For those who really love a sense of adventure, there is nothing better than horse trekking safaris! Getting really close to wildlife, the scent of the horse masking that of the human and merging into one is nothing less than thrilling!

There are several horse riding treks one can do, from riding with the wildebeest migration in Kenya, amongst predators (only for the most experienced riders), to riding along the Chyulu Hills with very few predators where one can ride at any level. There is also excellent riding in Botswana and South Africa.

For those who have partners who are accompanying them who dont ride, then Kenya, South Africa and Botswana also offer places where one person can ride whilst the other goes game viewing in a vehicle, joining up at the end of the day. Either way, its my favourite way of going on safari, alongside walking and canoeing!

Top of  so many people’s list of holidays must be holidays to Botswana! In terms of safaris to Africa, Botswana is so entirely different from what is encountered in East and other parts of southern Africa. The game viewing is sensational – whether it is in the Chobe Game Reserve or the Moremi National Park or in the Kalahari, such as the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Parks. The beauty of this region is that each month brings on an entirely different experience and therefore it is constantly changing. The floods occur in their dry, winter months and then dry up towards the end of the year when so much more of the land can be traversed. It is a complex and miraculous occurrence, taking six months to take effect, as river courses change, channels begin to flow and the Delta reveals itself as the jewel in the crown.

Elephant Back Safaris with AfricanExplorations.com

Botswana offers something for everyone – from the simple, mobile style of a private, tented camp, complete with private guide and vehicle and the full flexibility that each day brings, to luxurious eco lodges sympathetically built to blend with the scenery. Most of the lodges are small and personal and of the highest quality – which is what makes Botswana exclusive – low volumes, low impact, high cost. In addition to game drives, there is walking, boating (in mokoros – the wooden, dug out canoes and by motor boat), horse riding, elephant back safaris and mokoro safaris as well as houseboats where one can fish and birdwatch.

Holidays to Botswana with AfricanExplorations.com

All in all, an outstandingly beautiful country, with a wealth of wildlife and few tourists – what more can one ask for?

Zarafa Camp with AfricanExplorations.com

Of all the safaris that one can undertake, I think family safaris must top the list. Simply because there is something wonderful to view life through the eye’s of a child – unlike our vision which tends to be hugely corrupted by cynicism and a variety of other preconceived ideas! To see the wonderment and joy as a child witnesses an entirely new world all around it, new experiences mounting on a daily basis is so incredibly rewarding. It is both profound and simple and entirely pleasurable! I have been taking my daughter on safari every year since she was literally a couple of years old and what is the most important aspect is the equal dose of wildlife and culture.  In addition, one must have a top notch and sympathetic guide. So often, one comes across a truly fantastic guide, who simply isn’t child friendly. This is not their fault. They simply have not had much access to children, invariably they are quite young and they are often focussed on conservation and science. This results in information being proffered to the parents at a scientific level and the child is not engaged at all. Sadly, this is the death knell for taking children on safari (and happens with huge regularity), as the child becomes completely bored! Therefore, a superb and child friendly guide is crucial to the success of any safari. Depending upon the age of the child, one can also have the most wonderful safaris in non malarial areas, both in Kenya and in South Africa in particular.

Family Safaris with AfricanExplorations.com

In East Africa particularly, the tribes have the most arresting traditional dress which children always love and they are taught how to make bows and arrows, how to recognise the spoormarks or the prints of animals in the sand, making plaster of paris imprints, teaching them about the night sky and the medicinal properties of plants and trees and the folklore that is attached to them. A safari is also an incredibly bonding form of holiday, where the entire family spends quality time together.

Family Safaris in Africa with AfricanExplorations.com

Forget all the modern technology, ds’, mp3 players, dvd players, i-pods and all the electronic modern gadgets enlisted to keep your children ‘occupied’. Here, they have something real which is educational and fun with a value which far exceeds anything that could be obtained through the modern medium.Perhaps go on a camel trek safari for a few days with the local Samburu tribe, or sleep out beneath the stars, or in a treehouse. Horse ride and fish or simply learn what it is like to have an uncomplicated yet exciting and simple lifestyle.  Sail on a catamaran around Madagascar or Lake Malawi or Tanzania,  end up on a beach and do some kite surfing in Kenya or Tanzania. It simply doesn’t get better than this! But the best thing of all, is when even the most jaded and widely travelled traveller returns, saying  it is the holiday of their lifetime!

If you have already been on several safaris to Africa and are wanting something that little bit different, then Zambia Safaris are the next thing to consider!

I love Zambia, because it is so multi faceted. From the amazingly wildlife rich regions of the Busanga Plains, which emanate a mini Serengeti, with its plains species such as wildebeest, zebra and impala to Kafue, with its woodland and then to the north and south luangwa – which is best known for walking safaris. The south Luangwa is also incredibly game rich, with endemic species such as Thornicroft’s giraffe and probably the highest concentration of leopard that occur in southern Africa.  Then we have Livingstone, Mosi oa Tunya (which means the smoke that thunders) – referring to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. Here there is just so much to do, such as visiting Livingstone Island, horse riding, elephant back riding, visting local schools etc.

You can also go on a canoeing safari which is great fun, along the lower Zambezi. It is one of the best ways of going on safari, actually, because the pace is slow and languid, taking in the sights and sounds of the bush, seeing birdlife nesting in the river banks and watching wildlife coming down to drink.

Zambia Walking Safari with AfricanExplorations.com

Then there is also horse riding at Shiwa N’gandu, for those that would love to ride in beautiful terrain with wildlife. This country simply offers so much and is so special and rewarding!

Zambia Safaris with AfricanExplorations.com

These are one of our favourite riding safaris in Africa! Have a look at the video! Its taken in the Masai Mara, where we operate these safaris year round although the highlight must be during the wildebeest migration which occurs from July through early October. Having said that, there is fantastic game year round in the Mara! This is not just about riding, as one can go out on a game drive by open vehicle as well. These safaris are for experienced riders only.  These ten day riding safaris are considered to be the best in Africa. At night, you sleep in a lovely tented camp, listening to the calls of the animals. Simply magical!

There are few places in Africa where one can obtain a truly luxurious safari – but a Luxury Safari in Kenya must rate one of the highest, alongside South Africa, Botswana and even Tanzania these days. The Kenyans really understand an informal style alongside the most fantastic, concentrated wildlife viewing in Africa. There are some wonderful lodges in the Masai Mara, where fabulous wildlife can be seen in close proximity, especially during the phenomenal wildebeest migration. Samburu, which lies north of the equator,  boasts two of the most luxurious lodges in Kenya.

Shompole with AfricanExplorations.com

Further south in Magadi, sits the most gorgeous lodge which also has a private house and a two bedroomed house with the most superb views and astounding wildlife. It is a community based project which is fantastic to see how proactive many of the Kenyan lodges are in working hand in hand with the local communities who greatly benefit from their existence.

Cottars Camp with AfricanExplorations.com

Laikipia also has its fair share of drop dead gorgeous lodges and houses  set in the dramatic landscape of the Laikipia escarpment. Many of these lodges are informal and homely but with the most tasteful of touches everywhere. This area is particularly good for horse riding. All in all, Kenya remains one of my favourite countries in Africa and a very obvious first choice for most people who want to go on safari!

Luxury Safari in Kenya with AfricanExplorations.com

There is something quite decadent about staying in a Lamu Villa. There are some truly amazing villas, with anything from four bedrooms upwards, huge areas to simply flop down and relax, with great views overlooking the Indian Ocean. The feel as a whole is one of simplicity and elegance. The cuisine simply superb – fresh lobster, crab and catch of the day or literally whatever one would wish for! Large, colourful cushions are propped against Arab day beds and in hammocks – the mood and ambience is one of serenity and bliss.  Each villa has its own private swimming pool. The beach is  right in front of the villas and are perfect for famillies and groups of friends alike. Some even come with a skipper and boat, so you can go snorkelling or diving for a day, perhaps go water skiing or kayaking.

Lamu Villa with AfricanExplorations.com

Kizingoni with AfricanExplorations.com

Then we have the wonderful, exotic and eclectic town of Lamu, which is restricted to pedestrians (and donkeys!) only. There is a fabulous atmosphere and feel to Lamu, with some wonderful little shops to explore and avenues with their quirky architecture. Perhaps take an Arab Dhow to a neighbouring island or simply drink in the East African coastline which is just lovely, unspoilt and uncommercial.

Luxury Holidays to Madagascar It might seem incongruous to mention the words luxury and Madagascar in one sentence – but much has changed and  there are now a number of simply amazing gems in Madagascar.

Anjajavy with AfricanExplorations.com

Two of my favourites both happen to be on the coast near Nosy Be. The most luxurious and only Relais et Chateaux in the country is Anjajavy. It is easy to reach from the capital, Antananarivo and on arrival, one is taken on a beach track to the lodge. The villas are large, spacious, and have French doors opening out  to the sea.  There are walks to 5 different beaches from the hotel and they can arrange a picnic for you on one of them! There is a lovely large swimming pool overlooking the beach and tea is served at 1700 each day in the oasis – a beautiful garden they have built. The cuisine  is excellent.

There are lots of points of interest  here, including  brown lemurs and Sifakas and grey limestone tsingys. The birdlife is spectacular and includes black kites, weavers, Madagascan sun birds, and pied robins.  I also saw several Couas. Madagsacar has 258 bird species and 71 species of lemur! There is also fantastic kayaking. Anjajavy is also renowned for its fly fishing.   One can catch dog tooth tuna, yellow fin tuna, wahoo, king mackerel and most other big pelagic game fish. Massages are conducted in ones own villa.

Luxury Holiday to Madagascar with AfricanExplorations.com

The second place which I adore is Tsara Komba. With just a handful of cottages and villas situated on an island, all overlooking the sea, this offers a more down to earth and personal experience. This is one of those places that really soothes the soul.  The food here is the best I have tasted in Madagascar. The staff and service is impeccable and professional. Handily, they make wonderful caipirinhas and rum punches and a typical meal would be a  raw fish entrée, followed by poisson en papillote with vegetables in cinnamon. There are things to do such as walking and swimming as well as snorkelling and diving trips to Nosy Tanikely which is a marine reserve, and has the most astounding fishlife, as well as offering beautiful beaches, wonderful walks and excellent birdlife! Visit the local villages as well as a lemur sanctuary north of the island, renowned for the black lemurs. The dining and lounge area is  stocked with books and overlooks the sea and the walls of the lodge are studded with interesting oil paintings from local artists and the rooms are furnished with interesting object d ‘art.  You can  see how vanilla is made, as well as visit the farms growing vetiver, ylang ylang and other herbs for essential oils. The area is also known for its hand work and embroidered tablecloths in the Richelieu lace style.

Luxury Safari Kenya- It is so easy these days to have a luxury safari in Kenya. What the Kenyans have is style, and bucketloads of it! Nothing over the top, just simple and tasteful, ensuring that whatever is done merely complements the amazing scenery and views.

Shompole Lodge with AfricanExplorations.com

Luxury also comes in many guises. For some, it is taking a family or a group of friends getting together and hiring a private vehicle in the most beautiful, pristine wildlife abundant region in Laikipia or Meru. For others, it is having a helicopter on standby to fly them to Mount Kenya where they can fit in a day’s fly fishing or perhaps doing a low level flight in the Masai Mara during the wildebeest migration.  Again, for some, it will be having Frette linen, the finest of freshly prepared food and good wine, whilst for others, to have an unending supply of hot water for their bucket shower whilst they are on a luxury camping trip will do the trick!

Ol Donyo with AfricanExplorations.com

There are truly beautiful houses from Lake Naivasha, t0 Meru, Laikipia and Magadi. There are architectural places of beauty in Samburu and Magadi. It all depends upon your style!

The game is simply wonderful in Kenya, one simply needs to know when the best times are to be there and to maximise it. The mobile or luxury camping is fantastic as one has complete flexibility for the entire day, doing exactly as one wishes and establishing a wonderful rapport with one’s guide. The tents are furnished with oriental carpets, have cupboards to hang clothes and proper en suite bathrooms with tremendous showers and porcelain loos.

On the coast, we have such delights as Kiwayu which is Robinson Crusoe in style, but serving lobster and crab and delicious fish and fine wine! Why not take a dhow for three days between Kiwayu and Lamu? Stay at a new luxury boutique hotel called Red Pepper. Perhaps take a villa?

Robinson Crusoe Holidays -

Well, I confess, I am entirely biased here! These are my favourite sorts of holiday. Now don’t get me wrong! I don’t believe I am truly foregoing any of my crucial creature comforts!  Just living that little bit closer to the elements and feeling more of a part of the earth. Well, Crusoe was on an island and therefore these holidays should be island/bush/beach holidays.

My favourite is a place in Kenya where I take my own beach holidays – called Kiwayu. This is pure bliss. Each beach villa is made of local materials – thatching and reed matting. They are simply enormous! The villas are footsteps away from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. There are two pretty deserted beaches where I never get to see anyone else. The villas have large outdoor areas resplendent with Arab Daybeds and hammocks for swinging in, gazing over the azure waters and simply day dreaming or reading. The food – well, home made pasta made to perfection with light, fresh sauces – fresh lobster, fresh crab, gorgeous freshly caught fish. It doesn’t get much better than this. It truly is a foodie’s haven! No shoes, no dressing up, just kikoys or a flowing dress for dinner, lots of big cushions in the sitting room, lots of games like backgammon, chess and cards and fabulous cocktails made for you by Whitey, who has been there for 20 years and still has the most beautiful smile in the business!

Kiwayu with AfricanExplorations.com

Then there is Mnemba in Tanzania, which was built by the same man who built Kiwayu. The only difference is that of the price, which, if you scuba dive, is pretty good value for money as they include two dives a day per person. This is Bill Gates’ bolthole and is located on a private island east of Zanzibar. Meals can be served privately on a beach at night, lit purely by lanterns for the two of you. The diving is sensational.

Mnemba with AfricanExplorations.com

We also arrange for transfers from island to island by catamaran or dhow, spending several nights on board, beneath the stars!

Robinson Crusoe Holidays with AfricanExplorations.com

Then we have some gorgeous places in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique which are also truly sublime. Just call us and we will give you the low down as we all come from Africa and each place is a special recommendation!