Africa's Last Wilderness

Gorongosa, Mozambique

This is likely to be considered one of Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration stories. Thanks to the Gorongosa Restoration Project as well as the input of local communities, conservationists and international teams of scientists, the park’s one million acres of savannahs, rain forests, gorges, caves, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and grasslands are home now to over a 100,000 large animals – or as Carr puts it ‘a sea of wildlife’.

We can’t wait to visit again as we know that this will be the perfect combination to Mozambique’s porcelain-white beaches and rich Indian Ocean coral reefs for those who want true contrast, incredible wildlife and an off-the-beaten-track holiday of a lifetime.

Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe

Along with Kruger in South Africa and Limpopo in Mozambique, Gonarezhou forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier ‘Peace Park’ where animals roam freely between each of these sanctuaries. But unlike Kruger, few visitors have experienced its rocky gorges, waterfalls and meandering rivers – or sensed the elicit wonder of the pink and terracotta Chilojo Cliffs, a defining feature of this raw and untouched wildlife paradise. The floodplains and forests of mopane and giant baobabs are home to 150 mammal species including a staggering number of African wild dogs, as well as 400 bird species among which are Pel’s fishing owls and spoonbills attracted to the lily-strewn pans.

Ruaha, Tanzania

One of East Africa’s best kept secrets, Ruaha is a vast untouched wilderness with a staggering ecosystem.  Those that do are in for a rare treat. Big game is a huge draw and the predators are voracious, including a huge population of lion that specialise in hunting giraffe. Ruaha is also home to a large variety of antelope, oribi, eland, kudu and sable which you are unlikely to see elsewhere in East Africa.

The best way to experience the arid landscapes of Ruaha is by walking safari. The lack of tourists or vehicles means you can enjoy an untamed Africa where animals live only by nature’s rules. To track the elusive wild dog, you’ll pass by giant thousand-year-old baobab trees, walk between escarpments and follow ancient dry sand rivers. As dusk falls hear the performance of African theatre come to life, leopards rasp and lions roar.

Miavana Island, Madagascar

Designed by the same team who created tropical fantasy North Island in the Seychelles, Miavana, located on remote Nosy Ankao island off north-eastern Madagascar, has the same jaw-dropping wow-factor.

Occupying a private island, the resort’s beachfront villas spill out on to white sands lapped by azure water. Spot crowned lemurs in the humid forest, watch turtles nest on deserted beaches and see whales just offshore. There’s also a chance to take adventure further. Hop in a helicopter to the Madagascan mainland and see ring tail lemurs, dancing sifikas and the cat-like fossa among pristine nature including mangroves, mountains, limestone cliffs and underground caves.