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Welcome to Go Touch Down

Go Touch Down is a US based company specialising in creating bespoke safaris and tours in Africa. Our management and advisors come from the places our guests will visit, and accordingly they deliver firsthand experience and insider knowledge as only a local can. Distinguished by our dedication to responsible tourism, Go Touch Down ensures that every safari in Africa not only delivers an unparalleled experience but also fosters conservation efforts and supports local communities.

With a commitment to excellence and a passion for showcasing Africa’s diverse wildlife and stunning vistas, Go Touch Down curates unforgettable African travel experiences tailored to every traveller’s desires. Each experience is designed to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for Africa’s diverse people and their way of life which foster cross cultural connections that transcend borders and enrich the lives of all involved. Currently we offer safaris in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia, with more destinations coming soon.

All our tours and safaris are fully guided and limited to a group size of average 6 people.

We ensure you get personal attention by limiting the group size to average of 6 people.

No middle-man. We are 100% in control of the quality and outcome of your experience.

Our guides are knowledgeable locals who take pride in showcasing their country.

Expert travel advisors available online and by phone 7 days a week.

Exploring the African Travel Journey

Dive into a rich and immersive journey through the African travel experience. Venture beyond the obvious and uncover the intricate layers of this vibrant continent…

EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA AND HUNGARY

Discover the wonders of South Africa and Hungary with our exclusive specials! Join our intimate micro-sized tours, limited to just 6 guests,for a truly personalized experience, taking advantage of our…

OUR NEW BUDAPEST TOUR PACKAGE

Explore the highlights of Budapest and its surroundings with our 7-day tour! Kick off your adventure with a spectacular welcome dinner cruise on the Danube River. Immerse yourself in the city’s…

We are proud of the number of travelers we have hosted and who are now our friends. We look forward to hosting our ever increasing future bookings that arrive every week for their dream adventure.

50+ travelers per week 200+ travelers per month 2,500+ travelers per year 36,500+ adventures since 2010

We ask that you give us a week of your life and allow us to fill that with a lifetime of memories.

South Africa

South Africa is one of the most culturally and geographically diverse, and wildlife-rich places on earth. The people are fondly known as the 'Rainbow Nation'. South Africa is a must-see for world travellers!

One third of Zambia is dedicated to National Parks. It shares with Zimbabwe the Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya - the Smoke that Thunders) and Lake Kariba.

Zimbabwe is special. It will settle in your heart forever. Legendary places like Mana Pools, Hwange National Park, the mighty Zambezi, Kariba, and of course, Mosi-oa-Tunya.

Signature Dunkeld Adventure Experience

5 Day Rwandan Journey

Rwanda Revealed

Budapest Tour

A Cape Town Affair – Belle Maroc 5 Days CPT5NT

Cape Town & West Coast Experience ~ Tour B

Royal Morubisi and Tshukudu Safari

gotouchdowntravelandtours

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Let's help you plan, when would you like to travel to africa.

Our travel experts will discuss destination seasonality with you as we build your dream African holiday. Some destinations are perfect year round, whilst other are best to discuss with our travel experts.

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How much time are you planning to spend on your holiday?

Africa especially South Africa is typically a long haul destination and we typically suggest a minimum stay between 10 and 14 days. Our travel experts will advise you according to your circumstances.

Which countries are you interested in visiting?

Please select one or more from the list below

Is there a specific experience you would like your holiday to focus on?

We all have different interests and favourites. Tell us yours and our travel experts will help you plan accordingly

How many people will be traveling?

This will help us both finding availability and recommending properties for your itinerary.

What would you like to spend per person, excluding international flights?

Give us an indication of your budget so that we can plan accordingly and suggest tours, activities and accommodation that works for you.

Give us any additional information to help us plan your dream holiday to Africa.

Let us know all the details that will make this holiday a once in a lifetime dream vacation. From a special celebration to one thing in Africa you dream of experiencing, to any questions you may want our Team of Experts to answer

And that’s it! Leave your details below so one of our travel experts can make contact to start building your no obligation free quote.

We promise not to spam your inbox, but look out for an e-mail from us.

Tailor-made luxury African safari tours

Incredible  Game Viewing

See the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and more wildlife found only in Africa, with expert guides who'll get you so close you can hear them breathe.

Walking safaris, hot-air balloon safaris and cultural interactions with local people tick all the right boxes for an immersion into once-in-a-lifetime activities. Experience people, places and wildlife that will create lasting and cherished African memories.

Rewarding Experiences

The luxury of time.

Enjoy being off the grid and away from it all  in some of the most remote parts of the world, at intimate lodges  with  private plunge pools and spa facilities.

Indulge Your Senses

Sip sundowners as giraffes stroll across the hot pink horizon, and s ample gourmet African dishes and wines at fireside dinners while the sounds of the bush serenade you.

Beyond the Wild

The best itineraries combine Africa's top destinations. Easily go from the African bush to buzzy Cape Town or an idyllic Indian Ocean island – with all the details and transfers taken care of.

Why you need to experience  an African safari vacation:

Incredible  game-viewing.

See the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and more wildlife found only in Africa, with expert guides who'll get you so  close you can hear them breathe.

Walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, cultural interactions with local people- all safari activities support conservation and communities. The ultimate win-win.

Rewarding experiences

The luxury of time.

Enjoy being off-the-grid and truly away from it all with  private plunge pools and spa facilities at intimate lodges in some of the most remote parts of the world.

Indulge your senses

Sip sundowners as giraffes stroll across the hot pink horizon, and s ample gourmet African dishes and wines over fireside dinners while the sounds of the bush serenades you.

Two trips in one

The best trips combine Africa's top destinations. Easily go from the African bush to buzzy Cape Town or an idyllic Indian Ocean island- with all the details and transfers taken care of.

Why you need to experience an African safari vacation:

"...i thought this was a once  in a lifetime trip,  but i'm already  planning my next safari" , travelling with purpose.

Every African safari supports worthy causes of conservation and the development of local communities. While you revel in your adventures, you’ll know that you have made your travel matter: the ultimate win-win.

When Once  in a  Lifetime is Just  the Beginning

When Once in a Lifetime is Just the Beginning

When Once  in a Lifetime  is Just the Begining

"I thought this was a once  in a lifetime trip, but I'm already  planning my next safari!"  

"i thought this was a once  in a lifetime trip,  but i'm already  planning my next safari" .

See the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and more wildlife found only in Africa, with expert guides  who'll get you so close you can hear them breathe.

Walking safaris, hot-air balloon safaris, cultural interactions with  local people  – every activity supports conservation and communities: the ultimate win-win.

Enjoy being off the grid and away from it all  in some of the most remote parts of the world, at intimate lodges  with  private plunge pools and spa facilities.

“Mindfulness?  I’d rather go on safari!”

– Jeremy Paxton,  The Financial Times

Top african safari  destinations.

And the best times to travel for a safari

Whether you're planning to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, experience a Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park or spend the end of your honeymoon in the Seychelles, timing is important. Our experts can guide you around the best times and destinations to visit based on what you want to see or when you want to travel.

Islands High season:  May - December Sunny and warm- the ideal beach weather Low season:  January - April Can be humid and wet but great rates and availability Highlights: Excellent diving and snorkelling conditions Soft sandy beaches and warm waters for swimming Both romantic and family-friendly accommodations Easy to combine with various safari destinations

South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls   High season:  May - October Cooler and drier conditions mean better visibility and higher game concentration around water sources Low season:  November - April The warmer green season can mean better availability and rates on safari and the ideal time to visit Cape Town. Highlights: -  Great game viewing diversity throughout the year -  Up close Big 5 sightings  (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo) -  Award-winning lodges with star beds and all the luxuries -  Water based safaris in Botswana via boat or mokoro (canoe) -  Easily combined with Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Mozambique

Victoria Falls

Kruger national park, chobe national park, serengeti national park, maasai mara national reserve, okavango delta.

• Excellent game viewing throughout the year
• Up close Big 5 sightings  (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)
• Award-winning lodges with star-beds and all the amenities
• Water-based safaris in Botswana via boat or mokoro (canoe)
• Easily combined with Victoria Falls, Cape Town and Mozambique

November–April

Green season:

The warmer green season means better availability and rates on safari, the ideal time to visit Cape Town and the Winelands, and Victoria Falls in full flood (February–May).

Southern Africa

South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls  

Dry season:

May–October

Cooler and drier conditions see better visibility and higher game density around water sources.  June–August is the ideal time for water-based safaris in the Okavango Delta.

And the best times to travel  for a safari

Green season: 

The warmer green season means better availability and rates on safari, the ideal time to visit Cape Town and the Winelands, and Victoria Falls in  full flood (February–May).

November - May

The warmer green season is when calving happens guaranteeing lots of predator action; it also means excellent photography conditions and fewer crowds. 

June - October

Cooler and drier conditions deliver excellent game viewing; the famous Great Migration river crossings happen now; this is peak season and availability can be limited.

• Up close Big 5 sightings   (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo)

November–May

The warmer green season is when calving happens, guaranteeing plenty of predator action; it also means  excellent photography conditions  and fewer crowds. 

June–October

Cooler and drier conditions deliver excellent game viewing and the famous Great Migration river crossings happen. This is peak season and availability can be limited.

• High game density and prolific sightings year-round
• Famous for predatory cats like lion and cheetah
• The annual Great Wildebeest Migration and it's circle of life
• Epic balloon safaris and cultural interactions with local tribes
• Easily combined with Indian Ocean islands or gorilla trekking

East Africa

Kenya, Tanzania

The warmer green season is when calving happens, guaranteeing plenty of predator action; it also means excellent photography conditions and fewer crowds.

How Much is an African Safari?

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays or events like the Great Migration) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Southern Africa can range anywhere from approximately $500 USD per person per night in low season to over $2 000 USD at the finest lodges in high season. For East Africa, low season rates start around $450 USD per night per person and reach upwards of  $1 500 USD at peak season.

What Costs  Are Included?

Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all  of your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, walking safaris and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so you can pack light and travel easy. The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays or events like the Great Migration) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, Southern Africa can range anywhere from approximately $500 USD per person per night in low season to over $2 000 USD at the finest lodges in high season. For East Africa, low season rates start around $450 USD per night per person and reach upwards of $1 500 USD at peak season.

What Costs are Included?

Most accommodations are all-inclusive; all  of your meals, snacks, beverages, alcohol (with some exceptions) are part of your room rate. In addition, your game drives, walking safaris and other excursions will all be included. To operate in such remote areas at such a high level of hospitality, it takes some serious logistics and often means guest-to-staff ratios of more than 5-to-1. Not to mention many accommodations offer services like laundry, so  you can pack light and travel easy.

The only things you’ll have to pay for are special activities (like hot-air balloon rides and spa treatments) and, in some cases, imported spirits. Beyond that, just gratuities for the incredible staff who will make your stay at each lodge so memorable.

How Much is  an  African Safari?

Africa Safari Expert

Ashley gerrand.

“'We know because we go' is something we pride ourselves on at Go2Africa. I love being able to share personal stories with guests when recommending destinations and properties, so they can trust it's the best fit for them."

“‘We know because we go’ is something we pride ourselves on at Go2Africa. I love being able to share personal stories with guests when recommending destinations and properties, so they can trust it's the best fit for them.”

Why Travel With Go2Africa

We are african.

Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa. We spend our own holidays on safari, and understand what goes into making every trip a once in a life-time experience.

We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend. We spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.

We are safari experts

Our size and trusted relationships with Africa’s top operators gives us access to the best possible rates. If you find a better quote for your itinerary, let us know and we’ll match it.

Our best price promise

Your money stays in africa.

 As an African company, we ensure 100% of the money from your safari stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects, making a difference long after you return home.

24/7 On-safari support

Book with us and we’ll be alongside you from our first chat, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, whenever you need it.

Why Travel with Go2Africa

Complete financial protection.

Your money is safe with us. All our clients are protected by our supplier default insurance and our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association.

What Our Clients Say

Go2Africa was the perfect choice... We worked with Nicole from beginning to the end and she were so helpful in creating the perfect itinerary for us. From flights, to accommodations, to transfers, and tour guides, everything was perfect...Nicole was able to work within our budget and on all of our wants/needs.

Honeymoon of a lifetime!

This is our 3rd safari booked with Go2Africa and I'm always amazed at the personal attention to detail that goes into planning. We gave Jessica a general area we wanted to visit and a wildlife wish list of animals we wanted to see…It was unbelievable. Once again, Jessica did such an amazing job with selecting the camps that were perfect for us…

Knocked it out of the park again!

The family had an experience that exceeded our expectations. At each critical change point of the journey (flights, transport, accommodation) the arrangements played out perfectly. The experiences at each location were perfect and we took home so many memories and things to share. Thank you! Job well done.

Perfectly executed

All rights reserved Copyright © 2024 Go2Africa.com  

African Safari Trip Ideas

All of our itineraries are tailor-made for  each client.  Here are some of our best  African safari  packages to get you started:

Ready to start planning your perfect private safari?

$4,540 , the experience:, visit one of the wildest and most pristine nature areas in the world. begin your 7-day getaway in the exclusive okavango delta – the life source to an incredible amount of game – with drives  and canoe trips for a unique safari experience. move on to chobe national park, famous for conservation and home to the world's largest elephant population. lastly, head to the banks of the zambezi river to explore one of the seven n atural wonders of the world., often referred to as "the birthplace of safari," east africa is home to three of the most exciting and wildlife areas on the planet: the masai mara, serengeti and ngorongoro crater. you will be enthralled by each of these and their predatory cats on a thrilling 8-day itinerary. you can also include exciting experiences like a hot-air balloon ride at dawn, a walking safari, visits with the local masaai people, and have a private game-viewing vehicle all to yourself., iconic botswana & victoria falls, out of africa:  kenya &  tanzania, destinations:, okavango delta , serengeti , ngorongoro crater, south africa is an all-star destin-ation and you'll see why on this trip. explore scenic cape town, then travel to the heart of the idyllic cape winelands and sample the finest vintages and dining the country has to offer. bring your 11-day adventure to a close at the thornybush private game reserve, adjacent to the world-famous kruger national park, and enjoy twice-daily game drives, bush walks and moonlit dinners served under the stars – the perfect end to your perfect holiday., cape town , franschhoek , kruger private reserves, the best of  south africa, talk to one of our experts to explore availability during your travel dates..

All of our itineraries are tailor-made for  each client. Here are some of our best African safari packages  to get you started:

The Best of South Africa

Iconic botswana  & victoria falls.

Every African safari supports worthy causes of conservation and the development of local communities. While you revel in your adventures, you’ll know that you have made your travel matter: the ultimate win-win. 

Our favourite accommodations are the most intimate ones. It's always best to book as far ahead as possible to ensure you have experiences like this ...

Rates generally depend on timing (i.e. key travel seasons like holidays) and level of luxury (the type of amenities and exclusivity). As a guideline, South Africa safaris can range anywhere from approximately 450 USD per person per night in low season to over 1 550 USD at the finest lodges in high season.

How Much is a  South Africa   Safari?

Our favourite accommodations are the most intimate ones.  it's always best to book as far ahead as possible to ensure  you have experiences like this ..., chat with one of our  experienced  african safari  experts   with  no obligation., contact us to start planning your first, with no obligation., how many  once  in  a lifetimes  will you have, how many  once  in  a lifetimes  will  you have.

Browse our safari resources

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Top 10 Destinations in Africa for a First-Time Visitor

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Richard Mullin once famously said that "the only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to." First-time visitors to Africa are indeed in an enviable position, with 54 countries to choose from and countless spectacular destinations ranging from game reserves to beaches, mountains, and cities bursting with color and culture. However, the prospect of picking a starting point from which to explore the world's second-largest continent can also seem like a daunting task. Here are 10 of our favorite bucket list destinations, all of which offer an unforgettable experience for first-time Africa visitors. 

Marrakesh, Morocco

Pavliha/Getty Images 

Those interested in the unique culture and history of North Africa will find plenty of both in the most famous of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. Marrakesh was founded in 1062 by the Almoravids and in the centuries since has gathered a fabulous collection of mosques, palaces, tombs, and museums. Top historical sights include the Saadian Tombs , where members of the ruling Saadian dynasty are buried; the El Badi and El Bahia palaces; and the medieval Ali Ben Youssef Medersa. 

The best way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Marrakesh is to stroll through the original walled city, known as a medina. Here you will find a narrow maze of streets lined with stalls piled high with spices, jeweled slippers, stained glass lamps, and swathes of freshly dyed fabric. Stop in the souks for a cup of mint tea or to haggle over a purchase, or to watch artisans at work using techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries. For the most authentic stay, book a room in a traditional Moroccan riad . 

Cape Town, South Africa

©fitopardo/Getty Images

For a cultural break at the other end of the continent, head to Cape Town . Frequently voted as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, it’s flanked by the ocean on two sides and presided over by the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain . There is something for everyone in the Mother City. Art galleries, museums, and concert venues cater to the culture vultures, while the world-class restaurant scene draws inspiration from South Africa’s bountiful produce and the wines of the surrounding Cape Winelands. 

Natural beauty abounds, whether you spend your time on the white sand beaches of Camps Bay and Blouberg, or take a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula. For many visitors, Cape Town’s historical landmarks are the main attraction. Take a ferry out to Robben Island to see the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years, or discover the Islamic culture of the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. For an insight into the atrocities and aftermath of the apartheid era, consider signing up for a township tour . 

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Kelly Cheng Travel Photography/Getty Images 

If you’re fascinated by natural phenomena, Victoria Falls is an obvious starting point for your first African adventure. Voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the waterfall spans the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and sees the Zambezi River plunge over a drop of 354 feet into the gorge below. Although it isn’t the world’s highest or widest waterfall, it is the largest, with over 500 million liters of water flowing over the edge every minute during peak flood season. 

The curtain of spray can be seen from 30 miles away and is the inspiration for the waterfall’s indigenous name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, or The Smoke That Thunders. If you visit from the Zimbabwean side, walking trails through Victoria Falls National Park guide you to a series of viewpoints which afford magnificent frontal views of the Main Falls. The Zambian section of the falls has fewer viewpoints but does provide the adrenalin-inducing opportunity to swim in the Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the falls. 

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

TripSavvy / Ivey Redding

Africa is a continent of superlatives, and the next one on our list is Mount Kilimanjaro . Located close to the Kenyan border in Tanzania, it is the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world with a height of 19,341 feet. It’s also one of the few record-holding mountains that one can climb without specialist equipment or training; instead, anyone with a good level of fitness and the right approach can reasonably hope to summit Kilimanjaro. 

The first step is to pick a trusted tour operator ( Thomson Treks is one of our favorite options with a success rate of 98 percent). Next, it’s a good idea to pick a longer route with a more gradual ascent rate, since altitude sickness is the primary reason for failed summit attempts. The journey up the mountain will take you through five different climate zones, ranging from rainforest to alpine desert. At the top, a sight that might surprise first-time visitors to Africa awaits: snow and ice! 

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

TripSavvy / Felicia Martinez

Tanzania is home to another iconic African destination: the Serengeti . Located in the far north of the country, it shares unfenced borders with Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve . Together the two parks host one of nature’s most extraordinary events, the annual Great Migration of several million wildebeest, zebra, and other antelope. For the best chance of seeing the herds on the move, head to the Serengeti from December to July, making sure to check which area of the 5,700-square-mile park is currently seeing action. 

Even if you don’t catch the migration, the Serengeti is a remarkable safari destination. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its ecological importance, it boats the highest concentration of plains game in Africa. The abundance of antelope, zebra, and other ungulate species attracts large numbers of predators, making the Serengeti one of the best places on the continent to spot lions and leopards . All of the Big Five can be seen with some luck (rhinos are notoriously difficult to spot). 

Okavango Delta, Botswana

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Another destination famous for its incredible biodiversity, the Okavango Delta is a seasonal flood plain in northern Botswana. It’s fed by the Okavango River, which bursts its banks at the end of the rainy season in April or May and fans out across the Kalahari Desert, bringing life-giving water and nutrients to the otherwise arid landscape. At its annual peak, the Delta covers over 8,500 square miles and is a miraculous spread of lush green plains, forests, and marsh-like waterways.

After flying into your camp, the best way to explore is in a traditional dugout canoe. For an unforgettable insight into life in the African wilderness, opt for a few nights under canvas on one of the Delta’s uninhabited islands. In the darkness, listen out for the calls of the 160 different mammal species that call the Okavango home. Amongst these are the Big Five and one of the world’s greatest populations of endangered African wild dogs. Birders are rewarded with over 530 species, many of them regional specials.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

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Located on the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Volcanoes National Park spans approximately 60 square miles of the Virunga Mountains. There is one main reason to visit, and that’s for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, there are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild. These incredible primates share more than 98 percent of our genetic code and are amongst our closest relatives. 

Volcanoes National Park is home to 10 habituated gorilla troops, meaning that they are accustomed enough to humans to allow for amazing close encounters. These encounters are strictly regulated for the gorillas’ safety; you will need to apply well in advance for a permit. To find the gorillas, you will trek on foot through the mist-laden cloud forest, a memorable experience in itself. Make sure to leave enough time to visit Karisoke Research Center, where renowned primatologist Dian Fossey conducted her life’s work. 

River Nile, Egypt

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The Nile is the longest river in Africa and, according to most authorities, the longest in the world. It runs through 11 countries on its northwards journey to the Mediterranean Sea, but by far, the most famous destination for Nile river cruises is Egypt. This is because an Egyptian river cruise allows you to see many of the country’s most iconic ancient sights along the way. Typically boats ply the stretch of river between Luxor and Aswan, just as traditional feluccas have done for millennia. 

Top stops include the ancient monuments of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings (where the famous tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun lies), and the temples of Edfu, Philae , and Kom Ombo . The best cruises include a professional Egyptologist guide who will be able to tell you the history of each building, and the mythology that inspired its architecture. There are many different cruise ships to choose from, ranging from the affordable to the luxurious, and from classic steamships to modern liners. 

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Michel Gounot/Getty Images

Africa’s best-known desert is undoubtedly the Sahara, but there are some spectacular desert landscapes to be found further south as well. In Namibia , one of the country’s greatest natural treasures is the Sossusvlei dune sea, located in the heart of the Namib Desert. Here, ocher-colored dunes soar skywards in fantastic formations created over millions of years by the force of strong winds coming ashore from the Atlantic Ocean. Some of these dunes are contenders for the title of tallest in the world. 

The dunes are a photographer’s dream, especially in the first light of dawn and in the late afternoon. Their razor-sharp spines create perfect geometric patterns and contrast beautifully against the blazing blue sky. For many visitors to Sossusvlei, the highlight is the famous dawn climb of Dune 45. You’ll ascend in the freezing semi-darkness, then reach the summit of the dune in time to watch the sun appear over the horizon and paint the surrounding landscape with hues of fiery red, rose, and gold. 

Nosy Be, Madagascar

Pierre-Yves Babelon/Getty Images 

Known as the eighth continent on account of its incredible and unique wildlife, Madagascar is probably most famous for its lemurs. However, the island nation is also home to some of Africa’s best beaches , and the number one destination for beach lovers is Nosy Be island. Situated off Madagascar’s northwest coast, the island boasts many stretches of pure white sand to choose from, of which Andilana (on the northwest tip) is probably the most beautiful. The islets around the main island also have more than their fair share of stunning beaches. 

When (if) you tire of working on your tan, Nosy Be’s island lifestyle also offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both popular pastimes, especially on the pristine reefs off nearby Nosy Tanikely. From September to December every year, it is also possible to swim alongside whale sharks on a snorkeling tour with Les Baleines Rand’eau . On land, you can come face to face with some of Madagascar’s charismatic lemur species in Lokobe National Park. 

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