Unleashing Africa's Hidden Gems

Some of Africa’s most exceptional offerings are her hidden gems. That’s why we’ve curated a guide that will take you off the beaten track on an unforgettable journey through some of the continent’s most breathtaking destinations.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or planning your first African adventure, we’ve got you covered with insider tips and recommendations that will help you make the most out of your journey.

So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee and settle in for an enticing scroll through 21 of Africa’s Hidden Treasures and get inspired to embark on your own Timeless adventure.

Enjoy a VIP meet-and-greet with a field veterinarian from The Gorilla Doctors. A portion of your trip costs go back to support conservation work being done to save the magnificent mountain gorillas.

Meaningful conversations with tribal elders, preparing and cooking authentic cuisine, participating in the fabrication of artisan crafts and traditional ceremonies, even delighting in the joys of the children – all weave the fabric of a remarkable journey. The warm village welcome, the intimacy and immersion leave guests touched by the humanity of this African people group.

It is great fun to explore the area around the Sasaab Lodge from up high. Camels are uniquely adapted to survive in arid climates like northern Kenya and are commonly kept as livestock by the Samburu tribe.

Embark on a leisurely along the river towards a breathtaking sundowners spot, which is around a 45-minute ride.

A private helicopter flight takes you to Solio Lodge near the Aberdare highlands, soaring above the ice-capped snowy peaks of Mount Kenya, where you’ll also spot black and white rhino, lions and herds of buffalo. A flip around the luxurious Desert Rose Lodge reveals astonishing rock formations of the Suguta Valley and two remarkable lakes, Turkana and Logipi, filled with vast flocks of pink flamingos. Other air explorations will take you over the Ndoto Mountains and the Mathews Range of northern Kenya. Once in the Samburu National Reserve, a late afternoon short scenic flight to spot rare Grevy’s zebra is on offer, too.

Come on a legendary journey to meet the most privileged primate on the planet: the wild chimpanzees of Mahale. In the forest’s dappled sunlight, chimpanzees romp and commune around you.  At the lakeshore, on a white beach, Greystoke awaits.

Experience the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro from a plane and spot the eye-catching glaciers, craters and peaks in a one-hour scenic flight. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beautiful views of Mawenzi Peak, Kibo Peak, glaciers, Shira Plateau and much more. You will witness an amazing vegetation transition from forest zone to desert zone, right before your eyes.  At 21,000 ft you will spot the menacing volcanic peaks and towering glaciers that have existed for over 197,000 years.

Palm-fringed, powder-white sands; azure, shimmering waters; the call of birdsong; and a whole island to yourself… Secluded and exclusive, Fanjove Island in Southern Tanzania is a peerless tropical island idyll. A secluded island, you’ll share Fanjove only with the abundant resident marine life and the dedicated staff, who help to deliver the experience of a lifetime.

Hop aboard your quad bike and barrel across the expanse of scorched, white earth of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Traveling in convoy ensures a low-impact trespass and you will leave not a trace of your existence behind as you zoom towards Kubu Island and the open-air fly camp. Explore the magnificent Island, a granite profusion that is one of the most beautiful spots in Botswana, full of intriguing detail. Standing sentinel across the sand and filled with baobabs, the island is a holy secret of the Bushmen and a place of ancient power and ritual: to visit is something truly special.

Botswana is one of the best places on earth to horse ride. Cantering alongside the elegant motion of a giraffe is an experience you will never forget. The only sounds you will hear, are the fish eagle’s haunting cry, the splash of a lechwe darting away and the faraway drumming of hooves. The riding safaris available are as varied as you could imagine, taking you from harsh, dry desertlands to delta wetlands. The riding here is fast-paced and incredibly exciting, with some of the horseback safaris even offering the chance to jump elephant-felled logs.

Join a mountain bike safari and see the bush from a completely different perspective.

Experienced rangers accompany cyclists as they pedal their way along ancient elephant paths. Cycling amid the “Giants of Mashatu” is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and mountain bike safaris are tailored to suit the fitness and strength of the riders.

An interpretive, guided walk led by camp staff members who are descendants of the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen with glimpses into their ancient culture, and a deepened understanding of how they use the flora and fauna to survive in this sparse environment.

An experience unique to the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a morning spent gliding along flooded channels by mokoro, the dugout canoe used by generations for transport in a region where there are more rivers than roads. Though traditionally carved from a single tree trunk, at Xigera Safari Lodge innovative glass-bottomed mokoros – constructed from sturdy fiberglass – allow for incredible views of the Delta both above and below. The mokoro is pushed along by experienced polers who grew up using these unique boats.

Every year from October until December, eight million straw-coloured fruit bats arrive from the Congo to feed on the wild Masuku fruits in Zambia’s Kasanka National Park. The Kasanka bats arrive to feast on fruits, and in turn, provide a feast for raptors and crocodiles. The park is one of Zambia’s smallest, but also one of the most picturesque with abundant grasslands, forests, lagoons and swamps. You’ll marvel at the enormity of this unparalleled wildlife spectacle.

Walking safaris in South Luangwa, Zambia, is one the best ways to get up close and personal with the wilderness and grazing game. Small mysteries of the bush are unlocked and explored; tracks are investigated; and the wide variety of animal scat becomes an unexpected and fascinating learning experience! Tracking big game on foot is not uncommon and always thrilling.

Hidden away on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, at Kaya Mawa you will be transported into a world of simple pleasures. Whether you’re reveling in the various water sports like kayaking and diving, indulging in a spa treatment overlooking the lake or just chilling on the beach, this is lakeside living at its best.

Set out on a thrilling night-time adventure along a stretch of 16 kilometres of tranquil beach at Sodwana Bay to spot enormous leatherback and loggerhead turtles emerging from the Indian Ocean to lay their precious eggs. With only the beam of your flashlight and the cold light of the moon to guide you, search for these gentle animals as they ride the waves to shore to dig their nests at one of Africa’s last key nesting sites.

Join Marataba’s conservation monitoring team to track collared cheetah, compile individual identikits for elephants and determine growth rates. Take a behind-the-scenes look at what happens in the park during the day and night with the analysis of footage from camera traps. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in veld condition surveys and snare patrol checks. Learn how to identify rhinos through their ear notches.

During the 5-hour private charter flight to Wolf’s Fang Runway, Antarctica, the African night turns to day as we soar over thousands of icebergs and pass into 24 hours of continuous sunshine. On arrival you will spend 3 hours on ice, taking a gentle hike from Wolf’s Fang camp to a nearby nunatak where you will experience an unforgettable champagne picnic and views unlike anywhere on Earth before boarding your return flight to Cape Town.

Ignite your curiosity spotting this African island’s menagerie of small, bizarre species found nowhere else on the planet. You’ll find a variety of animals from curious chameleons to singing lemurs on guided day and night meanders through the forests and dense undergrowth.

Whether you’re daydreaming of a trip to Africa, or you are ready to put wheels on your adventure, start planning your life-changing African expedition with us, today