Curated travel experiences

You’ve seen Cape Town. Now experience the Garden Route. 

You’ve seen Cape Town. Now experience the Garden Route. 

Cape Town steals hearts with Table Mountain as its backdrop, vineyards at its doorstep, and its world-famous beaches. However, if you’re planning a trip to the Mother City, you’d be remiss not to venture further east to experience the equally beautiful natural wonderland that unfolds along the Garden Route. In particular, the towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay provide space for romance, adventure, and family-friendly fun.

Some of our favourite activities on the Garden Route include:

Ziplining
There are numerous zipline adventures along the Garden Route, including Mossel Bay Zipline, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours, Knysna Ziplines and Acrobranch Garden Route. All are safe, fun-filled, and perfect for both families and adults in search of adventure.

Mossel Bay’s zipline is the world’s longest over-ocean zipline, stretching more than a kilometre from the cliffs to The Point below. While it’s fast and fun, it is only a single line and the ride is over in about one minute. One of our favourites is the Knysna Ziplines, which zig-zags across a gorge at the SANParks Kranshoek picnic site, with sweeping views over the gorge and the ocean beyond.

If treetop thrills appeal more than big views, then Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours is a great choice. Acrobranch, meanwhile, offers a treetop obstacle course with varying levels of difficulty, catering to both children and adults. These courses are varied, fun, and include some ziplining in between.

Boating
There’s no shortage of boat trips around Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. Sundowner cruises on the Knysna Lagoon are popular, with everything from sleek catamarans to smaller yachts and boats. The John Benn floating restaurant, with its yellowwood panelling, has been a fixture on the lagoon since the 1980s, serving a casual à la carte and tapas menu on board.

A boat trip with Keurbooms Ferries is another wonderful way to experience the Garden Route. Just 7km from Plettenberg Bay, the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve reveals forested gorges and habitats accessible only by water. As you glide beneath the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, your guide will point out vervet monkeys and possibly a fish eagle or the vivid Knysna loerie. After a gentle five-kilometre journey upstream, you’ll stop at a quiet riverbank to wander among Yellowwood trees or unpack a picnic beside the amber waters.

Another family-friendly water adventure is kayaking up the Touw River in Wilderness. The tannin-rich, coffee-coloured water creates a calming soundtrack with each paddle stroke, while birds like Knysna loeries and rush warblers flit along the forested banks. If you want to extend the outing, you can beach your canoes after about 40 minutes of paddling and follow a two-and-a-half-kilometre trail through mossy trees and leafy boardwalks to a beautiful waterfall.

Beaches
The Garden Route is just as famous for its golden beaches as it is for its forests and mountains. In Knysna, the sheltered shores of the lagoon are perfect for families with young children. Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle is a favourite, with its calm, shallow swimming beach where little ones can splash safely while parents enjoy the view. If you’d like something more rugged, head west to Buffels Bay (Buffalo Bay), a wide stretch of sand and surf that feels blissfully unspoilt. Part of the Goukamma Nature Reserve, it’s popular for swimming, long walks, and spotting dolphins in the waves. 

For something truly atmospheric, take a walk along Noetzie Beach. It’s backed by forest, where mischievous vervet monkeys play, and sits below the iconic Noetzie Castle. Its dramatic setting has made it a popular spot for wedding photography, with the castle towers creating a fairytale backdrop.

Just along the coast, Plettenberg Bay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa – several of them Blue Flag accredited. Robberg Beach is a long, sweeping expanse perfect for morning runs or sunset strolls, with regular dolphin and seasonal whale sightings offshore. Central Beach is the hub of activity, with lifeguards on duty in summer and plenty of space for volleyball, bodyboarding, and family fun. Keurboomstrand offers a quieter experience, backed by forest and dunes, while Lookout Beach, where the lagoon meets the sea, is another gem for both swimming and photography.

Wilderness Beach, where you’ll find kilometre after kilometre of unbroken sand, is also a Blue Flag beach, and great for long walks or simply finding your own patch to relax. With the Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop, it’s one of the most scenic coastal stretches on the Garden Route.

For surfers, the Garden Route has some excellent breaks. Victoria Bay (Vic Bay), just outside George, is a legendary right-hand point break that draws both locals and travelling surfers. In Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find good surf at Lookout Beach and Robberg, which offer consistent waves in a beautiful location.

Food and drink
In Knysna, East Head Café sits right at the entrance to the lagoon and the views are as much a draw as the food. Arrive early for brunch (it gets busy) and enjoy perfectly poached eggs Benedict on sourdough or daily chalkboard specials. Also in Knysna, Ile de Pain is a favourite for artisanal breads and pastries, while Emily Moon pairs eclectic décor with beautiful river views and a menu that blends global inspiration with fresh local produce.

In Wilderness, Pomodoro serves excellent, authentic Italian dishes, and in Plettenberg Bay you’ll find both fine dining and casual bites. Sky Villa Boutique Hotel is known for its chic setting and contemporary plates, while The Bungalow on Hobie Beach is a vibey spot for sushi with a sea view, loved by families, teens, and young adults alike.

Wine lovers will appreciate that Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s smallest Wine of Origin region, producing crisp sauvignon blanc and elegant MCCs at boutique estates. For something stronger, gin enthusiasts can sample inventive small-batch infusions at Harmony Distillery near Mossel Bay, paired with a meal at Salt & Copper, while Inverroche Distillery in Still Bay is renowned for its award-winning gins infused with indigenous fynbos.

Beyond ziplining, beaches, and boat trips, you’ll find world-class golf courses set against spectacular backdrops, from Fancourt in George to Simola and Pezula in Knysna. Hikers and mountain bikers are equally spoiled, with trails winding through forests and along coastal tracks. Whether you come for fun-filled adventure activities, food, romance, or simply to soak up the scenery, the Garden Route offers a tapestry of experiences that are well worth exploring.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. Watch our short YouTube video on South Africa to get a feel for the rest of the country, or contact us at info@leopard.voyage for assistance in designing your next African travel experience to be both seamless and meaningful, using our intimate destination knowledge.

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Our family camping adventure to Augrabies Falls and the Kgalagadi National Park

Our family camping adventure to Augrabies Falls and the Kgalagadi National Park

I’ve been to almost every National Park in South Africa, including the remote Richtersveld, which was the subject of a prior blog post, but I’ve never visited the Augrabies Falls National Park or the Kgalagadi National Park. I think the reason I have taken so long to get here is the remoteness of both of these parks, which are a long two-day drive from Johannesburg, where I live. 

Neither of our cars was suitable for where we were going, and so we rented a 4×4 that could take us into these wilderness areas, packed our camping equipment and food for 10 days and set off. Our first stop was Augrabies Falls National Park, which is home to the awe-inspiring Augrabies Falls. The Orange River, which is the longest river in South Africa, stretching around 2,300 kilometres, plunges 56 metres into a dramatic granite gorge at Augrabies. Last year, on a hiking trip with my mom, we visited the source of the Orange River, high in the Drakensberg Mountains. It was incredible to see how huge and powerful the river becomes by the time it reaches Augrabies.

Known locally as “the place of great noise,” the thundering cascade is the park’s centrepiece, surrounded by an arid landscape of weathered rock formations, quiver trees, and succulents. The landscapes reminded me of the ones I had seen in the Richtersveld a few years earlier, especially due to the sculptural aloes known colloquially as kokerboom (quiver trees), or scientifically as aloidendron dichotomum.

The park’s stark beauty and sense of remoteness make it a destination that feels both raw and timeless. We explored the network of viewpoints via a wooden walkway, which was unfortunately not well-maintained and had been washed away in parts. The most impressive view of the gorge was from Oranjekom Gorge Cottage. We did the Dassie hiking trail, a beautiful trail, where we spotted smaller wildlife such as klipspringers and dassies (rock hyrax). The hike was fairly easy and our kids, aged 7 and 9, managed quite easily. 

Our next stop was the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which spans South Africa and Botswana. We spent 6 nights in the park, on the South African side only. It is a vast, semi-arid wilderness where sand dunes, sparse grasslands, and dry riverbeds create a unique backdrop for viewing wildlife. Known for its large predator populations, the park is a prime location to see black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetah, and leopard, as well as herds of gemsbok, springbok, and wildebeest. 

The wildlife viewing experience here is quite different from what most Leopard clients are accustomed to. We had some good big cat sightings, leopard and cheetah, but both were at a distance. These cats were also on the move, making it difficult to see them. One of our highlights was seeing a pride of lions, made up of two lionesses, two sub-adults, and two small cubs, playing on the road. Unfortunately, six vehicles were positioned ahead of us, which limited our view. That said, if your focus extends beyond predators, the abundance of ostriches, gemsbok, and springbok offers plenty of lively and engaging moments to enjoy.

I was most impressed with the birdlife in this park, especially raptors. We had stunning sightings of marshall eagles, pale chanting goshawks, lanner falcons, kori bustards and secretary birds. We were also fortunate to stay at Nossob camp while there were four spotted eagle owl fledglings and their mother in camp. I adore owls, and so this was incredibly exciting for me. To share this unique encounter with my kids made it even more special!

The owls became active at dusk, and we saw how the mother owl hunted small rodents for her hungry babies, right near our tent. We were also entertained by the funny dances, bobbing movements and sounds the owls’ babies made to get their mother’s attention. My children were fascinated by this and able to get quite close to the owls. Also in camp, much to my delight, was a barn owl nest with two chicks in it and three extremely cute southern white-faced owls that roosted in the trees around camp each day.

The Kgalagadi’s remoteness, lack of light pollution, and sense of space make it not only a wildlife haven but also one of the most striking stargazing destinations in Southern Africa. We were blown away by the brightness of the stars, especially on clear, moonless nights. 

My children loved camping, and so did I! While I am fortunate to visit some of the most luxurious and premium lodges in Africa, I loved getting back to my roots and close to the wild by camping. It reminded me of my family holidays camping all over Zimbabwe and South Africa when I was about my daughter’s age (9-12 years old). The mornings were extremely cold, so this kind of trip is definitely not for those who do not cope well with some discomfort. But the rewards are certainly worth the effort. 

Happy travelling,

Diana

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Beyond the hype of the Great Migration

In July 2025, experienced safari guide Nick Kleer witnessed a distressing scene in the Serengeti. We believe that true luxury travel is about ethics and impact as much as it is about comfort and exclusivity.

Beyond the hype of the Great Migration

Perhaps when you think of the most iconic images of the Great Migration, in Kenya and Tanzania, you picture dramatic river crossings, where wildebeest plunge into crocodile-infested waters and hooves churn up the muddy banks as they ascend the other side.

In July 2025, experienced safari guide Nick Kleer witnessed a distressing scene in the Serengeti during the migration’s peak tourist season. About 150 safari vehicles wedged themselves into a single river-crossing spot, blocking the wildebeest’s route and triggering panic among the herd. Some animals turned away; others leapt from steep banks in desperation, risking serious injury or death. Shocked and angered by the sight, and after shouting for them to back away, Kleer turned to social media to share a video which reignited urgent questions about ethical wildlife tourism. 

As such, here are 5 important considerations to help you experience the Great Migration responsibly:

1. Choose private conservation areas over crowded public reserves
Private conservancies like Asilia’s Naboisho Camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy (in Kenya) and Cottar’s in the Olderkesi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara, offer an entirely different experience to the one mentioned above. 

Vehicle numbers are strictly limited, guides follow more protective rules for wildlife, and you can enjoy sightings without the pressure of a dozen other vehicles jostling for space. You still have access to phenomenal migration viewing, but with far less intrusion.

2. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon
One of the most magical, low-impact ways to experience the migration is from above. A hot air balloon safari at dawn offers a completely different perspective of the vast sweep of the savannah and the herds that stretch to the horizon. Enjoy the gentle rise and fall of the basket as you float silently overhead, giving you a sense of the migration’s scale and rhythm without disturbing the animals at all. When you land, there’s often a champagne breakfast waiting, making it possibly one of the most memorable mornings you’ll ever have on safari.

3. Don’t pressure your guide for a specific sighting
While river crossings are dramatic, they are also unpredictable and, as the viral video showed, can be dangerous for the animals when overcrowded. Your guide wants you to have an exceptional safari experience, but ethical safari guiding means respecting animal behaviour and avoiding unnecessary stress on the wildlife.

Pressuring guides for a particular sighting, such as a river crossing, at all costs, can lead to risky, unethical practices. Trust your guide’s expertise and be open to the full range of migration experiences, whether that’s watching wildebeest calves take their first steps, seeing predators on the hunt, or simply soaking up the scale of the herds as they move across the plains.

4. Understand that the migration is a year-round cycle
The Great Migration is driven by the rains and the search for fresh grazing, which means the animals are constantly on the move. From December to March, herds gather in the southern Serengeti and northern Ngorongoro for calving, with around 500,000 calves attracting predators. 

In April, they move to the central Serengeti, then west in May and June, with May marking the mating season and some herds crossing the Grumeti River. From July to October, the herds reach the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara, where river crossings (most reliably at the Mara and Talek Rivers) begin. When rains return in November, the herds trek south back to the Serengeti, reaching Ndutu by December to calve, completing the cycle.

By planning around different stages, you can avoid peak crowds while still witnessing awe-inspiring moments.

5. Discover other, lesser-known migrations
While the Great Migration is the most famous, it’s far from the only wildlife spectacle of its kind in Africa. Seeking out these alternatives not only spreads tourism’s footprint but also rewards you with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Another migration worth seeing is the zebra migration in Botswana. Each year, thousands of zebra travel between the Chobe River and Nxai Pan in search of grazing, creating striking black-and-white waves across the landscape.

Then, the largest mammal migration on Earth is the bat migration in Zambia. In Kasanka National Park, around 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats fill the skies between October and December.  It’s a sensory marvel of wings, sound, and sheer numbers.

Both offer extraordinary photographic opportunities and can be combined with other wildlife highlights in the region.

At Leopard, we believe that true luxury travel is as much about ethics and impact as it is about comfort and exclusivity. When we help our guests witness the Great Migration (or any other African travel experience), it’s always with an emphasis on conservation, respect, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

With care for wild spaces,

The Leopard Team

P.S. If Africa stirs something in you, let us know when you’re ready to explore a tailor-made experience in this continent filled with wonder.

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Seychelles vs Madagascar, which is best?

Seychelles is ideal for luxe island escapes, while Madagascar is wild, adventurous, and rich in nature and culture.

Seychelles vs Madagascar, which is best?

You can’t go wrong with either choice, but the two experiences are quite different and will be suited to different types of travellers. Here is what a group from New Zealand, who travelled to Madagascar with Leopard, had to say about their experience:

“Madagascar was a very exciting surprise. We were four (70 years +) intrepid travellers from New Zealand who had not travelled together before and Madagascar was a random choice, as between us, we had covered most of the world. It turned out to be exceptional with its landscape, wildlife and people; and the organisation from Diana. We had a superb driver joined by local guides, stayed at good accommodation and had 10 days of fun, laughter and education. Absolutely recommend for those that enjoy slow travel, fun and a different experience with comfort thrown in.” – Ali 

Landscape and wildlife
The Seychelles is an archipelago of legendary beauty. It is famed for its postcard-perfect granite inner islands, framed by powdery white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. The lush, jungle-covered interiors of islands like Mahé and Praslin offer a beautiful contrast to the coastline. While the inner islands of the Seychelles are known for their steep topography, the outer islands are flatter and sandier, similar to the Maldives.

In contrast, Madagascar boasts a staggering variety of landscapes, from dense rainforests and towering baobab forests to semi-arid deserts and long stretches of unspoiled coastline. Its vast and untamed terrain offers a sense of raw, wild beauty that is entirely unique. Except for the charismatic ring-tailed lemurs, the country was nothing like my family and I imagined. The wildlife is more remarkable than you can imagine and the people are the kindest I’ve met.

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll find both islands remarkable, but in very different ways. Seychelles is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and a rich bird population, especially on islands like Cousin and Aride. Seychelles has made significant strides in marine protection, with nearly a third of its waters designated as marine protected areas. Diving the coral reefs around Alpohonse Island is an incredible experience. At one point, my husband and I were surrounded by turtles! The diversity of marine life found here is just astounding. 

Madagascar, however, is a biodiversity hotspot like no other, with thousands of endemic species found nowhere else on earth. From the bizarre and playful lemurs and colourful chameleons to the iconic baobab trees, the island offers an extraordinary window into a unique and ancient ecosystem. A staggering 90% of Madagascar’s wildlife is endemic. It is home to around 200,000 species, of which more than 150,000 are found nowhere else.

Activities and adventure
Seychelles is ideal for a laid-back tropical escape, offering world-class snorkelling and diving, fishing, scenic sailing between islands and indulgent spa treatments. Madagascar, on the other hand, caters more to adventurous travellers, with experiences like trekking through dense rainforests, searching for lemurs, spotting humpback whales off the coast of Île Sainte-Marie, diving in remote marine parks, and engaging in cultural tours that reveal the island’s rich heritage and diverse communities.

Accommodation and costs
In Seychelles, travellers can expect a high level of comfort and exclusivity, with a range of luxury resorts, private island retreats, and stylish boutique hotels. The emphasis is on elegant, barefoot luxury with impeccable service, making it ideal for honeymoons, special occasions, or indulgent beach escapes. Properties like those on North Island, Desroches, and Praslin offer a seamless and refined experience in stunning natural surroundings. Madagascar, while more rustic, offers charming eco-lodges and boutique accommodations that focus on immersion in nature, such as Masoala Forest Lodge. The style is often “rustic chic” rather than polished luxury, with an emphasis on authenticity and connection to the local environment. There are very few five-star resorts to be found in Madagascar.

Seychelles is generally a more premium destination, with prices reflecting its luxury focus and remote location. Travellers should expect a higher overall cost (similar to costs in major European cities) for accommodation, dining, and activities. Madagascar, by contrast, is more affordable in terms of lodging and day-to-day costs, but comes with more logistical complexity, which adds cost to the overall trip. Distances are long, infrastructure is less developed, and internal travel can be time-consuming, though for adventurous travellers, the rewards of exploring Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and landscapes are well worth the effort.

Weather and logistics
Madagascar is a huge island, and weather will vary depending on where you plan to go. They have a cyclone season which is generally from January to March/April and is best avoided. The Seychelles has two seasons, distinguished by the winds that blow during each period. The northwest season is an eight-month season, running from October to May. It has less wind, calmer seas and higher rainfall. The southeast season is the windier season with a drier climate and very little rainfall.

Air access into both Seychelles and Madagascar is relatively straightforward, though Seychelles is generally better connected internationally. Seychelles is served by Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, with regular direct flights from major hubs like Dubai, Doha, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Johannesburg. Madagascar’s main entry point is Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, with flights from Paris, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. 

If you are still struggling to decide which might suit you better, why not do both, as I did (over two different years)! You can read my newsletter about my trip to Madagascar here, and the one I did to the Seychelles, here. 

Happy Travelling,

Diana

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Why a safari is the ultimate holiday with your teenager

Why a safari is the ultimate holiday with your teenager

If your teen is 16, you have two more summers of guaranteed family holidays before they finish school. Two more years before university schedules, internships and independence start to pull them in new directions.

If you’d like to slow down and savour some of this precious time together, one of the best ways we’d recommend is an African family safari.  

Besides the incredible wonder that comes with seeing wild animals from an open game drive vehicle, a safari vacation also naturally pulls you (and them) away from WiFi and into a place where the rhythm of life is dictated by birdsong and distant lion calls, not phone alerts. No matter how resistant they might be to the idea at first, something shifts when you’re together watching elephants cross a river at dusk.

For teenagers, especially those navigating the pressures of exams, social media and the intensity of school life, time in nature can be incredibly restorative.

Research consistently shows that immersion in wild landscapes improves mental well-being, lowers stress, and increases focus. Add to that the thrill of spotting a lion in the wild or walking through the bush on foot, and you’ll have a family holiday that leaves a lasting impression. Getting them into the bush might be the best reset you can give them.

The wonder of Africa for teens
Although you’ll almost certainly take photos and videos on safari, sometimes it’s about the moments that can’t be captured on a screen, but will live on in your teen’s memory long after the trip ends.

Picture witnessing one of nature’s greatest spectacles, the Great Migration across Tanzania and Kenya, together. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in a thunderous display. If you add in a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise, it becomes something you’ll talk about for years.

Or, enjoy an alternative to a safari that you’ll also recount around the dinner table for a long time to come. Imagine you’re trekking through the Rwandan rainforest as a family and suddenly your guide stops and points to his right. The forest stills. Just beyond a curtain of vines, a mountain gorilla emerges. He’s watchful, curious and powerful. For a moment, it’s as if time folds in on itself. One of the younger males ambles closer, wide-eyed, stopping just a few metres away. You lean into the foliage, hardly breathing. Then, slowly, he moves on, unbothered and majestic. To meet a gorilla’s gaze like that is not just a sighting; it’s a moment that changes you.

Take them to Southern Africa to see the Big 5 and enjoy other adventures
Southern Africa has no shortage of teen-friendly safari adventures. In South Africa, the Kruger National Park and its private reserves deliver Big Five sightings in style. Seeing lions up close from an open safari vehicle is certainly ‘a flex’. Combine that with a helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta in Botswana or white water rafting on the Zambezi below Victoria Falls, and you’ve got a holiday filled with stories to tell.

Even the journey to or from your safari can be enhanced with activities your teenager will enjoy. Cape Town is one of the perfect pre- or post-safari stops, offering everything from seeing penguins on the beach at Boulders to ziplining through mountain gorges and even shark cage diving in Gansbaai. Cape Town also boasts a trendy food and health food scene, beautiful coastal drives, and numerous photogenic moments. And nearby Hermanus offers the opportunity to watch whales from land between August and November.

A chance to reconnect
While a family trip to a European city has its value, Africa provides the space to reconnect. It’s a place to share laughter, conversations under a starry sky, and make extraordinary memories. It’s the antidote to the over-scheduled, always-on teenage (and often adult) lifestyle. 

At Leopard, we’re African experts. We take care to understand what your family values most and create seamless experiences that are deeply memorable, even life-changing. As a result, we love receiving reviews like this on TrustPilot…

“The team at Leopard were great from our first interaction until the last day of our trip. They helped us plan the perfect trip for our family and were always there to answer our questions and make adjustments (our fault–not theirs!). They even helped me track a lost suitcase so I didn’t have to worry about it. Highly recommend!” – Jill

If you’re curious about how a safari might work for your family, let’s explore the possibilities together. You may even get the chance to watch your teenager light up with real-world awe as they watch a leopard hoist an impala into a tree.

Happy Travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. Stay inspired by African travel content by following us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

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Kruger’s best-kept secret: why the Nyalaland Trail is truly soul food.

To celebrate my mom’s 75th birthday, we did what we both love best – escaped to the bush to hike among wild animals. The wilderness trail we chose was located in a very remote area of northern Kruger National Park, about a 90-minute drive from Punda Maria camp. It was this aspect of the trail, and the reputed beauty of the area, which attracted us. And we were not disappointed! 

Nyalaland Trail camp was built in the 1980s and is very basic. There are four huts, each with two beds, a modest storeroom, a kitchen, and a boma, where a kettle simmered endlessly over hot coals and where we gathered each evening. There’s no electricity, no cellphone signal, and a donkey (a fire-heated drum) provides hot water for showering. The evening soundtrack is a crackling fire, relaxed chatter under the open sky and the occasional call of a nightjar or owl.

During our safety briefing our guide, Christopher Muthathi, emphasised the remoteness of the camp and how we were surrounded by wild creatures. “Always wear closed shoes because there are deadly scorpions and venomous snakes around,” he warned.

We spent three nights in this wild place, rising just before dawn to hike for four to five hours each morning, with an additional walk to a sunset spot in the late afternoon. On the morning walk, we enjoyed a midmorning stop for a snack and then returned to the camp for a late brunch, at around midday. After this we had free time to relax before our late afternoon walk, followed by dinner back at camp. 

The hikes didn’t follow a set path. “We follow where the bush leads us,” explained Christopher. On the first day, we trailed along an elephant path along the Luvuvhu River, hiked up a rocky koppie and paused beneath ancient baobabs. We stopped regularly along the way to learn about termite colonies, and many other little-known secrets of the bush. At one point, I was very happy to see an elephant shrew darting through the undergrowth – one of the elusive ‘Little 5’. “That’s a rare sighting,” Christopher said. “They’re very shy creatures.” The pace was unhurried and as we walked through this magnificent landscape, I imagined the ancient way of life of our ancestors. Life took on a different rhythm. At the end of the day, my mom, Jean, said, “I felt so privileged to spend quiet time on the banks of the Levuvhu River, watching the pied kingfishers head off to their roosts as the sun set in all its glory.”  

On the second day, we drove to a wildlife-rich area where we encountered many birds, including lilac-breasted rollers, mottled spinetails and a martial eagle. We watched giraffe amble across the landscape, impala graze in the bush and also encountered waterbuck with their feathery face-framing fur. We carefully avoided the abundant buffalo (known for their aggressive nature) in the area. Along the way, we learned fascinating new information about how dung beetles navigate their way to dung (through mites) and about the mycelium (fungi) layer beneath the soil that trees use to communicate with each other. “It’s all connected,” said Sipho, our second guide.

Christopher was exceptional. From the way he curated the experience for us based on our specific interests, to his deep knowledge of the bush and his skill at leading our group, he was amazing. I would go as far as to say he was a better guide than those I have had at lodges that cost over USD 2,000 per person per night – and these guides tend to be outstanding. Our backup guide, Sipho, was also excellent, as was Winston, the camp chef. Each evening, we’d return dusty and tired to the smell of something warm and comforting from the kitchen. 

I highly recommend this trail for local South Africans and anyone looking for a raw and restorative experience in an untamed part of the country.

If you live abroad and plan to return to Africa for the second, third, or umpteenth, time and would like a unique safari experience – one that involves getting out of the vehicle and learning about the “little things” in the bush, I recommend a walking safari experience in South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi in Zambia. 

Here, if the sighting is safe and the animals are relaxed, you can approach predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog on foot. For those interested in a more tranquil nature walk, rather than the adrenaline of encountering dangerous animals on foot, this is also possible in most national parks in Africa, where the minimum age for walking is usually 12. And if you’re lucky enough to have your mom by your side, bring her along. Sharing time in nature is precious.

Happy Travelling,

Diana

If you’d like to explore some of Africa’s wilderness walks, from wild to tame, click the ‘Start Planning Here’ button above and we’ll help you plan a tailor-made trip to Africa.

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12 Bucket-List Golf Courses in South Africa, from Cape Town to Kruger

Few places in the world rival South Africa when it comes to pairing exceptional golf with unforgettable travel experiences.

12 Bucket-List Golf Courses in South Africa, from Cape Town to Kruger

Few places in the world rival South Africa when it comes to pairing exceptional golf with unforgettable travel experiences. Imagine a spectacular round of golf followed by a sunset safari in Kruger, or enjoying fine wine and dining, in and around Cape Town. Whether you’re teeing off on a cliffside fairway with the Indian Ocean crashing below, or watching impala graze beyond the green, South Africa offers golf in settings as dramatic as they are diverse. From award-winning courses designed by legends like Gary Player, Ernie Els and Jack Nicklaus, we share 11 of the finest golf experiences in the country.

1. Fancourt, George
Fancourt is golf royalty. Set in the Garden Route, it boasts three world-class courses, namely: The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua. Each offers a distinct challenge and championship pedigree. The Links, often ranked as the top course in the country, was designed by Gary Player and is exclusive to members and guests staying at the hotel. Fortunately, the hotel and manor house are exceptional, offering old-world charm, fine dining, and a wellness spa ideal for post-round indulgence.

2. Pezula, Knysna
Pezula Championship Golf Course is another Garden Route gem. Its cliff-top layout combines sweeping views of the Indian Ocean with world-class facilities. The fairways are framed by fynbos and coastal forest, while the Pezula Resort offers sophisticated suites, a rejuvenating spa, and fine dining with a view. The Knysna Lagoon, where you can enjoy boat trips to the Knysna Heads, or beyond, lies just below the course.

3. Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay
Perched high above the ocean on the Garden Route, Pinnacle Point Golf Estate is arguably one of the most visually striking courses in the world. The course runs along a series of cliffs that plunge into the Indian Ocean. According to Pinnacle Point, the par 3, 7th hole is a favourite with golfers. The scenery is dramatic with an “island green perched on top of a cliff.” In winter, southern right whales are regularly spotted in the ocean below. With sea views from every hole and some that cross over chasms, Pinnacle Point is both as visually captivating as it is technically demanding. There’s also a stylish clubhouse, a cliffside restaurant, and comfortable villas to retire to after a round.

4. Simola, Knysna
A stone’s throw from Pezula, nestled high in the hills above Knysna, Simola offers panoramic views of the estuary below. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course winds through indigenous forest and perfectly manicured greens, delivering a peaceful yet challenging game. The Simola Hotel and spa completes the package, with luxury suites, gourmet dining, and dramatic sunrise views from your balcony. For motoring enthusiasts, the estate is also home to the legendary Simola Hillclimb—a thrilling annual event where classic and performance cars race up a 1.9km mountain track.

5. Sun City, North West Province
Home to both the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course, Sun City offers a combination of top-tier golf and opulent surroundings. The Gary Player course is the annual host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge and a pilgrimage for fans of championship golf. The Lost City course, meanwhile, offers a wilder twist–complete with a water hazard housing live Nile crocodiles. 

6. Arabella, Cape Town
Situated just outside Hermanus, Arabella Golf Club is known for its immaculate conditioning and water-lined holes. The course wraps around the Bot River Lagoon and offers views of the Kogelberg Mountains. Arabella Hotel & Spa, part of the Autograph Collection, offers everything from wine tastings and nature walks to gourmet dining and indulgent spa treatments. It’s also a short drive from some of the world’s best land-based whale watching spots in Hermanus.

7. Pearl Valley, Franschhoek
For golf and wine lovers alike, Pearl Valley is a dream. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course lies in the heart of the Cape Winelands, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views. It’s as pristine as it is playable, with wide fairways and slick greens. Stay at the adjacent Val de Vie Estate, where you may be able to watch a game of polo, or make it part of a Winelands golf tour, pairing your round with wine tasting and fine food in Franschhoek.

8. Steenberg, Cape Town
Tucked away in the Constantia Valley, Steenberg Golf Club is one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. The course is situated in the Constantia Wine Region and is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity. After your game, enjoy a wine tasting at the Steenberg estate or settle in for lunch at Tryn, one of Cape Town’s most elegant restaurants. With boutique suites at Steenberg Hotel and access to Cape Town, only 30 minutes away, it’s the perfect base for spending time in and around the Mother City.

9. Steyn City, Johannesburg
Designed by Nicklaus Design, Steyn City’s championship course offers an elite golf experience just outside Sandton. Lush fairways, sculpted bunkers, and modern facilities combine with five-star hospitality. The estate’s luxury apartments and exclusive residences offer privacy and security, while the clubhouse feels more like a luxury resort than a golf venue. It’s perfect for a round before heading off to a safari destination.

10. Legend Signature Golf Course, Limpopo
If you’re looking for unusual golf bragging rights, this course could be for you. Set in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, Legend Signature is best known for its Extreme 19th—a tee box only accessible by helicopter. From atop Hanglip Mountain, players hit toward a green shaped like Africa, 400 metres below. Each hole on the regular course is designed by a different golfing legend, including Trevor Immelman and Retief Goosen. After your round, retreat to a luxury bush lodge and swap golf stories around the fire.

11. Skukuza Golf Club, Kruger National Park
Where else in the world can you share a fairway with warthogs or wait for giraffes to cross the green? Skukuza Golf Club offers a truly wild golfing experience. Located within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park, this 9-hole course is simple but surreal. It’s set in the bush and visited by a range of wildlife from elephants to warthogs. Combine a round with a luxury safari stay at nearby lodges like Jock Safari Lodge or Sabi Sands, where some of Africa’s finest guides can guide you on your safari as you search for the Big Five (if you haven’t spotted some of them from the fairway already).

12. Leopard Creek, Malelane, Mpumalanga
Tee off on the edge of the Kruger National Park at Leopard Creek, a course that combines top-tier golfing with the thrill of the African bush. Designed by Gary Player, this private championship course borders the Crocodile River, where it’s not uncommon to spot elephants, buffalo or hippos mid-round. The par-5 13th hole is particularly memorable, with the green perched above the river, which can offer dramatic views of wildlife. Access is limited to members and guests of a select group of luxury lodges, which include Singita, Londolozi and Lion Sands, making a round here feel like a true privilege.

Happy golfing,

The Leopard Team

P.S. If you are travelling with non-golfers, don’t worry, there is plenty to keep them busy while you enjoy time on the golf course!

P.P.S Get a peek of Leopard Creek’s Course and Country Club in the video below.

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Unveiling Africa’s most exquisitely designed luxury lodges

We share an insider take on what makes Wilderness Bisate Lodge so unique—and include a few other standout lodges across Africa.

Unveiling Africa’s most exquisitely designed luxury lodges

Lodge design in Africa is unlike anywhere else in the world. The finest examples blend effortlessly with their surroundings and exude a modern African aesthetic, rooted in culture and luxury. These lodges offer both seclusion and sweeping views, all while treading lightly on the earth. Nowhere is this more evident than at Wilderness Bisate Lodge in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. 

We share an insider take on what makes Bisate so unique—and include a few other standout lodges across southern Africa, from Earth Lodge in Sabi Sands, South Africa to Namibia’s Wolwedans.

Wilderness Bisate Lodge and Bisate Reserve, Rwanda
Bisate is tucked into a natural amphitheatre on the edge of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where its thatched, pod-like forest villas perch among the eucalyptus trees overlooking the misty peaks where Dian Fossey once walked. 

“When they were conceptualising Bisate,” says Tiffany Franks, General Manager of Wilderness Bisate, “Nick Plewman, the architect, travelled through Rwanda and came across Nyanza—the King’s Palace. It’s a dome-shaped structure with a beautiful woven thatch inside. That, and the way gorillas build new nests every night, were the two inspirations. So at Bisate, we have these palatial nests up in the sky, overlooking three volcanoes; and from our new Bisate Reserve lodge, you can see six of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Mountain range.”

Every corner of Bisate tells a story of both culture and conservation. While the domes resemble traditional grass thatch, they’re an eco-innovation. “The story behind our famous Bisate thatch is incredible,” says Ryan Dewes, Concession Manager at Wilderness Bisate. “We used recycled plastic that comes from the ocean to make the fibre thatch. It looks like natural thatch, but it’s fire repellent and more waterproof. Natural thatch would need to be replaced every year. This is more practical and massively reduces our carbon footprint.”

Sustainability runs through the DNA of the lodge. Bamboo balustrades, sourced from local communities, are replaced by hand every year, supporting the local economy. Walls curve in organic forms, echoing the surrounding hills, while handwoven Rwandan baskets and imigongo prints bring a sense of identity and warmth. “We’ve used many local materials, including excavated volcanic rock,” says Tiffany.

But Bisate isn’t just beautiful architecturally. It’s alive with sound and sensation. At dawn, the forest hums with birdlife. Mist curls along the treetops, sometimes parting to reveal the muscular silhouette of Mount Bisoke. The highlight here, of course, is tracking mountain gorillas—an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime encounter in the nearby Volcanoes National Park. 

With the reforestation and replanting of bamboo within Bisate Reserve, it’s hoped that someday the gorillas may venture even closer. After the incredible time spent in the presence of wild gorillas, guests often gather in the wine cellar at Bisate, where a fire roars and a big leather couch invites you to sink in and share your story. “There’s nothing like having sambaza—our local fried fish from Lake Kivu—and banana chips with a big glass of Shiraz,” says Ryan. “It’s the perfect post-gorilla trekking moment.”

We asked Tiffany and Ryan about their favourite spaces here. They’re hard to pick, but a few rise above the rest. “At Bisate Reserve, we’ve just built the Eagle’s Nest,” says Ryan. “It’s a lookout deck with a 360-degree view of the national park, all six volcanoes, the local town, and the mountains that roll down to Kigali. My absolute favourite spot for a G&T at sunset—you can even see the volcanoes glowing when they’re active, all the way to Congo.”

At the original Bisate Lodge, Tiffany’s favourite is a little more intimate. “From the Bisate deck at about 6pm, you have a view of the sky that turns a deep twilight-blue colour, because of the altitude and volcanic activity. Here we’ve got these fantastic chairs with Rwandan imigongo print that contrast with the bamboo balustrades –and then there’s the African Redwoods with canopies that stretch over the main lodge. You look out towards Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi, and the light turns golden and shines down toward the forest below. That’s my favourite.”

Wrapped in the misty drama of the Virunga Mountains, Bisate is a place where design, story, and close encounters with mountain gorillas fuse into something unforgettable.

Earth Lodge, Sabi Sand, South Africa
In the private Sabi Sand Reserve bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Earth Lodge appears to emerge from the landscape. You don’t so much arrive at the luxury lodge as uncover it. The entrance is almost invisible, carved into the landscape like a secret passage. And once inside, it’s a masterclass in earthy elegance.

The design is bold and tactile, with raw textures balanced by refined forms. It feels like a luxurious cave—cool, quiet, and deeply connected to the landscape.

Each suite is an artwork in itself: a bespoke slate drinks cabinet glows under soft light, kudu horns arranged like a floral display add a touch of wild sculpture, and a leather headboard is crowned by a murmuration of hand-forged metal birds. Copper rails, dulled to a soft patina, line the open wardrobe. The pieces are unexpected, but deeply rooted in place.

Outside, elephants often pass within metres. You might wake to the whoop of hyenas or fall asleep to the rumble of distant lions. And safari drives here are thrilling, with some of the most reliable Big Five sightings in Africa, including the elusive leopard.

Wolwedans, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia
Wolwedans, set within the vast NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia, is a lodge that surrenders to the landscape rather than competes with it. Elevated wooden decks and tented structures appear to hover above the ochre sand, treading so lightly they seem destined to disappear.

That’s the intention. “In 200 years,” says Stephan Brückner, the man behind Wolwedans, “there will be no evidence that thousands of people stayed here.” 

Inside the Desert Lodge, as well as the tented rooms at Dune Camp, natural textures, soft linens, and canvas blinds create a calm, grounded space. The décor is minimalist, with simple wood, soft light, and flaps pulled back so that you feel part of the landscape.

From your window, you can watch the noble-looking oryx stride over the dunes and from your deck, you may catch a glimpse of a lappet-faced vulture circling in an ever-tightening spiral towards the sun. At night, the heavens put on a show of stars above the desert.

With no piped water or power lines, Wolwedans runs entirely off-grid. Organic herbs, vegetables, and fruit are grown in shaded desert gardens, cutting emissions while delivering fresh, flavourful food rooted in place.

These three lodges only scrape the surface of the extraordinary design found in Africa. A few others include the eco-luxury beach villas of Azura Benguerra Island in Mozambique, Miavana by Time + Tide in Madagascar, Jabali Ridge in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania and &Beyond’s Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge in Botswana, where “an intriguing curl and sweep of shingled wood” of the main lodge comes into view, “resembling a giant scaled pangolin at rest.” 

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

Whether it’s your first Big Five safari, an off-the-grid wilderness escape, or a face-to-face moment with mountain gorillas, we’re here to make it seamless, tailored entirely to you, right down to the lodge that suits your style.

4 Wildly Romantic Wedding Destinations in Africa

4 Wildly Romantic Wedding Destinations in Africa

Imagine saying “I do” beneath a vast Serengeti sky, or sharing your first kiss as newlyweds framed by Namibia’s burnt-orange dunes. Africa is full of unspoiled spaces that are endlessly photogenic and perfect for romance. If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in a soul-stirringly beautiful place, Africa has an abundance of these. Below are four of our favourites.

1. Greater Kruger, South Africa: leopard tracks and elephants
The Greater Kruger region—home to Sabi Sands and Timbavati—is one of the most iconic safari landscapes in Africa.

Bea Sagemüller, who got married in the wild at Sabi Sands’ Earth Lodge, recalls,
“We wanted a quiet bush wedding, just the two of us. It was a remarriage. They organised everything…from the priest and the photographer to the setting and a tiny wedding cake for two. Our guide and photographer knew elephants were my favourite and took us to a place where they often roam. It was magic from beginning to end.”

Another lodge perfect for a safari setting wedding is Tanda Tula Safari Lodge. It’s an intimate wedding setting, where you could see an elusive leopard before breakfast and sit watching elephants from your deck in the afternoon.

Exchange vows in the bushveld beneath a canopy of acacia trees, with the warm, resonant sound of African singing or the ever-present soundtrack of bird calls (and the occasional lion roar). 

After your vows, celebrate with those closest to you in a boma, with fine South African wines and gourmet cuisine under a blanket of stars. In the days that follow, you and your guests can unwind with game drives, spa treatments, and lazy afternoons at the pool—all surrounded by the raw beauty of the Kruger bush.

2. Serengeti, Tanzania: vows at golden hour, balloon rides at dawn
If your idea of romance involves golden grasslands and the raw energy of the wild, Sayari Camp in Tanzania’s northern Serengeti is a unique East African safari wedding destination. Located near the Mara River, renowned for its dramatic wildebeest crossings, this safari lodge also boasts an excellent position for spotting big cats.
Sayari’s tented suites feature deep-soaking tubs, private decks, and sweeping savannah views, inviting you to relish restorative moments in nature. Imagine an intimate ceremony at golden hour, with light streaming across the plains and a few giraffes silhouetted in the distance.
Enhance your ceremony with a private game drive, a bush dinner under the stars, a sunrise balloon safari for two, and relaxation around the rim-flow

3. Sossusvlei, Namibia: desert silence and starry skies
If your heart skips a beat at the sight of wide, silent desert landscapes and sun-drenched dunes set against the backdrop of an endless blue sky, Sossusvlei in Namibia is the wedding destination you didn’t know you needed.

This iconic desert setting, with towering sand dunes, is a dream for photographers and those who prefer to escape the crowds. Picture photos of the bridal couple set against the landscape of Deadvlei, where ancient camelthorn trees cast sculptural shadows across the cracked clay. It’s surreal, dramatic, and utterly unforgettable. (Here are a few wedding photos, which we think are marvellous, taken by award-winning photographer Cane Gessel at Deadvlei).

Wilderness Safaris’ Little Kulala lodge offers exclusive-use weddings for couples seeking privacy and elegance in one of the world’s most unique environments. Plan a sunrise ceremony beneath a dune, followed by a champagne breakfast and a private flight over the Namib. In addition to staying in your suite, you can “ditch the conventional four walls and sleep out under the stars” on your rooftop under the Namibian sky. And with gourmet dining and design-forward desert suites, this is also a honeymoon made in aesthetic heaven. 

4. Mauritius: turquoise waters and frangipani-scented air
Mauritius has long been a favourite for honeymooners, but it also makes an idyllic destination wedding spot. Mauritius sets the stage for an effortlessly romantic wedding with warm turquoise waters, palm-fringed beaches, and island sunsets.

Whether you picture a barefoot beach wedding with your toes in the sand, a lush garden ceremony, a modern celebration at a five-star resort, or exchanging vows aboard a catamaran drifting on the Indian Ocean, Mauritius provides an abundance of options. Many hotels offer dedicated wedding packages complete with planners who handle the details—from legalities to local musicians and Mauritian flower arrangements. 

After the vows, your wedding celebration melts seamlessly into a honeymoon. Imagine snorkelling hand-in-hand through coral gardens, paddleboarding across glassy lagoons, or indulging in a couples massage with the sea as your soundtrack. Inland, explore hidden waterfalls or wander the botanical gardens at Pamplemousses.

Whether you choose the desert silence of Sossusvlei, the wilderness of Kruger, the Serengeti, or the sandy shores of a tropical island, your wedding in Africa is certain to be spectacular. We’d love to help you create a tailor-made trip to Africa. Our local travel expertise will ensure that your wedding and honeymoon plans unfold seamlessly, leaving you to focus on what matters… each other.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

Encountering Gorillas in Africa’s Remote Rainforests

Encountering Gorillas in Africa’s Remote Rainforests

The Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a magical place. Being here is quite unlike any experience I’ve had before and is therefore very challenging to describe. It is raw and unfiltered, yet also joyful and awe-inspiring—the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. 

To be one of the very few people in the world to travel here is an enormous privilege. There’s something humbling about visiting a place that only a handful of people on Earth ever get to see.

I did the 7-night Odzala Discovery with Kamba. Our trip included moments of adrenaline, but it was mostly filled with complete tranquillity and peace. There is an authenticity here that is difficult to find elsewhere. 

All journeys start and end in Brazzaville. From here, you fly 1h45m to Odzala, landing in the middle of the rainforest so that your adventure can begin right away. Our first stop was Ngaga Camp, nestled in the open-canopy forest above the lush Marantaceae undergrowth. The views are fantastic, and you feel completely immersed in the forest.

From Ngaga, we did two gorilla treks to see the western lowland gorillas. Only four guests are allowed per trekking group, making the entire experience private and personal. After some impressive tracking in challenging conditions on our first day, we found the Jupiter family feeding on sugar-rich fruits, high up a tree. It was truly impressive to see the silverback Jupiter, who must weigh over 150kg, climbing down a tree and immediately vanishing into the forest as if he were a figment of our imaginations. 

The next day, our mission was to find the Neptuno family. They were feeding on the ground. As we headed into the dense Marantaceae undergrowth, following the sounds of the gorillas feeding all around us, I heard a twig snap behind me. I looked back—directly into the eyes of Neptuno, who was about 30 metres behind us.

I briefly enjoyed this personal but fleeting moment of connection with the enormous silverback and then snapped my fingers to alert the tracker. He moved us to a clearing to give Neptuno plenty of space to cross over to his family. I expected him to casually walk past us, but instead, he treated us to a powerful, adrenaline-inducing display by rushing past us and vocalising loudly. You can view a video of his display here. After this exciting early encounter, we moved on to find the other members of his family who were eating termites and were easier to see than those hidden by the huge Marantaceae leaves. 

While in the forest, and especially in the camp, we saw many bird and monkey species that I’d never seen before. Virtually every bird I saw was a lifer for me, including Hartlaub’s duck, black bee-eater, chocolate-backed kingfisher, great blue turaco and white-thighed hornbill!

Our next stop at Lango Baï camp offered a completely different experience to Ngaga. Here we did walks twice a day, mostly in the water. The experience will differ depending on the season and water levels, but your feet are in the water (or mud) at least half of the time, so appropriate footwear is a must! The habitat around Lango is exceptionally varied, from savannah to dry forest, seasonally flooded forest and swamps. 

A baï is a natural forest clearing and comes from the local BaAka word for “forest opening.” These clearings often have mineral-rich soils and shallow water sources, attracting a wide variety of wildlife, including enormous mammals such as forest elephants and buffalo.

Wading through the baï ecosystem is, for me, the heart of the Odzala experience. It’s a quiet, almost introspective journey, yet one charged with a sense of alertness, because you are walking among wild animals. Our guides were exceptional, reading the forest like a book and pointing out subtle signs: the scent of an animal, the curve of a footprint in the mud, a rustle in the leaves, or a plant with a story.

We concluded our stay with two nights at Mboko Camp, where we enjoyed additional forest and baï walks, as well as river boating. Throughout our trip, we ate the most delicious, fresh meals prepared by the camp chefs. The incredible Kamba staff were truly a highlight for me. Their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care added so much to the experience, making us feel welcome and looked after every step of the way. The kindness and gentle spirit of the people of the Republic of Congo left a lasting impression on me, and more than anything, it is the people that I will never forget. 

Conservation lies at the heart of Odzala’s story, and it’s one of the most powerful reasons to travel here. Visiting this remote and wild place directly supports the vital work of Kamba and SPAC in protecting wildlife, empowering local communities, and advancing rainforest research.

For those willing to embrace a bit of discomfort (heat, insects and some long travel days), this journey can be truly life-changing. It’s a rare opportunity to experience one of Africa’s great wildernesses in a way few ever will.

Please feel free to get in touch with me to learn more or start planning your trip, or email info@leopard.voyage to get a customisable itinerary for a trip like mine.

Happy travelling,

Diana

P.S. Don’t confuse the Republic of Congo (home to Odzala-Kokoua National Park) with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Republic of Congo has around 6 million people, while the DRC has over 100 million. This stark contrast in population contributes to different dynamics — the Republic of Congo is safer and more stable, with less strain on infrastructure and services.

P.P.S. For more on the differences between gorilla trekking in Rwanda vs Uganda vs the Republic of Congo, watch the short video below.