Short breaks Africa
Africa’s often been seen as a destination for a grand adventure, one that requires at least a fortnight away to explore the diverse natural beauty. A year-round destination with minimal time-zone difference, Africa lends itself to a long weekend escape or short break away. Vibrant Cape Town, the picturesque Winelands, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, wildlife drives in the Masai Mara and the palm-fringed beaches at the Kenya coast all make for unforgettable short breaks in Africa.
Cape Town
If you are looking to escape the winter blues, I can recommend a long weekend in Cape Town. From December through to March, the weather in South Africa’s Cape region is the opposite of the weather in the northern hemisphere. Cape Town and the Winelands with an average of 24 degrees Celsius, wall-to-wall sunshine, and perhaps a bit of a breeze off the coast, offer the perfect anecdote for those long winter days. Spend a couple of days in the Silo Hotel right by the Victoria and Alfred waterfront, just a short stroll to some delicious restaurants and the hub of where you can leave for activities such as Robben Island or enjoy a helicopter flip around the coast and over Cape Town. If you’re looking for a more boutique place to stay, then Sea Five in Camps Bay is the perfect location – with views of the sea and beach and a very short stroll from good restaurants, the beach, and even Lion’s Head.
The balcony view from Sea Five, looking out to Lion’s Head
Combine your stay in Cape Town with a couple of nights in the heart of the picturesque Winelands. You can either hire a car for ultimate flexibility or fully relax with private transfers – the choice is yours. There are numerous wineries to stay at, or even visit, to enjoy a quick wine tasting or a pairing of chocolate and wine. I would recommend staying at Babylonstoren. It is a wonderful and serene place to spend a few days, wandering at your pleasure through the stunning gardens, picking your own salad for lunch as well as sampling the delicious wine on offer. You can also bike, walk, canoe and dive into the history of the area. Leeu House is a small boutique hotel in lively Franschhoek and is a great base to explore the many dining options in the area. The Winelands combine beautifully with Cape Town for the perfect short break in Africa.
Carefully designed by our team of travel experts we hope this Cape Town and Winelands trip will inspire you to tailor your safari. A six day escape to Cape Town and the Winelands
The beautiful fruit and vegetable gardens of Babylonstoren Farm
Rwanda
Rwanda is a bucket list destination full of activities. Trekking through Volcanoes National Park to encounter gorillas, hiking bamboo forests in search of golden monkeys, and delving into the country’s turbulent yet fascinating history—this truly makes for a remarkable weekend escape. Bisate Lodge nestled in the shadow of Mount Bisoke is a uniquely designed place to stay offering numerous activities to enjoy over three or four days – from gorilla trekking to cultural visits, all ensuring you have a comfortable night’s sleep in their weaver bird nest inspired rooms. A recommended activity to enjoy here is the hike to Dian Fossey’s grave located between her former Karisoke Research Camp and Mount Bisoke. It is a humbling yet ambitious hike and acts as a homage to the extensive work she did to save the endangered mountain gorilla. Virunga Lodge is another exceptional lodge with stunning views of the Volcanoes National Park and the twin lakes, Ruhondo and Bulera. It’s known for its excellent service and commitment to sustainability. The lodge is a popular choice for gorilla trekking and cultural experiences with local communities.
Carefully designed by our team of travel experts we hope this gorilla trekking holiday will inspire you to tailor your safari. A four day gorillia trekking adventure in Rwanda
A unique stay in Bisate’s thatched villas
Masai Mara
Jet into the wildlife-filled plains of the Masai Mara with a huge choice of wildlife reserves and private conservancies. Kenya offers discerning visitors breathtaking scenery and dense wildlife populations in peaceful surroundings. These private safari areas have a good selection of excellent small safari camps and lodges. Stay at the stunning Mara Plains with its wonderful luxurious furnishings, access to the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy and delicious food for your short break away. Located in the Mara North Conservancy, Ngare Serian is nestled into the banks of Mara River itself and accessed by a rope bridge. With only four tented suits, ample privacy and stunning views of the Mara River, even from your bath built into the decking, it’s a wonderful escape. Sala’s Camp is located within a quiet area of the main Masai Mara Reserve and is the perfect luxurious bush escape.
Carefully designed by our team of travel experts we hope this Masai Mara trip will inspire you to tailor your safari. A six day safari in the Masai Mara
Mara Plains offers luxurious tented camps in the Masai Mara
Kenyan Coast
If you’re looking for some alternative ideas Kenya’s coast is a great option for some winter sun. December, January and February are perfect months to visit. It is regarded as the last months of their summer and an ideal time for a beach holiday, with warm and sunny weather throughout these months. Alfajiri Villas located in Diani, is the perfect private escape for families and groups of friends. Each villa is spacious and has a chef and a butler, catering to your every whim and desire making your stay as relaxing as possible. The Cabanas on Lamu is an idyllic Robinson Crusoe-esque, barefoot luxury place to stay and can be found on the stunning Kizingoni Beach on the southern tip of Lamu Island. Spend a relaxing four days or long weekend on the sunny sands of Kenya’s coast for a relaxing short break away.
Carefully designed by our team of travel experts we hope this beach holiday will inspire you to tailor your trip . Five day sun and sea escape at the Kenyan coast
Snorkelling in Diani’s vibrant offshore waters
What next?
Get inspired and sign up to our free Insiders Guide to Africa. We would be delighted to help with planning your perfect safari holiday, whenever you want to travel. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.
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