Africa Travel Articles

Do you dream of a remote island paradise where you can relax and unwind? We have pulled together a selection of our favourite island escapes, where you can enjoy seclusion and peace. There's even a couple of exclusive options for that true 'Robinson Crusoe' experience...

Whether you're on honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or just want an extra special moment, our specialists pick 10 unique experiences that can make your trip unforgettable.

Epic landscapes, amazing wildlife and exciting accommodation. Safari newcomer Angela Taylor falls in love with the wild experience awaiting visitors to Tanzania.

This is one of the most spectacular places for wildlife, says Tanzania specialist Tim Parry

From enjoying a gourmet dinner as you look out over stunning Uluru/Ayers Rock, to simple but tasty Guatemalan cantinas – the following suggestions from our specialists are sure to whet your appetite...

We take a look at Africa through the year; the best countries to visit, our favourite lodges, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters you will have.

Potato Bush is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River with stunning views over the river and escarpment.

There can be no better place to experience a safari than beautiful Botswana, says Kirsty Leyns, Botswana specialist.

Kenya specialist, Kate, shares a tiny snapshot of the abundant wildlife she witnessed on her recent trip to Africa.

When it comes to Africa’s animal hotspots, Namibia is often overlooked – branded a ‘scenery’ rather than a ‘wildlife’ destination. But not only does it offer game in great numbers, it also has some truly unique species. Here’s our nature lovers’ guide.

Shake off those winter blues with a look at destinations from around the world famous for their spring blooms.

Often one of the best ways to explore a destination on an Audley tailor-made holiday is by bicycle. We highlight our top five places to take a bike ride.

The allure of train journeys is undeniable. There is something intoxicating about speeding through landscapes as life unfolds outside the window. Whether notable for their dramatic views, luxurious surroundings or sheer speed, we’ve highlighted what we consider to be seven of the most exciting train journeys in the world.

Our specialists pack their bags and head out on the road to explore new regions and re-visit some of their old favourites on a regular basis. Once in a while they stumble upon a real hidden gem. Here are a few such places they've discovered on their travels.

For many travellers, going on safari is a lifelong dream but with such an array of options it can be hard to know where to go, what to do and what you can expect once you arrive. Our Africa team have put together a guide to some of our most popular destinations and activities to help you plan the ideal trip.

We like nothing better than to read about your travel stories and the moments that made your trip memorable. Frances Smith and Paula Wilson describe their recent trip with Audley to South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.

Delve deeper into the next country you visit with our country specialists’ selection of city tours with a difference.

What could be more relaxing than staying in a water villa perched over turquoise waters full of tropical fish, listening to the waves lap as you fall asleep? Here we highlight some of the best overwater accommodation you can stay in around the world.

There are some truly incredible hotel suites around the world. We take a look at just a selection, from suites that come with your very own grand piano or bar, to personal butlers and chefs ready to cook whatever you desire.

Choosing to travel in the low season has a number of great benefits. In addition to lower prices, you’ll find the space and time to wander the most popular sights without the crowds, as well as spot wildlife at its most prolific.

Audley client, Annette Beach, describes her encounter with mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda.

With the festive season only a few weeks away, our thoughts have turned to which Audley destinations would offer a unique and unforgettable holiday over Christmas and New Year 2011. If you want to avoid the usual turkey dinner and Queen's speech, why not consider one of these captivating options?

With plenty of sunshine, fabulous wine and food, great safaris and spectacular landscapes, South Africa has long been a popular destination for Audley travellers. Whilst there are plenty of opulent safari lodges throughout the country, we have worked hard to seek out quality accommodation and trips for all budgets so you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy your time in South Africa.

As part of a tailor-made trip with Audley you can choose from a whole host of accommodation options. Amongst the beautiful boutique hotels and friendly, family-run B&Bs are a number of historically significant properties, each offering the charm of a bygone era and an exciting look into the past.

There is nothing better than getting on the open road and exploring a country from the comfort of your own, air conditioned car, whether on a self-drive or with your own driver. Combine this with beautiful coastal scenery and you have the makings of a spectacular holiday.

We work with some of the best guides in Africa, many of them award winners. Here we introduce you to just a handful of the guides who have made Audley travellers’ trips more memorable over the years.

A highly skilled tribe, they herd cattle and live in one of the world’s harshest environments. Distinctive for the ochre they put on their skin and traditional leather clothing - many people want to meet the Himba.

Safari operator, guide, cook, mechanic, raconteur and adventurer Thomas Holden has been smitten by Africa since childhood when his grandfather first ignited his passion for the continent. Thomas now runs a safari company in Tanzania and shares with us his enthusiasm, experiences and top tips for his adopted homeland.

From endless sunlight to lightning shows, the world is full of spectacular natural phenomena. Here are just a few of the more unusual examples, and some of our favourites, from around the world.

Audley clients, Kay and Richard Tremellen-Frost, travelled to Botswana in February 2011.

Our Africa Safari Programme Manager has just returned from a visit to Zimbabwe, where she sets out to dispel one or two preconceived ideas and discover anew what the country now has to offer the traveller.

We asked our country specialists to create a special collection of unique honeymoon ideas.

One of Audley's South Africa country specialists, Rob Philips, travels down Route 62 from Franschhoek to Oudtshoorn.

Our specialists are always looking for that ideal combination of wildlife, intimate accommodation and remote African bush. Here, one of them puts together their own perfect safari.

Audley client Dr Ian McCurdie writes about his family's Christmas holiday to the Masai Mara in Kenya.

In an age when most are now acutely aware of the impact we're having on the planet and its resources, Responsible Travel is coming to the fore as a major consideration when choosing accommodation.

A late Easter weekend in 2011, followed by the May Bank Holiday means that you can take just four days out of the office to enjoy an 11-day-long break. Take a look at our Easter trip ideas for a little inspiration.

Waterfalls always hold a special fascination as you watch millions of gallons of water crash over some rocky precipice. We've scoured the globe to find 10 of the most spectacular and which you could see as part of an individual tailor-made itinerary.

Some of the most memorable museums you can visit are often those which produce the most poignant of emotions. We have sought out several of the best and which are also in places Audley go to.

Volcanoes can be surprisingly accessible, some even offering the possibility of reaching the crater rim and looking inside to the tumult below. Others are less so, but all are in locations which normally offer sublime views. We showcase 10 of the best and which you could see as part of an individual tailor-made itinerary.

With Halloween just around the corner our thoughts have turned to some of the more unusual experiences available on a tailor-made trip with Audley. Wander around a cemetery at dusk, listen to the eerie tales of malevolent spirits on a tour of a disused penitentiary, or follow in the footsteps of soldiers past at some of the world's most important battlefields.

From rooftop hot tubs overlooking bustling cityscapes to a sparkling infinity pool pouring into an emerald lagoon, some of the best hotel pools are made so by the breathtaking views that they command.

We have a number of properties around the world where it’s possible to get involved, work alongside the locals and really get a feel for a place. From a cattle station in Australia to a rubber plantation in India, we present friendly family-run properties which introduce frontier life as it interacts with nature.

If you've explored a destination on land, why not spend a few days exploring the underwater part of it? A whole new world is waiting to be discovered just beneath the waves.

While hotel bathrooms may not top the list of priorities for most people when planning a trip, there are some that offer much more than a place to freshen up before dinner. The following bathrooms combine style with unsurpassed views, so much so that you may never want to get out of the tub!

Kenya’s Masai Mara is one of Africa’s legendary safari destinations. In March, June and November, you might get the odd storm, but these are quickly burnt off by the tropical sun. Your reward is watching the bush come to life. Greg Monson, owner of Kicheche, one of our favourite camps in the Mara, tells us what makes the green season so special.

Madagascar is huge, roughly two and half times the size of Great Britain, and it’s difficult to know how to get the best out of your first visit without some insider knowledge. We would recommend, unless you have an abundance of time, visiting either the north or south of the country.

Around the world, many countries are doing their bit to support the beautiful and endangered turtle. The following nations offer the visitor a rare glimpse at conservation efforts first-hand, where the protection of these wonderful creatures is of the utmost importance.

Some of the world’s most beautiful, ancient and iconic destinations are well known for good reason, but this popularity usually means that crowds of tourists and sightseers vying for space are a common sight.

From deep-fried spiders to roasted guinea pig, there are certainly some interesting dishes on offer for travellers with a sense of adventure and a strong stomach. Here is our list of extreme cuisine from around the world.

A night spent under canvas or open to the night sky with the stars for company is the stuff of dreams. Here we choose our top 10 experiences from across the Audley programmes.

Harbours, a place of haven for boats in stormy weather, can also provide some wonderful vistas. Here are our top ten Harbour views.

A unique way to spend the night, tree house accommodation comes in many shapes and sizes. From simple rustic housing to all out luxury, staying in a tree house is as much about the experience as it is a good night's sleep.

A hot air balloon ride can be the highlight of any trip as you drift silently over stunning landscapes and scenery. Here is a list of our favourite hot air balloon journeys that can be experienced on a trip with Audley.

Sometimes, trips are remembered for experiencing something a little out of the ordinary. Urban landscapes and buzzing metropolises offer an interesting insight into a country's way of life, but delve a little deeper and you may just discover a side of the country seen by very few.

Just because in some cases they have been around for millions of years doesn't mean you'll have seen them. In fact, our list of the world's more unusual animals includes some which are definitely not easy to see, such as the virtually motionless sloth. See which animals made our list.

Some of the most exhilarating walks take place along stretches of the world's coastline. This list includes some of our favourite coastal walks that are just waiting to be explored.

Hear the early morning chanting ritual of Monks in Thailand, or visit Lang Cave or Deer Cave at dusk to witness the bats emerging in their shadowy hordes. There are many ways in which you can awaken the senses on a trip with Audley.

Discover eight ways in which you can give back to the local communities on a tailor-made holiday with Audley.

Scoured out by water erosion, gorges come in all ages, shapes and sizes but they all have one thing in common - they never fail to impress. We showcase 10 of the world's lesser known gorges.

Combine gastronomic delights and awe-inspiring scenery with our top 10 list of restaurants with a view.

Safari is fascinating, even at second-hand and we love listening to your stories to find out what your highlights were. Tanzania Specialist, Alex has heard stories of thrilling chases, of heart wrenching moments when young animals narrowly escaped death, and magical evenings counting shooting stars.

With what is universally considered one of the most romantic days of the year fast approaching, we have put together a list of our top ten places to propose.

Historic battlefield sites are a draw for many people, especially those who enjoy their history. We list five famous battlefield sites from around the world.

Jonathan Scott of the BBC's Big Cat Diary, and legendary guide and wildlife expert Phil Berry, lead a once-in-a-lifetime safari in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park.

Zambia's South Luangwa has been home to some of Africa's legendary guides, probably the best known name though is Robin Pope, owner of Zambia's most successful safari company - Robin Pope Safaris.

To mark their 60th Anniversary of safaris in the Luangwa Valley, Norman Carr Safaris are offering a special community and conservation safari.

You can get very, very close to the wildlife on a photographic safari in Zambia.

Kirsty, our Botswana Specialist, gives a first hand account of the recently reopened Caprivi Strip in Namibia.

The Gorongosa National Park lies in Mozambique is one of the finest game viewing destinations in Africa. National Geographic have recently returned from filming there and have given us permission to put a short clip of it on our website to help promote Gorongosa.

Mozambique has yet to be discovered by mass tourism, and as a result its reefs are untouched and an incredible variety of marine life exists in its waters.

With the pound so strong against the rand there has been no better time to visit South Africa and experience everything this wonderful country has to offer.

Botswana is best-known for its luxury safaris but as Victoria explains, you can still experience its fantastic wildlife by avoiding luxury lodges and staying in mobile tented camps.

Fair Trade food showed the way and now a new initiative in South Africa links environmental issues and responsible employment practices to our properties.

Russell explores the North Island's pristine beaches and warm tropical seas - ideal for diving, snorkelling, fishing or sailing.

The most memorable travel experiences often come from being able to give something back. The following seven stories reveal how you too can contribute.