Mindful, eating well, staying fit, off the grid

Africa has always been a destination suited to wellness with its open spaces and connection with nature. To end the year on a high note, visit East Africa to recharge, with plenty of spacious settings and gorgeous natural retreats to choose from.

Our safari expert Anais Chavez share with us her favorite wellness retreats in Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.

Beautiful Botswana

The newly renowned Xigera lodge is perfect for ultimate relaxation, where time seems to stand still in the Okavango Delta. A secret hideaway, Xigera can only be accessed by helicopter or boat. The lodge boasts exceptional wellness experiences, and the spa is tranquil haven for travelers. It has been meticulously designed to frame the breath-taking views of the seasonal flood plains and lush riverine forests.

A dedicated yoga teacher offers daily classes at sunrise and sunset, as well as bespoke private sessions focused on mindfulness and meditation. For a unique boat experience for the Okavango – you can view the vibrant wildlife above and under the water in Xigera’s special glass bottomed Mokoros, allowing for incredible views of the Delta both above and below.

TIP: Our experts recommend exploring Xigera on our new Platinum Botswana safari, with an exclusive three-night stay.

Tanzania’s Remote Treasures

A favorite wellness spot- and hidden gem- in Tanzania is Greystoke Mahale Camp. A remote lodge on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, it’s among the best places to enjoy a break from the vehicle safari, offering time on the water as well as hikes up the mountain to get up close and personal to a thriving population of chimpanzees. The camp boasts a beach castaway African-style ambiance on, with an upstairs viewing deck to enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves.

TIP: Add on to your safari to explore Tanzania’s lush green neighbor, Rwanda.

Seclusion in the Kenyan Wilderness

For a variety of wellness experiences, we recommend visiting Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the north which holds several rare and unique species. You can disconnect from the world with all that is wellness at Sirikoi Lodge, situated on its own private estate in the center of the Conservancy. The lodge blends adventure with relaxation, offering game viewing that is not readily available elsewhere with all rooms leading out into the wetlands and nearby waterholes.

Sirikoi’s landscape holds unique giraffe and zebra species, with endangered black rhino and wild dog conservation giving you a chance to view them up close. The lodge offers variety of wellness experiences such as horse riding across the plains among the wildlife, diving into the blue glacial pools in the Ngare Ndare Forest and helicopter excursions up Mount Kenya. For more relaxation, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the deck watching wildlife at the waterhole, cool off in the infinity pool, or unwind with a massage. The lodge delivers exceptional food year-round, with their organic garden producing an impressive amount of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

TIP: Allow our experts to tailor your safari to visit Sirikoi on our World’s Greatest Show & Safari- Serengeti

 

Contact our African Travel Specialists

800 421 8907

African Travel, Inc., an award-winning, luxury safari outfitter focusing exclusively on Africa, has launched exceptional personalized journeys for the LGBTQ+ community including a new Southern Africa President’s Safari.

President of Africa Travel, Inc., Sherwin Banda, who was recently featured as one of Robb Report’s 16 LGBTQ+ Visionaries in Luxury in 2021, is excited about African Travel’s focus on inclusivity and  new journey.   

“LGBTQ+ travel is personal for me, having grown up in Africa and lived through some of its most horrific times,” said Banda. “Every one of our team members was either born in Africa, lived in Africa, or traveled to Africa multiple times, so when we say, ‘We Know Africa,’ you can depend on us to match the right Africa with the right client, like LGBTQ+ travelers.” 

Banda’s trip was curated based on how travel needs change throughout one’s life, whether you’re single, married or a parent. 

"Traveling when I was single is different than traveling with my partner and now with my family,” Banda said. “I’m sharing how Africa has evolved, with the many wonders it has to offer for people of all ages and am very excited to invite other families to experience my homeland.”

 

SOUTHERN AFRICA PRESIDENT'S SAFARI

The Southern Africa President’s Safari explores southern Africa’s bucket list highlights while also delving into the region’s diverse culture, landscape, and wildlife. You’ll discover Cape Town’s unique sights – such as meeting African penguins and trying your hand at drumming at GOLD Restaurant – along with its scenic winelands. Spot the Big Five on a game drive or walking safari at Kapama Private Game Reserve and discover the breathtaking Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe while traversing down the Zambezi River. The safari is balanced with fun activities for explorers of all ages, including family-friendly accommodations.

 

PRIDE GUIDE

Beyond a family safari, African Travel has compiled other safari ideas to meet the different needs of various LGBTQ+ guests. The new Pride Guide , which includes the President’s trip, offers travel tips that are available for all travellers.

The Pride Guide also includes safaris for different type of travelers. Art and culture lovers will be drawn to our Experience South Africa for its progressive access in Cape Town, meeting one-of-a-kind Ardmore artisans, and indulging in laid back luxury at iconic lodges and hotels. Travelers looking to explore Africa with friends, family or that special person, while also ticking off the Big 5, the Marine Big 5 and iconic landscapes, will enjoy South Africa’s Natural Wonders.

Each safari features Africa’s incredible wildlife and rich culture and is customized by a dedicated safari team- may which are LGBTQ+ - to every guest's interest and travel style. Personally vetted lodges and camps that focus on inclusion and sensitivity, along with our unique collection of sustainable, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences are always included.

With local offices in Africa and experts based across North America, African Travel’s 24/7 concierge care ensures guest’s well-being while safely traveling the continent.

 

For more information on African Travel Pride Safaris, visit https://africantravelinc.com/content/pride-safaris.

Contact our African Travel Specialists

800 421 8907

The continent of Africa is home to a vital member of the world’s ecosystem, elephants. The majestic and fascinating animals are an unforgettable part of any safari.

Elephants are famous for their large ears and muscular trunks. However, Safari lovers may not know about their important role in maintaining other species survival in Africa, which is why conserving them and celebrating their life is essential. There are many sustainable ways travelers can connect with elephants on safari.

Here are some of the most unforgettable elephant experiences and interesting facts about these diverse animals.

 

Protecting Kenya’s Elephants

Protecting our elephant species is an important task for conservancies across Africa, particularly the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary at Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, which is Kenya’s first community owned and managed elephant orphanage.

You can get a behind the scenes tour of Reteti with an elephant keeper on our Captivating Kenya safari, watching the elephants receive their bottles and play in the mud, all the while learning valuable skills so that they might be re-introduced into the wild. You can also learn about the incredible efforts made at Reteti from Ami Vitale’s short documentary film, Shaba.

Featured in Captivating Kenya and many other journeys, you can also visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi to learn about their elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation program, with the opportunity to sponsor and adopt an elephant - another great way to see conservation in action!

FUN FACT: The world’s largest land mammal, elephants help Africa’s wildlife kingdom thrive through their large diet of fruit that scatters seeds across the environment. They are constantly eating, and disperse plant matter more than any other animal on the African continent!

 

Photographer's Dream

At Kenya’s Amboseli National Park roam a special species of elephants known for their enormous tusks, a great opportunity for photographers who can see these creatures with the gorgeous backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, which can be experienced on our World’s Greatest Show and Safari.

Another special photo opportunity, you can get up close and personal with Jabulani’s rescued resident herd of elephants on our South Africa Regal Retreat- perhaps during a sundowner with the colors of pink, yellow and orange hues?  When guests book this safari or visit Jabulani on a tailor-made trip, contributions will be made towards fostering an elephant.

FUN FACT:  Elephant tusks are enlarged teeth which first appear when elephants are around 2 years old. Their tusks continue growing throughout their lives.

 

Wonderful Water Safaris in Botswana

Elephants in Botswana are a sight to see as their massive population is supreme, outnumbering people in certain areas. Chobe National Park is home to the largest remaining population of African elephants, and you can see them passing frequently through camps.

Elephants are highly intelligent. The pristine herds in Botswana’s Okavango Delta are not shy to humans, and some have been known to stand on their hind legs to reach for food in the trees. Vumbura Plains’ raised wooden walkways connect all suites to the main camp providing you a great opportunity to see these incredible herds, as featured on our Connoisseur’s Collection.

“Last time I was at Vumbura Plains an elephant helped itself to the clean water in my plunge pool, as I sat on the deck just a few feet away.  The walkways will occasionally dip down to ground level in areas where elephant frequently walk to allow them to pass through camp unobstructed.  I was told to pause and look both ways before crossing those spots because elephant have the right of way.”  – Susannah Zani

 

Walking With Elephants in Zambia

Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari, and what better way to explore elephants than with them on foot? The remote South Luangwa National Park is 5,000 square miles and is considered one of Africa’s last true wildernesses – and probably Southern Africa’s best kept secret.

The intimate bush camp, Mfuwe Lodge, featured on our Zambia Leopards, Lions and Tiger Fish, is famous for its family of elephants walking through the lobby and reception area!

“They do it every year as the wild mango fruit ripen, carefully passing through the lodges reception area to make their way to the courtyard at the center of the property.” – Susannah Zani 

FUN FACT: Elephants can communicate through vibrations they create in the ground, which can be detected through their bones.

 

Namibia’s Desert Adapted Elephants

Namibia is a special place to see a unique herd of desert-dwelling elephants. Estimated to only consist of 150, this small group of elephants have made their home in the Namib desert developing adaptations to the extreme temperatures and terrain.

On our Deserts and Dunes of Namibia you’ll spot these special herds during game drives in Kaokoland through the sandy terrain. The intimate Hoanib Valley Camp blends seamlessly with the environment allowing rangers to track these endangered elephants.

FUN FACT: An elephant’s skin is 2.5cm thick. The folds and wrinkles in their skin can retain up to 10 times more water, which helps to cool them down.

 

Contact our African Travel Specialists

800 421 8907