Curator’s statement
Africa is a magical location that some people only choose to visit once as part of a "bucket list" experience. If you're going to do it, then do it well. I'll guide you to the top five locations from my 40 + years of firsthand experience as a native South African who grew up in the bush and visiting locations across Africa for my annual school holidays throughout childhood and into adulthood. Even though I'm now a seasoned traveller having explored every continent, Africa is still my favourite location on the planet. I can't wait to share my big five locations with you, as well as the easiest ways to access them.
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Where to stay in Africa
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Things to do in Africa
Etosha Pan, Namibia
Number 1:
Cape Town, South Africa is top of my list. It's a safe and vibrant city with so much to see and enjoy. Recently named the best foodie city in the world, you'll be spoilt for choice if, like me, eating is a revered past time. It's worthy of spending time in Cape Town and the surrounding winelands, and is also the perfect launch point for my other four locations.
My top tip: Although Southern Africa is a year-round location for holidays, I'd say avoid the winter months of June and July in Cape Town specifically.
Stay: Ellerman House for the boutique hotel experience, The Silo for a glamorous city hotel experience with views for days (but that comes standard no matter where you are in Cape Town)or Belmond Mount Nelson for acres of sprawling gardens in the center of town and an old school chic vibe.
Number 2:
Namibia is growing in popularity as Instagram moments circulate the planet, and why wouldn't they? This place is unique and stunning with the ancient red dunes of the Namib and the salt pans of Etosha with all the usual suspects when on safari, plus unique additions like the desert adapted Oryx.
My top tip: Fly into Sossusvlei from Windhoek and then from Windhoek into Greater Etosha Pan's Onguma lodges for the ultimate in exclusive use luxury.
Stay: andBeyond & Onguma Camp Kala
Number 3:
Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls and Mana Pools. A wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage respectively. These are heavy hitting nature experiences with some of the most luxurious accommodations in the world.
Top tip: Mana Pools is a seasonal experience and closes because of inaccessibility during the heavy rains from December to April. November is a good time to experience both locations and take a thrilling dip in Devil's Pool on the precipice of the falls.
Stay: Victoria Falls River Lodge or Matetsi and Molori Mashuma. Fly in options are available between Zimbabwe and Okavango Delta.
Number 4:
Madagascar's Nosy Ankao island to the north is hard to beat when it comes to pristine untouched white beaches and tropical blue waters for dive and snorkel explorations (or simply lazing beside).
Top tip/stay: Miavana Time + Tide offers Lear Jet transfers from OR Tambo, Johannesburg for select stays making this a super direct option that ensures the ultimate sun, sea, sand, safari and city experience of Africa.
Number 5:
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and an intimate trek with a family of mountain gorillas in the lush ancient habitat concludes my big five experience of Africa.
Stay at Singita for a nature-centric experience where guides provide briefings as well as gear from a fully equipped gear room, as well as assistance like the allocation of a closer gorilla family, less trekking distance, should you be in possession of a doctors certificate. Another top tip is avoid the rainy season should you wish to avoid trekking through muddy terrain.
Places to eat & drink in Africa
Rwanda's mountain gorillas
Cape Town is a treasure trove for food and wine experiences:
La Colombe for fine dining, Truth for Coffee, Bo Kaap for a cultural experience, Oranjezicht City Market for Pastei de Nata (The Hog House), Vegan Bounty bars from Thank Goodness Food, Bread Stix from Woodstock bakery (all at the farmers market). Oh and try the red cappuccino from Red Espresso.
Travel Advisor
Sharon Schneider
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Africa page.