500 birds, and nearly 2,000 plants, Kruger offers iconic encounters with the Big Five, alongside cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, wild dogs, and countless smaller creatures, creating a vibrant and unforgettable ecosystem.

Serengeti National Park – The Endless Plains of Life

The Serengeti in northern Tanzania is one of the world’s most iconic wildlife reserves, spanning 14,750 km² of grasslands, woodlands, and river valleys. Its name, from the Maasai word Siringet, means “endless plains,” reflecting its vast horizons.

Declared a national park in 1951 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Serengeti is famed for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse rivers teeming with crocodiles in a dramatic display of endurance.

Home to the Big Five, 70+ large mammals, and 500 bird species, the park features diverse landscapes, from the southern calving plains to the Seronera Valley and northern Mara River, dotted with kopjes used by lions and leopards. The Maasai people continue to live in harmony with this extraordinary ecosystem, preserving its cultural and natural heritage.

Tarangire National Park – Tanzania’s Hidden Gem

Just 120 km southwest of Arusha, Tarangire National Park spans 2,850 km² and is centred around the life-giving Tarangire River. Famous for its towering baobab trees, some thousands of years old, the park offers breathtaking sunsets over the savanna.

Tarangire is renowned for its massive elephant herds, especially during the dry season (June–October), as well as wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Rare species like fringed-eared oryx, greater kudu, and the Tarangire giraffe add to its appeal.

With over 500 bird species, the park bursts with colour and sound, transforming into a vibrant oasis after the rains and revealing a captivating blend of wildlife, landscapes, and natural beauty.

The Chobe River

Flowing along Botswana’s northern border, the Chobe River is one of southern Africa’s most breathtaking and wildlife-rich waterways. Forming part of the boundary with Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, it is the lifeblood of Chobe National Park, a jewel among Africa’s safari destinations, and sustains one of the continent’s most significant concentrations of wildlife.

The river begins its journey in the highlands of Angola, where it is first known as the Kwando. It winds south through Namibia’s floodplains before curving east to become the Chobe, finally joining the mighty Zambezi River near the iconic Victoria Falls. This vast network of rivers, wetlands, and floodplains forms a vital ecological corridor, linking several of southern Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.

Chobe’s fame rests mainly on its elephants. The region is home to an estimated 120,000 of them — the largest population in Africa. During the dry season, immense herds gather along the riverbanks to drink, bathe, and play, creating one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles in the natural world. Alongside them graze buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, all drawn to the lush vegetation nourished by the river’s flow.

Predators, too, are never far away. Lions and leopards prowl the surrounding woodlands, while crocodiles bask on the muddy banks and hippos wallow in the shallows. Overhead, the skies are alive with colour and sound — more than 450 bird species have been recorded in the area, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, carmine bee-eaters, and the graceful African skimmer.

The Mountain Giants of Rwanda

Rwanda is world-famous for its mountain gorillas, one of the planet’s most endangered and awe-inspiring species. Trekking to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Most gorilla treks take place in Volcanoes National Park in the country’s northwest; part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Hike through misty bamboo and montane forests to observe gorilla families up close, witnessing silverbacks, playful youngsters, and nurturing mothers in moments of quiet intimacy. Gorilla trekking is highly regulated to protect the animals and their habitat, with small, guided groups and strict rules on distance and time spent with the gorillas.

Beyond gorillas, Volcanoes National Park also shelters golden monkeys and a rich diversity of flora and birdlife. Rwanda’s commitment to conservation ensures that tourism supports both wildlife protection and local communities, making a gorilla trek not just an adventure but a meaningful contribution to the preservation of one of Africa’s most iconic species.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth. It lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the Zambezi River plunges over a basalt cliff into a deep gorge, creating a curtain of water that stretches for more than 1,700 metres and drops over 100 metres. This immense sheet of falling water produces a roaring sound and a mist so powerful that it can be seen from miles away.

The falls are shared between two towns: Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia. Each side offers its own unique perspective—the Zimbabwean side is known for its panoramic views. In contrast, the Zambian side allows visitors to get closer to the water, especially during the dry season when the flow decreases. During low water months, usually from August to December, adventure seekers can even swim in the famous Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool right on the edge of the falls.

The surrounding area is rich in wildlife and natural beauty, protected by two national parks: Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia. The site is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional geological and ecological importance.

Whether viewed during the high-water season, when the thunder and spray are overwhelming, or the low-water season, when the rock formations are more visible, Victoria Falls remains an unforgettable sight that captures the raw power and beauty of nature.

Africa is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife, making it the ultimate safari destination. Across vast savannas, wetlands, deserts, and forests, animals roam freely, offering unforgettable encounters with nature’s beauty and power.

The continent is famed for the “Big Five”, found in iconic parks like Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, South Africa’s Kruger, and Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Spectacles such as the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Serengeti and Masai Mara, highlight Africa’s dramatic wildlife displays. The Okavango Delta offers a contrasting wonder, with elephants, hippos, and hundreds of colourful birds thriving in its waterways.

Beyond the Big Five, Africa hosts giraffes, cheetahs, gorillas, and whales, creating rich and diverse experiences across its landscapes. Yet this wildlife faces threats from poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. National parks, reserves, and local communities are working to protect these treasures, ensuring Africa’s wild heritage endures for generations.

South and East Africa are regions of rich culture and deep historical significance, shaped by ancient civilisations, colonialism, and struggles for independence. Both regions are cradles of humanity: East Africa’s Great Rift Valley, with fossils like Lucy in Ethiopia, and Southern Africa’s Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg, hold some of the world’s oldest hominid remains.

Culturally, East Africa’s Swahili Coast became a hub of trade and cultural exchange from the 8th century, blending African, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences into the Swahili language and a distinctive coastal culture seen in architecture, art, and poetry. Southern Africa hosted powerful precolonial kingdoms such as Great Zimbabwe, the Zulu Kingdom, the Sotho-Tswana chiefdoms, and Mapungubwe, organised around agriculture, trade, and cattle herding, leaving lasting legacies of political and cultural achievement.

European colonisation transformed both regions. East Africa came under Portuguese, German, and British control, while Southern Africa saw Dutch and British settlements, leading to racially segregated societies and apartheid in South Africa. Colonialism fueled inequality but also inspired independence movements led by figures such as Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, and Nelson Mandela.

Today, both regions retain vibrant cultural traditions. East Africa celebrates Swahili architecture, Maasai beadwork, oral poetry, and dance, while Southern Africa continues to honour music, art, rituals, and festivals that reflect history, identity, and resilience.

Preparing for an African safari ensures your experience is safe, rewarding, and respectful of nature and local communities. A safari is more than an extension of an expedition cruise, it’s a journey into some of the world’s most pristine wilderness.

Pack smart. Lightweight, neutral clothing blends with the environment, while hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes keep you comfortable. Binoculars, a camera, and extra memory cards are essential.

In the wild, follow your guide’s instructions, maintain safe distances, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements. Never feed animals or leave litter. Patience and observation are key. The most memorable moments come from quietly watching the rhythm of life in the wilderness.