Expert Eyes on Africa: Seven Immersive Journeys

We asked our Africa Travel Specialists, seasoned explorers with years of on-the-ground experience, to share some of their most memorable moments while traveling across this majestic continent.

Madagascar

Madagascar doesn’t feel like anywhere else. That realization hits you quickly when you’re walking through forests of twisted trees.

“One of my favorite experiences in Madagascar was spending the day trekking for lemurs in the forest, trying to spot the famous ring-tailed and sifakas in the trees. The day ended with a campfire and sundowner drinks next to iconic baobab trees which are found throughout the island. Over 80% of the country’s flora and fauna is endemic to Madagascar so you will not experience this anywhere else on earth,” says Laura Preston.

She’s not exaggerating. On the Ultimate Kenya & Madagascar itinerary, you start in the Maasai Mara—open savannas, roaring lions, all the classics. Then, you head to southern Madagascar, where you’ll walk through sacred forests with local Antandroy guides, spot sifakas and ring-tailed lemurs, and end your day watching the sun dip behind a line of baobabs. Nosy Be rounds it out with a few slow, quiet days by the sea. No rush. No crowds. Just time to take it all in. 

Uganda

Yes, Uganda is known for its gorilla trekking, and it delivers. But there’s much more to the experience than that.

“From the Gorillas in the Impenetrable Forest, to tree climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, to sleeping on a private island surrounded by the rapids of the Nile; Uganda is tropical Africa at its most beautiful and authentic,” says Cal Perry.

The Epic Uganda itinerary is designed to show you all sides of the country. It starts in Kibale, where you’ll track chimpanzees in dense forest. From there, you travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to hippos, elephants and the rare lions that climb trees. Then comes the main event: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll hike into the hills and spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family—a moment that’s hard to put into words. You finish on the Nile at Wildwaters Lodge, set on a private island surrounded by rapids. It’s quiet, remote and completely off the grid. 

Zambia

If you’ve done a typical safari before—early drives, fast sightings, lots of dust—Zambia is going to feel like a reset. While the wildlife is just as abundant, the pace here is slower and the experience is totally different. It’s immersive in a whole new way.

“The Lower Zambezi National Park is a safari lover’s dream destination, with amazing wildlife and activities beyond a ‘normal’ safari trip. Canoeing down a remote stretch of the Zambezi River, with the chance of seeing swimming elephants, bobbing hippos and stern buffalo at the water’s edge is truly one of Africa’s most raw and real experiences. You’ll have the stunning Winterthorn Forests and the Zambezi Escarpment as your backdrop, as you silently cruise down one of the continent’s most beautiful rivers,” says Matt Shock.

That’s how Ultimate Zambia begins. You trade the safari truck for a canoe and paddle along the Lower Zambezi, gliding past buffalo, elephants and birds that seem close enough to touch. In South Luangwa, it’s all about walking. The guides are some of the best in Africa, and there’s something grounding about tracking on foot—every print, every call, every scent tells a story.

The trip winds down at Lake Malawi, where the safari gives way to swimming, snorkeling and letting your shoulders drop. And if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to go even deeper into the wild, Limitless Zambia adds places most people will never reach—like Liuwa Plains, where you might not see another vehicle for days. 

South Africa

South Africa doesn’t fit into a single story. That’s part of what makes it so exciting to travel—it constantly changes on you. One day, you’re tracking lions through golden grass. Next, you’re in Cape Town eating oysters with a view of the ocean. Somehow, it all fits.

“Within just 24 thrilling hours of exploring Sabi Sands, I experienced the rare magic of seeing all three big cats—lion, leopard and cheetah—in their natural habitat. The guides and trackers in Sabi Sands are among the most skilled and experienced in Africa, and with over 65,000 hectares of private reserve to explore, it is one of the most exclusive safari destinations I’ve ever experienced,” says Shameem Bhyat.

Ultimate South Africa kicks off in Sabi Sands, a private reserve that borders Kruger. Game viewing here is next level—smaller crowds, expert guides and the kind of tracking that makes you feel like you’re part of the landscape. You’ll likely see lions, leopards, rhinos, but it’s the way you see them that sticks. Slow. Close. Intentional.

After the bush, you head to Cape Town. And if you think safaris are the highlight, wait until you’ve stood on top of Table Mountain or driven Chapman’s Peak with the windows down. The city is modern, creative and full of surprises—from township markets to fine dining with sea views. You’ll finish in the Winelands, where long lunches, vineyard strolls and golden light set the tone. Want even more solitude? Add time in the Kalahari. 

Kenya

Kenya offers everything people picture when they think of safari: vast plains, big cats and the Great Migration. But what surprises many travelers is how much more there is once you go beyond the Mara.

“The Mara is world-famous… but venture north, and a whole other side of Kenya reveals itself,” says Shay Siddiqui.

Ultimate Kenya gives you the full range. You start with game drives in the Maasai Mara, where the wildlife is active year-round. Then you head north to places like Laikipia or Samburu, where things get more hands-on: walking safaris, camel treks, quad biking and nights spent fly camping under the stars. 

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of those places that really lives up to the name. You hear it before you see it—the sound builds, the mist rises, and then the entire gorge opens up in front of you.

“The sheer noise and beauty of the falls is breathtaking… but add helicopter rides, zip lining, gorge swings… it really is one of Africa’s most iconic destinations,” says Olivia Kennaway.

You can easily add Victoria Falls to the start or end of a southern Africa itinerary. It fits especially well with Epic Botswana, offering a change of pace and perspective. There are rainforest trails to explore, sunset cruises on the Zambezi and options for thrill-seekers like bungee jumping or swimming at the edge of the falls in Devil’s Pool. 

Botswana

Botswana offers one of the most remote and authentic safari experiences in Africa. Visitor numbers in Botswana are deliberately kept low, so you won’t encounter lots of vehicles crowding around a sighting. In fact, you’ll see very few other travelers at all.

It’s a place where nature runs the show—and you simply follow.

“Witnessing a pack of 32 wild dogs on a successful hunt was an absolute highlight. As the sun dipped below the palm-fringed horizon that reflected so beautifully against the Delta’s waterways, this was a moment I would never forget,” says Tom Turner.

That kind of raw, real moment is what Epic Botswana is built around. The trip starts in the Okavango Delta, where you explore by mokoro—a traditional canoe—through narrow, reed-lined channels. You stay in small, remote camps that are often only accessible by water, which keeps the experience quiet and personal.

From there, the journey continues to the Makgadikgadi salt pans, where the landscape completely changes. It’s wide, open and completely still. Wildlife is more spread out, but the scale and atmosphere are unlike anywhere else. And at night, the stars are a show of their own. 

Are you ready to experience a journey that will stay with you forever? With our Travel Specialists’ extensive insider knowledge, they’ll craft a trip personalized just for you, giving you access to exclusive experiences across Africa’s most epic destinations. So, get ready for an unforgettable adventure and experience the magic of Africa, in its very own unique way.