Luxury tourism in Rwanda has come along in leaps and bounds in the ‘land of a thousand hills’ in the past few years. This is due in no small part to the ‘Dian Fossey effect’ as visitors flock to the country hoping for a close encounter with a majestic mountain gorilla. In the past you might have added a few extra days in Rwanda on the end of a South African safari; now you might consider a week for gorilla treks in the famed Parc des National Volcans as well as tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Rwanda is a safe and stable country to visit and the government is fully committed to sustainably increasing visitor numbers. In a welcome move, tourism will not come at the expense of the country’s natural environment or its wildlife, and the fee you pay for your trekking permit will help protect endangered mountain gorillas for years to come.

And, with the popularity of gorilla trekking growing, luxury accommodation options are increasing – with two breathtaking properties opening in 2019. Forth & Wonder recommends booking your gorilla adventure early to ensure one of the limited spots.

As you fly over the vast red sand dunes of the world’s oldest desert, you may peer out your aeroplane window and think you have arrived on an entirely different planet. And in the age of ‘isolation travel’ and ‘remote luxury’ that’s just what makes Namibia so special. With visitor numbers still low – only 8,000 Australians visit per year – you can fully immerse yourself in African life in Namibia like nowhere else on the continent.

But, it’s not just the towering Sossusvlei sand dunes that draw luxury travellers to Namibia. You can spend time with the incredible Himba people, the last semi-nomadic tribe in the country, famous for the red ochre paste they apply to their skin and hair. Or, you might track rhinos or visit the fur seals on the legendary Skeleton Coast. The range and diversity of experiences in Namibia is endless and its awe-inspiring landscapes will captivate you for hours.

Despite Africa’s most famous attraction, Victoria Falls, resting along its border with Zimbabwe, this safe and stable country has only come to the world’s attention in the past decade. Which means you only have a few more years to raft down the Zambezi River or take the family on the ‘original foot safari’ in South Luangwa National Park without being accompanied by large groups of tourists.

More affordable than its well-known neighbour, Zambia is the perfect Africa family destination, especially when the grandparents are along for the adventure. Most lodges and camps have family suites but remain small and provide authentic safari experiences. Knowledgeable guides will ensure animal sightings are in abundance, including the notoriously hard-to-spot leopard.

If you are looking for a genuine safari experience at a relaxed pace there’s few options better than Zambia.

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Take the road less travelled on your next luxury Africa adventure – speak to us today or email curious@forthandwonder.com.au.