Africa is indeed a long haul destination however with flights as short as eight hours to Nairobi, and just eleven to Johannesburg, and the fact that theres no jet lag at all due to the small one hour time difference, you can go on a luxury safari for the weekend. During three or four nights at one luxury safari property so much will happen that you will feel as if you have been there for over a week. Many of the best luxury safari properties have spas so you can even have relaxing massages in between game drives, and come home fully rejuvenated. Here we discuss the top five weekend breaks in Africa. It is worth noting that if youre in the UAE, you can get to Africa in less than five hours.
1.The Masai Mara
The Masai Mara offers fantastic game viewing all year round, and contrary to popular belief it does not have to be a touristy or over crowded experience. There are many unfenced luxury safari conservancies that border the Masai Mara which offer wonderful game viewing and no people. What better way than to spend the weekend seeing the big cats in abundance, catching the magical wildebeest migration and being utterly pampered with delicious food in between. What more could one possibly want from a weekend than watching big game up close, and relaxing in the African sunshine.
2.Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Madikwe is a malaria free heaven with vast mountains, red Kalahari earth and phenomenal game viewing it really is a haven for wildlife lovers and luxury safari enthusiasts. This combined with the ultra luxurious lodges which reside there make it one of the worlds top wildlife destinations. Madikwe is an easy drive from Johannesburg. Madikwe is far more scenic than other parts of South Africa so not only are you witnessing some fantastic wildlife viewing, but you’re also spending the weekend in an absolutely breath-taking area.
3.Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is more of a cosmopolitan holiday as this amazing city has so much to offer you there is everything from mornings spent watching the sunrise from Table Mountain, to excellent golf, to world renowned restaurants, to days spent in Vineyards just outside the city, as well as a huge history which is fascinating to get involved in. Cape Town is exceptionally economical and you can have a luxury weekend break there for less than many weekends in Europe, which is a fact little known!
4. The Selous, Southern Tanzania
This is one of the top safari areas in all of Africa it is absolutely vast and offers abundant game viewing from lots of different vantage points here you can fish, take walking safaris, boat safaris and day and night game drives and also experience some of the most exceptional luxury safari properties in Africa. The Selous is about the wildest part of Africa that one could enjoy for a weekend – it is exceptionally remote and offers the chance to feel as if you are at the ends of the earth, surrounded by African beauty, without days of travelling.
5. The Waterberg, South Africa
The Waterberg is also malaria free and incredibly wild, and is ideal for those looking for a luxury safari which is off the beaten track this vast area is also a drive from Johannesburg so similarly to Madikwe you will arrive before lunch on day one. Here the emphasis is always on freedom to explore the bush as you wish and to relax and feel engulfed in nature. The Waterberg is great for those that want a little more action on their weekends – here walking is an absolute highlight – especially if you make it to the top of the Waterberg Mountains, as pictured.
