Land Program Highlights: Africa

Wednesday, June 19, 2019
By Azamara

Exotic, enigmatic Africa. It’s a continent where you can check the Big Five off your must-see list on an unforgettable safari. Stay in luxury hotels, then keep that five-star feeling going with elevated accommodations on amazing game reserves. Discover the hidden wonders of sand-bound cities and stroll through their buzzing souqs. And when you travel with us as part of our all-new Land Program, we’ll take you beyond the shores to uncover true moments of travel magic—from the classic cool of Casablanca to the vibrant vistas and wild heart of the Rainbow Nation. 

Here are a few of the highlights waiting for you on an African expedition with us. 

The Magic of Morocco

The Koutoubia (Bookseller's Mosque) in Marrakesh, Morocco.

There’s so much more to Morocco than meets the eye. Beyond winding mountains and walled cities, you’ll find a rich cultural heritage with Spanish, Berber, and European influences, plus a wonderfully warm hospitality. On our five-night Marrakech, Fez, and The Charms of Morocco AzAmazing® Journey, you’ll discover the best of this magical land, including the souqs and thousand-year-old labyrinthine medinas of fabled Fez, the fantastic gardens and palaces of Marrakech, and the rugged landscapes of the Atlas Mountains.

Marrakesh with the old part of town Medina and minaret

Along your journey, you’ll savor the flavors of one of the world’s most iconic cuisines, while spending your nights in tranquil riad accommodations. Common in the medina neighborhoods, riads have few windows to the outside world to protect the privacy and modesty of Muslim families. But inside, it’s a whole new world. Step through one large door and you’ll find yourself in an interior garden complete with trees and bubbling fountain, with a kitchen and living area leading off of it and terraced rooms looking over it. It’s the perfect respite after a day surrounded by the hum of the city. 

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail in Meknes, Morocco

You’ll also get to do some time traveling with visits to the ancient cities of Meknes and Volubilis. A former Imperial City and true hidden gem, Meknes is full of historic mosques, mausoleums, and ornate architecture everywhere you turn. Think intricate arches, striking glass zellij tilework, and colorful accents. Up in the mountains, Volubilis is one of the country’s most significant archeological sites from the Roman and Berber eras. One of the most remote outposts of the Roman Empire, many columns and arches have been restored and detailed mosaics are still visible, including one depicting the twelve labors of Hercules. 

Lanterns and lamps in the market of Marrakesh, Morocco.

One of our favorite activities when in Morocco? Searching through souqs. It doesn’t even have to be for something specific—the sights of spices piled into pyramids, the sounds of merchants selling their wares, the aromas of shisha pipes, the tastes of refreshing mint tea, and the soft feel of cashmere scarves all make for immersive moments of authentic local discovery.

Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, and Buffalos...oh my! 

Group of African elephants in the wild

Africa is an animal lover’s dream destination. From aardvarks to zebras, you’ll find more than 1,100 species of mammals living across the continent. You might be surprised to hear that even penguins call Africa home! That said, there are five animals in particular that garner a little more attention than the rest. In England, they may have the Fab Four, but in Africa, they have the Big Five. They are the African elephant, the black rhinoceros, the Cape buffalo, the African lion, and the African leopard. You can see them all when you join us on the Kruger National Park Safari & Winelands experience. 

Three young Cheetahs in Kruger, South Africa

Located in Northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is among the continent’s largest game reserves. During your adventure here, you’ll head out into the wild on a safari led by knowledgeable experts. They’ll share insider info about the animals who call the park home, as well as bring you to the best places to spot them. Along the way, you’ll make your way through baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, and mopane trees as you track the Big Five. Be sure to keep your camera close—you never know when you’ll have the chance to take the photo of a lifetime. 

Zebras at Maasai Mara parkland

Have your heart set on exploring even more of Africa’s wild side? You can take six exceptional game rides on the Safari At Maasai Mara National Reserve Land Journey to watch wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, and more graze in the rolling grasslands. Or, on the Luxury Phinda Game Reserve Overnight Experience, enjoy an early morning and evening safari through iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to one of the best opportunities to see hippos in all of Africa. 

On the Victoria Falls & Chobe Game Park Safari AzAmazing® Journey, you’ll spend two days and nights traveling down river and through the jungle in 4x4s in search of the largest elephant population in the world. Then, in the evenings, you’ll retire to Chobe Game Lodge. Located in the heart of the preserve, the five-star Chobe Game Lodge is an ecotourism escape and an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. 

Sunrise at Victoria Falls

This journey is about more than catching a glimpse of some of Africa’s Big Five, it’s also a chance to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls, known by locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), certainly lives up to its name. In fact, we’ll take you on a guided hike through the rainforest to get up close and personal with the falls, which—at 5,604 feet wide and 354 feet high—create the largest sheet of falling water on earth. 

Train at Victoria falls

But you won’t just see Victoria Falls up close, you’ll also see it from the rails. We’ll board a beautiful steam train for dramatic views from the Victoria Falls Bridge, complete with a delicious dinner and opportunities to snap photos. We’ll also take to the skies in a helicopter for a unique opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. And as the sun sets, we’ll cruise down the Zambezi River, sipping sundowner cocktails and keeping your eyes peeled for crocodiles, hippos, and more. 

Bless the Rains Down in Africa 

Two lions cuddle each other

Mysterious and magical, Africa is waiting for you to discover. Find the perfect adventure for you today. Don’t forget to check out our other Land Program offerings around the world!

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