Top Spots and places to visit on a safari or holiday to Africa | on the go tours

Masai Mara Reserve (Kenya)

Picture vast open savannahs filled with lions, hyeanas, leopards, wildebeast, zebras, antelope and more. The Mara River, the reserve’s backbone, traverses north to south. This course is the natural barrier crossed every year by the large migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra, which march across the two parks in a quest for the best pastures, crossing en route the crocodile-infested river. Coupled with ever-watchful predatory cats in the midst, the annual migration is a risky operation and fraught with peril.

The Masai Mara reserve is home to a myriad of animals including jackal, mongoose, serval and wild dog. Primates include baboon, bushbaby and monkey. Ungulates include buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and warthog. Other residents are the indigenous Masai Mara tribe - traditionally nomadic pastoralists (though today many are settlers) recognisable by their bright red tartan shawls. The Mara River, the reserve’s backbone, traverses north to south. This course is the natural barrier crossed every year by the large migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra, which march across the two parks in a quest for the best pastures, crossing en route the crocodile-infested river. Coupled with ever-watchful predatory cats in the midst, the annual migration is a risky operation and fraught with peril.

Zanzibar (Tanzania)

The annals of Zanzibar history read like a chapter from ‘The Thousand and One Nights’ and evoke many exotic images in the minds of travellers. Zanzibar has a checkered and colourful history. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, Indians, Persians, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Omani Arabs and English have all been here. Notably, the Shiraz Persians and Omani Arabs settled and it was under the Omani Arabs in the early 19th century that the island thrived. The clove tree was introduced in 1818. By the middle of the century, the island had become the worlds largest producer of cloves and the largest slaving entrepot on the East coast. The island was also the starting point for many explorers including Livingstone. Today you can explore that history in the narrow white streets of stone town. Afterwards head to the stunning white sand beaches, fringed by crystalline azure waters, heaven!

Sossusvlei Dunes (Namibia)

Visit the awesome Namib Naukluft National Park - home of the striking red and apricot-coloured dunes at Sossusvlei. With spines whipped so sharply and perfectly into place by the wind, you’ll want to race (or stagger..) up the famed Dune 45, reputedly one of the highest sand dunes in the world, before taking in the stunning views from the top! Afterwards visit the eerie Dead Vlei, an area of trees that died centuries ago, but due there being not even enough moisture for normal composition to occur, they are perfectly preserved.

Okavango Delta (Botswana)

Described as the ‘river which never finds the sea’, Botswana is home to the amazing Okavango Delta. The Okavango disappears into a 15,000 sq km maze of lagoons, channels and islands brimming with birdlife and other wild animals including elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo and hooved animals. The best way to see the largest inland delta in the world is by mokoro, traditionally a canoe dugout from a large tree, today a more environmentally friendly version, equally well-suited to the shallow waters of the delta. You can relax and take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife while your poler navigates you past water ponies, hippos and large lakes of waterlillies!

Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

Snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the African Continent, the world’s largest free-standing mountain and one of the world’s largest volcanoes. At Uhuru Peak (5895m), you’ll have impressive photo opportunities. There’s no special equipment or expertise required to ascend Mt Kili as the routes chosen have been designed to allow for a slow and gradual trek. There are several routes to choose from and they vary by steepness and popularity. The Marangu Route stays in basic huts is the easiest and most frequented route on Mt Kili. For a natural high that nothing can beat, see if you can conquer this impressive mountain!

Gorilla Trekking (Rwanda & Uganda)

Trek through dense jungle in search of the world's largest primates and our closest living relatives. Get up close and observe the magnificent Mountain gorilla in their natural habitat - arguably the ultimate wildlife encounter.

Mountain gorillas inhabit the rain forests of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwana on the high slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes and to track and find them amongst tangled vines is a exhilerating experience. Staring into the soft brown eyes of one of these gentle apes is simply spellbinding!

Around only 600 mountain gorilla still exist today and by visiting them, you ensure their continued survival in their natural habitat. Although our closest living relatives, ironically, it is man that poses the greatest threat to their survival.You need not feel that you are exploiting these animals by paying good money to go trek for them in their natural habitat. Indeed, the ever-growing number of tourists keen to trek for the gorilla proves to be an important factor in their survival. The gorilla permit fees help to set up and finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares.

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

Victoria Falls, known in Zambia as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Zambezi River widens to 1.7 km and then the full width of the river plunges 108m down into the Zambezi Gorge. The force of the tumbling water sends clouds of spray up to 500m into the air, sustaining a lush rainforest all around.

Vic Falls is the adventure capital of Africa and an adrenaline junkies paradise! A wide number of adventure activities are focused on the falls and there are endless ways to experience the mighty Zambezi from microlight/helicopter flights over the falls, white-water rafting, canoeing, jet boating or even bungee jumping.

African Top Spots