AFRICA BUCKET LIST

The experiences that will make you fall in love with Africa

As compiled by people who live, work and travel in Africa — and who were interviewed for the #IHeartAfricaProject

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER

Africa is not a destination to be experienced in just one way. It is a continent of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient cultures, vast wilderness, remarkable wildlife, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable human encounters come together to create experiences that stay with you for life.

Inspired by the journeys and stories shared throughout I Heart Africa Project, this bucket list brings together some of the most memorable experiences our contributors have encountered across the continent. From standing beneath the Victoria Falls and watching the Great Migration unfold across the Serengeti, to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, meeting traditional communities, volunteering with rescued wildlife, sleeping beneath African stars or simply sharing a meal with people who welcome you into their homes, these are experiences that go far beyond ordinary sightseeing.

Some are grand adventures. Others are quiet moments of connection. Some will challenge you physically, while others may change the way you see the world.

There is no single way to experience Africa, and there is no single definition of adventure. Whether you dream of tracking gorillas through the rainforest, crossing deserts, exploring ancient cities, sailing the waterways of the Okavango, encountering Africa’s extraordinary wildlife or simply slowing down long enough to listen to the people who call this continent home, there is something here to inspire your own journey.

Consider this your invitation to dream bigger, travel deeper and start creating your own African bucket list.

THE ULTIMATE AFRICA BUCKET LIST

TRACK RHINOS ON FOOT — Step quietly into the bush with an experienced guide and track rhino through the wilderness, experiencing the extraordinary privilege of observing one of Africa’s most endangered animals from a concealed position. Jonty Bozas
CANOE THE GREAT FISH RIVER IN KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE — Follow the river through the Eastern Cape by canoe, navigating the same wild waters where Jonty Bozas once came face-to-face with a charging hippo and discovering the raw unpredictability of Africa’s wilderness. Jonty Bozas
EXPLORE THE DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS — Hike through the spectacular KwaZulu-Natal mountains, swim in clear mountain streams and discover ancient San rock art among a landscape steeped in natural beauty and human history. Jonty Bozas
TAKE PART IN A CONSERVATION SAFARI — Go beyond simply observing wildlife by joining a conservation experience such as rhino darting or wild dog collaring, helping to contribute directly to the protection of Africa’s wildlife. Jonty Bozas
EXPERIENCE A BIG FIVE SAFARI AT MALAMALA GAME RESERVE — Enter one of South Africa’s legendary private reserves for exceptional big-game encounters in the Sabi Sands, following in the footsteps of generations of guides who helped shape the country’s safari industry. Jonty Bozas
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS IN THE AFRICAN BUSH — Spend a night beneath Africa’s vast night sky, listening to lions roar, leopards call, elephants rumble and the sounds of the wilderness unfold around you, while learning to tread lightly in the animals’ world. Jonty Bozas
EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC MAASAI VILLAGE LIFE — Stay in an authentic Maasai boma in Tanzania and take part in everyday village life, from herding and milking cattle to cooking ugali, learning about traditional medicine and crafts, exploring the bush and spending time with Maasai families. Stephanie Fuchs
EXPLORE MAFIA ISLAND — Discover the beauty of Tanzania’s Mafia Island, an island paradise where Stephanie worked on marine conservation projects conducting fish counts and reef surveys, while experiencing the island’s extraordinary marine environment. Stephanie Fuchs
WITNESS AFRICA’S WILDLIFE ON FOOT — Experience the African bush at ground level, where every step brings you closer to the sights, sounds and signs of wildlife, and where the possibility of encountering animals such as leopard, elephant or other predators makes the wilderness intensely alive. Stephanie Fuchs
LEARN FROM THE MAASAI WOMEN — Spend meaningful time with Maasai women and discover their strength, wisdom, skills and intimate knowledge of their community, while gaining a deeper understanding of the traditions and challenges shaping Maasai women’s lives. Stephanie Fuchs
CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO TO UHURU PEAK — Stand at 5,895 metres above sea level on Africa’s highest peak and experience the extraordinary sense of freedom and rebirth that comes with watching the first rays of sunlight appear over the continent. Abraham Lauwo
CLIMB THE HISTORIC MARANGU ROUTE — Follow the oldest route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, created by Abraham’s great-uncle Mzee Yohane Kinyala Lauwo, whose extraordinary climbing legacy is woven into the history of the mountain. Abraham Lauwo
EXPERIENCE KILIMANJARO AS A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY — Go beyond simply conquering a mountain and allow the climb to become an opportunity to face your fears, overcome obstacles and reconnect with nature, discovering the mountain as a place of inner strength and freedom. Abraham Lauwo
EXPLORE LIWONDE NATIONAL PARK BY BOAT SAFARI — Cruise along the Shire River through one of Malawi’s great wildlife destinations, watching hippos and crocodiles from the water and looking for huge herds of elephants along the riverbanks. Robin Bruyns
ENCOUNTER A WILD PANGOLIN IN AFRICA — Seek out one of the world’s most elusive and endangered mammals and experience the extraordinary privilege of seeing a pangolin alive in its natural environment, rather than only encountering the tragic evidence of trafficking. Robin Bruyns
EXPERIENCE THE OKAVANGO DELTA — Explore Botswana’s extraordinary inland delta, following in Robin’s footsteps through a landscape that first captured his imagination as a child and later became the setting for his conservation fieldwork. Robin Bruyns
STAND BENEATH THE STARS AT THE MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS — Camp beneath the vast African sky and experience the breathtaking solitude of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where Robin stood beneath what felt like a billion stars at sixteen. Robin Bruyns
DISCOVER LAKE MALAWI AT CAPE MACLEAR — Travel to Monkey Bay and Cape Maclear on the southern tip of Lake Malawi, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, meeting like-minded travellers and experiencing the country Robin considers his number-one destination. Robin Bruyns
EXPERIENCE THE RAW WILDERNESS OF CHITAKE SPRING — Spend a night at one of Mana Pools National Park’s wildest camps, sitting quietly beside the narrow riverbed as animals emerge from the surrounding bush to drink at the only water source for kilometres. Nicolette Waldeck
WATCH WILDLIFE GATHER AT CHITAKE SPRING AFTER DARK — Experience an unforgettable night in the African wilderness as elephants drink within touching distance, hyenas chase wild dogs, lions hunt nearby and a leopard arrives at the spring for water. Nicolette Waldeck
EXPLORE HWANGE NATIONAL PARK ON SAFARI — Discover Zimbabwe’s largest national park and experience the extraordinary wildlife and open landscapes that make Hwange one of the country’s defining safari destinations. Nicolette Waldeck
STAND BENEATH THE VICTORIA FALLS — Experience one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders and discover the beauty of Zimbabwe through the eyes of someone who has spent her career sharing the country with visitors from around the world. Nicolette Waldeck
EXPERIENCE ZIMBABWE AROUND A NIGHT-TIME CAMPFIRE — Sit beneath a vast African sky, listen to the sounds of the wilderness and feel the extraordinary power of hearing a lion calling nearby in the darkness. Nicolette Waldeck
SIT BENEATH THE AFRICAN STARS IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – Camp beneath the vast African sky and listen to the unforgettable sounds of hyenas, lions, nightjars and other nocturnal creatures as they call through the darkness. Petronel Nieuwoudt
MEET ORPHANED RHINOS AT A CONSERVATION SANCTUARY – Discover the extraordinary world of rhino rehabilitation and learn how traumatised calves are rescued, cared for and prepared for their eventual return to the wild. Petronel Nieuwoudt
RIDE WITH AN AFRICAN ANTI-POACHING UNIT – Travel through the bush on horseback and discover how mounted teams protect vulnerable wildlife in remote areas where vehicles cannot easily reach. Petronel Nieuwoudt
WITNESS THE JOURNEY FROM ORPHAN TO WILD RHINO – Follow the remarkable journey of a young rhino from rescue and rehabilitation through to integration with other rhinos and eventual reintroduction into a protected natural habitat. Petronel Nieuwoudt
TREK THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS TO SEE WILD GORILLAS – Hike through Rwanda’s lush mountain forests for several hours before coming face to face with magnificent mountain gorillas living freely in their natural habitat. Josh Kanuck
ENJOY A SUNDOWNER BESIDE A HERD OF ELEPHANTS – Watch the African sunset from the bush while enjoying drinks and snacks beside a herd of elephants feeding on prickly pears in Kenya’s Laikipia region. Josh Kanuck
WATCH A LION HUNT ON THE MASAI MARA – Head out on safari and witness the extraordinary drama of a lion stalking and successfully hunting a zebra on the vast plains of the Masai Mara. Josh Kanuck
DINE WITH A FAMILY IN THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS – Travel into Morocco’s spectacular Atlas Mountains and share a meal with a local family, discovering a more intimate side of African hospitality and culture. Josh Kanuck
RIDE DUNE BUGGIES INTO THE MOROCCAN DESERT – Drive across the dramatic desert landscape in a dune buggy before spending the night at a remote desert camp beneath the vast Moroccan sky. Josh Kanuck
EXPLORE AFRICA’S SNAKE WORLD – Encounter Africa’s venomous and non-venomous snakes, learn from experienced herpetologists and discover the science behind venom, snakebite and antivenom research. Donald Schultz
EXPERIENCE A SNAKE EDUCATION TOUR – Visit a local facility where indigenous snakes are used to educate communities about identification, avoidance and safe coexistence. Donald Schultz
DIVE WITH SHARKS – Get beneath the surface alongside sharks and experience these powerful predators while learning about their behaviour, conservation and scientific research. Donald Schultz
DISCOVER MADAGASCAR’S WILDLIFE – Explore one of the world’s most biologically unique destinations, where extraordinary animals and plants have evolved in isolation. Donald Schultz
EXPERIENCE THE WILDERNESS OF TSAVO – Venture into Kenya’s vast wilderness, encounter elephants and other wildlife, and witness the realities of conservation in one of Africa’s great national parks. Donald Schultz
WITNESS ELEPHANT CONSERVATION IN ACTION – Follow wildlife professionals as they treat an injured elephant and learn about the realities of poaching, veterinary intervention and protecting Africa’s great tuskers. Donald Schultz
ENCOUNTER A GIANT AFRICAN TUSKER – Witness one of Africa’s great elephants in the wild and experience the extraordinary power of a mature bull at close range. Donald Schultz
EXPERIENCE THE RAW WILDERNESS OF ZULULAND – Immerse yourself in the bush of KwaZulu-Natal, where venomous snakes, wildlife and wild landscapes surround you and nature remains very much part of everyday life. Donald Schultz
RIDE ACROSS THE MASAI MARA ON HORSEBACK – Ride through Kenya’s iconic grasslands alongside zebra, giraffe, elephants and other wildlife, experiencing the landscape without the barrier or noise of a vehicle. Isabel Juby
CROSS THE MASAI MARA RIVER ON HORSEBACK – Ride through the brown waters of the Mara River with hippos nearby and crocodiles below, following a route traditionally crossed by generations of experienced riders. Isabel Juby
HORSEBACK SAFARI THROUGH THE OKAVANGO DELTA – Cross floodplains and waterways on horseback, reaching parts of the Okavango Delta that vehicles cannot access and experiencing its wildlife from the saddle. Isabel Juby
TREK ACROSS THE NAMIB DESERT ON HORSEBACK – Spend several days riding through the extraordinary landscapes of Namibia, experiencing the desert from the saddle and sleeping beneath the African sky. Isabel Juby
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AT THE MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS – Spend a night beneath an enormous African sky in the stillness of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, surrounded by an immense landscape that invites reflection and solitude. Isabel Juby
EXPERIENCE ZANZIBAR THROUGH THE EYES OF LOCALS – Explore Stone Town with local fishermen, learn some Swahili, visit a community-run spice tour, and stay on the quieter east coast where you can experience everyday island life beyond the tourist trail. Manuelle Prunier
EXPLORE TANZANIA’S WILDLIFE AND MAASAI COMMUNITIES – Travel through Tarangire National Park, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Natron, while seeking genuine cultural encounters with Maasai communities away from staged tourist experiences. Manuelle Prunier
VOLUNTEER ON A COMMUNITY-BASED HORSE AND HIKING TRAIL IN SOUTH AFRICA – Work alongside local horse owners, guides, caterers, canoe operators, and campsite owners on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape, contributing professional skills while experiencing the project from within the communities it supports. Manuelle Prunier
FOLLOW A PYGMY-BAKA TRACKER THROUGH THE GABONESE RAINFOREST – Walk deep into the forest with a Baka tracker and experience the extraordinary ability to hear, smell, and read the landscape in ways that most visitors cannot. Manuelle Prunier
WATCH LEATHERBACK TURTLES RETURN TO THE BEACH – Witness enormous leatherback turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, then watch their vulnerable hatchlings make their first desperate journey towards the ocean. Manuelle Prunier
WAIT FOR FOREST ELEPHANTS AT SETTE CAMA – Sit quietly on the beach in southern Loango National Park as Assala forest elephants emerge from the forest in the late afternoon to lick salt from the vegetation. Manuelle Prunier
TRAVEL THE RAINY-SEASON ROAD TO A GABONESE NATIONAL PARK – Take the extraordinary fourteen-hour journey across mud, sand and flooded savannah, negotiating collapsing bridges and hand-operated river ferries along the way. Manuelle Prunier
TRACK A PANGOLIN THROUGH THE RED DUNES OF TSWALU – Follow fresh pangolin tracks with Tswalu’s specialist trackers, then wait beside a burrow for one of Africa’s most endangered mammals to emerge. If the animal settles in your presence, you may be rewarded with the extraordinary sight of a pangolin passing within a metre of you. Gerry van der Walt
SLEEP IN AN UNFENCED MASAI MARA CAMP BESIDE THE RIVER – Spend the night in Wild Eye’s authentic tented camp on the banks of the Mara River, where hot-water bottles warm your bed, Maasai staff escort you between tents and the sounds of the wild continue long after the campfire dies down. Gerry van der Walt
FOLLOW THE FIRST RAINS INTO THE AFRICAN BUSH – Be in the Mara or Mana Pools when the first rain breaks a long dry spell and transforms the dusty landscape with the earthy scent of petrichor, one of Gerry van der Walt’s most evocative smells of the bush. Gerry van der Walt
SPEND A MORNING WATCHING FLAMINGOS AND PELICANS IN AMBOSELI – Leave the traditional game-drive circuit behind and spend several hours around Amboseli’s transformed marshland, where seasonal water has created remarkable concentrations of flamingos, pelicans, waders and raptors. Gerry van der Walt
SPEND A WEEK IN THE MASAI MARA WITHOUT CHASING THE MIGRATION – Base yourself in one location, slow down and spend enough time in the ecosystem to experience the Mara beyond the famous river crossings. Gerry van der Walt
TAKE A WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI THAT STAYS IN THE FIELD ALL DAY – Carry meals into the bush instead of returning to camp between drives, maximising the hours available for wildlife and changing light. Gerry van der Walt
VISIT THE MARA DURING THE GREAT MIGRATION SEASON – Travel between June and November when East Africa’s dry-season conditions make the Mara particularly rewarding for wildlife viewing and photography. Gerry van der Walt
KISS A GIRAFFE AT GIRAFFE MANOR – Place a pellet between your lips and let one of the manor’s resident Rothschild’s giraffes delicately take it from you, creating the wonderfully bizarre experience of sharing a kiss with a giraffe. Wilda Fong
WAKE TO GIRAFFES AT YOUR WINDOW – Stay at Giraffe Manor and open your window in the early morning to find Rothschild’s giraffes approaching the manor for their morning feeding, bringing one of Africa’s most iconic animals remarkably close. Wilda Fong
WATCH THE SUNRISE OVER KILIMANJARO FROM AMBOSELI – Set out before dawn and watch the first golden rays sweep across Amboseli’s plains, illuminating elephants, wetlands and wildlife with Mount Kilimanjaro rising dramatically in the distance. Wilda Fong
BE WELCOMED INTO A MAASAI VILLAGE BY WOMEN IN SONG AND DANCE – Step into a Maasai community and experience a traditional welcome led by the women of the village, whose singing and dancing offer a glimpse into a culture and daily life far beyond the safari vehicle. Wilda Fong
WATCH THE MARA MIGRATION REACH THE RIVER – Follow the Mara River as wildebeest and zebra gather at its banks before taking the plunge, with hippos and Nile crocodiles waiting in the waters below. Wilda Fong
FLOAT AMONG ELEPHANTS ON LAKE KARIBA – Spend several days aboard a houseboat on Zimbabwe’s enormous Lake Kariba, fishing from the water and watching elephants, hippos and other wildlife along the shoreline as the lake stretches out around you. Ivan Carter
GO ON A CONSERVATION-FOCUSED SAFARI – Swap the usual race to find lions and elephants for a deeper look at the ecosystem that sustains them, learning to identify birds, insects, plants, soils and water systems and discovering how every seemingly insignificant species plays a role. Ivan Carter
EXPLORE THE ZAMBEZE DELTA – Venture into Mozambique’s vast Zambeze Delta, a remarkable wilderness that has been undergoing an extraordinary conservation recovery, where restored habitats now support growing populations of elephants, lions, wild dogs and other wildlife. Ivan Carter
STEP BEYOND THE SAFARI VEHICLE – Spend time exploring an ecosystem on foot with a knowledgeable naturalist, looking closely at the smaller details most visitors drive straight past – tracks, insects, birds, plants, animal signs and the subtle evidence that reveals what is happening in the landscape. Ivan Carter
GET BEHIND THE SCENES OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION – Take part in a legitimate conservation programme where visitors can meet the scientists, veterinarians and field teams working to protect wildlife and learn what happens beyond the safari experience. Ivan Carter
WATCH A GIRAFFE RETURN TO THE WILD – Witness a conservation translocation and see the extraordinary planning involved in moving a giraffe safely into a new habitat, while learning why expanding and protecting viable wildlife ranges is so important to the future of the species. Ivan Carter
VISIT PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE – Explore Uganda’s Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve and experience a landscape where Nubian giraffes have been returned after disappearing from the area for decades. Ivan Carter
FOLLOW THE LIFE OF A COLLARED ANIMAL – Learn how conservationists use GPS tracking and scientific data to understand where animals travel, how they use their habitat and where threats occur, turning a safari into a window into the science behind wildlife protection. Ivan Carter
VISIT A PRIMATE REHABILITATION CENTRE – Spend time at a reputable sanctuary or rehabilitation centre caring for rescued primates, learning about the threats they face and the painstaking work required to rehabilitate animals that have been taken from the wild. Ivan Carter
TAKE A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO RHINO CONSERVATION – Join a properly organised conservation programme that allows visitors to witness the veterinary teams working with rhino, including operations such as monitoring, microchipping and dehorning carried out to protect animals from poaching. Ivan Carter
SAFARI FOR THE SPECIES YOU NEVER THOUGHT TO LOOK FOR – Spend a day with a specialist naturalist in search of Africa’s smaller and often overlooked wildlife – from birds and butterflies to insects, plants and other essential pieces of the ecosystem – rather than making the entire safari about lions and elephants. Ivan Carter
WALK AMONG RHINOS IN KRUGER – Join an authorised walking safari with trained rangers and trackers and venture into the veld on foot, following wildlife tracks until you encounter white rhinos moving through the bush – experiencing Kruger at ground level rather than from a vehicle. Elle Yantsch
TRACK ELEPHANTS THROUGH THE VELD – Learn to read the African bush through footprints, tracks and scat, then stand inside an elephant’s enormous footprint as you discover the stories animals leave behind in the soil. Elle Yantsch
DRIVE FROM SKUKUZA TO LETABA – Take the long route north through Kruger National Park, stopping at Tshokwane, Satara and Olifants as the landscape transforms from lush southern bushveld to open savanna and finally the river country around Letaba. Elle Yantsch
SPEND A NIGHT AT LETABA BESIDE THE RIVER – Stay at Letaba Rest Camp on the southern bank of the Letaba River and experience the tranquillity of the water, vast wilderness and African night sky in one of Kruger’s most atmospheric settings. Elle Yantsch
VISIT MOHOLOHOLO WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE – Meet rescued and rehabilitated wildlife at this conservation centre near Kruger and learn about the work being done to care for animals that have been orphaned, injured, poisoned or caught in snares. Elle Yantsch
WALK THE GREAT WALK OF AFRICA – Trek 100 miles over ten days through Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks, walking through genuine predator country alongside Samburu guides and trackers. Paige Shaw
TRACK THE MAN-EATERS OF TSAVO – Hike to the hidden cave where the infamous man-eating lions known as The Ghost and The Darkness were said to drag their victims during the construction of the Kenya–Uganda railway. Paige Shaw
CROSS THE GALANA RIVER ON FOOT – Make a carefully guided river crossing through crocodile and hippo territory, following the ancient elephant crossings and experiencing the extraordinary reality of walking through the heart of the bush. Paige Shaw
SLEEP IN A MOBILE BUSH CAMP IN TSAVO – Spend nights in a traditional expedition-style tented camp that is dismantled and rebuilt as you walk, with campfire cocktails, hot showers, gourmet meals and wildlife moving around the camps after dark. Paige Shaw
SAIL INTO LAMU ON A DHOW AT SUNSET – After completing the Great Walk, take a traditional dhow through the Lamu Archipelago, explore the historic Swahili town, and watch a fleet of dhows race towards the setting sun. Paige Shaw
FISH FOR A CORNISH JACK ON THE ZAMBEZI – Head out onto the Zambezi River and try your hand at catching one of its fish species, following in Ryan’s footsteps as he finally beat his grandfather’s fishing record by landing a seven-kilogram Cornish Jack in 2016. Ryan van der Linde
LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE BAOBAB WITH THE BATONGA – Spend time learning from the BaTonga people of the Zambezi Valley about the traditional uses, cultural significance, mythology, and remarkable properties of the baobab tree. Ryan van der Linde
WALK THE SHORES OF LAKE KARIBA – Explore the remote lakeshore around Sinamwenda on foot, taking in the wildlife and wilderness of one of Africa’s largest artificial lakes — while remembering that Ryan’s own exploration here included an unexpected elephant encounter. Ryan van der Linde
SEEK OUT ZIMBABWE’S OVERLOOKED ANTELOPE – Go into the Zimbabwean bushveld specifically looking for some of Ryan’s favourite animals: kudu, sable, gemsbok, and the rare Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, rather than focusing solely on the Big Five. Ryan van der Linde
EXPERIENCE THE ZAMBEZI IN THE WILD – Experience the wild landscapes around the Zambezi, from its wildlife-rich waters and riverbanks to the enormous baobabs and remote bush, discovering the slower pace and extraordinary natural diversity that makes Ryan call the river his favourite place in Africa. Ryan van der Linde
TREK INTO THE MOUNTAINS TO MEET A SILVERBACK – Trek through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to encounter a habituated mountain gorilla family in its natural environment, just as Evan did when a huge silverback approached him before leading him to his family. Dr Evan Antin
WITNESS A GIRAFFE CONSERVATION TRANSLOCATION – Follow the extraordinary work of giraffe conservationists in Uganda by witnessing the capture, veterinary treatment, transport, and release of Nubian giraffes as part of a conservation translocation such as Twiga IV. Dr Evan Antin
WALK AMONG THE EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS OF THE CONGO – Venture into the raw jungle of the Democratic Republic of Congo and experience the eastern lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega, an environment Evan described as one most people never get to experience. Dr Evan Antin
SEE RHINO CONSERVATION ON THE FRONT LINE – Visit a South African rhino conservation operation and learn first-hand about the realities of poaching, including the extraordinary measures conservationists take to protect rhinos, such as veterinary dehorning and emergency care. Dr Evan Antin
MEET WILDLIFE AT OL JOGI – Visit Kenya’s Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy and experience conservation medicine in action, following the care of vulnerable animals such as Mei Mei the young rhino and a rescued cheetah recovering from serious injuries. Dr Evan Antin
CAMP BENEATH THE GRANITE PEAKS OF SPITZKOPPE – Spend a night at one of Namibia’s secluded campsites beneath the enormous granite formations of Spitzkoppe, waking to extraordinary sunrises and watching the changing light across the mountains. Nick Raper
SAIL AND DIVE THE QUIRIMBAS ARCHIPELAGO – Explore the islands and waters of northern Mozambique by sailing between the Quirimbas and diving beneath the Indian Ocean, the adventure sitting firmly at the top of Nick’s own African bucket list. Nick Raper
CAMP IN THE WILDERNESS OF RICHTERSVELD – Take a 4×4 into Richtersveld National Park and camp far from civilisation, following Nick’s example of using the wilderness to escape everyday life, gather your thoughts, and reconnect with Africa’s landscapes, sounds and sunsets. Nick Raper
SLEEP BESIDE ELEPHANTS AT MOREMI – Camp at Moremi North Gate and experience the raw reality of sleeping in Botswana’s wilderness, where an elephant may quietly wander past your tent in the darkness while you lie awake listening to its enormous footsteps. Nick Raper
EXPERIENCE THE HAUNTING HISTORY OF OLIFANTSRUS – Camp at Olifantsrus in Namibia’s Etosha National Park and visit the remains of the former elephant abattoir, where the surviving gantry and processing structures stand as a stark reminder of the mass elephant culling that took place there. Nick Raper
WITNESS THE WILDLIFE OF GREATER KRUGER ON A CONSERVATION MISSION – Spend time in the Greater Kruger area learning about the frontline battle against rhino poaching, where rangers patrol vast wilderness areas and conservation becomes a matter of life and death. Azad ‘OZ’ Ebrahimzadeh
EXPERIENCE A FULL-MOON NIGHT IN THE AFRICAN BUSH – Spend a night in the bush during a full moon, when the landscape is illuminated enough for nocturnal wildlife and, ominously, poachers to move more easily through the wilderness. Azad ‘OZ’ Ebrahimzadeh
TRACK WILDLIFE WITH AFRICAN RANGERS – Join experienced local trackers and learn how rangers read tracks through the bush, following the evidence left behind by animals and, where appropriate, identifying signs of human movement. Azad ‘OZ’ Ebrahimzadeh
VISIT THE KARATU ORPHANAGE AND SHARE A DAY WITH THE CHILDREN – Spend time at an orphanage in Karatu, Tanzania, bringing practical supplies and experiencing the simple joy of sharing food, play and laughter with the children, just as OZ did during his most memorable African experience. Azad ‘OZ’ Ebrahimzadeh
STAND AMONG AFRICA’S WILDLIFE AND REMEMBER EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED – Seek out an experience that brings you face-to-face with Africa’s elephants, rhinos or other iconic species, and witness the living ecosystem that connects animals, plants, people and the land together. Azad ‘OZ’ Ebrahimzadeh
LEARN CONSERVATION FROM A LOCAL COMMUNITY – Attend a community conservation forum or event in Kenya and learn directly from local people how education, partnership and trust are being used to protect wildlife and natural resources. Lovejoy Kisali
PHOTOGRAPH AFRICA’S WILDLIFE FOR CONSERVATION – Take your camera into the Kenyan wilderness and photograph wildlife not simply as a traveller, but as a way of helping tell the story of why Africa’s animals and landscapes need protecting. Lovejoy Kisali
SUPPORT A LOCAL WILDLIFE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE – Go beyond observing Africa’s wildlife by directly supporting a conservation initiative, rescue or rehabilitation centre, anti-poaching unit, or community project working to protect it. Lovejoy Kisali
STAND BEFORE VICTORIA FALLS — MOSI-OA-TUNYA – Experience the immense power of the “Smoke That Thunders” in Zambia or Zimbabwe and witness one of the natural wonders that Lovejoy believes captures the magic and majesty of Africa. Lovejoy Kisali
WATCH THE GREAT MIGRATION – Witness the extraordinary movement of wildlife across the African landscape and experience first-hand the vast, interconnected wilderness that Lovejoy believes makes Africa unlike anywhere else on Earth. Lovejoy Kisali
FEED THE WILD HYENAS OF HARAR – Head into the darkness outside Harar to watch the city’s wild hyenas emerge from the thorn bushes and rubbish heaps for their nightly feeding, continuing a centuries-old relationship between the animals and the people of Harar. Peter de Graaf
MEET HARAR’S HYENA MAN – Seek out one of the traditional hyena feeders who have inherited the role through generations, learning how they call the animals by name and maintain this extraordinary relationship with the wild creatures living on the outskirts of the city. Peter de Graaf
WITNESS HARAR’S HYENAS AFTER DARK – Venture beyond the ancient city after nightfall and experience the eerie sounds of the hyenas calling from the darkness as they slowly emerge from the surrounding thorn bushes and rubbish heaps. Peter de Graaf
WATCH THE WILDEBEEST CROSS THE MARA RIVER – Position yourself along the Mara River and wait for the moment tens of thousands of wildebeest gather before plunging into the water in one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. Marilyn Young
SLEEP BESIDE THE MARA RIVER IN AN UNFENCED CAMP – Spend a night in a simple tented camp within the Serengeti ecosystem, with hippos in the river, wildlife moving nearby and nothing separating you from the African wilderness. Marilyn Young
WALK THE SWENI TRAIL WITH THE WILD AROUND YOU – Take a guided walking safari through Kruger National Park along the Sweni River, staying in formation and moving quietly through an area where hippos, predators and other wildlife can be remarkably close. Marilyn Young
CLIMB BIG DADDY AT SUNRISE – Climb Namibia’s 325-metre Big Daddy dune before sunrise and look down over the ancient, red sands of Deadvlei as the first light reaches the Sossusvlei landscape. Marilyn Young
WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM DUNE 45 – Climb Namibia’s famous Dune 45 and experience the vast panoramic views over the surrounding dunes as the morning light transforms the landscape. Marilyn Young
SLEEP BENEATH A NAMIBIAN BAOBAB – Spend a night beneath an ancient baobab tree in the remote Kunene region, lying beneath a cloudless African sky and experiencing the immense stillness of the wilderness around you. Marilyn Young
CROSS NAMIBIA’S REMOTE KUNENE REGION – Take a properly equipped 4×4 expedition through the remote Kunene landscape, where rough roads, isolation and notorious routes such as Van Zyl’s Pass make the journey part of the adventure. Marilyn Young
VISIT THE UM OJA WOMEN’S VILLAGE – Spend time at Umoja Women’s Village in northern Kenya, meeting women who have created a self-sufficient community and refuge for those escaping violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation. Marilyn Young
MEET THE EL MOLO OF LAKE TURKANA – Travel to the shores of Lake Turkana to meet members of the El Molo, one of Kenya’s smallest ethnic communities, whose traditional way of life is increasingly threatened by intermarriage and changing circumstances. Marilyn Young
EXPERIENCE THE LOIYANGALANI CULTURAL FESTIVAL – Travel to remote Loiyangalani for its annual Music and Dance Cultural Festival, where multiple African communities gather to showcase their traditional music, dance and culture. Marilyn Young
VISIT THE RENDILLE AND SAMBURU COMMUNITIES – Journey through the Lake Turkana region and spend time with Rendille and Samburu communities, experiencing cultures very different from the conventional safari experience. Marilyn Young
MEET THE HIMBA OF KAOKOLAND – Travel deep into Namibia’s Kunene region to visit a Himba community and experience the traditions of this semi-nomadic pastoral people living in one of Africa’s harshest environments. Marilyn Young
CAMP BESIDE EPUPA FALLS – Travel into Namibia’s remote Kunene region and camp beside the Kunene River with the dramatic 40-metre Epupa Falls nearby. Marilyn Young
SEARCH KRUGER BEFORE SUNRISE – Be among the first vehicles through the gates of Kruger National Park at dawn, searching for signs of what happened during the night before the crowds arrive. Marilyn Young
SPEND A NIGHT AT MESERANI SNAKE PARK – Stay at Meserani Snake Park near Arusha and experience its collection of some of the world’s deadliest snakes alongside its education and community medical facilities. Marilyn Young
SEE LAKE NATRON’S FLAMINGOS – Travel to Lake Natron and witness the striking red waters of this alkaline lake, where vast numbers of flamingos gather. Marilyn Young
CLIMB INTO THE ‘MOUNTAIN OF GOD’ LANDSCAPE – Travel through the Rift Valley beneath Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Maasai “Mountain of God”, and experience the extraordinary volcanic landscape surrounding Lake Natron. Marilyn Young
DISCOVER THE UNSEEN BEAUTY OF THE HYENA – Spend time observing spotted hyenas in the wild and discover the intelligence, strength, complex social structure and unexpected beauty behind one of Africa’s most misunderstood predators. Nikki Lockwood
HEAR THE HYENAS WHOOP ACROSS THE AFRICAN NIGHT – Spend a night in the African bush listening for the unmistakable whoops, cackles and calls of hyenas travelling across the darkness. Nikki Lockwood
WATCH AFRICA WAKE IN THE MORNING MIST – Enter Kruger in the darkness before sunrise and experience the transformation from cold, wet morning mist to brilliant African sunshine as the wildlife begins to emerge. Nikki Lockwood
STAY AT A HOLIDAY HOME IN MARLOTH PARK – Wake to the sounds of the bush in an unfenced game park full of residential homes. Walk the Crocodile River and Kruger National Park fence line from Marloth Park. Encounter non-predator wildlife life roaming freely in and around homes and Marloth. Nikki Lockwood
TRACK RHINOS ACROSS THE NAMIBIAN DESERT – Follow the tracks of desert-adapted rhinos through the stark landscapes of Namibia, witnessing how these magnificent animals survive in one of Africa’s harshest environments. Jason Savage
WATCH AFRICA’S RHINO FRONTIER EXPAND – Travel into Angola to witness the country’s emerging conservation efforts and follow the story of rhinos returning to landscapes where they are once again being given a chance to thrive. Jason Savage
FOLLOW THE CALL OF THE WILD DOG – Search the African wilderness for one of the continent’s most elusive predators, photographing a wild dog pack as they move, hunt and communicate as a family. Jason Savage
DISCOVER GORONGOSA’S CONSERVATION REVIVAL – Explore Gorongosa National Park and witness one of Africa’s extraordinary conservation stories, where wildlife and ecosystems have been given a remarkable second chance. Jason Savage
WALK INTO THE WORLD OF PANGOLINS – Learn more about one of Africa’s most trafficked and misunderstood mammals and photograph the conservationists working to protect these extraordinary creatures. Jason Savage
PHOTOGRAPH AFRICA’S MISUNDERSTOOD WILDLIFE – Build a photographic collection celebrating the species that have been given a bad reputation, from hyenas and snakes to vultures, showing the intelligence, beauty and ecological importance hidden behind the stereotypes. Jason Savage
CHASE THE PERFECT AFRICAN SUNSET – Find a remote wilderness viewpoint, camera in hand, and watch the African sun disappear across the horizon — because, as Jason says, nothing beats an African sunset. Jason Savage
WALK A WALKING SAFARI IN THE KAFUE – Step beyond the vehicle and experience Zambia’s wilderness on foot, discovering the quiet connection between you and the wild that Andrew Danckwerts believes makes walking safari an art. Andrew Danckwerts
MEET THE LEOPARDS OF MALAMALA – Spend time in MalaMala Game Reserve, where elusive leopards can be encountered at astonishingly close range and discover why this legendary reserve transformed Andrew’s understanding of these magnificent predators. Andrew Danckwerts
TRACK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN BWINDI – Trek deep into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and come face to face with mountain gorillas, surrounded by ancient trees, chimpanzees and the haunting sounds of the forest. Andrew Danckwerts
TREK THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS OF ETHIOPIA – Climb through the dramatic Ethiopian Highlands in search of endemic wildlife, including the striking gelada baboons and endangered Walia ibex, while taking in landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. Andrew Danckwerts
MEET THE MAASAI AROUND A CAMPFIRE – Sit beside a roaring fire in the Masai Mara and listen to Maasai warriors share their stories, traditions, beliefs and wisdom beneath the sounds of the African night. Andrew Danckwerts
WITNESS THE GREAT MIGRATION AT THE MARA RIVER – Stand among thousands upon thousands of wildebeest as they thunder across the Mara River during the Great Migration, creating one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. Andrew Danckwerts
EXPLORE THE OMO VALLEY – Journey into south-west Ethiopia to encounter the distinctive cultures of the Karo, Mursi and other communities of the Omo Valley, gaining a deeper understanding of traditions that have endured for generations. Andrew Danckwerts
SLEEP UNDER CANVAS IN THE AFRICAN WILD – Spend a night in a remote tented camp where elephants and buffalo may wander through after dark, while lions roar, hyenas whoop and hippos make their nightly journey beyond your canvas walls. Andrew Danckwerts
CANOE THE KAFUE RIVER – Paddle through the wilds of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, where hippos, elephants and other wildlife can turn an ordinary canoe journey into an unforgettable encounter. Andrew Danckwerts
ENCOUNTER A WILD ELEPHANT ON FOOT – Experience the extraordinary intimacy of meeting a wild elephant in its natural environment, just as Andrew did with Dave, the gentle giant who once stood between him and two charging young bulls. Andrew Danckwerts
EXPLORE THE MAKULEKE CONSERVANCY – Discover the remarkable wilderness of northern Kruger’s Makuleke Conservancy, a landscape returned to the Makuleke people and recognised by Andrew as one of the most biodiverse places he has experienced in Africa. Andrew Danckwerts
EXPLORE LOANGO NATIONAL PARK, GABON – Discover one of Gabon’s most extraordinary wilderness areas, where forests, beaches and wildlife meet along the Atlantic coast, a destination Alice says she is “dying to go to.” Alice Péretié
DISCOVER PONGARA NATIONAL PARK – Venture into Gabon’s Pongara National Park and experience one of the lesser-known destinations that features on Alice’s Africa bucket list. Alice Péretié
EXPERIENCE THE MOZAMBIQUE HORSE SAFARI – Explore Mozambique on horseback and experience the unique combination of wilderness, coastline and adventure offered by the Mozambique Horse Safari in Vilanculo. Alice Péretié
EXPLORE MANA POOLS – Experience the extraordinary wilderness of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, where elephants, wild dogs, dramatic light and the Zambezi combine to create an unforgettable safari experience. Alice Péretié
TRACK LEOPARDS IN SOUTH LUANGWA – Explore Zambia’s South Luangwa, a spectacular wilderness renowned for its exceptional leopard sightings and diverse wildlife. Alice Péretié
DISCOVER MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE – Experience Malawi’s Majete Wildlife Reserve, where landscapes, wildlife and community-focused conservation come together in one of the country’s remarkable wilderness areas. Alice Péretié
CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO – Stand on the roof of Africa after trekking through Tanzania’s changing landscapes towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Alice Péretié
TREK WITH MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN VIRUNGA – Venture into the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and experience the extraordinary world of the Virunga National Park. Alice Péretié
CLIMB MOUNT NYIRAGONGO – Trek to the summit of one of Africa’s most active volcanoes and spend a night above its mesmerising, continuously active lava lake. Alice Péretié
MEET AFRICA’S CONSERVATIONISTS – Spend time with the veterinarians, rangers, conservationists and communities working on the front lines to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild places. Dr Joel Alves
ENCOUNTER AFRICAN WILD DOGS – Seek out one of Africa’s most endangered predators and discover the conservation efforts working to protect these remarkable and highly social animals. Dr Joel Alves
DISCOVER RHINO CONSERVATION – Learn about the hands-on veterinary and conservation work helping protect Africa’s rhinos, including monitoring, treatment and dehorning programmes designed to reduce poaching losses. Dr Joel Alves
EXPLORE ODZALA-KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK – Venture into the vast rainforests of the Republic of the Congo, home to western lowland gorillas and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Dr Joel Alves
SEARCH FOR FOREST ELEPHANTS – Venture deep into the Congo Basin in search of elusive forest elephants, experiencing one of Africa’s most challenging and remote wildlife encounters. Dr Joel Alves
SEARCH FOR THE ETHIOPIAN WOLF – Journey into the Ethiopian Highlands to seek out one of the world’s rarest wild canids and Africa’s most endangered carnivore. Dr Joel Alves
SEEK OUT AFRICA’S RARE ANTELOPE – Look beyond the iconic species to discover extraordinary animals such as giant sable, Lord Derby eland, Dama gazelle and scimitar-horned oryx. Dr Joel Alves
FLY OVER THE SERENGETI IN A HOT-AIR BALLOON – Rise above the endless plains at dawn and watch Africa’s wildlife and landscapes unfold beneath you from the skies. Lauren Renney
MEET THE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS – Venture into the forests of East Africa to encounter mountain gorillas and learn about the conservation and rehabilitation work protecting these extraordinary primates. Lauren Renney
STAY AT GIRAFFE MANOR – Spend the night at Kenya’s iconic Giraffe Manor, where endangered Rothschild’s giraffes wander through the grounds and can appear at breakfast. Lauren Renney
EXPLORE MADAGASCAR – Discover the otherworldly landscapes, unusual wildlife and untouched beauty of Madagascar, from its capital to the remote islands of the Mitsio Archipelago. Lauren Renney
DISCOVER AFRICA WITH AN OPEN MIND – Leave expectations behind and immerse yourself in Africa’s people, cultures, wildlife and landscapes, allowing the continent to challenge your perceptions and leave its mark on you. Lauren Renney
CAGE DIVE WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS – Get beneath the surface of South Africa’s waters for an adrenaline-filled encounter with great white sharks in their natural environment. Nicholas Wilkins
CLIMB TABLE MOUNTAIN – Rise above Cape Town and take in sweeping views across the city, coastline and surrounding landscapes from one of South Africa’s most iconic landmarks. Nicholas Wilkins
EXPLORE THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE – Travel to the dramatic southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, where rugged coastline, wildlife and spectacular ocean scenery come together. Nicholas Wilkins
CAMP BESIDE THE LUANGWA RIVER – Spend a night camping in South Luangwa National Park knowing that lions, wild dogs, hyenas and other wildlife can move through the campsite after dark. Nicholas Wilkins
PADDLE TO A MALAWIAN ISLAND – Paddle across the clear waters of Lake Malawi to a small island, jump from the rocks and share the experience with local people. Nicholas Wilkins
EXPERIENCE A MALAWIAN VILLAGE – Spend time with local communities in Malawi and immerse yourself in the warmth, culture and everyday life that left such a lasting impression on Nicholas. Nicholas Wilkins
TAKE A 42-DAY OVERLAND ADVENTURE – Travel overland from Cape Town to Nairobi through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya, experiencing seven countries in one epic African journey. Nicholas Wilkins
EAT ROADSIDE GOAT – Forget the tourist restaurant and try freshly cooked roadside goat, a simple local experience Nicholas remembers as one of the most unexpectedly delicious moments of his journey. Nicholas Wilkins
EXPLORE CAPE TOWN’S NEIGHBOURGOODS MARKET – Wander through Woodstock’s lively Saturday food market and sample an eclectic mix of local and international dishes, from Middle Eastern fritters to handcrafted ice cream. Anne de Graaf
TASTE SOUTH AFRICA’S WINE COUNTRY – Spend a sunny day exploring the vineyards around Stellenbosch, sampling South African wines and discovering the beautiful Cape Winelands. Anne de Graaf
CLIMB TABLE MOUNTAIN – Take on the challenging hike to the summit of Cape Town’s iconic mountain and reward yourself with magnificent views across the city and coastline. Anne de Graaf
VISIT ROBBEN ISLAND – Cross the water to the former maximum-security prison where Nelson Mandela spent eighteen years of his imprisonment and confront one of South Africa’s most important sites of apartheid history. Anne de Graaf
EXPLORE DISTRICT SIX MUSEUM – Discover the personal stories, photographs and memories documenting the forced removals and destruction of Cape Town’s District Six, gaining a deeper understanding of apartheid’s enduring legacy. Anne de Graaf
WANDER THROUGH BO-KAAP – Explore the colourful streets of Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood and experience its distinctive architecture, culture and heritage. Anne de Graaf
DRIVE THE GARDEN ROUTE – Hire a car and travel through South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route, stopping along the way to discover its beaches, landscapes, towns and food. Anne de Graaf
JOIN A PROFESSIONAL WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI – Travel with an experienced wildlife photographer and learn to anticipate animal behaviour, compose compelling images and tell stories through photography. Penny Robartes
SEARCH FOR A PANGOLIN – Venture into the African wilderness in search of one of the world’s most elusive and heavily trafficked mammals, gaining a deeper appreciation of the conservation challenges it faces. Penny Robartes
WALK SAFELY THROUGH THE AFRICAN BUSH – Experience wildlife on foot with an armed professional guide, learning to read animal behaviour and understand the difference between observing wildlife and truly connecting with it. Penny Robartes
SPEND A DAY EXPLORING CAPE TOWN’S WILDERNESS – Combine a mountain hike, a swim in the sea and a meal overlooking the ocean in a single day, experiencing the remarkable range of nature and landscapes surrounding Cape Town. Penny Robartes
SEARCH FOR LEOPARDS IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – Head into the bush on game drives in search of Africa’s elusive spotted predator, an animal that can turn a safari into an unforgettable experience. Mike Sutherland
EXPLORE AFRICA WITH A PRIVATE SAFARI GUIDE – Travel with an experienced guide who can interpret the wildlife, landscapes and ecosystems around you while sharing the knowledge needed to experience the bush safely and respectfully. Mike Sutherland
EXPERIENCE THE WILDERNESS OF THE TANZANIAN COAST – Travel beyond the mainland safari parks to the islands and coastal resorts of Tanzania, combining Africa’s wildlife heritage with its spectacular Indian Ocean landscapes. Mike Sutherland
EXPERIENCE A SAFARI THAT CONNECTS WILDLIFE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY – Look beyond the animals and discover the people, landscapes and cultures that make an African safari a genuinely holistic experience. Mike Sutherland
DISCOVER LEKKI LEISURE LAKE – Spend a day at this Lagos escape, combining the beach and lake with activities such as jet skiing, paddle boating and quad biking. Sani Yusuf
EAT OGBOMOSHO AMALA – Travel to Ogbomosho in Oyo State and sample the city’s famous amala, a beloved Yoruba staple that Sani describes as unparalleled. Sani Yusuf
ROAD-TRIP THROUGH JOS TO BAUCHI – Drive through the spectacular landscapes of Kaduna, Jos and Bauchi, stopping to admire the mountain scenery, roadside views and distinctive rock formations along the way. Sani Yusuf
EXPLORE THE CULTURAL CROSSROADS OF KAFANCHAN – Stop in Kafanchan and wander through its diverse market, where Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa communities come together in one of Nigeria’s striking examples of cultural coexistence. Sani Yusuf
EAT ROASTED FISH AND PLANTAIN AT AFROPOLITAN – Head into the heart of Lagos and experience the city’s vibrant social scene at Afropolitan, sampling its famous roasted fish and plantain while soaking up the atmosphere. Sani Yusuf
STOP AT SAMINAKA RESORT – Break up a northern Nigerian road trip with lunch, prayer and a visit to the resort’s small zoo before continuing through the spectacular landscapes towards Jos and Bauchi. Sani Yusuf
DRIVE THE MANCHOK ROAD – Take the scenic route between Bauchi and Abuja via Kafanchan and Manchok, stopping to admire some of the breathtaking mountain and countryside views that left Sani astonished by the beauty of his own country. Sani Yusuf
SAMPLE JOS POTATOES – Stop roadside in Jos to buy locally grown potatoes, a simple taste of the region that Sani insists visitors should not miss. Sani Yusuf
EXPLORE ILORIN’S NORTHERN INFLUENCE – Make an impromptu detour from Ogbomosho into Ilorin and discover the distinctive blend of northern Nigerian influence reflected in the city’s architecture, dress and culture. Sani Yusuf
TRAVEL THROUGH NIGERIA BY ROAD – Take a long-distance road journey through the country, experiencing the changing landscapes, towns, roadside markets, checkpoints, unexpected detours and encounters that reveal Nigeria beyond its major cities. Sani Yusuf
EXPLORE SOWETO – Visit Johannesburg’s famous township, learn about its history in the anti-apartheid movement, and experience the community through a local tour rather than relying on the way it is portrayed from outside. Shane Ross
VISIT THE NELSON MANDELA HOUSE – Visit the former Soweto home of Nelson Mandela, now preserved as a museum and memorial to one of South Africa’s most influential historical figures. Shane Ross
EXPLORE CAPE TOWN – Spend time discovering Cape Town and its surrounding landscapes, combining the city’s cultural and historical attractions with some of South Africa’s most spectacular natural scenery. Shane Ross
HIKE TABLE MOUNTAIN – Climb one of South Africa’s most recognisable landmarks and take in the extraordinary views across Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. Shane Ross
GO SKYDIVING IN CAPE TOWN – Experience the ultimate aerial adventure over the spectacular landscapes surrounding Cape Town. Shane Ross
VISIT ROBBEN ISLAND – Travel to the historic island prison where Nelson Mandela spent many years imprisoned and learn about South Africa’s apartheid history. Shane Ross
VISIT THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE – Explore the dramatic coastline, rugged landscapes and wildlife of the Cape of Good Hope at the southwestern tip of Africa. Shane Ross
EXPERIENCE A NIGHT IN SOUTH LUANGWA – Spend the night in Zambia’s wilderness listening to the sounds of wildlife around camp and experiencing the African bush after dark. Shane Ross
EXPLORE SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK – Discover Zambia’s renowned wilderness on safari, experiencing its abundant wildlife and the raw, unfenced environment that made it one of Shane’s favourite places. Shane Ross
EXPLORE SWAKOPMUND – Visit Namibia’s coastal adventure town and the place where Shane found the little red Suzuki Samurai that became his home and transport across Africa. Shane Ross
ROAD-TRIP THROUGH NAMIBIA – Drive across Namibia’s vast landscapes, travelling from Swakopmund through the country’s spectacular desert wilderness before continuing onwards into Botswana and beyond. Shane Ross
EXPLORE THE OKAVANGO DELTA – Experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary ecosystems by travelling through the Okavango Delta, where waterways, wildlife and open wilderness create an immersive safari experience. Shane Ross
SEE THE KALAHARI AFTER THE RAINS – Experience the extraordinary transformation that follows a major storm, when dry landscapes fill with water and hundreds of giant African bullfrogs emerge from the newly formed pools. Shane Ross
CAMP IN THE CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE – Sleep in the wilderness after dark, surrounded by the sounds of the bush and experiencing the dramatic transformation of the Kalahari after rain. Shane Ross
FOLLOW THE EAST AFRICAN COAST BY LOCAL TRANSPORT – Travel from Mozambique towards Tanzania using hitchhiking and local transport, spending a month and a half navigating the challenges of moving through unfamiliar countries without a fixed plan. Shane Ross
CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO – Trek to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, following in Shane’s footsteps as he travelled to Tanzania specifically to undertake this iconic adventure. Shane Ross
TRAVEL FROM CAPE TOWN TO GRAHAMSTOWN BY LOCAL TRANSPORT – Make the nearly 900-kilometre journey from Cape Town to Grahamstown using buses, hitchhiking and whatever local transport is available, turning the journey itself into an adventure along the Garden Route. Shane Ross
VISIT ZANZIBAR – Escape to Tanzania’s island paradise after an intense African adventure and experience Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Shane Ross
VISIT KATAVI NATIONAL PARK – Explore one of Tanzania’s more remote and less-visited wilderness areas, experiencing its landscapes and wildlife away from the major tourist routes. Shane Ross
CAMP BESIDE LAKE TANGANYIKA – Journey to Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, combining remote travel with time beside one of Africa’s great inland lakes before continuing onwards through Zambia. Shane Ross
EXPLORE ARUSHA – Spend time in the gateway city to some of Tanzania’s greatest adventures, including visits to local attractions such as Meserani Snake Park. Shane Ross
CAGE DIVE WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS – Head into the waters off Gansbaai and come face-to-face with great white sharks, including the unforgettable sight of one launching itself completely out of the water. Shane Ross
WITNESS THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION – Follow the annual migration through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, tracking the herds until you witness the extraordinary chaos and intensity of multiple Mara River crossings. Shane Ross
EXPLORE CHOBE NATIONAL PARK – Travel through northern Botswana’s Chobe National Park, searching for wildlife including sable antelope and experiencing one of the country’s richest concentrations of African wildlife. Shane Ross
SEARCH FOR SABLE ANTELOPE IN BOTSWANA – Track the striking sable antelope of northern Botswana, learning to identify their tracks and behaviour while discovering one of Africa’s most impressive antelope species. Shane Ross
EXPLORE KASANKA NATIONAL PARK – Travel into Zambia’s Kasanka National Park in search of wildlife, including sable antelope, as part of a wider journey through some of Africa’s lesser-known wilderness areas. Shane Ross
EXPLORE KAFUE NATIONAL PARK – Venture into Zambia’s vast Kafue National Park and the remote Busanga Plains, searching for wildlife in one of the country’s great wilderness landscapes. Shane Ross
FOLLOW THE MIGRATION TO LAKE NATRON – Travel through northern Tanzania to Lake Natron, beneath Ol Doinyo Lengai, combining a search for the Great Migration with the spectacle of thousands of flamingos gathered around the lake. Shane Ross
SEARCH FOR BIG CATS IN THE SERENGETI – Explore the Serengeti beyond the migration, searching for lions, leopards and cheetahs alongside less commonly seen species such as serval and genet. Shane Ross
WATCH A LEOPARD AT SUNSET – Spend an evening in the Serengeti watching a leopard at sunset, experiencing one of those fleeting wildlife encounters that become the defining moments of a safari. Shane Ross
VISIT MESERANI SNAKE PARK – Stop at Meserani Snake Park near Arusha, encountering Tanzania’s snakes and wildlife while discovering a colourful local institution described by Shane as one of his favourite places in the country. Shane Ross
EXPLORE KATAVI PLAINS NATIONAL PARK – Travel into the remote Katavi Plains of western Tanzania, continuing the journey through some of the country’s less-visited wilderness areas. Shane Ross
LEARN THE ART OF AFRICAN TRACKING – Develop the skills needed to identify animals, follow tracks and signs, understand behaviour and interpret the bush as part of an intensive South African nature-guiding course. Shane Ross
MEET THE MAASAI IN TANZANIA – Build relationships with local Maasai people and safari operators, learning how local partnerships can create employment and bring tourism income directly into surrounding communities. Shane Ross
SEARCH FOR WILDLIFE IN BUSANGA PLAINS – Explore Zambia’s remote Busanga Plains in search of wildlife such as sable antelope, experiencing one of the country’s more isolated wilderness environments. Shane Ross
EXPLORE PORTERVILLE – Discover the underrated Western Cape town of Porterville, meeting local artists, finding hidden places and experiencing the tight-knit community that makes this small town worth returning to. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
ROAD-TRIP THROUGH THE KAROO – Journey through the Klein or Upper Karoo, taking in vast arid landscapes, dramatic horizons and spectacular sunsets across one of South Africa’s most distinctive regions. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
DISCOVER NUY VALLEY – Escape to the peaceful Nuy Valley, where vineyards stretch towards the Langsberg Mountains, creating a secluded and romantic South African getaway. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
WATCH AN OPEN-AIR CINEMA UNDER THE STARS – Spend a summer evening watching a film outdoors at one of the open-air cinemas hosted by the wine estates around Franschhoek, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
EXPLORE FRANSCHHOEK’S HUGUENOT HERITAGE – Wander through the historic town of Franschhoek, discovering its centuries-old vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture and enduring French influence dating back to the arrival of the French Huguenots. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
DRIVE FROM KIRKWOOD TO PRINCE ALBERT – Take the long road between Kirkwood and Prince Albert and experience the changing South African landscape from behind the wheel, where the sheer beauty of the country can become an emotional experience in itself. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
CAMP AT AUGRABIES FALLS NATIONAL PARK – Spend the night camping beneath the stars at Augrabies Falls National Park, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness and the possibility of curious baboons and other wildlife invading your campsite. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
DRIVE THROUGH THE NORTHERN CAPE – Venture into the remote Northern Cape, embracing the long, harsh drives between isolated towns and discovering landscapes far removed from South Africa’s better-known tourist routes. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
DISCOVER THE ROMANCE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S WINE COUNTRY – Explore the vineyards, mountain views, historic towns and secluded retreats of South Africa’s wine country in search of your own version of a romantic getaway. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
WATCH THE SUNSET IN THE KAROO – Journey into the Klein or Upper Karoo and watch the sun disappear across the vast, arid landscape, where the emptiness and dramatic light create one of South Africa’s most memorable wilderness experiences. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
DISCOVER NUY VALLEY – Escape to Nuy Valley, where vineyards stretch towards the Langsberg Mountains and the peaceful landscape creates Stephanie’s idea of a truly romantic getaway. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
CAMP AT AUGRABIES FALLS NATIONAL PARK – Spend a night camping beneath the stars at Augrabies Falls National Park, discovering that wilderness camping can mean sharing your campsite with baboons, insects and unexpected wildlife. Stephanie Marthinus-Hans
LAND IN SKUKUZA AND ENTER KRUGER – Fly into Skukuza and cross straight into Kruger National Park, experiencing the emotional arrival into the vast African bushveld and the surreal moment when your first wildlife sighting is a warthog just twenty metres away. Mandy Monk
TRACK A LEOPARD ON FOOT – Follow fresh leopard spoor through the bush with experienced SANParks trail rangers, learning to read tracks and signs while knowing the animal itself may be somewhere ahead of you. Mandy Monk
WALK THE KRUGER BUSHVELD WITH RANGERS – Leave the safari vehicle behind and spend three hours walking through the bushveld with SANParks trail rangers, learning about bush food, tracking, wildlife behaviour and the rules of staying alive on foot. Mandy Monk
WALK ALONGSIDE WHITE RHINOS – Approach two white rhinos on foot while staying downwind, then walk silently alongside them at a distance as they remain completely unaware of your presence. Mandy Monk
STUDY WILDLIFE AT SKUKUZA RESEARCH CAMP – Spend a week at Skukuza conducting field research, recording species, ecosystems, geological structures and soil types to understand how wildlife interacts with the Kruger environment. Mandy Monk
EXPLORE THE ELEPHANT COUNTRY OF LETABA – Travel north through Kruger to Letaba, where mopane woodland and high elephant densities create a distinctly different landscape and wildlife experience from southern Kruger. Mandy Monk
VISIT A COMMUNITY SCHOOL OUTSIDE KRUGER – Leave the national park to visit a local school near Letaba, meeting children and teachers, sharing a traditional lunch and dance, and seeing how conservation connects with the future of local communities. Mandy Monk
VISIT MOHOLOHOLO WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE – Spend a day at Moholoholo learning about wildlife rehabilitation and the animals that cannot return to the wild, while discovering the conservation work being done to protect South Africa’s native species. Mandy Monk
HEAR A LION ROAR IN KRUGER – Spend time in the African bush and experience the roar of a lion reverberating through your body, one of the sounds Mandy believes everyone should experience at least once. Mandy Monk
EXPERIENCE KRUGER ON FOOT – Trade the safety and elevation of a safari vehicle for the vulnerability of walking through the bush with armed rangers, experiencing the landscape through its sounds, scents and tracks rather than simply observing it from a road. Mandy Monk
LEARN THE REALITIES OF ELEPHANT CONSERVATION – Explore Kruger with conservationists and discover the difficult decisions involved in managing elephant populations within a fenced ecosystem where natural migration is restricted. Mandy Monk
TRACK WILDLIFE ON FOOT IN KRUGER – Leave the safari vehicle behind and experience the African bushveld on foot, learning to read animal tracks, spoor and signs while walking alongside experienced rangers. Jed Mildon
GET UP CLOSE WITH RHINO CONSERVATION – Experience the hands-on reality of rhino conservation by witnessing a rhino being darted, helping monitor its condition, collecting DNA and learning how tracking technology can help protect these endangered animals. Jed Mildon
JOIN AN ANTI-POACHING PATROL IN ZULULAND – Venture into the bush with conservationists and park security to search for snares and gain an insight into the dangerous reality of protecting South Africa’s wildlife from poachers. Jed Mildon
SEARCH FOR WILDLIFE SNARES – Head into the Zululand bush to find and remove the crude wire traps that threaten wildlife, and discover why these indiscriminate snares remain such a serious conservation challenge. Jed Mildon
VISIT A ZULULAND VILLAGE – Step beyond the usual tourist experience and spend time in a rural Zululand community, meeting local people, learning about village life and experiencing traditional stick fighting. Jed Mildon
LEARN TRADITIONAL STICK FIGHTING IN ZULULAND – Learn the traditional South African practice of stick fighting and put your skills to the test in a challenge that connected Jed with the warrior traditions of Zululand and his own Māori heritage. Jed Mildon
CAGE DIVE WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS – Enter the waters of the Western Cape and come face to face with enormous great white sharks from the safety of a diving cage. Jed Mildon
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS IN MOZAMBIQUE – Take to the warm waters of Mozambique and slip beneath the surface alongside a pod of wild dolphins for an unforgettable encounter in the ocean. Jed Mildon
LEARN TO DIVE IN MOZAMBIQUE – Discover the underwater world of Mozambique by learning to scuba dive and immediately putting your new skills to the test in the open ocean. Jed Mildon
CROSS INTO MOZAMBIQUE BY ROAD – Cross the border into Mozambique, secure your visa and travel by caged truck along sandy roads before arriving at a remote and spectacular beach destination. Jed Mildon
EXPERIENCE THE WILDLIFE OF KRUGER – Explore the vast landscapes of Kruger National Park and encounter elephants, giraffes and other African wildlife at close range in their natural environment. Jed Mildon
EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICAN TOWNSHIP LIFE IN SOWETO – Visit Soweto, connect with local communities and experience the warmth and hospitality that left Jed humbled by the people he met there. Jed Mildon
EXPLORE THE HEART OF DURBAN – Venture beyond the conventional tourist experience in Durban and discover the city from the streets, meeting people and seeing a very different side of South African life. Jed Mildon
MEET THE WILDLIFE OF SOUTH AFRICA WITH A HERPETOLOGIST – Join an experienced wildlife expert in Southern Africa and encounter snakes, lions, crocodiles and other animals while learning about the creatures that make the region extraordinary. Jed Mildon
TRACK WILD DOGS ACROSS THE MOZAMBIQUE WILDERNESS – Join a carnivore ecologist at Karingani Game Reserve and follow endangered African wild dogs using satellite collars, learning how researchers monitor their movements, hunting behaviour and impact on the wider ecosystem. Johanna Taylor
SEARCH FOR THE SECRETIVE SERVAL – Explore the science behind small-cat conservation and discover how researchers use camera-trap data collected for larger predators to estimate serval populations. Johanna Taylor
EXPLORE KARINGANI’S GREAT REWILDING – Venture into a vast conservation landscape in southern Mozambique and discover how habitat restoration, wildlife protection and community partnerships are working together to rebuild one of Africa’s important wilderness areas. Johanna Taylor
CROSS THE EQUATOR IN UGANDA – Stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere at the equator, marking the moment with a photograph and a suitably cheesy certificate. Tyra Lanham-Love
TREK THROUGH THE FORESTS OF UGANDA TO FIND CHIMPANZEES – Follow experienced rangers through the dense, humid forest of Kyambura Gorge, scrambling through mud and steep terrain until you find chimpanzees moving through the canopy above you. Tyra Lanham-Love
TREK INTO THE MOUNTAINS TO MEET GORILLAS – Venture into the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and spend time observing a family of mountain gorillas at close range, including playful youngsters and powerful silverbacks. Tyra Lanham-Love
RAFT THE NILE RIVER – Take on the white-water rapids of the Nile at Jinja, hold on through waterfalls and flips, and experience the exhilaration of being thrown into one of Africa’s legendary rivers. Tyra Lanham-Love
VISIT A BABY ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE IN NAIROBI – Meet rescued elephant calves at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, learn how orphaned elephants are rehabilitated, and follow their journey towards a return to the wild. Tyra Lanham-Love
SPEND THE NIGHT IN THE MASAI MARA WILDERNESS – Sleep in a tented camp surrounded by the sounds of Africa, knowing that buffalo, hyenas and other wild animals may be moving through the camp after dark. Tyra Lanham-Love
SEARCH FOR THE BIG CATS OF THE MASAI MARA – Set out across the sweeping plains in search of lions, leopards and cheetahs, experiencing the extraordinary wildlife of one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes. Tyra Lanham-Love
MEET THE MAASAI – Visit a Maasai community, experience traditional singing and dancing, and gain an insight into the culture and traditions of one of East Africa’s most recognisable peoples. Tyra Lanham-Love
EXPLORE THE SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER – Cross into Tanzania and discover two of East Africa’s legendary wildlife destinations, searching the Serengeti plains and the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater for extraordinary concentrations of wildlife. Tyra Lanham-Love
DISCOVER THE SPICE ISLAND OF ZANZIBAR – Wander the atmospheric streets of Stone Town, explore a fragrant spice plantation and experience the colours, flavours and culture of this extraordinary island off the coast of Tanzania. Tyra Lanham-Love
EXPERIENCE VICTORIA FALLS FROM ABOVE AND BELOW – Stand before one of the world’s great waterfalls, then take your adventure further with a helicopter flight and a heart-stopping gorge swing above the Zambezi landscape. Tyra Lanham-Love
WALK WITH SAN BUSHMEN – Spend time with San people learning about traditional hunting, healing and survival knowledge, and experience songs and dances passed through generations. Tyra Lanham-Love
SLEEP UNDER THE STARS AT SPITZKOPPE – Explore ancient rock paintings before spending the night beneath Namibia’s vast African sky, surrounded by the dramatic granite formations of Spitzkoppe. Tyra Lanham-Love
SEARCH FOR WILDLIFE IN ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK – Explore the stark beauty of Etosha while searching for lions, rhinos and other wildlife, then fall asleep to the sounds of predators calling in the darkness. Tyra Lanham-Love
WALK AMONG THE PENGUINS AT BOULDERS BEACH – Finish an epic overland journey in Cape Town by travelling along Chapman’s Peak to encounter African penguins beside the ocean. Tyra Lanham-Love
TRAVEL ACROSS AFRICA BY OVERLAND TRUCK – Take the long way across the continent, travelling from Nairobi to Cape Town by road and experiencing the changing landscapes, cultures, wildlife and adventures of Africa along the way. Tyra Lanham-Love
WATCH THE WILDLIFE, NOT JUST THE WILDLIFE – Join a safari guided by someone who can interpret animal behaviour and help you understand what you are seeing, transforming a game drive from simply spotting animals into truly experiencing the bush. Warren Pearson
SEARCH FOR LEOPARDS IN THE KRUGER LANDSCAPE – Head into the wilderness surrounding Kruger National Park in search of Africa’s quintessential cat, learning why the leopard’s adaptability and resilience make it one of the continent’s greatest survivors. Warren Pearson
ESCAPE THE CROWDS ON A WILDERNESS SAFARI – Leave the packed safari routes behind and explore lesser-known areas of Africa where wildlife, landscapes and local communities can be experienced away from the crowds. Warren Pearson
STOP AND STARE AT THE MILKY WAY – Switch off the vehicle lights after dark, climb onto an elevated viewpoint and look up at the vast African night sky, allowing the Milky Way to reveal itself in all its immensity. Warren Pearson
ENCOUNTER A BLACK MAMBA IN THE WILD – Experience the adrenaline of seeing one of Southern and East Africa’s most formidable snakes at close range, while respecting the speed, power and danger of this extraordinary predator. Warren Pearson
EXPLORE VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK – Venture into the Democratic Republic of Congo and experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary conservation landscapes, where mountain gorillas, volcanic terrain and the people protecting them reveal conservation at its most intense. Warren Pearson
TREK TO MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN VIRUNGA – Follow expert trackers into the forests of Virunga to encounter mountain gorillas in one of the last strongholds of this remarkable species. Warren Pearson
HIKE A VOLCANO IN VIRUNGA – Take on the volcanic landscapes of Virunga National Park and discover the dramatic geological forces that have helped shape this extraordinary part of Africa. Warren Pearson
FOLLOW THE STORY OF LIONS SAVED FROM DEATH – Discover the remarkable conservation story behind the lions of western Etosha that were relocated to Erindi after conflict with livestock, and learn about the extraordinary challenge of helping wild lions adapt to human presence. Warren Pearson
EXPERIENCE AFRICA BEYOND THE SAFARI CIRCUIT – Travel into the lesser-visited corners of the continent, meet the people who live there and discover the landscapes and cultures that most visitors never experience. Warren Pearson
CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO – Take on Africa’s highest mountain and stand at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres above sea level, at the summit of the ‘Mountain of Freedom’. Cate Butcher
TREK THE MACHAME ROUTE – Follow the seven-day ‘Whiskey Route’ through five distinct climatic zones, experiencing the changing landscapes, weather, flora and fauna of Mount Kilimanjaro. Cate Butcher
WITNESS THE SUNRISE FROM UHURU PEAK – Begin the final ascent in darkness and watch the sun rise over Mawenzi Peak as you trek along the crater rim towards the summit. Cate Butcher
TREK ‘POLE, POLE’ UP KILIMANJARO – Embrace the Swahili philosophy of ‘slowly, slowly’ as you conserve your energy, acclimatise to the altitude and make your way towards the summit one step at a time. Cate Butcher
SEARCH FOR THE SENECIO KILIMANJARO – Look for the extraordinary giant Senecio Kilimanjaro, a plant found nowhere else in the world, growing across the mountain’s moorlands. Cate Butcher
SPOT A COLOBUS MONKEY – Look into the rainforest canopy for the striking black-and-white Colobus monkey, with its flowing white tail, as you make your way up the mountain. Cate Butcher
VISIT A CHAGA VILLAGE – Meet the Chaga people living in the foothills of Kilimanjaro and learn about their culture, families, farming traditions and connection to the mountain. Cate Butcher
VISIT THE FREEDOM PROJECT – Meet the Tanzanian families supported by The Freedom Project and learn about the community initiatives helping women create more secure and sustainable futures. Cate Butcher
SUPPORT MENSTRUAL HEALTH IN TANZANIA – Help provide reusable sanitary kits and reproductive-health education to women and girls, enabling them to remain in school and participate fully in their communities. Cate Butcher
STAY IN A MAASAI BOMA – Experience life within a Maasai community, disconnect from the outside world and learn directly from the people who call the Tanzanian landscape home. Cate Butcher
MEET MAASAI WOMEN – Spend time with women in a Maasai community and learn about their lives, culture, education, traditions and aspirations. Cate Butcher
TRAVEL INTO RURAL TANZANIA – Venture beyond the established tourist routes, travelling through local communities and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people along the way. Cate Butcher
CONNECT ADVENTURE WITH EMPOWERMENT – Join a women-focused African adventure that combines climbing, cultural connection, personal achievement and practical support for local communities. Cate Butcher
CLIMB FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – Celebrate women around the world by joining an International Women’s Day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Cate Butcher
STAND ON THE ROOF OF AFRICA WITH OTHER WOMEN – Push beyond your perceived limitations alongside a group of women, supporting and encouraging one another until you reach Uhuru Peak together. Cate Butcher
EXPERIENCE THE HEARTBEAT OF TANZANIA – Immerse yourself in the people, landscapes, cultures and communities of Tanzania and discover the raw, wild and unpredictable spirit that makes the country so extraordinary. Cate Butcher
WITNESS A GREAT MIGRATION RIVER CROSSING – Wait beside the Mara River as thousands of wildebeest and zebra gather before plunging into the crocodile-filled waters in one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. Nick Wade
SLEEP BESIDE THE MARA RIVER – Spend a night in a tented camp on the banks of the Mara, falling asleep to the grunts of hippos, the whoops of hyenas and the distant roars of lions. Nick Wade
WATCH THE GREAT MIGRATION FROM THE MASAI MARA – Experience the scale and anticipation of the annual wildebeest and zebra migration across the Masai Mara, where patience can be rewarded with a spectacular crossing. Nick Wade
PHOTOGRAPH ELEPHANTS IN THE WILD – Get close enough to a wild elephant to appreciate its immense size and learn to photograph its natural movements rather than simply capturing a static portrait. Nick Wade
SEE RHINOS AT LAKE NAKURU – Encounter rhinos at close range in Lake Nakuru National Park, surrounded by the lush landscapes of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Nick Wade
VISIT MAKALIA FALLS – Stand beside the thundering Makalia Falls at the southern end of Lake Nakuru National Park and experience the dramatic difference between the waterfall in full flow and during the dry season. Nick Wade
EXPERIENCE A MAASAI CULTURE NIGHT – Gather around the fire in the Masai Mara as local Maasai share stories about their community, traditions and everyday life while a goat is cooked over the flames. Nick Wade
TREK WITH MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN VIRUNGA – Venture into Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spend time observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, one of Africa’s ultimate wildlife encounters. Tarja Heino
CLIMB MOUNT NYIRAGONGO – Trek through lush forest and volcanic terrain to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo and watch the sunrise over the spectacular lava lake of one of Africa’s most remarkable active volcanoes. Tarja Heino
TRAVEL BY BOAT TO TIMBUKTU – Journey up the Niger River aboard a local boat, spending nine days travelling with local families and cargo before arriving at the legendary city of Timbuktu. Tarja Heino
DIVE THE WATERS OF ZANZIBAR – Explore the crystal-clear waters around Zanzibar, Pemba, Nungwi, Paje and Kizimkazi, searching among the coral and tropical marine life for seahorses, colourful fish and tiny nudibranchs. Tarja Heino
ARRIVE IN STONE TOWN BY FERRY – Watch Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town emerge from the sea as you approach by ferry, then wander its atmospheric streets and experience the sensation of stepping into another era. Tarja Heino
SLEEP BENEATH THE SAHARA STARS – Ride a camel into the Moroccan Sahara for sunset, dine around a campfire beneath the desert sky and wake to the extraordinary sight of sunrise over the dunes. Tarja Heino
DISCOVER AFRICA BEYOND THE TOURIST TRAIL – Seek out the remote places that demand time, patience and perseverance, from Pemba Island and Timbuktu to the villages and communities where lasting connections are made. Tarja Heino
EXPERIENCE THE GENEROSITY OF AFRICAN HOSPITALITY – Accept an invitation into a local home, share a meal, sit down for tea or spend time with a community and discover the warmth and generosity that kept drawing Tarja back to Africa. Tarja Heino
TRACK LEOPARDS IN SABI SANDS – Follow the tracks of the elusive leopards of Sabi Sand Game Reserve and experience some of the finest leopard viewing in Africa, where individual animals and their bloodlines are closely monitored. Stuart Buy
WITNESS A LEOPARD DRAMA IN THE BUSH – Spend time at a leopard sighting and you never know what will unfold, from territorial confrontations and fights in the trees to hyenas arriving to investigate the commotion. Stuart Buy
WATCH AFRICAN WILD DOGS HUNT – Follow a pack of African wild dogs through the bush and witness their extraordinary teamwork, social structure and hunting strategy in one of Africa’s most fascinating wildlife encounters. Stuart Buy
EXPLORE LEOPARD HILLS PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – Stay among the ten thousand hectares of pristine wilderness at Leopard Hills, overlooking a natural waterhole where the Big Five can appear remarkably close to the lodge. Stuart Buy
EXPERIENCE A WALKING SAFARI IN MANA POOLS – Explore Mana Pools National Park on foot and encounter elephants, hippos and Nile crocodiles along the southern banks of the Zambezi River, experiencing wildlife from a completely different perspective. Stuart Buy
DISCOVER MADIKWE GAME RESERVE – Venture into one of South Africa’s lesser-known wildlife reserves and discover a hidden conservation gem where the Big Five roam across a diverse ecosystem. Stuart Buy
EXPERIENCE THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF THE AFRICAN BUSH – Set out on a game drive knowing that no itinerary can guarantee what you will see, and embrace the excitement of never knowing what might appear around the next corner. Stuart Buy
KAYAK THE OKAVANGO DELTA – Paddle through the waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, exploring its extraordinary wetlands and wildlife from the unique perspective of the water. Matthew Kearns
DIVE THE WATERS OF ZANZIBAR – Explore the turquoise waters surrounding Zanzibar and discover vibrant coral reefs and an incredible diversity of marine life beneath the surface. Matthew Kearns
CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO – Take on Africa’s highest mountain and journey through its changing landscapes towards the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Matthew Kearns
TREK TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS – Trek deep into the forests of East Africa for the unforgettable opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Matthew Kearns
SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS – Enter the crystal-clear waters of Tanzania and swim alongside whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, in an extraordinary marine encounter. Matthew Kearns
WITNESS THE GREAT MIGRATION – Experience one of nature’s greatest wildlife spectacles as vast herds of wildebeest and zebra make their annual journey across the plains of East Africa. Matthew Kearns
MEET AFRICA’S TRIBES – Travel beyond the conventional tourist trail to meet communities in Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia’s Omo Valley and experience their cultures and traditions. Matthew Kearns
HIKE THE DUNES OF NAMIBIA – Climb the vast dunes of Namibia and watch the desert transform beneath an enormous African sky before witnessing the Milky Way illuminate the wilderness at night. Matthew Kearns
GO DEEP-SEA FISHING IN ZANZIBAR – Head into the deep waters off Zanzibar and test your skills against some of Africa’s great game fish in one of the island’s renowned fishing grounds. Matthew Kearns
KITESURF THE WATERS OF ZANZIBAR – Take to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar and experience the exhilaration of kitesurfing above the island’s brilliant white sands. Matthew Kearns
STAY UNDERWATER ON PEMBA ISLAND – Spend a night surrounded by the Indian Ocean in an underwater room off Pemba Island, watching marine life pass through the blue beyond your bedroom. Matthew Kearns
SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS – Slip into the crystal-clear waters around Pemba Island and encounter graceful manta rays in their natural marine environment. Matthew Kearns
FLY FISH IN THE SEYCHELLES – Cast a line across the pristine waters of the Seychelles and experience some of the world’s finest fly-fishing in an extraordinary tropical setting. Matthew Kearns
SURF MOROCCO’S ATLANTIC COAST – Chase the waves along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline and discover some of the continent’s best surf breaks on an African surfing adventure. Matthew Kearns
TREK THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS – Leave the cities behind and hike into the remote Atlas Mountains of Morocco, discovering dramatic landscapes and communities far from the usual tourist trail. Matthew Kearns
EXPLORE NAMIBIA ON A SELF-DRIVE ADVENTURE – Take to the open road across Namibia’s vast landscapes, embracing the freedom of a self-drive journey through one of Africa’s most unique destinations. Matthew Kearns
FORAGE AND COOK IN THE AFRICAN BUSH – Head into the wilderness to forage for food before preparing a meal over a bush fire, reconnecting with nature through a truly hands-on bush experience. Matthew Kearns
GO ON A WILD DOG CONSERVATION SAFARI – Follow African wild dogs in the field while learning about the conservation efforts working to protect one of the continent’s most endangered predators. Matthew Kearns
EXPERIENCE A WALKING SAFARI – Leave the vehicle behind and explore the African wilderness on foot, experiencing the bush at ground level and connecting more closely with its sights, sounds and wildlife. Matthew Kearns
GO ON A HORSEBACK SAFARI – Explore Africa’s wilderness on horseback and experience wildlife and landscapes from the saddle, with a quieter and more immersive approach to safari. Matthew Kearns
EXPERIENCE A RHINO DEHORNING – Witness the extraordinary conservation work involved in rhino dehorning and gain an insight into the lengths conservationists go to protect Africa’s threatened wildlife. Matthew Kearns
EXPLORE THE WILDERNESS OF WILDERNESS – Discover the spectacular coastal town of Wilderness in South Africa, where forests, mountains, beaches and laid-back cafés come together in one of Bob’s favourite places in Africa. Bob & Monika Vincent
WATCH THE SUNRISE OVER SOSSUSVLEI – Venture into the Namibian desert and experience the extraordinary beauty of Sossusvlei, where towering dunes, endless skies and untouched landscapes create an unforgettable sense of ancient Africa. Bob & Monika Vincent
DRIVE THE GARDEN ROUTE – Take a road trip along South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route, following the coastline through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. Bob & Monika Vincent
EXPLORE STONE TOWN – Wander through the atmospheric streets of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, discovering its historic buildings, beautiful carved doors, vibrant culture and fascinating connection to the island’s past. Bob & Monika Vincent
GO ON A SEVEN-DAY NAMIBIAN SAFARI – Journey deep into Namibia on an extended safari and experience vast desert landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and nights beneath some of the clearest, most spectacular stars in Africa. Bob & Monika Vincent
CAMP IN THE SERENGETI – Spend a night in the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti, sitting around a campfire beneath the African sky and experiencing the wilderness without the distractions of modern life. Bob & Monika Vincent
CLIMB KILIMANJARO AND MOUNT MERU – Take on Tanzania’s two great mountains and challenge yourself to climb both Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru as part of an extraordinary high-altitude adventure. Bob & Monika Vincent
DISCOVER MADAGASCAR – Venture to Madagascar and explore one of Africa’s most distinctive destinations, an island that remains high on Monika’s personal African bucket list. Bob & Monika Vincent
WATCH NATURE’S INTRICATE CONNECTIONS – Sit quietly in the African wilderness and witness the remarkable relationships between animals, from warning calls and protective behaviours to the way parents teach their young to survive. Hamish Younger
TREK TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS – Venture into Rwanda’s forests and spend time observing mountain gorilla families as they play, rest and interact, offering an extraordinary glimpse into their remarkably human-like family dynamics. Hamish Younger
GET CLOSE TO AFRICA’S WILDLIFE – Experience the thrill of watching wild animals in their natural habitat, from a lion passing within metres of your vehicle to a cheetah climbing onto the roof. Hamish Younger
CHOOSE A PRIVATE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE – Escape crowded safari vehicles and seek out smaller, more intimate wildlife experiences where you can observe animals without dozens of vehicles competing for the perfect view. Hamish Younger
LEARN FROM THE GENIUS OF NATURE – Discover the delicate balance between Africa’s species and witness the instinctive ways animals communicate, protect one another and survive in the wild. Hamish Younger
WATCH A CHEETAH TEACH HER CUB – Witness the extraordinary process of a mother cheetah teaching her young cub the skills it needs to survive, offering an unforgettable lesson in the realities of life in the wild. Hamish Younger
MEET THE UNEXPECTED SIDE OF AFRICA – Keep your eyes open for unforgettable encounters, from curious warthogs and elusive dik-dik to leopards passing just feet away and elephants issuing a mock charge. Hamish Younger
WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF RWANDA’S WILDLIFE – Explore Akagera National Park and discover a remarkable conservation success story, where restored habitats and reintroduced wildlife have helped bring a once-threatened ecosystem back to life. Amaya de Vleeschawer
EXPERIENCE THE OKAVANGO DELTA – Discover one of Africa’s great wildernesses by vehicle, on foot or from a traditional dugout canoe, surrounded by extraordinary wildlife and a diverse wetland ecosystem. Amaya de Vleeschawer
DISCOVER KIGALI’S RENAISSANCE – Explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital and experience a remarkably clean, welcoming city that continues to grow and develop following years of rebuilding. Amaya de Vleeschawer
GET CLOSE TO AN AFRICAN ELEPHANT – Experience the raw reality of the wilderness when an elephant appears just metres away, close enough to hear its breath as you quietly wait behind a tree. Amaya de Vleeschawer
RESPECT THE PLACE YOU VISIT – Learn about the country, its people, culture and language before you travel, and remember that you are entering someone else’s home as a visitor. Amaya de Vleeschawer
DISCOVER AFRICA’S WILDERNESS – Immerse yourself in the extraordinary diversity of Africa’s ecosystems and wildlife, from the wetlands of Botswana to the restored landscapes of Rwanda. Amaya de Vleeschawer
EXPERIENCE AKAGERA’S CONSERVATION SUCCESS – Explore a thriving Rwandan ecosystem where effective management, wildlife protection and community engagement have helped restore a once-threatened national park. Amaya de Vleeschawer
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT MIGRATION – Witness tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra sweeping across the open plains of the Masai Mara, with the possibility of seeing a dramatic river crossing as they navigate crocodile-filled waters. Brady Mountford
TAKE TO THE SKIES OVER THE SERENGETI – Rise above the endless plains in a hot-air balloon at sunrise and watch Africa’s wildlife unfold below you in one of the continent’s most unforgettable experiences. Brady Mountford
DISCOVER THE MASAI MARA – Explore one of Kenya’s great wildlife destinations, renowned for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and exceptional opportunities to see lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Brady Mountford
WATCH LIONS IN THE WILD – Seek out Africa’s iconic big cats and experience the thrill of watching lion cubs play, lionesses interact and magnificent males command the landscape. Brady Mountford
EXPERIENCE AFRICA THROUGH A CAMERA LENS – Capture the wildlife, landscapes and unforgettable encounters of the African wilderness, and bring home photographs that will preserve your memories for years to come. Brady Mountford
DISCOVER AFRICA’S DIVERSE CULTURES – Go beyond the wildlife and take time to meet local people, experience different cultures and discover an often-underappreciated side of the African continent. Brady Mountford
WATCH WILDLIFE FROM THE WATER – Cruise along African waterways and keep your eyes open for unexpected encounters with hippos, elephants and other wildlife appearing close to your boat. Brady Mountford
STAY IN THE HEART OF THE WILDERNESS – Spend the night at a tented camp overlooking the plains, where elephants, buffalo, giraffes, rhinos and zebras may wander towards the nearby waterhole. Brady Mountford
TEACH IN A RURAL ZAMBIAN COMMUNITY – Share your skills with students in a village outside Kasama, helping them learn English, computer skills and whatever knowledge you can bring to the classroom. Amanda Westpy
LEARN TO COOK ZAMBIAN FOOD – Spend time with a local family learning how to prepare traditional food, discovering the flavours and traditions that make up everyday Zambian life. Amanda Westpy
CYCLE THROUGH THE ZAMBIAN COUNTRYSIDE – Ride your bicycle along rural roads to school each morning, taking in the landscape and experiencing a slower rhythm of life far from the modern world. Amanda Westpy
WALK THROUGH SOUTH LUANGWA – Venture beyond the vehicle and experience the African wilderness on foot with an experienced guide, where every sound and movement takes on new meaning. Amanda Westpy
VOLUNTEER WITH CHEETAHS – Spend time alongside conservationists caring for cheetahs and learning about the threats facing one of Africa’s most endangered predators. Amanda Westpy
DISCOVER AFRICAN TEXTILES – Explore the artistry of Africa through Ghanaian Batik and the intricate beadwork of northern Tanzania, learning about the traditions behind each piece. Amanda Westpy
SWIM IN A ZAMBIAN RIVER – Spend a day beside a rural river with your host family, swimming in the cool water, sharing stories and enjoying the simple pleasure of being together. Amanda Westpy
CROSS THE AFRICAN CONTINENT ON AN OVERLAND ADVENTURE – Join an overland expedition through Africa, travelling across multiple countries and sleeping under the stars as you experience the continent from the road. Sue Cockell
TAKE THE LUNATIC EXPRESS – Travel overnight by sleeper train from Mombasa to Nairobi on Kenya’s historic narrow-gauge railway, following a route once made famous as the ‘Lunatic Express’. Sue Cockell
GO ON SAFARI IN THE MASAI MARA – Explore Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara and experience the thrill of seeing Africa’s wildlife in its natural environment. Sue Cockell
WITNESS THE SERENGETI – Journey into Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, where vast plains, extraordinary wildlife and the possibility of witnessing the Great Migration await. Sue Cockell
CAMP IN THE WILD WITH LIONS NEARBY – Spend a night bush camping in the Serengeti, surrounded by the sounds of Africa after dark and learning to respect wildlife on its own terms. Sue Cockell
VISIT THE KAREN BLIXEN MUSEUM – Explore the former Nairobi home of Danish author Karen Blixen, whose experiences in Kenya inspired Out of Africa. Sue Cockell
MEET MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN RWANDA – Trek into Rwanda’s forests to sit quietly in the presence of mountain gorillas and experience the extraordinary connection of looking into the eyes of a wild silverback. Sue Cockell
VOLUNTEER WITH RESCUED WILDLIFE IN NAMIBIA – Spend time at a wildlife sanctuary such as N/a’ankusê, helping care for rescued, injured and orphaned animals while learning about conservation. Sue Cockell
WALK WITH BABOONS – Join a guided baboon walk in Namibia and allow the animals to approach on their own terms, experiencing their remarkable personalities and social bonds at close range. Sue Cockell
DISCOVER THE GREAT WHITE PLACE – Explore Etosha National Park and stand before the vast Etosha Pan, an immense white salt landscape stretching towards the horizon. Sue Cockell
MEET THE SAN PEOPLE – Spend time with the San people of Namibia and learn about traditional ways of life, including making fire, finding medicines and understanding the natural environment. Sue Cockell
MEET THE HIMBA – Encounter Namibia’s Himba people and learn about their distinctive traditions, culture, clothing, jewellery and use of red ochre in their daily lives. Sue Cockell
DISCOVER HERERO CULTURE – Meet members of Namibia’s Herero community and experience their distinctive traditions, colourful clothing, sewing and cultural heritage. Sue Cockell
CLIMB THE DUNES OF SOSSUSVLEI – Trek into Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft National Park and climb the towering red dunes surrounding Sossusvlei for extraordinary views across the desert. Sue Cockell
STAND AMONG THE ANCIENT TREES OF DEAD VLEI – Walk across the surreal white clay pan of Dead Vlei, surrounded by towering orange dunes and ancient trees preserved by the extreme dryness. Sue Cockell
CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO – Take on the ultimate African adventure and trek to Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, crossing changing ecological zones and pushing yourself towards the roof of Africa. Sue Cockell
CROSS THE BARRANCO WALL – Clamber up the dramatic Barranco Wall on Mount Kilimanjaro, using your hands and feet to navigate the steep rock face before emerging above the clouds. Sue Cockell
WATCH SUNRISE FROM STELLA POINT – Reach Stella Point before dawn and watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the glaciers, clouds and vast African landscape from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Sue Cockell
STAND AT UHURU PEAK – Complete the final ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro and stand at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, celebrating the achievement after the demanding climb. Sue Cockell

YOUR AFRICAN ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

You don’t have to experience all 422. You don’t even have to know where to begin.

Perhaps one recommendation has caught your imagination. Perhaps a particular country has been calling you for years. Perhaps you have discovered an experience you never knew existed and suddenly it has found its way onto your own list.

That is the beauty of an African bucket list. There is no right way to do it, no perfect itinerary and no finish line. Choose the experiences that speak to you, follow your curiosity and allow yourself to discover something unexpected along the way.

The stories in I Heart Africa Project are filled with moments that changed people – sometimes through extraordinary adventures, sometimes through encounters with wildlife, and sometimes through something as simple as being welcomed into someone’s home.

Now it’s your turn.

Where will Africa take you?

THE STORIES BEHIND THE BUCKET LIST

Every experience on this list comes from a story.

These recommendations have been inspired by the travellers, guides, conservationists, volunteers, photographers, writers and remarkable people whose experiences are shared throughout I Heart Africa Project. Some travelled across the continent for years; others arrived for a single adventure and left with a lifelong connection to Africa.

Behind every safari, mountain climb, cultural encounter, conservation experience and unforgettable journey is a person who lived it.

Explore the stories behind the recommendations and discover the people who have experienced Africa in their own extraordinary ways.

MEET THE PEOPLE

THE BOOK

EXPLORE AFRICA

Africa is a continent of extraordinary diversity, and there is no single way to experience it.

Whether your dream is to follow elephants through the wilderness, climb a great African mountain, discover ancient cultures, relax beside turquoise waters, learn from local communities or contribute to conservation, there is an adventure waiting for you.

Continue exploring I Heart Africa Project and discover the continent through the experiences that inspire you most.

WILDLIFE & SAFARIS
Encounter Africa’s extraordinary wildlife in the places where they belong.

ADVENTURE
Climb, trek, paddle, dive, explore and push yourself beyond the familiar.

CULTURE & COMMUNITIES
Meet the people, traditions and cultures that make Africa so wonderfully diverse.

CONSERVATION
Discover the people working to protect Africa’s wildlife, wilderness and natural heritage.

HISTORY & HERITAGE
Explore the stories, places and cultures that have shaped the continent.

BEACHES & ISLANDS
Discover Africa’s spectacular coastlines, tropical islands and hidden shores.

FOOD & LOCAL LIFE
Taste your way through Africa and experience the everyday life of the communities you visit.

SOLO & RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Find inspiration for travelling independently, thoughtfully and with respect for the places and people you encounter.

EXPLORE AFRICA

AFRICA IS WAITING

Four hundred and twenty-two experiences can take you in countless directions.

Across deserts and savannahs. Into forests and mountains. Along coastlines and rivers. Through ancient cities and rural villages. Into the heart of the wilderness and into the homes and communities of the people who call Africa home.

But the greatest adventure may not be the one you planned.

It might be the unexpected encounter, the road you didn’t intend to take, the person who changed your perspective or the moment that stays with you long after you have returned home.

Africa has a way of getting under your skin.

So choose a place. Choose an experience. Start with one.

Your African adventure begins here.

The experiences that will make you fall in love with Africa

THE ULTIMATE AFRICA BUCKET LIST

YOUR AFRICAN ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

THE STORIES BEHIND THE BUCKET LIST

EXPLORE AFRICA

AFRICA IS WAITING

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