Whether it’s been a month or a year since you last packed a suitcase and jetted off, we’re proclaiming your armchair travelling officially over. Although we may be a tad biased, Africa is at the top of the destination pile – and with its mind-bogglingly vast spaces, secluded sleepouts made for two, and bucket-list safaris to savour, why wouldn’t it be? Here’s our pick of now-or-never adventures to tempt your passport out of hibernation…
Quad bike to Kubu Island and sleep under the stars
Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Is there any better way to tap into your adventurous side than roaming the moon-like Makgadikgadi Pans by quad bike? We think not! Leave the voluminous Bedouin-style tents of Jack’s Camp for two nights on sacred Kubu Island. Stroll, awestruck, beneath giant baobabs and let your mind wander as you examine ancient tools, before bedding down by a crackling fire under the clearest sky you’ve ever seen. This definitely belongs among your bucket list safaris.
Search for chimps in the forests of the Mahale Mountains
As far as destinations for bucket list safaris go, Greystoke Mahale is a dream; magically fusing soft, sandy beaches with verdant, forested peaks. And the best part…trekking into the jungle to find its boisterous clan of chimpanzees. After watching spellbound as they romp, groom and chatter in the trees, head back for snorkelling and cocktails on Lake Tanganyika.
Stay in Nay Palad Bird’s Nest in Laikipia
Make a major dent in your bucket list safaris with a night in this one-of-a-kind bird’s nest suite. Ascend a stairway lined with lanterns to the rooftop where a gourmet picnic and bubbly will be laid out under the stars. If you can’t bear the idea of a ceiling, sleep here too, or choose the open-sided bedroom. The view is spectacular either way and come morning, Laikipia’s brigade of wildlife enters the scene.
Track desert elephants in Kaokoland
The logic-defying desert adapted elephants of Kaokoland know a thing or two about savouring life. Journey to one of the most remote and sun-scorched corners of Namibia to follow these magnificent tuskers (from the comfort of your 4×4) as they navigate dusty riverbeds and cross great tracts of sand to find water. Return to Hoanib Valley Camp for a soak in the rugged plunge pool or doze off in your luxury tent.
Learn about conservation at Luambe National Park
Luambe is one of Zambia’s smallest and most underrated parks, but it’s quickly becoming a major force for conservation. The riverside Luambe Camp will have you monitoring big cat activity, setting up camera traps and listening to the underwater hippo chatter (there are over 500 of them). And to start each day, panoramic views from bed as the wildlife ambles by, heaven.
