Africa travel blog
Travel tips, background stories and tales from Africa – by our guides and travel experts.
World Wildlife Day: good news for Africa too
On 3 March the United Nations and animal conservationists all over the world celebrate World Wildlife Day, the day of wild fauna and flora. On this day they want to draw attention to the situation of wildlife around the world.
Where should the journey take you? 5 tips for choosing your next destination
There are more than 190 countries in the world. Most people have visited only a fraction of them, so the choice for the next destination is large.
Once South Africa, always South Africa: an interview with two who know it well
The Schliemanns have already been to South Africa eight times. This year, as winners of the Elefant-Tours prize draw, they flew to Mzansi and took a round trip through the south of South Africa and along the Garden Route.
Africa's "Little Five"
For many travellers the "Big Five" are the stars of the savannah. Those who are out in the bush for the first time as safari newcomers look out above all for elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and rhino. But those who have seen the big ones many times have the calm to go in search of the small ones.
Kenya's most beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean
White sandy beaches and crystal-clear water can be found in many places around the world. But we show you what makes Kenya's beaches in the north and south true dream beaches and why it is worth making a detour to the Indian Ocean after your safari adventure.
Driving on the left and much more: driving in South Africa
For many, arriving in the longed-for dream country of South Africa begins with a shock: driving on the left! Like the British, South Africans also drive "on the wrong side of the road". It isn't that unusual, though, because in 58 of the world's 221 independent states, traffic keeps to the left.
Off to South Africa for a beer: local craft beer conquers the market
We know South Africa as a country of wine lovers. Whether at a braai, picnic or brunch, delicious local wine is almost always on the table. Less well known is South Africans' fondness for local beer.
I photographed zebras from behind for years – an interview with photo guide Claude Melde
A photo safari differs from a normal safari in two ways: the itinerary adapted to its special requirements and the expert guidance.
By Uber through Cape Town and Nairobi: how does it work?
Getting from one place to the next while travelling is sometimes an exciting adventure and part of the experience, but sometimes also unfamiliar and a nuisance. A simple and convenient alternative to regular taxis and less regular, brightly coloured minibuses is Uber.
My adventure in Southern Africa 2016
Africa! Being so far away from Freiburg and Europe on my own for the first time brought me experience, maturity and wonderful moments. My journey took me from South Africa via Namibia and Botswana to Zimbabwe.
Icons of the savannah: giraffes are threatened with extinction
On safari in East or Southern Africa they cross your path so often that at first you can hardly believe the news: the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put giraffes on the "Red List of Threatened Species" and classified them as "vulnerable".
Africa straight out of a picture book: on a photo safari in Tanzania
Photo guide Claude Melde travelled in northern Tanzania and showed five enthusiastic amateur photographers his very personal East Africa. They captured their experiences in unique pictures.
International Mountain Day: a visit to Mount Kilimanjaro
On International Mountain Day we look towards Mount Kilimanjaro. You will find Africa's highest mountain in Tanzania, on the border with Kenya.
The wild waters of Zimbabwe and Zambia: a visit to Victoria Falls
A gigantic curtain of raging water thunders into the depths at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Victoria Falls are also called Mosi-oa-Tunya: the smoke that thunders.
A look behind the scenes: new Sprinters for South Africa
It sounds so simple: two new vehicles are needed to show our guests on our "Fascination South Africa" round trip the most beautiful corners of the country safely and comfortably.
The trip of your life – a different kind of honeymoon
You are lying comfortably in a deckchair, gazing at the shimmering blue Indian Ocean, the sun is blazing and you turn onto your side: there she is, the love of your life, the shiny wedding ring glinting in the sunshine on her finger.
Kenya – the safari classic and so much more
You know Kenya as the country where safari dreams come true, where majestic lions gaze across wide savannahs, thousands of wildebeest follow the fresh grass on their annual migration, where princes propose marriage and authors find material for world-famous novels.
South African phrasebook: start out like a local with these 10 slang terms
Landing in Cape Town and taking your first steps through the city, everything seems very European. Modern shops, hip cafes, cool, cheerful people, and since everyone speaks English, you immediately feel perfectly equipped to start chatting away.