Africa & Indian Ocean

Mauritius

Mauritius, with its top hotels, spas and golf resorts offers more to do than most tropical islands.. Trekking, mountain climbing and deep-sea fishing feature amongst the many activities apart from all the other watersports. There are also action sports venues, a genuine undersea reef-viewing submarine and little two-person submarine scooters – in fact there is a host of new, fresh things to do. There is excellent shopping in modern malls, the roads are good and the Waterfront in Port Louis is a must for the sophisticated traveller. The pristine lagoons, the coral on the reef which is alive and well and the white beaches make Mauritius sheer paradise With the blend of diverse cultures and religions, eating out is a gastronomic adventure every time whether it be a small restaurant on the beach or in one of the many sumptuous hotels.

Best time to visit:

Mauritius is a year round destination. The driest months and outside the cyclone period is between April – November. During their winter months temperatures range from 24oC-27oC but with less rainfall. Their summer months Dec – April are hot and humid with the risk of more showers.  

Seychelles

Deserted islands surrounded by tropical plants, swaying palm trees and soft white beaches, stretching as far as the eye can see. Seychelles is made up of many such islands, the largest island being Mahe, which together with Praslin and La Digue are the most popular. Seychelles is a thousand miles from anywhere, and is the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. Activities include snorkelling and scuba diving, or just holding hands under an ebony sky lit by a tropical moon. Exotic flora and fauna flourish here and nowhere else on earth, including the famous ‘Coco de Mer’ palm.

Best time to visit:

Seychelles is a year round destination, but the driest months are between April – November. Temperatures stay around upper 20’s throughout the year.  

Madagascar

Whether you just want to spend time on the white sandy beaches or hike pristine rainforests searching for lemurs – or perhaps go climbing bizarre rock formations or canoe down rivers – You are really spoilt for choice on this vast island – the fourth largest on earth. Each of Madagascar's fascinating corners offers something different. Shrouded in mystery, with an amazing and varied wildlife and spectacular beaches, and millions of hectares of uncharted wilderness and few paved roads it is an ideal place for the adventurous traveller and explorer.

Best time to visit:

The peak months are April – November. Wettest months are January – March. The best time for whale watching is around July – September from Ile Ste Marie.

Botswana

 

Botswana is a small African land-locked country famous for its many game lodges and in the Chobe and Okavango Delta regions can be found some of the best African safari experiences. Chobe National Park has one of the greatest concentrations of game in Africa, with a huge population of elephant. The Okavango Delta, or the 'river that never finds the sea' is the world's largest inland delta, where instead of flowing into the ocean, the annual flood of freshwater flows inland and is home to vast numbers of game, bird and fish. A great wildlife-watching spot in Botswana.

Best time to visit:

Peak months are May – October when it is their dry season. The floods arrive in June which fills the Okavango Delta flood plains allowing for some of the water safari activities.

Mozambique

Mozambique is on the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa. Here you can snorkel with whale sharks, take a dhow cruise at sunset, swim with Dolphins, dive with Manta Rays, or simply enjoy the endless white beaches. Enjoy the freshest seafood or relax by the pool, Mozambique offers all this and is high on the list for those in search of beautiful unspoilt beaches, deep-sea fishing or 4 X 4 drives through uncharted terrain.

Best time to visit:

You can divide the country into to sections – the southern area called Bazaruto Archipelago. Their dry season is between the months of April to October. Temperatures around July/August are a comfortable mid 20’s. Their rainy season runs from November to the end of March and temperatures during Dec-Feb are around 38oC. The Quirimba Archipelago in the North of Mozambique has their dry season between May to November. The rains start in December and run through until the end of May. The temperatures in Dec/Nov can rise over 30oC. The coolest months are July/August and it is a comfortable 28oC.

Zambia- Victoria Falls

If you are into crazy adventure activities, like white water rafting, bungee jumping, elephant back safaris, helicopter trips over the falls and many more, then this is the place to do it. One of the most magnificent destinations and also ideal for that special occasion, like your honeymoon! The many hotels boast luxurious accommodation with experiences such as dining under the stars in a ”boma”, a taste of tender crocodile or a Mopani worm and spectacular African dancing extravaganzas.

Best time to visit:

Zambia has two seasons – dry running from May – October and the rainy season from November to April when you can experience some high rainfall forcing some camps to close during these months.

Namibia

Namibia is a land of the starkest contrasts, from the haunting beauty of Sossusvlei's whispering sand dunes and the Etosha National Park with its teeming wild-life to the excitement of Swakopmund's adventure activities and desert elephants of Damaraland. Perched on Africa's south-west Atlantic coast, this a land of burning red sand and echoing mountains, of empty rolling deserts and misty oceans will captivate you. Discover the wildlife of the Caprivi Strip's wetlands and forests or marvel at the beaches of the unforgiving Skeleton Coast Park strewn with shipwrecks. For the adventurous, Namibia can satisfy even the most adrenaline-hooked visitor. Hike the Fish River Canyon, take a quad bike over sand dunes in the Namib Desert, stake your place at a busy waterhole in the Etosha National Park or slalom a canoe through the rapids of the Orange River.

Best time to visit:

Namibia has two seasons and it has a sub-tropical climate. The dry season runs between April and October with the peaks months being July/Oct. During November the weather starts to change and the rainfall can start in December with rain falling for an hour or so before you have clear blue skies again.

South Africa

Colourful cultures, spectacular scenery, wide open wilderness together with sophisticated cities, and an endless list of things do makes this one of the most popular destinations in Africa. The “Mother City” of Cape Town is a modern and luxurious tourist destination which offers all the pleasures of a beach holiday with the bustling excitement of a new urban landscape rolled into one. Here you will find flea markets and local stores oozing with a charm and character together with the most popular brand names in magnificent shopping malls. South Africa boasts an incredible selection of national parks and game reserves. This is an amazing holiday destination full of wonderful possibilities and exceptional natural beauty. Whether you're a lover of water sports such as surfing and diving, a seasoned golfing fanatic or quite simply looking for a holiday that is a complete break from the norm, South Africa will captivate you.

Best time to visit:

South Africa is a year round destination. The eastern region – KwaZulu Natal has a sub-tropical climate which means it is hot and humid during the summer months of November – April. During their winter months it is still warm during the day but the nights are cooler and up in the Drakensberg Mountains it is considerably cooler. Around Kruger Park and the Mpumulanga region, the summer months of November – April brings some rains and thunderstorms and it is hot and humid. The rains are interspersed with hot sunny days. Best months for game viewing though are from May – October when the foliage has died back and the game is more visible than during the lush summer months.

The Cape and Garden Route regions have their summer months from October – April. Winter months run from May to September and it is generally cooler with the chance of more rain.

Zanzibar

Come laze in the sun on this tropical island with its’ endless stretches of white beaches fringed with palm trees, and sample the local food laced with the freshest of spices – Zanzibar was on the original “Spice Route” after all. With the friendliness of the locals and the complete sense of being “laid back” this island with its colourful history will revive the most stressed-out modern day traveller.

Best time to visit:

Lying near the equator, Zanzibar has a tropical climate and the temperatures fluctuate between a comfortable 25oC- 30oC. They have two rainy seasons – November/December their short rains which are short sharp showers and sunshine in between. Their long rains run from February – the beginning of May and it can rain consistently and heavily for longer periods during these months and it is best avoided.

Tanzania

Tanzania with some 800-kilometres of palm-fringed coast bordering the Indian Ocean, Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa, and Lake Tanganyika, longest and deepest freshwater lake, is one of the most popular destinations in Africa, with most of it unexplored. Going on safari in Tanzania will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Whilst you might have experienced game parks in South Africa, nothing can prepare you for the magnificence and vastness of places like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Masai Mara.

Best time to visit:

Lying near the equator, Tanzania has a tropical climate and the temperatures fluctuate between a comfortable 25oC- 30oC. They have two rainy seasons – November/December their short rains which are short sharp showers and sunshine in between. Their long rains run from February – the beginning of May and it can rain consistently and heavily for longer periods during these months and it is best avoided. The coastal area tends to be hotter and more humid than inland. Inland it is dryer and cooler.

Kenya

Whether you would prefer to go on big game hunts, interact with unique animals, or have the chance for some of the best photography in the world, a Kenya safari is a once in a lifetime experience. There is nothing quite like a Kenya safari, whether for yourself, a group, or the whole family, and there are so many different kinds of safari tours available from self-drive to hot air ballooning, that it will be easy to find the perfect experience. Witnessing the spectacular Great Wildebeest Migration is the experience of a lifetime, when approximately one and a half million Wildebeest and Zebras annually migrate between Tanzania and Kenya.. However, this country offers much more for you to enjoy. While most people do not associate beaches with Kenya, it has some of the nicest beaches you will find anywhere. You can also meet with the Masai people and their culture; or take an exhilarating trip in a hot air balloon.

Kenya has a spectacular selection of game parks including the renowned Masai Mara National Reserve where apart from the many lion, hippopothami, antelope and many other wild animals there are over four hundred species of birds. Here too is Africa’s second highest mountain, Mt Kenya and a coral reef lined coast ensuring that whatever you decide on you will be more than satisfied with your trip.

Best time to visit:

Kenya has a lovely climate with the inland average temperatures during the day being 20oC and the nights cooler. The coastal area is hot and humid throughout the year with temperatures averaging 26-31oC

Uganda and Rwanda

Many people refer to Uganda as the 'Real Africa' because of its amazing scenery, the friendliest people, and primates and adventurous activities. Gateway to Rwanda - home of the magnificent yet endangered mountain gorillas. Visit Uganda for a destination that covers all tastes - safaris, gorilla & chimpanzee trekking, white water rafting at the source of the Nile at Lake Victoria, mountain climbing, and game fishing or just lazing on a beach.

Best time to visit:

Both have tropical climates with average temperatures throughout the year from 25 – 30oC. Rwanda sees the long rains between February – June and the short rains September – December. For gorilla tracking the best months are between June – September. Uganda’s peak months to visit are between June – December with rains between September and November and March to May.
Uganda

Rwanda

Malawi

Malawi is known as the "Warm Heart of Africa" with Lake Malawi the county's centrepiece. Like an inland sea it has endless palm fringed beaches, surrounded by mountains, making it the focal point for Malawi's tourists. The rivers, waterfalls, forests, uplands, mountains and its pleasant climate provide a fascinating destination for both the adventurous and the leisure and eco-traveller.

Best time to visit:

Peak dry months are between May to November. The heaviest rainfall occurs during the months of December – February.

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