Want to know more about Africa? When to go? Top places to go? Differences between the countries? Look no further – just browse through this guide and learn the essential information to help you get started. World Journeys’ dedicated Africa experts can help you create the trip of lifetime.

INDIANOCEAN

ATLANTICOCEAN

KENYA

ETHIOPIA

TANZANIA

MAURITIUS

REUNION

SEYCHELLESRWANDA

UGANDA

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWEMOZAMBIQUE

MALAWI

MADAGASCAR

BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

Zanzibar

Tana(Antananarivo)

Port Louis

VictoriaDar es Salaam

Nairobi

Cape Town

Windhoek

Lusaka

Lilongwe

Kampala

Addis Ababa

Kigali

Pretoria

Bloemfontein

Harare

Durban

Johannesburg

Maun

YOUR GUIDE TOAFRICA

Africa is renowned for its incredible variety of wildlife, colourful cultures, spectacular landscapes and beautiful beaches. The continent is so large it could fit the USA, China, India, Mexico, the UK and more than 10 other countries within its mass! Deciding where to go and what to see can often be a challenge, so here are a few pointers to get started based around our key destinations.

EAST AFRICAKenya • Tanzania • Ethiopia • Uganda • Rwanda

Kenya and Tanzania comprise the birthplace of the ‘Safari’. They are both well-known for their numerous national reserves which have protected wildlife since the mid 1900’s. Teeming with wildlife and surrounded by escarpments, vast open plains and spectacular plateaus, the region is also home to the fascinating and colourful cultures of the Maasai and Samburu among many others.Uganda and Rwanda are home to the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, with less than 900 remaining in the wild today. Uganda is also known for wildlife reserves such as the Queen Elizabeth National Park, and for chimp tracking in Kibale National Park.A beach break at the end of any safari in this region is highly recommended on the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Home to pristine beaches, exotic spices and a town full of character, it is the perfect end to an African holiday.The best time to visit East Africa varies greatly and really the only time that is not so good weather-wise is April. Peak months for those wishing to follow the Great Migration are June – October and to see them calving Jan – Mar. All year round you can enjoy the varied wildlife which is present throughout the reserves.

SOUTHERN AFRICASouth Africa • Botswana • Zambia • Zimbabwe • Namibia

Southern Africa includes but is not limited to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. In this region of Africa you will find a great diversity of scenery, landscapes and cultures. Highlights include the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the incredible Victoria Falls bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, the home of the walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, the towering sand dunes in Namibia and not to be forgotten, South Africa’s beautiful Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth featuring pristine coastline, wineries, beaches and quaint towns.A trip to Southern Africa is pleasant during any time of the year. The winter months of June – August can get cold on safari, however the winter foliage allows for easier wildlife spotting. The Okavango Delta is also at its peak water levels during June – September, meaning activities like mokoro and boating are available and wildlife viewing is at its best. The summer months of October – March are the best time for birding and photography and the scenery is simply beautiful. Victoria Falls is at its highest volume during March/April.

INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDSMadagascar • Mozambique • Mauritius • The Seychelles • Reunion

Whether you want to ‘flop and drop’ at a great resort with all the trimmings, or explore a myriad of outlying islands, there is an Indian Ocean paradise for everyone. Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Reunion – the names alone invoke tropical exotic images! Madagascar in particular is a destination for avid travellers, with exotic wildlife such as the quirky lemur and colourful chameleon, combined with an eclectic melting-pot of cultural influences.

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ATLANTICOCEAN

KENYA

ETHIOPIA

TANZANIA

RWANDA

UGANDA

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

MAURITIUS

REUNION

SEYCHELLES

MOZAMBIQUE

MADAGASCAR

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEYUnless youhave plenty of time we suggest visiting one or two countries and exploring them well, so take into consideration the following when planning the journey:

» How long do you have to explore? » What are you hoping to see and experience? » What standard of accommodation is wanted? » What is the anticipated budget? » Allow time for travel to/from different regions (i.e. linking East and Southern Africa always requires one ‘technical’ overnight at one of the hubs)

WHEN TO GOAs Africa is such a large continent the best time to go can often vary depending on where you are travelling.

AIRLINE INFORMATIONWith the selection and ever increasing number of airline carriers and routings on offer, it is easier (and cheaper) than ever before to get to the African continent. Due to tourism demand, the internal routings are also becoming more appealing and it’s easier to connect hot-spots, such as hub Nairobi in Kenya to Victoria Falls and Cape Town, and also Cape Town to Victoria Falls. Particular airlines will be the most cost effective for your specific itinerary, allowing you to maximise the time you have.

KENYAKenya is the original safari destination with its seemingly endless plains, large herds of wildlife and

all of the major predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena).

OUR TOP PLACES TO VISIT

MASAI MARASmall in comparison to others in Africa but packing a serious punch, the ‘Mara’ consists of over 1,500km2 of National Reserve, plus a number of private wildlife conservancies which accommodate only a small number of guests at tented camps and lodges. These conservancies do not own the land, the local Maasai are their landlords and together they have created the inspiration that allows both wildlife and human populations to coexist. This offers the chance to access areas on safari, including off-road and night drives with only a handful of others, in addition to game drives in the National Park. The landscape is romantic – grassy plains with clumps of flat-topped acacia trees, bordered to the west by the Siria Escarpment which offers sweeping views over the plateaus. Large herds of wildebeest, zebra and other game inhabit the territory and the predators follow. The Masai Mara is also famous for the Great Migration where over a million wildebeest travel in search of fresh grasses between the Serengeti and the Mara with packs of hungry predators in tow, making for the greatest wildlife show in the world!

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVESamburu National Reserve is small but full of diverse wildlife. The park is most well-known for its arid country species including Gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa Oryx – also referred to as the Samburu Special Five. It is also home to the felines – lion, leopard and cheetah, as well as wild dogs. For bird lovers, over 450 species have been recorded here including five vulnerable species.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARKAmboseli lies North West of Kilimanjaro on the border of Tanzania. The park is famous for its towering Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop and vast dry plains (Amboseli means ‘salty dust’) which are frequented by travelling herds of elephant, generally walking in single file and still following their ancient migration path through the park. Amboseli is also home to wildebeest and zebras, and you have a reasonable chance of spotting lions and hyenas.

LAKE NAKURUOn the floor of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru is known for being Kenya’s bird watchers’ paradise. It is home to around 450 avian species including thousands of pink flamingos which line its shores in peak season. The park also has 56 species of mammal, including the White rhino.

MERU NATIONAL PARKWith a semi-arid climate, Meru is made up of thorny bush and wooded and open grassland, contrasting with riverine forests of Doum and Raffia palm. Key wildlife includes elephant, Grevy’s zebra, waterbuck, cheetah, leopard, python, puff adder and more.

WHEN TO GOJuly through September is the prime time to visit Kenya. This is the dry season and the height of the Great Migration which sees many herds of wildebeest and other wildlife moving from the Mara to the Serengeti in Tanzania. The season is dry, making for more comfortable travel, but too cool to enjoy lodge pools.

TOP TIPThe animals of the Great Migration calve during the summer months and provide exceptional wildlife viewing spectacles, often involving predator and prey. Not for the squeamish! Between late June and October the famous river crossings take place, but Kenya provides wonderful wildlife viewing year-round.

KENYA

NairobiMasai Mara

Lake Nakuru

Amboseli

SamburuMeru

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ETHIOPIA

TANZANIA

UGANDA

TANZANIATanzania is a must-do combination with Kenya, culminating in the ultimate wildlife experience. With

a range of accommodation available, there is something for all budgets.

OUR TOP PLACES TO VISIT

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARKA land of wide open plains and Acacia trees, home to huge herds of wildlife and the ensuing predators that follow them. The Serengeti is also one of the best places to enjoy a hot air balloon ride in all of Africa. One of its biggest attractions is the Great Migration in which you can view the largest mass movement of wildlife on the planet.

NGORONGORO CRATERThe world’s so called largest ‘living zoo’ is the Ngorongoro Crater – inside which zebra, wildebeest and other wildlife graze all day alongside lion and rhino. At the top of the crater the Maasai tend to their herds as they have done for centuries alongside the wildlife.

MOUNT KILIMANJAROAfrica’s highest peak is also the world’s largest free standing mountain. It is considered a ‘hike’ rather than a mountain climb, offering several different routes to choose from depending on your fitness level and whether you choose tents or huts. Climbers need to allow plenty of time to acclimatise should they aim for the summit.

LAKE MANYARAA very pretty conservation area in northern Tanzania, Lake Manyara is famed for its tree-climbing lions. On the open grassland around the lake there are often sightings of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo.

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARKThis lesser visited wildlife hotspot is a great place to whet the appetite before visiting the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater. Situated between the start of the safari route at Kilimanjaro and the famous Ngorongoro Crater, it makes sense when beginning your safari at this end to include Tarangire as a taster for what is to come. Epic baobabs stand tall against grassy savannah plains and vast swamps. Elephants are drawn to the swamps to drink and they come in droves as Tarangire boasts herds of up to 300. Silale swamp lions relax at the water’s edge and the swamps are an absolute haven for birdlife. With over 550 bird species, Tarangire National Park needs to be on every birdwatcher’s “bucket list”. In the dry season from July to October the wildlife congregate around the Tarangire River. The short rainy season sees a complete transformation as the wildlife disperse across the Masai Steppe.

ZANZIBARZanzibar is known as the ‘Spice Island’ and offers a fantastic beach break for travellers who have been on safari for a few weeks and are looking to relax. Famous for its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, exotic spices, and plenty of history, we recommend a few nights here to finish off your trip. For true luxury and relaxation, enjoy a stay at Mnemba Island!

WHEN TO GOFantastic wildlife sightings year round, even if you are not following the Migration. In fact, you’ll enjoy better pricing, warmer weather and less visitors at any other time of the year!

TOP TIPFor travellers wishing to follow the Great Migration, we recommend ‘mobile’ luxury camps which allow you to move with the migration, depending on the month of travel.

KENYA

INDIANOCEAN

ETHIOPIA

UGANDA

TANZANIA

ZAMBIA

MOZAMBIQUEMALAWI

Dar es SalaamZanzibar

Serengeti

Lake ManyaraTarangire

Mt KilimanjaroNgorongoro

Zanzibar Town

Mnemba

ZANZIBAR

KENYA

INDIANOCEAN

ETHIOPIA

UGANDA

TANZANIA

ZAMBIA

MOZAMBIQUEMALAWI

Dar es SalaamZanzibar

Serengeti

Lake ManyaraTarangire

Mt KilimanjaroNgorongoro

Zanzibar Town

Mnemba

ZANZIBAR

ZAMBIA & ZIMBABWEThe home of the walking safari since the mid 1900’s, Zambia is a true safari destination which is still relatively uncommercial, offering small intimate camps in stunning locations. No trip to Zambia or

Zimbabwe is complete without a visit to the incredible Victoria Falls.

OUR TOP PLACES TO VISIT

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARKZambia’s South Luangwa National Park is considered by some to be the one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world due to its scenery, variety and density of animals. The wildlife here is prolific, especially during the dry season (April to October), when the animals cluster along the river. The green season is from November to March and is a great time for seeing wildlife with their young. Here you can stay in exclusive bush-camps and truly immerse yourself in the wild African bush. South Luangwa is the home of the walking safari. Access is by light aircraft from Lusaka.

MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARKMana Pools is located in the heart of the Zambezi Valley and offers spectacular scenery as it is centered around the Zambezi River. It offers an authentic outdoorsy experience and is well known for canoe safaris along the river as well as walking safaris offering up-close wildlife encounters.

VICTORIA FALLSBordering Zambia and Zimbabwe and also close to Botswana, Victoria Falls offers an impressive sight from both sides. The area offers plenty of adventure activities including rafting, bungy, and of course a visit to the falls. Prepare to get soaked during the high water season! We recommend combining Victoria Falls with Chobe National Park in Botswana.

LOWER ZAMBEZIThe Lower Zambezi offers an experience for those who are perhaps well travelled through Africa and are looking for a more remote but diverse safari experience. Travellers enjoy lower visitor numbers in the park, beautiful small camps, intense wildlife encounters and a wide range of safari activities. Access is by light aircraft from Livingstone or Lusaka.

HWANGE NATIONAL PARKThe 10th largest national park in Africa, located in the north-west part of Zimbabwe. It offers high quality camps, safari guiding, and some wonderful wildlife viewing, including fantastic elephant encounters.

WHEN TO GOZambia’s dry season is between May and October with game concentration at their peak in September and October. If you are travelling on safari to Zimbabwe, the dry season is best for game viewing around July – October. Victoria Falls are at their fullest generally in March and April and lowest in November and December.

TOP TIPZambia is well known for walking safaris which offer an incredible opportunity to walk among wildlife on foot (with an armed guide of course!).

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INDIANOCEAN

ETHIOPIA

UGANDA

TANZANIA

MOZAMBIQUE

BOTSWANA

Zanzibar Town

Mnemba

ZANZIBAR

ZAMBIA MALAWI

ZIMBABWE

Lusaka

Harare

South Luangwa NP

Hwange NP

LowerZambezi

VictoriaFalls

Mana Pools NP

BOTSWANABotswana offers an almost unsurpassed variety of animals in Africa’s most richly populated wildlife

areas. The pristine and remote wilderness of the country lends itself to the fly-in safari.

OUR TOP PLACES TO VISIT

CHOBE NATIONAL PARKHome to the largest concentration of elephants in Africa, Chobe National Park offers excellent game viewing along the Chobe River as the animals come to drink, particularly during the dry season July–October. The park is within close proximity to Victoria Falls, a great combination of sightseeing and safari.

MAKGADIKGADI PANS NATIONAL PARKThis desolate and arid national park remains waterless for the best part of the year. But when it rains the pans transform and attract large herds of zebra and wildebeest on an annual migration, bringing along with them hartebeest, eland, gemsbok, duiker, giraffe, elephant and all the accompanying predators. December through April is the time to visit this area.

OKAVANGO DELTAOne of the major highlights of any visit to Africa, the Okavango Delta offers a pristine and remote game viewing experience with high numbers of predators and bird species. Safaris are varied by customized 4x4 vehicles, motorboat, dug-out canoe (mokoro) or on foot. Accommodation in the delta features small intimate camps only accessible by light aircraft offering incredible views over the channels, which we call “flightseeing”.

CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVEThe Kalahari and its salt pans including Makgadikgadi and Nxai offers visitors game viewing (including specific desert species such as the meerkat), endless vistas, starry skies, opportunities to learn about the San culture, and activities such as quad biking.

SAVUTE CHANNELTechnically within the Chobe National Park, the Savute area has become its own safari destination due to its large population of predators. Viewing includes lion, cheetah, and hyena in large numbers. The channel dries up for years on end and then inexplicably floods independently of rainy seasons, regenerating a myriad of wildlife once again. It is this incredible natural phenomenon which attracts the visitor time and time again.

WHEN TO GOThe peak season – and most costly – is between July and October. The Okavango is in flood, meaning the prime time for wildlife viewing in the Moremi and Delta as wildlife is restricted to main islands where the feasts await for the resident predators. Outside of this season, there are many reasons to visit including the season of newborn animals during the latter part of the year, fantastic birding December through April and the warmer but wetter summer weather being a photographer’s dream. One can also make use of the plunge pools over summer, rather than donning the hat and scarf on an early morning safari!

TOP TIPBotswana combines very well with a visit to Victoria Falls and other game viewing in Zambia. Namibia also makes for a fantastic combination for a mix of ‘desert and delta’ experiences.

BOTSWANA

ZAMBIA

NAMIBIA

ZIMBABWE

SOUTH AFRICA

Gaborone

Maun

Chobe NPSavute

Okavango Delta

MakgadikgadiPans NP

Central KalahariGame Reserve

SOUTH AFRICAA country of incredible diversity and beauty, South Africa offers an excellent combination of wildlife

and stunning scenery, making it a very popular destination.

OUR TOP PLACES TO VISIT

CAPE TOWNOne of the most stunning cities in the world, Cape Town is a great place to start any Africa itinerary with its famous Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, and stunning waterfront area with bustling cafes and restaurants. A visit to Cape Town should always include at least a day trip – if not one or two nights – in the Cape Winelands, the beautiful wine-producing area of French and Dutch ancestry.

MADIKWE GAME RESERVEA short flight or a 3-4 hour road transfer from Johannesburg, Madikwe is fast becoming the second favourite wildlife destination behind Kruger National Park. Also proudly malaria free, it is very popular for families travelling with kids. This reserve is far less crowded than Kruger and is mostly traversed by private game lodge vehicles and guests. There are several exceptional lodges, each suitable for a different style of traveller.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARKKruger is the most well-known National Park in Africa with incredible wildlife viewing, and is easily accessible by flight or road from Johannesburg. For the very best experience we highly recommend staying in a Private Game Reserve which offers close-up wildlife viewing, night-drives, bush walks and other activities on private concessions.

TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVEFor an exclusive and upmarket option, Tswalu Kalahari is a perfect place to combine with another wildlife destination. Offering a unique ecosystem and a diverse habitat including rolling red dunes and a mountain range, the scenery is spectacular. The reserve’s only accommodation is the luxurious Tswalu offering three small properties: The Motse, Molori sleep-out and the sole-use Tarkuni.

EASTERN CAPEA popular coastal province well known for its rugged scenery, untouched beaches and forests, the Eastern Cape is a great area for hiking and the great outdoors. Port Elizabeth is the main town and the start or finishing point for those travelling the Garden Route. Safaris in the Eastern Cape are popular due to many of the game reserves being malaria free year-round.

LUXURY RAILSouth Africa has a wonderful selection of luxury rail journeys including the Blue Train between Cape Town and Pretoria. Rovos Rail has several routes offering a special experience and way to travel around Africa – think old world charm!

WHEN TO GOSouth Africa is definitely a year round destination with the seasons the same as New Zealand but on the warmer side! Our most highly recommended time to go is between May – September when it is the best game viewing period as the foliage is lighter and wildlife comes to water sources to drink (note it can be a little chilly in the morning and evenings when you are in open vehicles).

TOP TIPSouth Africa is a great destination to explore on its own. It also makes a fantastic combination with Namibia or Botswana due to accessibility, offering a variety of scenery and safari experiences.

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BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA

Zanzibar Town

Mnemba

ZANZIBAR

ZIMBABWE

SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town

PretoriaJohannesburg

PortElizabeth

EasternCape

Madikwe

Tswalu Kalahari

Kruger NP

MOZAMBIQUE

NAMIBIAA photographer’s dream, Namibia is a true hidden gem. The country is a kaleidoscope of colours, shades and movement in serene landscapes that beg to just be quietly admired with a beverage in hand, and captured in the mind or camera. Getting around in Namibia can either be by self-drive,

exclusive small group tours with customised vehicles and expert guides, or fly-around safaris.

OUR TOP PLACES TO VISIT

SOSSUSVLEIOne of Africa’s best known attractions and a magical place where you can climb, slide down, balloon, and photograph the ‘sea of sand’. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400m and providing photography enthusiasts with stunning images in the morning and evening light.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARKFor wildlife encounters, Etosha National Park is one of the premier parks in Africa with a number of species not encountered elsewhere. In Etosha, the animals are brought to you! Just park up next to one of the many waterholes and then wait and watch! Lion, elephant, springbok, gemsbok, and more come not two-by-two but by the hundreds. Etosha means ‘the great white area’ which refers to the large dried pan in the middle of the Etosha Park. It is so large it can be seen from space and also attracts a variety and number of wildlife ensuring guaranteed game sightings.

DAMARALANDDamaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia and also offers a fantastic geological history in the mountains, dried up rivers and rock formations. Damaraland is a wonderful place to see desert-adapted elephant and lion, and rhino tracking is a real highlight here.

SERRA CAFEMAA completely remote area in the northern part of Namibia known for its mind blowing desert and river landscapes. Beautiful tented lodges offer a remote experience accessible by light aircraft.

FISH RIVER CANYONLocated in the southern part of Namibia and Africa’s largest canyon at 500m deep. Popular for hikers and photographers, the canyon also offers plenty to explore along with luxury lodge accommodation options.

WHEN TO GOGenerally speaking, anytime from May through December is best suitable for travel in most of the country. During the heat of the summer in December through March, temperatures can reach above 40 degrees Celsius. Winter days are warm, dry and most comfortable for travel whilst also being the best opportunity to see wildlife as the natural water supply is lower, bringing the animals to waterholes.

TOP TIPBe sure to pack a good camera with plenty of batteries – Namibia is a photographers’ dream – travel past shipwrecks off the Skeleton Coast, flocks of beautitful flamingos in Walvis Bay, and the spectacular sand dunes of Sossusvlei. Namibia makes a great combination with South Africa and Botswana.

BOTSWANA

NAMIBIA

ZAMBIAANGOLA

SOUTH AFRICA

Windhoek

Luderitz

Damaraland

Sossusvlei

Etosha NPSerra

Cafema

Fish RiverCanyon

TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL

SOUTHERN AFRICA HIGHLIGHTS10 DAYS

Experience three of the major highlights of Southern Africa has to offer. Explore Cape Town, the ‘Mother City’ and the world-renowned Kruger National Park, home to Africa’s iconic safari species - elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra. The diversity and sheer number of different animals is unparalleled. Conclude your safari visiting one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the magnificent Victoria Falls. As with all our tailor-made packages, this itinerary can be tweaked to suit.

ANGE PIRIEDirector & Product Manager

TONY O’CALLAGHANTravel Designer

ELLY WEALTHALLTravel Designer

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SMALL GROUP HOSTED JOURNEY

EAST AFRICAN SAFARI29 AUGUST 2020

Join us on this inclusive safari of a lifetime! Enjoy wildlife spotting in the beautiful Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the world-famous Serengeti and Masai Mara Reserves - with the chance to witness the ‘Great Migration’ of game across the vast plains of East Africa as they search out fresh grazing. End with the exotic ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar, including a visit to historical Stone Town. If time allows, add on Gorilla trekking in Uganda pre-tour! Airfares are included, and a World Journeys host accompanies the group (limited to 18 guests).