Wilderness in Africa

If the coastal towns and villages of Lake Malawi are a bit too busy for you, a wonderful way of exploring the lake is by visiting its many islands. While some of them have resorts or lodges (e.g. Mumbo Island), others are more or less deserted. The area around Cape Maclear is ideal for kayaking, since many of the islands are within easy reach, and camping is usually possible. If you are very unexperienced, it might be an idea to organise for a guide to come with you, but plenty of people set out on their own on trips of varying lengths. It is always possible to arrange drop-offs and pick-ups with local fishermen, but bringing a kayak gives you much more freedom. The only people you are likely to encounter out here are fishermen and the odd diving boat, making it one of the most relaxing, not to mention beautiful, ways of exploring the lake. Just be careful with timing, as the lake can get very windy during the southern-hemisphere winter.

The Nyika Plateau is without a doubt one of the highlights of any visit to Malawi. Nyika is Malawi’s largest national park. It consists mainly of rolling green hills, interspaced with woodlands, streams and rocky outcrops. Getting here is not easy unless you can fly in – over 100 km of sometimes very rough dirt roads, an endeavour not to be taken lightly (or attempted without a 4x4) in the wet season. Zebras, elands, bushbuck, reedbuck and roan antelopes abound, and the odds of seeing a leopard are better here than anywhere else in Malawi. At the time of writing, there is only one tourist operator in the park, but there is a choice of camping, self-catering cottages and all-inclusive chalet stays. Nyika abounds with wildflowers, including orchids. In addition to game drives, it is possible to hike, mountain bike and fish in the park, and there are plans to bring back horseback riding in the future. Beware that nights can be very cold, particularly between May and September, so bring lots of blankets or thick sleeping-bags if camping.

To sleep under the stars in the middle of Sahara, is as exotic as it gets. It is of course tempting to fall asleep, but it is actually more rewarding to walk around on the star lit desert floor. There are so much to see; scorpions, mice, snakes and small bugs were all busy getting their dinner. This photo was taken during a trip through Niger, where most nights was spent among sand dunes and under the vast sky. Around midnight the camera got mounted on a tripod for a couple of hours to capture the stars. It is taken at a place about 100 km from the desert city of Bilma, and possible to reach by 4x4, camel, or even walking - the first option being the most comfortable way.

Nestled in the northern Transkei region, Mkambati is an 8000-hectare, isolated region of South Africa that is often overlooked by travellers. Spend a day exploring the Msikaba River and its forested ravine towards the spectacular Superbowl, a towering 100 m natural amphitheatre. Spend another day rock-hopping the 10 km coastline and the Mkambati River. This snaking river contains numerous swimming holes and waterfalls, highlighted by Horseshoe Falls, a rare double-tiered waterfall that tumbles directly into the Indian Ocean. Every day, as you wander through the grassy plains, you will be surrounded by wildlife. Whether it’s the vulture colony, the troops of baboons or the herds of wildebeest and gemsbok that run freely throughout the reserve, you will be amazed at how close to the natural world you are.

Close to the Swaziland border and in the heart of Zululand is the funky, little town of St. Lucia. This is an ideal stop for those looking to explore the African bush and experience its wildlife. St. Lucia lies amidst a World Heritage Site and everything you see will leave no doubt as to why the area has been classified as so. The neighbouring Hluhluwe - Umfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest reserve in South Africa, is home to the Big Five, including the largest population of black rhinos on the planet. Two creatures difficult to spot in the reserves, crocodiles and hippos, are easily found in the St. Lucia Wetlands Park and its 60 km of hiking trails. If being on foot is too close for comfort, then a boat ride up the St. Lucia River, home to hundreds of these fascinating beasts, will provide a safer way to go. However, don’t be surprised to find the odd hippo wandering through the streets of town. Following the day’s encounters, be sure to kick back in one of St. Lucia's funky cafes or pubs. There is nothing quite like listening to the call of the wild with a cold drink in hand.