Travel Africa 105

South Africa deconstructed
With a country so vast and diverse, it is surprising how little of South Africa is explored by many international visitors. Each of its nine provinces could be a worthy destination in it’s own right, offering an appealing combination of wildlife, connection with nature, culture and history, made accessible by a stable, quality tourist infrastructure. We’ve asked some of the country’s most experienced travel writers to offer their recommendations for each province, making the case for you to spend longer exploring them more fully. It could be the start of an enduring repeat adventure, but which province will you choose first?

Namibia: Hiking the Fish River Canyon
The 92km hike is one of Africa’s great bucket-list adventures, through a dramatic landscape. But what’s it really like to tackle, both physically and mentally? Jenny Bowen gives her honest assessment.

Botswana: Tsodilo Hills
The hills are alive with thousands of cave paintings… and they cast an imposing figure across the Kalahari. In a destination so dominated by the wildlife experience, a side trip here will make for a refreshing change of focus, says Valery Collins.

Zambia: Bangweulu Wetlands
Sarah Kingdom takes you to Zambia’s answer to the Okavango: a remote wetland with abundant antelope and birdlife (including the shoebill). Co-managed by African Parks, could Bangweulu be an unexpected treat on your next safari? With images by Edward Selfe.

Malawi: Is it now a bona fide wildlife destination?
Over the decades he’s been visiting, Philip Briggs has witnessed the transition of Malawi’s wildlife parks. Following a recent return trip, he reflects on the country’s ability to appeal to wildlife-lovers in its own right.

Zimbabwe: Having fun in the Sunshine City
Since making her home in Harare nearly five years ago, Rose Gamble continues to be surprised by the capital’s energy and constant busyness. From restaurants, shops, tours and day trips, she’s full of ideas for things to do when you visit.

Kenya: Our favourite places
We asked eight local residents to tell us about their favourite places to visit. None are what you’d think of as mainstream tourist destinations. Perhaps these lesser-known gems are worth including in your next itinerary?

Tanzania: Why visit?
Mary Fitzpatrick reflects on her travels across Tanzania, sharing her thoughts on what the country might offer those considering a visit. Is this the sort of invaluable first-hand insight that might influence your plans?

Chad: My extraordinary adventure
Many people who’ve been to Zakouma tell us it is the most amazing wildlife park they have visited. So when Nicky Dunnington-Jefferson went, and also visited Ennedi and the Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Wildlife Reserve, we couldn’t resist asking her to tell us more about her overall Chad experience. Bound to pique your interest!

Egypt: For the birds
When wildlife-lover Mike Unwin joined a cruise to tour Egypt’s ancient monuments, he discovered a particular line of interest that greatly enriched his overall experience. There’s more to those heiroglyphs than initially meets the eye…

Plus our regular Conservation and Safari sections