Discover Africa: The Lands of the Wild
For the first time visitor or seasoned traveller Africa's diverse scenery, culture & wildlife offers an exhilarating holiday experience, indeed finding the right trip can be a daunting task. So if you're planning a specialist safari, your annual family holiday, a golfing break, a luxurious beach retreat or even an ascent of Kilimanjaro you can be sure that one of the Mahlatini team can guide you through the maze of options. All of our staff have travelled extensively across the African continent so you can always talk to someone with direct knowledge and experience. Here is an overview of our favourite African countries.
Botswana
Botswana undoubtedly offers one of the most spectacular wildlife and wilderness experiences in the world. Its most famous attraction must surely be the Okavango Delta at the heart of Botswana. Travel north of the Delta to the Chobe River to see huge herds of elephants. Southern Botswana has much to offer too, from the shimmering expanse of Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans to the dunes of the Kalahari desert home to the famous San Bushmen. In this spectacular environment tourism treads lightly, with lodges kept small and eco-sensitive, visitor numbers strictly limited and man's intrusion controlled. The Government of Botswana has pioneered a successful high revenue, low volume tourism policy.
Kenya
Kenya has long been famous as one of world's top safari and beach destinations, at one time it catered for the mass package tourism market but it has slowly matured and Kenya has re-invented itself and alongside the mass market tours there is something for those seeking a more personal experience. The scenery in Kenya is stunning and varied ranging from the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya to the rich savannah of the Maasai Mara. With 480 kilometres of coastline on the Indian Ocean and spectacular coral reefs Kenya's sandy beaches and off-shore islands are a perfect relaxing way to finish off a safari.
Malawi
Malawi is a land-locked country lying at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley. Promoted as the Warm Heart of Africa, it is justly famous for its hospitality and welcoming people. By African standards Malawi is tiny, but it has a wide diversity of scenery and wildlife. The back bone of the country is Lake Malawi which stretches for over 300 miles covering more than 20% of the country in water. The back drop of mountains, tropical white beaches and crystal clear waters make this World Heritage Site one of the most scenic National Parks in Africa; a superb location for snorkelling, diving and fishing, a fine way to relax after your safari.
Mauritius
Surrounded by the warm, beautiful, crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is regarded as one of the most beautiful paradise islands in the world. Immaculate white sandy beaches encircle the island while gently swaying palm trees provide shade from the warm sun that hangs in the cloudless blue sky. And as you lie on the beach, soaking up the suns rays, listening to the gentle waves lapping onto the beach and the aromatic blossoms gently engulfs your nostrils, you could be forgiven for thinking that you are in paradise.
Mozambique
This enchanting former Portuguese colony is often overlooked on as an African holiday destination. Lying just off the Tropic of Cancer, Mozambique makes a great place for family holidays and honeymoons or just to relax after a safari in one of its neighbouring countries. You can unwind on the pristine palmfringed beaches and enjoy some of Africa's most unspoiled coral reefs. The crystal clear waters are said to offer some of the best diving in the world. The snorkeling is excellent too, in addition you can enjoy deep sea fishing or sailing on a traditional Arab Dhow.
Namibia
One of the world's last great wilderness areas, Namibia is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a real travel adventure. It's scenery is varied and full of contrasts; watch the sunrise from dune 45 the world's highest, traverse the ancient Namib Desert in search of unique plants and animals that have evolved to survive this harsh environment or enjoy a classic safari in Etosha National Park. Modern Namibia boasts the rich indigenous tribal cultures of the Bushmen, Himbas, Hereros, Ovambos and Damara.
Seychelles
According to legend, the 115 stunningly beautiful islands of the Seychelles were formed from the tears of emotion from the creator as he was gazing over the masterpiece that he had just created. Clothed in lush tropical vegetation, overlooking the pristine white beaches and the beautiful deep turquoise lagoons, descriptions and photographs cannot do justice to the beauty of these islands. This archipelago is located 4 degrees south of the equator and 1600km off the east coast of Africa. Apart from offering beach holidays that are legendary throughout the world, the Seychelles is a tropical paradise that is perfect for weddings and honeymoons, family holidays or if you are after a superb golfing holiday, the Seychelles is perfect for a combined with a holiday with South Africa or Dubai
South Africa
South Africa's extraordinary diversity makes it one of the most popular holiday destinations on the African continent. Highlights include cosmopolitan Cape Town, the nearby winelands and scenic Garden Route. Add to this over 300 game reserves and national parks, along with South Africa's cultural heritage and it is easy to see why South Africa is often described as "a world in one country". With its good roads, internal flights and luxury travel facilities South Africa is undoubtedly the most developed country in Africa but it is still possible to get off the beaten track and explore the spectacular natural landscapes of tropical sandy beaches, snow capped mountains and the wilderness of the African bush.
Tanzania
With a staggering 25% of the country protected in the form of twelve national parks, one conservation area and thirty game reserves, Tanzania is a country that teems with wildlife. With a long list of hits that includes the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro and the marine parks of Zanzibar and Pemba, wildlife and adventure travellers are ensured a superlative experience.
Uganda
It has been said that if you planted a walking stick overnight in the soil of Uganda it will have taken root before the next morning. In contrast to Africa's more famous wildlife destinations, equatorial Uganda is lush, green and fertile. This compact landlocked country is making a remarkable recovery from its troubled past and is set to become a world class safari destination. One of the undoubted highlights of any visit is tracking habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks. In addition Uganda offers a more conventional safari experience with Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Mburo national parks providing a sanctuary for traditional savannah fauna such as lion, leopard, elephant and giraffe. It is arguably Africa's premier birding destination, a remarkable 400 species are regularly recorded in a two week visit, including the shoebill.
Visit Gorilla Trekking and Safaris in Uganda for a comprehensive resource on Tracking Gorillas in Uganda.
Zambia
A Zambian safari does not attract huge numbers of travellers, but anyone who knows Africa understands that this is one of THE places to be for wildlife viewing. South Luangwa National Park is for many people the continent's finest national park and it was here that walking safaris were pioneered. Other excellent parks in Zambia include Kafue and the Lower Zambezi as well as some lesser known ones. And of course there is Mosi-oa-Tunya which is the protected area around the magnificent Victoria Falls.