Swim with an elephant: a first in Mozambique from £2,702 pp with Expert Africa

February 6, 2012

Extraordinary in the extreme: last week an elephant swam and played happily in newly-opened Nuarro beach lodge’s bay, only a short distance from the beach (fantastic hi-res images available). Expert Africa’s MD, Chris McIntyre – who has travelled extensively in southern Africa over the past 25 years – has never seen an elephant in the ocean, and very rarely even heard of it, especially not in Mozambique where game parks have had a hard time historically. Stay in seductive rustic simplicity here in the Nampula Province, where there’s a strong focus on eco-tourism, a dive centre and dhow trips.

First fly-camping in Zambia’s Emerald Season, from £2,775 pp with Expert Africa

January 31, 2012

If you’ve only experienced Africa when all is dry, you’ll be amazed by Zambia’s Emerald Season. A hugely underrated time to travel, not only is it the most spectacular period (the bush is lush and the air is crystal-clear), but also the best value. The legendary Robin Pope is offering a first this year: throughout April only, you can fly-camp in the Luangwa Valley, exploring by boat and reaching areas inaccessible to most as roads are often un-passable with the high waters. A seven-night trip is from £2,775 pp (minimum two sharing, maximum four) including flights from Heathrow to Lusaka, accommodation in very stylish camps, all meals (except overnight in Lusaka which is B&B), most drinks, safari activities, laundry and internal transfers.

Expert Africa releases 2012-13 brochure

January 24, 2012

Safari specialist’s 2011-12 brochure includes emerging areas in Mozambique

Another impressive tome of knowledge, Expert Africa’s new 2012-13 brochure reinforces the company’s position as the Southern Africa specialist.  New options are present across the brochure, but below are some of the most newsworthy additions, including Mozambique’s fast-emerging mainland and new options on Lake Malawi and in the Serengeti.

+Emerging: mainland Mozambique

2011 was the year that Mozambique’s mainland caught up with its islands.  Gorongosa National Park was once one of Africa’s finest national parks. However, the civil war which raged through the 1980s and early ‘90s shattered its game populations. It’s been slowly recovering since, and now game densities are good and getting better.  Elephant, crocodile and lion are increasingly encountered; it’s now an excellent safari destination for 2012.  

New internal flights make reaching it much easier and from 2012, Expert Africa is offering walking safaris there via local camp Explore Gorongosa, whose safari tents have been greatly upgraded for 2012.