CATHOLICFUNDAMENTALISTS

Want to go on safari but also love shopping up a storm, dining out, and dancing the night away in glitzy clubs? Our continent offers a delicious and convenient menu of city and safari tours that will suit all palates. Plus, we’ve sampled them all ourselves, cherry-picking our favourite pairings to share with you…

From Concrete Jungle to King of the Jungle

Many of our guests are surprised that they can enjoy city and safari in one go while visiting Africa. Whilst most people think of safaris when they think of our home continent and rightly so, its cities should not be overlooked. Here are our favourite combinations of city and safari to whet your travel appetite.

Combo 1: Cape Town and Garden Route, South Africa 

This duo is a delightful mix of scenery, safari and experiences that will leave you wanting more.

South Africa’s Mother City 

Cape Town is South Africa‘s oldest city, affectionately known as The Mother City, and lauded worldwide for its diversity. It also happens to be where our Rhino Africa HQ is! 

Think of Cape Town, and you’re likely picturing the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain. But wrapped around this impressive mountain is a lively city with inviting sights, sounds, smells, and smiles that will steal your heart. In fact, it frequently does, with people from across the country and world packing up their lives to move to the city once they’ve had their first taste.

Why We Love it

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is an entertainment, dining and shopping mecca
• Award-winning restaurants and wine farms 
• Vibrant nightlife scene with trendy cocktail bars, nightclubs and late night restaurants  
• Combination of mountains, vineyards, ocean and city 
• Historical significance and lots of art galleries like Zeitz MOCAA

Paired with…

South Africa’s Garden of Eden 

The Garden Route‘s name says it all. It’s lush, flourishing, and appetising, with landscapes offering plenty of adventure. You can easily combine Big 5 safaris at the many game reserves with your stay in Cape Town. 

Whether you decide to fly to George Airport and drive from there or take the road trip along this stunning route, you won’t regret spending as much time as possible in this neck of the woods. Plus, it’s malaria-free, so you can travel with the whole family, no matter how young or old they are.

Why We Love it

• A malaria-free safari area, ideal for families with the elderly, pregnant women, or small children
• Add an ocean safari to your Big 5 safari when the whales are in town (July to November)
• So much to do, including hiking, biking, canoeing, boating, safari and bungee jumping
• Golfing opportunities at award-winning courses 
• Mediterranean-like weather, so pleasant year-round, with the “mildest climate” in South Africa 

Combo 2: Joburg and Kruger, South Africa 

Combine South Africa’s largest city and most prominent safari destination, and you have a delightful concoction.

The City of Gold

The city that never sleeps, the city of gold, Jozi…it goes by many names, but one thing’s for sure – there’s nothing underwhelming about this city. It’s big, it’s bold, and it packs a punch 9a. 

Whether you’re travelling for work, play, or a little bit of both, Johannesburg is the epicentre of business and entertainment. It’s also a retail therapy mecca, with large-scale, high-end shops and all the glamour your heart could desire.

Why We Love it

• A very modern city with plenty of excellent shopping centres, in particular in the affluent neighbourhood of Sandton
• Rich in history and culture, with the Apartheid Museum, Hector Pieterson Museum, and Nelson Mandela’s home on Vilakazi Street in Soweto all being must-see attractions
• Very accessible, with the country’s biggest airport, O.R Tambo International Airport, found here
• Award-winning restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightclubs
• Sun City Resort is an entertainment hub for the whole family

Paired with…

The Safari Mecca

Blending seamlessly with Joburg for your holiday, the nearby Kruger National Park is the king of all Big 5 game reserves in the country. Its vast bush attracts travellers from around the world to go on game drives and see how many famous wildlife stars they can spot. 

One of these includes the elusive leopard, a big cat that’s usually rare to see in the wild, but in the luxury private game reserves like Sabi Sand, you’re almost guaranteed to see not just one but a few! The accommodation options here are also top-tier, such as the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge, Silvan Safari.

Why We Love it

• The private game reserves offer more exclusive safari experiences and ultra-luxurious accommodation
• Famous for its leopard sightings and overall high wildlife population density
• Over 147 mammal, 517 bird and 1,982 plant species 
• It’s the largest and most well-known safari region in South Africa
• Activities in private reserves include game drives, night safaris, walking safaris an photo safaris

Combo 3: Nairobi and Maasai Mara, Kenya  

Mix one of Africa’s most prominent nature reserves with Kenya’s colourful capital, and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect East African holiday.

Gateway to Kenya

Kenya’s capital and transport hub, Nairobi, is a must-visit if you’re looking for city and safari tours in Africa, with the added bonus of a picturesque setting and plenty of culture too.

In fact, it’s here that author Karen Blixen wrote her famous memoir “Out of Africa”, which was later made into a film. You’ll recognise some of the settings from the scenes if you’re familiar with the film. Not only is it a great shopping and entertainment city, but the closest national park is a mere 7km away! 

Why We Love it

• Set against the backdrop of the two biggest mountains in Africa, namely Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya 
• Close to the country’s best game reserves like Maasai Mara, and only 7km from Nairobi National Park
• Get your dose of culture at Kenya’s National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum, or learn more about conservation at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Bustling restaurant and nightlife scenes to explore 
• Shopping at the Maasai Market for gifts and souvenirs

Paired with…

Setting of The Great Migration

Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve is the classic East African safari image often depicted on postcards. With vast savannah as far as the eye can see, peppered with flat-topped acacia trees, and sunsets that paint everything in a magical red-orange glow, it’s one of our favourite safari destinations.

It’s also host to part of the Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest followed by zebra and gazelle journey through Kenya and Tanzania in search of greener pastures.

Why We Love it

• The Great Migration passes through here (seasonal)
• One of our personal favourite activities is a hot air balloon safari followed by a bubbly breakfast 
• The rich local Maasai culture will fascinate you 
• Home to the Big 5, cheetah, plenty of birdlife, and more than 100 mammal species 
• The luxury tented camps you can stay at are positioned to give you the best view of the wildlife 

Combo 4: Pretoria and Madikwe, South Africa

Another urban and wildlife medley, the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and suburban city of Pretoria, is perfect for more low-key city and safari tours.

Laid-back City Life

Pretoria is Johannesburg’s sister city, but they have their own unique charms. Whereas Joburg is all about big city lights and action, Pretoria takes a quieter approach. 

We love the jacaranda-lined streets flourishing with purple blossoms in spring, giving it a softer appearance than the Joburg concrete jungle. 

Why We Love it

• The Pretoria National Botanical Garden features some of South Africa’s best indigenous plant life to admire 
• The Voortrekker Monument, a 40-metre-tall building, offers splendid views over the city
• Perfect if you want to do some shopping but on a smaller scale 
• Many restaurants and food markets to explore 
• Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum 

Paired with…

Magical Malaria-Free Madikwe 

Madikwe Game Reserve is a conservation success story. It started as a low-yielding cattle farm, but today it boasts healthy wildlife populations, including the Big 5, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, antelope, the endangered African wild dog, and more. 

Because it’s a private reserve, you can venture off-road to get up close to the wildlife and go on night drives and bush walks. We love Madikwe because it’s so family-friendly, making it ideal for a holiday with your little ones.

Why We Love it

• A malaria-free region so perfect for families travelling with small children, the elderly or pregnant women
• Plenty of wildlife species, including the Big 5 and more than 10,000 mammals
• Over 350 bird species in the reserve 
• Unique location set on the edges of the Kalahari 
• Many luxury lodges to choose from, including excellent family-friendly options 

Ready to Start Planning Your City and Safari Tours? 

Let’s tailor the perfect city and safari tours for you! We’ll plan it according to your likes, dislikes, preferences, and who you’re travelling with. 

As the World’s Best Safari Company, we make it our business to know the ins and outs of our continent’s top destinations, accommodation options, and activities. Contact our Travel Experts today, and let’s start planning! 

Want to go on safari but also love shopping up a storm, dining out, and dancing the night away in glitzy clubs? Our continent offers a delicious and convenient menu of city and safari tours that will suit all palates. Plus, we’ve sampled them all ourselves, cherry-picking our favourite pairings to share with you…

From Concrete Jungle to King of the Jungle

Many of our guests are surprised that they can enjoy city and safari in one go while visiting Africa. Whilst most people think of safaris when they think of our home continent and rightly so, its cities should not be overlooked. Here are our favourite combinations of city and safari to whet your travel appetite.

Combo 1: Cape Town and Garden Route, South Africa 

This duo is a delightful mix of scenery, safari and experiences that will leave you wanting more.

South Africa’s Mother City 

Cape Town is South Africa‘s oldest city, affectionately known as The Mother City, and lauded worldwide for its diversity. It also happens to be where our Rhino Africa HQ is! 

Think of Cape Town, and you’re likely picturing the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain. But wrapped around this impressive mountain is a lively city with inviting sights, sounds, smells, and smiles that will steal your heart. In fact, it frequently does, with people from across the country and world packing up their lives to move to the city once they’ve had their first taste.

Why We Love it

• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is an entertainment, dining and shopping mecca
• Award-winning restaurants and wine farms 
• Vibrant nightlife scene with trendy cocktail bars, nightclubs and late night restaurants  
• Combination of mountains, vineyards, ocean and city 
• Historical significance and lots of art galleries like Zeitz MOCAA

Paired with…

South Africa’s Garden of Eden 

The Garden Route‘s name says it all. It’s lush, flourishing, and appetising, with landscapes offering plenty of adventure. You can easily combine Big 5 safaris at the many game reserves with your stay in Cape Town. 

Whether you decide to fly to George Airport and drive from there or take the road trip along this stunning route, you won’t regret spending as much time as possible in this neck of the woods. Plus, it’s malaria-free, so you can travel with the whole family, no matter how young or old they are.

Why We Love it

• A malaria-free safari area, ideal for families with the elderly, pregnant women, or small children
• Add an ocean safari to your Big 5 safari when the whales are in town (July to November)
• So much to do, including hiking, biking, canoeing, boating, safari and bungee jumping
• Golfing opportunities at award-winning courses 
• Mediterranean-like weather, so pleasant year-round, with the “mildest climate” in South Africa 

Combo 2: Joburg and Kruger, South Africa 

Combine South Africa’s largest city and most prominent safari destination, and you have a delightful concoction.

The City of Gold

The city that never sleeps, the city of gold, Jozi…it goes by many names, but one thing’s for sure – there’s nothing underwhelming about this city. It’s big, it’s bold, and it packs a punch 9a. 

Whether you’re travelling for work, play, or a little bit of both, Johannesburg is the epicentre of business and entertainment. It’s also a retail therapy mecca, with large-scale, high-end shops and all the glamour your heart could desire.

Why We Love it

• A very modern city with plenty of excellent shopping centres, in particular in the affluent neighbourhood of Sandton
• Rich in history and culture, with the Apartheid Museum, Hector Pieterson Museum, and Nelson Mandela’s home on Vilakazi Street in Soweto all being must-see attractions
• Very accessible, with the country’s biggest airport, O.R Tambo International Airport, found here
• Award-winning restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightclubs
• Sun City Resort is an entertainment hub for the whole family

Paired with…

The Safari Mecca

Blending seamlessly with Joburg for your holiday, the nearby Kruger National Park is the king of all Big 5 game reserves in the country. Its vast bush attracts travellers from around the world to go on game drives and see how many famous wildlife stars they can spot. 

One of these includes the elusive leopard, a big cat that’s usually rare to see in the wild, but in the luxury private game reserves like Sabi Sand, you’re almost guaranteed to see not just one but a few! The accommodation options here are also top-tier, such as the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge, Silvan Safari.

Why We Love it

• The private game reserves offer more exclusive safari experiences and ultra-luxurious accommodation
• Famous for its leopard sightings and overall high wildlife population density
• Over 147 mammal, 517 bird and 1,982 plant species 
• It’s the largest and most well-known safari region in South Africa
• Activities in private reserves include game drives, night safaris, walking safaris an photo safaris

Combo 3: Nairobi and Maasai Mara, Kenya  

Mix one of Africa’s most prominent nature reserves with Kenya’s colourful capital, and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect East African holiday.

Gateway to Kenya

Kenya’s capital and transport hub, Nairobi, is a must-visit if you’re looking for city and safari tours in Africa, with the added bonus of a picturesque setting and plenty of culture too.

In fact, it’s here that author Karen Blixen wrote her famous memoir “Out of Africa”, which was later made into a film. You’ll recognise some of the settings from the scenes if you’re familiar with the film. Not only is it a great shopping and entertainment city, but the closest national park is a mere 7km away! 

Why We Love it

• Set against the backdrop of the two biggest mountains in Africa, namely Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya 
• Close to the country’s best game reserves like Maasai Mara, and only 7km from Nairobi National Park
• Get your dose of culture at Kenya’s National Museum, the Karen Blixen Museum, or learn more about conservation at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
• Bustling restaurant and nightlife scenes to explore 
• Shopping at the Maasai Market for gifts and souvenirs

Paired with…

Setting of The Great Migration

Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve is the classic East African safari image often depicted on postcards. With vast savannah as far as the eye can see, peppered with flat-topped acacia trees, and sunsets that paint everything in a magical red-orange glow, it’s one of our favourite safari destinations.

It’s also host to part of the Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest followed by zebra and gazelle journey through Kenya and Tanzania in search of greener pastures.

Why We Love it

• The Great Migration passes through here (seasonal)
• One of our personal favourite activities is a hot air balloon safari followed by a bubbly breakfast 
• The rich local Maasai culture will fascinate you 
• Home to the Big 5, cheetah, plenty of birdlife, and more than 100 mammal species 
• The luxury tented camps you can stay at are positioned to give you the best view of the wildlife 

Combo 4: Pretoria and Madikwe, South Africa

Another urban and wildlife medley, the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and suburban city of Pretoria, is perfect for more low-key city and safari tours.

Laid-back City Life

Pretoria is Johannesburg’s sister city, but they have their own unique charms. Whereas Joburg is all about big city lights and action, Pretoria takes a quieter approach. 

We love the jacaranda-lined streets flourishing with purple blossoms in spring, giving it a softer appearance than the Joburg concrete jungle. 

Why We Love it

• The Pretoria National Botanical Garden features some of South Africa’s best indigenous plant life to admire 
• The Voortrekker Monument, a 40-metre-tall building, offers splendid views over the city
• Perfect if you want to do some shopping but on a smaller scale 
• Many restaurants and food markets to explore 
• Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum 

Paired with…

Magical Malaria-Free Madikwe 

Madikwe Game Reserve is a conservation success story. It started as a low-yielding cattle farm, but today it boasts healthy wildlife populations, including the Big 5, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, antelope, the endangered African wild dog, and more. 

Because it’s a private reserve, you can venture off-road to get up close to the wildlife and go on night drives and bush walks. We love Madikwe because it’s so family-friendly, making it ideal for a holiday with your little ones.

Why We Love it

• A malaria-free region so perfect for families travelling with small children, the elderly or pregnant women
• Plenty of wildlife species, including the Big 5 and more than 10,000 mammals
• Over 350 bird species in the reserve 
• Unique location set on the edges of the Kalahari 
• Many luxury lodges to choose from, including excellent family-friendly options 

Ready to Start Planning Your City and Safari Tours? 

Let’s tailor the perfect city and safari tours for you! We’ll plan it according to your likes, dislikes, preferences, and who you’re travelling with. 

As the World’s Best Safari Company, we make it our business to know the ins and outs of our continent’s top destinations, accommodation options, and activities. Contact our Travel Experts today, and let’s start planning! 

Are you dreaming of jungle and ocean safaris? Ready to channel your inner Tarzan or Jane and go gorilla trekking through the wild rainforests? Or do you want to dive into warm waves to explore the kaleidoscopic, mysterious underwater world? Well, why choose when in Africa, you can have both! We share our personal favourite jungle and ocean safaris hand-picked by our Travel Experts.

An Unusual But Winning Match

Some of life’s greatest matches are unlikely pairs, like peanut butter and jelly, bacon and banana, and jungle and ocean safaris. And in East Africa, you can easily combine the two.

From gorilla trekking in Rwanda, followed by swimming in predator-free Lake Kivu found in the same country, to Uganda and the Republic of Congo primate trekking before jumping over to Tanzania‘s shores to visit Zanzibar, a chain of islands in the warm Indian Ocean, your jungle and ocean safari awaits!

It’s a Jungle out There – The Best Kind

Imagine trekking up steep emerald forested hills, smelling the wet soil, hearing a symphony of bird songs, watching butterfly wings flapping overhead, and anticipation building in you of what will await when you break through the bushes. This is Africa, where any wild thing could greet you…Here are the best places for trekking through rainforests that will easily combine with beachside relaxation.

Gorilla Trekking in East Africa

Gorilla trekking in East Africa is one of our favourite things to do on our continent – no, scrap that – in the world! It’s a truly exclusive experience few are ever privy to enjoy. There are only a handful of places to still see the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, all of which are found in East Africa.

With only around 900 of these animals left on Earth, it’s also very important that we protect the species. And you get to contribute to that when you go gorilla trekking as you’ll have to buy a permit, with those proceeds directly going to safeguarding these remarkable primates.

Remarkable Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of our top destinations to recommend to our guests if they want a gorilla trekking adventure. It offers the most accessible trekking opportunities, plus you can combine it with a lakeside stay…more on that later.

It’s also famous for being where Dian Fossey studied the endangered mountain gorilla and their human-like behaviour for 20 years. Later, this is also where “Gorillas in the Mist” was filmed. And still today, many celebrities flock to this unique slice of Africa to admire the primates, including Ellen DeGeneres, whose wife, Portia de Rossi, opened the Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Rwanda as a birthday gift for Ellen, which works to further protect the primates.

There are so many luxury lodges to choose from, and many of them offer incredible wellness experiences as a cherry on top of an already unbelievable holiday.

Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you can also see the chimpanzee and other primate species
• Coffee and tea tastings and tours in the plantations
• Wellness experiences at luxury lodges
• The capital Kigali is one of the safest and cleanest African cities, with lots to see and do

Utopian Uganda

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is not as popular as Rwanda yet, but one of our favourite best-kept secrets. The country shelters half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, allowing you to meet them and chimpanzees face to face.

Plus, you can see other remarkable creatures here, like elephants, unique tree-climbing lions, over 350 bird species, bushbuck, African golden cats, giant forest hogs, and more.

There’s also a lot of sightseeing and activities you can enjoy, from game drives to white water rafting.

Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including seeing the famous tree-climbing lions
• Visit the beautiful Murchison Falls
• The Mountains of the Moon and visiting the source of the Nile River in Jinja, where you can enjoy water activities like white water rafting

Captivating Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo is lesser known among international tourists when compared to Rwanda and Uganda However, it’s got so much to offer! Firstly, you can see the critically endangered western lowland gorilla here. It’s also home to the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon!

You can go gorilla trekking in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a recognised UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can see Central Africa’s biggest elephant population, over 400 bird species, forest buffalo, chimpanzees, and mangabey. In fact, there are more than 16 primate species living here! The plant life is also remarkable, with an impressive 4,400 plant species growing in the park.

For your dose of culture, visit the capital city, Brazzaville. Set on the banks of the Congo River, it has a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere with plenty of architecture, markets, and more to peruse.

Highlights

• Here you’ll find the second-largest rainforest in the whole world
• Explore the culturally-rich Brazzaville, the capital city, set on the banks of the Congo River
• Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers plenty of wildlife-viewing activities like gorilla trekking, day and night game drives, boat safaris and forest walks
• Unique opportunity to see the critically endangered western lowland gorilla
• The Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve

From Trekking to Tanning in East Africa

As much as we love adventure, we also like to relax. It’s your holiday, after all! Well, in many of East Africa’s top destinations, it’s easy for us to tailor-make a tour that combines a gorilla trekking experience in the jungle with a tranquil lake- or beachside breakaway.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Rwanda‘s biggest lake, and sixth largest globally, Lake Kivu, is unexpectedly located in this jungle destination. With sandy shores and waters that are safe to swim in – free from crocodiles and hippos – it’s the perfect destination for some downtime after your gorilla trekking experience.

The lakeside town of Rubavu is super close to Volcanoes National Park, only about an hour’s drive, so you don’t need to sacrifice more time to travel. You can expect a vibey atmosphere with many hotels, bars, and more to explore.

You can go kayaking on the river, hiking or mountain biking in the area, or simply lounge in the sun while sipping on a cocktail (or two!).

Highlights

• Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Africa
• Easy lakeside add-on to your gorilla trekking experience
• Predator-free waters perfect for swimming
• Many water- and land-based activities, or you can simply relax on the beach
• Lots of hotels, restaurants and trendy bars to explore

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Ah, Zanzibar. A chain of islands famous for its seaside resorts and ancient architecture, we love the combination of culture and slow-living island life it offers. Fun fact, Freddy Mercury was born here in the capital Stone Town.

It baffles many of our guests when they find out that this paradise exists in East Africa. Plus, personally, we think it offers a better experience than the Mediterranean! Especially, if you love a quieter cultural beach escape. Picture swathes of talcum sand lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, with traditional dhow sailboats floating serenely in the distance. The culture is also a fascinating mix of Arab and Swahili influences.

It’s the perfect add-on to your gorilla trekking experience. And while you’re at it, why not add a Great Migration safari (seasonal) in Tanzania‘s Serengeti National Park?

Highlights

• Stone Town is a cultural hub featuring Indo-Arabian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Forodhani Gardens’ night market and delicious local and fresh seafood
• Located only 40 km from Tanzania’s mainland, making it very accessible
• Plenty of spectacular beaches and resorts
• Jozani Forest trails

Lamu Island, Kenya

A culturally and historically rich part of Kenya, Lamu Island is also home to incredible beach-front accommodation, offering barefoot luxury in combination with your East Africa gorilla trekking and safari adventure.

We recommend you add a stop-over in Maasai Mara National Reserve for a Great Migration safari (seasonal) while you’re here as well.

Whether you’re learning more about the history and culture,  sailing in a traditional dhow boat, snorkelling, or simply lazing on the beach, it’s the perfect laidback ending to your African holiday.

Highlights

• Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was given this title because it has the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa
• Shela is a popular tourist beachside destination
• Sailing on a traditional dhow boat
• Plenty of watersports to enjoy
• Unique architecture, tombs and mosques to see

Let’s Plan Your Jungle and Ocean Safaris Today

Ready to experience the best of both worlds? Our jungle and ocean safaris will tick every box! Whatever combination you prefer, you can take your pick! Because in Africa, anything’s possible. Contact our Travel Experts today, and let’s start planning!

Are you dreaming of jungle and ocean safaris? Ready to channel your inner Tarzan or Jane and go gorilla trekking through the wild rainforests? Or do you want to dive into warm waves to explore the kaleidoscopic, mysterious underwater world? Well, why choose when in Africa, you can have both! We share our personal favourite jungle and ocean safaris hand-picked by our Travel Experts.

An Unusual But Winning Match

Some of life’s greatest matches are unlikely pairs, like peanut butter and jelly, bacon and banana, and jungle and ocean safaris. And in East Africa, you can easily combine the two.

From gorilla trekking in Rwanda, followed by swimming in predator-free Lake Kivu found in the same country, to Uganda and the Republic of Congo primate trekking before jumping over to Tanzania‘s shores to visit Zanzibar, a chain of islands in the warm Indian Ocean, your jungle and ocean safari awaits!

It’s a Jungle out There – The Best Kind

Imagine trekking up steep emerald forested hills, smelling the wet soil, hearing a symphony of bird songs, watching butterfly wings flapping overhead, and anticipation building in you of what will await when you break through the bushes. This is Africa, where any wild thing could greet you…Here are the best places for trekking through rainforests that will easily combine with beachside relaxation.

Gorilla Trekking in East Africa

Gorilla trekking in East Africa is one of our favourite things to do on our continent – no, scrap that – in the world! It’s a truly exclusive experience few are ever privy to enjoy. There are only a handful of places to still see the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, all of which are found in East Africa.

With only around 900 of these animals left on Earth, it’s also very important that we protect the species. And you get to contribute to that when you go gorilla trekking as you’ll have to buy a permit, with those proceeds directly going to safeguarding these remarkable primates.

Remarkable Rwanda

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of our top destinations to recommend to our guests if they want a gorilla trekking adventure. It offers the most accessible trekking opportunities, plus you can combine it with a lakeside stay…more on that later.

It’s also famous for being where Dian Fossey studied the endangered mountain gorilla and their human-like behaviour for 20 years. Later, this is also where “Gorillas in the Mist” was filmed. And still today, many celebrities flock to this unique slice of Africa to admire the primates, including Ellen DeGeneres, whose wife, Portia de Rossi, opened the Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Rwanda as a birthday gift for Ellen, which works to further protect the primates.

There are so many luxury lodges to choose from, and many of them offer incredible wellness experiences as a cherry on top of an already unbelievable holiday.

Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Visit Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you can also see the chimpanzee and other primate species
• Coffee and tea tastings and tours in the plantations
• Wellness experiences at luxury lodges
• The capital Kigali is one of the safest and cleanest African cities, with lots to see and do

Utopian Uganda

Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is not as popular as Rwanda yet, but one of our favourite best-kept secrets. The country shelters half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, allowing you to meet them and chimpanzees face to face.

Plus, you can see other remarkable creatures here, like elephants, unique tree-climbing lions, over 350 bird species, bushbuck, African golden cats, giant forest hogs, and more.

There’s also a lot of sightseeing and activities you can enjoy, from game drives to white water rafting.

Highlights

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including seeing the famous tree-climbing lions
• Visit the beautiful Murchison Falls
• The Mountains of the Moon and visiting the source of the Nile River in Jinja, where you can enjoy water activities like white water rafting

Captivating Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo is lesser known among international tourists when compared to Rwanda and Uganda However, it’s got so much to offer! Firstly, you can see the critically endangered western lowland gorilla here. It’s also home to the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon!

You can go gorilla trekking in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a recognised UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can see Central Africa’s biggest elephant population, over 400 bird species, forest buffalo, chimpanzees, and mangabey. In fact, there are more than 16 primate species living here! The plant life is also remarkable, with an impressive 4,400 plant species growing in the park.

For your dose of culture, visit the capital city, Brazzaville. Set on the banks of the Congo River, it has a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere with plenty of architecture, markets, and more to peruse.

Highlights

• Here you’ll find the second-largest rainforest in the whole world
• Explore the culturally-rich Brazzaville, the capital city, set on the banks of the Congo River
• Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers plenty of wildlife-viewing activities like gorilla trekking, day and night game drives, boat safaris and forest walks
• Unique opportunity to see the critically endangered western lowland gorilla
• The Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve

From Trekking to Tanning in East Africa

As much as we love adventure, we also like to relax. It’s your holiday, after all! Well, in many of East Africa’s top destinations, it’s easy for us to tailor-make a tour that combines a gorilla trekking experience in the jungle with a tranquil lake- or beachside breakaway.

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Rwanda‘s biggest lake, and sixth largest globally, Lake Kivu, is unexpectedly located in this jungle destination. With sandy shores and waters that are safe to swim in – free from crocodiles and hippos – it’s the perfect destination for some downtime after your gorilla trekking experience.

The lakeside town of Rubavu is super close to Volcanoes National Park, only about an hour’s drive, so you don’t need to sacrifice more time to travel. You can expect a vibey atmosphere with many hotels, bars, and more to explore.

You can go kayaking on the river, hiking or mountain biking in the area, or simply lounge in the sun while sipping on a cocktail (or two!).

Highlights

• Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Central Africa
• Easy lakeside add-on to your gorilla trekking experience
• Predator-free waters perfect for swimming
• Many water- and land-based activities, or you can simply relax on the beach
• Lots of hotels, restaurants and trendy bars to explore

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Ah, Zanzibar. A chain of islands famous for its seaside resorts and ancient architecture, we love the combination of culture and slow-living island life it offers. Fun fact, Freddy Mercury was born here in the capital Stone Town.

It baffles many of our guests when they find out that this paradise exists in East Africa. Plus, personally, we think it offers a better experience than the Mediterranean! Especially, if you love a quieter cultural beach escape. Picture swathes of talcum sand lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, with traditional dhow sailboats floating serenely in the distance. The culture is also a fascinating mix of Arab and Swahili influences.

It’s the perfect add-on to your gorilla trekking experience. And while you’re at it, why not add a Great Migration safari (seasonal) in Tanzania‘s Serengeti National Park?

Highlights

• Stone Town is a cultural hub featuring Indo-Arabian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Forodhani Gardens’ night market and delicious local and fresh seafood
• Located only 40 km from Tanzania’s mainland, making it very accessible
• Plenty of spectacular beaches and resorts
• Jozani Forest trails

Lamu Island, Kenya

A culturally and historically rich part of Kenya, Lamu Island is also home to incredible beach-front accommodation, offering barefoot luxury in combination with your East Africa gorilla trekking and safari adventure.

We recommend you add a stop-over in Maasai Mara National Reserve for a Great Migration safari (seasonal) while you’re here as well.

Whether you’re learning more about the history and culture,  sailing in a traditional dhow boat, snorkelling, or simply lazing on the beach, it’s the perfect laidback ending to your African holiday.

Highlights

• Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was given this title because it has the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa
• Shela is a popular tourist beachside destination
• Sailing on a traditional dhow boat
• Plenty of watersports to enjoy
• Unique architecture, tombs and mosques to see

Let’s Plan Your Jungle and Ocean Safaris Today

Ready to experience the best of both worlds? Our jungle and ocean safaris will tick every box! Whatever combination you prefer, you can take your pick! Because in Africa, anything’s possible. Contact our Travel Experts today, and let’s start planning!