GETTING THERE
British Airways, KLM and Air France all fly direct to many African
capitals. Or you may need to connect with South African Airways
(flysaa.com), a well-priced and well-run airline. Before you book any trip, be sure to investigate whether you need a visa (as in Ethiopia, Gabon and Mali). And check whether destinations are malarial areas and stock up on prophylaxis accordingly.
TANZANIA
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge 255 (27) 2 504 159; serenahotels.com. Part of the Serena hotel chain that operates in both Kenya and Tanzania, this lodge houses guests in thatched huts inspired by African dwellings. Activities include game drives, ballooning – and luxe pools overlooking the landscape. Rooms range from about $335 in low season (April 1 to May 30) to about $550 in high season (June 1 to Jan. 1).
Mnarani Beach Cottages 255 (27) 11 791 0519; dreamworldadventures.co.za. Mnarani means “lighthouse” in Swahili – and these thatched-roof beach houses are located just beyond one on Zanzibar Island. Space in the suites, rooms and cottages is limited, so tour operators recommend booking well in advance. Five-night eat-and-sleep packages from South African-based company Dream World Adventures start at $760.
More Information For details on game reserves, national parks and other destinations in Tanzania, visit tanzaniatouristbaord.com.
ZAMBIA
The Zambezi River flows through six countries from central Africa to the Indian Ocean – and through a national park and wildlife reserve on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Zambezi River Adventures 263 61 3332; zambezicanoeing.com. Trips with Zambezi River Adventures are led by an expert guide. You paddle yourself and help set up camp each night on the edge of the river or a sandy island in the middle, but after your efforts you can crack a cold beer (they pack a lot of ice) and your guide will whip up a good meal. It's just the right amount of work to feel like a holiday. Six-night canoe trips – excluding visas, park entrance, transfers and charters – start around $750.
Natureways Safaris 263 4 744 149; natureways.com. Another good canoe option is Zimbabwe-based Natureways Safaris. Three-night, four-day trips cost about $400, although you can go for much longer if you like. The companies will arrange for your transfer from the Zambian capital, Lusaka, or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. You might also consider combining a river trip with a few days at one of the elegant but little-visited lodges in Zambia's Luangwa National Park.
More information For tips on Zambia, home to Victoria Falls, visit zambiatourism.comSOUTH AFRICA
Singita Lodges 27 21 683 3424; singita.co.za. Why suffer through a safari? The four lodges here, known for their exclusivity and privacy, offer a luxury safari experience for $1,100 a person per night.
Kruger National Park krugerpark.co.za. Tents with en-suite bath and kitchen here come as cheap as $40 a month; the large family cottages are about $100. Park entry is $15 a day for adults and $8 for kids.
Addo Elephant Park addoelephantpark.com. For Dumbo devoteees, the Addo Rest Camp offers a variety of accommodation from campsites and cabins (from $15 to $50) to cottages and guest houses (from $75 to $220).
Robben Island Museum robben-island.org.za. Nelson Mandela's former prison is now a museum – and some former inmates are on hand to tell guests about the horrific history of the island and the heroism of those who survived it. Tickets are $18; tours can be arranged through e-bookings@robben-island.org.za.
Simon's Town Beach For information on the penguin colony here, visit simonstown.com.
Reuben's 19 Huguenot Rd., Franschhoek; 27 21 876 3772. Award-winning food at bargain prices. You need to know more?
More information For details on trips to South Africa, visit southafrica.net KENYA
The Sarova Stanley 254 020 222 9388; sarovahotels.com/stanley. With an assortment of suites and rooms starting at $200 a night, this hotel also offers a health club, restaurants and a bar. The Exchange Bar was home to the Nairobi Stock Exchange for 37 years after it launched in 1954.
On the go tours 1-866-377-6147; onthegotours.com. Book select safari excursions and get a three-day Masai Mara National Reserve safari trip for free (a nearly $600 value). Trek holidays 1-888-456-3522; trekholidays.com. A variety of packages to Kenya are being offered at 20 per cent off for last-minute departures.
More information For Kenya details, visit magicalkenya.com.MALI
Le Cheval Blanc 223 2442 388; kambary.com. Accommodations are individual dome-shaped huts with air-conditioned ones starting at $60. There's a pool on site, and hotel staff can provide information on tours.
Great mosque of Djenne
Resembling a giant sandcastle, this World Heritage Site is the largest mud brick building in the world. Non-Muslims are forbidden from entering, but the outside is still spectacular.
More information For details on trips to Mali, visit www.sagatours.com.
OTHER AFRICAN ADVENTURES
Botswana For those with cash to spend, there's Botswana's Okavango Delta, a unique floodplain that teems with game and can be explored from dugout canoes. One good safari operator is CC Africa at ccafrica.co.za.
Namibia Also worth consideration is Etosha National Park in Namibia – a stark, mesmerizing desert landscape rich with game. Etosha is also an affordable choice, with self-drive safaris and good, low-priced accommodations in the park. For information, visit nwr.com.na.
Gabon You might also consider Loango National Park in Gabon – which combines savannah, beach and untouched rain forest. So little visited is Gabon that many tourists report never seeing another visitor during their time in the park. The downside is that the animals are less habituated and harder to spot. For information on the park, visit operation-loango.com.
