Why do I need to digital detox in Africa?
The world is moving faster than ever. And now cars are driving themselves, while you sit in the back with a virtual reality headset thinking you’re playing ping pong with Marilyn Monroe. It’s a crazy, crazy world. But some of us are tired of being too wired. Tired of being incessantly plugged in, switched on and manically tapping on our phones like a hyperactive kid with his first drumset.
Information might be at our fingertips but so are increased levels of anxiety, depression and stress. We like to think we’re advancing but are we really if our mental health is worse off? It’s enough to make one want to switch off entirely, step outside for some fresh air and toss all these gadgets into your neighbour’s tree. It can be his problem now.
And that’s just what some travellers are seeking – a break (not the questionable disposal of electronics). They want a respite. Quiet. Space. Stillness. To get away from it all so you can get back to being yourself. And the African bush can provide that. Here are our 7 favourite places for a digital detox in Africa.
Digital detox in Africa as the perfect medicine for the soul
You’re not just off the beaten track, you’re off the grid and you’re off the map.
There are some places in Africa that cater for this especially.
They offer a digital detox experience, and these are the perfect places to do just that.
1. Serra Cafema – Namibia
One of the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River. Reclining amongst shady albida trees, Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp inspired by the area’s Himba people. This, in fact, is Serra Cafema’s chief charm, as they offer the most authentic Himba cultural experience in all of Namibia. The Himba tribe are semi-nomadic and lead a life in harmony with the indigenous plants and animals. If you’re looking for people on the opposite scale of engagement with technology, this is it.
2. Greystoke Mahale – Tanzania
‘From the moment you hop off the plane, you know you’re on the edge of the map.’ And that’s exactly where you’ll want to stay. Nestled between Lake Tanganyika and the lush Mahale Mountains, Greystoke Mahale offers one of the best chimpanzee experiences in the world as well as a fantastic secluded beach location. Think chimp treks in the morning, snorkeling, fishing and sundowners overlooking the stunning lake. The perfect place to let the rest of the world just slip away. Undoubtedly one of our favorite destinations for digital detox in Africa.
3. Anjajavy – Madagascar
Anjajavy on the northwest tip of Madagascar is not just any nature reserve. With 24 luxury rosewood villas facing the sea, Anjajavy offers luxury accommodations within a large nature reserve that is, quite simply, at the end of the world. Visitors call this place paradise and it’s high tea is one of the reasons why. Afternoon tea that’s in a tropical garden while lemurs and rare birds walk by can have that effect on people. So can snorkeling in coral reefs, massages, boat trips, a nature reserve home to over 1,800 floral species and dining on the beach under stars. If you don’t put your phone down here, you never will.
4. Manda Bay – Kenya
Manda Bay is a boutique hotel on an island by the same name off Kenya’s coast is surrounded by magnificent coral gardens, deserted beaches and indigenous woodland. What better surroundings for a digital detox in Africa could you wish for? For those keen to take things slow, there is the pool, spa and massage treatments. And for those who want more action, the variety of activities is almost endless. Guests can choose between deep sea fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling, laser sailing, mangrove trips, cultural visits, kayaking, water skiing and scuba diving to name a few. The regular sightings of dolphins, turtles and humpback whales make this a perfect place to unwind.
5. Singita Pamushana – Zimbabwe
Blending effortlessly into its surroundings, Singita Pamushana overlooks a lake as green as the trees that densely surround it. One of Zimbabwe’s most luxurious lodges, Singita Pamushana Lodge lies within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, on a whopping 130,000 acres of wilderness in the south-east of Zimbabwe. Famous for its mopane forests and baobab trees, Malilangwe is an area where you will also find over 100 San rock art sites. The unique sites date back more than 2,000 years. You’ll also be surrounded by an amazing natural diversity, composed by 36 species of mammal and 125 bird species. It’s magic is hard to encapsulate in just a few words – the Jacuzzi, two pools, spa, mountain biking track, stargazing, sundowner cruise and nine-hole golf course do a much job at that.
6. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Lodge – Namibia
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is an oasis of luxury and pampering in an expanse of rugged and starkly beautiful scenery near the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park. Built on an island in a dry riverbed, this camp in a 300,000ha private concession offers six luxurious tented suites. And icing on the cake, you’ll be able to enjoy a serene living area that looks out into the endless desert.
It’s the perfect place for a digital detox in Africa.
7. Busanga Bush Lodge – Zambia
Busanga Bush Camp lies on a small island of giant sycamore fig trees and wild date palms. From this serene setting, the camp overlooks the Busanga Plains, an expanse of seasonal floodplains that play host to some of the most untouched and unspoilt game viewing in Africa.
In winter, mist rises off the floodplains as they evaporate creating phantasmagoric sunrises and sunsets, while all kinds of wildlife and birds prance about. Outdoor showers, cruises, excellent food and bushwalks will add to the experience but it is the top drawer wildlife sightings that will leave you speechless.
Now, do you think there are personal devices in the paradise of Africa’s digital detox?
No, there isn’t and that’s the way everyone likes it.
