When guests ask me why they should visit Africa, my home continent, my answer is always that there is no better use of leisure time than time spent in the wild. Africa’s vast, wide-open spaces and untamed landscapes where iconic wildlife roams free is nature in its purest form. The wilderness of Africa calls to something deep within us. The stillness, seclusion and silence in the profoundly beautiful spaces allows us to drop back into our bodies and yield to the awe and wonder we are yearning for.
Our northern hemisphere summer—from roughly June to October—is one of my favourite times to go on safari. It is, in fact, “winter” in sub-Saharan Africa, but winter here is endless blue skies, balmy sunshine and delightful evenings around the open fire, a bush baby (hot water bottle) on your lap. The mild temperatures allow for languid days of exploration: on game drives searching for leopards and lions in the sun-dappled shade; gliding across ethereal landscapes in a hot air balloon; or floating along the rivers and waterways in a mokoro (dugout canoe) as birds fill the sky and fish eagles cry. Both the landscapes and the wildlife are at their peak at this time of year, often referred to as the ‘dry season’ and the safari experience is simply sublime. Thus, it is my pleasure to share with you my recommendations for the most exceptional destinations for a summer safari.
