Animal magic

Safaris are as diverse as the countries hosting them, so it pays to spend a little time researching the differences before you decide on an African oddyssey

Text: Jenny Livermore

When it comes to luxury breaks, our minds conjure luscious beaches, plush hotel suites, Champagne and strawberries, not to mention the five-star food and beverage service. The one holiday we wouldn’t perhaps instantly associate with luxury is an African safari – sleeping outside, walking for miles and a noticeable lack of shower facilities doesn’t seem like the plushest holiday in the world. However, there is a wide range of safaris available, all of which offer the height of luxury whilst providing the most incredible experiences money can buy. In fact Jeremy Sutton, MD of Quintessentially Travel, says that there is plenty in store for safari travel in 2011 ‘Safaris are taking a new twist – from gourmet walking safaris with your own private chef to community and canoe safaris,’ he explains. ‘We are also receiving increased demand from clients seeking to visit private game reserves as well as the likes of Namibia, Uganda and Kenya.’

Planning the trip is easy, and this month we’ve looked into five African hot spots, with exclusive travel companies who are dedicated to designing the best safari’s for your particular needs.

Madagascar

Located off the Southeast coast in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island. Madagascar is not only home to 17,000 people, it also has more than 250,000 different plant and animal species, 70 per cent of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The island is home to a staggering 32 species’ of lemur (the only place these creatures live in the wild), as well as some of the most spectacular amphibians and bird life you will ever see!

Although the amazing wildlife is a must-see, it’s not the only thing Madagascar has to offer. With stunning beaches, mountainous rainforests and beautiful cities, it’s got all the elements of a popular holiday spot. The island’s rapidly increasing road network and tourism infrastructure is helping to create a highly desirable destination for those who want to experience something a little bit different. Ideal for a romantic getaway, Madagascar offers five-star accommodation, private tours by local and knowledgeable guides, as well as diverse scenery, history and tradition…

Read the full feature in our second edition – you can view the digital edition by clicking here.