In my opinion, Botswana offers some of the best safaris on the African continent.

With the combination of prolific wildlife populations in the Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Chobe regions, it lends itself to offer an incredible safari experience.  It hosts the world’s largest network of salt pans in the Makgadikgadi Pans, along with desert-specialist animals of the Central Kalahari. Visit ancient rock art at the Tsodilo Hills, snake through the waterways of the Okavango ‘’panhandle’’ or witness herds of elephant crossing the Chobe river. Botswana is untamed, and wild – and allows you to truly immerse in nature.

Having called Botswana home for more than 18 years, I love Botswana for its wide open spaces, pure nature and wild areas, warm and hospitable people and the most incredible night skies.  With over 40% of its land set aside as wildlife areas, Botswana is a true success story for eco-tourism.

This is a country rich in experiences and a trip to Namibia is as much about the country’s scenic beauty and landscape as it is about its wildlife and culture.

Etosha National Park it has one of the most storied wildlife reserves on the continent, but there’s so much more to experience here. The national parks of the Caprivi Strip are only now getting the attention they deserve, while the dune scapes of the Skeleton Coast and its hinterland are simply extraordinary. And these are just starting points for exploring a country rich in experiences and safari possibilities.  Having lived in Namibia for over 3 years, I can attest to the fact that Namibia has an incredible amount to offer

I have a true fondness for Zimbabwe. It really is a truly diverse country.

It is home to five World Heritage sites, including the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Khami Ruins, the rugged granite outcrops of the Matobo Hills, the spectacular conservation area of Mana Pools National Park and the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Prolific wildlife can be seen in both Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park and Matusodona National park. The vast waters of the largest man-made reservoir, Lake Kariba are home to the fierce tiger fish, renowned among avid anglers, while wildlife wanders its shores.

Victoria Falls is a must-visit in Zimbabwe, whether combining with other areas in Zimbabwe, or as an additional add-on to a safari in Botswana, Zambia or further afield. These Falls are among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The Zambezi River plunges noisily down a series of gorges 108m high and raises an iridescent mist that can be seen more than 20 km away – giving its name of Mosi-ao-Tunya, ‘’the smoke that thunders’’. Craft markets, adventure activities, scenic flights and sunset cruises are just some of the things to do in Victoria Falls.

Incredibly, 30% of Zambia is set aside for wildlife reserves. It is often referred to as the home of walking safaris and offers a wild and unique safari experience.

South Luangwa National Park is located along the Luangwa River system and is home to great wildlife including lion, leopard and wild dog. There are also endemic species unique to the park such as the Thornycroft giraffe and the Crawshays zebra, along with a huge variety of birdlife. This area is great for walking safaris, something I really love to do in South Luangwa.

Kafue National Park is the largest National park within Zambia, and covers an enormous 22400 square kilometres! The Busunga Plains in the north offers excellent game viewing.

The Lower Zambezi National Park runs along the Zambezi river on one side, and an escarpment along the northern end which acts as a physical barrier to most of the Park’s animal species. Exceptional viewings of elephant, lion, wild dog, hippo and other wildlife can be seen. This park hosts a variety of activities such as walking, canoeing, boat rides and catch and release fishing – with game drives also available.

Livingstone is a town famous for the magnificent Victoria Falls (the Falls border Zimbabwe and Zambia) and one can visit a variety of lodges located on the Zambezi River, an area I love visiting.

Rwanda is such a special destination. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t loved their visit to Rwanda.

With a turbulent recent history, the country exudes vibrancy, enthusiasm and kindness to anyone visiting.  The people of Rwanda are inspiring, the landscape is lush and beautiful, and of course, hosts the most incredible primates in their natural habitat in the world. Getting up close to a gorilla is not only humbling, but exhilarating and life-changing. I can’t recommend the experience enough! Golden monkeys are also a treat to witness, as are the mischievous chimpanzees in the Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Akagera National Park in the eastern area of Rwanda is teaming with iconic African wildlife such as lion, leopard, rhino and hosts a variety of other wildlife and extraordinary birdlife. It’s the ideal complement to the primate-oriented wildlife-viewing offered at Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks.

Tanzania has more than a third of its vast area (bigger than France) set aside for the protection and well-being of the vast array of wildlife it has.

It also hosts some of the world’s greatest geological treasures such as the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park and the Great Rift Valley. With incredible resident wildlife and birdlife, along with the added benefit of witnessing one of the most spectacular animal migrations in the world, it’s no wonder that time and again, travellers choose Tanzania as their safari destination.

The Ngorongoro Crater is an unbelievable game-viewing arena, where wildlife is abundant. One of my highlights was walking along the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, finishing in a simple but incredibly comfortable fly camp.

In addition to the famous Serengeti National Park, it is also home to other beautiful areas such as  Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park in the northern section and the Selous, Ruaha and Katavi National Parks in the southern and western areas. One can even have a Robinson Crusoe moment tracking Chimpanzees in Mahale.

Zanzibar, an island situated in the Indian Ocean, is an idyllic way to end off a safari in East Africa – enjoy the history of the spice trade and stone town, or snorkelling in the crystal blue waters.

Kenya is one of Africa’s most rewarding countries to explore.

The remarkably diverse scenery, the rich variety of its wildlife and its colourful and unique cultures, Kenya offers a fulfilling safari experience.

The wildebeest migration is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles. At least two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle move throughout the Mara and Serengeti ecosystem, with the highlight being the crossings of the Mara River.

Kenya is one of the most productive safari destinations in Africa. Aside from the migration, the Masaai Mara is known for its big cats, game drives and hot air ballooning – while the Laikipia Plateau offers sightings of rhino and offers a variety of activities including horse-riding, homestead stays, conservation interactions and fly-camping. From flamingos to big-tusk elephants, Kenya is an all-encompassing safari destination.

Being the fourth largest island country in the world, Madagascar is a diversity hot spot, offering a unique kind of safari.

You won’t see the ‘traditional’ safari animals here. Instead, the island is home to over 100 species of lemurs, as well as a wealth of reptiles, amphibians, birds and flora. Most of these animals are endemic to Madagascar.

Uganda has a gorgeous landscape that harmoniously protects many animal and plant species within its rift valley basin.

Not only is Uganda home to the largest number of primates and the highest number of mountain gorillas, but its other outstanding features are also the largest freshwater lake on the continent (Lake Victoria), the source of the longest river (the Nile) and the most powerful waterfall (Murchinson Falls). The people of Uganda are extremely welcoming, and possess a beautiful and generous soul, despite a history of civil wars. Game viewing can be done in Queen Elizabeth National park, where you may get to experience the famous tree-climbing lions.

South Africa has to be experienced to be believed – world-class hotels and vibrant cities co-exist happily with unspoilt game reserves, including the world-famous Kruger National Park and adjacent Sabi Sands reserve.

Winelands, game reserves, beaches, adventure activities, hiking, wildflowers, mountain ranges, nesting turtles, whale watching, a multitude of cuisines, and colourful cultures – this destination guarantees something for everyone.

One can safari in a variety of areas, from the Greater Kruger area (including the Timbavati, Manyaleti, Thornybush Reserve and more) to the extremely family-friendly areas of the Waterberg and Madikwe or the smaller reserves throughout the country. The city of Cape Town won’t disappoint, with so many things to do, see and experience it will keep you busy for days. I’m not a big city person but have to say I love visiting this city and the adjacent wineland areas.