Expedia named 2022 the year of the GOAT or “Greatest of All Trips” and there is no bigger bucket list trip than an African safari.

“Africa, with its wide-open spaces and wildlife, has moved to the top of many people’s bucket list this year,” said Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. “Travelers want to make up for lost time. They want to get out, see, hear and feel Africa and share epic travel experiences with friends and family once again.”

For the greatest safari, here are five different ways to go big while exploring some of Africa’s natural wonders.

 

THE GREAT MIGRATION THIS SUMMER

One of the greatest wildlife spectacles is the Great Migration and space is filling up fast this summer. Consider flying to the northern edge of the Serengeti for a less crowded view of the migration on our Discover the Wonders of Tanzania. Nestled in a private game reserve, TAASA Lodge allows you to delve deeper into communities that are practically untouched by tourism and have more intimate experiences on day and night game drives.

The journey also features a new and unique experience in Tanzania, canoeing in a more secluded area of Tarangire National Park.

For those traveling alone or looking for great value, another option is staying at the African inspired lodges and camps on our Tanzania Explorer small group departure.  

 

FOREST TREKS

While Africa is famous for its savannas and deserts, its forests are equally spectacular and contain the most unique wildlife trekking experiences. Some of the world’s largest tropical rainforests are found in Africa.

For the greatest diversity of forest treks, primates and landscapes, we recommend our Discover Rwanda journey. Visit Africa’s oldest rainforest, Nyungwe National Park and view the chimpanzees. In the Afro-alpine forests of Volcanoes National Park trek to see the playful antics of the Golden Monkeys or the social behaviors of one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups.  

You’ll feel like an explorer at Uganda’s Bwindi Eco Lodge with an expert guide leading you along jungle trails. After a long day, enjoy a Gorillini Cocktail at The Bwindi Bar which trains disadvantaged local youth in hospitality. To see chimpanzees in playful action, trek to Kibale Forest National Park on our Pearl of Africa, which is a sanctuary to 13 different primate species.

Another hidden forest gem, and favorite wellness spot for disconnecting, is Greystoke Mahale Camp in Tanzania. A remote lodge on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the camp boasts a beach castaway African-style ambiance where you can spend time on the water or hike up the mountain to a thriving population of chimpanzees. 

For travelers looking for something wilder and more remote, consider trekking the wild forests of Magical Madagascar. The country holds 5% of the world’s wildlife and vegetation and is known as the “8^th continent” for its biodiversity. Learn about the dozen lemurs in Madagascar’s Rainforest Corridor, explore the Sacred Gallery Forest, and go on exhilarating night walks in the Forest of Zenavo.

 

PRIVATE ISLAND EXPERIENCES

Africa's Indian Ocean islands are trending, and we love ending a safari on the beach. From a tiny, heart-shaped private island off the shores of Zanzibar to the granite-strewn coastline of the Seychelles, each tropical island boasts its own unique flavors, captivating landscapes and warm island hospitality.

Tanzania’s exotic spice island, Zanzibar, also made TripAdvisor’s list of 2022 top trending destinations thanks to the island's rich history, including the UNESCO World Heritage Stone Town old quarter. Clear warm waters and amazing coral reefs are rich with marine diversity, making it one of the world's top dive sites.

To get the most out of Zanzibar – go private. We specialize in private touring on the island and have arranged many private snorkeling and chartered boats recently. For a back to nature feel, consider the villas at Kilindi Zanzibar which combines barefoot luxury and your private butler and is featured in our Enchanting East Africa journey.  

Mozambique, whose coastline extends from South Africa to Tanzania, has worked hard to protect its islands establishing Africa’s largest marine zone. There is a new island to explore when the Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira opens in December 2022. The private island is home to 20% of Mozambique’s living coral.

For those looking for a truly romantic island escape, consider Azura Benguerra Island. The Eden-like beach retreat featured in our African Romance safari comes with a private sun deck, infinity pool and butler.  If you reserve now, we will add the ultimate Azura Benguerra island hopping experience.

 

BUCKET LIST SOUTHERN AFRICA

It’s hard to nail down a Southern Africa bucket list. The region is home to the largest concentration of Africa’s natural wonders.

Clocking in at twice the height of Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is perhaps the most famous experience here. Traditionally known as ‘the Smoke that Thunders,’ Victoria Falls is often a perfect end-point to a Southern African safari. Known as Africa’s Adventure Capital, see the falls on foot or from a helicopter, explore the Zambezi River in a canoe or luxury cruise, and swim in the mischievously named Devil’s Pool.

At least two days at the falls is recommended but we highly encourage guests to delve deeper into Zimbabwe or Zambia.  For a truly wild adventure, our safari specialists often recommend several experiences in Zambia, from the hidden gem of Kafue National Park to the untamed wilderness experiences found in our Zambia Lions, Leopards and Tigerfish safari.

South Africa is easing restrictions with its exit from the Omicron wave, and airlines are increasing air access to the "Rainbow Nation," creating more opportunity to pair a South African safari with Victoria Falls.

 

BOTSWANA'S SECRET SEASONS

CNBC’s latest travel trends article noted that travelers will spend more on bucket list experiences. For the most extravagant trip, consider our Platinum Botswana tour of the new and revamped camps in Botswana. Glass bottom mokoro rides at Xigera Safari Lodge, soaking in the copper tubs at Zarafa Camp, and going back in time while walking with the Kalahari bushmen and relaxing at the 40s style Jack’s Camp.

It isn’t just about the unique camps, but what you can see year-round on this journey. Consider Botswana's 'Green Season,' known as the safari aficionado’s best kept secret. Between November to March, keen birdwatchers are in paradise with different migratory birds and photographers capture images of baby animals frolicking in lush grassland. The world’s second largest migration of zebra and wildebeest also happen in the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Come April to September, the floodwaters arrive from Angola to fill the Okavango Delta, making it the best time for mokoro and water safari activities. By contrast, the desert and salt pans are a shimmering whiteness and perfect for quad biking.

 

To book a 'GOAT' safari contact a safari specialist

at (800) 421-8907

Choosing the perfect honeymoon destination may feel a bit overwhelming especially when one wants adventure and the other loves culture or to relax. Africa offers the perfect blend of experiences to suit every travel interest.

From adventurous and intimate time spent in the wilderness to city explorations, these are the most enticing reasons to choose this diverse continent and exotic experiences to add to your upcoming honeymoon.

You’ve had enough to deal with in just getting married so planning and going on your honeymoon should be stress free. Planning a safari can be a fun experience especially when you have a team behind you to guide to the best experiences and camps that also offer the most sustainable experiences. Don’t be stressed about the “what ifs” and relax knowing that you have local hosts, and a 24/7 Concierge team are there to assist with any changes, test or add experiences you haven’t even thought about.

Secluded Accommodations for Those Intimate Moments

Many accommodations in Africa are in remote, secluded parts of the wilderness that create an ideal intimate getaway. You don’t have to worry about crowds or bustling cities because spending time in nature makes "physically distancing" quite easy. It’s easy to disconnect and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, starry nights and sensations of Africa, where time seems to stand still.

Witnessing the rawness of nature at your front door, such as spotting the Big Five, in South Africa’s renowned Kapama Private Game Reserve, creates memories you’ll share with your partner for a lifetime. The magical Loisaba Star Beds, on our Under Kenyan Skies safari, gives you a completely different perspective of nature from above. It’s just you and your significant other lying on a handcrafted four-poster bed with sweeping views over the valley and the twinkling stars shining above.

Create a Special Bond Through the Culture and Giving Back

One of the most rewarding experiences of any visit to Africa is time spent with the local people and making travel matter- a commitment we make to sustainable tourism on all our safaris. For a unique bonding experience in Kenya, listen to stories about the Samburu and Maasai people’s way of life, or take a visit to the Lewa Conservancy to visit the school children and learn how Samburu are promoting education, as experienced on our World's Greatest Show & Safari - Mara. 

At TAASA lodge in Tanzania, you’ll spend time with Maasai of Ololosokwan, who are always excited to share their cultural belief, and will teach you about the ecology of the area, the medicinal uses of trees and bushes in Maasai tradition, and basic skills in game tracking.

An enriching and heartfelt experience to share with your spouse is adopting an endangered animal, such as a baby elephant with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi.  On our Enchanting East Africa, visit the Trust and its Orphan's Project and spend time with your foster elephant, who is adopted directly with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust prior to your travels. While lodging at the renowned Giraffe Manor, a boutique private giraffe sanctuary, you can enjoy breakfast with the resident’s endangered Rothschild giraffe, as they stick their long necks through the windows to say hello – and search for a treat!

No Need to Compromise - Enjoy the Bush and the Beach

While travelers may think Africa is all about adventure with wildlife, there’s also beautiful island havens that boasts relaxation on the beach and marine exploration with white sandy shorelines and exotic marine wildlife. Combining a safari in the bush and an excursion to the exquisite islands of Zanzibar or Mozambique is a perfect option for those who want the best of both African worlds.

Mozambique, whose coastline extends from South Africa to Tanzania, holds pristine and less-traveled resorts along the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean. After experiencing the lively culture of Cape Town and eventful game drives at Kruger Private Reserve, end your romantic African Romance safari in one of Mozambique’s best secluded villas at the Azura Benguerra Island, with a private butler, a private sun deck, and an infinity pool.

You can also unwind on the exotic island of Zanzibar, which can be reached off the coast of Tanzania. The island has hidden beaches, secret lagoons and untouched coral reefs that makes it one of the top dive sites in the world.

To book an exciting dream honeymoon contact African Travel, Inc.

at 1 (800) 421-8907.

A new year brings new adventures and I’m eager to fill it with travels.  I’m blessed to have been born in Africa and look forward to discovering new places and rediscovering favorites on the continent, which is my theme this year for my 2022 bucket list.

I hope you enjoy the journey of reading it, dreaming a little and perhaps going on one or more of the adventures. I assure you can travel confidently knowing when you travel with African Travel and our TTC family of brands that all the details are taken care of on your behalf.

1. Kenya - Sustainable Experience

One of my favorite parts of travel is meeting the locals. Kenya is a country that actively invites you to participate. 

Guests on our Under Kenyan Skies safari can experience the Maasai culture. Living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, the Maasai tribe have modernized in some ways but adhere to many aspects of their traditional culture. Established as fierce warriors, their lively cultural dance, vibrant clothing and beautifully crafted handiwork are recognized worldwide.

Kenya is also special because of its sustainable tourism practices. The country has one of the most successful community wildlife conservancies and has made great strides in protecting the very different species you can see here. There is wildlife you won’t find anywhere else on the continent, like the Grévy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Gerenuk and Somali ostrich. I can’t wait to visit to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to see these animals and witness the the extraordinary work by local communities. I’m also excited to revisit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and meet the keepers caring for the last two northern white rhinos.

Further south, I’m eager to explore the floodplains of Amboseli National Park. Known as ‘a land of giants,’ there has been an elephant baby boom and I’m excited to see the elephants and adopt one.  

The Emakoko is also an incredible family-run lodge located in Kenya’s oldest National Park. The Nairobi National Park is one of the most unique parks in Africa because the city of Nairobi and wildlife live side by side in harmony, as if as time has stood still for thousands of years for these animals. The park has one of the largest populations of black rhino in the world and the wildlife knows no boundaries.

For more Kenya ideas check out Top 10 sustainable Kenya Experiences.

2. Botswana - Secret Migration

Botswana sets a gold standard in Africa for sustainability and exclusivity among nature and wildlife. Botswana truly delivers unmatched wildlife safari experiences.

The best thing about Botswana is that you can have both land and water safari experiences. It’s a magical, beautiful destination, and the government has limited the size of camps to keep numbers down, so it’s perfect for people who want an intimate safari experience.

I’m most excited to visit Xigera Safari Lodge in the heart of the Okavango Delta. I look forward to sightings of lion, cheetah andtheir famous leopards. Gliding through the waterwaysa glass-bottomed mokoros (African gondola) intrigues me and there’s no better way to end a ride in an African style gondola with a ‘feet-in-the-water’ sundowner.

I love great design and Xigera feels like you are a part of nature as opposed to one just looking at it. The lodge is aesthetically designed to camouflage with the surroundings of the Okavango Delta. I can’t wait to re-wild surrounded by exceptional artwork that matches the unique location.

I’m looking to time the visit to the start of Africa’s second “secret” migration and revisit one of the camps in the Makgadikgadi Like the 1940’s-style Jack’s Camp, A favorite experience here is watching pixie-faced meerkats emerging from their burrow at sun rise.

Experience Xigera as part of our Ultimate Botswana itinerary.

To book an exciting dream safari contact African Travel, Inc.

at 1 (800) 421-8907.