You probably have a long list of must-see travel destinations, and Africa may be on that list. It’s a spectacularly diverse and fascinating continent with jaw-dropping views, world-class wildlife, and compelling cultural encounters. From savannahs and jungles to waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, Africa is chock full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and that’s no overstatement.

Now, more than ever, Africa is an ideal choice for a soul-stirring, remote, custom-tailored travel experience that offers you the escape you desire—whatever that looks like for you.

Here are eight reasons why Africa should be the first place you escape to when the time is right.

1. Reconnect and Recharge With the Ones You Love

Hot air balloon over Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Africa offers an amazing opportunity for you to reconnect with the people you care about and recharge away from the confines of home, work, and the daily grind that have become so wearing for many of us.

It’s especially ideal for traveling with a small group of family or friends, whether that’s those within your “quarantine circle” or those you haven’t been able to see for weeks or even months.

Reconnect with friends you’ve missed. Hit the reset button on your relationship with your kids. Be reminded of all the ways you’re friends with your spouse, not just co-parents or housemates.

Think quality time on your terms. Africa is the perfect place to plan the escape you want and need, however it feels best to you.

2. Enjoy Absolute Privacy

Africa is almost unrivaled in its capacity for providing privacy and wide-open spaces. The sheer vastness of the continent easily makes travel there conducive to social distancing, even within the camps and lodges themselves.

Safari experiences can easily be made 100% private. Imagine private game drives for just your group with your own personal guide, capped off with wonderful private dinners at your camp. Or exclusive special meals arranged for you and your companions in the most spectacular locations in the bush.

It’s also worth noting that most properties are relatively small, so depending on the location, a camp or lodge could even be arranged exclusively for you and your group. Some camps have larger multi-bedroom cottages and suites so you can also choose to be semi-private with your family or small group. You can also find the most special retreats and villas in Africa, that are by design intended for exclusive use. These private settings come with your own spaces, an exclusive staff and private vehicles and guides.

Whether you arrive by chartered plane, private boat, or safari vehicle, you can be sure your destination will give you the sense of solitude and escape you and your loved ones long for.

3. Revel in the Wide-Open Spaces

Africa is famous for its astonishing natural beauty. It’s an incredibly vast place with varied landscapes, climates, and biodiversity.

There’s the sweeping grasslands of the Maasai Mara, the monumental Okavango River Delta, the mountains of Rwanda, the remote deserts of Namibia, and the quiet coastal retreats of South Africa’s Western Cape.

Africa offers incredible chances for adventures on land and at sea. In fact, in addition to game drives, you can expand your adventure to include marine safaris, from SCUBA diving in Tanzania and the Seychelles to swimming through the kelp forests of South Africa.

If you’re looking for wide-open spaces to stretch your legs, renew your mind, and reconnect with nature, look no further than Africa.

4. Surround Yourself With Magnificent Wildlife

Elephant on the Zambezi River, Zambia.jpg — Elephant on the Zambezi River, Zambia

At first thought, Africa might conjure up images of prides of regal lions, stampeding herds of wildebeest, and inexplicably graceful giraffes. But there’s more to Africa than the Great Wildebeest Migration, game drives, and land-based adventures.

You can take in birds-eye views of the vast waterways of the Okavango Delta by helicopter or get closer by mokoro (canoe). Fly fish in the remote reaches of the Selous in Tanzania’s Southern Circuit. Or take a guided cruise along the mighty Zambezi spotting hippos and other wildlife as you enjoy the majestic colors of sunrise or sunset.

Africa offers an utterly endless array of stunning bird life, with a list that includes kingfishers, African skimmers and neon-pink flamingos that gather in the thousands over the lakes.

You can also venture into the forests of Rwanda and Uganda for the life-altering experience of trekking for endangered mountain gorillas. Or, perhaps, observe the activities and gestures of chimpanzees in the wilds of Tanzania or Uganda.

Chimpanzees at Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

For some of the world’s best whale watching, consider a visit to the eastern coast of South Africa to spot humpback whales and right whales (Hermanus even hosts an annual whale festival).

If diving is a passion of yours, coastal East Africa offers a riot of color and incredible marine life. You might even spot the rare and delightfully odd dugong.

Whether you’re drawn to Africa because of a love of wildlife conservation, marine biology, or just new experiences with larger-than-life animals, this incredible corner of the world is guaranteed to thrill you.

5. Escape Without Having to “Rough It”

The best properties afford you an impressive combination of luxury service that caters to your passions, interests and individual traveling style. And don’t think that going someplace remote means skimping on luxury and comfort. In fact, some of the most fulfilling destinations are the most secluded ones. Prepare to be surprised and delighted.

You’ll have privately-guided access to some of the most incredible sights and sounds in the natural world. Whether you want to fly camp, see the Big 5, go chimp or gorilla trekking, SCUBA dive in world-class waters, immerse yourself in the food and arts scene, or participate hands-on with wildlife conservation efforts, there’s a place for you somewhere on this incredible continent.

6. Truly Indulge - You’ve Earned It

Maybe Africa has been on your mind for years. Perhaps you’ve been putting it off, traveling to less far-flung destinations around the world.

Well, if ever there was a time to reward yourself with that “pinch-me” adventure that makes you wake up grinning ear-to-ear each morning, this is it.

If you’ve never been to Africa, you should make it a priority when you travel again. Don’t put it off any longer. If you’ve been lucky enough to experience Africa already, you know there is so much to offer that you’ve barely scratched the surface. If you traveled to Kenya the first time, consider an adventure to the Chobe National Park in Botswana or the Overberg in South Africa. The options are nearly endless.

Consider all the traveling you haven’t done in the last year, and say “yes” to the ultimate African adventure you’ve been dreaming of.

7. Immerse Yourself in the Culture

While one of the first things that comes to mind about Africa is, understandably, the wildlife, there is far more to experiencing East Africa and Southern Africa than just game drives.

And if you’re passionate about art, history, anthropology, and sociology, Africa is an embarrassment of cultural riches. South Africa, in particular, is known for its gorgeous winelands, its incredible food, and, yes, its turbulent history. Cape Town is ideal if you’re looking for a more urban experience (that can easily be combined with a safari, as well). And it offers plenty of opportunities to reflect on the country’s complicated legacy of Apartheid, political action, and social justice.

The intellectual stimulation alone would be enough to keep most travelers here for years on end.

And of course, there are the incredible people you’ll meet. You’ll encounter deep-rooted cultures and traditions, from the Zulu in South Africa to the Maasai and Samburu tribes in East Africa. My clients often return home with incredibly profound memories of authentic, paradigm-shifting encounters with the people of the destinations they visit.

8. Support Conservation Efforts

Tourism is a crucial source of funding for wildlife and nature conservation efforts all over Africa. The major drop-off in travel to Africa in 2020 has put countless animals and habitats at risk. Already tenuous situations have suffered.

If responsible travel is a priority for you, I highly recommend you consider traveling to Africa. Your investment in the local economies, organizations, and people will have an incredibly positive impact, especially with regard to conservation.

You probably understand that travel has the capacity to be an amazing force for good; that’s never been more true, especially in Africa.

Where You Can Travel Now

As of September 2020, travel restrictions still limit access to much of the world. It should be noted, however, that borders are opening in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia. As the situation improves globally, more countries in Africa will begin welcoming visitors again. I expect demand to be even higher than normal once we’re on the other side of the pandemic, so know that you are able to plan now, especially if you’d like to travel in 2021 or 2022.

Start Dreaming Today

It’s never too early to start envisioning your next adventure. Go ahead. Give yourself something amazing to look forward to.

Whether you’re ready to start planning your own incredible adventure to Africa or you’d just like to know more about my process, now is the perfect time to get in touch. I’ll work with whatever timetable feels most comfortable to you. Schedule your complimentary consultation here to learn more.

March 2021 Update: Since the publication of this article, a number of countries in Africa have opened their borders, and at present, are currently welcoming visitors. This is subject to change and requirements vary per the note below.

Important Note: At the time of publication of this article, global travel, including travel to African countries, is subject to requirements and restrictions as set forth by both U.S. and local authorities. Please visit travel.state.gov and the applicable official sites for your destination’s entry requirements for up to date information. As this is an evolving situation, the information contained within this article is subject to change.