Curated travel experiences

A rare glimpse into life among the tribes of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley 

A rare glimpse into life among the tribes of Ethiopia’s Omo Valley 

On the second part of my Ethiopian odyssey, we met pastoralists living traditional lives as people must have done all over Africa at the start of the 18th century. These tribes, in the most remote part of the Omo Valley, had their first contact with white people in the 1950s, which is within living memory for the oldest community members.

People are often nostalgic for times gone by. If you feel stressed out by the fast pace of modern life, you may think of how simple life must have been 200 years ago, when a collectivist ethos prevailed in the place of the individualist mindset of many societies today. What I discovered was that life 200 years ago was not as romantic as it seems at first.

To get to Lale’s Camp, our base along the Omo River, involved a one-hour flight from Addis to Jinka. From there, we drove for four and a half hours, arriving at camp just before nightfall. To visit the most remote Mursi tribe, we had a four-hour boat trip on the Omo River. While this remoteness (and no internet access) has insulated people from Western influence, it also has its downsides. Access to medical care and everyday medicine like paracetamol and ibuprofen is almost nonexistent. The chief of the Mursi tribe had fractured his arm falling from a tree and the closest clinic was a two-day walk away. He joined us on the boat ride back, where he could get treatment for his broken arm at the village clinic. Most people are illiterate and there are no schools in this remote part of the country. 

While the women I met were vibrant, friendly and excellent mothers, they have few rights in a patriarchal society. For example, they do not have the right to take contraception without their husband’s permission. With no modern conveniences, like running water and electricity, much of the hard labour of growing food, cooking, cleaning and raising children falls to the women. The men I met were incredibly hard workers too, and many were very successful farmers with huge herds of goats and sheep. Their lives were no easier than the women’s lives. 

I just loved meeting the children wherever we went. They outnumbered the adults and were the same as children all over the world – curious, sweet and quick to laugh. One little girl followed me shyly for some time and eventually I held out my hand to her. She placed her small hand in mine, and I squeezed her hand in a handshake. She found this terribly strange and ran off to tell her friend, demonstrating how I had shaken her hand and they both burst into fits of laughter. Another child felt the velcro on my raincoat, fascinated by how it worked. 

The babies were the most beautiful, plump little things. They were adorned with beautiful beads and their hair was shaved into creative styles. One little guy, wearing a necklace with the number 8 as a pendant, was teething and rivers of drool ran down his chin. An elderly grandfather, whom this baby must have known, as his face lit up in a gorgeous smile of recognition, came and checked his teeth. The toddler had two lower teeth coming out. Later, I asked if there were any traditions about the first appearance of teeth in a baby. I found out that if a child’s top teeth appear first, the child is considered mingi, and is believed to bring catastrophic bad luck to the community. In the past, these children were killed. The practice was banned in 2012. 

The experience of interacting with the tribes we encountered was always respectful and genuine. I highly recommend this kind of interaction over the shows put on for tourists in the areas closer to Jinka. These tourist traps have created a complicated “human zoo” dynamic in some parts of the Omo Valley. This was described by solo traveller Svetlana Baghawan on her blog, Maverickbird, as a “camera- and cash-based form of interaction that, according to many, is uncomfortably crass and voyeuristic.” I would avoid these at all costs.

By design, our experience was vastly different, thanks to our responsible, local tour operator, Wild Expeditions. We encountered four tribes during our time in the Omo Valley. The Mursi are famous for their lip plates and body scarification. The Hamar women wear their hair in beautiful braids, coloured red from an ochre paste they rub into their hair. The men wear clay caps. Married women wear heavy, metal neck rings and the first wife is distinguished by a specific ring with a prominent circular knob. This tribe is also famous for bull jumping, a ritual for young men seeking marriage.

Lale’s camp is run by members of the nearby Karo tribe. The Karo are famous for their body painting. We observed them using white chalk mixed with water or animal fat to paint each other’s bodies in intricate patterns like dots and handprints. We had the opportunity to witness the Karo celebrating with traditional dancing in the village. We also visited a Kweegu village. The Kweegu are fishers and hunters, and excellent at navigating the crocodile-infested waters in their traditional canoes. 

In addition to the fascinating cultural interactions we had on this part of the trip, I got to see my dream bird (‘a lifer’ in birding bucket-list terms): the Pel’s fishing owl. We saw six Pel’s along the river, one with a fish in its talons. I remember my parents searching the fig forest at uMhuze for one of these elusive birds when I was a young child. It’s been a lifelong desire fulfilled to see these magnificent orange owls. The carmine bee-eaters, which nest along the river banks, were present in great numbers and must be one of the most sublime birds I’ve ever seen. 

You can read about the first part of my Ethiopian trip, where I got to see critically endangered Ethiopian wolves (including some cubs) in the Bale Mountains here.

To find out more about travelling to Ethiopia and visiting the tribes of the Omo Valley, reply to this email with your questions.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy travelling,
Diana

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10 of the best multi-day hikes in South Africa

10 of the best multi-day hikes in South Africa

One of the most rewarding ways to experience South Africa is on foot. This also aligns with the kind of travel we value at Leopard: slower, more thoughtful journeys that allow you to connect deeply with a place. Walking through a landscape allows you to notice the small details, like the smell of fynbos on a warm afternoon, birdsong echoing through a forest valley, or the distant sound of waves long before the ocean comes into view.

Some multi-day hikes are rugged wilderness adventures, requiring self-sufficiency. Others are slackpacking experiences (where your luggage is transported for you and all you carry is a daypack) that combine long walks with excellent food, wildlife encounters and comfortable lodges. Each has its own way of revealing a side of South Africa many travellers never see.

Here are 10 of the most memorable multi-day hikes to experience in South Africa:

1. Pondo Trail, Wild Coast
Wild Child Africa’s Pondo Trail™ follows grassy cliffs, remote beaches and river crossings along a beautifully rugged stretch of shoreline known as the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape.

Here, the tides set the rhythm of the day and according to Wild Child Africa, owners of this 4-day slack-packing experience, “when the ocean allows, we harvest breakfast oysters or dive for crayfish to put over the coals of a lunchtime braai under the milkwoods.”

This fully catered and guided hike takes you through rural Xhosa villages, past hidden waterfalls and to magnificent viewpoints overlooking the ocean. Whales and dolphins are often spotted offshore (particularly during the Sardine Run) and cattle graze along the clifftops. You may even see a typical Eastern Cape sight: cows lazing on the beach.

2. Nyalaland Wilderness Trail, Kruger National Park
The Nyalaland Trail in northern Kruger is a walking safari experience. Guided by armed rangers, small groups walk through Big Five territory in a remote part of the park.

Built in the 1980s, the camp itself is very simple: huts, a boma fire and the sounds of the bush after dark. As Diana recalls from her experience with her mom, “there’s no electricity, no cellphone signal… the evening soundtrack is a crackling fire, relaxed chatter under the open sky and the occasional call of a nightjar.”

Each day’s route unfolds organically through the landscape, which might mean tracking elephants along the Luvuvhu River, pausing beneath towering baobabs or scanning the bushveld for nyala moving through the shade.

3. Whale Trail, De Hoop Nature Reserve
The 55km Whale Trail is one of South Africa’s most sought-after slackpacking experiences. Set in De Hoop Nature Reserve, the five-day hike traces limestone cliffs, coastal fynbos and pristine beaches along the southern Cape coast.

Between June and November, southern right whales move into the bay to calve and nurse their young, and they can often be seen directly from the trail. Even outside whale season, the scenery alone makes this hike unforgettable.

As an alternative, we recommend Cape Country Route’s Vlei to Whales Trail, which showcases the best of De Hoop over 38 kilometres and four days of diverse scenery. The final day follows part of the Whale Trail along the coast, just in the opposite direction. Accommodation on the Vlei to Whales trail is in the comfort of De Mond Villa, in De Hoop Nature Reserve, with a chef preparing your evening meals.

4. nMweni Circuit, Drakensberg
Often described as one of the wildest and most beautiful hikes in the Drakensberg, the mNweni Circuit is a three-day mountain adventure through one of the range’s most remote regions. 

The roughly 40–45km route climbs steeply up mNweni Pass to the escarpment before descending via Rockeries Pass, passing sandstone valleys, towering basalt cliffs and the dramatic mNweni Pinnacles along the way. The terrain can be technical in places and the elevation gain is significant, but the payoff is extraordinary: expansive views across the uKhahlamba mountains and the sense of being deep in a landscape few visitors ever reach.

For Diana, the hike was also deeply personal because she shared it with her mom and a group of friends from New Zealand. As she wrote in the Leopard blog, despite the breathtaking scenery, “It was a holiday that not only tested our endurance but also our ability to cope with discomfort. The hardest part for me was not showering for 4 days!”

5. Kogelberg Camino, Cape Whale Coast
The Kogelberg Camino is a slackpacking experience that takes hikers through the Kogelberg Biosphere on the Cape Whale Coast, an area known for its extraordinary fynbos diversity. 

Over roughly six days, walkers cover about 70 kilometres through a changing landscape of beaches, coastal paths, mountain trails and indigenous forest.

Each day offers a different perspective, from panoramic ocean viewpoints to quiet forest paths and estuaries alive with birdlife – you may even see the Rooisand wild horses.

(The Camino does not run during the Cape’s wetter winter months of June, July and early August.)

6. Cheetah Trail, Samara Karoo Reserve
Samara Karoo Reserve, a Big 5 wilderness area, offers a rare chance to track cheetahs on foot as part of its multi-day Cheetah Trail. Over four days, hikers traverse sections of the Karoo wilderness and, weather permitting, spend one night under the stars on a raised camping bed with a mosquito net (and armed guides who take turns keeping watch).

The other two nights are spent at Cheetah Plains Camp, which is luxurious while still allowing you to feel close to nature.

As Elise wrote in Getaway magazine, “Our boots crunched softly as we meandered between Karoo scrub, the quiet broken only by the distant call of a korhaan. The air carried the scent of wild herbs, crushed underfoot.”

Later, while having a sundowner outside the main tented camp, “two large male cheetah hopped quietly onto the edge of the deck, alongside the pool’s circular rim. They paused, muscles taut, then lowered their large heads to drink. No one moved.” 

Watching these impressive big cats up close was something she says she’ll never forget. 

7. Otter Trail, Garden Route
Arguably South Africa’s most famous multi-day hike, the 42km Otter Trail winds through the coastal section of the Garden Route National Park, starting at Storm’s River Mouth and ending at Nature’s Valley.

Over five days, hikers traverse indigenous forest, rocky headlands and tidal pools along one of the country’s most dramatic coastlines. The trail includes several river crossings, including the Bloukrans River, which must be timed carefully with the tide.

For many South Africans, completing the Otter is a rite of passage. Accommodation consists of simple wooden huts with bunk beds, and hikers must carry and prepare their own food. The facilities are rustic, but the views are magnificent.

8. Green Mountain Trail, Elgin
The Green Mountain Trail in Elgin blends hiking with some of the Cape’s finest wine and farm cuisine. This four-day slackpacking route links several wine estates in the Overberg region.

The scenery changes daily: from orchards and farmland to the olive-green, fynbos-covered mountains that give the trail its name.

Evenings are spent at Wildekrans Country House, where you’ll enjoy excellent dinners and wine after the day’s walk. Elise did this hike with her friend Wendy Gardiner, who summed up the experience perfectly: “The food and wine pairings were amazing… but walking through the mountains surrounded by delicate pink ericas was my favourite.”

9. Amatola Trail, Eastern Cape
“The Cape parrots and Knysna turacos begin to stir, their squawks piercing the stillness of the forest we walk through,” wrote Matthew Sterne, founder of Natural Wanders, in a Getaway magazine article about hiking the Amatola.

Often described as South Africa’s toughest hike, the Amatola Trail stretches nearly 100 kilometres through the misty mountains of the Eastern Cape.

The route climbs steep passes, crosses rivers and passes waterfalls tumbling through ancient indigenous forest. It’s physically demanding, but the scenery of moss-covered rocks, towering yellowwoods and dramatic mountain landscapes is magical.

10. Amphitheatre to Tugela Falls Trail, Drakensberg
Another unforgettable Drakensberg adventure is the hike to the top of the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, in Royal Natal National Park. While the 12–14km route is often done as a day hike, it can also be turned into a short overnight adventure by wild camping at the top of the falls. (Guides and camping equipment can be arranged through the nearby Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge).

The route climbs dramatically via chain ladders to the top of the cliffs, where Tugela Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, plunges into the valley below. From the summit, the view stretches across the vast Drakensberg escarpment are striking.

Whether you’re walking along the Wild Coast, tracking wildlife in the Karoo, or standing on the high escarpment of the Drakensberg, these trails offer a deeper way to experience the country’s landscapes.

If one of these hikes speaks to you, we’d love to help you weave it into a wider African journey — combining time on the trail with exceptional lodges, meaningful cultural encounters and the kind of travel that leaves a lasting impression.

Happy travelling,
The Leopard Team

P.S. We’d love to hear which trail appeals to you most.

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In search of the Ethiopian wolf

In search of the Ethiopian wolf

At the last minute, I joined a trip to the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia in search of the endangered Ethiopian Wolf. Ethiopia has always fascinated me with its captivating history, beautiful wildlife, and vibrant indigenous tribes, and I was very excited to explore such an adventurous and diverse destination!

After an overnight stop in Addis Ababa, we headed straight to the Bale Mountain National Park with the single-minded mission to see and photograph the rare Ethiopian wolf. You may never have heard of or seen an Ethiopian wolf, as there are only an estimated 500 left in the wild. This critically endangered predator is a specialised hunter that feeds exclusively on rodents, especially giant mole rats. Their range is restricted to Ethiopia’s Afroalpine highlands, typically above 3,000 meters.

Their restricted habitat, specialised diet and the fact that they have the lowest genetic variability of any living canid, make them highly susceptible to extinction. Rabies, transmitted by domestic dogs, can wipe out entire packs, which is detrimental to their survival. Knowing all this made our first sighting of an Ethiopian wolf extremely exciting but also a little melancholic. I wondered whether my children would have the chance to see this beautiful animal during their lifetime. 

Our first sighting was on an afternoon drive on our first day in the park. We saw a single wolf trotting briskly across the barren-looking landscape, searching for rodents which emerged from their burrows in a frenetic, whack-a-mole style. We had 7 different wolf sightings during the three-night trip, both from the car and on foot. Some were at a great distance and the others were at much closer range. Binoculars, although terribly difficult to bring into Ethiopia (you need to get approval ahead of your journey, or they may be confiscated by airport security), are a must, as well as a good lens for photography. One of the trip participants, Charlotte Arthun, is a well-known wildlife photographer. She recommends a minimum of a 400 to 600 mm lens and a teleconverter.

The most exciting moment of the trip came on our last morning when we spotted three adult wolves. We watched them for some time before they went to their nearby den and greeted two puppies. One of the adorable puppies was happy to be out in the sunshine and we watched as it frolicked and romped with the adults. This beautiful sighting also gave me a chance to admire the wolves’ stunning appearance: a bright rufous coat with white markings and a thick black-and-white bushy tail. What a rare privilege to witness the next generation of wolves at this den. 

The “moorlands,” or ericaceous belt, of the Bale Mountains occurs at 3,400 – 3,800m. These alpine landscapes are sensationally beautiful and brought to mind another world, unlike anything I had experienced before. Besides spending time observing the wolves, I loved walking in these beautiful mountains. Everlasting flowers (Helichrysum citrispinum) with their waxy, papery petals and silvery-grey colour are abundant, and a variety of yellow-green sponge mosses punctuate the terracotta earth. As we walked, I noticed the vibrant colours of the orange and yellow lichens clinging to the grey basalt rocks and the earthy scent of the artemisia afra as my legs brushed against it.

We also saw the extremely rare mountain nyala with one memorable sighting on foot. The bird watching here is superb, and besides some of the beautiful specials such as Rouget’s rail, blue-winged goose, ruddy shelduck, and black-headed siskin, we saw many raptors that came to feast on the abundant rodents here. Augur buzzards were present in large numbers and their high-pitched call regularly punctuated the silence of the mountains. I adore owls and we were lucky enough to see three Cape eagle owls on the trip. 

There is very little infrastructure in the park so Wild Expeditions set up a fly camp in one of the most striking areas of the park: the Web Valley. This is also an excellent area to see the wolves. While conditions were harsh at this high altitude, with less oxygen and the cold, the camp was comfortable and extremely well run. Fires were hard to light with so little oxygen in the air, but the camp staff managed each night, and having a hot water bottle in our beds felt like the ultimate luxury.

The food here was excellent and I don’t know how the chef managed to prepare such delicious food in a camp kitchen with no electricity or running water. 

From the Bale Mountains, we returned to Addis before three of us continued on to the Omo Valley, which will be the subject of my subsequent newsletter.

If you’re ready to step off the beaten path and experience this extraordinary landscape for yourself, simply reply to this email for more information.

Happy travelling,
Diana

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The Great Travel Debate: Should you create a trip or buy ready-made?

With personalised travel, you get access to boutique hotels, luxury safari lodges, privately-guided hikes and remote island retreats.

The Great Travel Debate: Should you create a trip or buy ready-made?

When I founded Leopard in 2019, I wanted to build a travel company that allowed visitors, like you, to discover Africa in a very authentic and unique way. Based on my experience as an independent traveller, I was always drawn to journeys that unfolded organically, rather than packaged holidays, which were never my thing. 

I remember a trip I took to Cuba in 2011, which was planned by a local person I found on TripAdvisor. It was one of the most incredible holidays I’ve ever had, thanks to his expert advice and recommendations of homestays (there were very few hotels in Cuba back then) and tour guides. I remember staying in Vinales and visiting a local tobacco farmer’s home, which was eye-opening. In Trinidad, I discovered a salsa club in a cave by speaking to local people. 

Everywhere I went, people were so friendly and constantly invited me to join them, and because I wasn’t on a hectic schedule, I was often able to say yes to these invitations, and so I got to know Cuba so well. 

This is why Leopard was created around bespoke travel. A tailor-made journey allows you to experience a destination on your own terms and at your own pace, tailored to what truly excites you. Whether that’s a slow morning in the Cape Winelands, tracking wildlife in a private conservancy or island hopping across the Indian Ocean, your trip should be truly yours.

Here are 5 reasons a bespoke journey to Africa, with Leopard, makes all the difference:

Ultimate Flexibility: You aren’t tied to specific flight times, large hotel chains, or set durations. If you want to add an extra safari drive or stay 4 days in one place and 9 in another, you can.

Access Beyond the Obvious: You will get access to boutique hotels, luxury safari lodges, privately-guided hikes, remote island retreats, and local guesthouses that major tour operators don’t partner with.

Thoughtful Pacing: Some travellers want early mornings and full days and others want their mornings to unfold slowly and to take their time. You decide if the itinerary is fast-paced to fulfil your curiosity about a new destination or unfurls slowly, allowing you time to absorb the landscape and experiences.” A  bespoke itinerary allows space, or momentum, depending on what restores you – and you’ll never have to wait for a busload of 40 other people to finish their lunch.

Specialised Interests: Whether you’re interested in photography, a specific hiking trail, golf, food and wine, multi-generational travel or a tailored honeymoon or anniversary trip, a curated itinerary is designed around you.

Authenticity: An authentic experience allows for a deeper immersion in local culture and a more personalised journey, rather than a “tourist activity”, and although we love some of the iconic experiences, we also love helping you discover the hidden ones. 

Packaged holidays have their place. They offer simplicity often at a lower cost, which suits some travellers. But these packaged holiday itineraries (or even AI-created itineraries) tend to skip the soul of a destination, favouring the highlights only. Whereas on a tailor-made trip, there’s the opportunity for spontaneous discoveries. For example, meeting a local artisan and being invited to her house for dinner, or stumbling upon a small family-owned vineyard that is not listed in any guidebook or online.

If you prefer a personalised journey, as I do, we’d love to hear from you.

Happy travelling,
Diana

Why it’s time to secure your perfect December summer holiday now 

While we’re all about days unfolding slowly and journeys shaped around your perfect pace, festive season availability requires foresight.

Why it’s time to secure your perfect December summer holiday now 

December is the most sought-after travel window of the year, and the finest suites, villas and private guides are secured months (sometimes a year) in advance.

While we’re all about days unfolding slowly and journeys shaped around your perfect pace, festive season availability requires foresight. If Cape Town or the Indian Ocean islands of Southern Africa are on your horizon for December 2026, now is the time to begin planning.

Below, we share a little more about the tropical island of Mauritius, the Bazaruto Archipelago and the vibrant city of Cape Town. Whether you’d like to visit one or all three in one trip, we’d love to help you plan an exquisite tailor-made vacation.

Crystal-clear lagoons and elevated island living in Mauritius
The tropical island of Mauritius is synonymous with powder-soft beaches and calm, crystal-clear lagoons, yet the island’s richness extends far beyond its shoreline.

Its cuisine reflects centuries of influence from Africa, India, China and Europe. We chatted to Nagessen Valadoo, Sales and Marketing Manager of LUX Belle Mare, about the group’s culinary vision.

“The culinary facet of LUX is something we are very proud of,” says Nagessen.

“For example, in Belle Mare, we have an Indian restaurant, Amari by Vineet, where we collaborated with Chef Vineet Bhatia, a celebrated Michelin Star chef, to create Indian fusion food. We have one of the best Chinese restaurants on the island, called Duck Laundry specialising in Peking duck. We have a unique Peruvian restaurant, Inti, with a Peruvian chef and a Turkish Restaurant, Bodrum Blue, which overlooks the lagoon – the setting is to die for!”

“We also have EAST, with a Thai Chef on site, which was ranked the best Thai Restaurant in the southern hemisphere. LUX is focused on elevating the food experience in Mauritius,” says Nagessen.

In addition to being a foodie paradise, the island is ideal for couples and families. Resorts are thoughtfully designed for privacy and flow. At LUX Belle Mare, you’ll find generous family villas, children’s and teens’ clubs and wide, soft-sand beaches. LUX Le Morne offers romance, including a treehouse that can be reserved for private breakfasts, dinners, yoga sessions or movie nights. LUX Grand Baie features a rooftop infinity pool designed for adults, while LUX Grand Gaube has both dedicated family and adults-only spaces.

Beyond the resorts, your days might include swimming or snorkelling in lagoons, paddleboarding over coral gardens, hikes through Black River Gorges National Park, visits to markets, tea plantations or to the surreal landscape of Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

Escape to the exclusive Bazaruto Archipelago
As an alternative to Mauritius, you can retreat to the paradisiacal Bazaruto Archipelago. Scattered off Mozambique’s coastline, this protected marine sanctuary comprises five islands, including Bazaruto and Benguerra. Long ribbons of white sand are fringed by palms and lapped by turquoise water. You could spend your days sailing on a traditional dhow, exploring deserted beaches by boat or riding horses along the shore at sunset.

Below the surface, when snorkelling or scuba diving, you’ll find coral reefs teeming with life. You may encounter butterflyfish, moorish idols, parrotfish and clownfish (made famous in the Disney/Pixar movie Finding Nemo). The archipelago is also one of the few places in the world where dugongs are found, alongside dolphins, whale sharks and, in season, humpback whales.

Luxury lodges such as Azura Benguerra and &Beyond Benguerra Island combine barefoot elegance with a strong conservation ethos, offering private villas, ocean-facing plunge pools and experiences shaped around tides and season, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or a family.

While May to October is traditionally considered the prime season, December holds its own appeal. Rainfall is typically brief and it coincides with turtle nesting season, making it a quietly magical festive escape.

Engage with the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town
If you want more variety and a dry, rather than tropical heat, December in Cape Town is vibrant and alive with contrast. You might begin the day with a coastal drive along Chapman’s Peak overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and end it sipping chilled Sauvignon Blanc beneath centuries-old oaks in the Constantia Valley. 

Beaches such as Clifton and Camps Bay are alive with festive energy and Table Mountain rises against a blue summer sky, inviting early-morning hikes or cable car ascents.

In addition to its scenic beauty, Cape Town also has a superb food and wine scene, with numerous wine farms and acclaimed restaurants catering to every palate. There’s also no shortage of interesting places to explore, from the Sea Point Promenade and the Oranjezicht market to the technicolour streets of Bo-Kaap, the shaded Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the harbour-side restaurants at the V&A Waterfront.

Planning for a December journey
Mauritius, Bazaruto and Cape Town are especially popular during December and availability of the most sought-after lodges, guides and hotels is limited, and flights book out well in advance.

If Southern Africa is calling for December 2026, let’s discuss your itinerary now, so that we can secure the properties, guides and experiences that transform a holiday into something extraordinary.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

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How unexpected kindness defines Africa

How unexpected kindness defines Africa

African people are vibrant, curious and exceptionally hospitable. Often, those with the fewest material resources offer the most profound kindness. This is reflected in the 2025 Gallup World Happiness Report, which found that although “donations are the least common form of benevolence in Sub-Saharan Africa”, “helping strangers is the primary benevolent action”. 

I experienced this firsthand in 2007 during a solo backpacking trip through Malawi. I found myself lost in the labyrinth of Lilongwe, searching for the local bus station. I stopped a man to ask for directions. He was clearly in a hurry, likely headed to work, yet he didn’t just point the way. He walked me to the bus stop and personally ensured I found the correct bus to Senga Bay. This must have taken 20 minutes out of his busy morning, but he was so gracious about it and I was so deeply thankful for his help!

I’m certain you have stories of your own, of those unexpected moments that became the highlight of your journey. We see this magic in action with our clients constantly. Some still correspond with their safari guides years later, having forged deep bonds during their hours together in the bush. Just last month I wrote about the exceptional service we received at Jembisa. I think that the people who take care of you, and those you meet by chance, while you are on holiday in Africa, are really the key ingredient for the perfect vacation!

Most travellers come to Africa to see our iconic wildlife. They dream of watching a herd of elephants move like a slow grey tide across the landscape, the majesty of seeing a lion up close in the savannah, or the silent wonder of a face-to-face encounter with a mountain gorilla. These encounters are both powerful and memorable. But long after the safari dust has settled, it’s interactions with the truly wonderful people that leave the deepest impression.

When you travel to Africa, I encourage you to arrive with an open heart. Be curious about the people you meet. Not just as hosts or guides, but as individuals with stories to share. And leave room in your itinerary for the “unscheduled.”

It is in those unscripted moments, the roadside conversations and the shared cups of tea, that the true magic of Africa reveals itself.

Happy travelling,

Diana

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3 of South Africa’s most romantic destinations

3 of South Africa’s most romantic destinations

Romance looks different to different couples. For some, it’s complete seclusion and the sound of waves after dark. For others, it’s long lunches under oak trees, sipping on a crisp chardonnay, or falling asleep to lions calling in the distance. South Africa is extraordinary in that it allows you to experience all of this, often within the same trip.

If you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, proposal, or simply an escape from everyday routines together, these three destinations consistently stand out for their beauty and intimacy.

1. Turtle tracking and barefoot luxury at Thonga Beach Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
Tucked into a protected coastal forest within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, near the Mozambican border, Thonga Beach Lodge feels like one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. Remote and quietly luxurious, it’s an exquisite beach escape for couples who want to truly disappear.

“What makes Thonga so special is the combined feeling of complete escape paired with a natural elegance,” says Lucy Cooke, Marketing Manager for Isibindi Africa Lodges. “The journey to get to Thonga also forms part of the romance, as you travel through coastal forest alongside Lake Sibaya, before the forest opens and reveals the ocean below. That first glimpse of the sea never fails to take my breath away.”

Thatched suites are raised on wooden decks, with floor-to-ceiling glass. The honeymoon suite features an outdoor shower and a private plunge pool on an elevated deck, shaded by milkwood trees and overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are no roads in sight, no nearby towns, and no distractions beyond the shifting colours of the sea. Days unfold slowly with morning swims, guided forest walks, snorkelling on untouched reefs, and afternoon naps lulled by the sound of waves below.

“For romance, it’s the simple things that stand out for me,” says Lucy. “Like walking hand in hand along an untouched stretch of beach, either searching for turtles (in season) or simply wandering around rock pools. But my favourite moment is always an early morning walk down to the beach deck, coffee in hand, to watch the sun rise over the sea.”

For honeymooners, the lodge includes a complimentary head-and-shoulder massage and a private beach picnic lunch for two (these can also be arranged for couples seeking romance and relaxation, even if you’re not on honeymoon). 

Turtle nesting season, from November to February, adds an extra layer of magic. You can join a guide to witness leatherback or loggerhead turtles laying their eggs under the moonlight, and if you visit two months later, enjoy the unforgettable sight of hatchlings emerging from the sand and making their way to the ocean.

“Here, romance is quiet, intimate, and deeply grounding in its most natural and meaningful form,” says Lucy.

2. A Winelands retreat, near Cape Town
Few places in South Africa do romance quite like the Cape Winelands. There are rolling vineyards, historic estates, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a culture built around lingering meals and good wine. Whether you choose Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, or a quieter pocket like the Hemel-en-Aarde or Elgin valleys, the appeal lies in unhurried days. 

In Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme offers a range of beautifully appointed suites, each with expansive views across the valley below and mountains beyond. The accommodation, whether in the Vineyard, Manor House or Winery Suites, is designed to cocoon you in comfort. Expansive windows frame the valley like artworks, while textures and considered design lend warmth without clutter.

A number of the suites open onto private terraces, some with plunge pools where you can sip wine as the sun sets over the vineyards. 

“On arrival, my husband and I each enjoyed a glass of the estate-grown ‘Variation’, a hand-crafted blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre by winemaker Wikus Pretorius,” says Elise Kirsten, reflecting on her romantic getaway here.  “Later that evening, I had the finest plate of food I’d savoured all year in La Petit Ferme’s restaurant and my husband thoroughly enjoyed his meal too. But what made our stay especially romantic was the private suite with incredible views and the seamless service, where all our needs were anticipated without feeling any sense of intrusion.”

La Petite Ferme’s on‑site restaurant serves refined country cuisine with seasonal flair, while the estate’s boutique cellar offers tastings of its own handcrafted wines.

Like this boutique hotel, many wine estate stays are designed with couples in mind: freestanding suites, private terraces, soaking tubs with a view, and discreet, intuitive service. 

3. Couple’s safari at Singita, Boulders Private Safari Lodge, Greater Kruger

Singita’s Boulders Lodge is set along the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, where you’ll have access to 45,000 acres of wilderness, renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing and frequent leopard sightings (despite these big cats’ elusive nature).

As a couple enjoying a luxury safari, each game drive is filled with anticipation, as expert guides track the Big Five and introduce you to a remarkable array of wildlife, from lion, elephant, giraffe and zebra to birds, like the scarlet-chested sunbird and the hunched-looking hornbill. 

The spacious lodge’s suites are designed with privacy in mind and some are positioned to overlook the river, where elephants, buffalo, and predators frequently pass. Private decks with plunge pools are a hallmark of every suite, complemented by a tranquil communal swimming pool at the heart of the lodge. 

Days revolve around world-class game drives followed by slow afternoons, spa treatments, or simply watching the bush from your deck. Evenings are deeply atmospheric: candlelit dinners, fine wine from Singita’s remarkable cellar, and fires glowing as the night sounds of the bush close in.

Let us help you discover your perfect idea of romance in Africa

Whether it’s the untamed beauty of Thonga Beach, the refined ease of the Cape Winelands, or the unforgettable drama of a private safari, South Africa offers romantic escapes that are as diverse as you are. We’d love to help you explore the options.

Here’s to romance in Africa.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. We loved helping Michael and Xan put together their dream honeymoon in South Africa. Watch the video testimonial they shared below.

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Mozambique’s secret survivors: discovering pangolins and dugongs in the wild 

Mozambique’s secret survivors: discovering pangolins and dugongs in the wild 

“Mozambique is one of the most underrated and exciting destinations. It’s a place where you can experience raw wilderness. For example, Gorongosa is three-and-a-half times the size of the Maasai Mara and yet it has only 32 commercial beds! That sort of exclusivity is rare, and there is some seriously good game viewing. It’s an especially good place to see wild dogs, which are the apex predators here,” shares Suzanne Bayly, Managing Director of Classic Portfolio.

For travellers who value more than just comfort and exclusivity, we share two regenerative travel experiences In Mozambique, curated by Classic Portfolio. Regenerative travel aims to actively improve the places we visit. It’s a philosophy of leaving a destination better than you found it: restoring ecosystems, uplifting local communities, and giving you, the travellers, a chance to leave a positive legacy.

Encountering pangolins in Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique has undergone one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation recoveries. Mozambique’s civil war and the resultant poaching caused devastation to this area, but since 2004, a concentrated restoration project has resulted in a magnificent resurgence of wildlife populations.

Perhaps one of the most poignant symbols of that revival is the presence of pangolins, the shy, scaly mammals, which are also unfortunately among the most trafficked animals in the world. In recent years, conservation teams have rescued and rehabilitated over 150 pangolins and reintroduced them into secure wild habitats in Gorongosa.

If you visit the park for five nights or more, you have the opportunity to join the Pangolin Project on the morning foraging walk. A team of vets and rangers take pangolins, which are in the process of being rehabilitated, to different parts of the park every day. Pangolins are nocturnal and notoriously elusive, yet through the Pangolin Project, you can spend an hour walking alongside them. While you can’t touch the pangolins, you’ll witness something incredibly rare in the wild and enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities as they feed and explore.

Guides deeply versed in pangolin behaviour, ecology, and conservation will share the story of their rescue work, their survival prospects, and the park’s broader restoration efforts. Through your visit, you support ranger patrols, habitat protection, and the ongoing rehabilitation work. In regenerative-travel terms: you’re not just a spectator, you’re a contributor.

Seeing dugongs off the Bazaruto Islands
If Gorongosa is a testament to the restoration of Africa’s terrestrial heartlands, then the turquoise seascape of the Bazaruto Archipelago, off Mozambique, tells a similar story for the ocean. The protected marine area is among the last viable strongholds for a rare and vulnerable marine mammal, the dugong, also known as the “sea cow.” Dugongs rely entirely on seagrass for food and the conservation of seagrass beds that run from the northern islands of the Bazuruto Archipelago to the south around Azura Benguerra is a critical part of ensuring their survival.

“I’ve been going to the Bazuruto Archipelago since the 1990s and for years it was as if the dugong was a mythical creature, like a unicorn. I hadn’t seen them. However, since 2016, I’ve seen dugongs each year when I return. And although I’ve never seen a juvenile, recently, the owner of Azuru Benguerra Island was on Peri Peri Beach and spotted a baby dugong in the water!” shares Suzanne.

“Another exciting conservation project is the seahorse restoration project, which takes place in the same seagrass beds. Little flag markers are placed in areas where seahorses have been spotted and then at low tide, you can wade out in water that’s about thigh high and see the seahorses!”

Over recent decades, unsustainable fishing practices, habitat destruction and loss of seagrass meadows have decimated dugong populations along much of the East African coast. However, thanks to the management efforts of African Parks, which co-manages the marine reserve, and concerted conservation law enforcement efforts that include regular patrols, community engagement, and monitoring, the Bazaruto Archipelago remains a marine refuge. 

In 2024, a pioneering satellite-tagging project was launched to monitor dugong movements, their feeding grounds and migration corridors, which is a critical step to ensuring their survival. 

Guests staying at Azura Benguerra (and other luxury spots in Bazaruto) can look for the shy, elusive dugong from boats or kayaks. In the quiet seagrass meadows off Benguerra or Santa Carolina, you may catch one drifting peacefully through the clear water. Sightings are rare, but seeing a dugong in the wild is a true privilege. By choosing protected-area lodges and responsible operators, you support marine conservation, help local communities, and play a small part in safeguarding this unusual creature’s future.

Both Gorongosa’s pangolin rescue-and-release programme and Bazaruto’s dugong-protection efforts are active, ongoing initiatives which embody regenerative travel. When you choose these lodges, your stay directly supports real restoration and luxury travel becomes stewardship rather than consumerism.

What better way to unwind, and rejuvenate yourself than by enjoying regenerative travel that allows you to move beyond admiring Africa’s beauty to actively protecting it? And if Mozambique is calling, a bush-and-beach journey might be the most meaningful way to answer. If so, we’d love to help you plan a trip like this, ensuring seamless logistics and a holiday tailor-made to suit your needs. Reply to this email, and we’ll happily answer any questions you have.

Because true luxury in 2026 won’t just be about how soft the sheets are, or how blue the sea is. It will be about what you leave behind.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. Read ‘Discovering Mozambique: A Family Adventure in Paradise’ on our blog or watch ‘Zanzibar vs Bazaruto, which is best?’ on our YouTube channel.

P.P.S Watch the Pangolin Project in action.

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Termite-mound pizza & starry sleepouts: the magic of Jembisa 

Termite-mound pizza & starry sleepouts: the magic of Jembisa 

I’ve visited the Waterberg, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a few times in the last 18 months and each time I return, I enjoy it more. 

I had heard great things about Jembisa and decided to book a couple of nights there for my son’s 8th birthday last month. I knew that it was well known for being a great place for families, but the experience we had there exceeded my expectations. 

If you want to see the big five, then Jembisa is not for you. They have no dangerous animals on the reserve. However, if you want to connect with your family and nature in authentic and unexpected ways, this is definitely the place for you. 

The lodge is a converted family home, and it truly feels like one, only better. The comfort, the service, the garden, the views, and the setting are all wonderful, yet you never feel as though you’re in a formal five-star hotel where you’re afraid to leave your kids’ shoes lying around or worry about keeping them quiet.

We arrived for lunch, and as we sat in the garden, I felt all the pressure of the week dissipate. The staff were extremely thoughtful and flexible, and the entire weekend was centred around us and what we wanted to do. What a privilege and the ultimate luxury! The activities they planned for us were exceptional – from eating pizza in the bush (cooked in an unused termite mound!) to learning about animal tracks, seeking scorpions with a UV light and fishing in the Palala River. It was the perfect blend of activity and rest. 

On our last night, the staff at Jembisa set up a bush braai (barbeque) for us. The night sky was clear and the stars shone brilliantly. We didn’t get to do the sleepout under the stars, but it’s something I’d love to do on another visit. Having no dangerous animals on the reserve means that it’s very safe to do bush sleep outs, nature walks and outdoor dining. These activities are all fun and foster a deeper connection to the world around us. 

Our children enjoyed exploring the garden and playing with the two very well-behaved dogs, Milo and Astro. The staff were wonderfully good with them too, taking time to speak to them and play with them.

To me, happy children make a happy family holiday! I’m certain that your children will be happy at Jembisa too! If you’re planning a family trip to South Africa, I highly suggest combining Jembisa with a Big 5 reserve to experience the best of the bushveld.

If you’d like help curating the perfect family holiday in Africa, we are here to help. 

Happy travelling,

Diana

P.S. We’ve launched the second season of the Leopard podcast! If you want to unwind and explore Africa without leaving your armchair, visit Spotify or our YouTube channel to listen to interviews with lodge owners from vastly different wild spaces, from Zambia to the Seychelles.

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What you loved most: our top 10 travel stories of 2025

What you loved most: our top 10 travel stories of 2025

As we close out another year of unforgettable journeys, we want to thank you for letting us guide your African travel plans throughout 2025. Before we step into a new year filled with fresh adventures, we’re reflecting on the stories you loved most. Below are the top 10 most-read and shared newsletters and blog posts of the year. From quiet horseback safaris to remote rainforest gorilla encounters and island escapes in the Seychelles, these were the moments that captured your imagination. . .

1) Paradise found in the Seychelles
As soon as we arrived, before even pausing to unpack, my husband and I put on our swimsuits and dived into the inviting, clear, tropical ocean water just outside our bungalow. Soon after, we saw turtles surfacing to breathe all around us. Brimming with excitement at being surrounded by turtles, we headed to the dive centre to pick up some snorkelling equipment. Read more here.

2)  7 Reasons to return to Africa
Most travellers have a picture of Africa in their minds before they ever set foot on the continent. Perhaps it’s wide-open plains dotted with acacia trees, elephants ambling across golden grasslands, and lions lumped together in a lazy pile under a tree. Seeing the iconic Big 5— in places like South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands, in Tanzania’s Serengeti, or Kenya’s Maasai Mara—is certainly a worthwhile experience. But it’s just one version of Africa. Read more here.

3) The Quiet Safari – Experiencing Wildlife from the Saddle
The most eye-opening thing for me was how much more a part of the natural world you feel when on a horse. The antelope and giraffe completely ignored us, and we were able to get much closer to them than when we were on our mountain bikes. The horses at Ant’s Hill live among the wildlife on the reserve and are accepted as non-threatening by the animals. It was a unique feeling to be integrated with nature in this way! Read more here.

4)  Kruger’s best-kept secret: why the Nyalaland Trail is truly soul food.
The hikes didn’t follow a set path. “We follow where the bush leads us,” explained Christopher. On the first day, we followed an elephant path along the Luvuvhu River, hiked up a rocky koppie, and paused beneath ancient baobabs. 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. Read more here.

5) 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. Read more here.

6) 40 lions, rare servals, and unforgettable moments on my Kenyan safari adventure
In November, I had the pleasure of discovering a new African country, Kenya— my eleventh on this continent. I was awestruck by the vastness of the plains and the richness of the wildlife. East Africa is the ultimate safari destination. Having explored Tanzania ten years ago, I dreamed of returning to these endless landscapes and seeing the iconic herds of wildebeest and zebras once again. Read more here.

7) 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. 

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

8) Our family camping adventure to Augrabies Falls and the Kgalagadi National Park
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. The park’s stark beauty and sense of remoteness make it a destination that feels both raw and timeless. Read more here.

9) 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. Read more here.

10. 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. Read more here.

Thank you for trusting Leopard with your travels this year. We’re deeply grateful for your continued support and for the privilege of helping you explore Africa’s rarest, wildest and most beautiful places. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and well-deserved holiday season and a happy end to the year.

We look forward to helping you plan many more remarkable adventures in 2026! 

Happy travelling,

Diana and the Leopard Team

P.S. We have released Season Two of the Leopard podcast, where Diana interviews a number of lodge owners from across Africa, giving you travel insight into incredible destinations. Pop your earphones in when you go walking and listen!

In the podcast episode below, Diana interviews Kristina Plattner of Kamba Africa, who transports us to the Republic of Congo’s pristine Odzala-Kokoua National Park to track Western lowland gorillas.