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Botswana 
Cameroon 
Central African Republic 
Democratic Republic of Congo 
Gabon 
Kenya 
Madagascar 
Malawi 
Namibia 
Uganda 
Republic of Congo 
Rwanda 
South Africa 
Tanzania 
Zambia 
Zimbabwe Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor-made itinerary I create.
Over the years, I’ve organised trips for the BBC, CNN and National Geographic, handling complex logistics throughout East, South and Central Africa. But some of my most memorable moments have come by chance, like the time I “stumbled” across the migration, out of season in a remote reserve. Over a million wildebeest, just my guide and me. I’ve learned that the best sightings often come when you least expect them.
For me, nowhere does big game and big landscapes quite like Kenya. The more exclusive, private reserves around the Masai Mara give you the safari of your mind’s eye – huge rolling plains filled with wildlife under an impossibly large sky. Elephants kicking up dust in the setting sun, hearing lions roar at night, whilst sharing stories around the campfire.
Spend time driving, cycling, quad-biking, canoeing or flying through the highlands of Laikipia. Kenya is also home to the enigmatic Samburu communities, whose stories breathe life into the landscape, where wild dogs and rhino find sanctuary.
After all this adventure, wash the dust off your boots on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Discover marine safaris, diving, sailing, paddleboarding, or just soak up the Swahili atmosphere with a cold drink. Be amazed by the wildlife, be charmed by the most intuitive, welcoming hosts in Africa.
For something as surreal as it is spectacular, head to Madagascar. Start in Namoroka National Park, where rare sifakas and elusive aye-ayes move through the dramatic Tsingy. Spot giant Oustalet’s and tiny Brookesia chameleons, and search for Madagascar’s only large predator: the fossa.
Next, explore the spiny forests of Mandrare River, where lemurs dance among octopus trees and ancient tombs lie hidden in baobab groves. Journey farther afield to flamingo-filled lakes, towering sand dunes, and kaleidoscopic markets alive with sound and colour.
End on the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar’s last untouched rainforest, rumoured to contain half of the country’s flora and fauna. Walk among giant butterflies, ruffed lemurs, and panther chameleons, or kayak in the Bay of Antongil, a haven for humpback whales. A wild expedition!
These two tiny volcanic islands off the west coast of Africa look like something out of Jurassic Park. There are tropical forests, ancient vine-covered ruins and wildlife so unique it has been dubbed the Galapagos of Africa.
I’d start in Sao Tome and soak up the Portuguese influence, the faded grandeur of the town buildings and the vibrant markets whilst hoping to catch a local Tchiloli performance. I’d then fly to the smaller island, Principe, a UNESCO biosphere, to explore colourful tropical forests, littered with crumbling plantations, spectacular water falls and endemic birds.
I’d finish with some diving and snorkelling off the sublime beaches, where turtles come ashore to lay eggs. I’d then finally embarrass myself with a surf lesson set up through local charity SOMA, which supports disadvantaged young women through surf therapy.
Shielding my eyes from the West African sun, it is not the red and yellow harlequins that catch my eye. Nor is it the pink feathered dancers, reeling through the crowd or the boys wrapped from head to toe in coloured cloth, like psychedelic mummies. What really holds my attention is the 40-foot-high model spider, complete with fangs and hair, riding a two headed snake.
“For luck,” says my guide Justin, as he bends down to pick up a pinch of dust by the side of the road. He places it carefully in his pocket. I find out later that such is the Malagasy love of home that whenever they leave, they take a small handful of soil with them to ensure their safe return.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
The Africa team at Steppes Travel are considered to be the most experienced Africa experts in the travel industry. With more years of hands on African experience than they care to remember, they have run and managed safari lodges in East Africa, qualified as safari guides in Southern Africa, pioneered new expeditions in Central and West Africa and worked on conservation projects throughout the continent.
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