2020 - 2021 02 | African Pride
SOUTH AFRICA Majestic scenery, beautiful coastlines, game viewing in iconic reserves like the Kruger and Madikwe, exceptional food and wine, vibrant cities and warm, friendly people – in short, ‘A World in One Country’.
KENYA A cultural melting pot with colourful Hello and welcome and ancient tribes and traditions, a vibrant city, great migrations of to African Pride. whales and wildebeest, exceptional wildlife and views that take your We are excited to share with you our breath away. extensive knowledge and experience ZIMBABWE of Africa & the Indian Ocean, to help BOTSWANA to tailor your own memorable holiday. An ancient land with a wealth of A true wilderness, its unique spectacular scenery, granite hills landscapes, from the watery with giant boulders, wonderful At African Pride there is a great Okavango Delta to the dusty wildlife, a mighty river and the passion for the African continent Kalahari, are matched by the equally phenomenal Victoria Falls. and for many it has become the focus unique wildlife and experiences. of a whole career. Personally, it is a privilege to lead such a caring and ST HELENA committed team who are enthusiastic A tiny island that packs a big punch to work with you to create lifelong – a nature lover’s paradise with island hikes, coastal adventures, memories from your holiday. friendly locals and historic connections. In 2020 we will proudly celebrate turning 21 years old. During this time, NAMIBIA we have built great relationships A land of epic road trips, wild and ZAMBIA with all our partners and suppliers rugged coasts, deep canyons, desert See nature at its absolute finest, adapted wildlife and towering sand throughout Africa. Their warm explore vast areas of pristine dunes set in one of the oldest deserts hospitality and passion to show you wilderness where the wildlife in the world. their world, coupled with our team’s roams free, watch the sun set over shimmering rivers or a world- incredible gift of understanding TANZANIA famous waterfall. which hotels, lodges and experiences A country of icons, from the highest will work best for your personal point on the African continent to MALAWI preferences, is where the secret lies. the vast plains of the Serengeti, with From mountain peaks and plateaus castaway islands and spectacular to sandy beaches on the shores of a wildlife experiences. I do hope that you enjoy our brochure beautiful lake, with scenic wildlife and that we can share our love for this reserves, rivers and tea plantations wonderful continent. in between.
RWANDA The ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ has an inspirational story, an energetic Liz Hall city, wildlife, lakes, beautiful scenery, chimpanzees in the Managing Director rainforest and gorillas in the misty mountains. African Pride | 03
UGANDA Kampala KENYA
Nairobi RWANDA Arusha SEYCHELLES Mombasa
Dar-es-Salaam TANZANIA
Lilongwe ZAMBIA Lusaka MALAWI Victoria Falls Harare UGANDA MOZAMBIQUE Antananarivo ZIMBABWE Maun MAURITIUS Visit to see the mountain gorillas, NAMIBIA but stay to explore the rest – MADAGASCAR REUNION Windhoek BOTSWANA incredible wildlife, a park that Swakopmund Gaborone Pretoria straddles the equator, lakes that Maputo teem with birdlife and a dramatic Johannesburg waterfall on the River Nile. SOUTH Durban AFRICA MOZAMBIQUE Cape Town A beautiful country with wild, sandy Port Elizabeth dunes, beaches that line the Indian Ocean coast and castaway islands set in clear turquoise waters. MAURITIUS Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, mountain and marine adventures, challenging golf courses and an exceptional range of world-class hotels and resorts all on one friendly island.
MADAGASCAR SEYCHELLES The world’s 4th largest island, Beautiful sandy beaches that regularly unchanged by time, with landscapes, feature in ‘Top 10’ listings, exotic flora and fauna found nowhere Creole cuisine, boutique resorts, else on earth – including over one forested hills and private island hundred species of lemur. hideaways – an escapist’s dream. 04 | African Pride
“NOTHING BUT BREATHING THE AIR OF AFRICA AND ACTUALLY WALKING THROUGH IT, CAN COMMUNICATE THE INDESCRIBABLE SENSATIONS.” William Burchell. (English explorer & naturalist, 1781 – 1863)
WHY TRAVEL WITH AFRICAN PRIDE?
Choosing a holiday to Africa may be the realisation of a lifelong visits Africa many times each year, ensuring that our knowledge dream, a celebration of a milestone birthday, anniversary or is always up to date on our long-established favourites and honeymoon, the chance to explore somewhere else on a bucket the newer entrants offering a different look and feel. We list, or revisit somewhere that reinvigorates and rejuvenates the have won awards – for the quality of the product we offer, the soul. Whichever it is, we’re sure the experiences and memories personalised service we deliver and are highly respected for the that are unique to a holiday in Africa won’t disappoint. knowledge we share.
We apply our extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to craft TAILOR MADE FOR YOU personalised itineraries to deliver the ideal holiday to Africa. All of our holidays are personally designed for you. In doing We believe its mix of scenery, people, accommodation, food and so, most of our itineraries allow you to choose your standard of course nature, provide the visitor with something unique, of hotel, guest house or lodge, and to mix and match from our almost spiritual. selected properties as you prefer. We will use our experience and impartiality to craft a holiday that suits you perfectly. To HOW TO CHOOSE WHERE TO GO? do this well, we like to talk to you or your travel agent in depth, The choice is vast and covers all tastes. The ever-popular to fully understand what you want from your holiday, what you wonders of South Africa always inspire. Botswana with its like and what your preferences and expectations are. exceptional wilderness game experience is beyond compare. Victoria Falls never fails to amaze in all its glory. The sweeping DELIVERING THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY vistas and sheer numbers of wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania You will see no prices in this brochure. While we appreciate it always captivate. And everywhere in between from the endless is useful to understand if a holiday is within your budget, prices skies of Namibia to the pristine coasts of Mozambique, the change all the time with exchange rates, special offers from warmth and diversity of Zimbabwe to the unique wildlife of accommodation, airline offers and other factors. On the day we Madagascar, the laid- back beach life of the Seychelles and start to prepare your holiday, we will use the latest deals and Mauritius. All have something to offer both the first-time visitor offers available to provide you with the very best price for your and the experienced safari hand. Our friendly team will use all holiday. This ensures that you are getting the very best value their expertise to help you choose wisely. for money. We have access to hotel special offers, great airfares with leading airlines and are a British Airways Appointed KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Operator. Your choice of holiday and safari to Africa & the Indian Ocean will be just that – unique to you. Using our extensive knowledge, experience and passion for Africa built up over many years, we are perfectly placed to tailor your perfect holiday. Our team African Pride | 05
DIRECTORY
TRAVEL SAFELY Africa’s Greatest Spectacles 6-7 We take your safety and security seriously and invest time and Specialist Safaris 8-9 effort to ensure our properties live up to our quality and safety Getting Around 10 standards. It is important that you are informed on the latest situation in the destinations you wish to visit. The Foreign What to expect on safari 11 & Commonwealth Office (FCO) issues travel advice on Country Combinations 12 destinations, which includes information on passports, visas, Cruises 13 health, safety and security. We urge you to visit their website www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before deciding to book and travel. While you are on holiday, we offer a 24/7 helpline, SOUTH AFRICA 14-65 should the need arise. Touring Itineraries 18-23 Rail Journeys & Overland Touring 24-27 YOUR PEACE OF MIND Cape Town 28-33 All holidays with flights are ATOL protected by the Civil Winelands, West Coast & Overberg 34-39 Aviation Authority (CAA) under ATOL number 11344 for which you will receive an ATOL Certificate when you book. Garden Route 40-44 This is an important document and should be kept with you Eastern Cape Reserves 45-47 at all times until your return to the UK. Any holiday booked KwaZulu-Natal 48-53 without a flight is protected by our membership of ABTA Mpumalanga & Greater Kruger 54-59 W156X and as a member, we adhere to its Code of Conduct and maintain the highest standard of service to you and our Johannesburg & Pretoria 60-61 travel agent partners. Madikwe, Waterberg & Welgevonden 62-65
5166 St Helena 66-67
Botswana 68-79 THE AFRICAN PRIDE ASSURANCE OF QUALITY Namibia 80-87 We are members of the Association of Independent Tour Tanzania & Islands 88-103 Operators which represents Britain’s leading independent Kenya 104-113 tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. We abide by the Association’s Code of Conduct and Zimbabwe 114-123 adhere to the AITO Quality Charter which may be viewed at Zambia & Malawi 124-135 www.aito.com or from AITO on 0208 744 9280. Rwanda & Uganda 136-143 Mozambique 144-149
HEAR WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY… INDIAN OCEAN “Well, still in a state of total joy actually – what a trip!” Madagascar 150-155 Mauritius 156-161 “One word – fantastic! Thank you again for organising a trip of a lifetime.” Seychelles 162-165 “Just to let you know that we had a wonderful holiday. Lovely hotels, excellent service, great rooms, and we shall ARABIA have enduring memories of our proximity to so many Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Oman 166-169 animals. Thank you; everything worked perfectly.”
Useful Information 170-171 06 | Africa's Greatest Spectacles
THE GREATEST SHOWS ON EARTH Africa never ceases to amaze and inspire, with wildlife spectacles, encounters and experiences creating memories to last a lifetime.
THE BIG 5 IN THE WILD SIT WITH MOUNTAIN GORILLAS Seeing these incredible, and increasingly endangered, animals Head to Rwanda or Uganda for this unique experience. Trek in their natural habitat is hard to beat. It’s an experience through the rainforest until you reach your gorilla family where that’s guaranteed to excite all the senses – listen to a lion’s you’ll spend the most memorable hour in the presence of these deep, thrumming roar; watch a leopard stalk its prey and drag remarkable and endangered primates. It’s incredible how it up a tree for safekeeping; smell the unmistakable odour of closely their behaviour mirrors our own. an elephant in musth. In nature, nothing is ever guaranteed, but we have travelled extensively, we know which parks and ENCOUNTER LEMURS reserves offer the best experiences and we’re happy to share To see these engaging primates in their natural habitat it has our knowledge and passion for safari. to be Madagascar. Over a hundred lemur species exist only on the island. They can be found in many of the national parks and THE GREAT MIGRATION reserves and come in all shapes and sizes, from the largest Indri Head to the Masai Mara or the Serengeti where the stage is set lemurs who can reach the size of a small child to the tiny mouse for this spectacle. It’s an ongoing cycle, hundreds of thousands lemurs, the smallest primates in the world. of wildebeest and zebra following the rains to pastures new. Where you’ll find them depends on the rain, and that can be VICTORIA FALLS unpredictable, but our years of experience will help steer you With a curtain of water almost two kilometres wide, a drop of in the right direction. one hundred metres and spray that can be seen for miles, it’s no wonder that Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders WHALE WATCHING of the World. For the best of both worlds, we recommend you Whales migrate each year to the waters off South Africa, visit the Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. You can see them from the sea, from the air and even from dry land – South KILIMANJARO Africa offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the The highest mountain in Africa and an adventure that sits at the world. We’ll share our tips on when to go and where to stay – top of many bucket lists. It’s a tough climb to the summit but as in some of our hotels and lodges, you can even spot the whales the sun rises and the views unfold, you’d be forgiven for thinking from the comfort of your room. you were on top of the world. Africa's Greatest Spectacles | 07 08 | Specialist Safaris
SPECIALIST SAFARIS & UNIQUE EXPERIENCES Africa offers the most incredible, all-round safari experiences but if you have an interest in a particular species, a conservation experience or an activity that you want to explore in more depth, it delivers that too.
BIRDING SAFARIS wild and untouched where you feel what it’s like to explore Africa’s birdlife is extraordinary. Migrant bird species arrive the unknown. In South Africa, we offer a group walking tour in the southern hemisphere from November to March. As taking in some of the country’s most impressive scenery, this is traditionally the rainy season, lodges can be quieter from the aptly named Panorama Route to the spectacular and prices lower too. Head to Zambia’s South Luangwa Drakensberg Mountains. National Park in August and September to see the colourful Carmine bee-eaters as they return in their thousands to breed MOUNTAIN CLIMBS in nest tunnels built into riverbanks. The variety of birds in Kilimanjaro is the obvious choice and we partner with Botswana’s Okavango Delta is phenomenal with a sighting reputable operators to help guide you to the summit. Climbers of the Pel’s fishing owl high on most visitors' wish lists. The could also consider Mount Kenya, or if a leisure hike is more Shoebill, with its pre-historic looks, can be found in Zambia’s your style, Table Mountain, with a nature guide, would be a remote Bangweulu Swamps or in areas of Uganda’s Queen good place to start. Elizabeth National Park. The Caprivi Strip in Namibia, Uganda’s Kazinga Channel, Lake Manyara in Tanzania CONSERVATION SAFARIS and the St Lucia wetlands in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Many of our lodges exist to support conservation projects region are all significant areas for birding, and there are many in their local areas, from providing local villages with food, more. Even with a relatively small number of bird species, education and employment to conservation efforts and the Madagascar offers a unique experience as 110 of them are battle against poaching. By visiting the lodges you are already endemic to the island. contributing to this vital work and it’s often possible to visit the community projects while you’re there. Other projects are WALKING SAFARIS worth building into your trips. Take the AfriCat Foundation Getting close to Africa’s wildlife on foot is a thrilling in Namibia, where the long-term aim is the conservation experience. Many lodges offer the opportunity to head out of Namibia’s large carnivores. Or the Born Free Big Cat with their experienced walking guides but for a more in depth Sanctuaries in Shamwari Game Reserve, where lions and experience, consider a walking safari in Zambia. Stay in leopards, rescued from captivity, feel African soil under their bush camps or mobile fly-camps and explore areas that are paws for the first time. Phinda Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is often only accessible by foot. Hear the most intimate sounds carrying out pioneering conservation work with the highly of the bush without the interruption of engines and see the endangered pangolin, in Namibia’s Damaraland meet with smaller details that you miss from a vehicle. In Tanzania, our Save the Rhino Trust or visit the Painted Dog Conservation walking safaris cover areas of Ruaha National Park that are Centre in Hwange, Zimbabwe. Specialist Safaris | 09
GOLF SAFARIS day’s refreshments. A camel pack will follow, carrying your South Africa has a wide variety of exceptional courses all camp to it’s next remote site. A wonderful way to explore the offering their own unique set of challenges. Golf enthusiasts wilderness. should speak to us about the special golf journeys offered by Rovos Rail with the opportunity to play on 5 courses. Mauritius UNIQUE EXPERIENCES has a variety of excellent courses too. Ever wanted to kiss a giraffe? Or fly over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon? Africa excels in unique, one-of-a-kind experiences. CAMEL TREKS Whether it’s an early morning walk to a spot in the desert to Camel trains have long been used as a form of transport. In the sit and wait for the meerkats to emerge for the day, walking hills and valleys of northern Kenya we offer a specialist camel with elephants or sleeping under the stars, our experienced safari, where the camel train is the only traffic for miles. consultants can ensure your holiday is full of memorable Walk with a Maasai tracker and camels who will carry the experiences that will last a lifetime. 10 | Getting Around
HOW TO GET AROUND There are many different ways to travel around Africa. Whether you prefer to drive yourself, be driven, fly from A to B or travel with a small group of like-minded people, we will create something to suit your requirements.
SELF-DRIVE ROAD & AIR CLASSIC TOURS Experience the joy of the open road The best of both worlds! Some In each destination you will see our and the freedom to stop when and countries, like Namibia, South Africa Classic tours – these are in our opinion wherever you want. We will book your and Madagascar, lend themselves to great tours for a first time visitor as they accommodation in advance leaving you this combination, travelling by road to showcase each country and visit some of free to enjoy the scenery. South Africa appreciate the country and fabulous the major attractions. and Namibia are great countries for road landscapes and flying into the more trips. remote areas. EXPLORER TOURS These tours delve deeper into our SMALL GROUP TOUR PRIVATE GUIDED SAFARI destinations, a little further off the Travel with a small group and a driver- Head off with a private guide, who in beaten track or to areas that are less guide who knows the roads and can some cases will also double as your visited but equally as special. bring the destinations to life. Enjoy driver. This is our recommended way sociable evenings with your fellow to experience Tanzania, Madagascar, ADVENTURE TOURS travellers. We offer tours in South Rwanda and Uganda where there is These tours include an element of Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, much to see. If you’d rather have the adventure – it could be walking, or a Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. benefit of a guide in other countries, we can arrange driver-guides in most mobile safari where you spend some FLY-IN destinations. nights under canvas. The quickest way to travel around and see multiple areas, especially when OVERLAND TOUR All our tours are tailor-made and can distances involved are vast. You can A real introduction to Africa, these be personalised for your requirements. often leave one camp after breakfast tours are adventurous, exploring with We have included many suggestions and arrive in your next in time for like-minded travellers in a purpose-built throughout our brochure and will lunch. Flights will most often be on light vehicle. Most are available with camping happily make recommendations, based aircraft and the birds-eye views add to or accommodated options and can be a on your preferences and our personal the experience. great way to see multiple countries. experiences. Safari / What to Expect | 11
WHAT TO EXPECT ON SAFARI ‘Safari’ is the Swahili word for ‘journey’. A safari holiday is a journey of discovery, from the moment you set foot on African soil to the moment you leave. Every experience will be unique, no two wildlife sightings will be the same. If you are about to embark on your first safari (or even if you’ve been before), here are our tips on what to expect.
EARLY MORNINGS. There’s no avoiding DON’T EXPECT TO HAVE IT ALL TO SAFARI GLOSSARY them, it’s the coolest part of the day YOURSELF. Other people will be and animals, especially the nocturnal enjoying similar wildlife experiences, Some safari terms you may find hunters, will be on the move, before it however in the private reserves the useful. gets too hot. Typical safari days start number of vehicles at each sighting is with a wake up call, expect it to be well controlled. ‘The Big 5’ – lion, leopard, rhino, around 05.00hrs - 05.30hrs. Typically, elephant and buffalo. There’s also you’ll have 2 game drives a day, lasting LISTEN TO YOUR RANGER. the Big 7, the Little 5 – your ranger anything from 2-4 hours depending on They are highly trained in animal will help you realise that it’s not all what you see. The second game drive behaviour and understand the about the numbers. goes out in the afternoon, as the heat of environment. They are there to give you the day fades and animals begin to stir, the very best experience, safely. They ‘The green season’ – also referred returning to camp in time for dinner. need to know that you will respect the to as the emerald or secret season, environment and listen to their safety the months when the rains breathe WRAP UP WARM. Early mornings (and briefings. Trust them too when they new life into the bush and animals evenings) can be chilly, but it will soon whisk you away from the baboons you give birth. The vegetation is warm up as the sun rises, so we suggest were watching – they know the baboons thicker which can make wildlife you take plenty of layers. It’s handy to will be there tomorrow, but that pride trickier to see, but the landscapes be able to layer up or down as required. of lions they’ve just heard might be a are beautiful. It’s a great season for There’s no need to be head-to-foot in one-off. bird watchers and prices can often khaki, but we do recommend comfy be lower too. clothes in neutral colours. We provide a CONNECT WITH NATURE. helpful packing list with all our holidays. We find that for the brief period of ‘Fly camping’ – sleeping under the time you are on safari, you are 100% stars in remote locations with not BUMPY ROADS. You’ll often be driving connected with the wildlife around you much more than a mosquito net, on dirt tracks, and on private reserves and very engaged in the present moment, it’s about as close to nature as you and conservancies you might enjoy some a privilege in our modern world. can get. great off-roading – all part of the fun. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets, ‘Meru-style tents’ – big enough BE PATIENT. There may be long periods spectacular wildlife and memorable to walk into, with space to move of time where you’ll be scanning the experiences to last a lifetime. around comfortably. Dome tents landscape for the next sighting, but are much smaller and really only you’ll be rewarded. Your ranger will help This is Africa. for sleeping in. you to experience everything there is, it’s more than just the Big 5.
FEEL THE EXCITEMENT. Expect an adrenalin rush as a leopard casually pads past your vehicle or a lion yawns revealing his teeth. This is nature at its rawest, sometimes it can shock, sometimes it’s heart-warming. It’s all part of the experience.
BE PREPARED. Take a light waterproof jacket for an unexpected shower, always have spare camera batteries and expect the unexpected, anything can happen! 12 | Country Combinations
EXPERIENCE MORE AFRICA With ever-increasing air networks across the African continent, visiting more than one country is not only possible but a great idea. Experience vibrant cultures, savour authentic foods and enjoy the diverse landscapes and natural wonders. The wildlife you’ll encounter in each country varies too.
CAPE TOWN, VICTORIA FALLS AND THE MASAI MARA – With direct flights linking Cape Town to Victoria Falls and Nairobi, it’s perfectly possible to tick off 3 bucket list items on one trip.
THE GREAT MIGRATION AND MOUNTAIN GORILLAS – There are flights from both the Serengeti and the Masai Mara to Entebbe, from where you can fly on to Bwindi Forest, home SAFARI AND THE BEACH – A popular combination with of the Mountain Gorillas. Or fly from the Serengeti to Kigali families and honeymooners alike, there are many options. Our in Rwanda and drive up to see the gorillas in the Virunga favourites include South Africa or Kenya and the Seychelles, Mountains. the Serengeti and Zanzibar, South Africa and Mauritius, the Kruger and Mozambique. There is also a direct flight from ZAMBIA, ZIMBABWE AND BOTSWANA – These three countries Johannesburg to Madagascar where the beaches and islands join borders close to Victoria Falls, so you could start in around Nosy Be await. Botswana’s beautiful Okavango Delta, fly to Chobe National Park, continue by road (or air) to Victoria Falls, then finish with Please call to discuss your requirements with our well-travelled a few days on safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa Park. and knowledgeable consultants. Cruises | 13
SET SAIL The combination of an African safari and a luxury cruise is an irresistible one. We have partnered with some of the best cruise lines currently sailing around the African coast and will tailor-make your land arrangements to compliment your cruise experience.
REGENT CRUISES CUNARD CRUISES
Cruise out of and back to Cape Town along the Cape of Good Set sail from Southampton and disembark in Cape Town, or Hope as far as Namibia and Mozambique on voyages that last vice-versa. The Cunard cruises last between 14 and 17 nights from 14 to 16 nights. Regent also offer a 22 night cruise from depending on your departure date, with plenty of time to enjoy Abu Dhabi that visits Oman, the Seychelles, Mauritius and the facilities on board. Madagascar en route to Cape Town. Cape Town to Southampton – Queen Mary 2 Cape Town to Cape Town – Seven Seas Voyager Departure date: 1 April 2020 Departure dates: 8 December 2020, 22 December 2020, 21 Ports of call: Walvis Bay, Tenerife, Madeira November 2021 and 7 December 2021. Ports of call: Walvis Bay, Lüderitz*, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Southampton to Cape Town – Queen Mary 2 Maputo, Richards Bay, Mossel Bay Departure date: 10 January 2021 *7 December 2021 departure does not call at Lüderitz Port of call: Tenerife
Abu Dhabi to Cape Town – Seven Seas Voyager Cape Town to Southampton – Queen Victoria 30 October 2021 Departure date: Departure date: 14 April 2021 Fujairah, Muscat, Salalah, Mahé, Praslin, Port Ports of call: Ports of call: Walvis Bay, Gran Canaria Louis, Reunion Island, Fort Dauphin, Maputo, Richards Bay, Mossel Bay CRYSTAL CRUISES
Sail around the islands of the Seychelles on the Crystal Esprit luxury yacht – please see page 165 for further information.
Clockwise from below: Cunard Queen Mary 2, Reunion Island, Regent Seven Seas Voyager SOUTH AFRICA From the majestic scenery to the beautiful coastline, the magnificent game viewing to the lush winelands, haunting battlefields and vibrant cities, South Africa and its people can truly claim to be ‘A World in One Country’. South Africa | 15