Bush, crater
and medina.

Africa's great hotels range from the wild to the grand. Singita Lebombo sits in a private concession in the Kruger, where off-road driving and few vehicles make sightings intimate. &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge looks down into a UNESCO-listed crater teeming with wildlife.

In the cities, the Mount Nelson has welcomed travellers to Cape Town since 1899, and La Mamounia has been Marrakech's palace hotel since 1923, set in gardens of orange and olive trees inside the old city walls.

Many travellers pair a safari with a city: Cape Town with the Kruger, or Marrakech as a long weekend from Europe.

Who this region suits: first-time safari travellers, wildlife photographers, honeymooners, food lovers and families with older children.

1. 1

   Wake-up call · around 5:30

   Coffee and rusks

   A quiet knock, a light snack, and out into the cool morning air.

2. 2

   Morning drive · about 3 to 4 hours

   Open vehicle with ranger and tracker

   Predators are most active at dawn. Expect a coffee stop in the bush.

3. 3

   Brunch and siesta

   Back at the lodge

   A long late breakfast, then free time on your deck, in the pool or at the spa.

4. 4

   Afternoon tea · around 3:30pm

   Before heading out

   A light meal and a briefing on what's been seen.

5. 5

   Afternoon drive and sundowners

   Ending after dark

   A drink at sunset, then a spotlight drive home to find nocturnal animals.

6. 6

   Dinner

   Under the stars or in the boma

   Stories of the day around the fire.

The 'Big Five' were originally named by hunters as the most dangerous animals to track on foot. Today they're the classic photo checklist:

• Lion: the concession is known for strong prides. Most active at dawn and dusk.
• Leopard: solitary and elusive; a good tracker makes all the difference.
• Elephant: often seen at the river, especially in the dry season.
• Buffalo: large herds in the open grasslands.
• Rhino: sightings are less common because of poaching pressure. Rangers keep locations private to protect them.

Look out for cheetah on the open plains, African wild dog, hippo and crocodile in the river, giraffe, zebra and more than 500 species of birds recorded across the Kruger area.

Dry season (May to October)

Southern hemisphere winter. Grass and leaves thin out and animals gather at the remaining water, so game viewing is at its best. Days are warm and sunny; mornings can be cold on an open vehicle, so bring a fleece. September and October grow hotter.

Green season (November to April)

Summer rains turn the bush lush and green. Many antelope give birth around November and December, migrant birds arrive, and afternoon storms are dramatic. Animals are more spread out and harder to see in thicker vegetation, but lodges are quieter and the light is beautiful.

Most travellers connect through Johannesburg. From there, short scheduled flights reach Skukuza inside the park and Kruger Mpumalanga International near Nelspruit. Many guests take a light-aircraft charter straight to the lodge's airstrip.

Luggage: light aircraft usually require soft-sided bags and set strict weight limits, often around 20 kg per person including hand luggage. Check with the lodge.

1. 1

   Cape Town · 4 nights

   Arrive Cape Town

   Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and penguins at Boulders Beach, and a day in the Winelands.

2. 2

   Kruger · 4 nights at Singita Lebombo

   Fly to Skukuza · about 2h 30m

   Twice-daily game drives, a walking safari and evenings on the deck.

3. 3

   Victoria Falls · 2 nights

   Fly via Johannesburg

   The falls from both sides, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, then fly home.

On safari

• Stay seated and keep arms inside the vehicle at sightings. Animals see the vehicle as one shape.
• Keep quiet near animals and follow your ranger's instructions immediately.
• Wear neutral colours such as khaki and olive. Avoid white and bright colours.
• Drones are not allowed in national parks.

Gratuities

Tips for the ranger and tracker are customary, usually given at the end of your stay, along with a contribution to a general staff fund. The lodge can advise on current norms.

Health

• Malaria: the Kruger area is a malaria risk zone. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before travel about prevention.
• Yellow fever: a certificate is required if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk.
• Sun: the sun is strong even in winter. Use high-SPF sunscreen and a hat.

Local phrases

'Now now' means soon; 'just now' means some time later. 'Howzit' is a friendly hello.

Morocco

• Souks: bargaining is expected; stay friendly and patient.
• Mosques: most are closed to non-Muslims; admire them from outside.
• Dress: cover shoulders and knees in the medina.