Travel Africa 103

Aspiration station: making YOU the star of the show
There’s something special about a bespoke safari itinerary, but why stop there? Why not build your next adventure around a specific activity or theme — something you love, or is new to you? Focusing on your physical and mental wellbeing, your personal development or your special interests could really enrich your experience. Over 26 pages, we offer more than 65 ideas to spark your curiosity and creativity. We challenge you to give them a go!

Morocco: sands of time
While Morocco isn’t usually on people’s self-drive list, it should be, says Phil Clisby, who headed to the Sahara via a trip down memory lane and a gladiatorial encounter in Ait Benhaddou.

Tanzania: the southern circuit
Aiming to get far away from the madding crowd, Iga Motylska enjoys a beach-and-bush safari that traverses the country’s southern parks, including the wilds of Ruaha and Katavi.

Kenya: Rugged seclusion in Tsavo
At the heart of the Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem lie the vast Tsavo national parks, which surprisingly (given their size and abundant wildlife) are overlooked by many tourists. This is tough, rewarding safari country, where the impact of conservancies on neighbouring ranchlands is having significant impact, discovers Bella Falk.

Madagascar: An island-hopper’s guide to Nosy Be
Looking for an unusual beach destination with a twist? Laurianne Claase has been smitten by this Madagascan archipelago, which will appeal to sun-seeking wildlife lovers.

Mozambique: Shell we?
With one of the most enviable coastlines in the world, Mozambique is an idyllic beach destination. And at its heart is an oceanfront town with plenty more to offer than lazy days sunbathing, reveals an active Philip Briggs.

Zambia: Community spirit
Visitors to South Luangwa will be familiar with the drive through Mfuwe. It’s a village typical of many that serve parks across Africa, and gives great insight to everyday life in Zambia. It’s worth lingering in. We asked resident photographer Mjose Mtalika to meet some of the locals.

Zimbabwe: Rock of ages
In southwest Zimbabwe, an ancient and mysterious landscape of time-sculpted granite guards a rich, multi-layered past. When Mike Unwin set out to discover its secrets, he found special wildlife and a fascinating cultural heritage, and learned why every visitor is seduced by its unique allure.

Botswana: Flat out
The Okavango Delta always delights, but the ethereal Makgadikgadi Pans offer an underrated alternative experience that is worth its salt, says Doug Loynes.

Namibia: Light on the land
Such is its dramatic appeal, you’ll want your photos of Namibia to do the destination justice. To help you maximise the opportunity, professional landscape and wildlife photographer William Gray picks five essential locations on his ultimate Namibia photography trail.

South Africa: The return of the wild frontier
In the eastern Karoo, an ambitious long-term rewilding project is breathing new life into this rugged wilderness. Is this now the most intriguing safari destination in South Africa, asks Mike Unwin?

Plus our regular Conservation and Safari sections