Uganda

Shoebill Stork
Elephant Uganda
Ishasha Lioness
Introduction

 

Here at Wild Frontiers we are proud to be operating in Uganda, deservedly dubbed the Pearl of Africa. This East African country is located in the Great Lakes Region in central Africa and boasts an ecological diversity that rivals most other countries. This diversity is enhanced by the multitude of varying ecosystems. Bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains (often called the Mountains of the Moon, the 3rd highest in Africa), the Virunga Mountains and Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, it’s a beautiful country bursting with birdlife and wildlife. When it comes to Uganda as a safari destination, it can boast as one of East Africa’s fastest growing and most exciting safari destinations offering year round opportunities for tourism.

Uganda offers numerous opportunities to experience the safari of a lifetime. We provide all of our guests with the opportunity to take part in: primate viewing, such as tracking wild Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest and Chamburu Gorge; big game safaris on the savannah, where the Queen Elizabeth National Park tree climbing lions are ever present; bird watching for the enthusiasts, with over 1000 species having been recorded; exhilarating fishing on the river Nile at Murchison Falls National Park or Lake Victoria, where Nile perch reach sizes of just over 1ookg; boat trips to the Murchison falls, where the mighty Nile cascades through a gap just 7m wide; climbing to the snowy tops in the Mountains of the Moon; river rafting the Nile  at its wildest; or experiencing the breath-taking landscapes and warm, welcoming culture of Uganda. Wild Frontiers Uganda Safaris makes all of these activities possible!

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There are no other African destinations where one can one see a such a wide variety of primates with so little effort. More than ten monkey species can be found, including that of the great apes. If you aren’t enthralled by the diverseness of the ape species available then maybe the birdlife might have you grinning with satisfaction. Uganda is by far the smallest of the four African countries in which more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it is particularly rich in western rainforest specialists – in practical terms, undoubtedly the finest bird watching in Africa.

We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover and unique experiences that will have you lost for words. We have been operating in Uganda for over 20 years and have over 30 years of combined safari experience under our belt. Wild Frontiers is one of Uganda’s longest established and premier safari companies originating from humble beginnings of one safari guide and his landcruiser (read more about our history).

We operate fully inclusive services with safaris, lodges and boating facilities, and we continue to grow from strength to strength and want to do justice to Uganda when experiencing your time in this jewel of a country.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Park

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – including several habituated families.

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This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 species of mammal, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savannah, shady humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classical big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees, and over 600 species of birds.

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Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.

As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history. There are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music, and more. The gazetting of the park has ensured the conservation of its ecosystems, which in turn benefits the surrounding communities.

Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly a Medley of Wonders.

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau.

The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee. It also contains over 375 species of birds.

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Kibale adjoins Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south to create a 180 kilometre long corridor for wildlife between Ishasha, the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Sebitoli in the north of Kibale National Park.

The Kibale-Fort Portal area is one of Uganda’s most rewarding destinations to explore. The park lies close to the tranquil Ndali-Kasenda crater area and within half a day’s drive of Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains and Semliki National Parks, as well as the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savannah. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 species of birds.

The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45 metres over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the centrepiece of the park and the final event in an 80 metre stretch of rapids.

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The mighty cascade drains the last of the river’s energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes and buffaloes while hippos, Nile crocodiles and aquatic birds are permanent residents.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, the smallest of Uganda’s savanna national parks, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years, and is home to 350 bird species and speckled with zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck.

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Lake Mburo, together with 13 other lakes in the area, forms a big part of a 50 kilometre long wetland system linked by a swamp. Five of these lakes lie within the park’s borders. The park was once covered by open savanna, but now contains vast stretches of woodland as there are no elephants to control the vegetation. Savanna can be found in the western part of the park, interspersed with rocky ridges and forested gorges while patches of papyrus swamp and narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many of the lakes that the park has to offer.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Wild Frontiers is a tourism stakeholder. We therefore believe in low impact tourism to help conserve Uganda’s wildlife and heritage for future generations to enjoy. We have a shared passion and a vast experienced understanding of Uganda’s rich biodiversity. Our active Responsible Tourism Policy, supported by our Future Generations Trust, consciously and actively aims to protect and conserve the surrounding environmental and wildlife areas in which we operate and share daily with the local community.

We structure our tours around the idea of experiencing, viewing and photographing wildlife, with as little impact on the flora and fauna as possible. We pride ourselves in our world class mountain gorilla viewing (one of our primary safari activities), and as such, we have chosen to be part of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) “Be Gorilla Friendly” campaign. Our other tours that operate in and around the local communities are aimed at ensuring authentism and are to be as non invasive as possible for the communities involved.

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The operations that are run by Wild Frontiers are almost exclusively managed by a Ugandan staff compliment (over 95%) and are fully Ugandan registered. We operate in a legal and tax compliant manner, belonging to trade and industry associations such as AUTO, ATTA, and USAGA. If and where possible, we make an effort to obtain seats on the boards of these organizations, with the aim of providing help and guidance within the industry so that others may also benefit from our experiences learnt over more than twenty years of tourism in Africa.

The facilities that are utilised for and by our guests comply with the following low impact aims: fuel efficient vehicles and boats; accommodation at small intimate camps and lodges; sustainable fuel use. To ensure this, we encourage our safari guests to act in a responsible way with insight and understanding with local customs to ensure that your safari in Uganda is more enjoyable and fulfilling.

The Future Generations Trust was established in 2019 and has been overseen by a Board of Trustees since it’s inception. It is an extension of our sustained time as a company in Uganda since 1996. The trust is funded by Wild Frontiers and Exclusive Camps & Lodges Uganda guests, with each person and bed night booked contributing towards the income of the trust. This income is used to fund our commitment and involvement in achieving these goals:

1. Creating a New Generation of Conservationists and Solutions to counter Human/Wildlife Conflict.
2. Promoting and Supporting Sustainable and Self-Funding Mechanisms to provide economic growth to our surrounding communities.
3. Encouraging Staff Volunteer Programs to assist local communities and younger generation educational projects
4. Ensuring our impact on the Environment within our Operations Are Ethical, Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable.

How can you get involved?

We encourage our guests to participate in the community tourism products we offer, sample local food and buy local arts and crafts. All of these actions help generate income for those people involved in the local communities.

If you are interested in making donations towards items such as school stationary, clothes or even monetary gifts, we would encourage you to do so through our Future Generations Trust or one of the organisations we have identified. Please feel free to ask us any questions on which items would be most useful and in demand at the time. One of the easiest and most well received donations in the past has been as simple as a soccer ball. Football is a sport in Africa and the World that can be shared and enjoyed by all, especially for a group of children at a local school in Uganda!

To find out more – Contact us

Some of our preferred projects and community products that are also supported by the Future Generations Trust are listed below:

  • The Bwindi Hospital in Buhoma
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    Bwindi, the epicentre of tourism to Uganda, has experienced tremendous growth over the years. This hospital project, which has been running for some time, plays a massive role in supporting this large and scattered community. The support and annual donations that it receives provide a small amount of assistance in the bigger scheme of things. We encourage taking visitors to go and see the hard work that is being done first hand.

  • Ishasha Community Uplift Group
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    A small rural community group, based close to the edge of southern Queen Elizabeth National Park. Their livelihoods are focused on subsistence farming, who face daily challenges, including crop raiding, as they work towards earning a living to support their families. The community members, despite living hand to mouth, have initiated a Savings and Credit scheme towards which they contribute regularly. This scheme allows them to build up funds for investments in additional land and income bearing projects such as chicken rearing.

    Educational tourism activities, run by a craftswoman, tailor and subsistence farmer named Agartha, are made available for visitors, bringing in much required income for the community and its people. Agartha’s Taste of Uganda tour  welcomes you into her homestead and shares with you how the women of the Bakiga tribe prepare their local food and keep their home. During the tour Agartha weaves in stories of her life as a Bakiga wife whilst encouraging you to taste what you have prepared together.

  • The Batwa Experiences at Buhoma, Bwindi
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    This experience is supported by us and we encourage our visitors to take part. It was created as part of the Batwa Empowerment Village (BEV) and community visits. Visitors will have Batwa guides taking them through the forests, experiences the culture of the Batwa people, whilst learning how they lived and hunted. There is also time to learn about medicinal plants and watch for animals and birds.  Why not opt to share a traditional meal with the Batwa, hear ancient legends and traditional songs whilst joining in a mock hunting party? You can even test your skill with a Batwa bow and arrow and participate in traditional dances.

  • Ride for a woman in Buhoma
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    Ride 4 a Woman is a charitable organisation set up to support and empower women struggling with poverty, HIV and domestic violence in Buhoma. The Trust provides ongoing support by buying, using and selling their locally made products and taking clients to visit their projects.

  • Wildlife Clubs in Uganda
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    Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, established in 1975, is a nationwide organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and the environment by engaging youth in conservation education. We maintain a network of over 1000 Wildlife Clubs in schools and communities nationwide, and work with youth everyday to realize the importance of Uganda’s wildlife, wild landscapes, and natural resources. In all our activities, we seek a more sustainable and prosperous future for all Ugandans. The Trust is initiating Wildlife Clubs at:

    • Paraa Primary School for the youth surrounding Paraa at Murchison Falls National Park
    • Zendaiere Primary School for the youth adjacent to Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • Watoto Primary School in Buhoma adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

  • Uganda Conservation Foudation
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    This organisation is involved in may productive projects in and around Uganda. We have actively been supporting and also encouraging support to this organisation to their projects including the Elephant trench project in Ishasha, which is close to our Ishasha Community and Wilderness Camp. The Foundation works tirelessly on Park Recovery in Uganda and has a network of Anti-Poaching activities, mainly based in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. The Uganda Conservation Foundation provides and has provided invaluable support to The Uganda Wildlife Authority.

  • Lion Alliance
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    Spearheaded by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Lion Alliance is a grouping of stakeholders in Queen Elizabeth National Park who work towards initiating mechanisms to recover the Lion population in the Park. The main aims of the alliance are that of addressing the lion-human wildlife conflict, using and monitoring data available and developing formal collaborative frameworks for all stakeholders involved.

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Situated on the edge of the National Park, we’re just a short distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking.

We are renowned for our warm welcome and attentive service, and are delighted to have been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. We are sure you will love our Africa-inspired lodge.

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Buhoma Lodge is eco friendly and has been constructed using sustainable local materials where possible and uses solar power. Each chalet has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views of the forest canopy. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and the occasional screech of a monkey. Mountain Gorillas have even been spotted in our garden!

Our open air lounge and bar area offer uninterrupted views, and whether the eerie mists of the forest envelope you, or your views are crisp and bright, Buhoma offers its own special magic.

After a hard day tracking gorillas, relax around our open fireside, or enjoy a few drinks at the bar. Our multi-course meals are freshly prepared from local produce, ensuring you take away warm homely memories of your time with us.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness set in Uganda’s spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park. This intimate camp has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for its superb quality accommodation and exceptional service.

Set next to the Ntungwe River, each of the camp’s ten spacious canvas tented rooms has a private verandah overlooking the river. Comfortably furnished with large mosquito-netted beds, all rooms are en suite with hot ‘bush’ showers, running water for hand basins and a flushing ‘eco-friendly’ toilet.

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The thatched central lounge and dining area provide a comfortable setting for meals and relaxation, although we often serve meals ‘al fresco’ next to the river. In the evening, the outdoor fireplace is the perfect place for guests to relax with sundowners and share their day’s experiences.

Being within the park the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently viewed. If you are lucky, George, the lone hippo, can also be seen beside the camp. Our attentive security staff are always on hand to escort and assist you should you feel the wildlife is too close! Bush breakfasts and sundowners within the park complete the ‘bush’ experience offered at Ishasha Wilderness Camp.

Hotel No. 5

Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, is the new and stylish boutique hotel, Hotel No.5. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride.

Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No. 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this busy town.

Ham Juuko

Senior Guide

Ham was born and raised in Western Uganda as a country boy who helped raise cattle on the family farm.

Jean-Paul Mirenge Remezo “JP”

Senior Guide

Jean-Paul grew up in the area around Kisoro in the extreme south west of Uganda but now lives in Entebbe with his wife and two young children.

Mustafah Kiika – “Steffie”

Senior Guide

Steffie, as he is generally known, grew up in Kampala where he also went to school and studies afterwards for Mechanical Engineering.

Moses Makinawa

Senior Guide

Moses was born in Kalagala-Lyantonde district located at the border of Ankole and Buganda kingdom in the central area of Uganda.

David Acaye

Guide

David was born in Awach, Gulu District in Northern Uganda.

Martin Okot

Senior Guide Birding Specialist

Martin is from the Acholi tribe, which is from the far North of Uganda although he grew up locally in Entebbe and attended the local schools of the area.

Sulaiman Iga – “Sula”

Senior Guide

Sula is from the Mweya region of Queen Elizabeth National Park and spent all of his childhood there.

Echilus Baijuka – “Echy”

Guide

Echy was born in the district of Kibale and is of the Munyoro tribe. He began his education at the Paraa Primary School, then went to Hoima for secondary school and finally completed his schooling in Masindi.

Edward Ekisa – “Eddie”

Senior Guide

Eddie, born and raised in Entebbe, began his schooling in his home town then continued studying in Kampala and went on to study Information Technology.

Joseph Mutebi

Senior Birding Specialist Guide

Joseph grew up in Mukono, he was born into a large family of eleven children and is the last born.

Ellis Walinah

Guide

Ellis is born and raised in Kasese where he went to Primary school.

New-model, Extended, Safari Fitted Toyota Land Cruisers

Each of our safari fleet of 15 vehicles are purchased new from the factory then custom extended and safari fitted in Tanzania. Our own purpose-built workshop in Entebbe is responsible for a full and thorough service of every vehicle before it departs on safari.

See below for a description of our safari modifications.

Wild Frontiers Safari Vehicle Features – Exterior

1. Snorkel for deep water crossings

2. Table extension for picnics in the wild

3. Bull Bars & Roll Bars

4. Customised, Extended Body to seat 7 with optimal viewing

5. All-Terrain Tyres

6. 2 x Fuel tanks to go the extra mile

7. Hi-lift jack & emergency recovery equipment

8. 2 x Spare Wheels

9. “Pop Top” roof for 360° viewing

Wild Frontiers Safari Vehicle Features – Interior

1. Cushions for extra comfort

2. 7 reclining “window” passenger seats

3. In-car refrigerator for snacks and drinks

4. Luggage Cage

5. Extra Lighting

6. Extended windows for better in-car viewing

7. Plug-in Invertor for charging of phones or cameras

7 day Active Uganda Private Tour

HIKE, CLIMB AND TREK UGANDA

This exciting offering is aimed at those fit and active travellers who want to experience the best of Southern Uganda “up close and personal”. Climb the volcano that is Mt. Gahinga, explore ancient Batwa trails, cross through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on foot, and trek endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.

It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the fauna and flora of this East African gem, whilst experiencing one of the greatest wildlife encounters on the planet – coming face to face with a mountain gorilla.

8 day Uganda/Rwanda Scheduled Safari

One of the most incredible wildlife experiences you will ever encounter awaits you on this trip of a lifetime that combines Uganda – the Pearl of Africa – and remarkable Rwanda.

Coming face to face with endangered mountain gorillas is a truly unforgettable experience. Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with its amazing selection of wildlife including tree climbing lions, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George, and trek gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: just some of the many reasons to visit Uganda.

Crossing the border into Rwanda, discover Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek gorillas, take a forest walk in search of golden monkeys, or hike to Dian Fossey’s grave. A visit to the genocide memorial in the capital city of Kigali gives a haunting insight into the dark past from which Rwanda has risen to become one of the cleanest, safest African countries.

Lake Kivu View - Uganda Rwanda Safari

4 day Gorilla Fly-in Safari

A fly-in safari from Entebbe to Bwindi is perfect for those short on time and keen to experience one of the most thrilling wildlife encounters on earth, trekking Mountain Gorillas. Situated just inside the Park gate, Buhoma Lodge offers wonderful views out over the forest – and we often have gorillas and other primates IN the garden!

This trip can also be tailored to add in game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park or chimp trekking in Kibale – chat to us today and we will design your ideal Uganda adventure.

Gorillas - Uganda

12 day Ultimate Uganda Private safari

Enjoy a 12 day private safari exploring the very best highlights of Uganda – visiting Murchison Falls National Park on the mighty Nile river, chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Kibale, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

This trip can be tailored to suit your exact travel requirements.

uganda_wildlife_elephants_ishasha_02

8 day Best of Uganda Scheduled Safari

Gorillas, Chimps & Game…

Searching for endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, multiple game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park with its amazing selection of wildlife – including tree climbing lions, and an optional visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on the beautiful Lake Victoria are just some of the very best reasons to visit Uganda. With luxury accommodation, professional guides and custom made safari vehicles – this fully hosted eight day safari through the Pearl of Africa is really something special.

Elephant - Uganda

6 day Gorilla Express Scheduled Safari

Gorillas, gorillas and abundant game…..

This best seller is aimed at those who are a short on time, but keen to see some game as well as gorillas on their safari. You’ll have ample time to trek endangered mountain gorillas twice, as well as enjoy abundant game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National park.

On this hosted FLY IN safari we include domestic flights to save those long journeys by vehicle. Luxury accommodation, friendly hosts, professional guides and custom made safari vehicles promise to make this the trip of a lifetime. Aside from incredible gorillas and game, Uganda boasts some of the top bird watching in Africa, with over 1000 different species including the remarkable grey crowned crane and a host of endemic forest birds.

uganda wildlife gorilla bwindi Credit RogerDeLaHarpe

10 day Classical Uganda Scheduled Safari

This ten day safari includes a thrilling visit with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, chimpanzee tracking in both Kibale National Park and Kyambura Gorge, multiple game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

Uganda boasts some of the best bird watching in Africa, with over 1000 different species, including the rare shoebill and the remarkable grey crowned crane.

Luxury accommodation, professional guides and custom-made safari vehicles – this safari will be the trip of a lifetime.

Lioness - Ishasha - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda Packages (Scroll for more)

Wild Frontiers can tailormake a trip to just about anywhere in Africa. So if you’re looking to visit this destination then get in touch and we’ll help you design your perfect trip!

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