Our Favourite Countries to Combine in Africa

For families hoping to see the Big Five, Kenya is a must-visit. Destinations like the Maasai Mara and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are especially well-suited to younger children, and both have the added benefit of a range of accommodations suitable for children. Family-friendly safari lodges like Lewa House and Sala’s Camp offer an array of age-appropriate activities that are fun and educational.

From Nairobi you can catch a direct flight to Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean full of dazzling beaches, cultural sites and unique wildlife. It’s the perfect complement to a family safari in Kenya, with sandy shores and calm waters that are ideal for young travellers.

Families with older children and multiple generations will find plenty to do in Botswana, from the wildlife-rich floodplains of the Okavango Delta to the stark salt pans of Makgadikgadi. The latter is located conveniently close to the border with Zimbabwe, which sits directly to the northeast.

In Zimbabwe you and your family can spot wild dogs and elephants in Hwange National Park, see hippos and crocodiles in Mana Pools or marvel at Victoria Falls. The sheer diversity of activities means that everyone from teenagers to grandparents will be thoroughly entertained.

If you’re travelling with teenagers, Namibia is an especially good option. Adventurous teens will be awed by eerie landscapes like Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast, while outdoor activities like quad biking and sandboarding beckon thrill seekers to try something new.

Namibia borders northwestern Botswana, making it easy to cross between the two countries. In Botswana teens can set out on walking safaris or boat trips that add an extra element of novelty to wildlife viewing. And for a thrilling off-the-grid trip, opt for a private mobile safari expedition.

Tanzania is renowned for its wildlife experiences, from wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti to chimpanzee walks in the Mahale Mountains – all of which are even more special alongside the one you love. Active couples can also climb the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro together.

After getting your fill of adventure, you can hop over to the Seychelles for some well-earned relaxation. Settle into a spacious villa at Fregate Private Island, where you can enjoy sunset cruises, stargazing, private beaches and picnics beside the cerulean sea. Other exclusive options include Denis Island and Desroches Island, each of which has only one hotel.

It’s hard to imagine a more well-rounded destination than South Africa. Couples and newlyweds can tour vineyards in the Winelands, go whale watching on the Whale Coast, explore the history and culture of Cape Town and go on safaris anywhere from the Kruger to the Eastern Cape.

From the Kruger it’s just a couple of hours’ of travel to Mozambique, one of the best tropical honeymoon destinations in Africa. Here you can glide across the waves on a traditional dhow boat, snorkel and dive amid brilliant coral reefs and explore the secluded Bazaruto Archipelago.

Exploring southern Africa by rail is an especially unique and romantic experience. A luxury train journey through South Africa and Zimbabwe combines several of the most stunning locales in both countries, all the way from Cape Town to Victoria Falls.

The legendary Rovos Rail connects some of the best places to visit in South Africa with Zimbabwean destinations like Matobo and Hwange before reaching the Zambezi River. There are also routes through Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia. The Shongololo Express is another elegant option, offering journeys of 12–15 days.

Rwanda may be among the continent’s smallest countries, but it boasts one of our all-time favourite experiences in Africa: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This inimitable experience leads you deep into the mountains to see these majestic creatures in the wild.

Rwanda also offers more traditional safaris in Akagera National Park which are wonderfully complemented by making the short trip northeast to Kenya. Here you can combine your gorilla sightings with elephants in Amboseli, pink flamingos in Lake Nakuru and several rare species in Samburu – including Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes.

Mozambique has much more to offer than just beaches. It’s also home to a handful of national parks and reserves that present off-the-beaten-track alternatives to those of neighbouring countries – plus a plethora of aquatic wildlife that you can spot on traditional dhow safaris.

Mozambique’s laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect pairing for South Africa, which is brimming with storied safari destinations. See desert-adapted animals in the Kalahari, leopards in Sabi Sands, black rhinos in Phinda, giraffes in Madikwe, lions in Limpopo and endless other species.

There are 11 different national parks in Zimbabwe, each with its own perks and species to see. Some lesser-known favourites include Matusadona National Park, where you’ll find the vast Lake Kariba, and the remote Gonarezhou National Park on the border with Mozambique. These are fantastic additions to more famous spots like Hwange.

Cross the border into Botswana for even more epic safaris. The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve hosts unique species like bat-eared foxes and semi-aquatic antelopes; the Mababe Concession is famous for buffalo and zebra; and the Okavango Delta stands out for its mokoro (canoe) safaris.