Holidays in African countries are catching on with South Africans, not only because they are keen to see something of their own backyard, but because tourism in the Southern African Development Community region has become a positive way of supporting local economies and eco-friendly destinations.
Here is a selection to add to your "must see" list.
BOTSWANA
- Xakanaxa, in the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve north of Maun, was built on a lagoon in a region that encompasses riverine forests, open savannah, seasonal flood plains, permanent lagoons, rivers and the channels of the Okavango Delta.
There are 12 furnished tents with twin or double beds and en-suite showers and toilet facilities. Each has a private viewing deck.
The rate a person a night is R2 200 and includes meals, snacks, coffee, laundry, house wines, beer, park fees as well as activities such as mokoro (canoe) excursions or game drives and emergency medical evacuation insurance. Rates applicable only to SADC residents.
Charter flight: Maun/Xakanaxa/Maun R2 525 a person.
Call Reservations at 011 463 3999.
Call Xakanaxa Camp at 00 267 683 0221/3.
Websites: www.xakanaxa-camp.com, www.moremi-safaris.com
KENYA
- Loisaba in Kenya is in a 25 000ha private wildlife conservancy, with seven en-suite guest rooms opening on to private decks overlooking a waterhole.
The lodge has a pool, tennis courts, spa and numerous safari activities: game drives, horse riding, camel trekking, bush walks, quad biking, river rafting, fishing and mountain biking.
Rates start at R1 920 a day in low season and include game drives, horse and camel riding, guided bush walks, bush meals and sundowners, river rafting and fishing, tennis, croquet, swimming, cultural visits and airstrip transfers.
E-mail: [email protected]; website: www.loisaba.com
MOZAMBIQUE
- Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa in Cabo Delgado province is a modern oasis in a largely undeveloped area overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The new courtyard is a haven of rich furnishings and marbled bathrooms. The Niassa Bar is a social point while the Quirimbas Restaurant specialises in seafood, serving a blend of international and local dishes.
Activities include fishing, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking or water-skiing at the nearby Clube Naval. The Sanctuary Spa offers treatments ranging from Swedish massages to milk baths.
Rates start at about R1 145 a person a night.
NAMIBIA
- Wolwedans nestles among the desert dunes against a backdrop of great natural beauty in the heart of Namibia's NamibRand Nature Reserve. It's for nature-loving people in search of a holiday off the beaten track in luxurious accommodation.
Rates at camps vary, but start from R2 700 a night and include full board and most activities.
- Robin Pope Safaris, in Zambia's 10 000km2 South Luangwa National Park, is dominated by the Luangwa River with a lagoon system and riverine woodlands. It offers excellent game viewing, both on foot or by vehicle, including elephants, some of the continent's best leopard viewing, lion, buffalo and, more recently, a resurgence of the wild dog population plus more than 400 bird species.
There are three 12-bed bush camps, a couple of luxury safari houses and two- to five-day walking safaris with a mobile camp. Robin Pope Safaris recently opened a luxury lodge on Lake Malawi, Pumulani, and offers a bush and beach experience.
Peak season rates: three days at Nkwali Safari Camp (with transfers from Lusaka to Mfuwe) R10 010. Green season: R8 250. Continue to Pumulani on Lake Malawi, stay for six days, pay for five with transfers from Lilongwe to Monkey Bay, R20 620.
- Toka Leya Camp overlooks the Zambezi River, with the islands in front of the camp forming part of the braided channels of the river, with rapids, a main channel and dense vegetation.
It consists of 12 spacious en-suite safari-style tents with wooden walkways snaking between the units and main area. African decor in earthy hues, climate-control, wooden decks with views of the Zambezi and its pods of grunting hippo.
Rates: From R3 700 a person, including all meals, local drinks, laundry and specified lodge activities.
ZIMBABWE
- Elephant Hills Resort offers a blend of luxury and wilderness, 4km from the Victoria Falls. It has an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player and many sporting facilities, including Zimbabwe's largest outdoor pool, tennis and squash courts.
Rates are from R1 040 a room on a B&B basis.
Call 011 442 0488.
- Prices may have changed since time of writing due to currency fluctuations.