African Safari in South Africa

If you are looking for an experience that is a totally different to anything you’ve experienced in any other part of the world, an African safari is the thing to do. A wildlife safari is home to Africa, and certainly the only place in the world that offers a true authentic experience complete with the finest luxuries, impeccable views, five-star accommodation and service and, of course, sightings of the world’s most coveted wildlife species. If you are looking for an exclusive safari and big 5 game reserve accommodation, look no further than the likes of Thanda Safari in South Africa’s beautiful KZN. It’s our favorite pick because it’s private, free from hoards of tourists; the sunrises, sunsets and lush landscapes in that part of the world are breathtaking, and you’ll learn more about the Zulu culture.

What makes Thanda Safari extra special is the ethos that they live by which is based on wildlife, people and the environment working together to conserve the area’s wilderness and natural habitat.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth, with its summit about 4,900 meters from its base and 5,895 meters above sea level. What adds to the beauty is the snow-cap that retains its permanent crown. Mount Kilimanjaro stands majestically in the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania, and with the jaw-dropping, true-to-Africa surroundings it is a sight to behold. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most talked about mountains not because of its beauty alone but because many hikers come from far and wide to challenge themselves and scale its peaks. The beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro is that anyone with at least a good level of fitness will be able to take on this climb – it’s not as strenuous or as dangerous on the body as that of Everest for example.

 Witness the Great Mammal Migration in Masai Mara or Serengeti

Africa is home to many amazing natural phenomena and the Great Mammal Migration is just one of them, and certainly one of the best. The spectacle draws in thousands of visitors a year, either to the Masai Mara in Kenya or the Serengeti in Tanzania, as the mammals move between these two reserves. Visitors often opt to visit the Masai Mara over the Serengeti as the Mara River crossing is a real sight. Here, the mammals make their way through crocodile infested waters to reach the plains. The best time of year to witness the Great Mammal Migration is during the months of July to October. 

Visit the gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda

The gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda has long since been a major drawing card for wildlife, nature and adventure enthusiasts to Africa. It is a spectacular encounter that has truly moved the people that have embarked on this trip. There are only around 800 wild gorillas left in the world, with almost 90% of them found in the jungles of Uganda and Rwanda. This astonishing fact alone is what makes Africa so special, and of course, what makes this trek a special one. Sadly, the reality is such that we cannot be sure generations to come will be able to experience such an encounter.

See Bushman rock art

People are always fascinated by ancient civilizations and cultures and long to connect with the legacies they’ve left behind. The San and Khoi, otherwise known collectively as the Bushman, were one of the earliest known cultures, and one of the most genetically diverse humans, suggesting that they were perhaps the original population from which all other African populations came to be. The Bushman lived simple lives, living completely off the land – hunting for food and moving from place to place. They were creative and spiritual, which is depicted through their fascinating rock art. In places like Namibia, Botswana and parts of South Africa, visitors can see their drawings which often tell stories of their community and their rituals including their trance dance as well as their shaman.

Visit Nelson Mandela’s Cell on Robben Island

One of the most iconic people in the world is freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. He is the father of South Africa, the one who fought against apartheid and lead the country to freedom. This was not without many obstacles and setbacks, including a 27-year prison sentence. Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island is open for public viewing, which of course attracts many people from all over the world. The tour is not just incredibly interesting, but also very insightful and educates one on the state of the country during the time of apartheid, and what was endured by people like Nelson Mandela, in order to achieve democracy and freedom for all South Africans.