Top tips for your trip to Zimbabwe

Spread the word

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," Nelson Mandela famously said

This is Africa

Protecting paradise

At the waterhole

On a typical game drive you can travel for hours in search of animals.

Bringing Africa to you

Best of African art & design. Compiled by Benjie Beer

Star Wars and sand

As visitors are beginning to return to Tunisia, Peter Stemmet reflects on why you should go there

Journal

Readers share their experiences

The Delta in focus

Taking wildlife photographs requires technical skill, practice and patience. In this stunning portfolio of images, Hannes Lochner shares his tips on how to capture the animals of the Okavango Delta on camera

A wildlife lover's guide to Kenya

The safari was born in Kenya, a land of diverse habitats and abundant wildlife. Richard Trillo explores the rich appeal of its parks and conservancies. Illustrations by Karen Laurence-Rowe

Wildlife all year round

Kenya straddles the equator and has complicated seasonal variations. While most areas — except the far north and the dry south-east interior — receive some rain every month, in an average year most areas have several weeks of heavy rain between late March and early June (‘the long rains’) and a shorter spell of heavy rain in November and December (the ‘short rains’).

A shore thing

Looking for an ideal beach and bush combo? That’s easier than you might think, says Julia D’Orazio, as she discovers the best park you’ve never heard of. And finds she’s pretty much the only person there

For the love of birds

Despite Uganda’s relatively small size, its unique position means a rich portfolio of habitats and thus a profusion of species. What’s more, you don’t need to be on a specialist safari to see countless feathered delights, from the great blue turaco to the famed shoebill. Words and photographs by Mike Unwin

Surprising Liberia

Many people probably don’t know where this country lies on the map, let alone why one might wish to visit a place so heavily impacted by civil war and Ebola. Yet earlier this year, following the election of George Weah as president, Mark Stratton sensed that change was nigh and went to discover its unexpected appeal. Photographs by the writer

Land of the Lake

Lake Malawi is not only exceptionally beautiful but also offers a far wider variety of activities than any other part of the country, both in the water and on shore — from diving and snorkelling to birding and visiting fishing villages with a local guide. Sophie Ibbotson tells you everything you need to know about this varied holiday destination

In the footsteps of Madiba

It’s now been 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s greatest peacemakers, and over time a string of heritage centres, exhibitions, art trails, homestays and other cultural attractions have opened in celebration of his legacy. Emma Gregg lists the best places to learn about contemporary South African culture through the lens of history

10 reasons to take your kids on safari

Contrary to many misconceptions, Africa is an eye-opening, stimulating and educational playground for children. Will Gray tells us why the continent is the place to take your family

Plan the perfect holiday to Zimbabwe

Why should you visit this revitalised southern African country and how can you make the most of your trip? Shelley Cox tells you everything you need to know

How to 'do' Zimbabwe

You would need at least a month to do full justice to all of Zimbabwe’s remarkable sights, so most people select a combination of attractions that suit their interests and which are easily linked. Here we highlight three popular circuits, each with their own character, which show the country’s versatile nature and accessibility. Link them together for the ultimate grand tour!

A moveable feast

How do bush chefs produce such delectable food even in the remotest of camps? On a visit to Lower Zambezi National Park, Laura Griffith-Jones was determined to learn how the food is sourced and cooked — as well as enjoying the myriad culinary experiences on offer in this superb safari destination

The secret south

A road trip to the hidden desert gems of the country’s remote southern region reveals some weird and wonderful cultural and natural oddities. Words and photographs by Ann and Steve Toon

Conservation

Understanding and protecting our natural heritage

Regeneration of the Makgadikgadi

15 years ago, cattle were the only big animals to be seen on these magnificent saltpans in central Botswana. Yet today, you’ll find elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and wild dogs, with more animals arriving all the time. Heather Richardson tells us how it happened, and how clever management of the land could help sustain the current boom

Heads together

We asked Graham Boynton to report on the discussions and achievements of this year’s Conservation Lab in South Africa

Secrets of the bush

Some of Africa’s top guides reveal some of the most intriguing flora and fauna you might encounter on a walking safari — and what makes them so mesmerising

Safeguarding Ethiopian wolves

There are only about 400 left in the wild. But AWF and its partners use a variety of strategies to protect Ethiopian wolves, including vaccinating local domestic dogs against rabies

Safari

A VIEW WITH A ROOM Saruni Samburu, Kenya Situated at the top of a plateau in the 165sq-km Samburu

Thorntree

Travel news on the bushwire

Ask the trade

Q I’ve heard that the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers of Tanzania are fascinating

The inside track on Ethiopia's highlights

Ethiopia is quite possibly the world’s most misunderstood country

Flights of fancy - what difference does a plane make?

Lauren Jarvis boards South African Airways’ inaugural Airbus A330-300 flight from London to Johannesburg to see how modern air travel is making Africa more easily accessible

Parting shot

The images that never leave us