September 28

7 Tours That Ensure You Experience Africa At Her Best

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By Jemma Brewitt on September 28, 2017

They say that once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote (thanks Michael Palin).  For those infected with this bug we are going to tempt you further, with the biggest lure of all – Africa. So much to see and so little time! Here are some destination combinations to make sure you don’t miss out on all that Africa has to offer. These tours are simply indications of what is possible, at Rhino Africa, everything is tailor made to your own unique taste. From sandy beaches, diverse cultures, safaris, winelands and waterfalls- you’ll be sure to have a favourite tour!

A map, camera and notebook - ready to take on that African wanderlust bug!
A map, camera and notebook – ready to take on that African wanderlust bug!
Elephants enjoying a sand bath at sunset and some giraffe in the background
Elephants enjoying a sand bath at sunset and some giraffe in the background, Photo credit: David Stone

Our 7 Tours to Enjoy Africa

1. East Africa Bush and Beach Escape

An East Africa Bush and Beach Escape is a getaway filled with safaris, lakes, mountains, cultural and historical attractions and to top it off: picturesque beaches. Why pick between a bush and beach holiday, when you can do both? East Africa is the perfect opportunity to see the Big 5 and escape to white sandy beaches. Start in Tanzania‘s Serengeti, with its’ bustling plains, the mighty Kilimanjaro capped with a snow-laden crown, and the Ngorongoro Crater, hiding a wildlife trove. Soak up the sun in paradise. Jet off to the Zanzibar Archipelago, a chain of island paradises. Historically known for spice trading, the islands hold culture, character and, of course, idyllic beaches. This concoction of destinations is the best way to encompass the must-sees of East Africa.

Duration: 12 days.

Hot air ballooning in the Serengeti in Tanzania
Hot air ballooning in the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Leopard climbing down a tree in the Ngorongoro in Tanzania
Leopard climbing down a tree in the Ngorongoro are in Tanzania.
Sundowners being served in Zanzibar
Sundowners being served in Zanzibar, The Palms Zanzibar

2. From Grizzly Gorillas to the Great Migration

From Grizzly Gorillas to the Great Migration is the ultimate dream trip. To search for and meet the mountain gorillas of Africa and watch the Great Migration. Winding on trails through the Rwandan lush forests and stumbling across some of our closest animal relatives is a truly soul enriching experience. The animal encounters don’t end there, embark on game drives through the Masai Mara in Kenya, and in Tanzania‘s Serengeti, home to the Great Migration. Watch this incredible event as the wildebeest’s embedded instincts send them on a clockwise pilgrimage around the Serengeti Plains. And then, finally relax in the tranquility of the Zanzibar Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Duration: 15 days.

A gorilla family in Rwanda, Africa
A gorilla family in Rwanda, Africa, Photo credit: African Treasures LTD
A young gorilla munches on a plant stalk
A young gorilla munches on a plant stalk, photo credit: Christoffer Vorm
David Ryan and his team trekking
David Ryan and his team trekking to see gorillas.
A lion attacks a wildebeest in the Serengeti
A lion attacks a wildebeest in the Serengeti National Park.
The Great Migration showing wildebeest crossing the Mara River in Tanzania
The Great Migration showing wildebeest crossing the Mara River in Tanzania.

3. Beaches, Safaris, Winelands and Waterfalls

We’ve put together a terrific trio, exploring the best of three African countrie: the Beaches, Safaris, Winelands and Waterfalls tour. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana showcase Africa’s pearls. The Mother City, Cape Town, a vibrant and diverse metropolis with so many attractions that you may need to extend your stay! Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands and Robben Island are just the tip of the iceberg. Then it’s time for the grandeur of the ‘smoke that thunders’ – Victoria Falls. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is unmissable and dipping into Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool over the Falls, will be the highlight of the trip. All that’s needed, the cherry on top, is a safari in Botswana, completing an epic African adventure.

Duration: 10 days.

Cape Town's peaceful coastline
Un instant de paix à Cape Town.
Wine tasting under the mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa
Wine tasting under the mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa; Cape Winelands
sunset view victoria falls zimbabwe
Sunset View on the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Photo credit: andBeyond
Rhino walking in the grass in Botswana
Rhino walking in the grass in Botswana

4. Forests, lemurs, birds and the idyllic beaches of Madagascar

Madagascar is the epitome of paradise. Forests, lemurs, birds and the idyllic beaches of Madagascar is the epitome of paradise in Madagascar. Picture this: lush rainforests filling the 250 islands, each circled by white, unblemished beaches with turquoise waters lapping the shores. Search for the leaping lemurs, birds and other curious creatures of the forest, and keep an eye out for whales breaching from the shores. Go on diving excursions discovering the kaleidoscope of fish, whale sharks and graceful turtles being hosted by 450km of barrier reefs or float around ancient shipwrecks sleeping on the seafloor. Madagascar can be visited all year round, with a drier season from May to October. This exotic island is like no other.

Duration: 12 days.

Aerial view of an island in Madagascar, Africa
Aerial view of an island in Madagascar, Africa, photo credit: Viaggio Routard
Lemurs huddling on a branch in Madagascar
Lemurs huddling on a branch in Madagascar, Photo credit: Vladislav Jirousek
Zebu forest in northern Madagascar
Zebu forest in northern Madagascar, photo credit: Dennis van de Water
Aerial view of Sainte Marie Island in Madagascar
Aerial view of Sainte Marie Island in Madagascar.

5. A Romantic City, Bush and Beach Holiday

A Romantic City, Bush and Beach Holiday is a southern African extravaganza! Combining the diversity and culture of the Mother City, Cape Town, with the thrilling safaris of the iconic game-viewing destination,  Kruger National Park, and finally relaxing under the palm trees on the picturesque, white sands of Mozambique. Boasting pristine and palm-tree scattered beaches, Mozambique is known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. We’ve also squeezed some liquid luxury into this mix by including a trip through the Franschoek Winelands, tasting world-class wines.

Duration: 12 days.

Sunrise over Table Mountain in Cape Town
Sunrise over Table Mountain in Cape Town
Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa
Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa
Incredible lion sightings at Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Incredible lion sightings at Londolozi Private Game Reserve
Sunset with giraffe standing in the dry grass in Africa
Sunset with giraffe standing in the dry grass in Africa
Mozambique under water ocean life - turtles
Mozambique under water ocean life – turtles
Canoeing in Mozambique
Canoeing in Mozambique
Romantic sunset dinner in Mozambique
Romantic sunset dinner in Azura Mozambique

6. Big 5, Meandering Mountains and History in South Africa

The tour Big 5, Meandering Mountains and History in South Africa combines the hand-picked gems of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. With terrain changing from undulating hills and mountain ranges to the sub-tropical beaches and city streets of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal will spoil you for choice. Conquer the ancient Drakensberg mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 30 000 San paintings and 500 caves, it’s a hikers’ dream come true. Self-drive through the Midlands Meander‘s quaint towns and winding, lush hills and experience the countryside further with horse riding, fishing and cycling. Improve on your history with the Battlefields of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and Spion Kop, telling you South African conflict stories while experiencing the grounds they took place on. It’s then time for the main event, the world-renowned Big 5 at a private game reserve/concession. This tour puts all of Kwazulu-Natal’s eggs in one basket.

Duration: 10 days.

The lush Drakensberg
The Drakensberg – Photo credit: Arno Mientjies
Horses and their reflections in a dam/lake in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Hartford House, The Midlands Meander
Zulu dancers in South Africa at Phinda Rock Lodge
Zulu dancers in South Africa at Phinda Rock Lodge, photo credit: andBeyond
Lion spotting in Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa
Lion spotting in Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa, photo credit: andBeyond

7. Feed that Safari Craving

Introducing a quartet of excellence, a four-destination trip name Feed that Safari Craving for the best safaris and game viewing. Starting in KwaZulu-Natal in a private game reserve in a luxury lodge, experience exclusive sightings of the Big 5 in seven distinct ecosystems. The journey then continues to the Sabi Sand region of the Kruger National Park. Enjoy seclusion and privacy while staying in heavenly accommodation and become familiar, yet again, with the Big 5.  Then we throw in a waterfall, and make your way to Zambia to marvel at the unrivaled power of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Victoria Falls. Last, but definitely not least, is the great Okovango Delta in Botswana. Be immersed in the untouched wilderness and make your way through the largest inland delta, teeming with birds and wildlife, in a Mokoro (dug-out canoe).

Duration: 13 days.

leopard attacking position
Leopard in its famous attacking position, photo credit: Damon Crane
A spectacular view from a suite in Phinda, South Africa
A spectacular view from a suite in Phinda, South Africa, photo credit: andBeyond
Victoria Falls seen from the sky.
Canoeing in the Okovango Delta in Botswana
Canoeing at sunset on the Okavango Delta, Botswana
elephant wetlands
Elephants in the flooded grasslands of Botswana.

What tour will it be for you?

Life is short and the world is wide.

Have your own combination in mind? Tailormade itineraries are our forte.
Book a tour with us today or browse a selection of top safari holidays hand-picked by our consultants.

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Africa, Big 5


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About the author 

Jemma Brewitt

Jemma's love for nature and culture grew while growing up on her family's dairy farm in the Natal Midlands. Since then she has been a ski lift operator in the Sierra Nevada, an Au Pair in London, an English teacher in Vietnam and is now writing about her favourite continent - Africa.

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