Less Obvious Africa

Explore the 6,200 square miles of the flat and vast expanse of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans by quad bike. This thrilling experience takes you across a lunar-like landscape which once formed part of a superlake which dried up thousands of years ago. Speed across the pans and take time to jump off the quad bike to explore this tranquil location on foot. Keep an eye out for treasures such as beautifully coloured rocks, stone age tools and even some fossils. An amazing experience for family adventurers seeking a unique activity in stunning surrounds.

Embark on an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience on a walking safari across the Laikipia wilderness whilst being supported by a troop of camels. With Karisia Walking Safaris you will trek across the Laikipia plains with Samburu or Maasai guides to gain a whole new perspective and understanding of the Kenyan bush. Camels will carry your bags and the fully-serviced mobile camp which moves as you move and sets up in a new location every night. Marvel as you learn about the turbulent and rich history of this wonderful region and buzz with excitement as you come across some of the large mammals for which the region is so well known for.

Exploring the great island of Madagascar is every wildlife enthusiasts dream. Start your holiday in Mandrare River Camp, an intimate property with only six tents. Marvel at the spiny forest as you search for the resident lemurs or learn more about the interesting culture of the Antandroy people. It is then onto Manafiafy Lodge based on a pristine beach of Southern Madagascar. Again, this is an intimate lodge with only 6 chalets and it is a fabulous base to enjoy night walks in search of the elusive nocturnal species of lemur. Finally it is time for some relaxation on the soft powdery sands of Miavana, this impressive property is highly luxurious and is a fantastic base for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Kaya Mawa is a beautiful island hideaway located in the middle of Lake Malawi on the intimate Likoma Island. Isolated and idyllic, this unique destination offers an escape in an individual lodge which takes its inspiration from the natural rocky and wooden surrounds. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island with a range of activities. Explore the waters by kayak or paddleboard and get below the surface to swim with a diverse range of fish whilst snorkelling or diving. Spend your days here living by the mantra ‘maybe tomorrow’, from which Kaya Mawa has taken its name.

A trip to Namibia wouldn’t be complete without a stay at one of the two brand new properties along the vast and unforgiving Skeleton Coast. Shipwreck Lodge is a completely unique lodge built in the style of a shipwreck, for which this line of coast is well known for. Built amongst the huge sand dunes, Shipwreck Lodge is the first of it’s kind situated in an unrivalled location. Further inland sits the eco-friendly Hoanib Valley Camp, luxurious and contemporary, this camp’s focus is on supporting the local community and ongoing conservation whilst offering stunning views and desert drives to find some of the wildlife that lives in the area.

Trekking to see the gorillas is quite literally a breath-taking experience. The mountain gorillas of Rwanda live high up in the Virunga massif, a collection of impressive volcanoes, and the opportunity to see these majestic animals in their home is certainly an experience like no other. Your trekking experience will take you through rural villages and farm land to the dense forest of Volcanoes National Park. Once you have reached the gorillas you will then have a full hour to watch as the family interact and play. After your trek, we can think of no better place to relax and unwind than Bisate Lodge, a structurally impressive lodge that looks out over the Volcanoes National Park.

The lesser known Timbavati Private Nature reserve forms part of the Great Kruger National Park. The exclusive use Tanda Tula Field Camp is an ideal option for those looking to explore the bush as a group of friends or with their extended family. What makes this intimate camp truly unique is the opportunity to track big game such as lion, elephant and rhino on foot. This adrenaline filled experience allows you to get even closer to nature as your guide teaches you about tracking skills and the fauna and flora this stunning park is so well known for.

Explore the lesser travelled region of western Tanzania on an 8 night adventure to the Katavi National Park and the Mahale Mountains. Safari the old fashioned way in a traditional tent in the wildlife rich Chada Katavi. This small exclusive camp has just six tents and is a fantastic base to explore a region reputed as one of the wildest places on earth. After safari you will fly to the stunning Greystoke Mahale, which boasts a breath-taking position on the golden sands of Lake Tanganyika. From here, guests can trek into the lush green forests in search of the resident habituated chimpanzees, or perhaps relax and indulge in a variety of slow paced activities such a kayaking or fishing on the lake.

Make sure your safari destination this year be at the luxurious King Lewanika Lodge. Located in the lesser known and lesser visited Liuwa Plains National Park in Zambia, this stunning camp offers an exclusive and unspoilt safari experience. With the opportunity to explore Liuwa Plains on day and night game drives, on foot, or even by canoe, King Lewanika offers unrivalled access and total immersion in the boundless landscape. Liuwa Plains is also home to the second largest wildebeest migration outside of Tanzania, offering up a truly unforgettable experience and countless brilliant photo opportunities.

Zimbabwe is a fantastic adventure for a family with older children due to the many activities on offer. This itinerary showcases three of the key attractions in Zimbabwe; the roaring Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools national parks. Feel the spray of the Victoria Falls and perhaps even try out one of the exhilarating adventure sports on offer, such as white water rafting or flying over the falls in a microlight. Onto Hwange which is known for its impressive elephant herds and big cats for a 4x4 safari experience, and then head onto Mana Pools which is know for its walking safaris and Zambezi canoe experiences.