Faces of Africa: An Epic Journey

This is ‘the’ place to come in Uganda to see the famous population of around 350 mountain gorillas. Located at the very southern point of Uganda, in the valley of the Great Rift Valley, Bwindi Forest covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and is also a secretive home for other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, vervet monkeys and baboons. In addition there are 79 mammal species including duiker, elephant, bushbuck, bush pig, giant forest hog and several small cat species that will keep you company is you explore the remote area.

There are a total of 10 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, all located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the south west of the country. Each group receives a maximum of 8 visitors per day. About seven of the ten families reside in Northern Bwindi, and three in southern Bwindi; the ones you will be tracking will depend on the location of your lodgings. The gorillas cover large distances overnight, and they are never constantly in one area. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts. For this reason, one group cannot be said to be easier to track than another. The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before returning to camp.

Spend your days exploring the northern reaches of the Serengeti on safari, tracking the great array of game and wildlife that this vast area offers. If you're there at the right time for the great migration (depending on the season), this is the region where the herds are at their most concentrated as they seek to cross the Mara River to reach the open grasslands beyond, and it’s where (if you’re lucky) you’ll see iconic river crossings. It’s also an area of untamed natural beauty, of rolling hills, rivers, forests and open plains.

Way back in 1950, a young game ranger called Norman Carr initiated a far-reaching and visionary conservation concept which was to pave the way for modern conservation and tourism. He encouraged Senior Chief Nsefu – the paramount Chief of the Kunda people in the Luangwa Valley – to set aside a portion of his tribal land as a Game Reserve, where he built the first game-viewing camp open to the public in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). It later became established as a national park and it sustains a whole host of wildlife, birds and vegetation. There are sixty different animal species and over four hundred different bird species. The guides and trackers here are some of the best in Africa and, as the birthplace of exhilarating walking safaris, there are few places on the continent where you can see so much on foot.

The mighty Victoria falls rank as one of the most spectacular sites in all of Africa. As the mighty Zambezi river crashes over sheer cliffs onto the rocks below it sprays a cloud of water high into the air that has earned it the local name of Mosi-oa-Tunya (literally translated as ‘the smoke that thunders’).

Witness the incredible waters of Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side. A knowledgeable guide will take you on an unforgettable experience of the falls, otherwise known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning the smoke that thunders. You'll not only get wonderful views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World but also learn a great deal of interesting facts about the geology, wildlife and history of Africa’s most famous landmark.

Set in the heart of the Okavango Delta, this is a very special and extremely exclusive area. Dubbed by many as the predator capital of Africa, the Mombo area is at the North West tip of Chief’s Island, which receives the most nutritious waters of the Okavango river drawing the best game and the predators that hunt them. Rhino have also been reintroduced here so it’s one of the only places in Botswana where one has the possibility of seeing all of the big five.

The Okavango Delta is rightly known as one of the premier wildlife habitats in the world, home to an enormous density and diversity of wildlife.

There’s something quite magical about the Delta, with its amazing sunsets, the sound of the frogs at night, and the elephants wading through the reeds, all combining to make an unforgettable stay.

One of nature’s great spectacles, the flooding of the Delta, brings water from thousands of miles upstream on the Okavango river, arriving into Botswana in the dry season. Huge herds of animals flock to take advantage of the ready supply of water and nutrients, and their predators follow.

Enjoy days in the stunning Serra Cafema region, in the oasis of this mostly desolate and arid region, one of the remotest places on Earth, with nature drives, guided walks and even visits to the local villages of this extraordinary nomadic Himba people.

The Namib Desert is the country’s magnificent ‘sand sea’, beheld with incredible scenery as well as activities for you to enjoy during your stay in this tranquil area of the world. The experience here in the NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of desolate, copper-tinged beauty, tapestry landscapes, extreme geology, kaleidoscope colours, trips to Sossusvlei, unimaginable night skies, scenic drives, hot-air balloon flights and rewarding nature walks. Plus all the modern creature comforts and old world charm.

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is a city that can really take your breath away. The horizon dominated by the iconic table-top mountain rising up in the background, whilst in the foreground are the crisp waters of the cape, the laid-back bustle of the city’s waterfront skirted by sandy beaches and picturesque suburbs. Spend your time exploring this vibrant and wonderful city on fabulous private tours and at your own pace.

Today you have a half day tour of the city and Table Mountain. Your tour is with a private guide and at your own pace picking out the attractions which interest you. Typically highlights include, the Houses of Parliament, the Castle (built between 1666 and 1679, this is South Africa’s oldest building), the lively Green Market Square with its daily market, the Company Gardens and of course Table Mountain which will give you spectacular views over the city and Peninsula (depending on the weather). On the descent, you can stop at the Bo Kaap, traditionally home to the Cape Malay community, with its cobbled streets and brightly coloured houses. Note that this tour can be done in the morning or the afternoon - the choice is yours.

Take one of the most scenic journeys in the world in this wonderful, full-day privately guided tour. Enjoy the scenic drive up Chapman's Peak with incredible views of the ocean to your right as the road winds around narrow corners. The typical highlights of this tour include quaint villages such as Noordhoek, the bustling fishing suburb of Kalk Bay, the penguins in Simonstown and of course Cape Point, the 'tip' of Africa.

The picturesque Winelands region is blanketed with beautiful wine farms, quaint historical towns and rolling vineyards. You’ll spend the day exploring and getting a taste for the region. Here you’ll find some of South Africa’s top restaurants, inviting boutiques and award-winning wine producers.

The tour usually includes time in Stellenbosch which is the second oldest town in South Africa with its canal-lined avenues and Cape Dutch Architecture; Franschhoek which was founded by the French Huguenots over 350 years ago and boasts pretty cafes and quaint shops; and Paarl with its many cultural and historical places of interest. Depending on your wine tastes and interests though, your guide will structure your day to best suit you.