Travel Expert
Angola 
Benin 
Botswana 
Cameroon 
Central African Republic 
Democratic Republic of Congo 
Djibouti 
Gabon 
Kenya 
Madagascar 
Malawi 
Uganda 
Republic of Congo 
Rwanda 
South Africa 
Tanzania 
Togo 
Zambia 
Zimbabwe Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.
25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.
Who knew I’d find mermaids in Cameroon or share a drink with ghosts in the Congo? Where else but in Africa, could I step foot on the Eighth Continent or be stepped on by a mountain gorilla? It took 10 years of safaris before I saw a leopard, ironically, from the bar in one of Botswana’s luxury lodges. Longer still before I saw the migration, which was out of season and without the crowds. Every time I go back it is both familiar and new although I am ever hopeful that one day, I will finally get to see a pangolin.
After a journey through the private reserves of Kruger, I arrived in KwaZulu Natal. The previous week had delivered exceptional big five viewings, cutting edge, luxury eco-lodges and some of the best cuisine South Africa has to offer. It was hard not to be impressed. I was ready however, to shift the single-minded focus of the big five to a broader wilderness experience. Often overlooked as a safari destination, KwaZulu Natal proved to be a dazzling adventure.
After loading the luggage into our Land Rover, we begin our drive through Mfuwe – an unassuming town which borders Zambia’s most famous park, South Luangwa. Stephen tells me he has lived in the area, known locally as ‘The Valley’, his whole life. His own family and his children are all close by. I ask what he likes most about working here, an area that’s famous for its pioneering walking safaris and spectacular wildlife.
The World Heritage Site of Andringitra gets my vote for the greatest national park in Madagascar. A spectacular central mountain range, flanked by deep valleys, dotted with traditional villages, it offers a hiker’s paradise. Beautiful waterfalls, ancient baobabs and even ring-tail lemurs. Few people even know it exists.
Botswana has long been considered Africa’s leading light in high-yield, low-impact tourism. Where else can you find, remote, cutting-edge design lodges at the forefront of wildlife conservation? Try Rwanda. Luxury lodge owners are falling over themselves to gain a foothold here. Parks the size of the Mara to yourself, Big Five on the open plains and pioneering conservation initiatives. With added gorillas.
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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