Experience the Best of Africa

To start 2023 right, we have put together a list of our top 10 experiences every discerning traveller should have on their bucket list when exploring Africa.

Explore the African Bush

Whether travelling on foot, bike, or on a specially engineered luxury Landcruiser, getting out there and exploring the plains of Africa is a must. With the help of expert trackers, you will encounter endemic wildlife, and witness beautiful landscapes and jaw-dropping sunsets. From the grassy fields of East Africa and the lush Okavango Delta to experiencing the great migration and witnessing a pride of lions hunt, you are guaranteed to live a unique adventure that will remain in your mind for years to come.

Mokoro Rides in the Okavango Delta

Choose to cruise through the waters of the Okavango Delta for a whole new perspective of the region. Available at Sanctuary Baines' Camp, Sanctuary Chief's Camp, and Sanctuary Stanley's Camp, this tranquil, slower-paced, and unique way of seeing the delta will allow you to get up close to some of the wildlife on the riverbanks stopping by for a quick drink, or herds of elephants crossing water bodies a stone's throw away from you. This seasonal activity is not one to miss.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Take to the rolling hills of Uganda where you will trek through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of gorilla families that inhabit these mountains. After familiarising yourself with your guides at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, they will bring you on a trek suited to your fitness level. From 45 minutes to 3 hours, you will make your way through the region’s thick vegetation encountering different species along the way, before finally coming face-to-face with the amazing mountain gorillas of Uganda. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter in the heart of the forest will leave you speechless for the entirety of your time with them.

Cruise Down the Nile

Sail down the historic and legendary waters of the Nile aboard a luxury (or private) river cruise ship. Journeying from Aswan to Luxor (or the other way around) alight at different points to discover everything Egypt has to offer. From its historical monuments to its vibrant modern-day streets, you will embark on a journey through time - all from the comfort of your private cabin aboard our luxurious river cruise ships.

Hot Air Balloon Rides Over the Mara

As your balloon inflates to the stillness of the early mornings in the Mara, soak in the small sounds produced by nocturnal animals before they head back into their lairs for the rest of the day. Take off, and rise in the air while the surrounding white noise slowly dissipates leaving you with the occasional roar of the flames keeping the balloon afloat. Once high enough, look down and watch the landscape of the Masai Mara light up to the fiery sunrise that spreads under your feet. Drift through the air for an hour before landing back on firm ground to the smell of a freshly cooked breakfast for you to enjoy in the bush before returning to Sanctuary Olonana.

Stargazing

Join our guides for a stargazing evening and view the Southern constellations from within the pristine plains of the African bush where light pollution is minimal and the skies crystal clear (weather permitting). The majestic milky way dominates our skies on moonless nights and the constellations of the Zodiac are clearly to be seen. The best time of year is our dry season, when skies are usually cloudless (May – October). Our stargazing experience is offered at Sanctuary Chief's Camp and takes place during pre-dinner drinks if the weather allows or alternatively after dinner.

Meet the Northern White Rhinos

Meet Najin and Fatu, the mother and daughter Northern White Rhinos and the last two of their species. These two beautiful rhinos can be found in the Ol Pejeta conservancy under the 24-hour surveillance of their guards. This experience is offered at Sanctuary Tambarare in the Laikipia Plateau of Kenya. Journey to the conservation and listen to their story and the one of their species narrated by their carers.

Enjoy a Scenic Flight Over the Victoria Falls

If travelling through Zambia, stop and marvel at the sheer magnificence of the Victoria Falls. Why not make it extra special and experience this from a helicopter as you fly over and circle this natural wonder? While we cannot guarantee that you will see any game, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and giraffes can often be seen from the air.

Meet the Local Community

Immerse yourself in the region by taking the time to meet the local communities that surround our camps. Whether the Masai in Kenya, the Bwindi people in Uganda, the Nakatindi village in Zambia, or the Himba people in Northern Namibia, all have incredible stories to share and enlighten you on their beautiful cultures.

Relax With a Luxury Spa Treatment

After days out exploring the bush, tracking predators in the Moremi Game Reserve, trekking with gorillas, and canoeing on the Zambezi River, return to the luxury of a world-class spa treatment and massage. Indulge in the pleasures offered by our in-house spas and let your body recover at the hands of our professionals. After this, you will be all set to do it all again the next day. Our lavish spa treatments are offered at a select few camps including Sanctuary Chief's Camp, Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, Sanctuary Olonana, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma.