Desmond Balmer 

Africa at a glance

Kenya | Tanzania | Botswana | Namibia | Zimbabwe | Zambia | South Africa
  
  


Kenya

The diversity of wildlife, good internal travel links, and attractive beach resorts on the Indian Ocean have made Kenya the most popular safari destination. There is no indication of how long the Foreign Office will continue to advise against non-essential travel or when flights by UK airlines will be permitted again.

Tanzania

The FO has not advised against travel to Tanzania. It urges 'vigilance in public places' because of a 'clear terrorist threat'. Some British visitors have cancelled trips this week though others have continued to travel. But this vast country doesn't have the facilities to take the numbers denied entry to Kenya.

Botswana

Stunning scenery and splendid wildlife viewing and bird-watching. The big drawback is the cost. The lodges and campsites are mainly upmarket and expensive. For those seeking tailor-made holidays, not off-the-shelf safaris.

Namibia

You can sight most of the popular animals here (except buffalo). Even visitors attracted by the wildlife, come away raving about the scenery and the general experience. But most visitors are on self-drive holidays; not for the first-timer.

Zimbabwe

A decade ago, Zimbabwe would have been an obvious alternative to Kenya thanks to its abundant wildlife and reasonable transport links. But the Mugabe regime's oppression and the economic decline have all but wiped out tourism.

Zambia

This is now first choice for the hard-core safari follower with large numbers of animals, good guides and interesting camps. But the scenery is less impressive and, apart from a couple of lakeside resorts in neighbouring Malawi, it is not easy to add on a beach holiday.

South Africa

Since the Mandela era, Africa's biggest tourist draw. Lots of good hotel accommodation and posh lodges; the big national parks have some excellent wildlife viewing. But here the safari is more likely to be an add-on than the main event.

&#183 For the latest travel advisories, visit fco.gov.uk.

 

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