For some, uncharted territories are the pinnacle of travel. While for others there is considerably more appeal in the tried and tested, and repeatedly highly rated. And, in the context of African travel there are trips that consistently fall under the ‘bucket-list must’ umbrella – for very good reason.

These experiences are so universally remarkable that they’re sought after by travellers from all over the world, year after year. And while we’re certainly not saying you shouldn’t boldly go to places less travelled, we are saying it’s worth building some of these favourites into future plans…

In full flow – Vic Falls up close and personal

From slow to action packed – Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the ‘smoke that thunders’ as it’s aptly known locally), is accessible from two counties, the majority falling within the border of Zimbabwe, while the remainder is located on the Zambian side.

Home to abundant wildlife in the parks in its environs, and riverine and rainforest vegetation thanks to the unique climate the spray from the falls creates, it is the dramatic culmination of the Zambezi River into a 1708-metre wide and 108-metre drop into the gorge below (making it the world’s largest sheet of falling water) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Falls aside, there is much to see whether you are on the Zambian or Zimbabwean side – so start here, and venture on…

The winding way – take it slow on Rovos Rail

Slow travel is a term that’s crept into tourism lexicon over the last few years. The movement advocates for taking your time to enjoy a trip rather than rushing to tick things off – and really immersing yourself in the experience. This applies to the journey as well as the destination.

Rovos Rail has honed the art of rail travel in Africa, with elegant luxury carriages passing through some of Africa’s most beautiful scenery and stopping at cultural and natural sites along the way. There’s an itinerary for anyone – from history buffs and wildlife enthusiasts, even golfers. A wide range of routes allow you to choose the duration and destinations after your own heart – from three-night trips within South Africa for those pushed for time, to an epic 16-night trip through five countries to finally reach Dar es Salaam.

Getting perspective – a Mount Kilimanjaro ascent

Few travel pursuits will be more memorable than those that have an aspect of challenge to them – and ascending Africa’s highest mountain (at 5 895metres) is certainly ‘up’ there. This snow-capped volcano that rises above the plains of Tanzania is not only beautiful but also ‘accessible’ in hiking terms, in that it has no ‘technical’ climbing involved in any of its various routes.

The main trekking seasons run from January to mid-March and June to October and trek lengths vary – with the experts suggesting allowing yourself the maximum number of days possible (to adjust to the altitude, and better your chances of summiting). Achieving this feat is definitely best rewarded by extending your stay in Tanzania with either a few days of spectacular savannah exploration on safari, or a trip to the coast for some downtime in Zanzibar.

Live and in technicolour – the Great Migration

Also centred on the beautiful scenery of Tanzania and neighbouring Kenya, the Great Migration is considered one of the most epic wildlife experiences in the world, and one that safari and certainly photography enthusiasts should move swiftly to the top of the list. The movement of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and antelope en masse across the plains in search of fresh grazing, it’s action packed (as predators join in and herds cross rivers) and a spectacle on a grand scale.

With the best locations, lodges and camps in hot demand, and the timing each year never exactly the same, it’s crucial to enlist experts to help guide you in the process of choosing accommodation and timing and booking your trip. And this is where we come in!

Cross species connection – gorilla trekking in the jungle

Witnessing wildlife at close quarters in any context is a privilege. Even more so if the wildlife in question is one that’s critically endangered. In certain parts of the rainforests that fall within the national parks of Rwanda and Uganda you will find the mountain gorilla – this species lives nowhere else in the world, and is closely protected in an effort to grow their numbers.

A concerted drive over the last few decades focusing on their conservation means that travellers are still able to see them in the wild, by hiking the magnificent forests with trained guides. Even better is that, in doing so you contribute to their ongoing conservation. Due to high demand and some logistical considerations, it’s good to get expert insight when planning this trip, which is one for the books.

Make it happen…

Our team loves nothing more than to see your travel plans come to fruition. Chat to us about one, or more of these amazing experiences and how we can make the dream a reality.