THE MANE EVENT

A favourite destination of A&K guests, Africa remains the undisputed pride of the planet, writes Andrew Conway.

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My African dream began in the 1980s when I explored the newly independent Zimbabwe for the first time. It was an unforgettable visit filled with awe and wonder as I journeyed from the capital Harare to Lake Kariba, Hwange National Park and the iconic Victoria Falls. Little did I know those first fleeting impressions would turn into a 40-year love affair that has guided me from Ethiopia to South Africa - via Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana - delivering big game safari and wilderness experiences like no other.

A&K's deep-rooted connection with Africa goes back even further to the 1960s when it pioneered expert-led luxury safaris in Kenya and has been doing so ever since to international accolades and acclaim. Six decades later, A&K remains the undisputed global leader in luxury African safaris, delivered by a portfolio of Small Group and Tailor-Made Journeys including 18 exciting new itineraries in 2025 - along with an abiding passion for conservation and sustainability. My love of Africa continues unabated, and I'd wager your own African dream is about to unfold, if it hasn't already.

South Africa roars

With its box-seat location at the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa boasts the inherent beauty of its Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines as well as worldclass wineries, mountain retreats and private game reserves. Cape Town is a hugely popular drawcard due to its lively waterfront precinct, striking Table Mountain backdrop, ocean beaches, rolling winelands, glorious Cape Dutch architecture and vibrant art and food cultures. A&K’s Small Group and Tailor-Made Journeys, along with luxury rail trips and even private air charters, make South Africa one of the world’s most exciting destinations, a must-do on any travel bucket list.