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Articles in the 'Africa' Category
Until recently most visitors to Mozambique have focused their travels on the beach, either the Bazaruto Archipelago in the South or the Quirimba Archipelago in the North. In 2009 however two new areas started to open up: the Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique and the Nacala Region on the coast. With an increased network of flights both places are now easily accessed. We sent two of our specialists to see what these areas were all about.
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After time spent immersing yourself in the temples, cities and nature of the country, many people opt to spend some time relaxing on or near a beach. Here, our specialists pick out some less-known beaches from around the world, places that remain unspoilt and away from the tourists crowds.
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Zambia’s South Luangwa has been home to some of Africa’s legendary guides – names such as Norman Carr, John Coppinger and Phil Berry are splashed throughout guide books and brochures on Africa. Probably the best known name though is that of Robin Pope. Once a walking guide, Robin bought his own camp, and then added another and another until he owned Zambia’s most successful safari company – Robin Pope Safaris.
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The safari experience in South Africa has changed dramatically over the last few years; new super-luxurious lodges situated in private reserves, staffed with butlers, adorned with plunge pools and featuring extensive wine lists are now in abundance. As you would guess, these places are fantastic but the cost can sometimes prohibit people visiting a place where the wildlife, not the accommodation, should be the focus of their trip. With this in mind, Rachel Hunt recently explored the more affordable accommodation options available in and around the Kruger National Park.
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As regular Audley travellers will know, at the end of each trip, we call our travellers to make sure you’re safely home and find out how your adventures went. The safari specialists are no different, and we love listening to your stories. For me, safari is fascinating, even at second-hand, and I always like to find out what your highlights were. I’ve heard stories of thrilling chases, of heart wrenching moments when young animals narrowly escaped death, and magical evenings counting shooting stars.
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For humans travel is a passion or an enjoyable break from daily life but for some species it’s a necessity and one that take’s them considerable distances in search of food or as a means of escaping predators. Here we look at some of the most spectacular migrations that can be witnessed around the world.
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If you’ve explored a destination on land, why not spend a few days exploring the underwater part of it. It’s a whole new world. If you’re not already qualified, you can choose to do an introductory course, a full PADI training course or, for the more qualified, a day or more diving and discovering some of the underwater world’s most spectacular species. A number of our destination specialists are keen divers, some are qualified instructors, and here they pick out their own favourite dives sites.
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Kenya’s Masai Mara is one of Africa’s legendary safari destinations. The long dry months tend to attract the most visitors, but the cognoscenti go in the lush months of the green season. In March, June and November, you might get the odd storm, but these are quickly burnt off by the tropical sun. Your reward is watching the bush come to life. In a few days the plains turn emerald green, and tired over-heated animals stretch their legs and head out into the grasslands. Visitors to the reserves have the wildlife largely to themselves, and towering storm clouds make for unforgettable sunsets. Greg Monson owner of Kicheche, one of our favourite camps in the Mara, tells us what makes the green season so special.
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Nervously we crept forward, using a conveniently located acacia bush as cover. I felt clumsy in comparison with my Bushman guide, who seemed to move so effortlessly and silently. Less than 30 metres away stood two female rhino with a young calf. For a few seconds they sensed our presence, but we were downwind and with their notoriously poor eyesight we were entirely safe. That didn’t stop the adrenalin coursing through my veins as I viewed these majestic animals. It was an absolute privilege to see rhino on foot at such close range and yet another example of why Botswana remains one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations.
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We asked our specialists which destinations offer particularly good value for the coming year. We see plenty of offers in the newspapers and on the web for low-priced tours, but these invariably cut a lot of corners, so we also stressed that the trips needed to be the ‘complete experience’ and not less than two weeks. Here are some of their suggestions.
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Nothing draws people together like food, whether it’s the preparation or sitting down to taste local delicacies, barriers are broken down and conversation flows. We asked our specialists to choose some of their favourite culinary experiences from around the world.
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Sir Frederick Selous is an important figure in the history of Tanzania. Bronwen Pearson, one of Audley’s Tanzania specialists, follows in his footsteps and explores the area that was eventually named in his honour - the Selous Game Reserve.
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Audley’s specialists pick out some of their favourite music, dance and drama performances from around the world.
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Sailing on a yacht across calm turquoise waters, visiting deserted tropical beaches, relaxing on deck watching the African sun set over the horizon… this may sound like something for the super-rich only. However at Audley we have found a selection of fabulous private yachts to fit a range of budgets and make those ocean dreams a reality. Here our Africa Specialists share some of their favourites.
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Immerse yourself in rural life on a working farm or ranch. From tea plantations in Africa to the fertile floodplains of Brazil’s greatest wetlands, friendly family-run properties introduce frontier life as it interacts with nature. Our specialists reveal their favourites.
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Botswana is best-known for its luxury safaris but you can still experience its fantastic wildlife by avoiding luxury lodges and staying in mobile tented camps. Victoria Saner finds these get you even closer to nature.
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Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is Africa at its most adventurous: canoeing on the river, stalking game on foot and hunting for tiger fish. But it’s also family friendly, as Matt Vlemmiks discovers.
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There are some immensely clear and gloriously spectacular night skies across the world, many that must be seen to be believed. Here, our specialists choose their favourites.
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Brian Jackman goes to the dogs in the wilds of Tanzania.
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Age commands respect in Africa, and the Governors’ Safari Camps in the Masai Mara are amongst the longest-established in East Africa. Best-known in the UK as home to the BBC’s ‘Big Cat Diaries’, their relationship with the local community goes back generations. Silver Level Safari Guide Leonard Sadera talks to Sarah Read, Audley’s East Africa Regional Manager, about how Governors’ has helped his family.
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When home is a remote island off the coast of one of the world’s poorest countries, low-tech tourism is often your best hope of change. Madagascar specialist Aisha Battersby focuses on Tsara Komba, a small island resort that is fully integrated with the local community.
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Running a lodge in Africa is always a responsibility. Even more so when you are the only property on a remote island reached only by chartered light plane or a weekly tramp steamer. Matt Vlemmiks finds a lodge on Lake Malawi that is certainly doing its share.
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Responsible travel is not only about minimising the environmental impact of travel, but also about improving the social and economic infrastructures of host destinations. Ultimately, we strive to ensure that a visit from Audley clients leaves a destination better rather than worse off. The nature of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of responsible travel – we use, wherever possible, locally owned accommodation options, locally managed grounds agents and local guides and drivers. One of the vital parts of our country specialists’ research trips is to unearth new initiatives. Here are a few of our favourites.
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You may have only considered Mozambique for its beaches, but Ibo Island is a little secret that deserves discovery. Cate Mackenzie explains.
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The Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa offers a more personal kind of safari, as Charlotte Mellor discovered.
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The march to globalisation of certain sports may seem unstoppable, but more localised pursuits are still extremely popular in certain corners of the globe. Our specialists reveal some of their favourites.
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Matthew Vlemmiks gets very, very close to the wildlife on a photographic safari in Zambia.
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Alexandra Matts falls under the special spell of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau.
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Whether you’re a serious wine buff, teetotal, or simply enjoy the odd tipple, winegrowing regions are always fascinating places to visit.
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Katie Fewkes reveales some of the secrets of Uganda’s national parks.
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After the excitement of a safari, some relaxation on the beach is a popular way to end a trip to Africa.
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Driving around Namibia, James Down discovers a great deal of life in the Namib Desert.
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Russell and Mel, our Seychelles specialists, discuss their four favourite islands of this stunning archipelago.
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The vital efforts of Friends of Conservation to protect the black rhino in Tanzania
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This fascinating annual spectacle is explained by Alexandra Matts.
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Heather Miller discovers Madagascar’s unique array of wildlife.
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The best places to find Africa’s cats, large and small, identified by our Africa Specialists.
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A Zambian safari is not for the faint-hearted but has significant rewards to offer, as Ruth Milligan explains.
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Melissa Hillen discusses her love of the African bush.
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Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Katie Fewkes finds there is more than meets the eye for adventure seekers.
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Cate Mackenzie explains why you might want to save visiting Botswana for a rainy day.
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Heather Miller remembers her flying visit to Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
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Ruth Milligan’s guide to an African trove of lush tropical forests, deserted beaches and stunning wildlife.
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Cate Mackenzie recounts her experiences at some of her favourite bushcamps in Zambia.
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Michael Francis on the comfort and convenience of exploring southern Africa on the Shongololo Express.
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Our guide to a less familiar treasure in Africa.
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Ruth Milligan on spending time with the locals while travelling in Africa.
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Audley’s Namibia specialist picks her favourite route fro exploring Namibia by road.
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The spice trade is intrinsically woven into Zanzibar’s history and culture.
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Experience the wilderness of Botswana on a mobile camping safari.
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Heather Tyrrell introduces this unique and untamed country.
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Heather Tyrrell explains why the Selinda reserve isher favourite corner of Botswana.
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Exploring Tanzania’s lesser known game reserves.
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A run-down of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations.
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