Mozambique is one of Africa’s up-and-coming hot-spots, with stunning beaches, excellent diving and magical offshore islands. Go snorkelling around the Bazaruto Archipelago, sail on a dhow through mangrove channels or laze under the palms in the Quirimbas Archipelago, wander along cobbled streets past stately colonial-era buildings on Ilha de Moçambique, sip a café espresso at one of Maputo’s lively sidewalk cafés, watch the silversmiths at work on Ibo Island or dance to the country’s trademark marrabenta music. For more adventure, head across the Zambezi into the wilds of Northern Mozambique, one of Africa’s last frontiers. Getting around here takes time, but the paradisiacal coastal panoramas and sense of space, the sheer adventure of travel and some of the continent’s most idyllic island lodges make the journey well worthwhile.

Malawi’s big draw is the lake: a magnificent shard of crystal water stretching some 500km along Malawi’s eastern border, separating it from the wild and mountainous coast of Mozambique and Tanzania. Isolated villages pepper the northern lakeshore and the beautiful Liwonde National Park rests at its southern tip. Around 500 species of fish inhabit the lake and the freshwater diving and snorkelling here are excellent. Malawi’s not just for water babies and sun worshippers though; there’s plenty here to keep you active and Malawi’s landscape is surprisingly diverse. Head for the misty heights of Mount Mulanje or to the Nyika National Park, where you’ll find sheer escarpments, dramatic peaks, endless rolling grassland and some of the most enjoyable hiking routes in the whole of Africa.

The Warm Heart of Africa is beating faster now and the legendary welcome is there for all who wish to experience the unrivalled combination of Lake, Landscape, Wildlife & Culture in one of Africa’s most beautiful and compact countries.

Zambia is also an angler’s dream, as fishermen hail from all over the world to try their luck on the mighty Zambezi River with the hopes of landing a toothy tigerfish or the rare, giant vundu. Avid birders also flock to Zambia to glimpse its fabulous diversity of birds, most notably Chaplin’s barbets.

For independent travellers Zambia can be a challenge: distances between major towns and attractions are large, and getting around by car or public transport takes time and patience. But for many, this challenge is part of Zambia’s appeal. Save Lusaka and Livingstone, this is the ‘real’ Africa, so rare among the increasingly developed and Westernised parts of the region.

So if you like your travel easy and your wilderness neatly bundled into a homogenised and Westernised version of ‘Africa’, then much of Zambia may not appeal. But if you enjoy a raw edge and an Africa with few tourists, Zambia is the place you’re looking for.

In spite of an improving political situation, Zimbabwe continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. A power-sharing government headed by Robert Mugabe and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pledged to improve the lives of Zimbabweans. Even though the economy is slowly improving, millions are still dependent on food aid and disease outbreaks only compound the situation.

But behind the grim data lies one of southern Africa’s most beautiful countries. And despite being forced to sacrifice so much, Zimbabweans have not lost their humour or resolve. With so few visiting the country, those who do can expect royal treatment. They need the tourists. While the world’s media focuses on the fall of Zimbabwe, visitors will see a very different image of the country. From the absolute wilderness of Mana Pools National Park, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe and the mountains looking over Mozambique in Eastern Zimbabwe, to fine dining in Harare or bungee jumping over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe offers something for everyone.

Zimbabwe is no longer nearly as cheap as it once was, but its richness in culture and colour remain. Colonialism remains etched in all sorts of ways, but local traditions are visible. If you’re willing to join a tour group, or pay and plan your own trip, then a country of charm, political intrigue and magnificent wilderness awaits. Oh, and Zimbabwe’s got one of the world’s best climates…even the worst government can’t destroy that.

The park has Rock lodge rooms & suites, cliff lodges, and safari lodge rooms & suites. The 10 Rock lodge rooms & suites, individually designed with the colours denoting a different African tribe or region, include four Rock Cliff rooms, one Master Suite, two Makwela Suites with private infinity plunge pools and one two-bedroom Rock Suite. The two cliff lodges are magnificent suites, offering guests the ultimate in safari luxury. Cliff Lodge 1 has a private pool and a second bedroom for one adult or two children, and Cliff Lodge 2 has its own Jacuzzi with stunning views over the bush. When you hire both suites for exclusive use we include your own chef and private vehicle for game drives. Cliff Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 5 adults and 4 children when booked exclusively. Safari Lodge is located beneath a canopy of ancient trees on the edge of a dry riverbed. Guests will love the sense of adventure as they cross rope bridges between tree house style rooms, with local wildlife passing by. The eleven rooms include a Treehouse Suite overlooking the nearby Xikwenga Dam and are split into Safari, Elephant and River Rooms, some of which have private plunge pools. The Treehouse Suite is located a 15 minute walk along a raised walkway from the main lodge.

The Estate is home to Grande Provence’s award-winning wines and its passionate wine making team. Following harvest every year, carefully selected wines leave the Estate to compete in some of the world’s most prestigious competitions – the number and frequency of the awards bears testament to their success.

A sophisticated destination in its own right, Grande Provence proudly presents superb cuisine at The Restaurant, fine wines at The Tasting Room, some of South Africa’s finest art at The Gallery & The Shop, receptions and boutique conferences at The Jonkershuis and 5-star accommodation at The Owner’s Cottage.

The lodge has just five suites, and they’re all separated from the others to ensure ample privacy. Each has a private infinity pool, outdoor shower, TV, and DVD player, and a huge outdoor deck perfect for an afternoon nap. You can even have a romantic gourmet dinner for two served on your patio.

When it comes time for rest, Tarkuni’s got you covered. The Lodge’s five luxury rooms have ensuite bathrooms with outdoor heated showers, an open lounge and dining room, a library, a covered patio, and a heated swimming pool. Two sets of bunk beds and separate nanny quarters are also available, since this is a family-friendly property.

Londo Lodge comprises six spacious villas (75 sqm) which are built on a seven meters high cliff and all enjoy sea views. The large double doors bring you to the private deck, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful view. The villas are a stylish combination of modern luxury and a traditional atmosphere. They all have en-suite bathroom inside, but also in the open air where you can bath and shower in the nature.

Make time to explore the eclectic town of Vilanculos, enjoy fresh seafood dishes and meet some of the friendly local people, all possible while experiencing the energy and mystery of Hotel Dona Ana.