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A FRICA 

& 

T HE I NDIAN O CEAN 

NAMIBIA 

SOUTH AFRICA 

BOTSWANA 

ZAMBIA 

MALAWI 

MOZAMBIQUE 

TANZANIA 

KENYA 

UGANDA 

RWANDA 

MADAGASCAR 

SEYCHELLES 

MAURITIUS 

TAILOR- MADE J OURNEYS FOR THE D ISCERNING T RAVELLER

Dear Traveller 

Africa is one of the earth’s most exciting 

continents, with some of the world’s greatest 

wildernesses, richest cultures and most 

awe-inspiring wildlife. Our Africa team 

and Audley travellers never tire of visiting, 

and it seems that the more people see, the 

more they want to see, for Africa represents 

a never-ending source of adventure. 

Keeping up with developments is always a 

challenge in Africa. Not only do camps and 

lodges change regularly, but game fluctuates 

in and out of areas depending on the rains 

and vegetation available. 

There have recently been a lot of exciting 

changes in Africa. Of particular note is 

the opening up of the eastern country of 

Mozambique as a safari destination. 

Zambia’s South Luangwa is becoming more 

accessible in the rains – a wonderful time to 

see nurseries of tottering impala, birds in 

bright breeding plumage and increased 

predator action. Namibia remains a 

spectacular self-drive destination and new 

camps along the Caprivi have made possible 

an excellent two week self-drive safari. 

Finally, many of the islands we feature in 

Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar 

are nesting sites for turtles. What better way 

to finish a trip to Africa than on a sandy 

beach littered with turtle tracks? 

Our Africa team is highly experienced and 

we travel to the reserves frequently, keeping 

abreast of not only the accommodation but 

also the game and birdlife in a particular 

region. Whether your interest lies in seeing 

leopard, wild dog or ring-tailed lemurs, we 

can suggest the best places to find them. 

Craig Burkinshaw 

Managing Director 

2

Introducing Audley 

After developing a real passion for travel in the early 1990s Craig Burkinshaw founded 

Audley, or Asian Journeys as we were then called. Craig wanted to make it possible for 

others to share the same experiences and, from these small beginnings, the company was born. 

Audley offers a new type of travel – individual journeys, designed to match the traveller’s 

interests, tastes and budget, created with an absolute commitment to quality, authenticity 

and a passion for travel. Today Audley is one of the UK’s most highly regarded specialist tour 

operators, providing tailor-made trips throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin 

America, Australasia, Antarctica and the Arctic, Canada and Alaska. 

Tailor-made journeys 

The beauty of tailor-made travel is that every trip 

is unique. Whether you want to stay in simple or 

luxurious accommodation, have great guides on 

hand or explore under your own steam, travel for 

one week or five, we can create a trip to match 

your tastes and budget. We can also design trips 

for a special occasion, where added touches can 

change an adventurous journey into a spectacular 

honeymoon, anniversary or birthday celebration. 

Your trip can be tailored to suit your particular 

interests, such as wildlife, photography or diving, 

and we have the specialist knowledge to match. 

Throughout the brochure you will find suggested 

itineraries and some of our favourite places to 

stay. These are included purely to offer inspiration 

and give you a flavour of what is possible, as each 

journey is created individually to give you the 

opportunity to experience a destination in 

exactly the way you choose. 

Specialist knowledge 

Our Africa and Indian Ocean specialists have all 

travelled extensively throughout the countries we 

feature and in many cases lived there, so you can 

rely on their extensive first-hand knowledge. They 

regularly return to see the accommodation, meet 

our guides – many of whom are firm friends – 

experience all the excursions and activities, and 

keep up-to-date with local developments. They 

pride themselves on having an honest ‘tell it how 

it is’ approach to planning your trip and, as well 

as their own extensive knowledge, are able to 

draw on the considerable collective experience 

of their colleagues. We believe this approach is 

unique to Audley and the only way we can 

genuinely offer you a tailor-made service. 

Financial security 

All travel arrangements in this brochure that 

include a flight are ATOL protected by the Civil 

Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 4817. 

Please see our booking conditions for more 

information. If your arrangements do not include 

any flights they are protected by a separate 

financial scheme, for further details please visit 

www.audleytravel.com/protect 

Planning your trip 

Once you have some ideas for your trip, or if 

you just want some general guidance, call one 

of our Africa and Indian Ocean specialists on 

01993 838 500. They can offer advice and discuss 

your plans with you, before creating a detailed 

itinerary, which will be forwarded to you together 

with maps, accommodation information, colour 

photographs and a price. Your specialist can then 

continue to refine the plans until you are 

completely satisfied. They will be on hand from 

the start of the planning process to your return 

and are always available to answer questions 

and offer sound advice. 

Contents 

Introduction 2-9 

Namibia 10-25 

South Africa 26-27 

Botswana 28-41 

Zambia 42-55 

Malawi 56-61 

Mozambique 62-71 

Tanzania 72-91 

Zanzibar 84-87 

Kenya 92-105 

Kenya’s beaches 102-104 

Uganda 106-107 

Gorilla tracking 108-109 

Rwanda 110-111 

Madagascar 112-127 

Madagascar’s beaches 122-126 

Seychelles 128-137 

Mauritius 138-142 

Useful information 143 

Introduction 3

Choosing where to go 

Choosing a trip in Africa can be confusing given the array of countries, lodges and camps 

on offer. Below you will find an overview of each country giving the highlights and 

types of safari and other experiences they offer the traveller. For further details, please browse 

the individual country sections of this brochure or call our Africa specialists. 

4 

Boat trip from Chiawa Camp, Zambia 

Viewing wild dog in Botswana 

Children in Malawi 

Namibia 

Namibia offers desert scenery as well as big game. 

The network of gravel roads is easy to navigate 

and most people drive themselves around. It is a 

good country for first-time visitors to Africa thanks 

to the variety of scenery, wildlife and activities to 

enjoy. Namibia is one of the least expensive 

African countries to visit and trips can be tailored 

to suit all budgets. See pages 10-25. 

South Africa 

South Africa is well-suited to first-time visitors to 

Africa, as well as families. The majority of visitors 

combine Cape Town with time in the Wine 

Regions, Garden Route and Kruger National Park. 

We have an extensive South Africa programme, 

covered in a separate brochure. For a copy 

please call our South Africa specialists on 

01993 838 550. See pages 26-27 

Botswana 

Botswana is often viewed as the ultimate safari 

destination. Wildlife here is some of the best on 

the continent and camps are small and exclusive. 

Many camps are set in private reserves and you 

will see few other vehicles on game drives. 

Botswana is famous for its Okavango Delta, a 

beautiful wetland area with colourful birds as well 

as big game. Botswana is one of the most 

expensive countries to visit in high season, but you 

certainly get what you pay for. See pages 28-41. 

Zambia 

Zambia is one of our favourite countries as the 

parks are wild and game concentrations good. 

The camps are small, many with only three or 

four rooms, and ingeniously constructed. It is the 

best place in Africa for walking safaris and night 

drives are rewarding for leopard sightings. It will 

not suit nervous travellers but is ideal for those 

looking for a wild safari. Zambia combines well 

with Lake Malawi, providing a safari and ‘beach’ 

option. See pages 42-55. 

Malawi 

Malawi is a small country dominated by the 

glittering Lake Malawi, which can either be 

enjoyed as a ‘beach’ add-on to Zambia or as a 

destination in its own right. Visitors are normally 

driven around the country exploring the lake 

and Liwonde National Park and perhaps enjoying 

hiking in the mountains in Southern Malawi. 

See pages 56-61. 

Mozambique 

Mozambique has an idyllic coastline. There are 

two archipelagos, Bazaruto in the south and 

Quirimba in the north, both of which have a small 

number of boutique hotels. These can be added 

on to safaris in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia 

or used for a beach only stay. The two national 

parks of Niassa and Gorongosa would not be 

suited to people wanting to tick off big game but 

are ideal for experienced safari hands looking for 

a wilderness experience. See pages 62-71. 

Tanzania 

Tanzania has some of Africa’s most famous parks 

such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

It also has lesser-known reserves including the 

Selous and Ruaha which offer equally good game 

viewing. Due to its terrific wildlife densities and 

Indian Ocean islands such as Zanzibar and Mafia 

it makes an ideal safari and beach combination. 

We prefer to stay away from the busier areas 

and make use of quieter parks and islands. 


Ring tailed lemur, Madagascar

Kenya 

People often imagine minibuses and busy beaches 

when they think of Kenya. This is true in the 

eastern Mara and Mombasa, but outside these 

spots, the country offers large wilderness areas. 

The western side of the Mara is much quieter 

with excellent game densities and is ideal for 

first-time visitors to Africa. In the north of the 

country you can walk with Samburu tribesmen 

on the Laikipia Plateau. Time on safari is easily 

combined with the Kenyan coast or the island 

of Zanzibar. See pages 92-105. 

Uganda & Rwanda 

Uganda and Rwanda are famous for their 

mountain gorillas which you can track in the 

Virunga Mountains. Both countries are relatively 

small and a week in Rwanda and ten days in 

Uganda is normally sufficient to see the highlights. 


Madagascar 

Madagascar is unique and offers an experience 

that is quite unlike other African countries. The 

main attraction is the lemurs which are viewed 

on foot. Walking in Madagascar’s virgin rainforest, 

you see chameleons, frogs and all sorts of weird 

and wonderful insects, and the forest is easily 

combined with the beach. Hotels are not very 

luxurious on Madagascar so it will not suit 

everyone, but for those who love an adventure, 

we cannot recommend it highly enough. 


Seychelles 

The Seychelles are well-known as an idyllic set 

of islands and their picture-perfect beaches with 

white sand and palm trees do not disappoint. 

You can tailor an island-hopping holiday or 

visit as an add-on to a safari. There are a range 

of properties from simple guesthouses to 

luxury hotels so trips can be tailored to suit 

most budgets. See pages 128-137. 

Sossusvlei at sunrise 

Mauritius 

Mauritius is a large island ringed by sandy beaches. 

There are a number of hotels and guest houses 

on the island and it can be hard to know which 

to choose. We have selected a few properties on 

quiet stretches of beach as well as some in the 

mountains to create an original itinerary. Whilst 

service levels are high, prices are competitive and 

offer value for money. Mauritius is easy to 

combine with a safari in either Southern or 

Eastern Africa. See pages 138-142. 

01993 838 500 ● Introduction 5

Wildlife 

The focus of most trips to Africa is the wildlife. Whilst game is found across the 

continent, there are some specific areas that are particularly good for certain species. 

We have included a rough guide here to get you started on where to find some of Africa’s 

bigger game. Do call our specialists who can advise you in much greater depth. 

Red lechwe, Okavango Delta 

Tree climbing lion in Uganda 

Klipspringer, Namibia 

Lion 

Lion are usually not hard to find on any safari as 

they tend to enjoy lying around for large parts of 

the day. Of particular note are Kenya’s Masai 

Mara, where the stars of the Big Cat Diary series 

can be seen, and Botswana’s Duba Plains where 

you can watch lion stalking buffalo on an almost 

daily basis. We also always find the Ruaha in 

Tanzania rewarding for large prides. 

Leopard 

The best place for leopard is Zambia. Night drives 

have been operating in both the South Luangwa 

and Lower Zambezi National Parks for many 

years and the guides know a number of leopards 

and the places they tend to frequent. Other good 

areas for leopard include Tanzania’s Selous Game 

Reserve and the Masai Mara in Kenya. 

Cheetah 

With open plains and an arid environment, 

Namibia holds 40% of Africa’s cheetah 

population. They can be found in Etosha, or for 

a close-up experience you can visit the Africat 

Foundation based in Namibia’s Northern 

Highlands. Tanzania’s Serengeti Game Reserve is 

also well suited to cheetah. 

Elephant 

Elephant can be found in large numbers in most 

of the reserves we feature. Of special interest are 

the desert-adapted elephant which roam freely in 

Namibia’s Damaraland region – seeing them 

against a backdrop of dunes and gravel plains is 

spectacular. Chobe in Botswana is known for its 

huge population and hundreds come to the 

Chobe River to drink. Finally, the Ngorongoro 

Crater in Tanzania has some large bulls with 

impressive tusks. 

Buffalo 

Buffalo are at their most spectacular in large herds 

and Katavi National Park in Western Tanzania 

and Duba Plains in Botswana have probably the 

biggest concentrations. From June to October, 

Katavi’s herds number around 3,000, making for 

an impressive sight of snorting, dust and fluttering 

oxpeckers. Duba Plains has a herd of around 

1,000, hounded every day by lions, giving rise to 

spectacular photographic opportunities. 

Rhino 

Both black and white rhino have been heavily 

poached in Africa, but thanks to increased 

protection many are thriving. Black rhino can 

be found roaming freely in northwest Namibia 

and guests can track them on foot with Save 

The Rhino trackers. Namibia’s Etosha National 

Park also has good numbers of both black and 

white rhino. 

Mountain gorilla 

Mountain gorillas are found in the Virunga 

Mountains which straddle Rwanda and Uganda. 

On the Rwandan side the mountains are 

protected by the Volcanoes National Park and on 

the Ugandan side by the Mgahinga National Park. 

We feel that gorilla tracking is best from the 

Rwandan side as there are a greater number of 

gorilla groups and walks are shorter. 

6 

Mountain gorilla

Young elephant 

Chimpanzee 

Chimpanzees can be found in the Mahale 

Mountains in Western Tanzania and Kibale 

Forest in Uganda. In both places they are 

tracked on foot. 

Lemurs 

Lemurs are endemic to Madagascar and once 

you are in the country’s national parks, they are 

not hard to find. There are a number of both 

diurnal and nocturnal species which can be seen 

on day and night walks. Lemurs can often be 

observed from close quarters as they are 

naturally curious animals. 

Whales 

Humpback whales can be seen migrating up 

Africa’s east coast from June to early September. 

They are particularly easily seen on boat trips 

from Ile Ste Marie in Madagascar and the 

Quirimba Archipelago in Mozambique. 

Mongoose 

Responsible travel 

We’re passionate about travel but also 

deeply aware of the responsibility we have 

to the people and places we visit. We believe 

that a visit from an Audley traveller should 

have a positive impact on the destination 

and, wherever possible, bring real benefits. 

We always endeavour to use locally owned 

hotels, work with local guides and operators, 

and promote community and wildlife projects. 

Our Traveller’s Code offers tips and advice 

you can use to ensure your trip does not 

threaten the sustainability of the places you 

visit. We carbon offset all our staff flights and 

you can choose to do the same, please speak 

to your specialist about this or follow the link 

on our website www.audleytravel.com/offset. 

Our commitment to responsible travel has 

been audited by AITO (Association of 

Independent Tour Operators) and we have 

Spotted hyena 

been awarded five stars, the maximum 

achievable. We also support a variety of 

social and environmental charities and 

projects around the world. Our Africa safari 

team has funded a water pump for Aitong 

Village in Kenya, supports a tree-planting 

project in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley and 

sponsors two elephants in the Daphne 

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. In addition 

to this we funded the building of a bio-gas 

until, which turns manure into cooking fuel 

for a village on the outskirts of the Masai 

Mara, eliminating the need for villagers to 

venture into the bush to collect firewood, 

where predators are present, and also 

helping to prevent deforestation. Should 

you wish to visit one of these projects 

during your trip, please speak to one of 

our Africa specialists. 

Cheetah in Botswana 

01993 838 500 ● Wildlife 7

Choosing a Safari 

A special family meal at Kapani Lodge 

The majority of visitors to Africa will want to experience a typical wildlife safari on 

which you enjoy seeing lots of big game as well as Africa’s smaller mammals and birds. 

Game viewing can be enjoyed from open vehicles, in boats, canoes, on foot or even from hot 

air balloons. Exploring the bush in a variety of ways allows you to focus on different elements 

– walking safaris are good for examining tracks and listening to bird calls; game drives for 

approaching elephant, lion and buffalo from close quarters; and boats are best for hippo, 

crocodile and waterbirds. Whatever your interest, be it a particular animal or bird or a way 

of exploring, we can suggest the right parks and activities. As well as typical wildlife safaris, 

here is a flavour of some of the more specialist safaris we can arrange. 

The Luangwa House, Zambia 

Learning about meerkats in Botswana 

Safari & beach combinations 

Combining a safari with some relaxation on the 

beach is very popular. This could not be easier in 

Africa, as many game reserves are just a short 

flight from the coast. Tanzania’s Selous Game 

Reserve is a short light aircraft flight from 

Zanzibar, making it possible to enjoy a morning 

game drive followed by lunch on the island. Kenya 

has an idyllic coastline just a few hours’ journey 

from the Mara, or if you want to go further afield 

it is easy to combine Kenya with the Seychelles. 

In Southern Africa, Zambia’s South Luangwa Park 

is a morning’s journey from Lake Malawi so this 

makes an ideal combination. Namibia and 

Botswana combine well with Mauritius and 

Mozambique, however due to flight times a night 

en route in Johannesburg is required. Finally, many 

of Madagascar’s reserves stretch right down to 

the beach, so it is possible to enjoy a hike in the 

forest followed by a swim in the sea. It doesn’t 

get much better than kicking off your hiking 

boots on the sand and running into the Indian 

Ocean to cool off. 

Family safaris 

If you think your children would like to learn to 

track game, pick mangos from a wild mango tree 

or bake crocodile cakes in the kitchen with a 

friendly chef, then a family safari might be just the 

answer. In recent years many camps have built 

special family tents and houses in order to 

accommodate every member of the family 

comfortably. Activities can be enjoyed in private 

vehicles, or parents and children can head off in 

separate directions under the watchful eyes of 

professional guides. Dining can be early or late, 

together or apart, in the house or on a sandbank 

in the middle of the river. There are swimming 

pools to enjoy, wildlife certificates to be achieved 

and relaxation for parents. Speak to our Africa 

specialists who have visited all the family houses 

and can discuss the options with you. 

Honeymoons 

Africa has a number of fabulous places to explore 

on honeymoon. You can sleep out under the 

African night sky on a star-bed in Northern 

Kenya, enjoy a bush-breakfast on a sandbank in 

the heart of the Okavango Delta or simply 

snooze on the deep-cushioned sofas of your 

private villa in Mozambique. Our country 

specialists have travelled all over Africa to find 

the best places for a honeymoon and will give 

you lots of ideas and suggestions. We offer a 

specialised service for those who would like to 

have their honeymoon as a wedding list, and 

wedding guests can contribute via our website 

or by telephone. 

8 

Snorkelling at Nkwichi Lodge, Mozambique

Walking in the South Luangwa National Park 

Walking safaris 

A wonderful way to explore Africa’s wildlife is on 

foot. Walking safaris can vary from gentle morning 

rambles to two or three day hikes. They were 

pioneered in Zambia in the 1960s and this is still 

one of the best countries for walking. Small 

groups are escorted by guides and scouts and 

explore areas with no roads. On a typical 

morning walk you might track elephant, listen to 

birds, or have a picnic above a lagoon full of 

hippo. Madagascar is another excellent place for 

keen walkers as all of the activities are done on 

foot here. Walks explore virgin rainforest, alive 

with lemurs, chameleons, frogs and geckos. 

Finally, for walks in dramatic desert scenery, 

Namibia is the place to go. You can climb sand 

dunes at Sossusvlei, scramble up rocky hillsides in 

the Naukluft Mountains and track black rhino 

across desert plains in Damaraland. 

Photographing elephant in the Luangwa Valley 

Lovebird 

Photographic safaris 

With its dramatic landscapes, exciting wildlife 

and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, Africa is a 

photographer’s dream. Whilst the whole 

continent offers superb opportunities, Zambia is 

one of the best places for the keen photographer. 

In the South Luangwa there are several camps 

that have specialist guides and hides above busy 

waterholes. There are also a number of guided 

photographic safaris each year, lead by 

professional photographers. 

Birdwatching 

There are thousands of bird species in Africa of 

every shape and size, from secretary birds to 

hammerkops and saddle billed storks to pygmy 

kingfishers. In Southern Africa, keen ornithologists 

will enjoy the Green Season (November to 

March) when birds are in bright breeding plumage 

and courtship displays are common. Also worthy 

of note is June in Zambia’s South Luangwa when 

large parties of spoonbills, yellow-billed storks, 

saddle billed storks and fish eagles gather into 

‘fishing parties’ to scoop fish out of drying lagoons. 

October sees the arrival of beautiful carmine 

bee-eaters which nest in Botswana’s Kwando and 

Zambia’s Luangwa riverbanks. East Africa is no less 

spectacular with the Selous river and lake system 

home to a myriad of brightly coloured waterbirds 

all year round. Of particular note is Lake Nakuru 

in Kenya which is home to more than a million 

flamingos at certain times of year. Finally, in the 

southeast trade wind (May to October) around 

800,000 pairs of sooty terns arrive to nest on 

Bird Island in the Seychelles. This is just a 

fraction of what Africa has to offer the keen 

ornithologist – please speak to our specialists 

for further details of specialist birding safaris. 

Yellow-billed stork fishing 

01993 838 500 ● Safaris 9

Namibia 

Namibia is a country of vast blue skies 

and endless horizons. It contains one of 

the world’s oldest deserts, its highest dunes 

and its second largest canyon. In the north of 

the country, Etosha’s silvery salt pan and 

surrounding plains teem with game. 

Damaraland’s desert-adapted elephant and 

black rhino roam freely and can be tracked 

on foot or in open vehicles. Flying along the 

Skeleton Coast, you will find hundredthousand 

strong seal colonies, skeletal 

shipwrecks and flocks of pelicans and 

flamingos. Some of the most spectacular 

scenery is found in the south. Climbing a 

dune at Sossuslvei at sunrise, it is easy to see 

why Namibia is a photographer’s dream. 

The dunes are enchanting, totally unspoilt, 

and best of all you have them to yourself. 

Whilst Namibia’s scenery is some of the most 

dramatic in Africa getting around the 

country could not be easier as there is an 

excellent network of gravel roads. Set off at 

dawn and spot gemsbok and kudu from your 

car, stop for a snack under an acacia tree 

and arrive at your destination by lunchtime. 

With virtually no traffic and spectacular 

scenery this is a wonderful way to explore. 

10

Audley in Namibia 

7 8 

5 

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4 

1 

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2 

3 

10 

Namibia is an easy country to explore with 

well maintained roads, a variety of 

comfortable properties and good food. A 

good way to get around is on a self-drive trip 

with a reliable car, clear set of directions and 

a map. Traffic is light and you can always pull 

over to enjoy the view. We have driven 

around Namibia many times and know the 

roads and lodges well from first-hand 

experience. As distances are large, it is crucial 

to plan a trip carefully so that you spend only 

a part of your time driving and the majority 

of it enjoying what the country has to offer. If 

you don’t want to drive, you can fly by light 

aircraft or be driven from lodge to lodge. 

Both are good options and suit different 

travellers and budgets. Namibia works well as 

a stand-alone destination, however it can be 

combined easily with Cape Town or the 

Okavango Delta in Botswana. If you would 

like to end your trip on a tropical beach, we 

recommend Mozambique or Mauritius. 

Accommodation 

1 Sossusvlei 

The world’s highest sand 

dunes and a place of 

spectacular beauty. 

2 NamibRand 

Nature Reserve 

One of Africa’s largest private 

reserves encompassing plains, 

vegetated dunes and the 

Numib Mountains. 

3 Fish River Canyon 

The world’s second largest 

canyon and a good place 

for hiking. 

4 Lüderitz 

A colonial town in the south, 

close to the deserted 

diamond mining settlements of 

Kolmanskop and Elizabeth Bay. 

Picnic at the Skeleton Coast 

Lion in Etosha 

5 Swakopmund 

7 The Skeleton Coast 

A quaint German colonial 

town where the desert meets 

the Atlantic. 

With desolate beaches, 

mountains and canyons this area 

is home to seals, jackals, giraffe 

6 Pelican Point 

and desert-adapted elephant. 

A sandy peninsula with a colony 

of around 300 Cape fur seals, 

accessible by kayak. 

8 Damaraland 

The place to track desertadapted 

elephant and rhino 

and home to some of Africa’s 

finest rock art. 

9 Etosha National Park 

Namibia’s key wildlife area, 

centred around the shimmering 

Etosha salt pan. 

10 Caprivi Strip 

Fringing the Okavango Delta, 

this region has rivers, 

waterways and swamps as 

well as prolific elephant, 

buffalo, hippo and crocodile. 

Namibia has probably the widest choice of 

accommodation in Southern Africa. In the 

towns there are hotels, boutique properties 

and guesthouses. Out of town you will 

find remote tented camps, lodges and 

farmhouses. One of our favourite properties, 

Wolwedans Dune Lodge, is built on top of 

a sand dune. On any itinerary we would 

recommend that you stay in a mixture of 

properties to make your trip varied and 

interesting. Staying at an owner-run guestfarm 

gives a fascinating insight into farming 

in Namibia whilst tented camps allow you 

to explore remote areas. If you are a keen 

walker we can recommend trails where you 

stay in dome tents or camp beds under the 

stars. Simply let us know the sort of 

accommodation you like and we will make 

suggestions to suit you. 

Find out more 

For suggested itineraries and practical 

information about travel in Namibia, please 

see pages 24-25. 

☎ 

www.audleytravel.com 

Interactive maps and features, 

further suggested itineraries, 

accommodation, climate information 

and articles written by our specialists. 

Discuss your plans with our Namibia 

specialists 01993 838 525 

Namibia 11

Dead Vlei 

Sossusvlei & Sesriem 

In southern Namibia at Sesriem, the Tsauchab 

River has carved a wide path into the dunes 

towards the coast. The river never reaches the 

sea as its path is blocked by mountains of sand. 

Instead it spreads into pans, surrounded by 

curving dunes. This area is known as Sossusvlei; 

the towering dunes are apricot at sunrise, crimson 

at sunset and all colours of the spectrum in 

between. Near Sossusvlei are other ‘vleis’ (valleys 

or pans) – Dead Vlei with a silver floor and 

skeletal trees and Hidden Vlei with dusty acacias. 

It’s superb for photography and a place of 

spectacular beauty. Many think deserts are lifeless, 

but walk amongst the dunes and you will soon 

see the tracks of tok tokkie beetles criss-crossing 

the sand, shovel-snouted lizards darting into nara 

bushes and perhaps even the spoor of a wildcat. 

We recommend arriving at Sossusvlei early in 

the morning so that you can climb one of the 

hundreds of dunes and watch as the colour of 

the sunrise is blazed onto the magical landscape. 

Desert Homestead 

12 

Sossus Dune Lodge 

SOSSUS DUNE LODGE, 

SOSSUSVLEI 

Sossus Dune Lodge is situated within the 

Namib Naukluft Park close to Sossusvlei. The 

lodge comprises 25 thatched chalets. Each is 

canvas sided, with wood floors and large glass 

windows to make the most of the views of the 

dunes. As the lodge is within the park, guests can 

reach Sossusvlei before sunrise and stay after 

sunset giving the opportunity to experience the 

dunes with few other people. 

DESERT HOMESTEAD, SOSSUSVLEI 

The Desert Homestead is a pretty lodge on a 

grassy plain in the shadow of the Tsaris and 

Naukluft Mountains. There are 20 stone and 

thatch cottages, a cosy living area with comfortable 

leather sofas, soft African fabrics and a cool, shady 

dining veranda where farmhouse cooking is served. 

As well as trips to Sossusvlei it is possible to go 

horse riding or camping for a night. 

LITTLE KULALA, KULALA 

WILDERNESS RESERVE 

Little Kulala is located in the dry Auab river bed 

on the Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a 35-minute 

4x4 trip from Sossusvlei. Sandy paths lead 

through skeletal trees to eight luxurious and 

spacious chalets, each decorated in a desert style 

with clay pots full of dune grass and outdoor 

showers in twisted trees. There is a plunge pool 

for the heat of the day and a star-gazing platform 

on the roof. Views of the dunes shimmering in 

the distance can be enjoyed from everywhere. 

Little Kulala 

Barking gecko

Wolwedans Dune Camp Wolwedans Dune Lodge Sossussvlei Mountain Lodge 

Sunrise in the NamibRand Nature Reserve 

The NamibRand 


The NamibRand Nature Reserve lies to the south 

of Sesriem and borders the Namib Naukluft Park. 

Covering over 2,000 square kilometres, it is one 

of Africa’s largest private reserves and is certainly 

one of its most beautiful. A place of contrast, it 

encompasses vegetated dunes, yellow plains and 

the Numib Mountains where Hartmann’s 

mountain zebra can be found. The NamibRand 

has some of Namibia’s best guides and is 

therefore a good place in which to learn about 

the flora, fauna and history of the desert. We 

recommend the full-day drives, on which you 

explore many parts of the reserve and have a 

large picnic lunch. On your return to camp at 

night you’ll find the lanterns lit, the fire roaring 

and a delicious dinner prepared. 

WOLWEDANS DUNE LODGE, 

NAMIBRAND NATURE RESERVE 

Wolwedans Dune Lodge has six chalets which 

are built on top of a vegetated sand dune. All of 

them are open on one side allowing you to 

watch the sunrise from your bed. The lapa has 

leather sofas and chairs, a library and a cellar 

built deep into the sand. There is also a small 

pool set back in the dunes. As with all the 

Wolwedans properties, the food is excellent 

and the camp guides some of the most 

knowledgeable in Namibia. 

SOSSUSVLEI MOUNTAIN LODGE, 


This lodge has ten suites, built into natural rock 

at the foot of a mountain, each one looking onto 

an expansive plain leading to a dune sea. Raised 

bedrooms with skylights overhead enable guests 

to gaze at the stars from their bed, and steps lead 

down from the bedroom to a lounge. Activities 

from the lodge include drives and walks in the 

reserve as well as excursions to Sossusvlei. At 

the end of the day the night sky can be viewed 

through the lodge’s high-powered telescope. 

WOLWEDANS DUNE CAMP, 


This beautiful tented camp is built on a dune and 

has spectacular views of the plains and mountains. 

The six tents are simple but stylish with rush mats, 

comfortable beds, tables and private bathrooms. 

The main lapa (dining area and lounge) is open 

on one side with far reaching views. The food 

is excellent and the camp staff warm and 

welcoming. Wolwedans has some of Namibia’s 

best guides and they will lead you on half and 

full day excursions to explore the reserve. 

Hartebeest in the NamibRand Nature Reserve 

www.audleytravel.com/namibia ● 01993 838 525 ● Namibia 13

Gemsbok in the Naukluft Mountains 

The Naukluft Mountains 

The Naukluft Mountains are about an hour’s drive 

to the northeast of Sossusvlei and make an ideal 

stop on the way to or from the dunes. This is 

superb walking country with rocky outcrops, deep 

river valleys with wild olive trees, sycamore figs 

and freshwater springs where you can swim when 

the weather is hot. There are lots of wild animals 

including baboon, steenbok, kudu, Hartmann’s 

mountain zebra and klipspringer. Leopard are 

present but rarely seen. Over 200 bird species 

have been recorded and the Naukluft is the 

southernmost limit of many species of the 

northern Namib, including Ruppell’s parrot and 

the pretty rosy-faced lovebirds. The air is crystal 

clear, you won’t meet another person all day, 

and sunsets over the mountains are spectacular. 

Zebra River Lodge 

Walking in the Naukluft 

ZEBRA RIVER LODGE, 

NAUKLUFT MOUNTAINS 

This small stone lodge – a converted farm – is 

set high up in the mountains. There are just nine 

rooms, some of which lead off a wide veranda 

covered in flowers. Inside, the rooms are large 

and have cool stone floors, large beds with 

African print covers and en suite bathrooms. The 

main building houses a cosy dining room where 

dinner is served. Activities include nature drives, 

sundowner excursions and visits to the local 

natural springs. There are also several walking 

trails which can be explored at your own pace. 

Corona Guestfarm 

14 

CORONA GUESTFARM, 

NAUKLUFT MOUNTAINS 

Corona Guestfarm is surrounded by mountains 

in a remote wilderness area. Driving to the farm, 

you pass a number of dry river beds where kudu 

and springbok are often found. Accommodation 

consists of ten en suite rooms and four safari 

style tents, all individually decorated. Apart from 

relaxing by the swimming pool or under the 

jacaranda trees, there are a number of optional 

activities including game drives, horse riding and 

self guided walks, one of which visits some 

interesting rock art. 

The Naukluft Mountains

Kolmaskop, ghost town in the desert 

Fish River Lodge Houses in Lüderitz Klein Aus Vista 

Fish River Canyon 

In the far south of the country, the Fish River 

Canyon, second only to the Grand Canyon in 

size, is spectacular and deserted. At its base, the 

Fish River twists and turns, its clear water 

tumbling over rocks. We recommend taking an 

early morning ramble along the canyon where the 

bark of baboons echoes around the rocks and 

klipspringers dart up gullies. The view from the 

top is breathtaking and there are no shops or 

kiosks here, just a bench in the shade. On a busy 

day you may meet someone else, but the chance 

of finding a rock to sit on and of having the view 

to yourself is high. 

Lüderitz 

On the coast, the town of Lüderitz is fascinating, 

a real outpost with turn of the century 

architecture and the ghost towns of the diamond 

boom nearby, preserved by the sands of the 

desert. There’s also the penguin colony at Halifax 

Island to visit and we recommend walking with 

the flamingos on the beaches south of Lüderitz. 

There, you will find shells and ghost crabs and 

are unlikely to see another soul. 

KLEIN AUS VISTA, AUS 

An hour outside Lüderitz, the little Klein Aus Vista 

guesthouse has a wonderful location. Small rock 

chalets are tucked away amongst granite boulders 

with views of the desert. As well as trips to 

Lüderitz, guests can explore the gentle hiking 

trails, climb the extinct volcanic mountain or 

search for the wild Namib feral horses, present in 

this area for seven generations. With welcoming 

hosts and plentiful food, this is a tranquil and 

comfortable place to stay. 

FISH RIVER LODGE, FISH 

RIVER CANYON 

Fish River Lodge has a stunning situation on the 

lip of the Canyon with far reaching views. The 

20 contemporary stone chalets are stylishly 

decorated inside; stepping outside, you are 

immediately in the desert, an area of gravel plains 

dotted with quivertrees. This lodge is the only 

one in the area that offers guided hikes in the 

Canyon. After a morning walk, return to the pool 

to cool off before enjoying a big lunch on the 

shady veranda. 

Fish River Canyon 


Kayaking at Pelican Point 

Swakopmund 

The old town of Swakopmund perches between 

the sands of the Namib Desert and the waves of 

the Atlantic Ocean. With misty morning fog, its 

climate is a contrast to the inland areas and 

refreshing after days in the south. The streets are 

wide and lined with palm trees, the buildings 

fascinating examples of old German architecture. 

There’s an array of curio and antique shops as well 

as some particularly good seafood restaurants 

serving fresh crayfish and Skeleton Coast mussels. 

A couple of hours’ drive north of Swakopmund 

you will find the seal colony at Cape Cross, home 

to around 200,000 Cape fur seals. South of 

Swakopmund – and equally worth a day’s trip – is 

Walvis Bay. Pelicans sweep over the dunes to the 

sea, whilst hundreds of flamingos, avocets and 

other waders can be found in the water. 

Pelican Point 

One excellent way to spend a morning is on a 

gentle kayaking trip around Pelican Point. Run 

by Jean Meintjies, these trips start early in the 

morning when she drives you out to Pelican 

Point, a sandbar near Walvis Bay. Jean has a 

number of sturdy sea kayaks and she guides you 

to three colonies of up to 300 Cape fur seals 

each. The seals love to swim around the kayaks 

and sometimes even jump over them! It is 

possible to see dolphins, and flocks of gulls and 

cormorants are often overhead. There is a 

stop on a beach for warm rolls and coffee for 

elevenses. No previous kayaking experience 

is needed. 

SWAKOPMUND GUESTHOUSE, 

SWAKOPMUND 

This upmarket guesthouse is located in the heart 

of Swakopmund, only five minutes’ walk from the 

main shopping streets and beach. There are 

plenty of quiet areas in the garden and the main 

house in which to relax and read a book. The 

twelve rooms have been individually furnished 

with crisp linens, large canvas wall art and en suite 

bathrooms decorated with beach pebbles to 

add a little character. The Borgs can help you to 

arrange excursions as well as giving you ideas for 

exploring at your own pace. 

Swakopmund Guesthouse 

CORNERSTONE GUESTHOUSE, 

SWAKOPMUND 

This small and friendly guesthouse occupies a 

quiet corner of the old town near the marine 

museum and the old brewery. It is a few minutes’ 

walk to the Atlantic Ocean and The Tug, one of 

Swakopmund’s best restaurants. There are five en 

suite rooms and an airy breakfast room where a 

choice of fresh fruit, juices, yoghurts and eggs and 

bacon is served. On warm days, breakfast can be 

enjoyed on the sunny veranda. 

Pelicans at Walvis Bay 

16 

Cornerstone Guesthouse

Exploring the Great Dune Sea in the Northern Skeleton Coast 

Skeleton Coast Safaris 

Himba girls 

The Skeleton Coast 

North of Swakopmund the Skeleton Coast 

National Park stretches up to the Kunene River. 

It is a barren area and particularly aptly named. 

Strong currents, treacherous fog and shifting 

underwater sandbanks ensured that many early 

explorers’ ships were wrecked here, their 

remains still visible many metres from the shore. 

The landscape of the Skeleton Coast, whilst stark, 

is stunning and rock formations such as the Ugab 

Formations defy belief. There are clay castles at 

the Hoarusib Canyon, dunes that roar and 

reverberate, and gravel plains covered with 

ancient welwitschia plants. Dry river valleys are 

home to desert-adapted elephant, giraffe and 

brown hyena. The majority of the park is not 

accessible to vehicles, but there are two 

companies that operate fly-in safaris to the area. 

Lasting three to four days, these are regarded by 

experienced safari-goers as some of the best 

trips in Africa. 

Started in the sixties by Louw Schoeman and 

now run by his family, Skeleton Coast Safaris 

run three night flying safaris to the Skeleton 

Coast. The Schoeman brothers do most of 

the guiding, and it is hard to find better 

guides anywhere. Using light aircraft, trusty 

Land Rovers and your own two feet, you will 

explore the Skeleton Coast’s fragile 

ecosystem. There’s the chance to slide down 

roaring dunes, explore ancient bushman 

settlements and walk along inaccessible 

beaches past the skeletal remains of longwrecked 

ships. Each night you will stay in a 

different camp, of which there are three. All 

are tiny, but though this safari is not about 

Serra Cafema 

Flying over the Skeleton Coast 

accommodation, your comfort is never 

compromised. More often than not you will 

dine under a tree, hot bucket showers will 

be filled for you and there will be a roaring 

camp fire in the evening. 

SERRA CAFEMA, SKELETON COAST 

Serra Cafema is a beautiful camp situated under 

large albida trees on the banks of the Kunene 

River. The camp is in a wild area frequented by 

gemsbok, ostrich, desert-adapted elephant and 

nomadic prides of lion. Time is spent exploring 

the beautiful Hartmann Valley in 4x4s, the Great 

Dune Sea on quad-bikes and the mountains on 

foot. Boat trips on the Kunene River are relaxing 

as you float along watching birds overhead and 

large crocodiles basking on sandbanks. 


Rhino tracking in Northern Damaraland 

Damaraland 

Damaraland has a wild and rugged landscape 

and is one of Namibia’s least populated areas. 

Southern Damaraland’s great attractions include 

the Gross Spitzkoppe and Brandberg Mountain, 

both home to a wealth of rock art. Twfelfontein 

has hundreds of engravings (mostly depicting 

animals) and is perfect for a few hours’ 

exploration. Driving to and from these you will 

often encounter donkey carts and tiny roadside 

stalls that sell gemstones and seed pod mobiles. 

In Northern Damaraland there are thriving 

populations of wild game including gemsbok, 

kudu, springbok, Hartmann’s zebra, desertadapted 

elephant and black rhino. Here, tracts 

of land have been designated ‘concession areas’. 

These areas are huge, dotted only with the 

Dinner at Desert Rhino Camp 

occasional village and visitors are strictly limited. 

Operators work in conjunction with the local 

communities, creating camps with local guides 

and giving a proportion of all income straight to 

the community. They are excellent initiatives and 

give you the opportunity to explore the area 

with those who know it best. 

DESERT RHINO CAMP, NORTHERN 

DAMARALAND 

Desert Rhino Camp is situated in the impressive 

Palmwag Concession, an area of flat-topped 

mountains, huge yellow plains and wild river 

valleys. Save the Rhino Trust are monitoring a 

population of black rhino here, and guests at 

Rhino Camp are able to go out and help with 

their research work. Lion frequent the Agab 

riverbed (and are often heard roaring at night), 

mountain zebra are numerous and vultures seem 

to roost in every tree. The camp itself is 

comfortable, with six large en suite tents and 

good food that tastes even better 

Doro Nawas 

18 

DORO NAWAS, SOUTHERN 

DAMARALAND 

Doro Nawas is built on a small kopje on the edge 

of the dry Aba-Huab River. From camp you can 

see the Etendeka Mountains to the north and the 

red cliffs of Twyfelfontein to the south. There are 

16 beautiful rooms with polished stone floors, 

large windows and en suite bathrooms. Outside, 

shady terraces with deep squishy chairs allow you 

to relax and enjoy the views. 

Shovel snouted lizard

Khoraan 

Desert adapted elephant in Northern Damaraland 

Camp Kipwe 

Damaraland road 

CAMP KIPWE, SOUTHERN 

DAMARALAND 

Camp Kipwe is located in a superb position in 

Damaraland with panoramic views over rocky 

kopjes, valleys and hills. The eight rooms are 

situated amongst the boulders giving you total 

privacy but you will also have plenty of 

opportunity to meet your fellow guests in the 

camp lounge area. For a spectacular sunset, make 

your way up the 100 steps to the sundowner 

view point – having a cold beer or glass of wine 

and watching the sun set over Damaraland is an 

experience not to be missed. 

MOWANI MOUNTAIN CAMP, 

SOUTHERN DAMARALAND 

Mowani Mountain Camp is stylish and 

comfortable. There are 12 safari tents that have 

been built unobtrusively to ensure minimum 

impact on the natural environment. Inside, 

tents have double beds, soft cream fabrics, 

whitewashed floors and stylish bathrooms. All the 

tents face east so you can see the sunrise from 

your bed. The main lodge has a pool carved out 

of the rock and a sundowner bar on top of the 

kopje with sweeping views. Just an hour from 

Twyfelfontein and with plenty of guides, it’s a 

luxurious base from which to explore. 

Mowani Mountain Camp 

ETENDEKA CAMP, ETENDEKA 

CONCESSION, NORTHERN 

DAMARALAND 

Lying on the open Etendeka lava plains, Etendeka 

Camp is small, simple and set in dramatic scenery. 

Owned by Dennis Leibenberg – who pioneered 

community involvement in tourism initiatives – 

this is a thriving camp whose excellent guides 

know all the birds, plants and insects as well as 

the mammals. Days often consist of nature walks, 

afternoon drives and perhaps a short trip up to 

a mountain top to enjoy a sundowner. 

Giraffe in Northern Damaraland 


Self-driving in Namibia 

Road in Southern Namibia 

A self-drive trip is a wonderful way to explore 

Namibia as the roads are well maintained, they 

wind through spectacular scenery, and there is 

little traffic. You can explore entirely at your 

own pace and drive to the camps and lodges 

we have prearranged for you. 

Namibia’s roads 

Namibia’s main roads have tar surfaces. These 

include the roads from Windhoek to South 

Africa, Swakopmund and north to Etosha and 

the Caprivi. The rest of the network is gravel. 

The gravel roads are well graded and generally 

in good condition in the dry season. In the rainy 

season, however, rivers can occasionally flood 

across the road. All the gravel roads are well 

signposted and as there are only a few roads 

to choose from, it is very hard to get lost. 

As you drive along, you will find a number of 

designated picnic spots. These have an area to 

park, picnic table and benches – set in the 

shade of large trees where possible. As there 

is very little traffic, however, you will find that 

you can always stop at the side of the road 

whenever you wish, to enjoy the view or to 

take a picture. 

Driving distances and times 

Distances are large in Namibia and we 

recommend you set off early in the morning and 

drive at a leisurely pace, enjoying the journey as 

you go. By leaving early you can enjoy the first 

part of your drive in the cool of the day, and we 

have often seen animals on or beside the road 

at this time. You can aim to arrive at your next 

lodge in time for lunch and then have the 

afternoon either to relax, explore at your own 

pace or join a guided activity. We will give you a 

guide to distances and times with your itinerary 

so you can plan your days accordingly. 

Cars 

It is possible to drive around the country in an 

ordinary car however we usually recommend a 

4x4. We will discuss with you what type of car 

you’d like, taking into account the number of 

people in your party, how much luggage you 

have and the route you are taking. In the rainy 

season we would always recommend a 4x4. 

Etosha 

Self-driving is a great way to see Etosha’s big 

game as you can decide which waterholes you 

want to head for and can spend as long as 

you like viewing the wildlife. The speed limit is 

60 kilometres per hour as you could encounter 

game of all sizes on the roads. You will find 

many of the animals are accustomed to vehicles 

and you will get some superb photographs from 

your car. If you prefer not to self-drive, we can 

arrange organised game drives for you. 

Road sign in Damaraland 

Game viewing in Etosha 

20

Driving in Damaraland 

Transparent Namib dune gecko 

Seal at Cape Cross 

Donkey cart on the road 

Traffic is light in Windhoek 

Self-driving with Audley 

We have been arranging self-drive trips to 

Namibia for years and offer a few small touches 

to make your trip easier and more comfortable. 

Planning 

All our specialists have driven extensively 

around Namibia. We will plan a route 

carefully taking into account what you’d like 

to do and keeping an eye on the driving 

distances and times. 

Maps 

On arrival in Namibia you will be given a fully 

annotated map with your route highlighted 

and your lodges marked. 

Phones 

It is always useful to have a mobile phone and 

Namibia’s network coverage is improving each 

year. We can provide you with a phone with all 

the numbers of your lodges programmed into 

it as well as our contact numbers. We provide 

a phone card for you which you can top up 

as you need. 

Cool boxes 

We always recommend that you carry water 

and a few snacks in the car. To enable you to 

keep your drinks cool, we will supply you with 

a cool box at the start of your trip which we 

ask you to return at the end. 


Breeding herd of elephant in Etosha 

Etosha National Park 

Etosha is one of Africa’s largest game parks. Much 

of it is covered by the silver Etosha salt pan that 

shimmers in the heat, but to the south are open 

grasslands, woodland and waterholes that act as 

magnets for game. In the dry season the game 

congregates around the water sources, leading to 

some phenomenal game viewing. On Etosha’s 

grassveld it is easy to find grazers, including 

Burchell’s zebra, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest 

and black-faced impala. Kudu are found on the 

margins of the woodland, whilst giraffe nibble the 

acacias and eland come to drink. Etosha’s cats are 

thriving, with large populations of lion, leopard 

and cheetah. Elephant are found in hundred 

strong herds whilst black and white rhino are also 

found, particularly in the west of the park. Etosha 

Zebra at a waterhole in Etosha 

22 

has over 340 bird species and it is common to 

see ostrich and secretary birds on the open plains. 

There are over 35 species of raptor, including the 

yellowbilled kite, steppe eagle and pygmy falcon. 

To explore Etosha you can either self-drive from 

camps inside the park or enjoy both self-drive and 

guided trips from one of the private reserves 

outside the park gates. 

Ongava Lodge 

ONGAVA LODGE, ONGAVA 

RESERVE, SOUTHERN ETOSHA 

Ongava Lodge is situated within the private 

Ongava Reserve adjacent to Etosha. The lodge 

comprises of 14 en suite air-conditioned chalets, 

attractively built out of rock and thatch. Every 

chalet has a deck for afternoon reading or 

enjoying the view, if you’re not inclined to take 

a dip in the pool. Activities include walks, night 

drives and rhino tracking on the reserve as well 

as game drives into Etosha. 

Lion on the road from Okaukuejo 

ONGAVA TENTED CAMP, ONGAVA 

RESERVE, SOUTHERN ETOSHA 

Small, intimate and comfortable, the Ongava 

Tented Camp has eight tastefully decorated tents 

with en suite bathrooms with an indoor and 

outdoor shower. Each tent overlooks the busy 

waterhole, which attracts a wide variety of 

mammals and birds and is floodlit at night. Tasty 

home-cooked meals are served in the open-sided 

dining room and guests sit together at a large table. 

There is a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with 

guests chatting late into the night around the fire. 

Ongava Tented Camp

Secretary bird 

Mushara Outpost 

Giraffe on Etosha’s grasslands 

Namutoni Restcamp Mushara Bush Camp The pool at Onguma Tented Camp 

OKAUKUEJO, HALALI AND 

NAMUTONI RESTCAMPS, ETOSHA 

These three restcamps are run by the 

government and offer accommodation with basic 

facilities within the park. Okaukuejo is in the west 

of the park, Halali in the centre and Namutoni in 

the east. Surrounded by game fences, each camp 

has an array of bungalows, a restaurant, shop and 

pool. Whilst the accommodation is simple, the 

real attraction is the waterholes beside which 

the camps are built. These are exciting at night 

when elephant, rhino, giraffe and lion appear 

out of the dark to drink. 

MUSHARA BUSH CAMP, 

EASTERN ETOSHA 

Mushara Bush Camp offers a down-to-earth 

tented experience which is well suited to 

independent travellers exploring Etosha. The 16 

custom-made tents are spacious and airy and each 

has a shower looking into the bush. The main area 

is thatched and has a true camp feel to it, as early 

evenings see a fire lit around which guests sit and 

exchange stories of the day’s wildlife sightings. 

Dinners are served outside on the veranda and 

food is both plentiful and delicious. 

ONGUMA TENTED CAMP, 

ONGUMA RESERVE, EASTERN ETOSHA 

Onguma Tented Camp is situated in the private 

Onguma Reserve around a natural waterhole that 

attracts giraffe, zebra, oryx and occasionally lion 

and rhino. The camp has seven luxury tents built 

out of wood and stone and furnished with natural 

textiles. The infinity pool looks over the waterhole 

and has comfortable sunloungers where you can 

relax and read a book or watch the game coming 

to drink. Guests can either drive into the reserve 

or enjoy guided game drives. 

MUSHARA OUTPOST, 

EASTERN ETOSHA 

This luxury tented camp is situated on the 

banks of a dry riverbed on Mushara’s private 

land. Each en suite tent is built on a wooden 

deck and has glass windows and doors with 

built in fly-screens to keep some of the smaller 

local residents outside. For the hottest days, there 

is air-conditioning. The main building has the style 

of an old farmhouse with tall walls, an iron roof 

and wrap around veranda. Both scheduled and 

private game drives into Etosha are possible. 

Gemsbok and ostrich at a waterhole 


Hippo in Caprivi 

Kudu in Mudumu National Park 

The Caprivi Strip 

In northern Namibia the Caprivi Strip stretches 

east along the top of Botswana and is quite 

unlike the rest of the country. Thanks to its 

relatively high rainfall it has lush vegetation, and 

many small villages with children herding goats 

and cows. Game parks support high densities 

of elephant, buffalo, lion and hippo, and 

crocodile are ever-present in the wetland 

areas. The permanent rivers, reedbeds and 

riverine forest host a large number of bird 

species, including those not commonly found 

in other parts of Namibia, such as kingfishers, 

darters, herons and gallinules. As a trip across 

the Caprivi takes around two weeks, we 

recommend that you only drive one way, 

ending your trip at Victoria Falls. 

NDHOVU SAFARI LODGE, 

MAHANGU GAME RESERVE 

This lodge is situated two kilometres from the 

Mahangu Game Reserve, which is ideal for 

game viewing and a birder’s paradise. There 

are eight safari tents overlooking the river, 

where elephant often come to drink. All the 

tents have twin beds and en suite facilities. At 

night you can hear the hippo grazing close by. 

Activities from the lodge include boat trips, 

game drives and birdwatching. 

24 

Lianshulu Lodge 

LIANSHULU LODGE, MUDUMU 

NATIONAL PARK 

Lianshulu Lodge is situated on the banks of 

the Kwando River in the Mudumu National 

Park. The surrounding area is a wilderness of 

riverine forest, marsh and open woodland, 

and game densities are high. The lodge has 

11 thatched chalets, stylishly furnished with 

polished wooden floors, large beds with crisp 

linen, inside and outside showers and viewing 

decks overlooking the river and flood plains. 

There is also a small pool which is perfect 

for hot afternoons. 

Elephant in the Chobe River 

Ndhovu Safari Lodge 

Tailoring your trip 

The itineraries shown are designed to give you a 

flavour of what is possible, and are routes that 

work particularly well. We can use these as a 

basis to plan your trip or can design a completely 

different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. 

Please call one of our Namibia specialists to start 

planning your itinerary. 

Telephone: 01993 838 525 

Getting around 

The main way to explore Namibia is on a selfdrive 

safari. You will collect your car in Windhoek 

and our agents will brief you fully on your 

journey, providing maps and driving directions. 

The majority of roads are gravel but they are 

usually well graded and always well signposted – 

with a good map it is hard to get lost. A 4x4 is 

essential in the rainy season, however, at other 

times of year an ordinary car can be used. When 

you reach your destination you can leave your car 

and set out to explore on guided excursions. We 

have suggested two self-drive itineraries here but 

these are a tiny fraction of the trips we can 

arrange. An alternative to driving is flying around 

the country using the scheduled light aircraft 

flights that go to the Sossusvlei, Damaraland and 

Etosha regions. You can choose how many days 

you’d like to stay in each place and we can tailor 

the trip to this. 

When to go 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 

✓✓ The best time to travel. 

✓ A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of. 

~ Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year. 

✕ Travel is not recommended. 

Namibia has a sub-tropical desert climate, 

characterised by low rainfall and large 

temperature fluctuations between day and night. 

During the dry season, which runs broadly from 

April to October, the skies are blue with rarely a 

cloud in sight. In November the rain clouds start 

to build but rain tends not to fall until early 

December. Then, through the rainy period there 

will typically be a downpour for around an hour 

on some days, before the skies and the 

atmosphere clear again. 

Time difference: GMT+1 hour 

Flight time from UK: 12 hours and 30 minutes 

Prices 

We offer trips to cater for a wide range of 

budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices 

for your trip to Namibia on our website, 

alternatively please call our specialists to discuss 

your plans.

Suggested itineraries 

Southern 

Damaraland 

ANGOLA 


Northern 

Damaraland 

ANGOLA 


ANGOLA 


Central Highlands 

Rundu 

Mahangu 

Game 

Reserve 

Livingstone 

Mudumu 

National 

Park 

Kasane 

Swakopmund 

Windhoek 

Swakopmund 

Windhoek 

Windhoek 

BOTSWANA 

BOTSWANA 

Sossusvlei 

NAMBIA 

Sossusvlei 

NamibRand Nature Reserve 

NAMBIA 

NAMBIA 

BOTSWANA 

Highlights of Namibia 

This itinerary is a self-drive circular trip of 

Namibia’s highlights. You will have the chance to 

enjoy the dunes at Sossusvlei, kayak to the seal 

colony at Pelican Point, track desert elephant in 

Damaraland and enjoy Etosha’s big game. Many of 

the lodges have guides who will take you out to 

explore. We will provide you with maps and 

information so all you have to do is hop in the 

car and go. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Days 3-4 

Day 5 

Day 6 

Days 7-8 

Days 9-10 

Day 11 

Day 12 

Fly from the UK to Windhoek 

via Frankfurt. 

Arrive in Windhoek. Road transfer 

into Windhoek for one night at The 

Elegant Guesthouse. 

Collect car and self-drive to 

Sossusvlei for two nights at the 

Sossus Dune Lodge. Explore the 

dunes at Sossusvlei. 

Drive to Swakopmund for two nights 

at Cornerstone Guesthouse. 

Morning kayak trip to Pelican Point. 

Drive to Southern Damaraland for 

two nights at Camp Kipwe. Explore 

Damaraland on guided game drives. 

Drive to Etosha National Park 

for two nights at Okaukuejo 

Restcamp. Game viewing in Etosha 

National Park. 

Drive to Windhoek and leave the 

car at Windhoek Airport. Fly from 

Windhoek to Frankfurt 

Fly from Frankfurt to London. Arrive 

back in the UK in the early morning. 

Stay longer 

If you would like to end your trip with some 

relaxing time on a beach then we suggest adding 

on a week in Mauritius. A lush tropical island, 

Mauritius is quite a contrast to Namibia. We can 

recommend a handful of delightful hotels with 

good food in quiet locations. All are set above 

picture perfect beaches and have beautiful pools, 

small spas and extensive water and land based 

activities. After time in Mauritius you can take a 

direct flight back to the UK. 

Desert Flying 

See Namibia’s spectacular scenery from the air. 

On the trip you can explore the NamibRand 

Nature Reserve before heading up to Sossusvlei 

to climb the world’s highest dunes. In northern 

Namibia you will track rhino in Damaraland before 

ending your trip in Etosha. This trip is suited to 

those looking to enjoy Namibia’s highlights from 

luxurious camps with expert guides. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Days 3-4 

Days 5-6 

Days 7-8 

Days 9-10 

Day 11 

Day 12 

Fly from the UK to Windhoek 

via Frankfurt. 

Transfer into Windhoek for one 

night at The Olive Grove. 

Fly to the NamibRand Nature 

Reserve for two nights at 

Wolwedans Dune Lodge. Explore 

the NamibRand on game drives and 

walking safaris. 

Fly to the Kulala Wilderness Reserve 

for two nights at the Kulala Desert 

Lodge. Explore Sossusvlei on nature 

drives and on foot. 

Fly to Northern Damaraland for 

two nights at Rhino Camp. Rhino 

tracking and game viewing on foot 

and by vehicle. 

Fly to the Ongava Reserve for two 

nights at Ongava Tented Camp. 

Game viewing on the Ongava 

Reserve and in Etosha National Park. 

Fly to Windhoek and connect with 

your flight to Frankfurt. 

Fly from Frankfurt to the UK, arriving 

in the early morning. 

Stay longer 

Fly from Windhoek to Maun in Botswana and 

spend four nights in the heart of the Okavango 

Delta. In contrast to Namibia, here you will be 

surrounded by twinkling rivers, waterlilies, birds 

and butterflies. Spend the days exploring by boat 

or mokoro and on morning and afternoon game 

drives to seek out Botswana’s big game. At night, 

enjoy drinks around the campfire before a dinner 

lit by lanterns and candles. 

Caprivi Explorer 

The Caprivi Explorer starts in Windhoek and ends 

at Livingstone in Zambia and would suit wildlife 

enthusiasts. There is the chance to see big cats at 

Okonjima before heading into Etosha. In the 

Caprivi, the environment changes, with rivers and 

wetlands alive with water birds. Game here can be 

viewed from boats as well as open 4x4s. The trip 

ends in Livingstone, from where you can visit the 

Victoria Falls. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Day 3 

Days 4-5 

Day 6 

Days 7-9 

Fly from the UK to Windhoek via 

Frankfurt. 

Road transfer into Windhoek for one 

night at The Elegant Guesthouse. 

Self-drive to the Central Highlands 

for one night at Okonjima Lodge. 

View cheetah on guided drives. 

Drive to Eastern Etosha for two 

nights at Mushara Bushcamp. Game 

viewing in Etosha National Park. 

Drive to Rundu for one night at 

Hakusembe River Lodge. Afternoon 

boat trip. 

Drive to the Mahangu National Park 

for three nights at Ndhovu Safari 

Lodge. Game viewing in the Park. 

Day 10-12 Drive to Mudumu National Park for 

three nights at Lianshulu Lodge. 

Further time on safari. 

Days 13-15 Drive to Kasane and leave car. Road 

transfer to Livingstone for three 

nights at Waterberry Lodge. Enjoy 

boat trips on the Zambezi River. 

Day 16 

Day 17 

Fly to Johannesburg and then the UK. 

Arrive back in the UK in the early 

morning. 

Stay longer 

From Ndhovu Safari Lodge, drive south into 

Botswana and stay at Nxamaseri Lodge in 

Botswana’s Panhandle region for three days. In this 

wetland Delta environment, you can enjoy walking 

safaris as well as boat trips on which you will be 

surrounded by hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. 

After three days, drive back into Namibia and 

continue your trip along the Caprivi. 


South Africa 

South Africa is a diverse and 

beautiful country with a huge 

amount to offer from cosmopolitan 

cities and superb safaris to historic 

battlegrounds and picturesque 

vineyards producing excellent wines. 

Among the highlights are the lagoons 

and dunes of the Garden Route, the 

iconic outline of Table Mountain, the 

aloes and cracked rocks of the Klein 

Karoo and expansive battlefields of 

KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa has 

excellent wildlife with the big five 

resident in the Kruger National Park. 

Other lesser known reserves such as 

Madikwe, Phinda, and the private 

reserves of the Eastern Cape offer just 

as good game viewing with fewer 

visitors. Those interested in marine 

life can enjoy whale watching off the 

Cape Coast from July to November. 

Due to excellent flight connections 

with the UK and variety of 

accommodation, trips can be tailored 

to suit all interests and budgets. 

Table Mountain 

1 Cape Town 

The iconic Table Mountain and 

Cape Point are two dramatic 

features of this culturally 

diverse city. 

mountain passes, pretty towns 

and beautiful wilderness areas. 

5 Kruger National Park 

Home to the Big Five and a 

wide range of safari camps. 

6 

5 

7 

8 

2 Winelands 

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek 

are the heart of the wine 

region, famous for food 

and drink. 

3 Whale Coast 

From July to November, 

Hermanus offers the best 

land-based whale watching in 

the world. 

4 Garden Route 

A route winding through 

6 Drakensberg Mountains 

The highest mountain range 

in Southern Africa, excellent 

for hiking. 

7 Battlefields 

Professional tours to the sites of 

the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer 

Wars are spell-binding. 

8 Elephant Coast 

In KwaZulu-Natal, this coastline 

has beautiful beaches and 

excellent diving. 

1 

2 

4 

3 

26 

Cape Dutch Farmhouse

Leopard in the Kruger National Park 

The Cape Region 

Cape Town is a city on everyone’s must-see list. 

As well as being a vibrant hub with great 

shopping and restaurants, it is also a good base 

for exploration of the region, particularly the 

Cape Peninsula. The nearby Winelands can either 

be visited from Cape Town, or a few days can be 

spent based at a vineyard in Franschhoek or 

Stellenbosch. East of Cape Town, Walker and 

Gans Bay are two of the best locations in which 

to see whales, in season. The Garden Route is 

ideal for a few days spent exploring the lagoons, 

wandering along sandy beaches, or walking 

through forested hills. Towards the end of the 

Garden Route you encounter the Wild Coast, an 

unspoilt area of deserted beaches fringed with 

mangrove jungle – arguably the most beautiful 

area of South Africa. 

KwaZulu-Natal 

The province of KwaZulu-Natal justifies a trip in 

its own right. The towering Drakensberg 

Mountains are within easy reach of Durban and 

are popular with those keen on hiking and 

photography. Nearby, the famous battlefields of 

Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are a must for 

history enthusiasts. There are a few lovely, homely 

lodges complete with expert guides to recount 

tales on the sites of the battles themselves. If 

birding and safari are of interest then the region 

does not disappoint, as it contains the wetland 

ecosystem of Lake St Lucia, full of aquatic birds, 

and the surrounding bush is home to the big five. 

No trip to this area would be complete without a 

few days’ relaxation on some of the dramatic 

beaches that stretch north from Durban to the 

Mozambique border. 

Safari 

Safari is a huge draw in South Africa. There are 

four key areas: the Greater Kruger Park, the 

Eastern Cape, Madikwe and the reserves in 

KwaZulu-Natal. With the exception of the Kruger, 

all are malaria-free making them excellent options, 

particularly for families. The Kruger is the largest 

of all the parks with fantastic game viewing. It 

offers every type of accommodation from basic 

self-catering chalets to some of Africa’s most 

opulent lodges. The Eastern Cape reserves work 

well for those exploring the Garden Route as 

they are within easy reach. These areas are 

especially well suited to families, and offer safari 

activities for children. The Madikwe Reserve 

bordering Botswana is a wild reserve with few 

lodges; it offers a quieter experience and is suited 

to the safari purist. Finally, the reserves in 

KwaZulu-Natal offer everything from the oldest 

game park in Africa to award-winning parks with 

stunning accommodation and the big five. 

Zulu girl 

Audley in South Africa 

South Africa has a good road network, traffic 

is generally light, and driving is on the left – 

all of which make it an ideal self-drive 

destination. Many of our travellers choose 

this option, and we provide good quality 

cars with comprehensive sets of maps and 

directions. For those who don’t want to 

drive, we work closely with a number of 

guides and drivers who can drive you around 

the country. A fun way to explore is on a rail 

journey, and we can book seats on both the 

Blue Train and Rovos Rail. Our specialists 

have explored the country every possible 

way themselves and can advise on the best 

option to suit you. 

Accommodation 

Accommodation in South Africa is varied and 

there are endless options. We have travelled 

extensively throughout the country and have 

hand-picked a selection of properties for 

their character, hospitality and service. We 

tend to avoid the large chain hotels and 

prefer lodges and guesthouses. These are 

small – normally about five to ten rooms – 

and are owned and run by people we know 

personally. We find that this ensures the 

utmost attention to detail for our travellers, 

with the added advantage that the owners 

themselves are a wealth of local information. 

We also work with some of South Africa’s 

leading hotels, as well as safari properties 

ranging from simple tented camps to 

opulent lodges. 

Our South 

Africa Brochure 

We have a brochure 

dedicated to South Africa. 

Please call our specialists 

on 01993 838 550 for 

your copy. 

Find out more 


information about travel in South Africa, 

please see see our website or request 

our South Africa brochure. 

☎ 


Interactive maps and features, further 

suggested itineraries, accommodation, 

climate information and articles written 

by our specialists. 

Discuss your plans with our South Africa 


South Africa 27

Botswana 

Over a thousand miles from Botswana, 

rain falls in Central Africa. Big drops 

drip from trees, rush into streams, down 

gullies and into rivers. Slowly the 

Okavango River forms, and flows, not to 

the sea, but into the rippling sands of the 

Kalahari where it disperses in a myriad 

of waterways and twinkling lagoons, 

creating a delicate web of life. This is the 

Okavango Delta, a world of glittering 

water. Whispering palm islands are 

criss-crossed with animal tracks, the 

surrounding lagoons carpeted with lilies 

beneath which silver fish dart to and fro. 

Iridescent kingfishers dive, hippos grunt 

and papyrus rustles in the breeze. Elephant 

and giraffe feed in the shade of waterberries 

whilst on open grasslands buffalo, tsessebe, 

zebra and wildebeest are watched by the 

eyes of lion. Red lechwe fly across emerald 

green floodplains and in the distance a 

fish eagle cries. As night falls the clink of 

the reedfrogs begins. Fruitbats squeak and 

spirals of wood smoke rise from the glowing 

embers of a fire. The ink black sky is 

littered with stars and the shining haze 

of the milky way. 

28

Audley in Botswana 

2 

7 

6 

1 

9 

3 

5 

4 

10 

8 

Botswana is often viewed as the ultimate 

safari destination in Africa. Game is excellent, 

there are a small number of camps and the 

scenery is unparalleled. The country is famous 

for its beautiful Okavango Delta and we 

would recommend spending time here. The 

central Okavango has deep water areas with 

papyrus-lined channels, floodplains and palm 

islands. It is an ideal environment to enjoy 

boat and mokoro trips in search of hippo, 

crocodile and birds. At the fringes of the 

Delta the water meets the dry plains. Here 

some of Botswana’s most impressive game 

can be enjoyed from open 4x4s as well as 

boats and on foot. Whilst the Okavango 

Delta is often top of the list for travellers to 

Botswana, other regions such as the Linyanti 

Wetlands, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi 

Pans and Central Kalahari, should not be 

overlooked. It is also easy to visit the Victoria 

Falls either before or after a safari. 

Accommodation 

Meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Pans 

1 Central Okavango Delta 

An area of tranquil waterways 

and lagoons lined by papyrus 

and covered with waterlilies, 

best enjoyed from a mokoro. 

2 The Okavango Fringes 

Waterways meet dry land areas 

and give rise to prolific game. 

A good range of safari activities 

includes walks, mokoro trips and 

game drives. 

3 Moremi Game Reserve 

At the heart of the Delta 

encompassing Chief’s Island this 

is one of Africa’s finest big game 

areas. 

4 Chobe National Park 

Famed for huge herds of 

elephant and buffalo, this is also 

a good area for big cats. 

5 Chobe River 

This large river is renowned for 

providing drinking water to large 

herds of elephant. Giraffe, 

buffalo, zebra and big cats are 

often found on the floodplains. 

6 The Duba Plains 

Known for the thousand-strong 

herd of buffalo and five large 

lion prides that hunt them on a 

daily basis. 

7 Linyanti Wetlands 

A beautiful area encompassing 

plains and lagoons. One of the 

best places in Africa to see 

wild dog. 

Game viewing in Chitabe Concession 

Flying over the Delta 

8 Makgadikgadi Pans 

Stunning other-worldly scenery, 

unrivalled remoteness and clans 

of meerkat make this a unique 

place to explore. 

9 Central Kalahari 

The desert blooms after the 

rains and attracts large numbers 

of zebra and other plains game 

as well as hyena and blackmaned 

lion. 

10 Nxai Pan 

This stark desert environment 

supports good game densities 

and is home to one of 

Botswana’s most iconic sights, 

the Baines Baobabs. 

Botswana has been extremely careful in the 

development of its camps and as a result 

there are only a small number of properties 

in the country. All the camps are unique in 

both character and location - some built up 

in trees and others on stilts above the 

floodplains. None of the camps are fenced 

so don’t be surprised to find elephant outside 

your tent. Botswana has a reputation for 

being expensive and the most luxurious 

lodges are not cheap. However you do get 

what you pay for – a beautiful camp in a 

pristine environment. If you do not have the 

budget for the higher end camps we know 

lots of other ways to explore the country. 

Mobile camping safaris are an excellent 

option, as are some of the lesser-known 

camps in the national parks. We know all 

the camps from personal experience and 

can tailor an itinerary to match both your 

interests and budget. 

Find out more 


information about travel in Botswana, please 

see page 41. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Botswana 


Botswana 29

Mokoro trip in the Central Okavango 

The Central Okavango 

The Central Okavango has some of Africa’s most 

beautiful scenery. There are deep blue channels, 

emerald-green floodplains and palm islands. The 

waters are covered in thousands of flowers, with 

carpets of orange riverlilies, pink waterlilies and 

water lettuce. Tiny reed frogs cling to papyrus and 

in open lagoons only the flick of a hippo’s ear or 

the corrugated back of a crocodile stirs the water. 

The waterways are home to some spectacular 

birdlife. As the mist rises from the water in the 

early morning it is possible to see little bee-eaters 

perched in fluffy groups on the papyrus. Malachite, 

pied, woodland and pygmy are just some of the 

kingfishers you may see, whilst on the floodplains, 

wattled cranes, saddlebilled storks and slaty egrets 

catch tiny silver fish and frogs. 

From the deep channels, squashed reeds indicate 

a hippo track leading up to the dry land of a palm 

island. Here you will find elephant, giraffe, zebra, 

tsessebe, bushbuck and baboon. At night, 

fruit-bats squeak and bushbabies leap in the trees. 

The Central Okavango is spanned by the Moremi 

Game Reserve as well as private reserves 

including the Jao, Xigera, Nxabega and Xudum 

Reserves. These have a number of small camps 

ranging from luxury chalets to tree top houses. 

All offer a variety of activities including game 

drives, walks and night drives, but boating and 

mokoro (dug out canoe) trips are the highlights. 

30 

Arriving at Kanana airstrip 

Elephant in the Okavango 

Lilac breasted roller 

KANANA CAMP, NXABEGA 

RESERVE, CENTRAL OKAVANGO 

Kanana Camp is set in the Nxabega Reserve 

near the Xudum River. The area is dotted with 

fig, palm and waterberry trees, providing valuable 

shade and lookout points for predators, who 

gather to spot their prey on the floodplains. 

Kanana has eight en suite safari tents which can 

be opened up completely, giving a lovely airy feel 

during the heat of the day. Outside on the 

shaded veranda there are a couple of safari chairs, 

ideal for sitting with your binoculars and a book. 

The camp is built around a large tree with steps 

down to a sandy boma where a fire blazes at 

night. Activities from Kanana include mokoro trips, 

boating, walking and game drives. 

Kanana Camp

BOTSWANA 

Frog on a lily pad 

Nxabega Okavango Camp 

NXABEGA OKAVANGO SAFARI 

CAMP, NXABEGA RESERVE, 

CENTRAL OKAVANGO 

Flying into the Nxabega Reserve, you see the 

deep winding Bora River and twinkling channels 

crisscrossed with a network of hippo paths. 

Though you won’t spot it from the air, Nxabega 

Camp is tucked into the riverine vegetation, 

overlooking a shallow channel. There are ten 

tents, spaced well apart in the trees, each 

containing beds with fluffy duvets, desks with 

porcupine-quill lamps and big white candles for 

lighting at night. Food is particularly good at 

Nxabega with dining outside under the stars. 

Whilst game drives are possible it’s the boat and 

mokoro trips that are the highlights of a stay here, 

accompanied by an expert guide to help you 

explore the Xou Lagoon and perhaps even try 

a spot of fishing. 

XIGERA CAMP, XIGERA RESERVE, 

CENTRAL OKAVANGO 

Xigera is built in one of the most beautiful 

corners of the Okavango. The camp is 

surrounded by deep water and offers mokoro 

and boat trips as well as walks and drives on 

nearby islands. There are eight spacious tents with 

large beds, rush matting on the floors, wooden 

wardrobes and en suite bathrooms with indoor 

and outdoor showers. The rooms are built within 

a shady grove and overlook a floodplain and a 

waterhole which is frequented by elephant, 

lechwe, buffalo and lots of birds. Meals are 

enjoyed in an open-sided dining room with 

views of the river. There’s a plunge pool for hot 

afternoons and a roaring campfire at night. In an 

area with no other camps, Xigera is an ideal base 

in the heart of the Okavango. 

Xigera Camp 

Xudum Delta Lodge 

XUDUM DELTA LODGE, XUDUM 

RESERVE, CENTRAL OKAVANGO 

Xudum Delta Lodge offers privacy and exclusivity 

and is one of the most luxurious properties in the 

Delta. The nine split-level safari suites have large 

bedrooms with king-sized beds and bathrooms 

with bathtubs and outdoor showers. A private 

plunge pool and a lofty viewing platform offer 

magnificent Delta views. During your stay at 

Xudum you can enjoy walking safaris and game 

drives. Night drives are good for spotting owls, 

civet, wild cats and bushbabies. As the lodge is in 

a permanent water area you can enjoy water 

activities all year round. Sit back and relax as 

you are gently poled through the lily and reed 

waterways in a traditional mokoro. 

www.audleytravel.com/botswana ● 01993 838 530 ● Botswana 31

Buffalo on the Duba Plains 

The Northern Okavango 

Fringes 

At the northern fringes of the Delta the waters 

of the Okavango meet the dry plains and give 

rise to an area of both spectacular beauty and 

extraordinary game. The environment 

encompasses sweeping floodplains, islands of 

strangler figs, forests of tall mangosteen and open 

grassland where game congregates. Plains game 

such as zebra, tsessebe, impala, giraffe, wildebeest 

and large herds of buffalo are found in large 

numbers in the dryer areas. On one plain, known 

as Duba, there are hundreds of buffalo that are 

hunted daily by large prides of lion. 

Lagoons such as the Kaparota are spectacular at 

sunset when herds of elephant come to drink, 

moving their feet to create waves that keep 

crocodiles at bay. Forests are home to leopard 

and hyena, and jackal and wild dog can also be 

found. The seasonal channels and glassy pools 

are magical, with crystal clear water and tiny silver 

fish darting below. Pied kingfishers flit above the 

waters and black crakes dart into the reeds. The 

northern fringes of the Delta are shared by the 

Moremi Game Reserve and a number of private 

reserves including the Shinde, Kwara, Vumbura 

and Duba. With seasonal flood waters flowing in 

and out of these areas, game drives are possible 

all year round and boat trips begin when the 

floodwaters have arrived, from May onwards. 

32 

SHINDE CAMP, SHINDE RESERVE, 

NORTHERN OKAVANGO FRINGES 

Shinde Camp is situated on a large palm island in 

the northern Okavango Delta. It is surrounded by 

clear waterways bursting with birdlife and plains 

where game can be found. The camp has eight 

spacious safari tents raised up on decks 

overlooking a large plain. The open sided central 

lounge is built on raised wooden decking on 

various levels, rising towards a bowed canvas roof, 

a little like an old ox-wagon. Shinde boasts a wide 

variety of activities, including game drives in open 

4x4s and walking safaris. Mokoro trips are also a 

highlight and boat trips to Gadikwe Island heronry 

can be enjoyed during the nesting season. 

Dining at Shinde Camp 

Duba Plains Camp 

DUBA PLAINS, DUBA RESERVE, 


The focus at Duba is game drives which follow 

the battle between the huge resident buffalo herd 

and prides of lion. The guides know every lion 

and can tell you about them in depth. This is an 

excellent camp for photographers. The camp has 

six tents situated on a shady woodland island, 

each with lovely views over the floodplains. The 

main boma is raised up on stilts and houses a 

small lounge and bar area. The adjoining dining 

area has a communal dining table and there’s 

usually a sociable and lively atmosphere at meals. 

At night the camp comes alive with noises of fruit 

bats, cicadas and reed-frogs.

Hyena pup 

Waterlily flower 

Malachite kingfisher 

Cheetah in the Vumbura Concession 

LITTLE VUMBURA, 

VUMBURA RESERVE, NORTHERN 

OKAVANGO FRINGES 

On a tiny island surrounded by floodplains, Little 

Vumbura is a real hideaway accessed by boat 

through channels flanked by towering papyrus. 

When in camp, shaded by wild date palms and 

overhung with long creepers, you feel as though 

you are tucked away in a jungle. There are seven 

tents, a central lounge and a small pool, all 

surrounded by bush. 

At night the whole camp reverberates with the 

sound of reed frogs and hippos. The outdoor 

deck is a wonderful place in which to sit around 

the fire and gaze up at the stars. Activities at Little 

Vumbura include game drives in the dry land 

areas and mokoro excursions which offer 

particularly good birding. Night drives allow you 

to spot bushbabies, honeybadgers and leopard. 

Dusk at Little Vumbura 

Bathtub in Kwara’s honeymoon suite 

KWARA CAMP, KWARA RESERVE, 


Kwara is a compact camp with eight tents situated 

on a small palm island. Each tent is raised on a 

wooden platform and has a deck at the front and 

en suite bathroom with outdoor shower to the 

rear. The main lodge is under thatch and houses 

a dining room, lounge and bar. There is always a 

camp fire lit at night. This area has good game 

densities and the lodge offers lots of activities 

from power boat trips into the Delta to mokoro 

trips along tranquil waterways. These adventures 

are in addition to the land based activities which 

include game drives and nature walks. 

CAMP OKUTI, MOREMI 

GAME RESERVE, NORTHERN 


Camp Okuti is positioned under shady trees at 

the edge of Xakanaxa Lagoon and within close 

range of shallow floodplains, papyrus swamp and 

dense riverine forest. The design of the seven 

chalets is unique, with large domed reed roofs, 

polished wooden floors with cowhide mats and 

local art on the walls. The main area is built of 

mud and thatch and has the feel of a traditional 

house from the outside but is luxuriously kitted 

out on the inside. There is a large mahogany 

dining table and fire deck with safari chairs 

allowing you ample opportunity to swap stories 

with fellow guests. A telescope is set up for 

viewing birds and distant game. Guests can enjoy 

a variety of activities from Okuti including game 

drives, boat and mokoro trips. 

A room at Camp Okuti 


Game viewing from Chitabe Lediba Camp 

The Southern Okavango 

Fringes 

The southern fringes of the Okavango are home 

to some large islands with rich game densities. 

Huge elephant bulls trundle through pink hippo 

grass to thick forests of real fan palms. Here they 

shake the trees, trunks raised, until palm nuts rain 

down. Troops of baboon pick through the 

leftovers, yellow mongoose run under wild sage 

bushes and sometimes in the first light of morning 

you can see honey-badgers darting into the tall 

grass. Many grazers such as tsessebe, impala, 

zebra and buffalo can be found on the open 

plains whilst giraffe and kudu are found on the 

forest fringes. 

Though lion are often seen, it is the leopard and 

wild dog that hold perhaps the greatest attraction. 

Leopard sightings are frequent, with some relaxed 

cats happy to be followed by flurries of squawking 

guineafowl and quiet vehicles. When the 

floodwaters arrive in June the Santantadibe River 

swells and spills over into floodplains that are 

quickly carpeted with water gentians and 

colonised by frogs to the delight of the saddle 

billed storks. Lechwe fly through the water, spray 

in their wake and fish eagles screech from the 

trees. The southern fringes of the Delta are 

protected by the Moremi Game Reserve as well 

as the Chitabe and Stanley’s private reserves, 

where game drives are the main focus. 

34 

CHITABE LEDIBA CAMP, 

CHITABE RESERVE, SOUTHERN 


Chitabe Lediba Camp is located on a palm island 

overlooking a natural waterhole. Sandy paths lead 

through the trees to five large tents with en suite 

bathrooms and shady verandas with views of the 

savannah. The main dining and bar area overlooks 

the waterhole where elephant come regularly to 

drink. Meals are always social and fun at Chitabe 

with many being taken outdoors under the stars. 

During the day game drives offer superb 

photographic opportunities and walks are exciting. 

With a small plunge pool for the heat of the day 

the camp has everything you need. 

Sandibe Safari Lodge 

Chitabe Lediba Camp 

SANDIBE SAFARI LODGE, 

CHITABE RESERVE, SOUTHERN 


Sandibe Camp has been built in a grove of 

jackalberry, fig tree and ilala palms. In the main 

boma, thick tree branches extend through the 

walls, and tree trunks hold up the high thatched 

roof. It’s not unusual to look up from lunch and 

find an inquisitive baboon high above having a 

good look at you, while fruit bats roost up in the 

beams in the evenings. Paths meander through 

the forest to eight clay and thatch chalets, each 

with a North African feel. Outside each chalet, 

steps lead up to a raised deck with table and 

chairs and views of the Santantadibe River and 

floodplains. At night the plains light up with 

thousands of flickering fireflies.

Zebra in the Linyanti region 

Spotted hyena on a kill 

Observing white backed vultures 

The Linyanti Wetlands 

The Linyanti Wetlands lie northeast of the 

Okavango Delta, on the border with Namibia’s 

Caprivi Strip. This huge wilderness area stretches 

from the winding Linyanti River and encompasses 

papyrus swamps, shady forests and open 

grasslands fragrant with wild sage. Such diverse 

habitats support varied and prolific game. The 

region is superb for elephant, at their most 

spectacular along the Linyanti River, where 

breeding herds in their hundreds can frequently 

be seen crossing. 

There are some pretty drives along the 

floodplains where red lechwe, impala, zebra, 

waterbuck and giraffe can be found amongst a 

wealth of colourful birdlife including little beeeaters, 

glossy ibis and pinkbacked pelicans. Away 

Lebala Camp 

Lioness and cubs, Linyanti Wetlands 

from the river, forests of jackalberry and birdplum 

trees are alive with large troops of baboon. 

Roan, sable, kudu, impala and buffalo can be seen 

shading under apple-leaf trees and warthogs 

forage in the grass. Predators are ever-present, 

with large resident prides of lion, hyena, leopard 

and cheetah, and several packs of wild dog. The 

Linyanti Wetlands are protected by three of 

Botswana’s most exciting reserves. The Kwando 

Reserve stretches along the northern reach of the 

Linyanti River and is renowned for its large packs 

of wild dog. The Selinda Reserve stretches 

towards the Delta and has cheetah as well as lion 

that hunt hippo. The Linyanti Reserve has the 

Savute Channel running through it and is known 

for large herds of elephant as well as predators. 

LEBALA CAMP, KWANDO 

RESERVE, LINYANTI WETLANDS 

Lebala is located on a peninsula of land jutting 

into the Linyanti marshes and is accessed by a 

small wooden bridge leading over a permanent 

channel of water. The attractive main boma is 

raised up on stilts above the waters and has a 

large lounge area with a high ceiling and views 

of floodplains. Game often grazes near camp, 

especially in the dry season. Lebala’s eight large 

tents are connected by sandy paths and set 

amongst the shady riverine trees. Each has an 

outdoor shower to the rear of the tent and a 

large sunny veranda at the front. Activities focus 

on day and night game drives in open 4x4s. 

Duma Tau 

DUMA TAU, LINYANTI RESERVE, 

LINYANTI WETLANDS 

This camp is built up on high decks so that hippo 

can pass undisturbed underneath. Wooden 

walkways (which squirrels run along) lead to ten 

thatch and canvas rooms where there are 

thoughtful touches such as wildlife books, flowers, 

and animal check lists. The main lodge is an open 

sided tented structure with squishy sofas set by 

the wooden bar and a communal dining room. 

A sandy area beneath the trees has a camp fire 

which is lit every night when guests return from 

game drives. The numerous activities include 

morning and afternoon game drives, boat trips in 

the middle of the day, walks and a choice of two 

hides to watch game from. 


Mobile camping safaris 

Khwai Adventurer Camp 

If lying in bed watching the tent shake because 

an elephant is scratching itself on it, or waking 

up to the sound of hyena eating a saucepan 

appeals to you, then you are probably the 

perfect candidate for a mobile camping safari. 

Not for the faint-hearted, mobile camping safaris 

are a ‘back-to-basics’ way of exploring Africa. 

As safari camps get ever more luxurious, we 

find that many travellers want to escape from 

the cut glass, fluffy towels and butler service and 

are keen to immerse themselves in the true 

spirit of safari. Leave behind the plush tents and 

get back to camping on the ground, dust in your 

hair and proper bush around you! 

A tent on a mobile camping safari. 

Lunch on a mobile camping safari 

Scheduled Departures 

We work closely with two mobile operators in 

Botswana who run scheduled trips across the 

country. There are a number of departure 

dates – usually a couple a week – thus offering 

flexibility to fit into your travel dates. The 

mobile safaris as a general rule start in Maun and 

explore the Okavango Delta, Linyanti Wetlands 

and Chobe National Park, ending at Livingstone 

from where you can enjoy the Victoria Falls. 

Similar trips run in the opposite direction. Trips 

tend to last for around ten days, and it is easy 

to add on more time either at the start or 

end of your trip. 

Guides, Vehicles & Camp Crew 

On a scheduled departure the group sizes are 

restricted to eight people. When driving from 

camp to camp or on game drives you will travel 

in a modified land cruiser with four rows of 

seats and open sides. Each trip is led by a 

professional guide and backed up by a full camp 

crew. The crew are the masters of the mobile 

camp, erecting tents in minutes, producing three 

course meals from a kitchen under an acacia 

tree and heating water for bucket showers over 

an open fire. They are incredibly good at looking 

after your every need, from a hot-chocolate 

outside your tent on a chilly morning to a glass 

of red wine around the campfire at night. 

Campfires are lit each night 

36

Watching elephant from a mokoro 

Hot water bucket shower 

Camping 

Each night you stay in a mobile tented camp in 

a private campsite. One of our favourite sites 

is under a huge jackalberry tree beside the 

Linyanti Lagoon. At night the sound of the frogs 

is deafening and you often have a hippo near 

your tent. 

Whilst wild, the mobile camps are by no means 

uncomfortable. A full camp crew builds the 

camp which consists of large dome tents with 

camp beds and duvets. A small bedside table 

gives space for your book and torch. Basic en 

suite facilities are provided with a canvas basin 

of water, en suite bush loo and bucket shower, 

which will be filled with hot water when you 

return from game drives. A word of warning 

though – don’t leave your sponge bag outside 

the tent as hyenas can be rather partial to soap 

and toothpaste! 

Private departures 

If you are a family or travelling in a group of four 

or more it is often both cost-effective and great 

fun to take a private mobile safari across the 

country. The beauty of this is that you can tailor 

the trip exactly to your interests, staying in 

private wilderness spots across Botswana. You 

will have a private guide and vehicle as well as 

camp crew to erect camp, cook and look after 

you. There is nothing quite like having a tiny 

camp on a palm island in the middle of the 

Okavango all to yourself. 

A walking safari 

Zebra on the floodplains 

A typical mobile 

camping safari 

Days 1-3 

Days 4-5 

Days 6-8 

Day 9 

Day 10 

Fly from Maun to the Xigera Reserve, 

Central Okavango Delta for three 

nights. Game viewing on foot and 

by mokoro. 

Fly from the Xigera Reserve to the 

Moremi Game Reserve for two nights. 

Game viewing in open 4x4s. 

Game drive to the Linyanti Reserve for 

three nights. Further time on safari. 

Game drive to the Chobe River, boat 

cruise on the Chobe River. Afternoon 

drive to Livingstone for one night. 

Morning trip to Victoria Falls. Your 

safari ends at lunchtime for onward 

arrangements. 


Elephant in the Chobe River 

with herds of both seeing mammoth proportions. 

Elephant numbers are estimated at 40,000 to 

60,000, so you are constantly surrounded by 

these gentle giants. In the dry season, thousands 

line the banks and cross the Chobe River, and 

boat trips at this time provide excellent 

photographic opportunities. 

Crocodile on the banks of the Chobe 

The Chobe National Park 

Encompassing an impressive 10,700 square 

kilometres of wilderness, the Chobe National 

Park stretches from the tip of Northern Botswana 

to the fringes of the Okavango Delta. It has a 

wide range of distinctive landscapes, from the 

emerald floodplains of the Chobe River to the 

sweeping grasslands of the Savuti Marsh and the 

skeletal leadwood trees of the Savuti Channel. 

In a region with such varied environments and 

habitats, there is a magnificent array of wildlife. 

A profusion of palatable grass species attracts a 

variety of herbivores, including wildebeest, 

impala, kudu, waterbuck, giraffe and tsessebe. 

The puku is found here, as is the endemic 

Chobe bushbuck. Predator sightings are good, 

with leopard, cheetah, wild dog and large prides 

of lion that hunt elephant. From servals to 

side-striped jackals, the list is endless. Chobe is 

famous for its elephant and buffalo populations, 

38 

CHOBE UNDER CANVAS, 

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK 

Chobe Under Canvas is a semi-permanent camp 

with five spacious walk-in tents, each with en suite 

bathroom facilities. While the accommodation at 

the camp is fairly simple, the service, quality of 

safari guiding and standard of food are absolutely 

superb and equal to those found at any of 

Botswana’s more luxurious permanent lodges. 

The camp is ideal for those seeking a return to 

the more traditional safari without compromising 

on quality. However camping is an adventurous 

way to experience Botswana and is not 

recommended for the faint-hearted! 

Chobe Under Canvas 

The viewing deck at Muchenje 

MUCHENJE SAFARI LODGE, 

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK 

Muchenje Safari Lodge is perched high on the 

forested escarpment overlooking the plains of 

western Chobe. The lodge accommodates 22 

guests in 11 thatched chalets, all sited on the 

escarpment edge with unique views. There is a 

pool built amongst natural rock formations which 

provides a perfect setting for chilling out during 

the heat of the day. Activities at Muchenje include 

walking safaris where you can learn more about 

the bush and study the behaviour of animals, 

plants and insects. Game drives are rewarding and 

the lunchtime river cruises are good opportunities 

for watching elephant, hippo, crocodiles and birds.

Brown hyena and pups Watching meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Bushmen 

Flying over the Makgadikgadi Pans 

The Makgadikgadi Pans, 

Kalahari 

The Makgadikgadi Pans are a place like no other. 

Mile upon mile of shimmering white salt pan 

stretches endlessly to the horizon, fringed with 

coarse grasses blowing in the wind, ancient 

baobabs reaching to the sky and vultures soaring 

on the thermals. There are prehistoric beaches, 

Stone Age remains and salty whirlwinds spinning 

over cracked earth. The pans are the relics of 

Africa’s ‘super-lake’ that covered the Kalahari 

several million years ago, and are littered with the 

fossils of the changing ecosystems that followed. 

Nowadays, the wildlife is both hardy and highly 

nomadic. Meerkat, mongooses, brown hyena, 

aardvark and aardwolf are present all year round. 

Secretary birds, ostrich and korhaans step through 

the grass and bateleurs soar overhead. When the 

rains arrive, a dramatic change takes place. Pink 

clouds of flamingo come to feed, herds of zebra 

and wildebeest are found on the savannah and 

the sound of frogs fills the air. There are only a 

few camps in the Makgadikgadi, and whether you 

stay in the dry or rainy season they all offer an 

experience that is unique and unforgettable. 

The mess tent at Jack’s Camp 

JACK’S CAMP, 

MAKGADIKGADI PANS 

Jack’s Camp has nine eclectic tents located on a 

small palm island near the Pans. With Persian 

rugs, antique chests inlaid with brass, four-poster 

beds and panelled bathrooms, the camp is one 

of a kind. The main dining tent has antique glass 

cabinets full of stone tools and fossils, there are 

photos of Bushmen, silver jugs of iced lime juice, 

and a library of old books. Activities from Jack’s 

are led both by guides and researchers. There’s 

the chance to sit surrounded by meerkats, walk 

with the Bushmen, explore by quad bike and lie 

on a salt pan watching the stars. 

CAMP KALAHARI, 

MAKGADIKGADI PANS 

Camp Kalahari is nestled amongst the acacias and 

mokolwane palms of Brown Hyena Island, on the 

edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. The camp offers 

an excellent Makgadikgadi experience for those 

who want a bit of adventure without sacrificing 

comfort and style. The six simple meru tents have 

comfy beds, crisp cotton sheets and hot water 

bottles in the winter. The lack of electricity means 

that the camp retains a rustic edge. Activities 

include walking with Bushman trackers, exploring 

the pans on quad bikes and visiting the famous 

Chapman’s Baobab. You can also meet the 

habituated meerkats and enjoy sleeping out 

under the stars. 

Camp Kalahari 


Game viewing in the Kalahari 

The Central Kalahari 

Game Reserve 

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of 

the world’s largest. It dominates the centre of 

Botswana and is Africa at its most remote and 

esoteric; a vast sand sheet punctuated by a few 

huge open plains, occasional salt pans, and fossil 

remains on ancient riverbeds. The Kalahari comes 

into its own during the rains from January to 

March. At this time the fresh grass attracts 

hundreds of migratory grazers such as springbok, 

zebra and wildebeest. Predators such as lion, 

cheetah, leopard and jackal follow. On rare 

occasions, wild dog and the secretive brown 

hyena are also observed. 

Birdlife is varied, with the world’s heaviest flying 

bird, the kori bustard, frequently spotted and the 

amusingly coiffed secretary birds regularly seen 

strutting across the plains. Later in the year the 

animals tend to move away from the open valley 

Tau Pan Camp 

40 

Black backed jackals 

areas, making game viewing more challenging. 

However, it is at this time of year that you 

experience the true wilderness of the Central 

Kalahari, with other visitors few and far between. 

TAU PAN CAMP, CENTRAL 

KALAHARI GAME RESERVE 

Tau Pan Camp has eight custom built desert 

chalets, constructed under thatch in order to 

remain cool even during the heat of the day. The 

rooms are large and spacious, positioned on a 

ridge so that they catch the breeze and have 

magnificent views down to the man-made 

waterhole and Tau Pan beyond. Each room 

comes with either a twin or double bed, an 

indoor and outdoor shower and outside deck 

with comfy chairs. The camp also has a small 

swimming pool and a lovely central lodge area 

where you will generally sit down with your 

fellow guests and enjoy communal dining at the 

end of an adventurous day. 

KALAHARI PLAINS CAMP, 

CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE 

Kalahari Plains Camp is set in the remote 

northern sector of the Central Kalahari Game 

Reserve. There are ten en suite tents with 

outstanding views across open grassy plains, 

vegetated dunes and seasonal pans. Each tent is 

comfortably furnished inside and has a unique 

rooftop sleeping platform. With no light pollution 

the night skies in the Kalahari are stunning, so you 

can lie in a cosy bed looking at the stars of the 

Southern Cross and Milky Way above you. 

Kalahari Plains Camp 

Gemsbok on the plains



ZAMBIA 

ZAMBIA 






Please call one of our Botswana specialists to 

start planning your itinerary. 

NAMIBIA 

Shinde 

Reserve 

Nxabega 

Reserve 

Kasane Livingstone 

Victoria Falls 

ZIMBABWE 

Moremi Game Reserve 

Maun 

NAMIBIA 

Kwara 

Reserve 

Kwando Reserve 

ZIMBABWE 

Maun 

BOTSWANA 

Telephone: 01993 838 530 

BOTSWANA 


Central Kalahari Game Reserve 

There are two main ways to get around 

Botswana; flying by light aircraft or travelling in a 

4x4 on a mobile safari. There are a number of 

light aircraft flights originating in Maun and Kasane 

and zipping to, from and between Botswana’s 

camps. Flights between camps tend to be in the 

middle of the day meaning you can enjoy an early 

morning game drive, fly to your next camp and 

be there in time for a cup of tea and evening 

game drive. If flying is not your thing then you can 

either take road transfers to the more accessible 

parks such as Chobe or take a private or shared 

mobile safari. These use 4x4s to navigate 

Botswana’s sandy tracks and each journey is a 

game drive in itself. Botswana is easy to combine 

with a trip to the Victoria Falls. 

When to go 


✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 





Botswana has a subtropical desert climate 

characterised by low rainfall and wide 

temperature fluctuations between day and night. 

It has a dry season from May to October and a 

rainy season from November to April. When 

planning a trip to the Okavango Delta, flood 

levels must be considered. The floods tend to 

arrive in June creating flooded plains, deeper 

lagoons and hundreds of channels. The waters 

recede around November and more dry land is 

exposed. These affect some boating activities at 

camps. Our specialists can advise you on the best 

camps to go to during the different seasons of the 

year. 

Time difference: GMT+2 hours 

Flight time from UK: 13.5 hours 

Prices 



for your trip to Botswana on our website, 


your plans. 

Classic Okavango 

This trip is ideal for those who want to enjoy 

some of Africa’s best game viewing. You will have 

the chance to stay deep within the Okavango 

Delta as well as on its fringes. Mokoro trips are 

the highlight of the Central Okavango as you can 

glide down peaceful channels and into lagoons. 

The dry land area of the Delta fringes provide a 

total contrast and you’ll enjoy drives in search of 

big game. Lion, elephant and buffalo abound, as do 

many other species. The trip ends with a couple 

of nights at Victoria Falls, one of the natural 

wonders of the world and a perfect end to an 

exciting safari. 

Day 1 

Days 2-3 

Days 4-5 

Days 6-8 

Days 9-10 

Day 11 

Day 12 

Fly from the UK to Maun via 

Johannesburg. 

Arrive in Maun and fly to the 

Northern Fringes of the Okavango 

Delta for two nights at Camp Okuti. 

Enjoy game drives, boat and 

mokoro trips. 

Fly to the Nxabega Reserve for two 

nights at Kanana Camp. Enjoy game 

drives and boat trips. 

Fly to the Shinde Reserve for three 

nights at Shinde Camp. Further time 

on safari. 

Light aircraft flight to Livingstone for 

two nights at Tongabezi Lodge. 

Explore the Victoria Falls, visit local 

village and take boat trips on the 

Zambezi River. 

Fly from Livingstone to the UK via 

Johannesburg. 

Arrive in the UK in the early morning. 

Stay longer 

A week on the beach is a great way to end a 

safari, and Botswana combines well with the 

Quirimba Archipelago in Northern Mozambique. 

This string of coral islands has hidden coves and 

soft sandy beaches where green turtles nest. You 

could stay on a private island with nothing more 

to do than relax on the sand or could choose to 

explore Ibo Island and wander in its ruined Swahili 

city. With just a handful of characterful lodges and 

excellent seafood cuisine, these islands are ideal 

for a week of luxury and total relaxation. 

Emerald Season Explorer 

This trip is tailored to be at its best during 

Botswana’s green season from November through 

to March. It starts in the Central Kalahari which 

comes to life at this time of year with zebra 

migrating into the area, followed by lion, hyena and 

leopard. From here you head into the Delta to an 

area of water and dry land. You can explore rivers 

and lagoons by boat and the plains in open 4x4s. 

The trip ends in the Linyanti region, an area 

renowned for large elephant herds and packs of 

wild dog. All the camps have been chosen for their 

excellent guides, meaning that you will get the 

absolute maximum out of your safari. 

Day 1 

Days 2-4 

Days 5-7 

Days 8-10 

Day 11 

Day 12 

Fly from the UK to Maun via 

Johannesburg. 

Arrive in Maun and fly to the Central 

Kalahari Game Reserve for three 

nights at Tau Camp. Enjoy game 

drives and walking safaris. 

Fly to the Kwara Reserve for three 

nights at Kwara Camp. Further time 

on safari. 

Fly to the Kwando Reserve for three 

nights at Lebala Camp. Enjoy game 

viewing in open 4x4s. 

Fly to Maun and fly to the UK via 

Johannesburg. 


Stay longer 

A good way to start a trip to Botswana is with 

a few nights at Victoria Falls. After a long 

international flight there is nothing nicer than 

arriving in Livingstone and going straight to a 

small lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. 

By lunchtime you can be enjoying a meal with the 

sounds of the hippos in the river. You can enjoy 

sunset boat trips, a morning visit to the Victoria 

Falls and perhaps even take a picnic to an island in 

the middle of the river. After a couple of nights of 

real relaxation you can head off, fully refreshed, 

for your safari. 


Zambia 

Chattering and throwing palmnuts onto 

the roof of your cottage, the monkeys 

start your day before the sun does. Emerging 

into the misty morning, a cup of coffee in 

hand, you watch as the sun rises over a 

broad snaking river. A breeding herd of 

elephant soundlessly descends the dusty bank 

to drink. The sun turns the glassy water 

pink, crocodiles stir and a fish eagle’s screech 

pierces the air. Welcome to Zambia – you 

have arrived in the wild heart of Africa. 

Zambia is the home of the walking safari, 

and its prolific game is especially 

exhilarating when encountered on foot. 

Elephant, lion, wild dog, spotted hyena, 

giraffe and puku are just some of the game 

you will see. Beware: once you’ve approached 

a hundred-strong herd of buffalo on foot, 

game-viewing from a vehicle may never 

give quite the same thrill. At night there are 

drives to search for leopard, the spotlight 

seeking the reflection of feline eyes in the 

undergrowth. From the tree-climbing lions 

of the Busanga Plains to the hundred-strong 

hippo pods of the South Luangwa, Zambia 

is untamed, little-explored and as wild as 

it has ever been. 

42

Audley in Zambia 

4 

5 

6 

3 

8 

7 

1 

2 

Zambia is one of our favourite countries 

in Southern Africa and our extensive 

knowledge of it comes from many years of 

travelling and operating safaris in the region. 

Our chosen camps are small and run by 

friendly and capable Zambians whose 

welcome is always warm. They are also 

delightfully close to nature – you might have 

a vervet monkey on the roof of your banda 

or a hippo grazing the lodge lawn at night. 

The country’s main game areas; the Luangwa 

Valley, Lower Zambezi and Kafue, are all 

reached by a good network of flights. 

Travellers usually spend time in one or two 

areas to enjoy the contrasting scenery and 

game. There are several good trip extension 

options: a few days in Livingstone to see the 

Victoria Falls, or Lake Malawi is a short flight 

away. Zambia is easy to travel around but 

don’t let this persuade you that it is a tame 

country – it is one of the wildest in 

southern Africa. 

Accommodation 

Dusk at Busanga Bushcamp 

1 South Luangwa 

National Park 

The home of the walking safari 

and one of the best parks in 

Africa for leopard sightings. 

2 

North Luangwa 

National Park 

5 Busanga Plains 

Vast floodplains and the 

centrepiece of the Kafue. Home 

to plains game, tree climbing 

lions and cheetah. 

6 Livingstone 

Livingstone offers beautiful 

riverside lodges from which to 

see the Victoria Falls. 

7 Shiwa Ng’andu 

An incongruous stately home 

built in the remote north by 

eccentric Englishman Stewart 

Gore Browne. 

African hoopoe 

8 Bangweulu Wetlands 

Seasonally flooded grass plains 

that support a rich diversity of 

water birds. Shoebill stork and 

black lechwe are found here. 

In the national parks, a lodge and a handful 

of satellite bushcamps are usually owned by 

one safari operator, often a family business. 

The lodge will have around six rooms and is 

often a good place in which to start your 

safari. The satellite bush camps tend to be in 

remote areas and focus on walking safaris. 

Typically, they have three simple chalets 

made of reed and thatch. Overlooking rivers 

or waterholes, the dining room might be 

under a sausage tree and the open air 

bathrooms visited by a tree frog or two. 

All accommodation is unfenced so it’s 

common for wildlife to wander through 

camp. Livingstone’s beautiful riverside lodges 

are the ideal place in which to start or end 

a safari; from here you can enjoy Victoria 

Falls and fall asleep to the sound of hippos 

grunting in the water. 

A wild park with only two camps 

and numerous lion and buffalo, 

excellent for walking safaris. 

Find out more 

3 Lower Zambezi 

National Park 

One of Africa’s most scenic 

wildlife areas, concentrated 

around the Zambezi River. The 

park supports high densities of 

big game. 

4 Kafue National Park 

A huge wilderness encompassing 

rivers, picturesque woodland and 

open floodplains. 

Elephant in the Lower Zambezi 


information about travel in Zambia, please 

see page 55. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Zambia 


Zambia 43

Watching elephant on a walking safari 

South Luangwa National Park 

The South Luangwa National Park is tropical, wild 

and beautiful. Situated in a wide rift valley, the 

park is flanked by the Muchinga escarpment to 

the west and the meandering Luangwa River to 

the east. Its lush and diverse vegetation is home 

to a wide variety of game and rich birdlife. Much 

of the game is found near the river, with herds of 

elephant and buffalo descending the banks to 

drink. Large crocodiles laze on sandbanks and at 

dusk hundreds of hippo leave their pools and 

lumber up the banks to graze. Impala and puku 

are common and Thornicroft’s giraffe can be seen 

in the forests. Cookson’s wildebeest, Crawshay’s 

zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, grysbok and oribi are 

also found. Predators abound, with lion and 

spotted hyena common, while the leopards are 

always a highlight. Finally, there are over 400 

species of bird, with specialities including flocks of 

crowned cranes, colonies of carmine bee-eaters 

and a breeding colony of yellowbilled stork. 

Walking safaris are a speciality in the Luangwa. 

Accompanied by guides and scouts, walks explore 

the riverbanks and pretty dambos with their 

green Nile cabbage and crocodiles. There are 

also day and night drives in open 4x4s. 

KAPANI LODGE, SOUTH 

LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK 

Kapani Lodge is a welcoming lodge located in a 

wildlife area adjacent to the South Luangwa 

National Park. It has six cottages overlooking a 

pretty lagoon which attracts a wide variety of 

game. With shady gardens, a small pool and 

chattering vervet monkeys, it’s a perfect start to 

a safari. Walks and drives in the park are led by 

experienced guides. Kapani works well in 

combination with a few of its satellite bushcamps 

(Luwi, Nsolo and Kakuli), which are located 

deep within the park. 

LUWI, NSOLO AND KAKULI 

BUSHCAMPS, SOUTH LUANGWA 

NATIONAL PARK 

These three bushcamps are situated along the 

Luwi and Luangwa rivers and you can ramble 

from one to the other on a guided walk. Luwi is 

tiny and delightful, with four simple reed rooms 

under mahogany trees. Nsolo has beautiful raised 

chalets with polished wooden floors and open 

air bathrooms. Finally, Kakuli overlooks the 

confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers and 

a noisy pod of hippos in the water below. 

Dining at Nsolo Bushcamp 

44 

MCHENJA BUSHCAMP, SOUTH 


Mchenja Bushcamp stands in an ancient ebony 

grove – a favourite of baboons – on the banks 

of the Luangwa. It is one of the most picturesque 

sites in the park for a camp. There are four 

spacious tents, with polished wooden floors, large 

decks and en suite bathrooms. Activities from 

camp include walking safaris and game drives.

Young male lion in the Luangwa 

Watching puku on a game drive 

Leopard in the South Luangwa 

CHAMILANDU BUSHCAMP, 

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK 

Chamilandu is situated in a remote spot on the 

Luangwa River. The décor of the two-metre 

high tree house chalets is a tasteful blend of 

wrought iron and brass. Open to a 180° vista, 

the front of each tree house chalet provides the 

frame for all of the Luangwa Valley’s wildlife, and 

the four poster beds enjoy a bird’s eye view over 

the waters of the Luangwa River. A series of 

seven ox-bow lagoons around Chamilandu yield 

diverse habitats and attract abundant wildlife. 

This is a wonderful place to explore both on 

foot and in 4x4s. 

KAPAMBA BUSHCAMP, SOUTH 


Kapamba Bushcamp is a beautiful camp with 

views over the Kapamba River. There are four 

stone and thatch chalets, which are open on one 

side allowing you to step out into the bush from 

your bedroom. Each chalet has an en suite 

bathroom with large tub. At night your bathroom 

is sometimes shared by a couple of small frogs, 

who will sit and watch you clean your teeth! 

There is a large deck in the centre of camp where 

you can sit and enjoy breakfast in the sun and 

campfires in the evening. 

Chamilandu Bushcamp 

CHINDENI BUSHCAMP, SOUTH 


Chindeni has one of the most stunning locations 

in the South Luangwa, nestled on the apex of a 

permanent oxbow lagoon in the shadow of the 

magnificent Nchindeni Hills. Watching the 

sunrise over the hills in the morning is a 

wonderful way to start the day. Sitting on 

wooden decking, Chindeni’s four en suite tents 

have raised verandas, ideal platforms from which 

to view the resident game. Chindeni is only six 

kilometres from one of its sister camps, 

Bilimungwe, so you can enjoy an early morning 

walk between the two. 

KUYENDA BUSHCAMP, SOUTH 


Kuyenda sits on the banks of the Manzi River. 

The accommodation consists of three rondavels 

made entirely of local material – reed, thatch and 

wood. The chalets are rustic but comfortable and 

offer an authentic bush home. En suite bathrooms 

have bucket showers and guests can order hot 

water in advance – this is a true safari experience. 

Kuyenda is in a good walking area and some 

walks are guided by Phil Berry, who has 

unmatched knowledge of the Luangwa Valley, 

having spent the last 30 years here. 

Kapamba Bushcamp 

www.audleytravel.com/zambia ● 01993 838 505 ● Zambia 45

Lioness beside the Luangwa River 

TAFIKA CAMP, SOUTH LUANGWA 

NATIONAL PARK 

Tafika Camp stands on high banks above the 

Luangwa River. Owned by John and Carol 

Coppinger, it prides itself on having some of the 

most experienced guides in the park. The camp 

itself is comfortable, with five large bungalows. 

Once across the river, you are in a pristine wildlife 

area of the park where there are no roads or 

other camps, so it is well suited to walking safaris. 

John owns a microlight and will take guests up 

into the air at dawn. Skimming low over the 

Luangwa River and watching crocodile splash into 

the water is an exhilarating experience. Tafika 

combines well with a walking safari to its satellite 

bushcamps, Chikoko and Crocodile. 

LION CAMP, SOUTH LUANGWA 

NATIONAL PARK 

Lion Camp is located in an area away from other 

camps so guests enjoy a private and wild safari 

experience. The camp overlooks a lagoon and is 

unfenced so it is not unusual for antelope, 

elephant and hippo to wander through the camp 

during the day. Linked by raised wooden 

walkways are nine luxurious canvas and thatch 

chalets. The centre of camp has a large deck 

where dinner is often eaten under the stars. It is 

one of the few camps in the park to have a small 

pool, very welcome in the hot summer months. 

A chalet at Tafika 

NKWALI CAMP, SOUTH 


Nkwali Camp is located in an area of ebony 

woodland and open grass plains. Elephant often 

cross the Luangwa River near to the lodge and 

crocodiles can be seen lazing on the sandbanks. 

Nkwali has six luxurious chalets overlooking the 

river and a large bar built around an ebony tree. 

Dining is often outside under a tree, and 

sometimes on a sandbank in the middle of the 

river! Nkwali combines well with its sister camps 

Tena Tena and Nsefu. 

Mobile walking safaris 

Zambia is renowned for its walking 

safaris, which were pioneered in the 

Luangwa Valley. There are two ways to 

enjoy walking safaris – either on morning 

and afternoon rambles out and back to 

the same camp or on a three or four 

day dedicated walking trail. 

One of our favourite places to start a 

three day walking trail is Tafika Camp. 

On a typical trail you would set out 

from Tafika for a morning’s walk through 

a pristine wilderness area to the first 

camp, Crocodile Camp, only accessible 

on foot. A day or so can be spent at 

Crocodile before taking a morning walk 

to Chikoko Bushcamp. After a couple of 

nights at Chikoko, you can then enjoy a 

walk back to Tafika. 

The beauty of this trail is that it can be 

tailored to your interests and pace, 

whether you enjoy long or short walks, 

or a mixture of both. The camps are 

delightful with simple reed and thatch 

chalets and hot bucket showers. You will 

dine under sausage trees, shower under 

the stars and sit around campfires. 

46 

The campfire at Lion Camp

Lion pride 

Viewing buffalo on a walking safari 

Carmine bee-eaters 

North Luangwa National Park 

The North Luangwa is a wild park with virtually 

no roads and thus the focus is on walking safaris. 

The small Mwaleshi River runs through the park, 

with clear shallow waters and low banks, perfect 

for rambling along. Game gravitates towards the 

river, particularly in the dry season when it is 

common to see buffalo, lion and hyena in healthy 

numbers by the water. There are some 

particularly pretty dambos covered in brilliant 

Nile cabbage with a hippo or two only visible by 

their flickering ears. A short flight from the South 

Luangwa, we recommend adding this park onto 

the end of a safari there and suggest that you 

stay at least four days to fully explore this 

peaceful wilderness. 

Walking along the Mwaleshi River 

MWALESHI CAMP, NORTH 


Mwaleshi Camp is one of our favourite camps in 

Africa. Taking a maximum of six guests, its reed 

chalets overlook the Mwaleshi River. Early 

mornings and evenings are spent walking along 

the banks of the river, looking at everything from 

elephant-shrew tracks to lions, determined dung 

beetles to exquisite seed pods. In the heat of the 

day it is possible to paddle in the clear, shallow 

river in front of camp, which has tiny silver fish 

but apparently no crocodiles! 

Shiwa Ng’andu House 

Shiwa Ng’andu 

Shiwa Ng’andu is an old English manor 

house, built deep in the African bush. 

A flight from the South Luangwa, it is 

remote but well worth making the 

journey for. Perfect avenues of 

eucalyptus lead to a graceful stately 

home with sweeping staircases, panelled 

libraries, Persian rugs, muskets, chests 

and a clock tower topping the slate tiled 

roof. Built by Sir Stewart Gore Browne 

in the early 20th century and brought to 

public attention by Christina Lamb’s 

book ‘The Africa House’, it is steeped in 

history and a living memorial to the life 

and work of Sir Stewart. A stay here 

amply rewards the intrepid traveller and 

could not provide more of a contrast 

with Zambia’s safari camps. 

Crawshay’s zebra 

Sundown at Mwaleshi 


Observing wild dog on a game drive 

The Lower Zambezi 

National Park 

Once over the Zambezi escarpment, your pilot 

will begin to lower the aeroplane and the vast rift 

valley of the Lower Zambezi will unfold before 

you, with curving oxbow lagoons and the sandy 

waters of the great Zambezi River. Pods of hippo 

litter the water, clumped herds of buffalo can be 

seen on the floodplains, and elephant move, ears 

flapping and trunks up, through the trees and 

away from the sound of the plane. With its 

floodplains, grasslands and tall forests, the Lower 

Zambezi Valley supports fantastic game densities. 

Impala are everywhere and kudu, eland, 

waterbuck, zebra and wildebeest are also 

common. Elephant are often seen swimming the 

Zambezi River to feed on the grassy islands 

where buffalo graze. The sandy river banks are 

home to iridescent carmine bee-eater colonies 

while kingfishers and African skimmers flit above 

Breakfast at Chongwe River Camp 

48 

the waters. Predators include leopard, large prides 

of lion and packs of wild dog. From walking safaris 

to drives, boating and fishing, the Zambezi has so 

much to offer that we recommend a stay of at 

least three days to explore it fully. 

CHONGWE RIVER CAMP, 

LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK 

Chongwe River Camp is set under a canopy of 

winterthorn acacias on the confluence of the 

Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers. The nine tents 

all face the river and are cool and comfortable. 

A pod of hippos occupy the river in front of the 

lodge and crocodiles often laze on the opposite 

riverbank alongside storks, herons and geese. 

Activities from camp include game drives, walking 

safaris, boat trips, canoeing and tiger fishing. 

SAUSAGE TREE CAMP, 


Sausage Tree Camp is a luxurious camp perched 

on a high sandy bank where bee-eaters nest. 

There are seven stylish tents which have large 

beds, antique telephones (the network extends 

as far as the bar) and open air bathrooms. 

There is an airy living room with lots of books 

and a dining room where excellent meals are 

served. Activities from camp include game drives, 

walking safaris and boat trips and Sausage Tree 

also operates a canoe trail up the Zambezi River. 

Canoeing by day and sleeping on islands by night 

is an exciting way to experience the wildlife. 

The honeymoon suite at Sausage Tree Camp 

OLD MONDORO, LOWER ZAMBEZI 

NATIONAL PARK 

Old Mondoro is small and simple, surrounded by 

good walking country, making it the ideal camp 

from which to enjoy walks as well as game drives. 

There are four chalets with double beds, en suite 

bathrooms and timber decks outside. At night, 

lanterns lead from the chalets to the dining room, 

where you can sit around the fire and discuss the 

day’s events. Set deep in the park, the camp is 

surrounded by excellent game densities, making 

drives, walks and boat trips very rewarding. 

Old Mondoro

Waterbuck in Mana Pools National Park 

Young leopard 

Canoe safari in Mana Pools 

The pool at Rukomechi Camp 

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe 

Directly across the river from the Lower Zambezi 

National Park is Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. 

Reached by a three hour road and boat transfer 

from Lusaka or via a short flight, this is a great 

alternative to a safari in the Lower Zambezi. In its 

heyday, Mana was one of the most sought after 

and exclusive parks in Zimbabwe, and as few 

visitors have travelled there in the last ten years, 

the park remains unchanged. The presence of 

scouts and rangers has meant that it has been 

unaffected by poaching, and game densities are 

as high as they’ve ever been. Visitors are now 

returning to the park, accessing it from the 

Zambian side and enjoying one of Southern 

Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, with the 

added bonus of having to share it with few 

other visitors. 

Mana Pools covers 2,000 square kilometres of 

total wilderness, much of it with no roads, so it is 

ideal for exploration on foot. This stretch of the 

Zambezi River is famous for its four pools: Main, 

Chine, Long and Chisambuk, which are remnants 

of channels of the river which stopped flowing 

years ago. These, and smaller seasonal pools 

dotted further inland, hold water all year round, 

drawing a wide variety of game. The area is 

renowned for having large numbers of elephant, 

buffalo, hippo and eland. Predators such as lion, 

leopard and wild dog are regularly sighted and the 

birdlife is superb. There are only a couple of small 

camps in the park as well as a number of guided 

canoe trails. It is an excellent addition to a trip to 

Zambia and suited to those looking for a pure 

safari experience. 

Tents on a Mana canoe trail 

Rukomechi Camp 

RUCKOMECHI CAMP, 

MANA POOLS 

Ruckomechi Camp sits in a grove of acacia and 

mahogany trees on the banks of the Zambezi 

River. There are ten spacious tents, all with 

double or twin beds and en suite bathrooms with 

hot showers. The central dining and lounge areas 

face the Zambezi escarpment and a separate 

deck has an infinity pool for the hot afternoons 

and a cushion-strewn star gazing deck for night. 

Activities from the camp include game drives, 

boat trips and walking safaris, although it is often 

unnecessary to leave the camp to see game, as 

elephant frequently wander in to snack on the 

fruit of the albida trees. 

MANA CANOE TRAIL, 

MANA POOLS 

This three night canoe trail explores one of the 

most beautiful stretches of the Zambezi River. 

The whole trail covers a distance of 65 

kilometres, and each day you’ll canoe a stretch 

of river before stopping for lunch on an island 

or sandbank. There is the chance to explore the 

park on foot in the afternoon before camping 

each night on the banks of the river. The trail is 

led by an experienced guide and support vehicles 

and staff set up camp each day on your arrival. 

It is an ideal trip for the fit and adventurous 

traveller who wants to encounter wildlife from 

close quarters. 


Dawn on the Busanga Plains 

zebra, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, blue wildebeest, 

oribi and sable antelope. Cheetah stalk through 

the stubbly grass and prides of lion relax along 

the branches of fig trees. With clouds of open 

billed storks overhead, you are surrounded by 

wildlife. This variety of environments can be 

explored on walking safaris, boat trips and day 

and night game drives. 

Lufupa River Lodge 

The Kafue National Park 

At over 22,000 square kilometres, the Kafue 

National Park is a huge magical wilderness. It has 

tropical rivers filled with hippo, vast floodplains 

with herds of grazers, and twisted fig trees among 

whose branches lions are found. With few 

visitors, it is wild and untamed. In the north, the 

Lufupa and Lunga Rivers twist and turn, and 

boating along these you will see the corrugated 

backs of crocodiles gliding silently under 

overhanging trees. Elephant come to the small 

sandy beaches to drink along with bushbuck, 

defassa waterbuck, eland and more. Deep in the 

park, the Busanga Plains are a highlight. Seasonal 

floodplains, these immense grasslands are only 

accessible from June to October. Here the new 

shoots attract large herds of puku, red lechwe, 

LUFUPA RIVER LODGE, KAFUE 

NATIONAL PARK 

Situated on the banks of the Lunga River, this 

small lodge is welcoming and comfortable with 

twelve canvas chalets looking out onto the water. 

There’s a small pool and bar deck on stilts 

above the water – perfect for sundowners in 

the warm evenings. Lufupa offers a variety of 

activities including boat trips, walks, and day and 

night drives. 

BUSANGA BUSHCAMP, KAFUE 

NATIONAL PARK 

Busanga Bushcamp sits on a fig tree island on the 

Busanga Plains. The four tented rooms have gauze 

netting walls permitting fabulous views over the 

Plains. There are en suite open air bathrooms 

which allow you to shower either with the sun 

beating down on your back or under the stars. 

Dining is under canvas and there’s always a 

campfire in the evenings. Activities focus on day 

and night drives on the Busanga Plains as well as 

hot air ballooning. 

Hot air ballooning over the Busanga Plains 

Hot air ballooning 

A fascinating way to experience the 

Busanga Plains is from the basket of a hot 

air balloon. You will take off before dawn 

and rise up into the air with the sun. 

The balloon will float where the wind 

takes it – over grasslands, fig tree islands, 

rivers and wetlands. Wildlife looks 

different when viewed from above – 

you can see birds roosting at the tops of 

trees, the patterns of herds on the plains 

and the backs of hippos and crocodiles in 

the water. Accompanied by the mist that 

often rises off the plains in the early 

morning, these trips are visually stunning 

and excellent for keen photographers. 

On landing, a champagne breakfast is 

served before a leisurely game drive 

back to camp. 

50

Zambia’s safari houses 

Elephant in front of the Luangwa House 

The concept of the safari house, now popular 

across Africa, was pioneered in Zambia. The 

country has a number of beautiful houses, all 

built in the middle of the bush, with spacious 

living areas, characterful bedrooms and 

luxurious bathrooms. On stepping out through 

the front door, however, you might encounter 

puku on the lawn or an elephant drinking from 

the swimming pool. 

These luxurious houses are booked exclusively 

and are ideal for small groups. Luangwa House 

and Robin’s House are located in the heart of 

the South Luangwa. Chongwe River House 

and Kigelia House are located in the Lower 

Zambezi and Tangala House is close to 

Livingstone, on the banks of the Zambezi River 

and near a rather noisy pod of hippos. 

The safari houses are ideal for families, 

which the Zambians welcome with open arms. 

The houses come complete with guides and 

activities that can be tailored to each specific 

family. Game drives can be enjoyed by 

parents and children together, or the children 

can enjoy their own special safari programme. 

There is a range of activities for young guests, 

from walking out to collect seed pods to 

tracking lessons. For younger children, the 

kitchen and gardens are a highlight and they 

can bake cookies, collect hens’ eggs and 

pick pineapples. 

Chongwe River House 

CHONGWE RIVER HOUSE, 


Chongwe River House has a secluded setting 

on the banks of the Chongwe River. The house 

has furniture made from winterhorn trees and 

its ceiling contains pebbles from the Chongwe 

River. The four bedrooms have spectacular 

views, and the en suite bathrooms have taps 

carved from bone. Outside there is a small 

pool and the lawn is ideal for al fresco dining. 

LUANGWA HOUSE, SOUTH 


The Luangwa House overlooks a seasonal 

lagoon, frequented by elephant and giraffe. It is 

built with ancient leadwood trees, stone and 

thatch. There are four bedrooms, two upstairs 

and two downstairs. The centre of the house is 

dominated by a stunning open plan living room 

with views out to the waterhole. Outside there 

is a plunge pool and a walkway out to a 

viewing deck above the waterhole. In the dry 

season this is a particularly exciting place to sit, 

as herds of elephant come to drink. 

ROBIN’S HOUSE, SOUTH 


Robin’s House is situated on the banks of the 

Luangwa River and shaded by ebony trees. 

Stone steps lead up into a cool central living 

room with squashy sofas and views of the 

river. The living room has two bedrooms 

leading off it, each with an en suite bathroom 

with shower and bathtub. A short walk away 

from the house there is a pool that is shared 

with nearby Nkwali Camp. The house comes 

with its own staff, including a private chef 

and a guide. 

Robin’s House 

A bedroom in Luangwa House 


Victoria Falls 

Livingstone & Victoria Falls 

One of the natural wonders of the world, 

Victoria Falls is known as the ‘smoke that 

thunders’ in the local language. It is an apt name 

given the thundering roar that resounds as the 

sparkling Zambezi River pours great cascades of 

white water over the lip of the Falls. Walking 

along little paths to view this phenomenon of 

nature, you see trumpeter hornbills dart out from 

dripping trees to fly across the water. Vervet 

monkeys and baboons chatter and a rainbow 

forms across the spray when the sun comes out. 

There are excellent views from the Zambian side, 

where you can also cross Knife Edge Bridge to an 

island surrounded by water. Ten kilometres from 

the Victoria Falls, Livingstone town has sprung to 

life with lots of small guesthouses, lively markets 

and operators offering every possible activity 

from helicopter rides to exhilarating whitewater 

rafting trips and gentle boat cruises on the 

Zambezi. We recommend staying outside the 

A chalet at Waterberry 

52 

town in one of the quiet lodges on the Zambezi 

River, from where you can visit the Victoria Falls 

as well as go on sunset boat trips, walks and visits 

to village markets. 

TONGABEZI LODGE & SINDABEZI 

ISLAND CAMP, LIVINGSTONE 

Tongabezi is situated on the banks of the Zambezi 

River. Rooms are large with polished stone floors, 

cream fabrics and en suite bathrooms with 

Victorian baths and shining brass taps. There’s a 

pool built into the rocks and sunloungers in the 

shade. Tongabezi combines well with a stay at its 

sister camp, Sindabezi. Sitting on a little island in 

the middle of the river, Sindabezi is a tranquil spot 

with white fronted bee-eaters flitting from the 

trees. The rooms are luxurious and the welcome 

warm – it is one of our favourite camps in Zambia. 

WATERBERRY ZAMBEZI LODGE, 

LIVINGSTONE 

This pretty lodge is located on the banks of 

the Zambezi about 45 minutes’ drive from 

the Victoria Falls. There are seven thatched 

cottages overlooking either the river or gardens. 

A split-level main building houses a dining and 

lounge area and looks over the water. A great 

place to relax, Waterberry also offers a range of 

activities including a guided trip to the Victoria 

Falls, a sunset cruise on the river, and a particularly 

interesting visit to a nearby village with one of 

the local staff. 

A room at Sindabezi Island Camp 

TOKA LEYA, LIVINGSTONE 

Toka Leya has 15 canvas rooms on the banks of 

the Zambezi River. All rooms are connected by 

wooden walkways, allowing game to pass through 

the camp uninterrupted. The main lodge 

comprises of an open sided lounge with 

comfortable sofas and tables for private or 

communal dining. The bar has views onto the 

river, and there is a shady deck where you can 

enjoy lunch. The pool and small spa make this 

an ideal place to relax before or after a safari. 

Toka Leya

The Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Town 

Malachite kingfisher 

Victoria Falls Town, 

Zimbabwe 

The small town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is 

less than two kilometres south of the Zambezi 

River and the border to Zambia. Until 

Zimbabwe’s political problems surfaced, it was 

the place to stay to see the waterfalls and the 

town was buzzing and vibrant. Whilst the past 

few years saw troubled times for the country, 

Victoria Falls Town was one of the few areas 

that managed to retain a semblance of a tourism 

industry. Recently the town has begun to come 

to life again with hotels receiving refurbishments 

and new restaurants opening. The streets are 

now busy and everything from washing powder 

to wooden curios is readily available. The town 

has a number of hotels, including the famous 

Victoria Falls Hotel which was always, and still is, 

the place to have tea on the terrace. You can 

walk to the Falls from many of the hotels and 

enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the rainforest 

pathways with the backdrop of chattering 

monkeys. Easily reached from the parks in 

Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Victoria Falls 

Town is once again, a wonderful start or end 

to any safari. 

Dining at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge 

THE VICTORIA FALLS HOTEL, 

VICTORIA FALLS TOWN 

This historic hotel overlooks the Victoria Falls 

Bridge and the gorges below. Situated in acres 

of private garden, the charm and tranquil 

atmosphere has long been a favourite with 

visitors. A walk along the hotel’s pathway will 

bring guests out at the top of the gorge and 

provides views of the bridge. With colonial 

prints and antique furniture, history surrounds 

you at every turn. The colonial heritage extends 

into the 184 rooms and suites which all have 

four-poster or canopy beds. The hotel’s famous 

Stanley’s Terrace is the place to enjoy afternoon 

tea watching the spray rise up from the water. 

ILALA LODGE, VICTORIA 

FALLS TOWN 

Ilala Lodge enjoys a secluded location close to 

town. It is the nearest lodge to the Falls and from 

the gardens you can hear the roar of the water. 

The lodge borders the Victoria Falls National Park 

and it is common to see wildlife wandering across 

the lawn. A wide verandah wraps round the front 

of the hotel providing a shady area where you 

can relax and look out across the pretty gardens. 

There are 32 en suite rooms, a pool with a 

thatched bar area and a good restaurant that is 

popular with hotel residents and locals alike. 

VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE, 

VICTORIA FALLS TOWN 

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set high on a 

plateau, four kilometres from town. The plateau 

forms a natural boundary to the unfenced 

Zambezi National Park and there are fantastic 

uninterrupted views from the hotel. A waterhole 

in front of the lodge attracts a variety of game 

during the dry season, including elephants, 

buffalo, impala and kudu. With the feel of a 

large safari lodge there are 72 en suite rooms 

with hardwoods, thatch and vibrant colours, all 

facing across the park. As well as visits to the 

Falls you can enjoy guided bushwalks on the 

surrounding reserve. 

Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls Town 


Zambia’s Green Season 

Luangwa in the Green Season 

Young impala 

In Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, the time from 

November to May is known as the Green 

Season. Heavy rains arrive, promoting lush 

growth that sparkles green under hot skies. 

Plains are carpeted with tall grasses and the 

land is flushed with thickets and forests in full 

foliage. The rains are welcomed by the locals 

as it is good for the surrounding farms. Days 

are beautiful and warm between showers, 

many of which occur in the afternoons or at 

night. With the downpour of rain the Luangwa 

River swells and bursts its banks, flooding 

lagoons which fill with hundreds of waterbirds. 

Herbivores give birth and birds are in breeding 

plumage. The only creature that is notable 

for its absence is the visitor. With parks empty 

of vehicles and prices a fraction of those in 

high season, this is a magical time for the 

safari enthusiast. 

Wildlife in the Green Season 

In the Green Season you will not see the 

great numbers of game congregated at water 

sources that you would in the dry season. 

However, the rains bring abundant food and 

many animals give birth. There are nurseries 

of tiny impala tottering around on wobbly legs 

and baby warthogs sprinting to burrows. 

Proliferation of vulnerable animals brings about 

increased predator activity and sightings can be 

extraordinary. In early May packs of wild dogs 

are seen. Birding is exceptional with an influx 

of migratory birds arriving in the valley. Spirals 

of migrating storks fill the air, heronries are 

formed and colonies of weavers’ nests hang 

over lagoons. Birds adopt colourful breeding 

plumage and mating displays are common. 

Safaris in the Green Season 

Because of water levels, fewer camps are 

open during the Green Season. Those that 

do remain open include Kapani Lodge, Kakuli 

Bushcamp, Nkwali, Nsefu, Mfuwe Lodge and 

Kapamba Bushcamp. These camps have a 

good network of all-weather roads making 

game drives possible. In addition to game 

drives many camps offer boat trips on the 

Luangwa River. As visitor numbers are low, 

you can often enjoy private guiding from 

some of Zambia’s top guides. 

Special interest safaris 

The Green Season lends itself to a number of 

specialist safaris. It is an excellent time of year 

for photographers as there is less dust and the 

air is crystal clear. The skies begin the day blue 

before building up in the afternoon with 

spectacular clouds and light. Two photographic 

workshops are run in the South Luangwa 

allowing amateur photographers to improve 

their skills. Two migrations arrive in Zambia 

at this time; blue wildebeest to the Liuwa plain 

in early November and ten million bats to 

Kasanka in late November. Mobile safaris run 

to each migration. Finally, around early May 

two wild dog safaris are run in the Luangwa 

to see these endangered animals. 

Masked weaver displaying 

54








DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC 

OF CONGO 

ZAMBIA 

South Luangwa 

National Park 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC 

OF CONGO 

ZAMBIA 

South Luangwa 

National Park 

Please call one of our Zambia specialists to start 


Telephone: 01993 838 505 

Lusaka 

Lusaka 

Lower Zambezi 

National Park 


Livingstone 

ZIMBABWE 

ZIMBABWE 

Zambia’s four main game areas are the Kafue 

National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park and 

the North and South Luangwa Parks. Distances 

between the parks are large and roads poor. For 

this reason we will fly you from one to the other, 

using a network of light aircraft flights. On arrival 

at the airstrip you will be met by your guide with 

an open 4x4 and taken to your first camp. A 

typical itinerary will usually incorporate a number 

of camps in one park. Travelling from one to the 

other can either be done by game drive or on 

foot, as many of Zambia’s camps are deliberately 

spaced at walking distance apart. 

When to go 


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Zambia is situated in the tropics and receives 

strong sunlight and good rainfall. Its seasons can 

broadly be divided into two periods, the dry 

season which runs from May to the end of 

October and the green season which run from 

November to April. In the dry season you can 

expect clear blue skies and sunshine. The months 

of July and August can be cold at night but are 

hot during the day. As the dry season progresses 

the temperature rises with September and 

October seeing temperatures of over 30°C. From 

November onwards, Zambia receives high rainfall. 

This leads to many areas becoming inaccessible 

and the camps in the Kafue and Lower Zambezi 

close. Some camps in the South Luangwa stay 

open and offer good boat safaris. The vegetation 

explodes, animals give birth and bird numbers 

swell with an influx of migrants. 


Flight time from UK: 10 hours 

Prices 



for your trip to Zambia on our website, 


your plans. 

Classic Zambia 

This itinerary combines a stay on an island near 

to the Victoria Falls with a week on a wild safari 

in the South Luangwa National Park. On tiny 

Sindabezi Island, in the middle of the Zambezi 

River, you can relax and enjoy boat trips on the 

river. A spectacular flight across Zambia takes you 

to the heart of the South Luangwa National Park. 

Here we’ve chosen a series of small camps in a 

remote area of the park. You can spend your days 

game viewing from open vehicles or on foot, and 

as darkness falls, there is the chance to search for 

leopard, honey badgers, bushbabies and 

porcupines on a night drive. 

Day 1 

Days 2-4 

Days 5-7 

Days 8-9 

Fly from the UK to Livingstone 

via Johannesburg. 

Arrive in Livingstone for three nights 

at Sindabezi Island Camp. Explore the 

Victoria Falls, visit local village and 

take boat trips on the Zambezi River. 

Fly to the South Luangwa for three 

nights at Chamilandu Bushcamp. 

Enjoy game drives, night drives and 


Walk or game drive from 

Chamilandu to Chindeni Bushcamp. 

Further time on safari. 

Days 10-11 Game drive to Kapamba Bushcamp 

for two nights. Further time on safari. 

Day 12 

Day 13 

Game drive from Kapamba to the 

airstrip. Fly to Lusaka for one night. 

Fly from Lusaka to the UK. Arrive 

back in the UK in the early evening. 

Stay longer 

The South Luangwa combines easily with a beach 

stay on Lake Malawi. A light aircraft flight takes you 

straight into Lilongwe from where you can drive or 

fly onwards to the lake. We recommend staying 

on colourful Likoma Island, with its small fishing 

and farming villages and easy pace of life. With no 

traffic, the roads are ideal for cycling and there is 

plenty to see, from the golden beaches to the 

impressive cathedral on the centre of the island. 

Stay a week or so at Kaya Mawa, an idyllic 

property perched up on rocks above crystal clear 

waters, and spend your days relaxing beside the 

pool, on the beach, snorkelling, sailing and diving. 

Luangwa & Lower 

Zambezi Explorer 

This itinerary uses three camps with prime 

locations in their respective parks. Combining the 

Luangwa and Lower Zambezi provides a good 

contrast in scenery, activities and game and gives a 

rounded safari experience. Starting in the Luangwa 

at Kakuli Bushcamp you can enjoy day and night 

game drives before walking along the river to 

your next camp, Muchenja. After time here, a 

spectacular flight over the Zambezi escarpment 

brings you to the Lower Zambezi. As well as day 

and night game drives and walking safaris, the 

Lower Zambezi is particularly good for boat trips. 

Day 1 

Days 2-4 

Days 5-7 

Days 8-11 

Day 12 

Fly from the UK to Lusaka. 

Arrive in Lusaka and connect with 

a flight to the South Luangwa for 

two nights at Kakuli Bushcamp. 

Enjoy game drives, night drives and 


Walk or game drive to Mchenja 

Bushcamp for two nights. Further 

time on safari. 

Game drive to the airstrip. Fly to the 

Lower Zambezi for four nights at 

Sausage Tree Camp. Enjoy game 

drives, night drives, walking safaris 

and boat trips on the Zambezi River. 

Fly to Lusaka and on to the UK. 

Arrive back in the UK in the evening. 

Stay longer 

Complete the safari with a trip to the Kafue 

National Park. This spectacular wildlife area has 

few camps and is wild and unexplored. From 

Lufupa Lodge enjoy boat trips, walking safaris and 

game drives. Then, take a trip up to the Busanga 

Plains to stay in Busanga Bushcamp and take to 

the air in a hot air balloon. 

Viewing hippo on a walking safari 

www.audleytravel.com/zambia ● 01993 838 505 ● Zambia 55 53

Malawi 

In a cleft of the Great Rift Valley, Malawi 

is dominated by the huge sparkling 

waters of Lake Malawi which provide the 

lifeblood of this small country’s fertile lands. 

In addition to the lake, Malawi boasts a 

diversity of scenery and activities to rival 

those of her better known neighbours. In the 

south of the country, visitors will find 

vibrant green tea plantations and the lofty 

Zomba Plateau, ideal for a few days’ hiking 

in the clear mountain air. Here also is 

Liwonde National Park, home to sable 

antelope, waterbuck, impala and bushbuck. 

The palm fringed Shire River twists 

through the park and has noisy pods of 

hippos in its calm waters. Elephant come to 

the river to drink and colorful birds flit 

amongst the riverine forest. To the north, 

the highlands of the Nyika Plateau are 

grazed by zebra and roan antelope. At the 

heart of it all lies the ‘Lake of Stars’ whose 

clear waters and beautiful lakeshore are 

ideal for those seeking either watersports or 

pure relaxation. If you are looking to get 

off the beaten track, Malawi’s striking 

landscapes, warm-hearted people and rich 

cultural history are the answer. 

56

Audley in Malawi 

1 

3 

4 

The chef at Nkwichi Lodge 

Malawi is a small and friendly country that 

offers a variety of scenery and activities. 

Visitors can enjoy hiking in the mountains, 

exploring tea estates, bicycling through 

villages and snorkelling amongst cichlid fish. 

On safari you will be able to view elephant, 

sable antelope, waterbuck, impala, zebra, 

hippo and crocodile, and there is a huge 

diversity of bird species too. Malawi can be 

enjoyed as a destination in itself, and to see 

the country’s highlights will take around two 

weeks. However, for big game such as lion, 

leopard and buffalo, Zambia’s South Luangwa 

National Park is a short flight away. We think 

that a week’s safari in the Luangwa followed 

by four or five days on the beach at Lake 

Malawi is an ideal combination. 

Accommodation 

2 

5 

6 

Bohm’s Bee-eater 

Malawi is a fairly new travel destination and 

some visitors may find that its standards of 

accommodation are still catching up with 

the country’s more developed neighbours. 

However several new lodges have opened 

in recent years, while others have upgraded 

their facilities, and there are now some 

excellent options. The accommodation 

ranges from simple bush and beach camps, 

friendly guesthouses and pretty beach lodges 

through to more luxurious safari lodges and 

beach retreats. Our specialists have visited all 

of the hotels, lodges and camps and will be 

able to advise you on their favourites. 

1 Lake Malawi 

5 Liwonde National Park 

With sparkling waters stretching 

for 500 kilometres, the lake is 

fringed with idyllic sandy beaches. 

Malawi’s premier game 

viewing destination, 

dominated by the winding 

2 Cape Maclear 

Shire River. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site 

and one of the most picturesque 

areas of Lake Malawi. 

3 Likoma Island 

A tiny unspoilt island with rocky 

promontories, golden beaches 

and huge baobab trees. 

4 Manda Wilderness 

On the Mozambique shores 

of the lake this untouched 

wilderness stretches down to 

white sand beaches. 

Girl selling fish at Cape Maclear 

6 Thyolo Region 

A beautiful rural area with 

vibrant green tea estates 

and Malawi’s highest peak, 

Mount Mulanje. 

Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island 

Find out more 


information about travel in Malawi, please 

see page 61. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Malawi 


Malawi 57

Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island 

Lake Malawi 

The waters of Lake Malawi stretch across roughly 

one-fifth of Malawi making it the country’s 

defining feature. It is often known as the Lake of 

Stars due to the reflection of the night sky in its 

clear waters; watching the moon rise slowly over 

the lake or the sun dipping down into its waters 

at the end of the day is an unforgettable 

experience. The shores of the lake vary from 

golden beaches to steep cliffs and its waters 

contain brightly coloured tropical fish. There are 

barefoot beach lodges and tiny islands offering 

delightful hideaways for those seeking relaxation 

and watersports. Swimming in the clear water, 

snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking or simply 

swinging in a hammock and enjoying the views 

are just some of the ways that you can while 

away the peaceful hours at the Lake. 

A room at Kaya Mawa 

58 

Likoma Island and the 

Mozambique Lakeshore 

Towards the northeastern corner of the lake 

lies tiny unspoilt Likoma Island, with its rocky 

promontories, golden beaches and tall baobab 

trees. This sleepy island is steeped in colonial 

history and its small town is home to the 

impressive, and slightly incongruous, St Peter’s 

Cathedral, built by missionaries who came to 

the island inspired by the words of David 

Livingstone. Mozambique is only a short distance 

away across a stretch of water and can be 

reached by speedboat from Likoma Island. 

Here visitors will find the untouched Manda 

Wilderness area encompassing baobab forest 

and white sand beaches. 

KAYA MAWA, LIKOMA ISLAND 

Kaya Mawa means ‘maybe tomorrow’ and its 

name sums up the relaxed atmosphere of this 

unique lodge. Built on a rocky promontory, it 

has a maze of twisting pathways and steps leading 

to stone chalets with views over the water. 

There are two romantic honeymoon chalets, 

one located on its own tiny island. The main 

lodge is raised up overlooking the lake and has 

a bar, dining area and a small plunge pool. The 

snorkelling is superb and you can also explore 

the island on foot, by boat or by bicycle. 

The lounge at Nkwichi Lodge 

NKWICHI LODGE, MANDA 

WILDERNESS 

Nkwichi Lodge is an ecolodge located on a 

beautiful white sand beach. The lodge takes its 

name from the local name for the beach, Mchenja 

Nkwichi, meaning ‘squeaky sands’, inspired by the 

sound that the powdery white sands make as 

you walk barefoot across them. The lodge was 

constructed by local people from natural 

materials which blend with the environment. 

Tasty, fresh meals are eaten on the beach, or 

perhaps under a giant baobab tree. Guests can 

enjoy swimming, snorkelling, boat trips and 

kayaking or visits to the community projects 

which are sustained by the lodge.

Pounding grain Meeting local children The Mufusa 

Growing sunflowers at the Nkwichi Farm 

The Southern Lakeshore & 

Cape Maclear 

Cape Maclear is a beautiful headland that juts 

out into crystal clear waters on the southern 

lakeshore. The tree-clad cape, its surrounding 

waters and a miniature archipelago of twelve 

islands were declared a national park in 1980 in 

order to protect the unique diversity of tropical 

fish here, and later became a UNESCO World 

Heritage Site. This remote area is reached by a 

rough, winding road (which can become 

impassable in the rainy season) or by light aircraft. 

Visitors to Cape Maclear can stay in Chembe, a 

small fishing village with golden beaches on the 

lake shore, on one of the headlands or on one 

of the tiny islands. 

MUMBO ISLAND, LAKE MALAWI 

NATIONAL PARK 

Mumbo Island is a secluded camp located on a 

private island. The island has rocky coves and a 

forested interior and is accessed either by kayak 

or boat. There are five en suite safari tents 

located on a little outcrop and reached by a 

wooden walkway, and one family unit on the 

main island. The atmosphere at Mumbo is 

relaxed and friendly. Activities include kayaking, 

snorkelling, diving or, best of all, swinging in 

your hammock listening to the waves and the 

fish eagles. 

Mumbo Island 

PUMULANI, CAPE MACLEAR 

The luxurious Pumulani is set high up on the 

hillside with fabulous views out over the lake. 

A winding wooden pathway and steps lead down 

to the swimming pool area and a pretty golden 

sand beach where you can relax and enjoy a 

drink at the tiny beach bar. The ten villas are set 

on the hillside and have been designed to blend 

into the environment. They are spacious and have 

a bedroom, huge bathroom and airy living room 

all designed in a chic, modern style. 

Pumulani, Cape Maclear 

DANFORTH YACHTING, 

CAPE MACLEAR 

Danforth Yachting is a homely guesthouse run 

by Howard and Michelle Massey-Hickes who are 

excellent hosts. The guesthouse is set in pretty 

gardens running down to the lake, where their 

yacht, the Mufusa is moored. With eight rooms 

and a relaxed atmosphere this friendly place is 

ideal for families and watersports enthusiasts with 

lots of activities available. Day trips or sunset 

cruises on the yacht are a highlight of any stay 

and longer yacht charters can be arranged. 

Snorkelling from Mumbo Island 

Danforth Yachting 

www.audleytravel.com/malawi ● 01993 838 540 ● Malawi 59

Elephant in Liwonde National Park 

MVUU WILDERNESS LODGE, 

LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK 

Mvuu Wilderness Lodge is on the confluence of 

the Shire River and a small tributary. There are 

eight safari tents each raised up on wooden decks 

looking out over the water, one of which is a 

romantic honeymoon suite. The main lodge has a 

plunge pool, dining and lounge area and excellent 

views of hippo in the river and warthog and 

antelope on the plains. 

Mvuu Lodge 

Liwonde National Park 

Liwonde is Malawi’s premier game viewing 

destination and while the game here does not 

match Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, it is nevertheless 

impressive. The park is dominated by the vast 

borassus palm-fringed Shire River, home to large 

hippo pods and crocodiles who bask on its banks. 

The game in Liwonde includes elephant, sable 

antelope, waterbuck, impala, and bushbuck, and 

the birding is excellent. In the centre of the park 

is a protected area which provides a safe haven 

for the black rhino, buffalo and zebra which are 

being reintroduced to the park. Activities in 

Liwonde include game drives, walks and boat trips 

which enable you to get up close and personal 

with the elephant herds bathing in the river and 

the hippos wallowing in the shallows. 

60 

MVUU CAMP, LIWONDE 

NATIONAL PARK 

Mvuu Camp is also located on the banks of the 

Shire with great views over the river. This is an 

ideal option for families and larger groups and 

offers simple but comfortable en suite 

accommodation in twelve chalets and rondavels, 

as well as a nearby campsite. The camp has a 

central dining and bar area and a large 

swimming pool. 

Dinner at Mvuu Camp 

Waterlilies in the Shire River 

Zomba Plateau and the 

Thyolo Region 

In the south of Malawi you will find Zomba, a 

magnificent table-top mountain covered with 

forests, streams and waterfalls. It towers above 

the former capital of Malawi, an old colonial town 

of the same name. The plateau is a lovely place to 

discover on foot or by bike and it makes a good 

base from which to explore the old town’s faded 

colonial splendour and bustling market. Beyond 

Zomba is the Thyolo Region, an area of fertile 

land dominated by vibrant green tea estates. Here 

Malawi’s highest peak, Mount Mulanje, rises over 

3,000 metres above the tea estates, woodlands 

and rivers. There are not many accommodation 

choices in this region, but a good option is to stay 

at one of the tea estates in a simple guesthouse.


Tea plantation in Thyolo 


The itinerary shown is designed to give you a 

flavour of what is possible, and is a route that 

works particularly well. We can use this as a basis 

to plan your trip or can design a completely 


ZAMBIA 

MALAWI 

Lake 

Malawi 

MOZAMBIQUE 

Please call one of our Malawi specialists to start 


Lilongwe 

Mumbo Island 

Cape Maclear 

Telephone: 01993 838 540 

Liwonde 

National Park 


MOZAMBIQUE 

Satemwa Chawani Bungalow 

Ku Chawe Inn 

KU CHAWE INN, 

ZOMBA PLATEAU 

Ku Chawe Inn is located high up on the 

Plateau with commanding views of the valley 

below. It is about a twenty-minute drive from 

Zomba Town up a steep and winding road, 

surrounded by dense woodland. The brick 

built low-rise hotel is surrounded by lush, 

well-tended gardens and has comfortable en 

suite rooms with balconies and log fires to 

keep out the evening chill. 

SATEMWA TEA ESTATE, 

THYOLO REGION 

Satemwa is one of Malawi’s longest established 

tea and coffee estates, owned by the same 

family for three generations. The main house, 

Huntingdon House, and adjacent Chawani 

Bungalow, have been sensitively renovated to 

retain their historical charm and now offer 

characterful en suite accommodation for 

visitors. Outside, there are rolling manicured 

lawns, 100 year old trees and colourful 

gardens, perfect for long walks. Guests can 

explore the estate on foot or by mountain 

bike, discover the teas produced and hear the 

fascinating history of the Satemwa Estate. 

There are no direct flights from the UK to 

Lilongwe but daily flights go via either Nairobi or 

Johannesburg. As Malawi is a relatively small 

country, visitors have the option of exploring 

either by light aircraft or by road in a private 

vehicle with a Malawian driver-guide. While flights 

offer spectacular views, many choose to explore 

the country by road in order to have the option 

of stopping off at points of interest. Roads in 

Malawi range from smooth tarmac to rutted dirt 

tracks so a transfer can be an adventure, and fun 

with a good guide. It is easy to combine Malawi 

with Zambia as flights go each day between 

Lilongwe and Mfuwe, the airport outside 

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. 

When to go 


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Malawi has two broad seasons – dry and wet. 

The dry season is from May to October. May 

until August is a cooler time of year with bright 

sunshine and fresh evenings. Temperatures start 

to rise in September and remain high throughout 

the rainy season which runs from November 

until April. In recent years the heaviest rains 

have fallen in December, January and February. 

Because of Malawi’s varied landscape, regional 

variations in weather are significant. The lower 

lying lakeshore areas are warmer all year round 

while temperatures in the highlands are 

refreshingly cool with chilly evenings particularly 

in the winter. 



Prices 



for your trip to Malawi on our website, 


your plans. 

Malawi Explorer 

This trip is a circular one around Southern Malawi, 

seeing all of the country’s highlights. You will have 

the chance to enjoy a variety of activities including 

game viewing in Liwonde National Park, sailing 

on the Lake, kayaking around tiny islands and 

swimming and snorkelling. Travelling around, you 

will have the opportunity to barter at local 

markets and meet local people, accompanied by 

your guide, who will give you valuable insights 

into the country. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Days 3-5 

Days 6-8 

Days 9-11 

Day 12 

Day 13 

Fly from the UK to 

Johannesburg overnight. 

Arrive in Johannesburg and fly to 

Lilongwe for one night. 

Guided drive to Liwonde National 

Park for three nights at Mvuu Camp. 

Game viewing in Liwonde 


Guided drive to Cape Maclear for 

three nights at Danforth Lodge. 

Sailing, swimming, snorkelling and 

relaxation beside Lake Malawi. 

Boat trip or kayak to Mumbo Island 

for three nights. Kayaking, swimming 

and snorkelling from Mumbo. 

Guided drive to Lilongwe. Fly from 

Lilongwe to the UK via Johannesburg. 

Arrive back in the UK in the 

early morning. 

Stay longer 

For a big game experience, fly by light aircraft 

from Lilongwe to the South Luangwa National 

Park in Zambia and stay at Kapani Lodge. Spend 

the mornings and evenings exploring the park, 

renowned for both its plains game and its big 

cat populations. 

Coffee beans 

www.audleytravel.com/malawi ● 01993 838 540 ● Malawi 61

Mozambique 

Mozambique is wild, beautiful and 

undeveloped. Miles of palm-fringed 

white beaches stretch along the coast. Tiny 

villages on the edge of the sand have papaya 

trees shading grass huts and dhows moored 

up in the mangroves. Offshore, idyllic 

archipelagos such as Bazaruto and 

Quirimba are surrounded by coral reefs with 

beaches that are breeding sites for turtles. 

The islands of Ibo and Ilha de Moçambique, 

once bustling Swahili trading posts, now 

have colonial houses overtaken by strangler 

figs, eerie and enticing in equal measure. 

Until recently, the mainland has remained 

completely off limits for all but the most 

intrepid of travellers, but the two game 

parks of Gorongosa and Niassa are now 

open to visitors. Newborn lodges are finding 

their feet and are real gems with original 

ideas and outstanding service. Elephant 

roam unfettered by boundaries, lion can 

be heard roaring at night, and with no 

light pollution to hide them, the stars 

sparkle against an ink black sky. With an 

increasingly good network of flights, 

Mozambique is slowly coming to life – in 

our opinion, this is an ideal time to visit. 

62

Audley in Mozambique 

1 

4 

6 

We have been operating in Mozambique 

for many years and have seen it grow from 

a beach-only destination with two lodges to 

the safari circuit it offers now. It is currently 

one of the most exciting African countries 

as national parks are becoming accessible, 

flight networks taking shape and tented 

camps opening. 

2 

5 

We can recommend three types of 

itinerary: a stand-alone beach holiday, an 

island hopping trip or a safari and beach 

combination. If you’d like a week on the 

beach there are lots of options, from 

ecolodges to luxurious hotels. For island 

hopping, the Quirimba Archipelago is perfect, 

as you can combine time spent soaking up 

the history and culture of Ibo Island with a 

stay at a beach retreat such as Medjumbe. 

Those wanting to combine safari and beach 

can fly with ease between the coast and the 

Niassa Reserve and Gorongosa National 

Park. Both are wild reserves where the 

emphasis is on walking and exploring rather 

than ticking off the big five. 

Accommodation 

1 Niassa Game Reserve 4 Quirimba 

6 Ibo Island 

One of Africa’s wildest reserves. Archipelago 

Spectacular scenery and good 

walking country. 

2 Gorongosa 

National Park 

A legendary park in the 

1960s before the civil war. 

An extensive relocation 

programme is leading to 

increasing game numbers. 

3 Bazaruto Archipelago 

An archipelago formed by 

sand dunes rising from the sea. 

A stunning beach destination 

with world-class diving and 

snorkelling. 

3 

A breathtaking collection of coral 

islands. Luxury accommodation 

and excellent diving. 

5 Ilha de Moçambique 

The former capital of 

Mozambique and largely 

unchanged since its construction 

three hundred years ago. A 

UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Quirimba beach 

An ancient Swahili town with 

now-crumbling mansions, forts, 

churches and markets. Eerie 

and atmospheric. 

Local Ibo lady 

Each year new camps and lodges are 

opening in Mozambique. We find this a 

bonus as they tend to have fresh designs, 

original ideas and staff with lots of 

enthusiasm. On the coast, accommodation 

ranges from exclusive private islands such as 

Vamizi to simple ecolodges such as Guludo. 

Mozambique is the master of the ‘barefoot 

boutique’ hotel with several properties such 

as Azura, Coral Lodge and Benguerra in this 

bracket. All offer excellent cuisine and a 

high standard of accommodation. The two 

reserves of Niassa and Gorongosa only have 

one tented camp in each to date although 

we are expecting this to change. Both camps 

offer knowledgeable guides, comfortable 

tents and are in remote wilderness areas. 

Find out more 


information about travel in Mozambique, 

please see page 71. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Mozambique 


Mozambique 63

Songue River wetlands, Gorongosa 

Gorongosa National Park 

In the sixties, Gorongosa was considered one 

of the best game viewing destinations in Africa. 

However, during the protracted civil war, the park 

suffered badly and game numbers plummeted. In 

2004 Gorongosa’s fortunes began to be reversed 

when an ambitious relocation programme started. 

Today the project is well underway and wildlife 

populations are steadily increasing. 

As you head out into the park on foot through 

fever tree forests the bush comes alive. 

Waterbuck, oribi and impala dart across 

floodplains and indented in the earth you can see 

lion spoor, among other tracks. Sable, reedbuck, 

nyala and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest all occur in 

good numbers as do buffalo and zebra. Leopard 

are present but shy, so seen infrequently. 

In the north of the park the Songue River and 

surrounding wetlands are filled with every 

Elephant herd in Gorongosa 

64 

Explore Gorongosa tented camp 

imaginable waterbird. Elephant come to drink, 

pods of hippos bask in the water and crocodile 

can be seen on the sandbanks. Sunset here is a 

magical way to end your day of discovery. 

EXPLORE GORONGOSA, 

GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK 

Explore Gorongosa is the first camp to open 

in the park since the regeneration and has an 

excellent position above the seasonal Mussicadzi 

River. There are four large, semi-permanent tents 

with double beds and en suite bathrooms with 

open air hot bucket showers. This is camping in 

comfort without going over the top on luxury, 

perfect for an area that is so wild and remote. 

The camp places strong emphasis on personalised 

experiences, conservation and taking time to 

explore the park. Game viewing is done on foot 

as well as from vehicles and guests can also take 

mokoro boat trips at certain times of year. 

Walking safari in Gorongosa 

Impala on the floodplains

Elephant in the Niassa Reserve 

Grey tree frog Lugenda Camp Impala in Niassa 

Niassa Reserve 

The Niassa Reserve in northern Mozambique is 

one of the largest and most untamed reserves in 

Africa. Majestic granite hills rise from miombo 

woodland, and two snaking rivers, the Lugenda 

and Rovuma, are flanked by riverine forest. The 

wildlife in the reserve suffered during the civil war, 

but this is still home to the highest concentrations 

of game in the country. There are large herds 

of elephant and buffalo while kudu, impala, 

hartebeest, wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, 

bushbuck and reedbuck are regularly sighted. 

Hyena, lion and leopard are also there, though 

sightings are not as common. 

Niassa is suited to those looking for an active 

safari. The excitement begins on arrival, as 

flying low towards the airstrip you skim over the 

Lugenda River and spot hippo and crocodile in 

the sluggish waters. Game drives are part of your 

stay but it is the other activities that give Niassa 

the edge. Paddling a canoe down the river, you 

glide silently past African skimmers, yellow-billed 

storks and all types of kingfishers. Climbing one 

of the granite inselbergs requires stamina but the 

far reaching views across the reserve make it 

worthwhile. Game drives allow you to spot bigger 

game and night drives reveal civets, genets and 

porcupines nosing out of their daytime hiding 

spots. Dozens of nightjars flit across the headlights’ 

beams as the smell of warm dust fills the air. 

LUGENDA CAMP, NIASSA RESERVE 

Lugenda Camp is situated under sycamore figs. 

When the trees are in fruit, elephant enjoy 

coming into camp to eat the fallen figs and you 

often don’t have to leave your tent to enjoy some 

big game. There are eight luxury tents with en 

suite bathrooms at the back and shady verandas 

at the front. In the centre of camp a dining and 

lounge area built of wood and thatch has open 

sides looking out to the bush. You can also dine 

in the outside boma area around an open camp 

fire. Lots of activities including game drives, night 

drives, walking and canoeing keep you busy in 

the morning and evening. For the heat of the 

day, the small pool is ideal for relaxation with 

a good book. 

EXPLORE NIASSA EXPEDITIONS, 

NIASSA RESERVE 

Explore Niassa Expeditions run four to seven 

night mobile camping safaris in a remote area of 

Niassa. The trips will suit active people wanting 

to immerse themselves in the wilderness with an 

expert guide. All safaris start at Lugenda Camp 

and follow the Lugenda River either on foot, by 

canoe or occasionally by vehicle. At night, the fly 

camps will have been set up for you by a camp 

crew awaiting your arrival. Camps are unfussy 

but comfortable, with hot water, cold drinks, 

delicious meals and cosy beds. After dinner 

around the campfire nothing beats lying in your 

dome tent, listening to a distant lion roar or the 

whoop of a hyena. 

Niassa viewpoint 

www.audleytravel.com/mozambique ● 01993 838 560 ● Mozambique 65

Dhow in the Bazaruto Archipelago 

The Bazaruto Archipelago 

The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five dune 

islands strung out in the turquoise waters of the 

Indian Ocean. Two of the islands, Bazaruto and 

Benguerra, have lodges whilst the islands of 

Santa Isobel, Santa Carolina and Magaruque have 

no accommodation. Declared a national park 

in 1971, these islands are idyllic, with sugar 

white beaches whose sands squeak underfoot. 

Palm trees give way to lush vegetation, in 

which samango monkeys, green coucals and 

blue-cheeked bee-eaters make their home. 

Little villages are tucked away, shaded beneath 

orange and cashew nut trees. However, it is the 

sea that holds perhaps the greatest attraction. 

Warmed by the waters of the Mozambique 

Stream, the waters are clear with mile upon 

mile of reef. It is hard to beat the diving and 

Bazaruto Lodge 

66 

A suite at Indigo Bay 

snorkelling here as the coral is pristine and variety 

of fish superb. You will find three species of turtle, 

including the loggerhead that nests on the islands, 

while spinner and humpback dolphins and dugong 

are also seen. 

BAZARUTO LODGE, 

BAZARUTO ISLAND 

Bazaruto Lodge is set on the edge of a long 

white sandy beach in the north of Bazaruto Island. 

It is a simple lodge, ideal for those looking for a 

quiet hideaway in which to focus on the beach, 

snorkelling and walking. The 40 thatched 

bungalows are dotted beneath palms in the 

garden and along the beach. The dining room, 

bar and swimming pool all have sea views. Crab, 

crayfish, calamari, prawns and fresh salads feature 

on the menu. While dinner is taken in the dining 

room, lunch is usually by the pool, or you can 

take a picnic to the beach. 

INDIGO BAY RESORT, 

BAZARUTO ISLAND 

Indigo Bay Resort is situated on a perfect 

crescent of white sand on Bazaruto Island. It is a 

large resort by Mozambique standards and has 

44 air-conditioned rooms. There are two 

restaurants, one serving à la carte Mozambican 

and Portuguese cuisine and the other dishing up 

African bush-style dinners under the stars. A pool 

bar serves snacks throughout the day. Indigo Bay 

has plenty to offer the active. There are two 

pools, and diving, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing, 

sailing, horse-riding and 4x4 trips can be arranged. 

It is an ideal resort for families with plenty to do 

for the children whilst parents can enjoy a 

relaxing treatment in the new spa. 

Indigo Bay Resort

Turtle in the Bazaruto Archipelago 

A casita at Benguerra Lodge 

The beach at Benguerra Lodge 

Pansy Island 

MARLIN LODGE, 

BENGUERRA ISLAND 

On Benguerra Island, Marlin Lodge is built into 

the dunes above a broad sandy beach. It is a 

friendly and relaxed lodge with an unpretentious 

atmosphere. Wooden decks lead to 17 chalets 

which vary in size from simple rooms to luxury 

suites. All have spacious bedrooms, en suite 

bathrooms and shady verandas, with a private 

sandy path leading from your chalet onto the 

beach. Activities at the lodge include diving, 

snorkelling, game fishing and 4x4 trips exploring 

the dunes. Or, if it’s relaxation you are after, you 

could try their spa. 

BENGUERRA LODGE, 

BENGUERRA ISLAND 

This lodge has 12 beautiful casitas and cabanas 

shaded by milkwood trees overlooking the sandy 

shore. The rooms are raised on wooden platforms 

and have king size beds and en suite bathrooms. 

All have a private plunge pool. There is a North 

African feel to the décor and the main lounge has 

wide chairs with colourful cushions. The dining 

room has a deck overlooking the garden and 

meals are often served under the trees or on the 

beach. Activities at Benguerra include fishing, diving 

and snorkelling trips with stops at Pansy Island for 

lazing around. There’s also the chance to explore 

the island by 4x4 and have a picnic on a deserted 

beach. For the less active, the small spa is a delight. 

Room at Azura 

Marlin Lodge 

AZURA, BENGUERRA ISLAND 

Azura is a luxurious retreat on the northwest of 

Benguerra Island. The 14 air-conditioned villas are 

built in a style that combines traditional African 

with modern luxury. Each villa has a large 

bedroom, en suite bathroom and private plunge 

pool. On arrival a bottle of French wine will be 

waiting for you in your room and a butler is 

available to look after your every need. Spa 

treatments are available in the privacy of your villa. 

There is a main swimming pool as well as a PADI 

dive centre and a well equipped fishing centre. 

The lodge’s Azura Rainbow Fund runs a variety of 

local projects supporting the community as well as 

the Dugong Protection Foundation. 


Dhow sailing from Medjumbe Island 

A room at Medjumbe Island Resort 

The Quirimba Archipelago 

The Quirimba Archipelago is made up of 32 coral 

islands just off the coast of northern Mozambique. 

Some of the islands such as Medjumbe, Matemo, 

Vamizi and Ibo now have tiny boutique hotels, 

while others including Rongai, Tecmagi and 

Metundo are home only to nesting turtles and 

seabirds. Pristine and largely unknown, these 

islands are visited by just a handful of guests. 

Tangled green creepers tumble to the water 

from low coral cliffs and white sandy beaches are 

littered with shells. There are butterflies, tropical 

flowers, monkeys and birds, but – apart from 

the local fishermen there are few people. The 

turquoise waters are a marine sanctuary, rich with 

coral and fish, green and hawksbill turtles, 

humpback whales and the rare dugong. 

68 

MEDJUMBE ISLAND RESORT, 

MEDJUMBE ISLAND 

This boutique hotel, located on Medjumbe 

Private Island, which at just one kilometre long 

and 350 metres wide, is a tiny hideaway. There 

are twelve modern chalets on the edge of the 

beach, with private plunge pool, air-conditioning 

and en suite bathrooms. The active can enjoy 

diving, snorkeling, boating and picnics on nearby 

Quisanga Island whilst those seeking to relax can 

climb into the hammock on the veranda and 

have a snooze. 

Snorkelling from Medjumbe 

A chalet at Matemo Island Resort 

The pool at Matemo Island Resort 

MATEMO ISLAND RESORT, 

MATEMO ISLAND 

Matemo Island Resort sits on the corner of 

Matemo Island on a curving sandy beach and has 

24 modern air-conditioned chalets with pretty 

verandas overlooking the beach. The main lodge 

has a dining room with views of the sea and a 

pool set into the rocks. Many activities can be 

enjoyed, including snorkelling, diving, deep sea 

fishing and trips to Ibo Island.

Ibo Island street Quirimba girl A villa at Vamizi 

The beach at Vamizi Island 

VAMIZI ISLAND LODGE, 

VAMIZI ISLAND 

Vamizi Island is a little slice of paradise with a 

soft white sandy beach littered with shells. Turtles 

nest on the beach from December to May and 

humpback whales pass by in July and August. 

Vamizi Island Lodge is the most luxurious lodge 

in Mozambique and has 13 large villas. Each has 

a bedroom with ocean views and a living room 

with sofas, books and wooden chests full of cold 

drinks. Fresh buckets of crabs are bought from 

the local fishermen and prepared for dinner 

which is served on the beach and lit by lanterns. 

The days can be spent swimming, snorkelling, 

diving and exploring other islands. 

Access to the islands is by light aircraft 

Ibo Island Lodge 

IBO ISLAND LODGE, IBO ISLAND 

This quirky lodge is made from two refurbished 

mansions each over a century old, with high 

ceilings, wide verandas and heavy wooden doors. 

They are furnished with mahogany day beds and 

antiques and soft African fabrics, all produced by 

skilled local craftsmen. The fourteen rooms are 

individually designed and have en suite facilities 

and there is a pool in the pretty garden. The 

lodge makes good use of its waterfront location, 

with meals served up on the rooftop overlooking 

the sea. The menu features home grown organic 

vegetables as well as tiger prawns, game fish and 

crab. When staying on Ibo, you can explore the 

island’s town, with its crumbling colonial 

architecture, or can take trips to nearby 

sandbanks for snorkelling and picnics. 

GULUDO BEACH LODGE, 

MOZAMBIQUE MAINLAND 

Facing the Quirimba Archipelago, Guludo 

Beach Lodge is located on a 12 kilometre 

beach on the mainland. Its owners Amy and 

Neal have created a sustainable lodge that 

directly benefits the local communities. The lodge 

is simple but beautiful, all the staff are from the 

local villages and many community projects are 

underway as a result of money generated from 

the lodge. Accommodation is in reed and thatch 

bandas and dining is under thatch or on the 

beach. There is a wide variety of activities 

including diving, snorkelling, village walks, and 

boat trips to Rolas Island. 

View from Guludo Beach Lodge 


Beach at Nanantha Bay 

The Nacala Region 

On the mainland, Nacala and the surrounding 

area have until recently been too remote for any 

other than the hardiest of backpackers to reach. 

There is only one tarmac road leading to 

Nampula, where a small airport is located. Off 

this, rutted sandy tracks lead to villages where the 

Macua people live from subsistence farming. The 

coast is unspoilt, with endless beaches backed by 

mangroves and subtropical bush. Offshore there 

are un-dived reefs and shipwrecks underneath the 

waves. Humpback whales pass through on their 

annual migration from July to September. One of 

Ilha de Moçambique 

70 

A chalet at Nuarro 

the most exciting places to visit in this region is 

the Ilha de Moçambique. Once the capital of the 

country, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site. Reached by a long bridge, this tiny island is 

two miles long and 500 metres wide and has a 

city of narrow streets, beautiful churches, trading 

houses and a hospital. Many of the buildings are 

now being carefully restored. South of Ilha de 

Moçambique, La Varanda is a private nature 

reserve that encompasses mangrove forests, 

dunes and white beaches and has one small 

lodge. North of Nampula, the remote Nanantha 

Bay is crescent shaped and backed by baobab 

trees. Fishing villages are dotted along the shore 

and dhows are a common sight. The one small 

lodge here is an ideal base from which to explore. 

NUARRO LODGE, NANANTHA BAY 

Nuarro Lodge is built on the point at the end of 

Nanatha Bay, where the beach stretches for 

several miles and is backed by bush and baobab 

forest. The lodge is run on strong ethical principles 

and the community is active in building the 

business. Nuarro has twelve chalets tucked into 

the dune vegetation, each with a hammock on 

the veranda. There are a number of family chalets 

which have a mezzanine level for children. PADI 

diving instructors are on hand to take you on 

dives whilst non-divers can enjoy snorkelling, 

dhow sailing, fishing and whale watching, in season. 

On land there are eco trails to enjoy by bike or 

on foot as well as village visits and trips to Ilha 

de Moçambique. 

CORAL LODGE 1541, 

LA VARANDA NATURE RESERVE 

This lodge is situated at the tip of a peninsula with 

a lagoon on one side and the Indian Ocean on 

the other. The lagoon is sheltered and clear and 

its coral reefs make it ideal for swimming and 

snorkelling. There are ten villas at Coral Lodge, 

built on top of the dunes to maximise the views 

of the sea and to enable circulation of the sea 

breeze. Cuisine is a highlight, with only local 

ingredients used – fresh fish and shellfish bought 

from local fishermen each day. After a big meal 

there are plenty of land and water based activities 

to help you work off your lunch!








Please call one of our Mozambique specialists to 


Telephone: 01993 838 560 

ZIMBABWE 

TANZANIA 

Guludo Beach Lodge 

Niassa Game Reserve 

Ibo Island 

Pemba 

MOZAMBIQUE 

ZIMBABWE 

TANZANIA 

MOZAMBIQUE 

Benguerra Island 

Vilanculos 


As distances are large in Mozambique it is best 

to fly around the country. South African Airlink 

flies from Johannesburg to Pemba, where you 

can pick up light aircraft flights to access the 

Quirimba Islands and the Niassa Reserve. 

Travelling between the islands can either be 

by plane or boat, depending on the distances 

involved. Linhas Aereas de Mocambique has 

services between Johannesburg, Vilanculos, 

Pemba, Maputo, Nacala and Beira from where 

you can access Gorongosa National Park. Finally, 

Pelican Air, a small airline, flies regularly between 

Johannesburg, the Kruger National Park and 

Vilanculos. From here you can take a light aircraft 

across to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. 

When to go 


~ ~ ~ ~ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 





Mozambique has a warm tropical climate with 

significant regional variations. Northern 

Mozambique has a dry season that runs from May 

to November, although there can be a few rain 

showers in September. Temperatures are lowest 

in July when it is typically about 28C, and highest 

in November when it can rise to over 30C. The 

rains begin in December and last until the end of 

May, with February and April being the wettest 

months. Southern Mozambique has a dry season 

which runs from April to October. The coolest 

months of July and August have temperatures of 

about 25C whilst October can be about 30C. 

The rains start in November and run to the end 

of March with the rainiest months being January 

and February. 



Prices 

Mozambique Explorer 

The Mozambique Explorer will suit those who 

want to do more than sit on a beach. This trip 

allows you to enjoy some wild game viewing, 

explore the ruined city on Ibo Island, integrate 

yourself into the community at Guludo, and, of 

course, swim and snorkel as much as you choose. 

You will hop between each location in light aircraft, 

enjoying spectacular views as you go. Seafood is 

excellent on the islands and you’ll enjoy some 

wonderful meals. 

Day 1 

Johannesburg 

Days 2-5 

Days 6-8 

Days 9-11 

Day 12 

Day 13 



Fly from Johannesburg to Pemba. 

Fly to the Niassa Game Reserve for 

three nights at Lugenda Camp. 

Game viewing in the Niassa Reserve. 

Fly to Ibo Island for three nights at 

Ibo Island Lodge. Explore Ibo Island, 

swim and snorkel from sandbanks 

and coral islands. 

Boat transfer to Guludo Beach Lodge 

for three nights. Swim, snorkel and 

relax at Guludo. 

Road transfer to Pemba and fly to 

Johannesburg. Fly from Johannesburg 

to the UK overnight. 


Stay longer 

Mozambique combines well with a safari in 

Botswana, Namibia or Zambia. You can spend a 

week or longer in the large game reserves in any 

of these countries before flying to Mozambique. 

A night in Johannesburg is required in between, 

and we minimise your time here, flying you into 

Jo’burg at dusk and out to Mozambique at dawn. 

Due to good flight connections you can be on 

safari in Botswana in the morning and enjoying a 

large seafood lunch in Mozambique the next day. 

Bazaruto Beaches 

This itinerary allows you to spend time in one of 

the most unspoiled beach destinations in Africa. 

Basing yourself at Marlin Lodge, you will be able to 

enjoy endless activities. Both divers and snorkellers 

can marvel at the diverse coral and sponges as 

well as a myriad of reef fish and turtles. Sunset 

dhow cruises with a bottle of chilled wine are very 

relaxing, as is time in the spa at Marlin Lodge. You 

may wish to visit the market at Vilanculos, climb a 

sand dune or take a picnic to a remote beach. 

Day 1 

Days 2-9 

Day 10 

Day 11 

Johannesburg 



Fly from Johannesburg to Vilanculos 

Road and boat transfer from 

Vilanculos to Benguerra Island for 

eight nights at Marlin Lodge. Swim, 

snorkel and dive on the offshore 

reefs. Walk and enjoy 

picnics on Benguerra Island. 

Boat and road transfer to Vilanculos 

Airport. Fly to Johannesburg and then 

to the UK overnight. 



Stay longer 

The Bazaruto Archipelago combines well with 

time in the Gorongosa National Park. Most 

people like to enjoy a safari before time on 

the beach so we would suggest flying from 

Johannesburg to Gorongosa. The tented camp, 

Explore Gorongosa, has outstanding guiding and 

service. You will be able to enjoy both game 

drives and walking safaris as well as learning about 

the game relocation project currently underway. 

After time in the park, you can fly directly to 

Bazaruto for your beach stay. 



for your trip to Mozambique on our website, 


your plans. 

Dining on the rooftop at Ibo Island Lodge 

The pool at Lugenda Camp 


Tanzania 

Tanzania contains the very best of 

East Africa’s attractions, combining 

large national parks and dense animal 

populations with pristine beaches. It is vast, 

vibrant and a photographer’s paradise. 

To the north, wildebeest and zebra flood 

the Serengeti plains each year. Flamingos 

blanket the lakes in shimmering pinks, 

herds of elephants roam the savannah, 

and Maasai herders walk with their cattle. 

The snow-capped peak of Mount 

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point. To the 

south lie remote reserves, where wild dogs 

make dens, thousands of buffalo graze and 

lakes and rivers house hippos and crocodiles. 

Away from the savannah, towering 

mountains are entangled in thick rainforest. 

Emerald leaves drip with dew, birds and 

monkeys cackle and shrieks of chimpanzees 

slice the air. Perfect for post-safari 

relaxation are the tropical islands and 

colourful villages of the Zanzibar and 

Mafia archipelagos. Miles of white sand 

are flanked by coconut palms, small fishing 

villages tucked underneath. Dhows sail over 

turquoise waters, whilst iridescent tropical 

fish swim around the rich coral reefs. 

72

Audley in Tanzania 

5 

6 

1 

4 

2 

7 

Tanzania is a vast country with a dizzying 

array of options. It is impossible to see 

everything that the country has to offer in 

one trip, so we recommend focusing on 

just one or two areas. In northern Tanzania 

the parks such as the Ngorongoro Crater 

and Serengeti are well known and can be 

busy. Through extensive travel in this region, 

we have found a way to avoid other 

visitors and stay in quiet areas. Whilst many 

visitors simply drive around, we give you 

the freedom to explore on foot along 

paths that only the Maasai know, and to 

camp in magical spots surrounded by game. 

3 

In southern Tanzania, we know the Selous 

and Ruaha inside-out. We have hand picked 

camps with the best locations and expert 

guides and can seamlessly combine all the 

parks with Tanzania’s beaches and islands. 

On Zanzibar we work with local guides and 

a small number of hotels whose owners we 

know personally. Small lodges on the Mafia 

Islands and the coast of northern Tanzania 

are ideal for those looking for a really 

remote place to stay on an idyllic beach. 

Whatever you’d like to do in Tanzania, our 

team can tailor a trip suited to you. 

1 Serengeti National Park 

Tanzania’s most famous 

national park, where the Great 

Migration herds roam for most 

of the year. 

2 Ngorongoro Crater 

A volcanic caldera where you 

can enjoy some of the best 

game viewing in Tanzania in a 

short timeframe. 

3 Selous Game Reserve 

With Tanzania’s largest wild dog 

population and huge herds of 

elephants, this is a superb and 

wild area to explore on safari. 

Lion in the Serengeti 

Mongoose 

4 Ruaha National Park 7 Zanzibar Archipelago 

Another gem in Southern 

Tanzania with vast open plains, 

huge buffalo herds and good 

lion populations. 

Beautiful spice islands with 

idyllic sandy beaches and 

accessible coral reefs for 

snorkelling and diving. 

5 Mahale Mountains 

On the shores of Lake 

Tanganyika, rainforest-clad 

mountains provide a refuge 

for chimpanzees. 

6 Katavi National Park 

One of the country’s wildest 

and most remote national parks. 

Lovebird 

Accommodation 

Throughout Tanzania, we use a variety of 

lodges and camps, ranging in comfort but 

always in a good location so that you can 

enjoy the wildlife and stunning views. Our 

preference is for the smaller properties, 

where you can be assured of personal 

service and attention to detail. We can find 

you an authentic safari camp in which to 

experience the magic of waking to the 

sunrise in your tent, or if you’d prefer, a 

luxurious tree-top lodge. On the beach, we 

have found simple cottages perched on vast 

stretches of white sand as well as stylish 

lodges on private islands. 

Find out more 


information about travel in Tanzania, please 

see pages 90-91. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Tanzania 


Tanzania 73

Sunset in the Serengeti 

Serengeti National Park 

The Serengeti is synonymous with stamping 

hooves of wildebeest, vast golden savannah plains, 

and some of Tanzania’s most prolific wildlife. 

This is Africa’s most famous and fabulous game 

reserve. Subject of countless documentaries, the 

Serengeti does not disappoint in reality. Each year, 

up to two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle 

snake their way across the plains following the 

promise of rain, forming one of the world’s 

greatest wildlife spectacles. Even without the 

migration, the Serengeti’s wildlife is unparalleled. 

Lion are practically a certainty, often seen 

lounging on the rocky kopjes. Cheetah pace the 

plains or stand atop termite mounds, and leopard 

lounge in the dappled shade of the sausage trees. 

OLAKIRA MOBILE CAMP, 

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK 

A classic mobile safari camp, Olakira moves 

around the Serengeti throughout the year in 

order to be best situated for the Great Migration 

herds. Large walk-in tents with proper beds, 

lights and en suite bathrooms with bucket 

showers make this a comfortable place to rest 

after an exhilarating day on safari. Lunches are 

served under the boughs of an acacia tree, 

enjoying uninterrupted views across the vast 

savannah. This is one of our favourite camps, 

offering great food, knowledgeable guides and, 

most importantly, a superb location for your 

safari in the Serengeti. 

Olakira Mobile Camp 

Ballooning in the Serengeti 

74 

Cheetah

Bateleur eagle 

Game drive in the Serengeti 

Giraffe browsing 

Leopard climbing a tree 

NOMAD SERENGETI SAFARI CAMP, 

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK 

With only eight luxury tents, this specialist mobile 

safari camp offers a wonderfully comfortable base 

for exploring the Serengeti. Moving around the 

park throughout the year to follow the migration, 

it is always well placed for game viewing. The 

camp provides each couple or group with a 

private guide, allowing you to plan your days 

around your interests. This is particularly useful 

for keen photographers as it allows ample time for 

wildlife photography. In the evenings, stories of the 

day’s adventures are shared around the campfire 

before a hearty dinner under the African sky. 

KLEIN’S CAMP, SERENGETI 

NATIONAL PARK 

Bordering the northeastern edge of the Serengeti, 

Klein’s camp sits on a hillside overlooking the 

valleys and plains that stretch to the Kenyan 

border. With only ten thatched chalets, this is 

one of the smallest and most exclusive camps in 

the park. It offers guests the chance to explore 

not only on daytime game drives, but also night 

drives and guided walks in the camp’s private 

reserve. The area is superb for elephant and large 

buffalo herds, and really comes into its own 

during July and October when the migration 

herds pass through. 

Sayari Camp 

Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp 

SAYARI CAMP, SERENGETI 

NATIONAL PARK 

Overlooking the Mara River in the far north of 

the Serengeti, Sayari has a commanding position 

and sweeping views. The luxurious tents are vast, 

based on wooden platforms, and stylishly 

designed with real attention to detail, down to 

the cosy daybed on your balcony, just perfect for 

relaxing and enjoying the wildlife as it wanders 

past. This area of the national park is quiet and 

unspoilt, allowing you to enjoy the wildlife with 

only the sounds of birds to disturb you. It’s a very 

tranquil place to stay and ideal for those looking 

to really get away from it all. 

Klein’s Camp 

www.audleytravel.com/tanzania ● 01993 838 545 ● Tanzania 75

The Great Migration 

Migrating zebra and wildebeest 

The savannah plains stretching from Kenya’s 

Masai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti set the scene 

for one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles; 

the annual migration of more than two million 

wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Lion, leopard, 

cheetah and hyena wait in great anticipation for 

the arrival of the herds, ready to single out a 

weak or vulnerable animal for an easy dinner. 

This is the Africa that wildlife documentaries are 

made of, and no matter whether you have been 

on one or a dozen safaris, there is little to 

compare to the spectacle of the migration 

herds and the drama that surrounds them. 

Practicalities for your Great 

Migration safari 

The migration can either be viewed from Kenya 

from about July to October or Tanzania from 

November to June. Although you may think it 

Jackal on a wildebeest kill 

Game driving amongst the herds 

would be difficult to miss two million 

wildebeest, sightings of the migration herds can 

never be guaranteed as the herds’ movements 

depends on their biological clock, the level of 

grazing, and timing and amount of rainfall. 

Whilst they follow a rough annual pattern it can 

change all the time. That said, our team knows 

the parks well and can choose camps in the 

correct location to maximise your chances of 

finding the herds. 

Mobile camps 

Staying in one of the Serengeti’s mobile safari 

camps is one of the best ways to see the 

migration. Moving every couple of months to 

locate themselves as close as possible to the 

herds, these camps offer the best chance of 

finding them during your safari. Due to the 

impermanent nature of the camps, don’t 

expect the ultimate luxury. This is all about an 

authentic safari experience and getting as close 

as you can to the wildlife. Your tent will have a 

comfortable bed, en suite bathroom with a 

bucket shower, a basin with a jug of warm water 

each morning and evening and hurricane lamps 

at night. As well as giving you an excellent 

location, sleeping under canvas and waking to 

the sunrise is one of the best ways to enjoy the 

magic of the Serengeti. 

River crossings 

The wildlife documentaries make watching a 

river crossing look easy. In reality, filmmakers 

spend months and even years waiting to be in 

the right place at the right time to capture the 

moment. Whilst seeing a river crossing is really 

the icing on the cake for most safari-goers, it’s 

important to be aware that the herds often 

spend weeks at the riverbanks contemplating 

the crossing. So unless you have endless time 

and money to spend waiting patiently, you will 

have to rely on luck and good timing if you hope 

to catch a crossing. If you want to maximise your 

chances of this, we would recommend staying in 

the Northern Serengeti in July, or in the Masai 

Mara in August or September. 

76

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River 

Wildebeest waiting to cross the Mara River 

Lion on a kill 

The Migration Calendar 

December to May – Breeding and Calving 

The cycle begins each year in the warm, dusty 

plains of the southern Serengeti, where almost 

half a million wildebeest are born between 

December and March. Up on their feet almost 

the moment they hit the ground, they ready 

themselves for the greatest journey of their lives. 

During these months, the herds are not on the 

move, but are gathering strength, grazing on the 

Ndutu Plains before the long rains arrive in April 

and May, turning the park green overnight. 

June – The Journey North 

As June arrives and the rains cease, the herds 

begin to sweep steadily through the savannah. 

Long ribbons of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle 

snake their way through tall grass, weaving their 

way towards the Grumeti River. Here, enormous 

crocodiles lie in wait, snapping their jaws on the 

riverbanks, a terrifying prospect for the herds 

to overcome. 

July – Crossing the Mara River 

As the plains become increasingly parched, 

thousands of stampeding hooves march 

northwards to the Masai Mara, where the great 

wall of the rift valley traps any final drops of rain. 

By July, the front-runners of the herds are 

preparing to cross the Mara River, whilst the 

rear-guard may be as far south as the Grumeti. 

The Mara River brings the herds to a halt, whilst 

they contemplate their fate. Strong currents, 

crocodiles and hippos provide a serious obstacle 

to reaching the lush grass on the opposite 

riverbank – this is the ultimate test for the herds. 

The animals can often wait for two weeks before 

crossing, approaching the river and turning back 

at the last moment with a kick of the heels and a 

puff of dust. Eventually, one brave wildebeest will 

take the plunge, followed swiftly by thousands, 

swimming desperately across the river. 

August to October – Grazing in 

Kenya’s Masai Mara 

By August and September, the migration is 

safely in the Masai Mara in Kenya, where the 

water provides fresh grazing throughout the lean 

months of the dry season. The herds move 

around the reserve, crossing the Talek and Mara 

rivers constantly in search of water and grass. 

This is also a feasting time for the big cats of the 

Masai Mara, making it a truly exciting time to be 

on safari here. 

November – The Journey South 

November brings the short rains, and new life to 

the grasslands of the southern Serengeti. The 

wildebeest, able to detect rain from more than 

50 kilometres away, return south, completing the 

circle. The two million pairs of hooves thunder 

through the Loliondo, Lobo and Piaya regions of 

the Northern Serengeti until they finally reach the 

rich volcanic soil of the Ndutu Plains once again. 


Zebra in the Ngorongoro Crater 

Ngorongoro Crater 

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest 

intact volcanic caldera and one of the most 

evocative landmarks of the Great Rift Valley. It 

provides an extraordinary natural sanctuary for 

some of Africa’s densest populations of large 

mammals. This is the best place in Tanzania to 

see black rhino, against the dramatic backdrop of 

the 600 metre high crater wall. The grassy plains 

host thousands of zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and 

Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle. Elephant roam the 

Lerai Forest, and lion and leopard complete the 

big five. The wildlife here has to be seen to be 

believed, and makes the Ngorongoro Crater an 

unmissable part of the northern safari circuit. 

GIBBS FARM, 

NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS 

Surrounded by coffee plantations in the heart of 

the Ngorongoro Highlands, this is a working farm 

on which acres of organic fruit, vegetables and 

flowers are grown. Eighteen luxurious cottages 

are dotted around the farm, all enjoying views of 

the lush vegetation and tropical flowers. Each has 

been tastefully decorated with bright African 

fabrics, fireplaces to ward off cool evenings and 

spacious bathrooms with outdoor showers. 

Aside from visits to the Crater there are plenty 

of activities ranging from walks in the forests to 

visits to local Iraqw villages. 

PLANTATION LODGE, 

NGORONGORO HIGHLANDS 

Plantation Lodge is a charming small property 

tucked away in the Ngorongoro Highlands near 

the colourful village of Karatu. There are 16 

rooms spread out amongst the pretty gardens, 

and all are spacious and comfortable. The staff are 

friendly and welcoming, and the swimming pool 

offers a lovely place to relax when you’re not out 

on safari. Food is tasty and home-cooked, and 

both the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara 

are easily accessible as day trips from the lodge. 

NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE, 

NGORONGORO CRATER 

Easily one of East Africa’s most luxurious safari 

lodges, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has a 

commanding position perched on the edge of 

the crater rim. The twelve lavish suites in North 

and South camp and the six suites in Tree Camp 

are fitted with antique furniture, thick rugs, 

chandeliers and claw footed baths in oak panelled 

bathrooms. Each suite is complete with a personal 

butler to light the fire, put fresh water in the 

flowers and serve drinks. The views from every 

suite and the opulently designed dining rooms 

are simply breathtaking. 

The pool at Plantation Lodge 

78 

The dining room at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Black rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater 

Flamingos on Lake Manyara 

Game drive in Tarangire National Park 

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge 

Manyara National Park 

One of Northern Tanzania’s smallest but prettiest 

national parks, Lake Manyara is situated at the 

base of the Rift Valley Escarpment. The alkaline 

lake is often covered in clouds of pink lesser 

flamingos, and is surrounded by marshland 

where hippos and buffalo wallow in the shallows. 

The diversity of vegetation here is remarkable, 

with grassy floodplains, acacia woodland and 

hot springs. Manyara is most famous for its 

tree-climbing lions, but has plenty of other wildlife 

to enjoy too, including prolific elephant, buffalo, 

zebra and giraffe. Birdlife here is also superb, with 

almost 400 recorded species including iridescent 

bee-eaters and silvery-cheeked hornbills. 

LAKE MANYARA TREE LODGE, 

MANYARA NATIONAL PARK 

Tucked away in the lush forest, this small luxurious 

lodge is the only accommodation within the park. 

Guests stay in one of ten treehouses, sitting high 

in the mahogany trees, with large verandahs, 

polished hardwood floors and pure cotton linen. 

Service and food here are excellent, with 

sumptuous meals eaten by candlelight in the open 

air boma. This is one of our favourite properties in 

Tanzania and is certainly a highlight for any safari. 

Lovebirds 

Oliver’s Camp 

Dwarf mongoose in Tarangire 

Tarangire National Park 

Tarangire really comes to life in the dry season, 

with water-seeking wildlife attracted to the 

abundant Tarangire River. The most impressive 

of the migratory mammals is the elephant, which 

congregates in large herds along the riverbanks – 

it is possible to see more than 500 in a day. 

Buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, eland and impala 

are all found in good numbers on the grassy 

plains and the lush swamps are a year-round 

attraction, particularly for birdwatchers, with 

more than 550 recorded species. Ancient baobab 

trees dot the plains and in the distance, the Ol 

Doinyo L’Engai volcano makes a dramatic 

backdrop for photographers. 

OLIVER’S CAMP, TARANGIRE 

NATIONAL PARK 

Located in the heart of Tarangire, Oliver’s 

Camp offers an excellent base for exploration 

of the park. With just eight luxury tents, this is a 

small and intimate camp where guests enjoy 

dining under the stars and waking as the sun rises 

over the park. As well as game drives, guided 

walking safaris can also be arranged to fully 

explore this stunning park. The mess tent is full 

of comfortable chairs and a cup of hot tea or a 

glass of ice-cold gin and tonic is always on hand 

after a long day on safari. 


Lion in a tree 

The Selous Game Reserve 

The Selous stretches for over 45,000 square 

kilometres. It is Africa’s largest game reserve yet 

visited by few. Meandering through the plains 

and woodlands, the Rufiji River gives rise to a 

labyrinth of streams, channels and pretty lakes in 

a delicate water paradise. Skeletal leadwood 

trees stand in glassy lagoons where terrapins 

ripple the surface. There are pods of hippo, 

rainbow-coloured birds and flitting butterflies on 

yellow cassia flowers. It is a vast wilderness area 

and superb for photography. The reserve is home 

to abundant game, with Africa’s largest buffalo 

and lion populations, numerous leopard and 

thriving packs of wild dog. Wildebeest, zebra, 

impala, hartebeest, greater kudu and eland are 

all common. In the heat of the afternoon, herds 

of over fifty giraffe drink from the lakes whilst 

elephant herds cross the channels to the lush 

islands. Boat trips are a speciality in the Selous 

and floating quietly along on the water is magical. 

You will see yellow-billed storks nesting in 

borassus palms and white-crowned plovers 

cleaning the teeth of crocodiles. The riverine 

forest is perfect for gentle rambles in search of 

blue samango monkeys and black and white 

colobus. Driving in open 4x4’s you will see 

plenty of game but no other vehicles, as the 

Selous is a very peaceful park with only a 

handful of small camps. 

80 

Selous Impala Camp 

LAKE MANZE CAMP, SELOUS 

GAME RESERVE 

This camp has 12 simple tents on the shores 

of Lake Manze. Shaded by doum palms and 

terminalia trees, all are well spread out and 

have lake views. Inside, each tent is furnished 

with double or twin beds and has an en suite 

bathroom with flush toilet and hot shower. 

A patio at the front of each room is the perfect 

spot for reading a book in the early afternoon 

and watching the hippos and herons at the 

lakeshore. The camp is ideal for first time visitors 

to Africa as guests can enjoy a variety of activities 

including game drives, boat safaris and early 

morning walks. 

SELOUS IMPALA CAMP, SELOUS 

GAME RESERVE 

Selous Impala Camp is set among borassus palms 

and tamarind trees on the banks of the Rufiji 

River. As there are no fences, game is free to 

wander through the camp and therefore guests 

are escorted to their tents in the evenings by 

Maasai warriors. The camp has eight luxury tents 

set on high wood decking with views of the river 

and the forest beyond. They are furnished in a 

colonial style and have bedrooms, a dressing 

room and an en suite bathroom. In the centre of 

camp the thatched boma houses a dining room 

and bar. Nearby is a sheltered swimming pool. 

Activities include boat trips, game drives and 


Game drive from Lake Manze Camp

Kudu in the Selous 

Hyena on a buffalo carcass 

Hippo beside the Rufiji River 

Dining at Beho Beho 

Elephant in the Selous 

Selous Safari Camp 

SELOUS SAFARI CAMP, SELOUS 

GAME RESERVE 

Selous Safari Camp was one of the first camps 

in the Selous and has one of the prime positions 

in the park on the fringes of Lake Nzelekela. 

The 12 luxurious tents are some of the largest 

in Africa, tailored specifically for the camp with 

huge gauze windows looking onto the lake. 

Inside, the tents are elegantly furnished and have 

well-appointed en suite bathrooms with outdoor 

showers. The lounge and dining room are raised 

above the trees on stilts to maximise the breeze 

in hotter months and there is a small pool tucked 

into the bush. With plenty of activities on offer, 

this is one of our favourite camps in the Selous. 

BEHO BEHO CAMP, SELOUS 

GAME RESERVE 

Set up amongst the hills, Beho Beho has a unique 

vantage point overlooking the Beho Beho Plains. 

It is the most luxurious camp in the Selous with 

large stone cottages beautifully designed and 

furnished with no expense spared. At the front 

of each cottage a huge open window has no 

gauze or glass – just panoramic views. Guests can 

choose to leave this open to the stars at night or 

have thick canvas drapes tied down to feel more 

secure. The true magic of Beho Beho however is 

not the lodge but the exceptional quality of the 

guides. After each game drive you’ll come away 

knowing something new. 

Boat trip from Sand Rivers 

View from a room at Sand Rivers 

SAND RIVERS, SELOUS 

GAME RESERVE 

With eight rooms, Sand Rivers is the smallest 

camp in the Selous. Situated on a wide curve in 

the Rufiji River, all the rooms look over the water. 

Each room is open on one side and has large 

beds, nets and en suite bathrooms with polished 

stone floors. It’s not unusual for birds to flit in 

and out and look at themselves in the bathroom 

mirror. During a stay at Sand Rivers, a private 

guide is always provided. You can take a boat trip 

up to Steigler’s Gorge, walk on the open plains, 

swim in the Tagalala hot springs and enjoy trips 

by open 4x4 vehicles. 


Zebra on the plains 

The Ruaha National Park 

In the heart of southern Tanzania, the Ruaha 

National Park has a hot dry climate and 

dramatic scenery. The Ruaha River runs along 

the park’s southeast border, tumbling over 

boulders and flanked by riparian woodland. Lion 

can be seen stretched out in the sun on the 

sandbanks, elephant drink from the water. 

Flocks of yellow-collared lovebirds swoop from 

bush to bush. Game is prolific with many 

ungulates present, including impala, waterbuck, 

bushbuck, giraffe, zebra and buffalo. Both greater 

and lesser kudu are here, as are roan and sable 

antelope. There are large prides of lion, spotted 

and striped hyena, several packs of wild dog, and 

leopard. The birdlife is particularly colourful and 

it is not unusual to spot many species while 

sitting in camp, such as emerald spotted doves, 

brown parrots and crested barbets. Activities in 

Ruaha focus on game drives although walking 

is also possible. 

Kwihala 

82 

MWAGUSI CAMP, RUAHA 

NATIONAL PARK 

Mwagusi Camp is a small tented camp on the 

banks of the dry Mwagusi River. Owned and run 

by naturalist Chris Fox, this camp is comfortable 

but the focus is not on frills and luxury. Chris’s 

passion is for wildlife and this is what this camp is 

all about – it’s ideal for experienced safari hands 

and animal enthusiasts. The nine tents are shaded 

by thatch and have beds, nets, en suite bathrooms 

and verandas with comfy chairs. It is lovely sitting 

on your veranda and watching the birds hopping 

about in the trees above you. Activities are well 

organised at Mwagusi with both guides and 

spotters on the game viewing vehicles, and 

guiding of a high standard. 

KWIHALA, RUAHA 

NATIONAL PARK 

Kwihala offers luxury in Ruaha, and has six 

spacious safari tents. There are plenty of charming 

small touches in the tents, from the hand-printed 

baobab bedspreads to beaded door handles. 

Outside, a covered veranda area is insect-proofed 

and protected from the elements by a fly sheet. 

The spacious mess tent is the main social centre of 

the camp. Separate dining and relaxing areas create 

a homely feel although canvas walls and open sides 

leave you with no doubt that you’re in the bush. 

With good guides this camp is ideal for those 

looking to explore Ruaha from a comfortable base. 

Mwagusi Camp 

MDONYA OLD RIVER CAMP, 

RUAHA NATIONAL PARK 

This wild camp has 11 tents situated under 

sycamore fig and acacia trees. With no electricity, 

it has the feel of an original safari camp, and is lit 

at night by candles, paraffin lamps and a camp fire. 

The dining and lounge tents overlook a dry river 

bed which acts as a busy wildlife corridor. There 

are currently two prides of lion living close to 

camp which can often be heard at night – this 

camp is not therefore suited to nervous travellers. 

Mdonya Old River Camp

Chimpanzee with baby in the Mahale Mountains 

Chada Camp 

Katavi National Park 

Deep in western Tanzania, the Katavi National 

Park is extremely wild. Arriving by light aircraft, 

you’ll pass over the Katasunga Plains before 

landing. Spread out before you are yellow 

grasslands covered with thousands of zebra, 

topi, buffalo and giraffe. Lions lie on the fringes, 

watching and waiting, shaded by mahogany trees. 

With only two tiny camps in a million acres, 

Katavi sees few visitors and you can have an 

immense wilderness all to yourself. Katavi is a 

classic dry season reserve. From June to October, 

buffalo herds of up to 3,000 graze on the plains. 

Game drives offer superb photographic 

opportunities whilst walks beside sluggish rivers 

are exciting, with large crocodiles hiding in 

mudholes. As the sun falls low in the sky, a visit 

to the hippo pool, where 600 hippos live, is 

perfect for a sundowner. 

CHADA CAMP, KATAVI 

NATIONAL PARK 

Chada Camp is hidden by sausage trees and 

overlooks the plains. The six safari tents have high 

beds, simple furniture and are decked with bright 

East African fabrics. Outside each, there is a 

simple tin basin and small washstand. A little way 

behind each tent is a private bathroom, made of 

reed, sticks and soft grass. The main dining area 

is under canvas and strewn with books, maps, 

seedpods and a big chest full of drinks. Not 

fenced, it’s wonderfully wild and old-fashioned. 

Accompanied by top guides, both walks and 

drives are excellent. 

Mahale Mountains Park 

Shadowing the dusky blue waters of Lake 

Tanganyika, the Mahale Mountains are dramatic 

and imposing. Jagged peaks of over 2,000 metres 

soar into the clouds and are covered in canopy 

woodland and thick montane forest. Shafts of 

sunlight pour through the trees into tiny gullies 

where pink and yellow butterflies flit and you can 

see each and every pebble in the crystal clear 

streams. The Mahale Mountains are the best 

place in Africa in which to track and observe wild 

chimpanzees. There is a population of around 

1,000; one troop of which, the Mimikire clan 

(around 70-100 individuals), have been habituated 

to humans and can be tracked and observed from 

close quarters. Climbing up the leafy tracks in the 

misty morning and hearing your first chimpanzee 

shriek is something you will never forget. 

Crouching low, you can watch them grooming, 

drinking and playing. After a morning of 

chimpanzee tracking you return to the shores of 

Lake Tanganyika, where sugar-white beaches slope 

into gin-clear waters. There are over 500 species 

of cichlid fish in the lake, and snorkelling and 

floating amongst them is the ultimate in relaxation. 

GREYSTOKE CAMP, 

MAHALE MOUNTAINS 

Greystoke Camp is situated on an idyllic white 

beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Cream 

safari tents under palms have deep chairs, comfy 

beds, tin washbasins and buckets for washing the 

sand off your feet. At sunrise your breakfast is 

cooked over a fire on the beach, after which 

trackers lead you into the forest in search of 

chimpanzees. In the afternoons you can snorkel 

from the camp’s beautiful dhow or enjoy a 

snooze on the warm deck. 

The dining room at Greystoke Camp 


Zanzibar beach 

The Zanzibar Archipelago 

Fifty islands make up the Zanzibar archipelago, 

which lies in aquamarine seas under a blazing 

equatorial sun. Just 20 miles off the Tanzanian 

coast, the archipelago is easily accessible and 

therefore ideal for a relaxing end to a safari. The 

two large islands of Zanzibar and Pemba are well 

known and have a bustling island life, with ancient 

towns, small villages, spice plantations and miles 

of sandy beaches. Surrounding these two large 

islands are numerous tiny coral atolls with names 

such as Chumbe, Chapwani, Bawe and Mnemba. 

Some of these, such as Mnemba, have exclusive 

hotels whilst others are home only to seabirds 

and nesting turtles and can be reached by 

relaxing dhow trips. The seas are littered with 

reefs, with pink sea anemones swaying in warm 

currents and butterflyfish, angelfish and 

parrotfish darting between the corals. 

Zanzibar Island 

The largest of all the islands in the archipelago, 

Zanzibar Island is 80 kilometres long and 30 

kilometres wide. It is covered in coconut 

plantations, spice farms and lush vegetation. 

Pretty roads run through avenues of mangoes 

and the forest at Jozani, where endemic Kirk’s 

red colobus can be seen, while the coastline has 

picture perfect beaches. Miles of white sand lead 

into shallow turquoise water lined with offshore 

reefs. Small fishing villages have nets hanging from 

crooked wooden racks and chickens and ducks 

waddling about. At high tide all the dhows sail in 

and lively bartering for the day’s catch ensues. 

Zanzibar has more than just beaches, however. 

Monsoon winds blowing from Persia, Arabia and 

India have led traders to these islands for over 

2,000 years. In Zanzibar’s Stone Town, labyrinth 

alleys lead to sultans’ residences with thick stone 

walls and intricately carved doors. Inland, there 

are spice plantations where piles of curling 

cinnamon bark and nutmegs lie in the sun. 

Zanzibar is spectacular at sunset, as hundreds of 

dhows set sail for the night, their billowing white 

sails tinged pink by the sun. Relax, unwind and 

enjoy the view, as the warm breeze blows around 

you. Just a short flight from some of Tanzania’s 

wildest parks, Zanzibar is perhaps the ultimate 

finale to any safari. 

Seaweed farming on Zanzibar 

84

The game of bao The beach at Breezes Beach Club & Spa Fresh fish for sale 

Fishing dhows 

BREEZES BEACH CLUB & SPA, 

BWEJUU, ZANZIBAR 

This pretty resort has 70 rooms but manages 

to feel like somewhere half its size thanks to its 

low-key, friendly atmosphere. It stands on an 

idyllic stretch of beach on Zanzibar’s southeast 

coast. Rooms at Breezes are set in the gardens 

and are tastefully decorated in ivory tones, with 

cotton throws, teak and Zanzibari carvings. All 

are air-conditioned and have en suite bathrooms. 

There are plenty of activities on offer including 

diving, snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing. Those 

looking to relax can do so at the pool, on the 

beach or with a treatment in the spa. With 

several excellent restaurants, this hotel is very 

popular and many guests return year after year. 

Villa at The Palms 

BARAZA, BWEJUU, ZANZIBAR 

Baraza is a unique 30 villa resort built in a 

distinctive Zanzibari style and is an ideal place for 

families or groups of friends wanting to enjoy a bit 

of luxury. All the air-conditioned villas have one 

or two bedrooms, living room, dressing rooms 

and en suite bathrooms with a free standing tub. 

They are elegantly decorated with beautiful fabrics 

and hand-carved furniture. Outside there are 

shady terraces, sunloungers and a private plunge 

pool. Facilities at Baraza are extensive and include 

a swimming pool, spa, tennis court, watersports 

centre, PADI dive centre and boutique. 

Snorkelling excursions, trips to spice farms and 

more can all be arranged. 

Bar, Breezes Beach Club & Spa 

THE PALMS, BWEJUU, ZANZIBAR 

Situated in tropical gardens The Palms provides 

some of the most luxurious accommodation on 

Zanzibar. The hotel has just six villas, each 

wonderfully large and containing a bedroom, living 

room, dressing room and en suite bathroom. 

On the veranda, a silk-draped four-poster 

Zanzibari bed sits alongside a sunken plunge pool. 

The Palms prides itself on its cuisine and the 

restaurant, The Plantation House, serves excellent 

Swahili and international dishes. The adjacent 

Spice Bar is perfect for relaxing with a sundowner 

drink. Guests can also enjoy all the facilities at the 

neighbouring sister property Breezes. 

Baraza 


Kirk’s red colobus monkey in the Jozani Forest 

Drying seaweed 

Schoolgirls walking home 

86 

Cottage at Echo Beach Hotel 

ECHO BEACH HOTEL, 

BWEJUU, ZANZIBAR 

Echo Beach Hotel is small, simple and will suit 

those looking for a quiet hideaway. It sits in five 

acres of gardens on Bwejuu, one of Zanzibar’s 

prettiest beaches, and has 12 rooms in 

whitewashed cottages under coconut palms. 

Each has a shady terrace or balcony where you 

can sit with a drink and watch the dhows bobbing 

on the horizon. The kitchen is overseen by the 

owner Andrew and meals are tailored to the 

fishermen’s daily catch, with fresh fruit and 

vegetables from the market also used. The lodge 

is ideal for those looking to relax beside a pool, 

although diving, dhow trips and visits to spice 

farms are easily arranged. 

UNGUJA LODGE, 

KIZIMKAZI, ZANZIBAR 

This boutique hotel is set amongst baobab and 

mango trees which are popular with red colobus 

monkeys. Run by Elies Hagedoorn along strong 

ethical principles, this lodge is not only welcoming 

but well integrated into the local Kizimkazi 

community. There are ten villas, a restaurant, bar, 

swimming pool and Five-Star PADI dive centre. 

All the villas have a bedroom, sitting room, 

en suite bathroom and a second floor where 

children can sleep. Private terraces overlook the 

sea or gardens. The lodge is ideally suited to 

families or those wanting to enjoy lots of activities 

including diving, snorkelling, dolphin watching and 

guided village tours. 

The pool at Unguja Lodge

Stone Town from the sea 

Fresh nutmeg Arabica Room at the Zanzibar Palace Hotel Zanzibari door 

Stone Town, Zanzibar 

Flanked on two sides by the sea, Stone Town is 

a place that divides opinion. Many are enchanted 

by the heavily laden dhows that sail in and out 

of port, and the tall crumbling buildings and 

labyrinthine streets lined with tiny shops. Others 

dislike the bustle of so many people, the dirt, 

noise and commotion. Whatever your opinion, it 

is likely to be a strong one – Stone Town leaves 

nobody ambivalent. Much of the town was built 

in the 19th century and remains unchanged to 

this day. A maze of alleyways lead between tall 

houses and palaces whose intricately carved 

wooden doors have brass studs and heavy locks. 

There is no room for cars in these streets so 

exploring is done on foot. There is plenty to see, 

from museums to the early morning market 

which is as busy as it is colourful. Hessian sacks 

overflow with black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon 

and vanilla and traders sell everything from fresh 

ginger to huge fish. At the end of the day, you 

might choose to stroll to the Forodhani Gardens. 

As the sun sets, street vendors light fires and 

braziers, on which they grill squid, octopus and 

lobster. Enjoy a snack or two before heading off 

to one of Stone Town’s excellent restaurants. 

ZANZIBAR PALACE HOTEL, 

STONE TOWN 

Tucked away in the Kiponda area of Stone 

Town this hotel is in a beautifully restored 

Zanzibari house. Owners Co and Frans aim to 

provide a personal service, getting to know 

guests themselves and making sure they are well 

looked after. Each of the nine bedrooms has its 

own character, but all are decorated in Swahili 

style. Carved dark wood, stained glass, and 

jewel-coloured drapes are dotted around the 

hotel, giving it a modern-day Arabian Nights feel. 

The hotel is close to the main shopping streets 

and is within easy walking distance of some 

good local restaurants. 

BEIT AL CHAI, STONE TOWN 

Beit Al Chai has been sympathetically converted 

from its original use as a Swahili teahouse. It is 

located on a corner in Stone Town’s pretty Kelele 

Square which is shaded by hibiscus and tamarind 

trees and is a peaceful spot. The hotel has six en 

suite bedrooms furnished with antiques dating 

back to the days of the Swahili Empire. There is a 

small breakfast courtyard, and drinks are available 

in the living room. If your feet are too tired from 

exploring to go out for dinner, the hotel has a 

new restaurant with an Arabic theme, offering an 

upmarket dining experience. 

Room at The Serena Inn 

SERENA INN, STONE TOWN 

The Serena occupies a prime location perched 

between the town and the sea. It is an attractive 

building converted from the old doctor’s house. 

There are polished marble floors, sweeping 

staircases, a lovely seaview restaurant and big 

swimming pool. The rooms are comfortable with 

air-conditioning, en suite bathrooms and large 

balconies. At sunset, dhows frequently sail past 

the hotel. 

Beit al Chai 


School girls on the beach 

A beach suite at Fundu Lagoon 

Pemba Island 

About 80 kilometres northeast of Zanzibar, 

Pemba is quiet and undeveloped. It has a gentle 

hilly landscape and has always been seen as a 

more fertile place than its larger neighbour. The 

early Arab sailors called it ‘El Huthera’, meaning 

‘The Green’. Travelling across Pemba, you are 

immediately struck by the number of rural farming 

and fishing villages. At harvest time, great swathes 

of cloves lie drying in the sun and fill the air with 

their scent. Mangos in piles over six feet high wait 

by the roadsides to be trucked to the port at 

Mkoani and then shipped over to the mainland. 

Fields are dotted with women in bright kangas 

attending to crops while wooden pirogues and 

dhows glide gently over the turquoise seas. 

Pemba has few lodges and nearly all of the 

beaches are deserted. Offshore, coral islands have 

white sand and nesting turtles at night. The deep 

Pemba Channel is rich with coral reefs and offers 

some of the best diving in East Africa. 

88 

FUNDU LAGOON, PEMBA ISLAND 

Fundu Lagoon is a stylish property that is ideal 

for honeymooners looking for a quiet hideaway. 

Situated on a long beach flanked by mangrove, it 

has a large jetty stretching over the water with a 

bar halfway along it. There are eighteen designer 

tents, set under makuti roofs on wooden decks. 

The rooms have stylish décor and en suite 

bathrooms with a selection of aromatherapy 

soaps and lotions. Fundu’s main areas are all built 

under thatch and are large and airy, overlooking 

the sea. There is a dive centre, small spa and 

infinity pool on the hillside with spectacular 

views over the coast. 

Manta Resort 

MANTA RESORT, PEMBA ISLAND 

Manta Resort is situated on the northern tip of 

Pemba on arguably its best beach. It is a stylish, 

20 bedroom property set in pretty gardens. The 

best rooms overlook the sea and have large airy 

bedrooms leading onto sunny verandas. This is a 

wonderful place to relax, either with an ice cold 

drink in the heat of the day or a glass of wine at 

night. In the centre of the resort, a small spa 

offers relaxing treatments and the good sized 

pool is ideal for relaxing beside with a book. 

There are plenty of activities including diving, 

snorkelling and dhow sailing. As the sun sets you 

can make your way to the quirky beach bar on 

the sand for a cocktail before dinner.

The beach at Kinasi Lodge 

The Mafia Archipelago 

The Mafia islands lie quietly in the Indian Ocean 

just a 40 minute flight from Dar es Salaam. 

Virtually unknown, the names of Bwejuu, 

Mbarakum, Juani, Jibondo and Mafia mean little 

to most people. Yet these islands make up a 

beautiful archipelago, tiny jewels resting in an 

azure sea. Covered in rich rainforest, thick 

grasslands and giant baobab trees, the islands are 

dotted with tiny villages. Sunbirds flit through the 

trees, five species of endemic butterflies can be 

found and bushbabies call at night. 

On the coast, sandy beaches are flanked by 

mangroves and fishermen sit on the white sand 

mending nets or making coconut coir rope. 

Strings of drying octopus blow in the breeze and 

dhows sail from island to island, carrying children 

to school at sunrise and back home at sunset. 

All that said, it is in the turquoise waters that 

you will find the islands’ biggest attractions. 

Unspoiled barrier reefs surround the islands, rich 

in soft corals, sea anemones and sponges and 

attracting a dazzling array of fish. Potato groupers, 

hump-headed parrotfish and giant batfish are just 

some of those you might see while snorkelling, 

and turtles, rays and dolphins are never far away. 

Pole Pole Lodge 

POLE POLE LODGE, 

MAFIA ISLAND 

The clock on the wall at Pole Pole always says 

a quarter to eight, and quite aptly so, for at this 

lodge, time is unimportant. Seven sleepy 

bungalows stand on a small hill, shaded by palms 

and overlooking white sand and the sea. Inside, 

the bungalows are spacious and stylish and have 

large beds with Italian linen, muslin nets and 

bathrooms with brass fittings. The main dining 

area is open-sided and serves excellent food, with 

fresh seafood, mangos and honey pancakes just 

some of the specialities. Activities at Pole Pole are 

relaxed. There is an old dhow – Sayari – that 

floats gently to reefs and sandbanks for lazy 

mornings of snorkelling, diving and swimming. 

KINASI LODGE, MAFIA ISLAND 

Kinasi Lodge has 14 rustic bungalows situated in 

idyllic gardens sloping down to a small sandy 

beach. Each bungalow has big beds, old chests, 

cool stone floors, spacious bathrooms and large 

shady verandas with big hammocks. The central 

lodge houses a bar, dining room and extensive 

library. There’s a small pool, dive centre and a 

few sailing boats, while activities on offer include 

diving, snorkelling and swimming trips. 

Arriving on Mafia Island 

Kinasi Lodge 


TANZANIA 

Zanzibar 

Dar es 

Salaam 

Selous Game Reserve 

Viewing lion on a game drive 







Please call one of our Tanzania specialists to start 


Telephone: 01993 838 545 


Tanzania’s safari areas can be divided into the 

northern, southern and western ‘circuits’ and 

there are different ways to explore each. The 

‘northern circuit’ comprises the Serengeti, 

Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara parks. 

Tar and dirt roads connect them all and a typical 

way to explore is with a guide driving you from 

one to another in a modified Landrover. A typical 

one week itinerary would explore Lake Manyara, 

the Ngorongoro Crater and end in the Serengeti. 

Rather than retracing your steps afterwards, we 

would then recommend flying out to the coast 

or on to further wildlife areas. 

The ‘southern circuit’ comprises Selous and Ruaha 

and as distances are large and roads poor, the 

best way to combine them is by flying between 

the two. Light aircraft fly to these reserves each 

day and operate a ‘bus stop’ system, picking up 

and dropping off at camp airstrips. A typical safari 

in the south might include four or five days in the 

Selous followed by three in the Ruaha. Numerous 

flights go from both parks to Zanzibar and the 

Mafia Islands, making it easy to combine the south 

with the coast. The ‘western circuit’ comprises 

Katavi National Park and the Mahale Mountains. 

They are hundreds of miles from anywhere so 

access is always by light aircraft. Planes are 

scheduled each week to access these parks. 

90 

Cheetah in the Serengeti 

When to go 


✓ ✓ ✓ ✕ ✕ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ~ ✓ 





Tanzania has a pleasant tropical climate. As it is 

near the equator, there is little temperature 

fluctuation between summer and winter, with 

temperatures ranging from about 25C to 30C 

all year round. There are regional variations, 

however, with the coastal belt being hotter 

and more humid, inland areas dryer and cooler, 

and the mountains sometimes chilly at night. 

Tanzania has two rainy seasons, the short rains 

in November and December and the long rains 

from February to March. The heaviest downpours 

occur in April and May and many lodges close 

during this time. 



Prices 



for your trip to Tanzania on our website, 


your plans. 

Selous & Zanzibar Explorer 

This itinerary combines a wild safari with time on 

the beach. It is ideal for first time visitors to Africa 

or those looking for a relaxing trip with plenty of 

wildlife but minimal travel. Four nights in the Selous 

Game Reserve enable you to enjoy game viewing 

and a number of activities including boat trips, 

game drives and walking safaris. The Selous is a 

short flight from Zanzibar, where your beach time 

begins. Seven days is an ideal length of stay on 

Zanzibar as it gives you plenty of time to relax and 

to enjoy the activities that the island has to offer. 

Day 1 

Days 2-5 

Days 6-10 

Day 11 

Day 12 

Fly from the UK to Dar es 

Salaam overnight. 

Arrive in Dar es Salaam. Fly to the 

Selous Game Reserve for four nights 

at Lake Manze Camp. Explore the 

Selous on game drives, walking safaris 

and boat trips. 

Fly to Zanzibar for five nights at 

Echo Beach. Swim, snorkel and relax 

beside the pool or on the beach. 

Road transfer to Stone Town for 

one night at the Zanzibar Palace, 

Stone Town. 

Fly to Dar es Salaam and then in 

to the UK. Arrive in the UK in the 

early evening. 

Stay longer 

If you would like to extend your trip, one of the 

easiest ways to do it is by adding three nights in 

the Ruaha National Park at the start or midway 

through. Ruaha is a good contrast to Selous as it is 

largely a dry reserve with big herds of buffalo and 

particularly large prides of lion. The game in the 

dry season congregates along the Ruaha River 

making drives on the river banks rewarding. 

Zebra in the sunlight


Serengeti 

National Park 

Ngorongoro Crater 

Arusha 

Lake Manyara 

Zanzibar 

Dar es Salaam 

TANZANIA 

TANZANIA 

Ruaha National Park 

Selous Game Reserve 

Dar es Salaam 

Mafia 

Island 

Mahale 

Mountains 

Airstrip 

Mahale Mountains 

Katavi National Park 

TANZANIA 

Arusha 

Zanzibar 

Dar es Salaam 

ZAMBIA 

Classic Northern Tanzania 

This trip is a classic exploration of Tanzania’s most 

famous parks. It is ideal for a first time visitor to 

Africa as it encompasses dramatic landscapes, 

prolific wildlife and a variety of different activities. 

A guide will drive you in a modified Landrover 

into Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro 

Crater and the Serengeti Game Reserve. Each 

reserve is different both in terms of landscape 

and the wildlife found there. En route you’ll have 

the chance to stop off at local towns, barter in 

markets and visit Maasai in their traditional villages. 

After an adventurous safari in the north, you fly to 

Zanzibar where you can spend a week relaxing 

on the beach. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Day 3 

Day 4 

Days 5-7 

Days 8-14 

Day 15 

Fly from the UK to Nairobi overnight. 

Arrive in Nairobi and fly to Arusha. 

Meet your guide and drive to Onsea 

House for one night. 

Guided drive to Lake Manyara 

National Park for a full day game 

viewing. Onward drive to Plantation 

Lodge for two nights. 

Full day’s game viewing trip to the 

Ngorongoro Crater. 

Drive to the Serengeti Game 

Reserve for three nights at Olakira 

Camp. Explore the Serengeti on 

game drives. 

Fly to Zanzibar for seven nights at 

Breezes Beach Club & Spa, Zanzibar. 

Swim, snorkel and relax beside the 

pool or on the beach. 

Fly to Dar es Salaam and then on 

to the UK. Arrive in the UK in the 


Stay longer 

Instead of ending your trip on Zanzibar, you could 

fly to the Mafia Islands instead. These islands are 

ideal for a really peaceful hideaway. Whilst the 

beaches are not as spectacular as those on 

Zanzibar, the snorkelling and diving is some of the 

best on the East African coast. You can immerse 

yourself in village life, meeting the residents or 

watching the local dhow builders at work. At night, 

look across Chole Bay where fuzzy faced fruitbats 

leave their roost on Chole Island to feed on the 

fruit trees of Mafia and other islands. 

Classic Southern Tanzania 

This trip explores Selous and Ruaha in Southern 

Tanzania and is suited to wildlife enthusiasts. 

The camps have been chosen for their locations 

in the heart of the parks and their excellent 

guiding. The Selous offers fabulous birding and 

boat trips whilst the main focus of Ruaha is big 

game viewed from open 4x4s. The trip ends at 

Kinasi Lodge on Mafia Island which is particularly 

good for snorkelling. Sail out to the reefs in Chole 

Bay by dhow and see parrotfish, potato groupers, 

batfish, butterflyfish, angelfish and more. This is a 

wonderful trip for those looking to immerse 

themselves in the wilderness. 

Day 1 

Day 2-4 

Day 5-7 

Day 8-13 

Day 14 

Fly from the UK to Dar es Salaam 

overnight. 

Arrive in Dar es Salaam and fly to the 

Selous Game Reserve for three nights 

at Selous Safari Camp. Explore the 

Selous on game drives and boat trips. 

Fly to Ruaha National Park for three 

nights at Kwihala. Game viewing in 

Ruaha National Park. 

Fly to Mafia Island for six nights at 

Kinasi Lodge. Time relaxing or 

enjoying activities on Mafia Island. 

Fly to Dar es Salaam and on to 

the UK. Arrive in the UK in the 


Stay longer 

One way to extend this itinerary would be to 

add three nights at a beautiful beach lodge on the 

Tanzanian mainland. Ras Kutani is a 20 minute 

flight south of Dar es Salaam and is the ideal place 

in which to recover from an international flight. 

The lodge has beautiful rooms with ocean views, 

and a long sandy beach. Cuisine is excellent at 

Ras Kutani, with an emphasis on seafood. and 

fresh lobster, crab, squid and prawns are often 

on the menu. 

Chimpanzees of 

Western Tanzania 

Western Tanzania is extremely wild and well 

suited to people who have been to Africa before. 

Travel to the west is not cheap, but a trip here 

is a once in a lifetime experience. Katavi has herds 

of thousands of buffalo, rivers with mud holes full 

of enormous crocodiles, and pods of hippo by the 

hundred. The beauty of Mahale defies belief: virgin 

rainforests filled with chimpanzees drop to white 

sand beaches and the clear waters of Lake 

Tanganyika. After time in the west we have 

suggested four nights at one of Zanzibar’s luxurious 

beach retreats – a perfect end to the trip. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Days 3-5 

Day 6-9 


Connect with a flight to Arusha and 

drive to Onsea House for one night. 

Fly to Katavi National Park for three 

nights at Chada Camp. Explore Katavi 

on game drives and walking safaris. 

Fly to Mahale Mountains Airstrip and 

take a boat to Greystoke Camp for 

four nights. Chimpanzee tracking in 

Mahale Mountains. 

Days 10-13 Fly to Zanzibar for four nights at 

Matemwe Bungalows. Swim, 

snorkel and relax beside the pool 

or on the beach. 

Day 14 

Fly to Dar es Salaam and on to the 

UK, arriving in the early evening. 

Stay longer 

Before flying to the west of Tanzania, enjoy some 

time on safari in the Serengeti. From December 

to May thousands of wildebeest converge on the 

southern plains of the park to breed and calve 

before starting the long journey north to the 

Masai Mara. Watch this spectacular sight from a 

mobile tented camp placed in the heart of the 

migration. The Serengeti provides a real contrast 

to both parks in the west and makes an ideal 

addition to this trip. 

Wild dog in the Selous 


Kenya 

Kenya is the country of wildlife 

documentaries and the home of the 

safari. It is everything you imagine Africa 

to be, with vast plains covered in thousands 

of wildebeest and gazelle, cheetah sitting on 

termite mounds, lions flat on their back in 

the sun and giraffe in the shade of acacias. 

Mingling with the animals Maasai 

herdsmen, clad in bright red shukas lead 

cattle across the plains to dusty waterholes 

to drink. Over recent years Kenya has 

gained a reputation for being a mass-market 

destination, but while there are busy areas, 

these are few and easily circumvented. Kenya 

has huge tracts of wilderness where vehicles 

are scarce and safaris are on foot or even by 

camel. Samburu warriors herd cattle across 

desolate plains, the huge reserves of Laikipia 

protect a number of endangered species and 

the grasslands of the Mara are traversed by 

Maasai herders. Kenya has a beautiful 

coastline with beaches stretching for miles. 

Offshore, the islands of Lamu and Funzi are 

a delight. With old Swahili towns, dhows 

sailing across the water, donkeys pulling old 

wooden carts and quiet beaches to enjoy, these 

are ideal places in which to end a safari. 

92

Audley in Kenya 

4 

Kenya has a reputation as a mass-market 

destination. True, there are some busy 

areas, but with expert advice and insider 

knowledge, they are easily avoided. With 

our years of experience in Kenya, personal 

friendships with lodge owners, and love of 

the wilderness, we have made it our goal to 

seek out some of Kenya’s most remote 

camps and charming beach lodges. The vast 

majority of our trips involve light aircraft 

flights, making even the most distant areas 

accessible. In each lodge or camp a 

professional safari guide will introduce you 

to the wildlife of the area, showing you the 

sights, sounds and smells of the bush. 

7 

Accommodation 

1 

2 

6 

5 

3 

The range of accomodation in Kenya is 

varied, from Robinson Crusoe hideaways at 

the beach to deluxe tented camps. As Kenya 

is famed for its stunning natural environment, 

the primary focus is on bringing the outside 

in. Each lodge or camp makes the most of its 

location, be it a luxury camp overlooking a 

waterhole, or a rustic beach lodge just yards 

from the Indian Ocean. Creature comforts 

are not overlooked, and even the simplest of 

camps will have a good bed, and a bathroom 

with a toilet and bucket shower. 

8 

Pelican in Lake Nakuru 

1 Masai Mara 

5 Lake Naivasha 

Africa’s most famous reserve, 

with large numbers of 

leopard, lion and cheetah 

and the location for the BBC’s 

One of the three permanent lakes 

in the Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha 

is a beautiful and peaceful place 

to start or end your trip. 

Big Cat Diary. 

6 Lake Nakuru 

2 Mara River 

Thousands of wildebeest, zebra 

and gazelle cross the Mara River 

on their great migration. 

3 Lamu archipelago 

A cluster of exotic islands 

with a small Swahili town and 

plentiful donkeys, dhows and 

sandy beaches. 

4 Samburu Reserve 

Home to some of Kenya’s 

rarer species including Grevy’s 

zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated 

giraffe and gerenuk. 

Often carpeted with clouds of 

pink flamingos, the lake is 

surrounded by a national park 

with good black and white 

rhino populations. 

7 Laikipia Plateau 

A wilderness area dotted with 

Samburu villages and traversed 

by elephant and other game. 

8 Funzi Keys 

A tiny island tucked in the 

mangroves with white sandy 

beaches and offshore reefs 

excellent for snorkelling. 

Topi in the Masai Mara 

Find out more 


information about travel in Kenya, please 

see page 105. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Kenya 


Lunch in the Mara 

Kenya 93

Elephants in Governors' Camp 

Little Governors' Camp 

Masai Mara National Reserve 

The Masai Mara National Reserve covers an area 

of 1,800 square kilometres and is Africa’s most 

famous wildlife area. The fertile grasslands, 

dominated by russet oat grass, are rich feeding 

grounds and each year millions of wildebeest and 

thousands of zebra, Thomson’s and Grant’s 

gazelle, eland and impala swarm into the area. 

Elephant stroll across the savannah, trunks curling 

to sniff the wind. Vast prides of lion stalk grazing 

herds, and hyena lurk behind them hoping to 

snatch a tasty morsel. Male topi stand sentry on 

termite mounds, keeping a watchful eye for 

predators, and pods of hippo grunt and snort in 

the rivers. By night, leopard stalk the silvery 

plains and the shrieks of startled baboons echo 

through the camps. 

94 

LITTLE GOVERNORS’ CAMP, 

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE 

Little Governors’ has 17 tents set on the edge of 

a natural wetland. For birders and wildlife lovers, 

the camp is paradise. Animals flood in from the 

surrounding area to take advantage of the water, 

and tiny malachite kingfishers hover on the reeds 

around the waterhole. Elephants are regular 

visitors to camp, and it’s not unusual for meals to 

be delayed while they pass through. Activities 

from Little Governors’ focus on game drives, but 

it’s also the base for early morning hot air balloon 

flights. Taking off at dawn and ending with a 

champagne breakfast, these are a particularly 

special treat. 

IL MORAN, MASAI MARA 

NATIONAL RESERVE 

Il Moran is one of the most luxurious options in 

the Mara. Set along the banks of the Mara River 

in the shade of the riverine forest, ten large and 

comfortable tents are made of sand-coloured 

canvas, with carved wooden beds, rugs on the 

floor and en suite bathrooms with traditional 

roll-top baths. Game viewing in the area is 

spectacular, so the camp includes three game 

drives each day, and can also arrange walking 

safaris in a private reserve outside the park gates. 

GOVERNORS’ CAMP, MASAI MARA 


Governors’ was one of the first safari camps in 

the Masai Mara, and had the pick of the locations. 

The camp is right in the heart of the Musiara area, 

home to the legendary Marsh Pride of lions. The 

Big Cat Diaries team are based nearby and 

sightings of all three big cats are regular. To take 

advantage of this, Governors’ offer three game 

drives per day, although it’s not unusual to find 

the game coming to you. Governors’ has 38 tents, 

half of which overlook the Mara River and the 

other half the plains. With long-standing staff and 

a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, this camp will 

suit couples and families alike. 

Il Moran

Leopard in the morning sun 

A guided bushwalk from Kicheche 

Cheetah on a termite mound 

Zebra on the grasslands 

Naibor Camp 

NAIBOR CAMP, MASAI MARA 


Naibor Camp sits in the heart of the Mara on 

a meander of the Talek River. The seven cream 

canvas tents are light, airy and spacious. The 

sides of the tents can be rolled up to let the 

breezes in, and the soft, muted colours of the 

fabrics echo the bush outside. The central mess 

of the camp houses both dining and sitting areas, 

and a handful of canvas safari chairs are perched 

on the bank, overlooking the resident pod of 

hippos. This is the perfect spot for a cool drink 

before lunch, listening to the hippos as they hiss 

and splutter in the water. Activities from Naibor 

include game drives guided by Maasai guides 

and walking safaris. 

KICHECHE BUSH CAMP, MASAI 

MARA NATIONAL RESERVE 

Located in the Olare Orok conservancy, one of 

the quietest and most remote areas of the park, 

Kicheche Bush Camp offers safari as it should be. 

There are just six traditional safari tents, all spread 

well apart from each other. The soft khakis, 

greens and creams of the camp ensure that it 

blends effortlessly into the bush, so you’ll hardly 

notice it until you’re upon it. The wildlife is free to 

come and go through the camp and eagles soar 

in the skies above. Game drives are in open safari 

vehicles and walks are also possible. For less 

energetic moments, there is a mess area with 

comfy chairs and a hammock outside each tent. 

Kicheche Bush Camp 

Karen Blixen Camp 

KAREN BLIXEN CAMP, GREATER 

MARA CONSERVATION AREA 

Karen Blixen Camp is one of the newer camps 

in the Mara, but it is quickly establishing itself as a 

firm favourite. It has one of the prettiest locations 

of any of the Masai Mara camps, on a bend of the 

Mara River. A resident pod of hippos floats on 

the water’s surface, impala graze the nearby 

grasslands, and elephant are regular visitors to 

the opposite banks. There are 19 luxury tents set 

along the riverfront, with a further three raised up 

on stilts behind. The tents themselves are very 

comfortable, with polished wooden floors, rugs 

and en suite bathrooms. This is an ideal option 

for first-time safari-goers, with all of the adventure 

and romance of sleeping under canvas, but a few 

creature comforts too. 

www.audleytravel.com/kenya ● 01993 838 510 ● Kenya 95

Hot air balloon safaris 

Early morning balloon flight 

Ballooning over the Mara 

A wonderful way to see the Mara is on a hot 

air balloon safari. Floating in a balloon above 

the plains gives you a totally different 

perspective on the park. You can see birds 

roosting in the tops of trees, giraffe hiding 

under the forest canopy and the backs of 

hippo pods and crocodiles in the snaking 

rivers. As you balloon at sunrise you see the 

mist rising from the plains and light spreading 

over the park. Dawn in the Mara is one of 

the most beautiful sights in Africa. 

The flight 

You will be woken before dawn (usually 

around 4am) and taken from your camp to 

the hot air ballooning starting point at Little 

Governors’ Camp. On arrival at the site you 

can enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the 

balloons inflating. When they are ready you 

clamber into the basket and your pilot will give 

you a short briefing. Then, as the sun rises, so 

does your balloon. The direction you take will 

depend on the wind and you may float over 

forest, plains or rivers. Your pilot will point 

Topi 

out the game below and there are ample 

opportunities for photography. After around 

an hour you will land on the plains, possibly 

with a bump and certainly ready for breakfast. 

View from the basket 

Champagne breakfast 

On landing, breakfast will be set up and 

served for you in the middle of the Mara. 

You can enjoy a glass of champagne whilst 

the table is laid and sausages cooked for you. 

Sitting on a camp stool, tucking into breakfast 

and watching the birds soar overhead is a 

magical experience. After breakfast you climb 

into your safari vehicle and enjoy a game 

drive back to camp. 

96

Lake Nakuru 

Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha 

& Lake Victoria 

One of the three permanent lakes in the Rift 

Valley, Lake Naivasha’s shores are surrounded 

by flower farms, old colonial properties and small 

villages of clay and thatch houses. The birdlife 

is beautiful and includes fish eagles, ospreys, lilytrotters 

and black crakes. With a number of 

animals grazing by the shores, it is an ideal place 

to relax for a few days. 

A few miles further north (and within easy reach 

for a day trip from Naivasha) is Lake Nakuru. 

The first thing you will see when approaching 

the lake is a roseate cloud along the shoreline. 

As you draw near, the pink mass turns and forms 

the shape of millions of flamingos. This is one of 

the iconic sights of East Africa and a spectacle 

of immense beauty. A game reserve has been 

created around the lake where black rhino are 

protected and can be seen along with many 

antelope, giraffe, lion and hyena. 

Lake Victoria is the second largest body of 

freshwater in the world. Although only a tiny 

percentage of the lake is located in Kenya, there 

are a number of islands scattered throughout the 

waters. Easily accessible from the Mara, it is also a 

wonderful place to relax before or after a safari. 

Other activities include trips to local villages and 

nearby islands and excellent birdwatching. 

Rhino in Nakuru National Park 

LOLDIA HOUSE, LAKE NAIVASHA 

A few days at Loldia is the perfect way to start or 

end any safari. The house retains the colonial feel 

of its original occupants, early Kenya settlers who 

travelled all the way from South Africa by ox-cart. 

Life here continues in many ways as they lived it, 

with drinks in the drawing room before dinner and 

afternoon tea served on the lawns overlooking the 

water. With a charming host in Peter Njoroge, 

Loldia makes an excellent base for exploring Lake 

Nakuru National Park, taking gentle game walks 

and visiting the nearby farm and school. 

MFANGANO ISLAND LODGE, 

MFANGANO ISLAND, LAKE VICTORIA 

Mfangano Island is a peaceful hideaway on Lake 

Victoria among fishing villages, beautiful birdlife 

and large fish in the waters. Mfangano Island 

Lodge blends perfectly with its environment, 

with massive fig trees growing up around the 

rooms and even through them in some cases. 

Dinners are always special, with lake fish – caught 

that day – served on a table by the shore or on 

the jetty, lit by lanterns. 

Mfangano Island Lodge 

Loldia House 

Waterbuck 


Game drive in the Lewa Conservancy 

Laikipia Plateau 

Stretching over a vast area from the foothills of 

Mount Kenya to the shores of Lake Baringo, the 

Laikipia Plateau is one of Kenya’s lesser-known 

wildlife areas, yet it harbours more endangered 

species than anywhere else in East Africa. This is 

the place to see Grevy’s zebra, sitatunga, Jackson’s 

hartebeest and wild dog. Many northern species 

are found, including reticulated giraffe, Somali 

ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk. There are large 

elephant populations, thriving lion, leopard and 

cheetah and numerous impala and gazelle. The 

land on the plateau is divided into huge ranches, 

most of which are devoted to wildlife 

conservation. The large conservancies of Lewa, 

Ol Pejeta and Lekurruki have all been 

instrumental in research and education on this 

vital subject, and as a guest you can learn about 

the ongoing projects. Far from the beaten track, 

they are also ideal for those looking to relax in 

View from a room at Sabuk 

98 

Lewa Safari Camp 

total wilderness. You might track elephant on 

foot, ride a camel across rugged plains or watch 

the sunset from the top of a kopje. The game is 

wild and unfettered and the earth is brick-red, 

stretching as far as the eye can see. 

SABUK LODGE, EWASO 

NG’IRO RIVER 

Sabuk Lodge is perched above a gorge where 

the Ewaso Ng’iro thunders through the rocks. 

There are seven stone and thatch cottages, with 

open air baths and views across the gorge. The 

service is excellent and the atmosphere friendly 

and relaxed. The game, including greater kudu, 

reticulated giraffe, klipspringer, eland, lion and 

leopard, make for rewarding drives and walks. 

As you are in the heart of Samburu country, 

guides are often from local villages and can 

teach you about their culture as well as leading 

you on camel safaris. 

WILDERNESS TRAILS & 

LEWA SAFARI CAMP, LEWA 

WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY 

Wilderness Trails is a charming homestead run 

by Will and Emma Craig, whose family started the 

conservancy. There are eight pretty cottages, each 

spacious and comfortable. The food is particularly 

good with organic home grown fruit and 

vegetables. Not far away, the neighbouring camp 

Lewa Safari Camp has 12 tents overlooking a 

floodlit waterhole favoured by elephants and both 

black and white rhino. Both camps offer game 

drives, night drives and walks with the Samburu. 

Giraffe in front of Lewa Safari Camp

The starbeds at Loisaba 

Giraffe 

Camel safari 

LOISABA WILDERNESS, 

LAIKIPIA PLATEAU 

Loisaba Wilderness has a collection of little 

cottages perched on the edge of an escarpment 

with fabulous views of the bush and Mount 

Kenya. Its rooms are very comfortable and there 

is a lovely pool tucked into a sunny courtyard, as 

well as a tiny spa. During the day you’ll sometimes 

see kudu families coming into the gardens to eat 

the plants and even take a quick drink from the 

pool. Other activities include game drives, 

walking safaris and horseriding. 

LOISABA STARBEDS, 

LAIKIPIA PLATEAU 

The Loisaba Starbeds are two camps run by the 

local Koija community. Each camp has a simple 

communal dining area and three Starbeds, which 

are four-poster double beds placed on halfthatched, 

raised platforms. Each night the beds 

are wheeled out so that you can sleep under the 

night sky. Drifting off, you listen to the sound of 

elephants in the nearby dam or the gentle chatter 

of your Samburu hosts. Waking, you are greeted 

by an African sunrise like no other. 

Kicheche Laikipia Camp 

KICHECHE LAIKIPIA, OL PEJETA 

CONSERVANCY 

Kicheche Laikipia is a new camp in the Ol Pejeta 

Conservancy. This area of Kenya is one of the 

few places where all of the big five can be seen 

in one place and the excellent guiding team are 

on hand to help you spot most, if not all, of them. 

Day and night game drives take visitors across 

the conservancy, and for the adventurous, there’s 

also the chance of an early morning walk. At the 

end of a rewarding day in the bush, there are six 

luxury safari tents to return to. A campfire is lit in 

front of the mess, and guests recount the day’s 

adventures as the moon moves across the sky. 

Loisaba 


Walking safaris in the Karisia Hills 

Tracking elephant on foot 

For those wanting to get out of a vehicle and 

into their walking boots, a three to five day 

walking safari in the Karisia Hills in Northern 

Kenya might appeal. Easily tailored to fit into 

a trip around the country, these offer a 

contrast to more traditional safaris and are a 

good way to see big game as well as 

examining all the smaller animals and birds. 

Walking through the bush, you’ll spot the signs 

that a leopard has recently passed by or learn 

to identify a dik-dik’s territory. Herds of 

frightened guinea-fowl scatter amongst the 

thorn bushes, and giraffe canter gently away 

from unexpected visitors. 

Guides & camp staff 

The walking safaris we recommend are lead 

by Kerry Glen who grew up in Africa and is 

now raising her own family in the bush. She is 

accompanied by a team of guides and camel 

handlers, all of whom were raised in Northern 

Kenya. One of the great characters of the team 

is Shillingi, a Maasai elder. In the past he hunted 

elephants on foot with a bow and arrow, and 

now uses these skills as a formidable tracker. 

Whilst many of the camel handlers and camp 

crew don’t speak English or Swahili they’ll 

always be delighted to show you a bird that 

has perched on a nearby bush or play (and 

win) a game of football when in camp. 

Sleeping tent 

A Karisia walking safari 

The pack camels 

A day on a walking safari 

Each safari starts with a briefing from Kerry or 

head guide Gabriel. You then head off on foot 

following the guide and five or six pack camels. 

Spending a morning walking is thirsty work, 

and there are stops under shady acacias for 

drinks. You’ll reach camp around lunchtime to 

find tents set up by an advance camp crew. 

After a meal and a snooze you’ll set off on an 

afternoon walk. More often than not you’ll 

climb a kopje and settle down with delicious 

‘bitings’, a cool drink and all of Africa spread 

out below you. After the sunset you amble 

back to camp for a hot bucket shower, 

dinner under the stars and a well earned 

sleep in your tent. 

Accommodation on a walking safari 

Accommodation is in small dome tents, large 

enough for a double mattress, blankets and 

pillows. Torches and drinking water are 

supplied. The tents have netting at the front 

so when you wake up, you can see the sun 

spreading across the sky. Bucket showers and 

toilets are to the rear of camp. Meals are 

taken in a central mess area, with comfortable 

canvas safari chairs. There is always a campfire 

at night. Each day the crew packs up the camp 

and puts it on the backs of the camels who 

carry it to the next spot. 

100

Samburu girls at a village near to Sasaab 

Mongoose Gazelle in Samburu Elsa’s Kopje 

Samburu National Reserve 

The Samburu Reserve stretches stark and rugged 

towards the Chalbi desert. The country here is 

empty and wild, a place of baked brown earth 

and parched vegetation. The silence is almost 

eerie and at first you might think this an empty 

landscape. Stay for a while, however, and you will 

find yourself in one of Kenya’s most rewarding 

reserves. Running through Samburu, the Ewaso 

Ng’iro River is surrounded by a permanent ribbon 

of green, with tamarinds, doum palms and acacia 

providing respite from the sweltering sun. 

Elephant, buffalo and waterbuck frequent the 

woodland, impala herds graze under the trees 

and Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe 

and gerenuk can all be found. Lion, leopard and 

cheetah are never far away while up above, 

martial eagles, bateleurs and pygmy falcons 

patrol the skies. 

SaSaab 

Gerenuk browsing 

SASAAB, SAMBURU 


SaSaab is situated just outside the park on 

Samburu community land. It sits on a high rocky 

ridge above the Ewaso Ng’iro River and has 

views extending to Mount Kenya on a clear day. 

Accommodation is in nine luxurious Moroccan 

tents set under makuti thatch roofs. Each has a 

bedroom, lounge area, en suite bathroom and 

private plunge pool on the outside deck. Activities 

include day and night drives, walking safaris, camel 

treks and cultural visits to the local communities. 

Meru National Park 

Meru National Park is one of Kenya’s least known 

reserves. A few may know of it as the home of 

Joy Adamson and her lioness, Elsa, but otherwise 

it remains relatively unheard of. With thirteen 

rivers running through the park the game viewing 

is excellent, and yet visitors largely have the park 

to themselves. Game in the park includes buffalo, 

elephant, rhino, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, 

lesser kudu and gerenuk. Prides of lion snooze 

beneath trees, tiny dik-diks scamper amongst the 

acacia thorns and bataleur eagles float on 

thermals in the sky. The baboons and vervet 

monkeys are a delight and the river is a sanctuary 

for hippos and crocodiles. 

ELSA’S KOPJE, MERU 

NATIONAL PARK 

Elsa’s Kopje sits high on a hilltop overlooking 

Meru National Park. It was named for Elsa the 

lioness, and even now it is possible to lie in bed 

at night and hear lions roaring across the park. 

There are ten stone and thatch cottages, each 

slightly different, but all open-fronted to take 

advantage of the stunning views. The pool is 

the real highlight of a stay at Elsa’s and guests 

can sit for hours with a cold drink, watching the 

sun go down and the eagles glide over the 

landscape below. 


Dhows on a Kenyan beach 

Kenya’s beaches 

Kenya has an idyllic coastline, with miles of soft 

white sand fringed by palm trees giving way to 

aquamarine seas. Small fishing villages bask in 

the sun, nets hang to dry on bleached sticks 

alongside huts tucked under cashew nut trees. 

There are beaches backed by tall dunes into 

which green turtles clamber to nest, and the 

many offshore marine parks protect long coral 

reefs. A short distance from the coast there are 

a number of beautiful archipelagos; Lamu with 

its dhows and donkeys, Funzi with mangrove 

channels and sand banks and Kiwayu with miles 

of deserted sand. With temperatures averaging 

28C and around eight hours of sunshine a day, 

it is easy to see why Kenya’s beaches have 

become so popular. 

Market in Lamu Town 

Picnic at Funzi Keys 

Swahili dining 

102 

Picnic on Manda Island

Dhows of the Lamu archipelago 

The Lamu Archipelago 

The Lamu archipelago lies a few miles off the 

coast of Northern Kenya. Transport is by donkey 

or on foot, beaches are deserted and the most 

common sounds are the wind in the grass or the 

creak of a dhow. There are two main islands in 

the archipelago, Lamu and Manda. Sprinkled 

about these in the turquoise sea are tiny coral 

atolls and white sandbanks, while below the 

surface are coral reefs rich with vibrant life. Most 

visitors to the archipelago base themselves on 

Lamu. At 16 kilometres long and seven kilometres 

wide, it resembles a miniature version of Zanzibar 

but is much quieter. On the northeast coast, the 

magnificent Swahili settlement of Lamu Town is a 

UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venturing further 

afield you will find a 12-kilometre beach on the 

south coast and the pretty fishing village of Shela. 

A short boat ride away, Manda Island is quieter 

still, with beaches just made for picnics, barbecues 

and relaxing in the sun. 

The pool at Peponi 

Lamu chef 

PEPONI HOTEL, SHELA, 

LAMU ISLAND 

Peponi is a family-run hotel on the fringes of 

Shela Village. Owned and run by the Korschen 

family since 1967, and having once been a house, 

it has a warm established feel. Peponi overlooks 

the Lamu Channel and the 24 rooms either have 

sea views or look onto the gardens, bursting with 

flowers. There is a small pool in the shade of two 

baobab trees and a lovely sandy beach. Peponi is 

renowned for its excellent cuisine, with seafood a 

speciality. Lobster, giant prawns and fresh rock 

oysters are frequently on the menu. 

MANDA BAY, MANDA ISLAND 

Manda Bay is an exclusive hideaway tucked into 

the shady vegetation on Manda Island. There are 

ten rustic chalets, each with a large bedroom and 

bathroom and decorated with bright East African 

fabrics. Although the lodge is remote and only 

accessible by boat, there is plenty to keep you 

occupied. Sail to Lamu town to explore, dive and 

waterski or set off to Manda Toto Island for a 

day of swimming and snorkelling with a large 

picnic lunch. 

The pool at Manda Bay 

Manda Bay 


Diani Beach 

Funzi Island 

Funzi is an unspoilt island at the tip of Kenya’s 

south coast. Though only a 15 minute flight from 

Mombasa it may as well be in another world. 

Arriving by air you see turquoise waters, slivers of 

white sand and dense tropical vegetation. Dhows 

sail on the waves and underneath the surface, a 

marine park harbours numerous coral reefs. Once 

on the ground, a grass runway has small paths 

winding into the trees. A wooden walkway leads 

onto the island, for there are no roads here. With 

one exclusive lodge and no neighbours for miles 

around, this is as remote a beach destination as 

you’ll find anywhere. 

Funzi Keys 

104 

The pool at Funzi Keys 

View from a Funzi Keys chalet 

FUNZI KEYS, FUNZI ISLAND 

On the southern tip of Funzi Island, Funzi Keys 

faces onto a small sandy beach and is one of the 

most exclusive hideaways on the coast. The 

rooms are very private and have four-poster 

beds, fine linen and a Jacuzzi. A 50 metre pool is 

set amongst the mangroves and surrounded by 

sunloungers and beanbags, the ideal spot to relax 

during a hot afternoon. The owner Alessandro 

prides himself on the cuisine which includes 

everything from Swahili dishes to sushi. There are 

lots of activities on offer including snorkelling, 

sailing and trips to sandbanks for picnic lunches. 

Diani Beach, Kenya Coast 

Diani Beach is a popular beach on Kenya’s south 

coast. It has a long stretch of white sand fringed 

by palms and other indigenous bush. Although 

there are a number of hotels, private homes, 

shops and restaurants here, most of them are 

low-rise and set in large properties with gardens 

and trees. There is still a nice sense of nature, 

the atmosphere is relaxed so you can walk along 

the sand without meeting too many people. 

ASHA COTTAGE, DIANI BEACH 

Asha Cottage is a pretty family-run guesthouse. 

John and Dominique have five rooms with 

white-washed walls, tiled floors and traditional 

Swahili furniture. The rooms look out onto the 

pool, set in tropical gardens. Cuisine is excellent 

with chef Kennedy deciding on the menu only 

once he knows what the day’s catch is. With a 

relaxed atmosphere, this property is particularly 

well suited to families. 

Asha Cottage





work particularly well. We can use these as a basis 



Masai Mara 

National Reserve 

Laikipia Plateau 

Nairobi 

KENYA 

Lamu 

Masai Mara 

National Reserve 

Nairobi 

KENYA 

Please call one of our Kenya specialists to start 


Telephone: 01993 838 510 

TANZANIA 

TANZANIA 


Zanzibar 

Many safari companies drive their guests around 

Kenya in Land Rovers or mini-buses. We feel that 

this limits which camps you can reach and as 

roads are pot-holed, journeys can be long and 

uncomfortable. There also tend to be stops at 

strategically placed curio shops. We prefer to fly 

our travellers around the country making use of 

the extensive and reasonably priced flight network. 

Flights land at small airstrips in the heart of parks 

where we will have your guide waiting, ready to 

drive you to camp. The flight network extends to 

the coast with regular flights to Lamu, Diani Beach 

and Funzi Island. As flying is much quicker than 

driving, the focus of your holiday will be on game 

viewing, meeting local communities and relaxing, 

rather than on travelling. 

When to go 


✓ ✓ ✓ ~ ~ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 





Kenya is a dry country with 75% of its area classed 

as arid or semi-arid. The climate can be divided 

into two belts. ‘Inland’ Kenya (including the Rift 

Valley and Central Highlands) has an idyllic climate 

with daytime temperatures averaging 20C and 

cooler nights. The short rains fall from October to 

December and the long rains from March to May. 

The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round, 

with daytime temperatures ranging from 26C to 

32C and 70% humidity. However, the heat is 

pleasantly tempered by the monsoon winds. 

Due to its temperate climate, Kenya can be 

enjoyed nearly all year round, the only period to 

avoid being the long rains from the middle of 

March to the end of May. 



Prices 



for your trip to Kenya on our website, alternatively 

please call our specialists to discuss your plans. 

Classic Kenya 

Classic Kenya is a comprehensive trip around the 

country exploring the wild north, game-rich Masai 

Mara and exotic Lamu archipelago. In the north 

we’ve chosen Sabuk Lodge, perched on a rocky 

kopje. This area receives few visitors and the focus 

is on walking, camel trekking and meeting Samburu 

communities. In the Mara we suggest Little 

Governors’ Camp, situated on a wetland that 

attracts elephant and buffalo throughout the day. 

The trip ends with five nights of relaxation on the 

beaches of Lamu Island. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Days 3-5 

Days 6-9 


Arrive in Nairobi for one night at 

Giraffe Manor. 

Fly to the Laikipia Plateau for three 

nights at Sabuk. Explore on game 

drives, visit Samburu villages and 

enjoy walking safaris. 

Fly to the Masai Mara for four nights 

at Little Governors’ Camp. Explore 

the Mara on game drives and 


Days 10-14 Fly to Lamu for five nights at Peponi 

Hotel. Explore Lamu on foot, enjoy 

dhow trips and relax beside the pool 


Day 15 

Day 16 

Fly to Nairobi and on to the UK 

overnight. 



Stay longer 

Instead of ending your trip on Lamu Island, fly to 

the Seychelles for a week. Mahé is a three hour 

flight from Nairobi, making it easy to combine the 

two countries. With luxury hotels and some of the 

world’s most iconic beaches, the Seychelles is a 

breathtaking end to a wild safari. 

Kenya & Zanzibar Explorer 

This relaxing trip combines two areas; a safari in 

Kenya’s Masai Mara followed by a week on 

Zanzibar’s palm-fringed Bwejuu Beach. Naibor 

Camp is located above the Talek River in the 

Mara. There is a noisy pod of hippos in the water 

and morning and afternoon game drives explore 

the surrounding plains, rich with game. After early 

morning starts on safari, Zanzibar’s Echo Beach 

Hotel is the perfect antidote. Enjoy a lie-in 

followed by a breakfast of tropical fruit before 

setting out on relaxed snorkel trips from a 

traditional dhow. 

Day 1 

Days 2-5 

Day 6 

Days 7-12 

Day 13 

Day 14 


Arrive in Nairobi. Fly to the Masai 

Mara for four nights at Naibor Camp. 

Explore the Mara on game drives and 


Fly to Nairobi for one night. 

Fly to Zanzibar for six nights at Echo 

Beach. Swim, snorkel and relax 

beside the pool or on the beach. 

Fly to Nairobi and on to the UK 

overnight. 



Stay longer 

Before flying into the Masai Mara, stay at Lake 

Naivasha for a few days at the start of your trip. 

Naivasha is a scenic three hour drive from Nairobi. 

Stay at a converted colonial house on the shores 

of the lake and enjoy game drives, walks and trips 

to Lake Nakuru National Park.. 

Young lion in the Masai Mara 

Children's activities at SaSaab 


Uganda 

Uganda is a land of diversity, 

with lush forests echoing with 

the hoots of chimpanzees, open 

savannah plains, vast tea plantations 

and the steep-sided Rwenzori 

Mountains. It offers the opportunity 

to come face to face with a mountain 

gorilla in the Bwindi Impenetrable 

Forest and boasts some of the most 

diverse and abundant birdlife in the 

continent, including the rare shoebill 

stork. Although the wildlife was 

heavily poached during Idi Amin’s 

era, the national parks and reserves 

are now providing an important 

sanctuary for ever-increasing 

populations of game, including 

elephant, buffalo, lion, and even 

leopard. If you think Africa has no 

surprises left for you, Uganda may 

well prove you wrong. 

Tree climbing lion in Queen Elizabeth National Park 

4 

Batwa man in Ntandi village 

1 Bwindi Impenetrable 

Forest 

This montane forest is home 

to the mountain gorilla. 

3 Queen Elizabeth 

National Park 

The main area for a traditional 

safari with populations of lion, 

elephant, buffalo and more. 

4 Murchison Falls 

Dramatic waterfalls where 

the River Nile is forced 

through a narrow gap in the 

Great Rift Valley. 

3 

5 

2 

6 

2 Kibale Forest 

One of the best places in Africa 

to see chimpanzees in their 

natural habitat. 

Boats on the Nile River 

5 Semliki Game Reserve 

One of the best places in East 

Africa to see the shoebill stork. 

1 

106 

Ankole cattle by the roadside 

6 Jinja 

The source of the River Nile, 

and Uganda’s adventure capital 

with white water-rafting and 

mountain biking trips.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

One of the most biologically diverse forests in 

Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to 

Uganda’s largest population of mountain gorilla 

and is understandably a highlight of any trip to 

the country. Dense rainforest mixed with bamboo 

and nettles covers the steep ridges of the hills 

and valleys in this national park which forms the 

eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. The trek 

to reach the gorillas is challenging and can take as 

long as five hours. However, your first glimpse of 

a gorilla is unforgettable and easily ranks as one of 

the world’s greatest wildlife experiences. Whilst 

here, keep your eyes peeled for black and white 

colobus monkeys whose fluffy tails stand out 

against the dark green canopy. 

Queen Elizabeth 

National Park 

The Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated in 

the west of Uganda and has savannah plains 

interspersed with euphorbia candelabra. Hippos 

line the Ishasha River and lions can be found 

lounging in the low boughs of the fig trees in the 

southern plains. Further north, the Kasenyi Track 

is home to a wide variety of antelope including 

Uganda kob, bushbuck, reedbuck and topi. 

Elephant and buffalo are prevalent throughout, 

and the shores of the Kazinga Channel linking 

Lake Edward and Lake George are lined with fish 

eagles, pied kingfishers and African skimmers. 

More than 600 species of bird can be found here, 

and for those keen to explore on foot, the 

Maramagambo Forest is a real highlight. 

Shoebill stork 

Kibale Forest 

Kibale Forest National Park has dense and diverse 

vegetation which provides food and sanctuary for 

13 species of primate. It is an excellent park for 

exploration on foot as paths lead deep into the 

forest. It is one of the best places in Africa to 

search for chimpanzees in their natural habitat, 

as well as blue monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey and 

grey-cheeked mangabey. Nearby, the Bigodi 

wetlands are a birder’s paradise, boasting a 

colourful array of marsh-dwelling birds and clouds 

of butterflies. Kibale is also surrounded by dozens 

of pretty crater lakes, which offer superb walking 

opportunities for the more active traveller, as well 

as tea plantations which blanket the countryside 

in verdant greens. 

Audley in Uganda 

All our tours to Uganda are private, giving 

you the flexibility to set the pace of your 

safari here. A driver-guide and 4x4 vehicle 

will stay with you throughout your trip, 

allowing you to stop to explore a busy fruit 

market, take a photograph or introduce 

yourselves to the local people. Most roads 

are unpaved and travelling times depend on 

the weather, so a relaxed attitude is 

important. The scenery is ever-changing, 

making the travel from place to place a 

fascinating journey in itself. The majority of 

the national parks are located in the 

southwestern sector of Uganda, and we 

tailor trips to form a circuit so you will 

never retrace your steps. 

Accommodation 

The majority of accomodation in Uganda is 

in small lodges and safari camps in or near 

the national parks. In Entebbe and Kampala, 

however, we use a range of small 

guesthouses and larger international-style 

hotels. Visitors should bear in mind that 

tourism is still relatively new to Uganda, so 

there is not always a great choice of 

accommodation in each area, and standards 

of service and food are usually good but not 

exceptional, even in the more luxurious 

properties. We have hand picked a selection 

of properties where the staff are always 

friendly and eager to please. They may not 

anticipate your needs in the same way as 

elsewhere in Africa but if you do need 

something, just ask and they will gladly help. 

Gorilla eating a nettle 

Uganda kob in Queen Elizabeth National Park 

Find out more 


information about travel in Uganda, please 

see our website. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Uganda 


Uganda 107

Gorilla tracking 

Young gorilla eating a nettle 

There are only 700 mountain gorillas remaining 

on earth. The majority live in the Virunga 

Mountains that straddle Rwanda, Uganda and 

the Democratic Republic of Congo whilst a 

smaller number live in the Bwindi Impenetrable 

Forest of Uganda. Hunted and pushed out of 

their dwindling habitat, the montane forest is 

now heavily protected. Most of the 700 

individuals live a wild existence, far from human 

reach. However, a handful of groups have been 

habituated and can be tracked and observed by 

small numbers of visitors under the watchful 

eyes of park scouts. 

Tracking mountain gorillas is one of Africa’s 

greatest wildlife adventures. After scrambling up 

muddy paths and crawling through vegetation 

tunnels, the first sight of a mountain gorilla takes 

your breath away. They observe you from nests 

in the misty trees and you realise that you are 

now guests in their world. Crouching low in the 

dripping vegetation, you can watch silverbacks 

crunching on wild celery and nettles, youngsters 

chasing each other around clearings, and babies 

leaping from low branches before being 

scooped up by their mothers. Looking deep into 

the eyes of a gorilla sends a shiver down your 

spine, an experience you will never forget. 

Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

Permits 

Permits must be obtained to visit the gorillas 

and, as only eight are granted per gorilla group 

each day, they are extremely limited. We will 

secure permits for you as far in advance as 

possible and at least four months before you 

intend to travel. The permits currently cost 

around US$500 per person, which entitles 

you to one hour with the mountain gorillas. 

This money goes towards conservation of the 

habitat, anti-poaching efforts and education of 

the local communities. 

Trekking and clothing 

Gorillas live in montane forest and treks to see 

them are at altitude and pass through varied 

vegetation and terrain. You will need a 

reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to 

clamber up muddy slopes and through thick 

growth. When setting out you should expect 

to get muddy and rained on, so a waterproof 

jacket is essential. The exertion will keep you 

warm, so layers are best. We have found it a 

good idea to wear long trousers to protect 

your legs against nettles, and a T-shirt with a 

long-sleeved shirt over the top. A waterproofed 

daypack is essential for your camera, water 

bottle and snacks. For a small fee, porters can 

be hired to carry your daypack and help you 

up the steeper slopes. 

Rwanda or Uganda? 

There are two main locations in which to view 

the mountain gorillas, the Volcanoes National 

Park in Rwanda or the Bwindi Impenetrable 

Forest in Uganda. In each place, a number of 

groups are habituated but the experience does 

differ significantly. Here is a guide to each, to 

help you select where you would like to go in 

order to see these fabulous animals. 

108

Rwanda 

Rwanda is a much smaller country than Uganda, 

so lends itself better to a short trip in 

combination with a safari or beach stay 

elsewhere in East Africa. The Volcanoes 

National Park is only two hours’ drive on tarmac 

road from Kigali and the international airport. 

For one visit to the gorillas, you will need a 

minimum of two nights’ stay, and three nights 

would be ideal. Rwanda has more than twice 

the number of habituated mountain gorilla 

groups than Uganda and so permits are 

generally more easily available. 

Rwanda gorilla groups 

There are currently seven main groups that 

can be tracked in Rwanda; the Susa, Sabinyo, 

Amahoro, Umubano, Hirwa, Kwitonda and 

Group Thirteen. The groups vary in number 

from around 9 to 39 individuals and all currently 

have at least one silverback male. Of the seven 

groups, there are a couple that tend to be 

found on the saddle between Mount Sabyinyo 

Uganda 

Uganda is a larger country to explore than 

Rwanda, and it takes two long days of driving 

to reach the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from 

Entebbe, broken up with an overnight stay 

halfway at Lake Mburo. Once at Bwindi we 

would recommend three nights before 

continuing your safari around Uganda. 

Uganda gorilla groups 

There are four habituated gorilla groups in 

Bwindi and none tend to be found near to the 

park entrance. The groups are called the 

Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Nkuringo 

and range in size from 10 to 20 individuals, 

each with one or two silverbacks. The terrain 

in Bwindi means that you sometimes start your 

trek at the top of the hills, descend on foot into 

Breakfast at Sabyinyo 

and Mount Gahinga which is around a two hour 

walk from the park entrance. Whilst it is not 

possible to book a permit for a specific group, 

your chances of having a shorter walk are higher 

than in Uganda. Nothing is guaranteed though 

and you may find yourself tracking a group such 

as the Susa, first studied by Diane Fossey and 

often found on the slopes of Mount Visoke, a 

five hour hike away. 

Buhoma Lodge 

the valley to see the gorillas, and then climb up 

the slopes at the end of the day, which can be 

more arduous. In short, Uganda tends to be a 

harder option than Rwanda. 

SABYINYO SILVERBACK LODGE, 

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK 

This is our favourite lodge in Rwanda, and has 

eight cottages perched on the lower slopes of 

the mighty Sabyinyo Volcano. As this is a 

community lodge, your stay contributes directly 

to the local village’s health and education 

projects. With spectacular views over the chain 

of volcanoes, spacious cottages where fires are 

lit before your return from a day’s trekking, and 

hot baths to soak your weary limbs, this is a 

wonderful base from which to explore. 

Young gorilla 

BUHOMA LODGE, BWINDI 

IMPENETRABLE FOREST 

Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is 

a small, friendly lodge only five minutes’ walk 

from the park headquarters where you start 

your gorilla trekking. Built on the hillside, each 

of the eight cottages has a private balcony 

overlooking the forest canopy. This is a rustic 

and charming lodge with friendly staff, tasty 

home-cooked meals and stunning views. 

Gorillas in nests in the Virunga Mountains 

Gorilla in the Virunga Mountains 

Gorilla tracking 109

Rwanda 

Located in the heart of East Africa, 

Rwanda is one of the continent’s 

smallest and most beautiful countries. 

The main attraction is provided by 

the mountain gorillas in the Virunga 

Mountains but the country has so 

much more to offer. Rwanda’s scenery 

comprises rolling hills covered in a 

patchwork quilt of fields, the expanse 

of Lake Kivu and the lush montane 

vegetation of Nyungwe Forest. The 

horrors of the genocide in 1994 

affected every family and memorials 

are seen throughout the country, but 

the nation has repaired itself and is 

an astonishingly welcoming and 

friendly place to visit. The sense of 

community is overwhelming; on the 

monthly volunteering day, even the 

President helps to sweep the streets 

and clear litter, making Kigali one 

of Africa’s cleanest capital cities! 

Local boy at the Kings Palace 

1 

1 Volcanoes National Park 

Home to mountain gorillas and 

golden monkeys. 

2 Lake Kivu 

A beautiful lake whose sandy 

shores are perfect for relaxation 

after gorilla tracking. 

The outskirts of Kigali 

2 

4 

3 

Mountain gorilla 

3 Gisozi Genocide 

Memorial 

The museum in Kigali dedicated 

to the 1994 genocide. 

4 Nyungwe Forest 

Home to chimpanzees, black 

and white colobus monkeys and 

a profusion of birdlife. 

Village scenery between Kigali and Ruhengeri 

110

Volcanoes National Park 

The Volcanoes National Park protects the 

Rwandan side of the Virunga Mountains which 

stretch into Uganda and the Democratic Republic 

of Congo. The craggy peaks offer a dramatic 

backdrop to the surrounding farmland and are 

one of the most striking sights in East Africa. 

The rainforest which covers the slopes is home 

to around 300 mountain gorillas, as well as 

buffalo, forest elephant and several troops of 

golden monkey. Around half of the gorillas living 

in this ecosystem reside on the Rwandan side of 

the mountains and gorilla tracking here is one 

of the wildlife highlights of Africa. 

View of the Volcanoes National Park 

Lake Kivu 

Only two hours by road from the Volcanoes 

National Park is Rwanda’s largest body of water, 

Lake Kivu. Three towns lie along the lakeshore – 

Gisenyi to the North, Kibuye in the middle and 

Cyangugu to the South. The lake’s sandy shore 

stretches for miles, and is bordered by steepsided 

hills, making for some stunning scenery. 

Most people visit the lake for a couple of days 

of relaxation after gorilla tracking. It is possible to 

take boat trips out onto the lake and your guide 

can accompany you to explore one of the 

traditional, bustling Rwandan towns. 

Golden monkey in the Volcanoes National Park 

Nyungwe Forest 

Situated in the far south of Rwanda, Nyungwe 

Forest National Park protects one of Africa’s 

oldest forests. The dense vegetation is a refuge 

for thirteen species of primates including 

chimpanzees and L’Hoests monkeys. The birdlife 

is stunning, and with a little patience, many 

unusual forest species can be found here. 

Highlights include a sighting of the colourful blue 

turaco, and the eerie sound of the forest hornbill 

calling in the distance. 

Intore dancing at Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village 

Audley in Rwanda 

We operate completely private tours of 

Rwanda, tailoring them to your interests and 

timeframe. You are met at the airport by a 

driver-guide who will be with you for the 

duration of your stay and will take you from 

place to place in a 4x4, offering fascinating 

insights into Rwandan cultures and traditions. 

Because of the compact size of the country, 

it is easy to visit the main areas, including 

Kigali, the Volcanoes National Park and Lake 

Kivu, in a week-long trip. If time is limited it is 

possible to spend just a few nights in Rwanda 

to see the gorillas before heading on to 

Kenya for a safari or time on the beach. 

Our specialists have all tracked the gorillas, 

and are passionate about sharing this 

incredible experience with you. 

Accommodation 

Rwanda is still very much off the beaten 

track and it is important to recognise this 

when planning a trip here. The range of 

hotels is limited, and in some instances the 

only option is a simple guesthouse. At the 

Volcanoes National Park however, there are 

several options to choose from, ranging from 

basic camps to beautiful luxury lodges with 

sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes. 

Standards of service and food will vary, and 

visitors should bear in mind that although 

eager to please, hoteliers and staff in 

Rwanda may not have the same amount 

of experience as their counterparts 

elsewhere in Africa. 

Driving around Rwanda 

A tea plantation 

Find out more 


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Rwanda 111

Madagascar 

165 

million years ago, Madagascar 

broke free from Africa and 

drifted 400 kilometres out into the 

Mozambique Channel. Geological forces 

thrust up dramatic mountain ranges along 

the spine of an island a thousand miles long. 

Isolated from the rest of the world, wildlife 

evolved along its own distinct path; of 

Madagascar’s 200,000 species, more than 

80 percent are endemic. The most famous 

are the lemurs. This is the place to hear the 

eerie wail of the indri echo across misty 

rainforests, see sifakas leap across ochre earth 

and spot the outline of a bamboo lemur in 

the fork of a tree at night. Walks through 

the forests will reveal more than lemurs, 

however. Pushing past wild ginger ferns 

and over buttress roots, you will see a 

kaleidoscope of chameleons, frogs and 

butterflies. Birds screech in the trees and 

uncharted insects march through the leaf 

litter. Finally, Madagascar is surrounded 

by a halo of small islands. The beaches are 

long and sandy; small fishing villages are 

shaded by mango and breadfruit trees. Kick 

off your walking boots, lie back and watch 

the frigate birds soar overhead. 

112

Audley in Madagascar 

1 

7 

2 

3 

5 

6 

4 

There is no doubt that Madagascar’s 

infrastructure is a few years behind that of its 

African neighbours. Flights can be subject to 

delays, roads are rutted and accommodation 

in some areas can be extremely basic. Our 

Madagascar team is extremely experienced 

and, because it is a complex country to 

operate in, have spent years researching in 

the country, seeing all the possible 

accommodation options and finding ways 

around transport problems. We have 

carefully picked a team of guides with 

extensive knowledge and more than a bit of 

initiative. Provided a trip is planned carefully, 

Madagascar is a wonderful place in which to 

travel. You can revel in the colour and 

vibrancy of the villages and towns, wonder 

at the beauty of the rainforests, and laze on 

some of the pristine beaches. The country is 

not for everyone, but if you have a relaxed 

travelling attitude, it is hard not to fall in love 

with this beautiful island. 

Accommodation 

1 Anjajavy Nature Reserve 

A private reserve with deciduous 

forest and sandy beaches. Easily 

viewed lemurs and sifakas. 

9 

8 

4 Masoala National Park 

An extremely remote virgin 

rainforest dropping to deserted 

beaches. Abundant lemurs, 

chameleons and frogs. 

Accommodation in Madagascar is of a 

lower standard than on mainland Africa. 

There are no luxurious lodges, large 

operators or hotel chains. We love this, as 

it means that there is a wonderful array of 

places to stay, each different from the next. 

In the rainforest there are small camps where 

chickens cluck around the garden and their 

eggs are collected for breakfast. In villages 

and towns you can stay in old colonial 

homesteads, and on the coast you can 

choose from tiny guesthouses or boutique 

hotels. While the standards of comfort may 

vary, food is generally good. Madagascar has 

a high standard of cuisine that blends 

Malagasy, French and Asian influences. 

Zebu steaks are a speciality, as are prawns, 

crab and fresh fish. 

5 

Nosy Mangabe 

Female panther chameleon 

2 Nosy Komba 

An idyllic island off the 

northern tip of Madagascar. 

Ideal for relaxation, snorkelling 

and swimming. 

3 Amber Mountain 

National Park 

Dense rainforest with abundant 

lemurs, chameleons and frogs. 

A small island with dense 

rainforest, home to the aye-aye. 

6 Ile Sainte Marie 

A colourful and vibrant island 

with white sandy beaches. 

Perfect for relaxing and whale 

watching in season. 

Mantella frog 

Local girl 

7 Andasibe National Park 

Home to the indri as well as 

other easily viewed lemurs 

and chameleons. 

8 Ifotaka Forest 

The sacred forest of the 

Antandroy people with a number 

of tombs hidden in the trees. 

9 Isalo National Park 

A beautiful park encompassing 

vast savannahs and sandstone 

cliffs. Excellent for hiking. 

Find out more 


information about travel in Madagascar, 

please see page 127. 

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Madagascar 113

Dusk in Antananarivo 

Mouse lemur in Andasibe 

Brown lemur in Andasibe National Park 

Andasibe National Park 

Andasibe, also known as Perinet, covers an area 

of montane rainforest at altitudes between 930 

metres and 1,040 metres. It is the best park in 

which to see the indri, the largest lemur, with two 

of the 62 resident groups having been habituated. 

There are eight other species of lemur in 

Andasibe and the most commonly seen include 

the grey bamboo lemur, brown lemur and woolly 

lemur. Nocturnal walks are excellent for sightings 

of mouse lemurs and the greater dwarf lemur. 

There are some wonderful chameleons in the 

reserve including the two-foot long Parson’s 

chameleon and the tiny nose-horned chameleon. 

Frogs are plentiful and birding highlights include 

blue and red-fronted coucals and the Madagascar 

long-eared owl. All exploring is done on foot 

along trails that weave through the forest: 

expeditions can vary in length from one hour to 

five. Walks are particularly rewarding in the early 

morning when indri calls echo through the air. 

A cottage at Vakona Forest Lodge 

114 

VAKONA FOREST LODGE, 

ANDASIBE 

Vakona Forest Lodge is situated on a hillside 

that drops down to a lake. The combination of 

luxuriant vegetation and fresh mountain air is 

wonderful, the peace disturbed only by the 

sound of forest frogs. Dotted around the hillside, 

14 basic bungalows each have their own decks. 

A number of marked trails leave from the lodge 

and thread into the heart of the primary forest. 

Antananarivo (Tana) 

Antananarivo is built on a series of hills. The King 

used to have his palace on the tallest hill and 

from there he would look down over the smaller 

hills where his wives lived. The city grew from 

these origins and modern day Tana now sprawls 

across the hills in a disorganised but relatively 

attractive fashion. Tana is a working African city 

with totally chaotic traffic. Taxi-brousses zip along 

roads that are also home to zebu-carts, people 

pushing homemade wheelbarrows, and street 

traders. There are paddy fields in the suburbs 

where zebu graze and cattle egrets mix with 

ducks and chickens. In the centre of town, 

colonial houses, cobbled streets and modern 

office blocks all sit alongside each other. Nearly 

all trips to Madagascar require at least one night 

in Tana. We recommend staying in the centre of 

town and enjoying a meal in one of the city’s 

excellent restaurants. 

Pavillon de l’Emyrne 

PAVILLON DE L’EMYRNE, 

ANTANANARIVO 

Pavillon de l’Emyrne is a charming colonial house 

in the Isoraka area of Tana. The house is set in 

pretty gardens and has lots of character, with 

wood-panelled corridors, high beamed ceilings, 

open fireplaces and antique furniture. Located 

near to some of Tana’s nicest restaurants, it is 

ideal for an overnight stop. 

Indri – the largest lemur species

Madagascar’s wildlife 

Ring-tailed lemurs 

One of the joys of Madagascar is that none of 

the wildlife is dangerous to humans, and you 

can explore the parks on foot. Rambling along 

the soft paths of a rainforest you will pass lush 

vegetation which, on close inspection, is alive 

with creatures. Chameleons the size of your 

thumbnail, leaf geckos camouflaged against the 

bark and tiny frogs the size of paper clips can 

all be found. Of course, the lemurs are the 

highlight, with numerous species readily seen. 

Madagascar’s wildlife is weird and wonderful – 

a fascinating mix of endemic creatures that 

have taken their own evolutionary paths 

over the millenia. 

Lemurs 

Madagascar is famous for its lemur species, of 

which there are 53 currently known varieties. 

Lemurs are prosimians, or pre-monkeys, and 

share characteristics with early primates. Whilst 

other prosimians are found in Africa, namely 

bushbabies, lemurs are endemic to Madagascar. 

Lemurs are particularly appealing animals, with 

soft fur, bright inquisitive eyes and a naturally 

curious nature. They are easily habituated to 

humans and can often be viewed at close 

quarters. Probably the best known are the 

ring-tailed lemurs which are found in southern 

Madagascar. Other lemurs of particular interest 

are the indri and the sifaka. The indri, the 

largest of the species, is found in Andasibe 

Chameleon 

National Park and is known for its eerie call 

that echoes across the forest. Sifakas are 

famous for their unique upright leaping across 

the ground, making them resemble a triple 

jump athlete. Effortlessly graceful in the trees, 

they are almost comical on the ground but 

provide one of Madagascar’s great sights. Aside 

from these, two of the most delightful groups 

are the dwarf and mouse lemurs. Dwarf lemurs 

are relatively slow moving whilst mouse lemurs 

are lively. The smallest of the mouse lemurs is 

the pygmy mouse lemur, a creature so tiny it 

could fit inside an egg cup. As some lemurs are 

diurnal and others nocturnal, walks occur in 

both day and night time, allowing you to see 

the maximum number of different animals. 

Reptiles & frogs 

Madagascar currently has 340 known reptile 

and frog species, 90 percent of which are 

endemic. Chameleons are the most striking of 

these and are seen incredibly easily. They range 

dramatically in size, with Parson’s chameleon 

measuring two feet long and the pygmy stumptailed 

chameleon reaching just 33 millimetres. 

With bright colours, funny noses, curly tails and 

rotating eyes these wonderful creatures can 

keep you occupied for hours. 

Whilst Madagascar has no lizards, it does 

have some interesting geckos. Of particular 

note are the day geckos with coats of emerald 

green. The most extraordinary are the leaf 

tailed geckos, camouflaged to look exactly like 

bark. Your eyes can be a foot away from one 

and still you will not see it. Luckily, our guides 

are extremely good at picking them out! 

The final reptile worth noting is the snake. 

There is a total absence of venomous snakes 

in Madagascar and the snake you are most 

likely to see is the slow moving boa. 

Frog on a leaf 

www.audleytravel.com/madagascar ● 01993 838 585 ● Madagascar 115

River running through Ranomafana National Park 

Ranomafana National Park 

Ranomafana National Park is part of the lush 

chain of rainforest that runs down Madagascar’s 

east coast. The steep hills are covered in thick 

vegetation, occasionally broken by waterfalls and 

mountain streams. The park’s star attraction is 

the golden bamboo lemur, often found grazing 

amongst the bamboo thickets. Eleven other 

species of lemur found here include diademed 

sifakas that leap through the canopy during the 

day, and tiny mouse lemurs that race up and 

down tree trunks by night. Heading deep into the 

park, you may hear the calls of cuckoo rollers, 

catch a glimpse of a leaf-tailed gecko or stumble 

upon the graves of the Tanala, the ‘people of the 

forest’. It is well worth spending a few days hiking 

around this enchanting park. 

SETAM LODGE, RANOMAFANA 

NATIONAL PARK 

Setam Lodge comprises a handful of clean and 

simple bungalows built into the hillside just 

outside Ranomafana National Park. The lodge has 

spectacular views over the park, so guests awake 

each day to the sight of the early morning mist 

rising from the rainforest. Setam is the closest 

lodge to the park gate, making it an excellent 

base from which to explore. 

The realities of travel in Madagascar 

A trip around Madagascar is very different 

from one on mainland Africa. It is important 

not to expect a polished safari but to 

approach your trip with a relaxed attitude 

and sense of humour. Accommodation is in 

all sorts of buildings from converted colonial 

houses to A-frame reed and thatch chalets. 

All are unique in character and some have 

more than a few quirks. Internal flights can be 

subject to delays and more than one 

member of our team has flown with a crate 

of noisy chickens in the back of the aircraft. 

The airports are small and often quite chaotic 

but surprisingly tasty hot samosas and cold 

drinks can be found in the tiny restaurants. 

There is rarely a dull moment in a 

Madagascar airport as the arrival and 

departure of planes often attracts local 

children. The Malagasy people are 

welcoming, but there may well be a language 

barrier as English is not always widely spoken. 

It is useful to have a basic grasp of French 

and we advise that you take a phrasebook. 

Despite the challenges of travel in 

Madagascar, we can’t recommend it highly 

enough! The guides are knowledgeable, the 

wildlife is exciting, and it is refreshing to be 

out of a vehicle and exploring on foot. 

Now is an excellent time to visit the country 

before it has been ‘discovered’ by the 

masses. Our advice would be to revel in the 

chaos, the colour and the wildlife – and just 

don’t bother to take your watch. 

116 

Setam Lodge 

Giraffe weevil

Isalo at sunset 

Brown lemur in Isalo 

Red bellied lemur 

Isalo National Park 

Isalo’s golden sandstone cliffs can be seen rising 

from the plains from many miles away. The 

national park is home to some of Madagascar’s 

most stunning scenery, and is a sacred place for 

the Bara tribe, whose burial sites are marked by 

countless mounds of tiny stones. 

Hiking up to the massif, visitors enter a barren 

wonderland of twisted rock formations and 

extraordinary plants, shimmering in the heat of 

the plateau. Squat elephant’s foot plants cling to 

the rocks, a few dry grasses blow in the wind, and 

succulent aloes thrive. Wildlife concentrates in the 

numerous shady gorges and cool running streams 

that carve through the massif. Deciduous 

woodland grows in each canyon’s higher levels, 

and it is here that Isalo’s lemurs are most often 

found. Brown lemurs feed amongst the branches, 

Verreaux’s sifakas leap from rock to rock, and 

troops of cheeky ringtails wander along the 

pathways. Deeper in the gorges, only a few shafts 

of sunlight penetrate to the streams, and dripping 

mosses and ferns line the walls. Occasionally the 

streams become blocked, forming tiny tropical 

pools amongst the rocks. The clear air, tumbling 

waterfalls, and cool water make a wonderful 

respite from a hot day’s hiking over the plateau. 

Satrana Lodge 

RELAIS DE LA REINE, ISALO 

NATIONAL PARK 

Cleverly hidden amongst the rocks of Isalo, 

Relais de la Reine has the feel of a Mediterranean 

farmhouse. The thick stone walls provide a 

shelter from hot summer days and crackling open 

fires warm chilly winter nights. As is the case 

wherever you are in Isalo, views are magnificent. 

Sitting on the terrace for sundowners is a delight, 

as the setting sun paints darker shades on the 

golden-pink cliffs above. 

Bara tribe sacred burial site 

SATRANA LODGE, ISALO 

NATIONAL PARK 

Satrana Lodge is a new addition to the Isalo 

area and has 40 safari tents tucked beneath a 

sandstone massif. Each of the tents is set on a 

raised platform and is stylishly furnished inside. 

The en suite bathrooms have both indoor and 

outdoor showers. The dining area in the lodge 

makes the most of the impressive scenery via its 

huge bay windows and offers excellent Malagasy 

and French cuisine. There is a small library and 

a good sized swimming pool. 

Relais de la Reine 


St Luce Bay, Manafiafy 

Wrestling match in Antandroy Village 

The Ifotaka 

Community Forest 

The Ifotaka Community Forest is as remote as it 

is wild. It covers a huge expanse of gallery and 

spiny forest and has been protected by the 

Antandroy, one of Madagascar’s fiercest and 

most traditional tribes. Their ancestors are buried 

in the sacred forests: guarding their graves, the 

Antandroy have also preserved pristine wildlife 

areas. Species including ring-tailed, mouse, 

sportive and sifaka lemurs are all readily seen, 

as well as many bird species. Many tombs are 

hidden in the forest undergrowth, and your guide 

will explain the traditions and rituals of ancestor 

worship. It is possible to visit the ombiasy 

(traditional healer), learn how to use the piletse, 

a zebu-hide slingshot, and take a zebu-cart to 

the colourful market at Fenaivo. 

MANDRARE RIVER CAMP, 

IFOTAKA COMMUNITY FOREST 

This pretty camp has six tents set under 

tamarind trees on the banks of the Mandrare 

River. Each comfortable tent has a large bedroom 

and en suite bathroom with hot bucket shower. 

The sun rises directly in front of the tents, giving 

breathtaking early morning views. At night, there 

being absolutely no light pollution, the stars are 

the best you’ll see anywhere in Africa. With some 

of Madagascar’s best guides, this camp is well 

suited to wildlife enthusiasts. 

Mandrare River Camp 

Manafiafy 

Manafiafy is a sleepy fishing village on the bay of 

St Luce in southern Madagascar. This was where 

the first Portuguese landed in Madagascar in 1613, 

as the bay’s sheltered waters provided safe 

anchorage. The village has changed little since 

those times and the smell of cloves and vanilla 

View from chalet, Manafiafy Beach and Rainforest Lodge 

sweeten the air. Nowadays, local fishermen paddle 

their dugout canoes through the calm waters to 

the open ocean beyond. The sandy beaches are 

backed by forests where lemurs, chameleons and 

geckos can be seen. Offshore there are coral reefs 

rich in marine life and humpback whales pass by 

from mid June until early December. 

MANAFIAFY BEACH AND 

RAINFOREST LODGE, MANAFIAFY 

This lodge has an idyllic setting, surrounded by 

azure blue seas, lush verdant forests, and distant 

mountains. There are six comfortable bungalows 

tucked into the forest overlooking the beach. 

Each has a large bedroom which opens onto a 

shady terrace with sun beds, a hammock and table 

and chairs for outdoor dining. The lodge prides 

itself on its cuisine, with seafood a speciality. Fresh 

mussels, oysters, crab, lobster and fish are bought 

from the fishermen daily and exquisitely prepared 

for candlelit dinners on the beach. 

118

Verreaux’s sifaka 

The beach at Ambola 

Baobab in Tsimanampetsotsa 

Anakao 

Anakao is a Vezo fishing village around 50 

kilometres south of Tulear. The terrible roads 

make boat the best way to reach Anakao, and 

fleets of pirogues line the shore. The inaccessibility 

of the village means that modern development 

has largely passed Anakao by. Most of the 

villagers are fishermen and shortly after dawn 

each morning you’ll see tens of tiny sails flutter 

across the water. 

Anakao has some pretty beaches. Offshore, the 

tiny island of Nosy Ve has a white sandy shoreline, 

and is home to hundreds of tropicbirds. The reefs 

offer good diving and snorkelling with a myriad of 

fish including surgeonfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, 

groupers and rays. On the outskirts of Anakao 

village you will find some interesting tombs and 

once you are clear of the populated areas you 

start to see wildlife including ring-tailed lemurs, 

tortoises, chameleons, geckos and other lizards. 

The village at Anakao 

ANAKAO OCEAN LODGE, 

ANAKAO 

Anakao Ocean Lodge is a ten minute boat ride 

from the village. It has 25 thatched stone 

rondavels built in two rows along the back of a 

long sandy beach. The main lodge is a large, 

round, stone building housing the bar and 

restaurant under a soaring thatched roof. From 

the restaurant, it’s possible to see straight into 

the kitchen, where the chef cooks French and 

Malagasy food, often using fish from the sea 

nearby. Outside there is a small terrace, where 

guests eat lazy lunches and listen to the waves. 

Ambola & Tsimanampetsotsa 

National Park 

Ambola is a small and typically Malagasy coastal 

village at the end of a magnificent stretch of 

white sand in a very remote and beautiful part of 

Madagascar. Here you can enjoy the beach and 

also some of the fascinating flora endemic to the 

south – it is a perfect little place for a short stop. 

Ambola is also the place from which to explore 

the Tsimanampetsotsa National Park. Amongst 

the spiny forest you will get the chance to see 

some extraordinary baobabs, a salt water lake 

full of flamingos and an endemic species of fish 

that is entirely blind. 

HOTEL AMBOLA, AMBOLA 

Located on one of the most majestic beaches in 

the region, this small hotel has just five rooms. 

Each is simple but is imaginatively decorated with 

traditional woodcarvings. En suite bathrooms 

have showers and hot water is available on 

request. The hotel has a well located restaurant 

overlooking the lagoon. Here you can very 

happily while away some time reading a book 

and observing the local fishermen sailing past in 

their pirogues. The hotel is particularly lovely 

from June to September when humpback whales 

can be seen offshore. 

A suite at Anakao Ocean Lodge 



Red-ruffed lemur 

Masoala National Park 

Masoala National Park is Madagascar’s largest 

park and one of its least visited. Primary rainforest 

covers a range of mountains and drops down to 

the deserted beaches of Antongil Bay where 

humpback whales come to breed and calve. The 

Masoala rainforest is beautiful, with tall palisander 

trees, vines, wild ginger plants, ferns and orchids. 

Chameleons are easily found: the most 

commonly-seen species include the panther 

chameleon, hooded chameleon and several 

species of stump-tailed chameleon. Masoala is 

the last refuge of the red-ruffed lemur, who you 

will often see sunning on the tops of trees in the 

morning. At night, eastern woolly lemurs can 

frequently be seen sitting in the tree forks, and 

white-fronted brown lemur, brown mouse lemur 

and the aye-aye are also resident. On the ground 

a surprising number of lowland streaked tenrecs 

(small hedgehog-like creatures) rustle through the 

vegetation in their endless search for insects. 

Masoala Forest Camp 

120 

Tree boa 

MASOALA FOREST CAMP, 

MASOALA NATIONAL PARK 

Masoala Forest Camp is built on a golden-sand 

beach where the rainforest meets the sea. There 

are five tents on raised platforms, each with a 

hammock where you can relax on hot afternoons, 

watching the birds and geckos. The chef, Estrina, 

is particularly good, conjuring up wonderful meals 

using fresh, local ingredients. Activity options 

include wildlife walks in the rainforest, snorkelling 

and kayaking along the coast. 

Nosy Mangabe 

Nosy Mangabe is a small island located in 

Antongil Bay two kilometres offshore from 

Maroantsetra. The island has a rich history of 

piracy, and as you arrive by boat, it looks exactly 

like a pirates’ hang-out. Dense vegetation drops 

to large boulders and hidden coves – one of 

which has a rusty shipwreck emerging from the 

shallows. The island is a rainforest reserve and 

sanctuary for the endangered aye-aye which was 

introduced in 1966. This is the best place in 

Madagascar to see these fascinating creatures and 

an overnight stay is recommended to give you 

the chance to search by torchlight. Other lemurs 

on the island include black and white ruffed 

lemur, white-fronted brown lemur and the brown 

mouse lemur. As there is no accommodation on 

the island, the only way to stay overnight is to 

camp, and as paths through the forest can be 

steep, it’s a place for keen walkers. 

CAMPING SAUVAGE, 

NOSY MANGABE 

The camping on Nosy Mangabe is referred to 

as camping sauvage and this is an accurate 

description. You will stay in simple dome tents on 

a rudimentary campsite that has only the most 

basic washing facilities. Whilst the camping is wild, 

the experience is wonderful. At night, the forest 

rings with the calls of frogs and at dawn, an 

atmospheric mist hangs over the trees. 

Camping on Nosy Mangabe

Tomato frog 

Crowned lemur 

The Cascade Sacree Waterfall, Amber Mountain 

Amber Mountain 

National Park 

Amber Mountain National Park is situated in the 

far north of Madagascar, 40 kilometres south of 

Diego Suarez. Whilst Diego can be hot and dry, 

Amber Mountain is always cool and fresh with 

mists hanging over the huge strangler figs, 

quinine trees and enormous birds-nest ferns. 

Even non-birders are amazed by the spectacular 

species found here, including the Madagascar 

crested ibis and the paradise flycatcher, with its 

long trailing tail feathers. 

The park is rewarding for walkers, with several 

beautiful trails threading through the forest. 

Two trails lead to waterfalls, the Cascade 

d’Antomboka and the Cascade Sacrée. On foot 

you have the chance to discover all the smaller 

Nature Lodge 

wildlife such as the leaf-mimic chameleons, tree 

boas, leaf-tailed geckos, butterflies and pill 

millipedes which curl up into perfect balls. There 

are seven lemur species in the park, including 

the crowned lemur and Sanford’s brown lemur, 

and hikers usually see at least one if not two of 

the diurnal species. There is no accommodation 

in the Amber Mountain National Park itself, but 

the nearby village of Joffreville offers a flavour of 

rural Malagasy life and is a good base from 

which to explore. 

THE LITCHI TREE, JOFFREVILLE 

In 2007 a young Frenchman called Hervé Dumel 

began renovating the old Admiral’s House which 

had stood empty for years on a hill overlooking 

Joffreville. Hervé lovingly restored it to its former 

glory and turned it into an upmarket boutique 

hotel. Grand stairs lead up to the house and into 

an elegant dining area, library and lounge. At the 

back of the house, the stable blocks have been 

converted into bedrooms. With lots of character 

and good food this is an enjoyable place to stay. 

NATURE LODGE, JOFFREVILLE 

Nature Lodge is located on a hill two kilometres 

south of Joffreville, centred around a restaurant 

that serves local food, and a small sociable bar. 

Accommodation is in 12 simple thatched chalets 

made from local wood, each with a deck that is 

perfect for taking in the superb views of Diego 

Suarez and the Indian Ocean beyond. 


Tsingy at Ankarana 

Ankarana Special Reserve 

Ankarana is a four hour drive from Amber 

Mountain and is one of the best places in 

Madagascar to see limestone tsingy. The tsingy 

rises up from deciduous forest and although a 

few tiny succulent plants cling to the rocks, 

they are largely bare and spiky. A few pathways 

wind through the tsingy, and hiking is challenging 

but rewarding, with some spectacular views. 

Several caves stretch for miles into the rocks 

and are inhabited by colonies of hundreds of 

bats. Walking in the caves, you’ll see twisted 

limestone formations glint in the torchlight. 

The deciduous forest is home to crowned and 

Sanford’s brown lemurs. Two nocturnal lemurs; 

the grey mouse lemur and the northern 

sportive lemur are also present. 


The beach at Tsarabanjina Island 

Madagascar’s beaches 

Madagascar is fringed by sandy beaches and a 

number of beautiful islands. Some, such as Nosy 

Be, are well known and others, such as Ile Sainte 

Marie, Nosy Komba, Tsarabanjina and the 

Radama Islands, are lesser known and much 

sleepier. Here, it is easy to find deserted beaches 

with soft sand and clear water. Hermit crabs 

scuttle through the dense undergrowth at the 

back of the beaches and – particularly in the 

north – frigate birds can be seen soaring 

overhead. Many of the islands have villages on 

or nearby them and you become accustomed to 

the daily sight of fishermen paddling wooden 

pirogues, or dhows sailing past, often so filled 

with thatching palms, grain and cows that they 

float just inches above the water. 

The islands are easy to access and could not be 

more ideal for relaxation after some strenuous 

hiking in the rainforest. Nothing is better than 

hanging up your hiking boots and sinking your 

toes into warm sand. Days can be spent 

snorkelling, diving, pottering around on a bicycle 

or just snoozing in a hammock. 

Chilli peppers at the local market 

Local girl on Nosy Komba 

122 

Pirogue off Ile Ste-Marie

La Crique Beach, Ile Ste Marie 

Ile Sainte Marie 

Ile Sainte Marie is a sleepy island off Madagascar’s 

northeast coast, ringed by deserted beaches 

with soft sand and palm trees, traditional fishing 

villages, and just a handful of small lodges. The 

island is renowned for its seafood and is the best 

place in Madagascar to eat crab. If you are brave 

you can also sample the island tipple – coconut 

milk enlivened by a large measure of Pastis. 

Ile Sainte Marie is about 60 kilometres long and 

five kilometres wide and has a colourful history: 

through the 17th and 18th centuries it was a 

popular base for the Indian Ocean’s pirates. It has 

just one town, Ambodifotatra, with a couple of 

cafés, a large church and a busy market. 

Numerous villages dotted around the island have 

bamboo huts, fat ducks crossing the road and 

geese swimming in rainfilled potholes. Mango, 

clove, cinammon and breadfruit trees line roads 

The jetty at Boraha Villas 

A villa at Princesse Bora Lodge 

that are never far from the beach. If you cycle 

through the villages in the evening, you will smell 

the food being cooked, hear music playing from 

the radios, and there is often a group of men 

playing boules under a tree in Volihava village. 

Ile Sainte Marie can be visited from April right 

through until December, but is particularly 

rewarding from July to September when groups 

of humpback whales come to breed and calve in 

the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. The cloves 

are harvested in November and the mangos and 

litchis come into season in December: only the 

months of January to March are marred by the 

cyclone season. With all these enticing features 

just a short flight from Antananarivo, it is 

surprising that this island has remained so 

thoroughly unspoiled. 

PRINCESSE BORA LODGE, 

ILE SAINTE MARIE 

Princesse Bora Lodge is situated in a grove of 

palm trees on the south-west side of the island. 

The beach has white sand shelving into a 

sheltered lagoon and faces west, ideal for 

spectacular sunsets. Accommodation is in 20 villas 

with decks and hammocks, there is an infinity 

pool and a dining room serving good French and 

Malagasy cuisine. The lodge is particularly pretty 

at night when it is lit by paraffin lanterns. 

BORAHA VILLAS, 

ILE SAINTE MARIE 

Boraha Villas is a small lodge located on a hilltop 

on the east coast of the island. The 13 bungalows 

have hammocks and ocean views. The lodge is 

well known for its food and the crab is a 

speciality. You can eat in the dining room or, 

better still, on the end of the jetty, surrounded by 

the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Boraha Villas 


Pirogue offshore from Anjajavy 

Anjajavy Private 


With an idyllically remote location on 

Madagascar’s northwest coast, Anjajavy is reached 

only by air. Flying towards the airstrip you pass 

thick forest that stops abruptly at the sea, shading 

white sand coves separated by limestone 

headlands. A handful of dhows and pirogues bob 

in the water and in small clearings you see the 

thatched huts of the Sakalava fishing villages. 

The Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve covers an 

area of 450 hectares and is predominantly dry 

deciduous forest. There are over 1,800 floral 

species to be found here, most endemic and 

several medicinal. Wildlife is prolific and a walk 

through the forest reveals chameleons, frogs 

and spore of bush-pigs and the elusive fossa. 

The pool at Anjajavy L’Hôtel 

124 

Sifaka 

There are two diurnal lemur species, the 

common brown lemur and Coquerel’s sifaka, 

both of which are easily seen. Nocturnal species 

include sportive and mouse lemurs. 

A stay at Anjajavy is as much about the coast as 

the forest. Boat trips explore the mysterious 

islands of Moramba Bay, where there are sacred 

baobab trees and Sakalava tombs tucked high in 

caves and on ledges in the limestone cliffs. 

Running the length of the reserve is a series of 

small coves, each one more beautiful than the 

last. Paths lead from one to the other meaning 

that you can take a picnic and your snorkelling 

equipment and spend an afternoon on your 

own private beach. 

ANJAJAVY L’HÔTEL, ANJAJAVY 

PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE 

Anjajavy is set in extensive tropical gardens, 

backed by thick forest and looking out over the 

turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel. 

There are 25 air-conditioned rosewood villas, all 

of which face the sea and are a step away from 

the beach. Early in the morning, Madagascar 

lovebirds, red fodys and Madagascar wagtails flit 

about the gardens. In the afternoons, groups of 

brown lemurs and Coquerel’s sifakas leap through 

the trees to the forest behind. The atmosphere is 

warm and relaxed at Anjajavy and it is a perfect 

place to lounge by the pool, explore idyllic 

beaches and savour the excellent food, especially 

the freshly-baked pastries. There are also plenty 

of active options, including walks in the forest, 

village visits, boat trips in the mangroves, sailing, 

snorkelling, and kayaking. We recommend that 

you stay for at least five days to really explore 

this remote and idyllic area. 

A rosewood chalet at Anjajavy L’Hôtel

One of Anjajavy's beaches 

Baobab Beach 

Tsara Komba, Nosy Komba 

View from a chalet at Tsara Komba 

Nosy Komba 

Nosy Komba is a beautiful island a few kilometres 

away from the mainland, known for its population 

of habituated black lemurs. Hills fold dramatically 

into the water, creating sandy coves and sheltered 

harbours for fishing villages. The island’s main 

settlement is Ampangorinana, where the villagers 

now have a keen eye for business: the dusty lanes 

are lined with embroidered tablecloths, woven 

baskets and wood carvings. Outside the village, 

island life is quiet. There are numerous deserted 

coves to explore as well as paths that lead 

through tavy farms and into the hills where you 

will find birds, chameleons and black lemurs. 

TSARA KOMBA, NOSY KOMBA 

Tsara Komba is a characterful little property set 

above an idyllic beach on Nosy Komba. Granite 

pathways flanked by beautiful tropical flowers 

lead you from the beach up to the eight 

thatched bungalows dotted around the hillside. 

Each bungalow has a large bedroom and 

bathroom and shady veranda with stunning sea 

view. Also perched on the hillside are the 

restaurant and bar, shaded by thatch but open 

to the sea breeze. The restaurant serves excellent 

Malagasy and French food with the emphasis on 

seafood. There is a good selection of wine as well 

as Tsara Komba’s famous coconut rum punch. 

Baobab Beach 

Baobab Beach is a remote stretch of coastline on 

the furthest tip of the Anjanojano Peninsula, only 

accessible by boat from the small fishing village of 

Ankify or the island of Nosy Be. There is a long 

stretch of beach, backed by forest and dotted 

with baobab trees. The forest is home to a 

number of lemurs including a troop of fifty which 

are seen most days. Turtles use the beach to 

nest and visitors can often watch the young 

turtles hatch. Offshore, humpback whales may be 

seen during the seasonal migration from July to 

September and dolphins are present year-round. 

EDEN LODGE, BAOBAB BEACH 

Eden Lodge is built on the edge of Baobab Beach 

in grounds of 20 acres. It prides itself on its 

eco-credentials with 90% of its energy provided 

by solar panels. There are eight tents set under 

makuti thatch. At the front of each tent, a shady 

veranda has ocean views whilst at the back, an 

en suite bathroom opens onto a private massage 

area. An open air dining room serves good 

Malagasy and Oriental cuisine. Snorkelling from 

the beach at Eden is particularly rewarding as 

there is abundant healthy coral and a good 

number of turtles. Chameleons and lemurs are 

readily seen in the gardens. 

Eden Lodge 


One of Tsarabanjina’s beautiful beaches 

The Nosy Mitsio Archipelago 

The Nosy Mitsio Archipelago is a long way from 

the mainland and accessible only by speedboat. 

Skimming over the water, you often glimpse 

bottle nosed dolphins and green turtles coming 

up for air. The arrival is breathtaking, as your boat 

slows amongst tiny islands, lush with tropical 

vegetation and ringed with powder-white 

beaches. Few parts of Madagascar suffer from 

light pollution and this is no exception: at night 

the stars glitter brightly over the water. The 

archipelago is made up of about a dozen islands. 

La Grande Mitsio is the largest with the small 

farming villages of Antakarana and Akalava on it. 

Tsarabanjina is beautiful with volcanic rocks, palms 

and badamier trees and four gently shelving 

beaches. Nosy Ankarea is surrounded by coral 

reefs, while Les Quatres Frères is made up of 

four imposing silver basalt rocks, covered by 

hundreds of nesting seabirds. 

Bungalow at Tsarabanjina Island 

126 

Coral, Tsarabanjina 

TSARABANJINA ISLAND, 

NOSY MITSIO ARCHIPELAGO 

As soon as you step off the boat from Nosy Be 

onto Tsarabanjina Island, you will be handed a 

mask, snorkel and flippers. Then you walk 

barefoot to your villa, hop into your hammock 

and relax – your stay has begun. Tsarabanjina 

Island covers just 22 hectares, with 18 guest 

bungalows linked by sandy paths that weave in 

and out of the coconut palms and reach four 

beaches, all with powder white sand and 

turquoise waters. Days can be spent snorkelling, 

diving, kayaking and enjoying the excellent 

French cuisine served up by the chef in the 

beachside restaurant. 

Sailing in Madagascar 

Chartering a yacht allows guests a 

unique opportunity to explore totally 

untouched islands off Madagascar’s 

northwest coast. You can sail to Nosy 

Komba, the Nosy Mitsio Islands or the 

fabulously remote Radama Islands. 

We will design a route to match your 

interests, be they snorkelling, diving, 

fishing or visiting private beaches. At 

the end of the charter, the skipper will 

drop you off at your next hotel. 

We can arrange for you to charter one 

of seven vessels, ranging in size from 

small yachts for two or four guests to 

catamarans sleeping eight or more. 

The yachts come with an experienced 

skipper and chef and can be chartered 

for anything from three days to a few 

weeks. The yachts are well priced 

making this a very affordable option.








Please call one of our Madagascar specialists to 


Telephone: 01993 838 585 


Antananarivo 

Antsirabe 

Ranomafana 

Ambalavao 

Ambola 

Isalo National Park 

Anakao 

Ankarana 

Nosy Komba 

Antananarivo 

Joffreville 

Ile Sainte Marie 

There are two main ways to get around 

Madagascar, by air or in a car driven by an 

Audley guide. As a general rule, people tend to 

fly around the north and drive in the south. In 

Northern Madagascar, distances are huge and 

roads poor and for this reason it is best to fly. 

Air Madagascar has a network of domestic flights, 

all of which originate in Antananarivo and radiate 

to airports in the north where you will meet your 

Audley guide and head off to explore. The main 

road south from Antananarivo, the Route 7, is a 

tar road winding through a number of villages and 

towns. It’s a scenic route and a trip exploring the 

south takes around ten days. 

When to go 


✕ ✕ ✕ ~ ~ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ 





Madagascar runs across several latitudes and its 

climate varies. Broadly speaking, the north is hot 

and tropical, the west temperate, the east wet 

and the south dry. In April, May and June there 

are some heavy downpours, but these are 

interspersed with sunshine. The country is green 

and fresh after the rain and lemurs and reptiles 

are active and readily seen. June, July and August 

are cool and dry and ideal for exploring. The 

whales arrive on Ile Sainte-Marie in July and 

remain until the end of September. September, 

October and November are particularly lovely as 

the weather is warm, the jacarandas are in flower 

and many lemurs have young. The most rain falls 

from January to March and these are the only 

months in which we advise against travel. 



Prices 



for your trip to Madagascar on our website, 


your plans. 

Classic Southern 

Madagascar 

This is a journey through the towns, villages and 

diverse national parks of Southern Madagascar. 

Meeting your guide at the airport, you enjoy an 

evening in Antananarivo before heading south at 

a leisurely pace. As you travel, you will see paddy 

fields, zebu carts and colourful roadside stalls. In 

the parks you will hike in the rainforest, across 

plains and to rock pools and waterfalls. You should 

see numerous lemurs as well as chameleons and 

frogs. The trip ends with four days relaxing on 

the beach. 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Day 3 

Day 4-5 

Day 6 

Days 7-8 

Days 9-10 

Fly from the UK to Antananarivo via 

Paris overnight. 

Arrive in Antananarivo for one night 

at Pavillion de L’Emyrne. 

Guided drive to Antsirabe for one 

night. Afternoon exploring Antsirabe. 

Guided drive to Ranomafana for two 

nights at Setam Lodge. Wildlife walks 

in Ranomafana with your guide. 

Guided drive to Ambalavao for 

one night. 

Guided drive to Isalo National Park 

for two nights at Relais de la Reine. 

Wildlife walks in the Isalo with 

your guide. 

Guided drive to Anakao for two 

nights at Anakao Ocean Lodge. 

Days 11-13 Boat transfer to Ambola for three 

nights at Hotel Ambola. 

Day 14 

Day 15 

Fly to Antananarivo and then Paris. 

Fly from Paris to the UK. Arrive 

back in the UK in the morning. 

Stay longer 

You can extend your trip by flying up to Anjajavy 

Private Nature Reserve. Stay for three nights and 

explore the forests on foot and the idyllic coastline 

by boat. Every afternoon, tea is taken in the ‘Oasis’, 

a beautiful garden where Coquerel’s sifakas and 

brown lemurs leap through the trees. With 

fabulous cuisine and unparalleled service, Anjajavy 

offers a luxurious end to a trip around Madagascar. 

Northern Madagascar 

Explorer 

The Northern Madagascar Explorer starts with 

a relaxing three days on the island of Ile Sainte- 

Marie. From here you fly to Amber Mountain to 

hike in the rainforest before driving to Ankarana 

National Park with its striking limestone tsingy. 

From Ankarana a beautiful drive through villages 

and cocoa and ylang ylang plantations takes you to 

the tiny port of Ankify. Leave your guide here and 

sail to the idyllic hideaway of Tsara Komba for 

three days’ relaxation on the beach. 

Day 1 

Days 2-4 

Day 5 

Days 6-8 

Day 9 

Fly from the UK to Antananarivo via 

Paris overnight. 

Arrive in Madagascar. Fly to Ile 

Sainte Marie for three nights at 

Princesse Bora Lodge. Explore Ile 

Sainte Marie. 

Fly to Antananarivo for one night at 

Pavillion de L’Emyrne. 

Fly to Diego and meet your guide. 

Drive to Joffreville for three nights at 

The Litchi Tree. Wildlife walks in 

Amber Mountain with your guide. 

Guided drive to Ankarana for one 

night at Relais de Ankarana. 

Afternoon hike in Ankarana 


Days 10-12 Guided drive to Ankify. Boat transfer 

to Nosy Komba for three nights at 

Tsara Komba. 

Day 13 

Day 14 

Boat transfer to Nosy Be and fly to 

Antananarivo. Fly to Paris overnight. 

Fly to the UK. Arrive back in the UK 

in the morning. 

Stay longer 

From Tsara Komba take a private yacht charter 

around the islands off Madagascar’s northwest 

coast. Sail to the remote Nosy Mitsio Archipelago 

or Radama Islands. You can spend each day as 

you choose; snorkelling, fishing, exploring 

deserted islands or visiting tiny fishing communities. 

At the end of each day, you can enjoy a seafood 

barbeque on a private beach of your choice, 

before enjoying a drink under the stars on the 

cool of your deck. 


Seychelles 

Soft white sand squeaks underfoot as you 

walk along the beach. Ghost crabs scuttle 

to and fro and white fairy terns flutter 

overhead. There is no sound apart from the 

lapping ocean and the wind whispering in 

the coconut palms. Save your own, there isn’t 

another footprint to be seen. Pale blue skies 

drift overhead and azure waters stretch to 

the horizon: this can only be the Seychelles. 

This idyllic archipelago consists of 115 

granite and coral islands scattered just 

below the equator, 30 of which are 

inhabited, and 85 completely untouched. 

Here, thousands of sooty terns, white-tailed 

tropic birds, frigates and boobies nest, 

mottled eggs lying in soft sand. Turtles 

lumber ashore to lay their eggs before 

returning to the safety of the water, where 

vibrant coral reefs support thriving shoals 

of fish and visiting pelagic species. The 

beaches are superb, immortalised in countless 

films, and the Seychelles have always been 

a favourite for honeymooners. With new 

hotels ranging from simple guesthouses to 

luxury spa resorts these paradise islands are 

one of the world’s great destinations for 

‘barefoot luxury’. 

128

Audley in the Seychelles 

7 

8 

9 

2 

5 

6 

1 

3 

At first glance the Seychelles look like a 

number of similar islands. In fact, there are a 

number of differences between the islands 

and weather can have a dramatic effect on 

the sea and beaches. Some islands such as 

La Digue can only be explored by bicycle 

whilst others such as Praslin and Mahé are 

ideal for a day’s exploration in a car. Trade 

winds can dramatically alter east-facing 

beaches in Praslin and Mahé but the beaches 

of Denis, Desroches and Bird are the same 

year round. Our team have travelled around 

all of the islands so we understand the 

subtleties of each. We have discovered 

particularly good reefs for snorkelling, small 

guesthouses that are known to few, and can 

tell you the best place for a fresh lobster 

lunch. We can tailor a relaxing beach holiday, 

island hopping adventure or beach time 

after to a safari in East Africa. 

Accommodation 

1 Anse Source D’Argent 

The Seychelles’ most famous 

beach. Picture-perfect white 

sand and granite boulders. 

2 Vallée de Mai 

National Park 

A UNESCO World Heritage 

Site and the place to see coco 

de mer palms growing in 

magnificent profusion. 

4 

Fairy terns on Bird Island 

5 Praslin 

A granite island with lush 

rainforest, pretty coves and 

gently shelving beaches. 

7 Bird Island 

On the edge of the Seychelles 

Bank, Bird Island has 800,000 

pairs of breeding sooty terns 

from May to October. 

8 Denis Island 

A small idyllic flat coral island 

with giant tortoises, coconut 

plantations and sandy beaches. 

9 

Aride & Curieuse 

Islands 

There is a wide range of accommodation in 

the Seychelles, from small Creole 

guesthouses to deluxe five-star hotels with 

many room types and every type of facility. 

For those looking for a really exclusive 

getaway then there are a number of private 

islands. We have stayed in all types of 

accommodation and can make 

recommendations from personal experience. 

Because of the wide variety of properties on 

offer, we can tailor a trip to suit both style 

and budget. Whether you want to stay in a 

converted plantation house on La Digue, a 

luxury spa resort on Praslin or would like 

your own exclusive private island, we can 

find somewhere to suit you perfectly. Please 

refer to our website for in-depth details on 

all of the properties that we feature. 

Diving in the Seychelles 

6 La Digue 

A sleepy island where transport 

is by bicycle and ox cart. Iconic 

beaches with white sand and 

granite boulders. 

Nature reserve islands with 

thousands of seabirds and 

nesting turtles. 

Find out more 


information about travel in Seychelles, please 

see page 137. 

3 Iles aux Cocos 

Deserted small islets surrounded 

by reefs, excellent for snorkelling. 

4 Mahé 

A dramatic island of granite 

outcrops and mountains, fringed 

with beaches. The capital, 

Victoria, is on the east coast. 

Turtle hatching on North Island 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Seychelles 


Seychelles 129

One of the beaches at the Constance Lémuria Resort, Praslin 

Praslin 

Praslin is one of the larger islands, being 12 

kilometres long and five kilometres wide. It is 

exceptionally pretty with thick emerald vegetation, 

sugar white beaches and pale turquoise waters. 

Offshore, coral reefs surround the island and small 

atolls are visited by seabirds and nesting turtles. 

The pace of life on Praslin is gentle and unhurried. 

Small villages bask in the sun, rainbow-coloured 

shops sell banana bread and smoked sailfish 

sandwiches, and bulbuls babble in the trees. 

Whilst a sleepy island, there is plenty to see and 

do. In the centre of the island is the Vallée de 

Mai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site and the place to see a profusion of coco de 

mer palms. Diving and snorkelling are lovely, with 

reefs surrounded by haloes of butterflyfish, 

sweetlips, damselfish and more. You might want 

to take a boat trip to the nature reserve islands 

of Cousin, Aride or Curieuse with their thousands 

of seabirds, or simply snooze on a beach with a 

picnic on the sand beside you. 

A room at Lemuria Resort 

CONSTANCE LÉMURIA RESORT, 

ANSE KERLAN, PRASLIN 

Constance Lémuria Resort is a five-star resort 

situated above a cluster of beaches at Anse 

Kerlan. The resort has been carefully designed and 

has 105 suites and villas, accessed by palm-lined 

paths. Each suite has a sense of space and is 

fitted with every facility including air-conditioning, 

television, CD players, and bath and shower in 

the en suite bathrooms. Facilities in the hotel 

include three swimming pools, floodlit tennis 

courts, a spa, an 18-hole golf course, sailing and 

diving plus several excellent restaurants. 

Snorkelling off Praslin 

130 

Walking in the Vallée de Mai National Park

St Pierre Island off the coast of Praslin 

Evening meal at the Paradise Sun 

Local fruit stall 

Paradise Sun, Coco D’Or Beach 

L’Archipel 

L’ARCHIPEL, ANSE 

GOUVERNMENT, PRASLIN 

L’Archipel is set on a palm-studded hillside 

above a private stretch of beach in northern 

Praslin. Built in colonial style, cool cream and 

green villas contain 30 guest rooms and suites 

ranging in size from large to downright 

enormous. All are comfortable, with king-size 

beds, polished tile floors, antique tables, elegant 

writing desks and orchids in glass vases. Breakfast 

is served on large private verandas with ocean 

views and birds hopping about in search of 

croissant crumbs. There is plenty to do at 

L’Archipel including snorkelling, diving, fishing 

and trips to nearby islands. 

LA RESERVE, ANSE PETIT COUR, 

PRASLIN 

La Reserve is set above a private beach with 

white sand, granite boulders and views of 

Curieuse Island. Snorkelling directly off the beach 

is particularly good with a coral reef within easy 

swimming distance. The hotel itself is pretty, with 

a cluster of two-storey Creole style buildings, 

each housing four rooms. Rooms are comfortable 

with four-poster beds, air-conditioning and 

spacious en suite bathrooms. Outside, the 

sea-facing balcony or terrace is a lovely place to 

relax. The restaurant at La Reserve is built on a 

jetty and catches the sea breeze. There is plenty 

to do at the hotel, from swimming in the large 

pool, cycling, snorkelling or enjoying boat trips 

to Curieuse Island. 

The pool at La Reserve 

Superior Room, Paradise Sun 

PARADISE SUN, ANSE VOLBERT, 

PRASLIN 

Paradise Sun is a large hotel located at the end of 

Anse Volbert. There are 80 rooms in two-storey 

bungalows arranged in crescents around the 

lawns. The hotel is particularly well suited to 

those wanting to do lots of activities. There is a 

swimming pool, volleyball court and watersports 

centre from which you can arrange snorkel trips 

to the island of St Pierre and dive trips further 

afield. There are two restaurants and each 

evening a small band plays, creating a sociable 

and fun atmosphere. The hotel is excellent for 

families as swimming is in a sheltered bay and 

there are plenty of activities for children. 

www.audleytravel.com/seychelles ● 01993 838 515 ● Seychelles 131

Banyan Tree, Intendance Bay 

Mahé 

Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles and 

home to the capital, Victoria. 27 kilometres long 

and eight wide, it is a dramatic island of granite 

outcrops and mountains rising from the sea, the 

tallest of which – Morne Seychellois – is often 

topped by a dusting of mist. Mahé is surrounded 

by coral reefs which protect the beaches and 

ensure tranquil seas and azure lagoons. The 

coastline is crinkled with picturesque coves, 

stretches of sugar-white sand and beaches crisscrossed 

with bird footprints and littered with 

shells. Coconut palms stretch over sculpted 

granite boulders and fairy terns can be heard 

babbling in the trees. 

There is much to see and do on Mahé. If you 

ever tire of the beaches there are walking trails 

in the mountains and along the coast. Victoria is 

fun for a morning, with its vibrant markets, leafy 

streets and colourful harbour. Offshore, there are 

coral reefs for snorkelling and little islands to 

explore. After a day of activities there are tiny 

Creole restaurants waiting for you with their 

tables on the sand where you can enjoy a cold 

drink and a spicy samosa. This is the perfect 

island for a relaxing stay. 

132 

View from a villa at Banyan Tree 

BANYAN TREE SEYCHELLES, 

ANSE INTENDANCE, MAHÉ 

Situated above the beautiful beach at Anse 

Intendance, Banyan Tree Seychelles is stylish and 

luxurious. The 60 villas are dotted around the 

hillside and beach, ranging from hillside pool villas 

to presidential villas and varying in size from large 

to enormous. Inside, you will want for nothing 

with king-size beds, big sofas, fresh flowers and 

sunken baths in the en suite bathrooms. 

Outdoors, each villa has a private pavilion with 

sunbeds, swimming pool and (in some villas) a 

Jacuzzi. The hotel prides itself on its food, with 

three restaurants serving a variety of Creole, 

Asian, Thai and European cuisine. With a refined 

and luxurious spa and plenty of activities, Banyan 

Tree Seychelles provides everything you need 

for a luxurious stay. 

Banyan Tree 

Suite at the Banyan Tree

North Beach, Constance Ephelia Resort 

Frangipani flowers A villa at the Four Seasons Resort Victoria Market, Mahe 

CONSTANCE EPHELIA RESORT, 

PORT LAUNAY, MAHÉ 

Constance Ephelia Resort is set in 120 hectares 

of lush vegetation sloping gently down to two 

crescent shaped beaches. It overlooks the marine 

park of Port Launay, with its turquoise waters 

and coral reefs. The resort has 267 suites, but 

because they are spread across such a large area 

it feels like a hotel half its size. All the suites are 

spacious with a large bedroom, sitting area and 

en suite bathroom. They have every facility 

including air-conditioning, television, CD and DVD 

players, iPod connection, WIFI and even a pillow 

menu! Nearby, an extensive spa village has 18 

treatment rooms and a wide variety of relaxing 

treatments. The resort has superb facilities 

including five restaurants, four swimming pools, 

and a well-equipped watersports centre. 

Constance Ephelia Resort 

The Four Seasons Resort 

FOUR SEASONS RESORT 

SEYCHELLES, PETITE ANSE, MAHÉ 

This resort has 67 villas perched in lush 

vegetation above the bay of Petite Anse, 

regarded by locals as one of the most beautiful 

bays on Mahé. The villas are built in a traditional 

Creole design featuring natural timber and brick. 

Some are set in the gardens whilst others are 

perched on the rocks and have panoramic sea 

views. As you would expect from a Four Seasons 

resort, the villas have every comfort you could 

wish for including a private plunge pool on the 

veranda. Facilities at the resort are extensive and 

include two restaurants, a swimming pool, 

watersports centre, PADI dive centre and 

beautiful spa situated right at the top of the hill. 

HILTON SEYCHELLES 

NORTHOLME RESORT AND SPA, 

BEAU VALLON, MAHÉ 

This hotel is located on the popular Beau 

Vallon Bay in northern Mahé. It has a friendly 

atmosphere and a feeling of understated luxury. 

The villas are beautiful with all the facilities you 

need and a large balcony with sea view. Those 

looking for relaxation will enjoy the infinity pool 

and the spa, which offers a comprehensive range 

of treatments. For the more active, diving, 

snorkelling and other watersports are available 

from the nearby Scuba Centre. At the end of the 

day enjoy an al fresco drink at the Ocean View 

Bar, positioned to make the most of the sunset. 

The Hilton Notholme Resort & Spa 


Desroches Island 

Denis Island 

Denis Island is a flat coral island about two 

kilometres in diameter, 95 kilometres northeast 

of Mahé and surrounded by white sandy beaches. 

Protected by offshore reefs, the water is perfect 

for swimming and snorkelling. On the northern 

tip of the island there are 25 bungalows set under 

casuarina trees on the edge of the beach. Each 

one is spacious and elegant with high-beamed 

ceilings, four-poster beds, air-conditioning and en 

suite bathrooms. There is plenty to do on Denis 

Island, with criss-crossed pathways accessing all 

the beaches. Due to the island’s situation right on 

the edge of the Seychelles Bank, the coral walls 

here plummet to 2,000 metres, resulting in a wide 

choice of exciting dive sites. Fishing, windsurfing, 

sailing and kayaking are readily available, while 

those looking for spots to snooze on the warm 

sand under a palm tree will be spoilt for choice. 

The lounge at Denis Island 

Giant tortoise on Desroches 

Desroches Island 

Desroches is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all 

island, with palm trees, white sand and turquoise 

waters. There are no cars here, and on arrival 

your bike is waiting outside your room, complete 

with water bottle and a basket for your swimming 

things. You can cycle through the coconut 

plantations to deserted beaches and pretty 

snorkelling spots. Desroches Island Resort offers 

supreme comfort in this idyllic setting. There are 

20 suites, set just back from the beach in the 

shady gardens. Each room is beautiful, with 

expanses of polished wooden floors, cream 

linens and large paintings. They have every facility 

including king-size beds, air-conditioning, satellite 

television and en suite bathroom with 

freestanding bath and outdoor shower. In the 

centre of the resort, the pool, bar and restaurant 

all overlook the sea. There are also a number of 

four-bedroom villas on the opposite side of the 

island which are perfect for families or groups. 

Whilst many come to Desroches to relax, 

plenty of activities are available if you’d like to 

explore. There is a dive centre, kayaks and 

windsurfers and a large boat which can be 

chartered on a daily basis. 

The pool at Denis Island 

134 

A chalet at Desroches

Fairy terns 

Viewpoint on North Island 

View from Villa 11, North Island 

Turtles hatching on North Island 

Dusk at North Island 

North Island 

Located 30 kilometres northwest of Mahé, 

North is one of the most exclusive private islands 

in the Seychelles. Just over two kilometres long 

and one across, it has small granite hills with 

fabulous viewpoints, hundreds of coconut palms 

and takamaka trees, and giant tortoises 

wandering about. There are four gently sloping 

white beaches where both green and hawksbill 

turtles nest. 

The pool at North Island 

North Island is a leading example of responsible 

tourism. A research centre, that guests are 

welcome to visit, is monitoring the turtles and 

nurturing rare indigenous seedlings with the aim 

of restoring the island’s habitats. Other activities 

include diving, snorkelling, sailing, private picnics 

on deserted beaches and relaxing treatments 

in the spa. 

Bird Island 

On the edge of the Seychelles Bank, 105 

kilometres northwest of Mahé, Bird Island lives 

up to its name. During the southeast trade wind 

(May to October), around 800,000 pairs of 

sooty terns nest on the northern tip of the island. 

Large numbers of lesser and brown noddies 

wander around, fairy terns are in abundance and 

many waders can be seen on the sand spits. 

Hawksbill turtles come to the beaches to lay eggs 

and, offshore, coral reefs are rich in marine life. 

Bird Island Lodge is set on the southern side of 

the island, a friendly and relaxed place with 24 

simple bungalows overlooking the beach. It is a 

simpler property than on many of the private 

islands but rooms have spacious interiors, with 

four-poster beds, ceiling fans, separate living areas 

and en suite bathrooms. There are plenty of 

activities on Bird Island including walking, 

snorkelling, diving and boat trips. 

Situated on the eastern beach of the island are 

eleven villas that are arguably the most beautiful 

in the Indian Ocean. Palm frond roofs stretch low 

over stone and wood cottages with rosewood 

floors, driftwood designs and fabrics in cream and 

earth colours. Bathrooms have sunken baths and 

both indoor and outdoor showers. Outside there 

is a large deck and private plunge pool. 

Diving off North Island 

A room at Bird Island 


Arriving at La Digue by helicopter 

La Digue 

La Digue is a sleepy island where life is relaxed 

and nobody is ever in a hurry. Creole houses 

nestle under papaya trees, with flowers 

overflowing from window boxes and plant pots. 

Fishermen dawdle along the road with fish 

hanging from sticks, and ox carts and bicycles are 

the principle forms of transport. Whilst small – 

just five kilometres long and three kilometres 

wide – La Digue is not short of exquisite beaches. 

The coast is lined with pretty coves, the soft 

white sand interspersed with granite boulders that 

turn pink at sunset. The beaches are flanked by 

coconut palms, where fairy terns and white-tailed 

tropicbirds are a common sight. Offshore, La 

Digue is surrounded by coral reefs. Here, 

snorkelling will reveal corals, sponges, and all 

manner of marine life from emperor angelfish 

to starfish and turtles. 

Although La Digue is ideal for relaxation there 

are gentle activities to enjoy as well. Take a bike 

ride along the coast, visit the coconut plantation 

and ramble to viewpoints and deserted beaches. 

Hundreds of black paradise flycatchers are 

protected in La Digue Vev Reserve, a lovely spot 

to while away a few hours wandering gentle trails 

through takamaka and badamier trees. Finally, 

you can take boat trips to the islands of Iles aux 

Cocos, Marianne and Les Soeurs, all of which 

are even quieter than La Digue. 

136 

Fleur de Lys 

LA DOMAINE DE L’ORANGERAIE, 

LA DIGUE 

La Domaine De L’Orangeraie has a cluster of 

beautiful villas set in tropical gardens. Although the 

property does not overlook the sea, it is only a 

five minute stroll or a two minute bike ride away. 

The villas are very comfortable and contemporary 

in design, each with a bedroom, living room, 

bathroom and leafy terrace where meals can be 

enjoyed. Shared facilities include a pool and 

restaurant which serves excellent Creole cuisine. 

Le Domaine De L’Orangeraie 

FLEUR DE LYS, LA DIGUE 

Fleur de Lys is set back from the beach along a 

leafy road with tall takamaka trees. It is a two 

minute cycle ride from the centre of the village 

and a five minute ride from the beach. This tiny 

property has only eight pretty and spotless chalets 

set in a little garden. Each has a small living room 

with well equipped kitchenette, as well as a 

bedroom and en suite bathroom. The chalets can 

be booked on a self-catering or bed and breakfast 

basis according to your preferences. This is an 

excellent value property and is ideal for those 

who enjoy some independence and want to 

explore at their own pace. 

Fisherman on a bicycle








Praslin 

La Digue 

Masai Mara 

KENYA 

Nairobi 

To Mahé 

Please call one of our Seychelles specialists to 


Victoria 

From 

Nairobi 

Victoria 

Telephone: 01993 838 515 


MAHÉ 

TANZANIA 

Constance 

Ephelia Resort 

MAHÉ 

Flying to the Seychelles for an island hopping trip 

or relaxation after a safari is easy. Air Seychelles 

operates flights from London and there are daily 

flights from Johannesburg and Nairobi which 

cover Southern and Eastern Africa respectively. 

Once on the islands, you can base yourself at one 

hotel or you may wish to island hop, staying on 

two or three islands. Travel between the islands is 

simple, as there is an excellent network of flights 

and small ferries. We can tailor an itinerary with 

any combination of islands and seamlessly transfer 

you from one to the other. 

When to go 


~ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ~ 





Situated just south of the equator, the Seychelles 

have a warm tropical climate, with day time 

temperatures ranging from 24C to 31C all year 

round. From May to October, a southeast trade 

wind can bring marginally cooler weather and 

fresh breezes. At this time of year beaches on 

some islands can be affected by seaweed – 

speak to our specialists who know all these 

beaches and which ones to avoid. The northwest 

monsoon wind blows from November to March, 

typically raising temperatures and humidity. 

December and January are the wettest months, 

but the rain falls in short sharp bursts before the 

sun comes out again. With such consistently 

warm tropical weather, the Seychelles are a 

good year-round destination. 



Prices 



for your trip to Seychelles on our website, 


your plans. 

La Digue & Praslin 

Island Hop 

This island hopping trip explores two of the larger 

islands in the Seychelles; La Digue and Praslin. 

La Digue is a very sleepy place with a relaxed pace 

of life. Staying in a small guesthouse, you can set 

out each day on your bicycle, picnic and swimsuit 

in the basket for lazy days on the beach. A short 

ferry ride takes you to Praslin where you can stay 

in a boutique property on a hillside with stunning 

sea views. Hire a car for the day to explore the 

island, or take a snorkel trip to a nearby reef. 

Day 1 

Days 2-5 

Days 6-12 

Day 13 

Day 14 

Fly from the UK to Mahé overnight. 

Fly from Mahé to Praslin. Ferry 

transfer to La Digue for four nights at 

Fleur de Lys. Explore La Digue by 

bicycle and ox-cart. Enjoy swimming 

and snorkelling. 

Ferry transfer to Praslin for seven 

nights at L’Archipel. Explore Praslin 

by car and relax at the beach or 

beside the pool. 

Road transfer to Praslin Airport. Fly 

to Mahé and then the UK overnight. 

Arrive back in the UK in the morning. 

Stay longer 

The Seychelles combines well with a safari in 

Kenya or Tanzania. Spend a week or more in the 

large game reserves in either of these countries 

before flying to the islands. A night’s stay in Nairobi 

is required in between, and we minimise your time 

here, flying you into the city at dusk and out to 

Mahé at dawn. Due to good flight connections, 

you can be on safari in the Mara in the afternoon 

and enjoying a large seafood lunch on the beach 

in the Seychelles the next day. 

Mara & Mahé Explorer 

This itinerary gives you the very best of both 

worlds; a safari in Africa’s most famous game 

reserve followed by time on an idyllic beach in the 

Seychelles. Stay in the heart of the Masai Mara and 

enjoy the prolific game including lion, leopard, 

elephant, buffalo, giraffe and lots more. Moving 

from the Mara to Mahé, the pace of life slows 

considerably and you can’t avoid relaxing into 

island life. Stay above two crescent-shaped coves 

on Mahé and enjoy swimming, snorkelling, 

luxurious spa treatments and of course, time 

snoozing on the beach. 

Day 1 

Days 2-5 

Day 6 

Days 7-13 

Day 14 

Day 15 


Arrive in Nairobi. Fly to the Masai 

Mara for four nights at Little 

Governor’s Camp. Explore the Mara 

on game drives and walking safaris. 

Fly to Nairobi for one night. 

Fly to Mahé for seven nights at the 

Constance Ephelia Resort. Explore 

Mahé by car and relax at the beach 

or beside the pool. 

Fly from Mahé to the UK overnight. 

Arrive back in the UK in the morning. 

Stay longer 

End your trip in the Seychelles with a stay on a 

private island. Fly from Mahé to Denis Island for a 

Robinson Crusoe style hideaway. Take time to 

ramble around the island, visiting the coconut 

plantations, giant tortoises and deserted beaches. 

Sip a glass of wine on your villa terrace and admire 

the sea views, enjoy seafood barbecues on the 

beach, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves 

and wind in the palm trees. 

Arriving on Bird Island 


Mauritius 

Located 20 degrees south of the equator, 

Mauritius is a warm, welcoming and 

tropical island. Many visitors are surprised 

by the diversity of the island’s scenery, as 

aside from the beautiful coastline there are 

soaring mountains, subtropical forest and 

plains full of sugar cane. The island is 

surrounded by coral reefs offering some of 

the richest diving spots in the Indian Ocean. 

Tiny fishing villages in hidden coves 

wait to be discovered, and restaurants peer 

out over azure coastlines. The diverse 

cultures that have settled here have had a 

strong influence on the cuisine, which is of 

a high standard. Mauritius is a wonderful 

place to visit, especially when the weather 

in the northern hemisphere is cold and wet. 

The island has a superb array of hotels 

ranging from small mountain hideaways 

to coastal boutique hotels and luxurious 

resorts. We have found a number of 

beautiful properties ranging from 

affordable guesthouses to sumptuous villas. 

All have a wide variety of activities from 

mountain biking to snorkelling and many 

have spas – perfect for pampering and 

some serious relaxation. 

138

Audley in Mauritius 

The botanical garden of 

Pamplemousses 

4 

3 

The majority of companies featuring 

Mauritius will do so as a ‘fly and flop’ beach 

destination. However, knowing the island 

from personal experience as we do, our 

recommendations go beyond merely 

spending two weeks on the sunlounger. 

There are many undiscovered corners of 

this island; pretty fishing villages, sugar cane 

plantations with private houses on them, 

and mountains where you can hike amongst 

stunning scenery. We often suggest 

combining two hotels, one in the mountains 

and the other on the coast. This allows you 

time to enjoy the diversity of scenery and 

means that you get a greater understanding 

of the Mauritian culture. We choose hotels 

from our personal experience and tailor 

unique trips to suit individual tastes. As there 

are good flight connections to both East and 

Southern Africa Mauritius makes an ideal 

beach add-on to a safari. 

Accommodation 

1 

2 

3 Île aux Cerfs 

A beautiful little island off the 

east coast that is ideally 

explored by catamaran. 

4 Grand Baie 

A pretty Mauritian village with 

some excellent restaurants 

and boutiques. 

Port Louis, Mauritius 

There are two main types of hotel on 

Mauritius – small mountain hideaways and 

luxurious coastal resorts. In the mountains 

we have hand picked lodges tucked away in 

the tropical vegetation and close to walking 

and cycle trails. The focus here is on good 

food, fresh mountain air and relaxation – 

ideal for recovering after an international 

flight. On the coast there are numerous large 

resorts. We have carefully picked just a 

handful, those we believe to be the best that 

Mauritius has to offer. Our selected hotels 

are tastefully blended into the sub-tropical 

surroundings in quiet locations, with good 

food and impeccable service. Our specialists, 

who know Mauritius well, will speak to you 

about your preferences and will suggest 

hotels to suit you perfectly. We have 

extensive details about all the hotels and 

guest houses we recommend on our 

website: www.audleytravel.com/mauritius 

Find out more 

A room on stilts at Le Prince Maurice 

1 Le Morne Peninsula 

A beautiful peninsula in 

southwest Mauritius with lovely 

fishing villages in pretty coves. 

2 Chamarel Mountains 

With superb hiking and birding, 

these can be visited on a day 

trip or while staying at the 

Lakaz Chamarel villas. 

Sailing on the Magic Sails catamaran 


information about travel in Mauritius, please 

see page 142. 

☎ 






Discuss your plans with our Mauritius 


Mauritius 139

The beach at Maradiva Villas 

Chamarel Mountains 

In southwest Mauritius, the Chamarel Mountains 

are protected by the Black River Gorges National 

Park, and are one of the most pristine and 

undeveloped tracts of land on the island. 

Undulating subtropical forest, waterfalls and 

streams make this a world apart from the 

better-known coastline. Hiking and cycling can 

be enjoyed in the national park and traditional 

Mauritian restaurants nestle in the hills, with 

sublime views. Whilst radically different from the 

coast, this area is in fact only fifteen minutes from 

some of the most undeveloped beaches in 

Mauritius. You can therefore spend a morning 

hiking followed by an afternoon swim in the 

Indian Ocean. 

Lakaz Chamarel 

140 

Le Morne Mountain in southwest Mauritius 

LAKAZ CHAMAREL, 

CHAMAREL MOUNTAINS 

This luxurious boutique hotel has a peaceful 

setting in the Chamarel Mountains. It has a 

recently installed spa, two swimming pools and a 

stylish lounge area where you can sit and while 

away the hours with a book. The luxurious villas 

are thoughtfully decorated with antique French 

furniture and each has a private plunge pool 

surrounded by sub-tropical vegetation. As you sit 

and relax in your garden, only the sound of the 

birds will disturb you. Manager Frederique serves 

excellent food in the main lodge, and is on hand 

to help you make the most of your stay. 

Tamarin Bay 

On the sheltered west coast of Mauritius, 

Tamarin Bay sits in one of the island’s prettiest 

locations. The turquoise waters of the bay lap at 

the vast, powdery white beach, with the verdant 

mountains of the Chamarel Range as backdrop. 

As the bay is on the southwest side of the island, 

it is in lee of the southeast trade winds, and 

therefore maintains a lovely climate throughout 

the year. Both the mountains and the nearby Le 

Morne Peninsula are worth a day’s exploration 

either by car or taxi. 

MARADIVA VILLAS, TAMARIN BAY 

Maradiva Villas sits in large tropical gardens above 

one of the most iconic beaches on the island. 

No detail has been overlooked, with interiors 

inspired by French colonial, Indian and Arabic 

design. The 65 individual villas are sumptuous, 

and superbly laid-out with extensive outdoor 

seating areas around a lovely plunge pool. 

Every possible facility is provided, from walk-in 

wardrobes to flat-screen plasma televisions and 

24 hour butler service. Choose from relaxed 

beachside dining or refined restaurants serving 

Pan-Asian and Indian cuisine. There are extensive 

sporting facilities and the Indian spa is of world 

class quality.

The beach at Constance Belle Mare Plage A junior suite at Le Prince Maurice Dinner at Constance Belle Mare Plage 

Le Prince Maurice 

East Coast Mauritius 

Mauritius’ east coast has long white sandy beaches 

forming perfect half-moon coves. Sheltered 

lagoons and accessible reefs make for superb 

snorkelling and diving. Inland, you find a melting 

pot of Hindu and French culture; traditional 

villages with leafy squares, small markets, cafés 

and shops. The hotels in this region employ the 

majority of their staff from the nearby villages 

and as a result feel very Mauritian in character. 

The service is excellent and by chatting to the 

hotel employees you can learn about the area 

as well as gaining an understanding of everyday 

life on the island. 

Suite on stilts at Le Prince Maurice 

Junior Suite at the Belle Mare Plage 

LE PRINCE MAURICE, EAST 

COAST MAURITIUS 

This wonderfully designed property has all the 

luxuries of a five-star hotel and presents them 

tastefully, with an air of understated elegance. 

It stands in 60 acres of private land with a calm 

lagoon, well tended gardens and an idyllic sandy 

beach. There are 89 suites, housed either in 

thatched villas around the garden or stilted villas 

above the lagoon. The suites have a classy, French 

feel which works beautifully. They are well 

equipped with king-size beds, soft cream chairs, 

television and DVD systems and large en suite 

marble bathrooms. Each suite has its own private 

balcony or terrace. The facilities at the hotel 

include a pool, library, extensive boathouse, wide 

variety of watersports and a nearby golf course. 

A luxurious spa and a floating restaurant 

complete the list of highlights. 

CONSTANCE BELLE MARE PLAGE, 

EAST COAST MAURITIUS 

The Constance Belle Mare Plage is spread out 

amongst leafy subtropical vegetation, and is 

perfect for families and couples looking for 

extensive facilities and relaxation in the vicinity 

of gorgeous beaches. There are 256 rooms set 

in two-storey houses around lush tropical 

gardens, each with their own private balcony or 

terrace looking out onto the gardens or beach. 

The hotel has excellent sporting facilities 

including two championship golf courses, five 

swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts and a 

profusion of watersports including water skiing, 

windsurfing, laser sailing and snorkelling. After a 

day of activities, choose from a range of 

excellent restaurants serving Creole and 

international cuisine. 

The links course at Belle Mare Plage 

www.audleytravel.com/mauritius ● 01993 838 520 ● Mauritius 141



The itinerary shown is designed to give you a 

flavour of what is possible, and is a route that 

works particularly well. We can use this as a basis 



The Residence 

The Residence Hotel 

Please call one of our Mauritius specialists to start 


Telephone: 01993 838 520 


Lakaz 

Chamarel 

Mauritius 

Airport 

The beach at The Residence 

THE RESIDENCE, EAST COAST 

MAURITIUS 

Blending tastefully finished colonial architecture 

with breezy, open spaces, The Residence has 

a lovely airy feel to it. Facing one of the most 

sublime east coast beaches, and with an 

extensive outdoor pool area, this hotel is a 

pleasure to wander around. Marble floors lead 

to the hotel’s 163 rooms and suites. All are 

luxurious and well equipped with king-size 

beds, television, telephone, air-conditioning and 

en suite bathrooms with bathtub and shower. 

Shuttered windows and French doors lead out 

onto large balconies. There is a lovely spa 

offering relaxing and soothing treatments, and 

tennis courts and windsurfing, waterskiing and 

sailing are available for the more active. 

Mauritius is easy to access both from the UK and 

Africa. There are direct flights from Heathrow to 

Mauritius several times a week, usually overnight. 

Several flights a day depart from Johannesburg to 

Mauritius making it simple to combine a safari in 

Africa with time on the island. Travel around the 

island’s excellent network of roads is easy and we 

will transfer you from one hotel to another in a 

private car. If you would like to explore the island 

yourself, car hire can be arranged. 

When to go 


~ ~ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ✓ 





Mauritius has a warm subtropical climate. In the 

dry season from May to October, temperatures 

range from 20C to 25C, and cooling trade 

winds from the southeast keep down the 

humidity levels. From November to April the 

climate becomes hotter and more humid and 

temperatures range from around 25C to 30C. 

The rains fall at this time, with the peak rains – 

and sometimes cyclones – occurring in 

January and February. 



Prices 



for your trip to Mauritius on our website, 


your plans. 

Mountains and Coasts 

This itinerary allows you to explore the best of 

both worlds in Mauritius. The first few days are 

spent in the mountains, an ideal antidote to an 

international flight. Stay in a villa with your own 

private pool and spend days hiking, cycling, reading 

or enjoying a pampering treatment in the spa. 

From the mountains, drop down to the coast and 

stay at one of Mauritius’ most elegant hotels, The 

Residence. On an idyllic crescent of white sand, 

this hotel has every facility necessary to make your 

stay supremely comfortable. 

Day 1 

Day 2-4 

Day 5-11 

Day 12 

Day 13 

Fly from the UK to Mauritius. 

Arrive in Mauritius. Private car 

transfer to Lakaz Chamarel for 

three nights. Walk in the 

Chamarel Mountains. 

Private road transfer to The 

Residence for seven nights. Swim, 

snorkel and relax beside the pool 


Private car transfer to the airport. 

Fly from Mauritius to London 

overnight. 



Stay longer 

It is easy to combine a safari with a trip to 

Mauritius. After a week or more in Namibia, 

Botswana, South Africa or Zambia, nothing beats 

a stay on this beautiful island. With daily flights 

departing from Johannesburg, you can choose the 

length of time you’d like on safari before heading 

to the beach. Speak to our specialists who can 

tailor a trip to suit you. 

Ocean Front Room at The Residence 

142 

Walking in the Chamarel Mountains 

Breakfast at The Residence

Useful information 

Snorkelling in Lake Malawi Cheetah in the Vumbura Reserve, Botswana Viewing rhino in Meru National Park 

Group tours 

We offer a comprehensive programme of 

guided small group tours, typically no more than 

16 travellers. Not only does this make for a 

sociable group but it also enables us to use 

smaller and more characterful accommodation 

and venture away from the large tour groups. 

We offer regular tours to countries across Africa 

which have become very popular and are an 

alternative to a tailor-made itinerary. 

www.audleytravel.com/groups 

We can also arrange private tours, whether this 

is for a group of friends, those with a special 

interest or a fundraising trip for charity. For larger 

groups we may be able to offer discounts or a 

free place to the organiser. See our website or 

call us to discuss your plans. 

Flights 

A number of airlines fly directly to Africa from 

London Heathrow. We choose from these 

airlines based on current airfares and taxes, 

your preference for travel and your itinerary. 

Connecting flights from regional UK airports can 

also be arranged so please tell us if you’d like to 

fly from your local airport as this may influence 

the airline we choose. 

East Africa is easily reached with direct flights 

going to Nairobi in Kenya, Dar es Salaam in 

Tanzania and Entebbe in Uganda. Rwanda is 

easily reached through good regional connections 

in Nairobi. Flying to East Africa usually takes 

around nine hours and most flights are overnight. 

As there is little time change, whilst tired after 

an international flight you will not have to 

grapple with jet-lag. 

In Southern Africa there is a direct flight into 

Lusaka in Zambia and numerous flights into South 

Africa’s Johannesburg and Cape Town airports. 

Namibia can be reached either via Frankfurt or 

through Johannesburg. Both Botswana and Malawi 

are usually reached by connecting through 

Johannesburg. Flying direct into Southern Africa 

usually takes around eleven hours. Nearly all 

flights are overnight and there is little time 

difference meaning jet-lag is not a problem. 

The Indian Ocean islands have good flight 

connections with direct flights to both the 

Seychelles and Mauritius. There are excellent 

connections through Paris to Antananarivo 

in Madagascar. Many Indian Ocean flights 

are overnight. 

However you chose to reach your African 

destination there are usually a number of 

options. Our specialists will discuss all the 

options with you and advise you of the best 

route to take for your trip. 

Terms & Conditions and 

Travel Insurance 

Your booking is subject to the Terms and 

Conditions of Audley Travel, which we will 

include with your personalised itinerary and can 

also be found on our website. It is vital that you 

have adequate travel insurance and we are able 

to suggest a number of policies either for the 

duration of your trip or on an annual basis. 

AITO Membership 

Audley is a member of the Association 

of Independent Tour Operators. The 

Association represents Britain’s leading 

independent tour operators and encourages high 

standards of quality and service. Audley abides 

by the Association’s Code of Conduct and 

adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can 

be viewed on www.aito.com. 

Photography in this brochure 

We would like to thank the following 

photographers for the images used in this 

brochure: 

Ariadne Van Zandbergen, Afripics, Alamy, Istock, 

Dana Allen, David Rogers, David Fettes, Daryl 

Balfour, Gary Cook, Javed Jafferji, Jamie Marshall, 

Judy Hurd, Larry Flinner, Scott Hurd, Michael 

Poliza, Mike Myers, Wilderness Safaris, Russell 

Friedman, Michael Benadi, Caroline Culbert, 

Dave Hamman, James Rawdon, Thomas Savage, 

Raymond Sahuquet, Spike Williamson and 

members of the Audley Africa team. 

All images used in this brochure were obtained 

in good faith by Audley Travel Group Limited 

and in the belief that all necessary consents and 

clearances were obtained for their use. However, 

if you believe that unauthorised use has been 

made of an image belonging to you please 

contact us on 01993 838 040. 

Visit our offices 

If you would like to discuss your 

travel arrangements in person we 

welcome personal visits, please call 

in advance to arrange an 

appointment with one or more of 

our country specialists. Our offices 

are at the New Mill, a 17th-century 

converted wool mill on the outskirts 

of Witney, ten miles west of Oxford, 

on the edge of the Cotswolds. 

www.audleytravel.com/visit-us 


Our website is packed with 

information, features and advice 

covering all our destinations across 

the globe. On the site you can browse by 

theme, special interest or region as well as 

viewing additional accommodation options 

and itineraries that are not featured in 

this brochure. You can download all our 

brochures online or contact us via the 

website where there is the option to tell 

us about your plans so that we can start 

tailoring your itinerary. 

www.audleytravel.com/africa ● 01993 838 500 ● Useful information 143

New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX, United Kingdom 

Telephone: 01993 838 500 • Fax: 01993 838 010 

Email: africa@audleytravel.com • Website: www.audleytravel.com 

This brochure has been printed on paper from well managed forests, approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council, using vegetable inks. 

Our printer holds ISO 14001 and FSC environmental accreditations. Should you wish to dispose of your brochure, we kindly request that you recycle it.

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