This grand old continent, with which we are so enamoured, has an almost infinite amount of stunning landscapes, unbelievable vistas and sublime settings. It is fair to say that Africa’s cup runneth over.
But what is the best of the best? The places that are the most special? That really leave their mark? Well, it’s hard to look past these eight destinations.
Cape Town
This extraordinary city at the tip of Africa is a haven of culture, creative energy and wonderful scenery. Fantastic beaches, hikes, sunsets, wine farms, history and restaurants ensure that a holiday in Cape Town is a joyful blur. The accolades continue to pour in for this city beneath a mountain that is a wonderful portal to this vibrant continent.
Places to stay: Mannabay and Ellerman House
Cape Winelands
If you think South African wines are good, you should see where they come from. The mountains of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have lured many a holidaymaker to deviate from their path and seek out a life in this spectacular region. The world-class restaurants, art galleries, hotels and, of course, the hundreds of amazing wine farms form the backbone of the allure.
Places to stay: La Residence & Delaire Graff
Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei is the top destination in Namibia with monumental dunes up to 325 metres from the base. These star-shaped dunes are a sought after topic for artists and photographers. Visiting Sossusvlei, you are sure to see Gemsbok and Springbok – the quintessential desert antelope. However, much of the beauty of Namibia lies in the landscape and the unique natural spots that lie hidden within the dunes.
Places to stay: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge & Little Kulala
Victoria Falls
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is simply spectacular. In the rainy season, they form the largest curtain of falling water in the world – the sight is quite something! Vic Falls is considered the ‘Adrenalin Capital of Africa’ with an array of adventure activities. Try your hand at bungee jumping, white water rafting along the roaring Zambezi River, river boarding as well as taking a helicopter trip over the Falls themselves.
Places to stay: Victoria Falls River Lodge & Royal Chundu
Okavango Delta
Described as “the river which never finds the sea”, the Okavango River in northwestern Botswana disappears into a 6,000-square-mile maze of lagoons, channels, and islands known as the Okavango Delta. It’s a spectacular site either in flood or at other times of the year. Teeming with wildlife and over 400 bird species, a visit to Botswana’s Delta is an experience of a lifetime.
Places to stay: Jao Camp & Chief’s Camp
Chobe
The Chobe Region in Botswana is home to an abundance of wildlife, dynamic landscapes and a variety of flora, but there is one animal that dominates it. Elephants. And lots of them. Chobe National Park supports the largest surviving elephant populations in the world, currently estimated to exceed 120,000. The park is home to a number of excellent safari lodges, houseboats, and camps eager to welcome visitors.
Places to stay: Chobe Chilwero & Chobe Game Lodge
Kruger National Park
The Kruger is one of Africa’s most iconic game-viewing destinations and Africa’s second-largest park. It’s spread across an impressive 2 million hectares of land in the far north-eastern corner of the country. It’s home to the highest density of the Big 5 in South Africa and offers an array of truly impressive accommodation options.
Places to stay: Londolozi Varty Camp & Chitwa Chitwa
Bazaruto
The Bazaruto Archipelago is famous for its beautiful beaches, azure waters and secluded islands. Bazaruto and Benguerra are the two largest islands and the most developed so most travellers choose to stay there. Tourist attractions include sandy beaches, coral reefs, diving, snorkelling and great surfing and fishing. The archipelago is a national park so the marine reserve is protected and offers great snorkelling and scuba diving.
Places to stay: Benguerra Lodge & Azura Benguerra