Destinations | Explore Endless Destinations - Book Now

Into the Wild

Africa offers some of the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences, from the great safari landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa to the deserts of Namibia, the mountains of Rwanda and the beaches of the Indian Ocean coast.

Rich in wildlife, culture, scenery and contrast, it is a destination for unforgettable journeys - whether that means a luxury safari, a remote wilderness lodge, a vibrant city stay or a beautifully balanced combination of adventure and relaxation.

Southern Africa

Botswana delivers some of Africa's finest wildlife experiences, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Chobe, with exceptional small camps and low-density safari.
Best time: May–October for classic safari conditions.
Perfect for: Safari, honeymoons, wildlife and photography.
Interesting fact: The Okavango is an inland delta whose waters spread into the Kalahari rather than reaching the sea.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine water-based Delta safari with a contrasting land-based reserve.
Mozambique's long Indian Ocean coastline offers tropical islands, beautiful beaches and superb diving, particularly around the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Best time: May–October.
Perfect for: Honeymoons, diving, beaches and safari-and-beach combinations.
Interesting fact: Centuries of Portuguese influence remain visible in Mozambique's architecture and cuisine.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Add Mozambique after a safari elsewhere in Southern Africa.
Namibia is defined by immense scale: desert dunes, rugged coastline, dramatic mountains and extraordinary wildlife adapted to an arid environment.
Best time: May–October.
Perfect for: Road trips, photography, landscapes and adventure.
Interesting fact: The Namib is considered one of the oldest deserts on Earth.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Travel by private vehicle or light aircraft to appreciate the country's vast distances.
South Africa combines world-class safari with Cape Town, vineyards, beaches, spectacular road journeys and an excellent food scene.
Best time: Year-round depending on region.
Perfect for: First-time safari, families, food and wine, road trips and honeymoons.
Interesting fact: South Africa recognises 12 official languages.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine Cape Town and the Winelands with a private safari reserve.
Zambia is particularly appealing to safari enthusiasts, with excellent guiding, remote camps and the mighty Victoria Falls.
Best time: May–October for safari; waterfall conditions vary through the year.
Perfect for: Safari, adventure, walking safaris and Victoria Falls.
Interesting fact: Victoria Falls forms part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Include a walking safari for a very different perspective on the bush.
Zimbabwe combines superb wildlife areas with spectacular landscapes and easy access to Victoria Falls.
Best time: May–October.
Perfect for: Safari, adventure and experienced Africa travellers.
Interesting fact: Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “The Smoke That Thunders.”
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine the falls with Hwange National Park.

East Africa

Kenya is one of safari's great names, home to the Maasai Mara, dramatic landscapes and a beautiful Indian Ocean coast.
Best time: Generally June–October for safari, although Kenya offers excellent wildlife year-round.
Perfect for: Safari, families, migration, honeymoons and beach combinations.
Interesting fact: The Equator crosses Kenya.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Follow safari with a few restorative days on the coast.
Small and spectacularly green, Rwanda is best known for extraordinary mountain-gorilla encounters in Volcanoes National Park.
Best time: June–September and December–February.
Perfect for: Gorillas, wildlife, adventure and meaningful travel.
Interesting fact: Rwanda's mountainous landscape has earned it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Velvet Hippo recommends: Make gorilla trekking part of a wider East African itinerary.
Tanzania contains Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro, while Zanzibar adds warm Indian Ocean water, spice heritage and beautiful beaches.
Best time: June–October for many safari itineraries, with migration timing varying throughout the year.
Perfect for: Safari, honeymoons, families and safari-and-beach journeys.
Interesting fact: Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine safari with Zanzibar for one of Africa's classic pairings.
Uganda offers primate encounters, rainforest, lakes and diverse safari, with gorilla trekking among its defining experiences.
Best time: June–September and December–February.
Perfect for: Gorillas, adventure, wildlife and experienced safari travellers.
Interesting fact: The Equator passes through Uganda.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine gorilla and chimpanzee trekking for a primate-focused journey.

North Africa

Egypt brings together the monuments of ancient civilisation, the Nile, vibrant Cairo and the beaches and diving of the Red Sea.
Best time: October–April.
Perfect for: History, Nile cruises, families, archaeology and winter sun.
Interesting fact: The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine Cairo with a high-quality Nile cruise.
Morocco offers an intoxicating mix of medinas, mountains, desert and Atlantic coastline. Marrakech provides the obvious introduction, but Fez, the Atlas Mountains and Sahara reveal far more.
Best time: March–May and September–November.
Perfect for: Culture, food, romantic escapes, adventure and short-haul luxury.
Interesting fact: Fez is home to one of the world's great historic medinas.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Pair Marrakech with the Atlas Mountains or desert for contrast.
Tunisia combines Mediterranean beaches with Roman ruins, historic medinas and desert landscapes.
Best time: April–June and September–October.
Perfect for: History, beaches, culture and winter sunshine.
Interesting fact: Ancient Carthage, once Rome's great Mediterranean rival, stood close to modern Tunis.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Add archaeological and desert experiences to a coastal stay.
Madagascar is unlike anywhere else in Africa, with remarkable wildlife, dramatic landscapes and beautiful Indian Ocean beaches.
Best time: April–November.
Perfect for: Wildlife, adventure, nature and photography.
Interesting fact: Lemurs occur naturally nowhere else on Earth.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Treat Madagascar as an expedition-style journey rather than simply a beach destination