Gorilla, Rwanda
Wilderbeest Migration, Kenya
Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Penguins, Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Zanzibar, Africa

...Insight

Africa in a Week

A taster of epic Africa

With overnight flights directly into the heart of Africa it is perfectly feasible to head to the airport after work on a Friday and start your weekend with breakfast overlooking an Atlantic bay filled with whales or with giraffe strolling past your safari tent.

No jet lag and improved flight routes have opened up countries in Africa which used to be the preserve of much longer trips. Its time to start thinking of Africa as ideal for a week-long holiday or even just for a long weekend!

For families this means that Africa is viable for half-term holidays without incurring the wrath of the headmaster, and some of the finest experiences in Africa can now be combined to create a shorter but more intense holiday.



"Come to the land of sunshine, where vast untamed wilderness hide some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on earth."

Ben Oxley-Brown

Personal Travel Designer

01488 689700 Read Ben’s profile
Ben Oxley-Brown
Wilderbeest Migration, Kenya

Gorilla trekking and wildebeest migration

For a spectacular long weekend, spend three days trekking gorillas in the mountains of Rwanda (minimum age is 15 years) – or if you have longer, combine with Tanzania as there is a direct flight from Rwanda to the heart of the Serengeti for a glimpse of the migrations incredible river crossings.

No backtracking and no time wasted, just some of the best wildlife spectacles the continent has to offer.

Cape Town, South Africa
The Stack, Cape Town, South Africa
cape town and waterfront and table mountain
Penguins, Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

South African Sojourn

"For sunshine lovers, foodies and oenophiles, South Africa is an appealing option for a week away."

With so much on Cape Town’s doorstep, why not exchange winter for a week of sunshine and gastronomy in the winelands. South Africa is just an overnight flight away, and with such little time difference you can really maximise the length of your stay. It’s perfectly plausible to see some major highlights in a week – a few nights in Cape Town and the winelands combined with a few nights on safari.

Zanzibar, Tanzania.

TROPICAL ZANZIBAR

Rather than the over- familiarity of European beaches, a week on white powder beaches and paddling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean is a great, tropical trade. A fusion of Africa and the Middle East, Zanzibar has exceptional villas and beach hotels, excellent cuisine and world class service. Here you can head out dolphin spotting, visit spice farms or simply relax with a long drink in the shade of a palm tree. What a perfect week away!

Gorilla, Rwanda

Africa Property Spotlights

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
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Bisate Lodge - Rwanda

A modern take on rustic charm, up close and personal with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Bisate Lodge sits in the eroded cone of a dormant volcano in northern Rwanda, with vistas stretching out across the nearby Parc National des Volcans. It’s a beautiful place, and it takes something pretty special to top the view of three brooding volcanoes rearing up through the misty Afro-alpine forest. Luckily, Bisate Lodge is perfectly positioned for some of the best gorilla trekking in the country.

The lodge itself only opened in 2017, and it’s setting the new standard for conservation-focused safari lodges in Rwanda. Cosy domed thatched-roof lodges dot a path winding up through hillside trees. Inside, you’ll find exposed-brick open fireplaces, with stylish furniture and fittings inspired by the materials and textures of the environment around them.

Must do

The gorillas are the stars of the show. There are twelve groups living in the national park, which is within easy distance of the lodge, and there are guided treks daily.

A trek can last anything up to eight hours, and cover up to eight kilometres over thick, muddy terrain – so be prepared. Sightings are reliably regular, and the exertion is worth it when you emerge from the undergrowth to find yourself within 30 feet of these magnificent creatures.

The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa
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The Silo - Cape Town, South Africa

There are few hotels lucky enough to be able to maximise on views as The Silo.

With Table Mountain as its backdrop, it is hard to imagine an outlook gets any better – but then as you gaze out from floor to ceiling pillowed windows, you spy the sweeping Atlantic and the buss of the V&A Waterfront, Cape Towns working harbour.

This is one of the latest offerings from Liz Biden, South Africa’s most perfection obsessed independent hoteliers. Her personal touch is evident throughout with decadent bedrooms adorned with splashes of colour and original art from her private collection.

Must do

Built in what was Cape Town’s historic grain silo, there’s a glass swimming pool on the roof, direct access to The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa which lies below the hotel as well a restaurant with 360-degree views and one of the best cocktail bars in town.

White Sand Villas, Zanzibar
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White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa - Zanzibar

The description paradise island could have been coined for Zanzibar. Crystal-blue waters, fine white sand beaches, beautiful sunshine from an endless bright blue sky, and the shade of swaying palms as you recline in your hammock. So it takes something special to stand out on the Spice Island, but the multi-award winning White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa delivers.

There are only 11 villas dotted across the huge area, meaning you can spend your entire stay in blissful seclusion if you like. The smallest of the villas is 500 square metres, surrounded by lush gardens, while the top-end spots have their own beaches, private pools and jacuzzi baths. This five-star experience isn’t costing the earth though – White Sand grows their own fruit and vegetables and get much of their power from solar energy.

Must do

If you can drag yourself from your hammock, there’s plenty to do too. White Sand is on Paje beach, with some of the world’s best kitesurfing – and the resort even has its own kitesurfing school. Or, for something a little less strenuous, head out on an African dhow to spot dolphins in the local waters. When evening comes and it’s time to relax, you can head to the rooftop champagne bar for cool drinks as the warm sun sets over the ocean.

Have questions? Our knowledgeable team of experts are on-hand to take your call or if you prefer by Zoom. Talk to us about your holiday dreams or challenge us with your travel conundrums.

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