Recently updated on August 1st, 2023 at 03:52 pm
Everyone takes home their own special memories of Africa. Whether it’s the sun setting over the Serengeti or spotting one of the ‘Big Five’ for the first time in the wild – a trip to Africa offers unforgettable cultural and wildlife experiences.
With over 6,000 ethnic groups and languages, a multitude of ecosystems and home to some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife, Africa travel connects you to unique people, places and experiences that you couldn’t get back at home. Here are some of our most memorable experiences,
1. See elephants drinking on the riverbanks in Chobe National Park
Take a trip into Botswana’s Chobe National Park, where there are ample opportunities to see herds of African elephants roaming freely. Marvel at the world’s largest land mammal and relish in the opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Hop onboard your Chobe River cruise and sail down the river, snapping photos of elephants and buffalo who come to the riverbanks to drink.
TRIP: Victoria Falls Experience
2. Watch the sunset on the ocean at South Africa’s most iconic hotel
Experience a real piece of KwaZulu-Natal heritage, when you stay at the Oyster Box Hotel on Umhlanga’s picturesque beach front. Overlooking the iconic candy-striped lighthouse and the Indian Ocean, spend the evening watching the sunset in one of South Africa’s most distinguished boutique hotels. Owned by the Tollman family, Oyster Box guests are guaranteed hospitality fit for royalty, in this South African institution.
“A property that is very dear to our hearts, it has been an absolute privilege and pleasure for my family to realise our vision of restoring and developing this wonderful hotel to its original glory.” – Gavin Tollman, Trafalgar CEO
TRIP: Best of South Africa
3. Stay in the heart of the Dades Valley and its Berber villages
Follow the route of a thousand kasbahs into the Sahara desert, to get a glimpse into the life of the Berbers. Promising paradise in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, stay in the African-styled Xaluca Dades. Spend the night surrounded by a spectacular mountainscape with panoramic views of the Dades Valley and its Berber villages.
“Travel affords us many privileges and to have the opportunity to experience an insight into Berber life in Morocco is certainly one of them. Literally breaking bread with the locals, as made by the locals, amidst the stunning valley vistas certainly provided me with abundant mesmerising moments that will stay with me for a lifetime.” Gavin Tollman, CEO
TRIP: Best of Morocco
4. Witness ‘The Great Migration’ on the Maasai Mara
One of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, is The Great Migration. It’s the annual cycle of over one million stampeding wildebeest, zebras and other herbivores, crossing over 1800 miles from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. The epic journey is beset with danger, as Africa’s great predators wait patiently for the herds to arrive. The Maasai Mara is one of the best places to get a front row seat for this great wildlife spectacle, whilst on safari.
TRIP: African Safari Adventure
5. Interact with indigenous tribes in Namibia
A huge part of experiencing the real Africa, is by interacting with the local indigenous people. Namibia has a variety of ethnic groups within its population.
The OvaHimba are considered the last semi-nomadic tribe of Namibia, who still live strictly within their traditions. On our Namibia Explorer trip, you’ll have a unique opportunity to meet members of the tribe and learn about their way of life and hierarchical family structure.
“It’s not about simply seeing Africa, but more so experiencing Africa – meeting its people, embracing their warmth of welcome, understanding their beliefs and seeing through their lens a completely different perspective on life. You can’t imagine how different African life is until you see it and feel it for yourself. Meeting with the Ova-Himba tribe in Namibia is an exceptionally humbling and heartfelt experience.” Gavin Tollman, Trafalgar CEO
TRIP: Namibia Adventure
6. Make a Difference to children in Kenya
Make your trip to Africa make a difference to the local community. Visit the Shangilia Children’s Home in Kenya’s Vihiga County, where your visit will help support the home’s efforts to transform the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and disadvantaged children. The home works to transform the lives of these marginalised children by providing a loving and stable family environment, as well as their basic provisions of housing, clothing food and education, and emotional, physical, spiritual and financial support, so they can achieve their goals after leaving the home.
Inspired to start your African adventure? 72 years in the making, our new Africa trips have been crafted with first-hand knowledge and a connection to the local heritage that you won’t find with anyone else.