Africa travel blog
Travel tips, background stories and tales from Africa – by our guides and travel experts.
Our best adventure destinations along the Garden Route
Four weeks on the road by car on a self-drive tour through South Africa. Four of us in one Toyota Avanza. 24 hours a day together through thick and thin. After this trip we will know each other better than from "normal" life with coffee and dinners out.
South Africa, wonderful diversity
In November 2016 I travelled to South Africa. I had wanted to visit this country for some time, having heard a lot about it and seen many wonderful pictures. We flew with South African Airways directly from Frankfurt to Johannesburg. At the airport we collected our rental car from Bidvest, which went smoothly.
On first-name terms with elephant bulls: on a photo tour with Wolfgang Bauer
Six photography and travel enthusiasts accompanied our photo guide Wolfgang Bauer in April on our 2-week photo safari through north-east Namibia and Botswana.
Dream trip: snorkelling with seals in Cape Town
Seals love surfing through waves, sunning themselves on the surface of the water and, above all, swimming around in man-high kelp, looking out for tasty fish. They are extremely playful and curious, so they like to come close to boats and are just as fearless when you approach them.
Info trip to Kenya
In May 2011 I had the opportunity to take part in an info trip run by our Kenyan safari partner. Before that, a visit to several beach hotels in Mombasa was on the programme.
Unique elephant rescue operation in Malawi
Prince Harry supports the relocation of 500 elephants by crane. Elephants are the largest land animals in the world. Because of growing poaching and environmental damage, they are seriously threatened in Africa. Their numbers are dwindling, their future uncertain.
On the road in Namibia by rental car and on safari in Botswana
At the beginning of November 2016 my now second trip to Namibia and Botswana began. Since I had already travelled in Southern Africa about 2 years ago on a guided tour, it was now time to explore Namibia on my own by rental car.
THE SILO Hotel: luxury hotel milestone opens in Cape Town
Right on the V&A Waterfront in the heart of Cape Town, the Silo Hotel has been inviting guests to linger since March 2017. The luxury boutique hotel occupies the top six floors of a former grain silo dating from 1924, directly above the new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) (opening September 2017).
By dugout canoe in the Okavango Delta
Africa. One of the great travel dreams. And at the top of most travellers' wish lists is of course Cape Town, a safari, endless sand dunes in Namibia, Victoria Falls and culture. Our travel expert Marcus took a close look at exactly these dream destinations for 3 weeks.
South Africa with children: safari and plenty of adventure
Many parents of small children would probably rather steer clear of a safari holiday in South Africa for fear of travel illnesses, predators or other potential dangers. Long driving times can also be tiring with small children. With the right planning, though, most eventualities can be prevented.
Our Elefant-Tours insider tip: Mozambique
Mozambique is quite far down most travel wish lists, because as a hidden gem of Africa it is known to only a few. Much like Cuba, Mozambique has its own rustic charm, which is still unfamiliar to most travellers.
This is one animal you are guaranteed to encounter in Namibia
For years Namibia has been celebrated as one of the top travel destinations. And no wonder, because besides red dunes, ghost towns, hospitality and natural wonders, the country also has magnificent animals to offer. Above all the heraldic animal, the oryx.
From Zambia to Zimbabwe: hot and wildly good!
"Zim 'n Zam" is what locals call Zimbabwe and Zambia. And as an expert on travel in Southern Africa you simply have to have been to exactly these two African countries. So in October 2016 I set off for Elefant-Tours to Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.
Ultimate packing list for climbing Kilimanjaro: what to take?
One of the greatest dreams for many adventurers is to climb Kilimanjaro! Over 750 guests a year make it to the roof of Africa. To climb Africa's highest mountain, though, you should be well prepared. You have to hike through 5 different vegetation zones.
Camping adventure in Africa: what you need to know
A camping safari in Africa sounds to many travellers like a dream of adventure, freedom and unspoilt nature. During the day you head through the bush with your guide, and the next adventure may be waiting around every corner.
Mountains, safari and sea, Tanzania 2016
In mid-July the time had finally come. My first educational trip was at the door. Ahead of me lay 5 weeks in Tanzania with a varied programme of mountain climbs, safaris and accommodation inspections. My trip started like so many trips from Germany, at Frankfurt airport.
A change of perspective: Cape Town from the air and on the water
Wherever you go in Cape Town, "the mountain" follows travellers and locals everywhere. The world-famous, seemingly dead-straight front view tells you that you are in the City Bowl. The rather humpbacked side and rear view can be seen from the Southern Suburbs.
Monogamy in the animal kingdom: Africa's faithful ones
A partner for life is rare among animals: only three to five percent of all mammals live monogamously. Among birds it is more common. While researchers are still divided over the motives for eternal fidelity, we already know that it is interpreted differently across the animal kingdom.