Africa + Indian Ocean
If you’re an Africa first-timer, nothing can prepare you for the emotional impact of standing in this ancient landscape, face-to-face with its extraordinary wildlife.
And even if you have already visited parts of this amazing continent, every return journey delivers a new sense of wonder.
We have one client who has visited Africa over 20 times with us but still we can deliver something exciting and new. We just need to understand you and what you are looking for.
The region has developed out of all recognition over the three decades that we have worked there, and the proliferation of lodges, camps and hotels means that there’s more need than ever for help and guidance in designing a trip that’s exactly right for you.
Only someone who has personal experience of all the options can deliver a properly balanced itinerary…and, even more importantly, the best guides – because the choice of guide can make or break a private safari.
where to go with c+l in Africa+the Indian Ocean
destination spotlight (four to consider)
Uganda
best visited: July - oct
Uganda is an adventurous destination especially for those looking for something different. The incredible, lush and unspoilt habitat has not change one iota and it is still to many the most beautiful landscape in East Africa. The quality of the lodges and guiding is unrecognisable- still not on a par with the luxury of South Africa or Botswana but very comfortable and well-managed. The big draw to Uganda (and neighbouring Rwanda) are the primates and the more advance warning the better, as Mountain Gorilla permits are strictly limited. But for those who want to see East Africa with a difference Uganda without the gorillas delivers some really refreshing surprises and one of the warmest and most genuine welcomes in Africa.
morocco
best visited: feb - june
Clients return to us again and again to organise that very special holiday to a destination which they know that we understand. They also recognise that our knowledge on the ground means we can do much more. Every year we are asked by clients to organise parties or to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. There are few destinations are better suited to this sort of celebration than Morocco. It has the exoticism of the long haul destination but the accessibility for a shorter visit. It has a huge variety of accommodation, and we know the owners of the different riads, hotels and kasbahs who can deliver an perfect experience. Everyone has friends and family with their particular whims and fancies....we like to think that we can cater for all of them. Be it five people or one hundred, we can organise a very memorable party.
botswana
best visited: May - oct
This is where c+l started. And it still does not disappoint. Careful wildlife and habitat management has meant that a strict limit has been put on the number and type of lodges permitted. Yes, this does make a safari in the country expensive but it has meant that the wildlife and wilderness experience is second to none. Mokoros in the Okavango Delta, quad bikes in the desert and 'traditional' 4x4 game-viewing. For a honeymoon or anniversary, there is real luxury and very special private dinners will be set up in romantic spots. For a family there is the ability to do a traditional and very interactive safari. And for the serial Africa-phile, we have guides of a quality to open the eyes of even the most travelled or informed wildlife enthusiast.
seychelles
best visited: Feb - dec
To be honest, the Seychelles a decade ago did not offer value for money. Now, the best properties really are world class (although still expensive). Flights to South Africa and to Kenya mean that, for those with the budget, the Seychelles offers the best beach add-on to a safari holiday. Added to that the rich marine life means that, for divers and snorkellers, the safari holiday continues. For those who want more from their beach holiday, the ability to combine two or three very different islands is very easy and allows for fascinating variety of wildlife and habitats. The Seychelles is very unique with the small island culture and pace of life so appealing to those who love the pace of Africa.
