Extraordinary Africa

05/07/2024

House in the Wild is a wonderful lodge in a small private conservancy just to the north of the Masai Mara. There's seven 1 and 2 bedroom cottages at the main lodge, and there's the three fabulous private villas nearby - Amani with 7 bedrooms, a pool and a gym, Jamani with 5 bedrooms and Olmarei with 3 bedrooms in the main house and an additional 2 in the cottage next door alongside a huge pool. Each cottage and villa has their own unique style and the cottages at the main lodge are set up so you can be as private or as sociable with other guests (and the lovely owners) as you'd like. The villas tend to run separately to the main lodge so these are a brilliant option for families or groups travelling together.
As well as game drives, there's also the opportunity to head out on guided walks in the conservancy or try your hand at catch and release fishing in the Mara River. For an extra fee, we can also organise a beautiful hot air balloon trip or a thrilling heli ride over the plains. And one of the best bits? Each group of guests gets their own private safari vehicle and guide to make the most of your stay here.

🌍 House in the Wild, Enonkishu Conservancy, Mara, Kenya
ℹ For more information, visit https://wp.me/P31rVO-5Ax
📸 House in the Wild

17/06/2024

UK friends (or really anyone who's able to watch BBC iPlayer), if you want a joyous hour or so transporting you to Africa, we can so heartily recommend the latest series of the Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan- warm, funny, and very much like a friend reporting on their visit to Uganda, Rwanda and Madagascar. Well worth a watch.

Rom is taunted by chimps, risks his life in rapids and gets drunk on bananas in Uganda.

02/06/2024

Naibor Main Camp has had a beautiful revamp. The tents have all had a soft refurb whilst retaining their charm and character. There's also the addition of a lovely decking area complete with a sundowners bar, and making the most of the views across the Talek River.

🌍 Naibor Camps, Masai Mara, Kenya
ℹ For more information on Naibor, visit https://wp.me/P31rVO-3OW
📸 Naibor Camp

31/05/2024

Thinking of a family safari?

The beautiful family tent at Mchenja in the South Luangwa is just the spot to enjoy some seriously rewarding time together. With no wifi or phone signal, and just the sound of nearby wildlife, this is a lovely peaceful spot right on the banks of the Luangwa River. There's some of the finest game viewing in Zambia in South Luangwa, but Mchenja also has an array of family activities to keep all family members entertained and ensure that no one could possibly miss their screens...

🌍 Time + Tide Mchenja, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
ℹ For more information, visit https://wp.me/P31rVO-47r
📸 Time + Tide Africa

17/05/2024

June and July are two of our favourite months for visiting the Victoria Falls. It's just past peak flood season (where the Falls are so shrouded in spray and mist, it's virtually impossible to see them) yet there's still an impressive amount of water flowing over to make it a pretty incredible sight.

Visiting the Falls themselves only takes around half an hour but there's a vast array of activities that can be done to make the most of the scenery. Depending on your preferred adrenaline levels, these can range from peaceful sunset boat trips along the Zambezi to thrilling heli rides or microlight flights over the Falls. It's also known as one of the best places in the world to go white water rafting (water levels dependent).

Accessed from either the Zambia or the Zimbabwe side, visiting the Falls is the perfect detour if you're on safari in either of these countries, but they're also easily accessible from Botswana, Namibia and even South Africa. Follow the links below for our pick of some of the places to stay on each side.

🌍 Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe borders
ℹ For information on Vic Falls, Zambia side, visit: https://wp.me/P31rVO-kc
For Vic Falls, Zimbabwe, visit: https://wp.me/P31rVO-2kP

📸 Chundukwa River Lodge, Victoria Falls

10/05/2024

Sasaab is one of those breathtaking camps that ticks so many boxes. Not only is it wildly romantic and peaceful to suit honeymooners and couples, it's also perfectly set up for families.

Located in the Samburu Reserve, this is the place to come if you're an ellie lover, but also if you're after a truly authentic safari amongst the friendly Samburu community, and if you're keen on having an impressive array of activities to choose from. Alongside game drives, there's camel rides, walking safaris, quad biking excursions and for those wishing something extra special, there's the option to spend a night fly camping or even take a heli ride over the beautiful Samburuland (for an additional cost).

For a seriously rewarding and interesting experience, we'd highly recommend a visit to a Samburu manyatta or one of the local community projects Sasaab is involved in. There's also the chance to head to one of the colourful local markets if you happen to be there on the right day.

Activities for children are endless and the friendly Samburu warriors will happily teach them how to make a bow and arrow, or even a toothbrush. They will also arrange nature trails and even a mini Samburu Olympics.

🌍 Sasaab, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
ℹ For more information on Sasaab, visit https://wp.me/P31rVO-11i
📸 The Safari Collection

07/05/2024

Many of you have contacted us about the terrible flooding in Kenya, which has had a huge human cost across the country. The Masai Mara, which so many of us know and love, has not been spared. Bridges have been washed away and several camps along the Talek River have been seriously flooded. The amazing search and rescue team at the Mara Elephant Project have been incredible, rescuing staff and stranded guests from the flooding. More rain is on the way, and for those who have asked how they can help, there is information on how to donate here: https://maraelephantproject.org/donate/

25/04/2024

Watch this fabulous clip of David Attenborough reminiscing about visiting the mountain gorillas in Virunga, Rwanda back in the 1980s. Back then, the number of gorillas were dwindling fast and tensions were high between them and the local communities. Thankfully today, with a huge amount of hard work, the numbers are slowly increasing and this makes for a heart warming watch.

15/04/2024

A fun 10 minute distraction. Shamefully we got one wrong. Can you guess which?

From bog-standard tricolors to lavish multi-coloured sunbursts, Africa’s flags are mixed bag. But which country goes overboard on the stripes? Which has a deadly weapon on its flag? And which ones …

11/04/2024

We are big fans of fly camping - there's something wildly romantic about setting off on foot to your own private mobile camp, set up just for you. We can also confirm it's a pretty perfect proposal spot, but even if romance isn't on the cards, it's a brilliant way of learning a huge amount about the bush from the knowledgeable guides whilst sat around the evening campfire with a rewarding G&T in hand.

📸 Kicheche Camps

05/04/2024

Beautiful Lake Malawi is a real gem of a destination. With turquoise waters, peaceful beaches and gloriously rustic lodges, this is a wonderful place to come and while away the time after a hectic safari in Zambia. Our top tip? Head to tiny Likoma Island, just off the eastern shore, where you'll find Africa's largest cathedral and also one of our favourite lodges, Kaya Mawa.

Kaya Mawa has the perfect mix of rustic luxury. Its name means "maybe tomorrow" which epitomises this laid back corner where time really does slow down. Yet there's plenty to keep you occupied here, with canoes, SUPs, sailing dinghies, fishing, snorkelling equipment and scuba diving. If you'd rather stay on terra firma, there are mountain bikes, quads and quiet walking trails. The rooms and private lodges here are charming, each with their own individual style, so you may well find yourself happily staying put and gazing at the glorious views...

🌍 Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island, Lake Malawi, Malawi
ℹ For more info on Kaya Mawa, visit: https://wp.me/P31rVO-14W
📸 Kaya Mawa by Green Safaris Green Safaris

03/04/2024

If you're in the UK and didn't catch this on Easter Sunday, we can absolutely recommend checking out BBC's "Mammals" - nature never ceases to be amazing.

Mammals are everywhere. Sir David Attenborough reveals the ingenuity behind their success.

01/04/2024

Namibia is generally extremely cool, but how cool is this? Scorpions that glow in the dark! (As an aside, we're also told that diamonds gleam in the moonlight, so if you're on the Skeleton Coast, keep your eyes peeled).
Thank you to our friends at Anib Lodge for sharing this amazing photo.
📷

29/03/2024

It's not the *most* springlike weather starting off the Easter weekend here at EA HQ, so we're keeping warm dreaming of lovely Namibia and our pals at Mowani. Wishing we were there, right about now. Who's coming too?
📷

28/03/2024

Virunga Lodge has to be one of the most charming and beautiful lodges in Rwanda. Perched up on a ridge with incredible views out over the Volcanoes National Park, this is a great place to stay for gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking and hiking in the nearby area.

There are just 10 rooms here, all scattered along the hillside, all tastefully and traditionally decorated, and making the most of those views from every corner. The main area has a lounge, complete with crackling fire for those chillier evenings, and a communal dining table. There's also a fascinating map room, dedicated to Dian Fossey where you can learn more about the history and conservation efforts in the National Park.

🌍 Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
ℹ https://wp.me/P31rVO-1Eh
📸 Volcanoes Safaris - Luxury Lodges in Uganda and Rwanda

16/03/2024

This is the magical Greystoke Mahale in Tanzania.

Tucked away off the beaten track, this little corner of paradise is seriously worth the detour. After flying to Mahale, you'll hop onto the camp's dhow for a scenic trip to camp on the edge of Lake Tanganyika. Be prepared for the breathtaking views, and the peace and quiet (there are no vehicles or roads here). This is the place to come to enjoy being close to nature, whether that be pootling around in one of the canoes, out chimp trekking in the forest or simply taking it all in from the sandy beach.

The 6 rustic bandas were built from wood reclaimed from old dhows, bringing a distinct quirkiness, and all have wonderful views over the beach and lake. We'd stress this isn't the place to come if you're expecting super fast wifi and constant hot water, but we'd heartily recommend a good book and a refreshing dip in the lake instead.

🌍 Greystoke Mahale, Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania
ℹ For more information on Greystoke, visit https://wp.me/P31rVO-Pv
📸 Nomad Tanzania

12/03/2024

We are thrilled to announce that Alex has been named as one of Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists for the fourth year in a row. We love planning all of your wonderful trips to Africa so we’re beyond delighted that Alex has been recognised as one of the top travel experts from around the world.

https://www.cntraveler.com/contributor/alexandra-matts

08/03/2024

Not only is Dunia Camp a fabulous camp, it’s also leading the way in female employment in the safari world. In a historically male dominated industry, this camp is solely run by women, from the safari guides and security officers, to the chefs, housekeepers and managers. It’s always been incredibly difficult for females to find careers in roles perceived to be too difficult for them, such as safari guiding where they need to know how to fix issues with the vehicles, let alone being able to drive in a country where few women do.
The Dunia Angels, as they’re affectionally known, often leave their families for months on end to work in this challenging environment, yet they make it seem effortless, and their sheer determination to succeed along with their love of the bush is evident in the strong bonds they form, not just amongst themselves but also with all the guests fortunate enough to experience this heart warming camp.

ℹ Dunia Camp, Central Serengeti, Tanzania
🌍 For more information on Dunia, visit: https://wp.me/P31rVO-3Si
📸 Asilia Africa Dunia Camp | Asilia Africa

16/02/2024

After a mammoth relocation task, black rhinos have now returned to the Loisaba Conservancy in Kenya for the first time in 50 years...these pictures show the incredible work that went on behind the scenes to make this happen.

The Kenya Wildlife Service has successfully translocated 21 eastern black rhinos to a region where they have not roamed for 50 years. Here’s how they caught, transported and released these critically endangered creatures to their new home

09/02/2024

Wilderness with Simon Reeve is off to the Kalahari this Sunday evening on BBC 2. Exploring this vast expanse of land, Simon encounters the wildebeest migration and catches up with local San hunter-gatherers to learn more about this incredible part of southern Africa. Well worth a watch!

Simon Reeve crosses the parched Kalahari Desert in southern Africa.

04/02/2024

We try not to have favourites here, but it's hard when you have lodges such as Sarara, which is, quite frankly, our idea of perfect. There's the jaw dropping views, the wonderful local Samburu people, a seriously lovely lodge and to top it all off, they're heavily invested in local conservation work.

Sarara is in the vast Namunyak Conservancy, which, thanks to conservation efforts, is now the home to Kenya's second largest elephant population, and the largest number of reticulated giraffe. The lodge has been built to make the most of the sweeping views across to the Matthews Range, using authentic materials but to a seriously high standard. There are six tents here, each with an amazing open air bathroom (you might even be lucky enough to spot an ellie wandering by within metres of your shower!) and large verandas to sit and while away the time.

There's also the beautiful Sarara House, a private house with two bedrooms, its own dining and seating area and a large plunge pool - perfect for families or those travelling in a group.

ℹ For more information on Sarara, vist https://wp.me/P31rVO-3Ul
🌍 Sarara Lodge, Namunyak Conservancy, Northern Kenya
📸 Sarara Camp

25/01/2024

There's been a huge amount of work done behind the scenes and it's taken years to bring this to reality so it's amazing to hear such good news.

Once found all over Africa, there are now only two northern white rhinos left due to poaching. The two females are being kept under extremely close guard at Ol Pejeta in Kenya and scientists, as part of the Biorescue project, are now attempting everything to save the species from complete extinction.

We have our fingers and toes crossed! 🤞🦏

A fertility breakthrough offers hope for saving the northern white rhino from extinction.

18/01/2024

Kufadza is one of Zambia's newest anti-poaching units. It's also Zambia's first all-female group in an attempt to combat the large gender imbalance in wildlife conservation. Read all about the women behind this groundbreaking team.

Protecting threatened species in the Lower Zambezi national park was traditionally a man’s role. Now the country’s first all-female conservation squad is bringing a new perspective to the fight

11/01/2024

Read all about this wonderful honeymoon to Zanzibar and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Such a magical way to spend Christmas and New Year (even with us frantically trying to help on Christmas Day when their flights were cancelled!)

Shooting Star Lodge and Basecamp Explorer couldn't have been more welcoming. Thank you for making this honeymoon Extraordinary.

Daisy and Harry had a magical honeymoon over Christmas and New Year, starting on the beach in Zanzibar before flying to the Masai Mara for a safari. Read on to hear all about it. I don’t even know …

07/01/2024

A lovely article on gorilla habituation and all the work that goes in behind the scenes before we are able to trek them:

A wildlife cameraman's close encounter with a silverback as he filmed a process designed to save the species.

25/12/2023

Wishing all our clients, suppliers, friends and followers a very Merry Christmas! We've had such fun planning all your wonderful adventures over the past year (it's been a busy one!) and we're now raring to go for the New Year.

We're taking a couple of days' break but otherwise we're here, and ready to help plan your next trip to Africa.

📸 Time + Tide Africa

05/12/2023

Whilst we shiver away here in the UK, Alex has managed to escape to balmy Namibia. This is the incredible Fish River Lodge where she's spending the next two nights (we're not in the least bit jealous...)

Perched right on the edge of the impressive Fish River Canyon, this is the place for serious views, glorious walks, drives into the canyon, fat biking along the canyon rim and cosy sundowners by the crackling fire.

🌍 Fish River Lodge, Seeheim, Namibia
ℹ For more information on the lodge, visit https://wp.me/P31rVO-2dL
📸 Fish River Lodge

24/11/2023

So lovely to read about Jealous Mpofu's incredible work for the Painted Dog Conservation in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. He's such a worthy winner of the Tusk Ranger of the Year award.

Jealous Mpofu wins Tusk’s ranger of the year award for his work with a maligned and misunderstood species

18/11/2023

The legendary Namib Desert is a vast expanse of red sand dunes and parched desert ripe for exploring, whether by foot, by car, on a quad bike, on a fat bike (don't worry, they're electric!) or even from above in a hot air balloon.

Little Kulala makes the most of its incredible location with sweeping views across to the Nakluft Mountains, but it's also perfectly located for entry into the national park. The lodge itself is incredibly stylish, with 11 large suites (including one family unit) complete with their own plunge pools and a roll out bed on the terrace for those who fancy a wonderful night's sleep under the stars.

🌍 Wilderness Little Kulala, Sesriem, Namibia
ℹ https://wp.me/P31rVO-1gv
📸 Wilderness

16/11/2023

"Offbeat Ndoto was incredible - we saw cheetah with cubs, leopard, so much lion drama and everything else we could have wanted to see. Accommodation was amazing, the food was gorgeous and it was very sociable."

With just four tents, Ndoto is a tiny, yet big hearted, camp in the quieter Mara North Conservancy. As well as game drives within the conservancy, there's also the opportunity to head into the main Mara Reserve on a walking safari or even to catch the wildebeest migration. This is also a fabulous spot to take to the skies in a hot air balloon and experience the magic of a Mara sunrise from the air. Ndoto also cater for younger safari goers with activities galore, from fishing and archery, to beading with the local Maasai and baking in the camp's kitchen.

🌍 Offbeat Ndoto, Mara North Conservancy, Masai Mara, Kenya
ℹ For more information on Offbeat Ndoto: https://wp.me/P31rVO-3Rc
📸 Offbeat Safaris