Amazing Senior Travel Adventures in Africa

Once you’ve traveled with friends, a partner, and your kids, a beautiful new horizon starts to appear – mature travel experiences. Less kids club and jumping into the pool, more photography club and relaxing on a sun lounger with a great book and fantastic view. Less armchair traveling and more real life adventuring.

Senior travel, however, is just as – if not more – exciting that traveling during your thirties through fifties. In the spirit of this exciting new chapter, the experts at Ker & Downey® Africa have collated a few expert suggestions of where to start planning the ultimate senior travel adventures escape in Africa.

Whether looking for cultural encounters, the perfect sundowner spot to enjoy after a safari game drive, or enjoying the finest culinary offerings, and breathtaking views, this selection of luxurious lodges and villas, all suited for senior travel in the lap of luxury, are sure to usher in the ultimate memorable moments.

The rainbow nation of South Africa offers a veritable feast of senior travel adventures. Key to this is of course wildlife safaris in the northern area of the country. After the, perhaps expected, indulgent pit stop of Cape Town, that offers a plethora of culinary and wine delights, the wide wild open spaces beckon, a chance to experience the ultimate in luxury senior travel safari adventures.

South Africa’s diversity helps to establish it as an all year round destination. The ideal time to visit the wildlife parks such as Kruger National Park or Sabi Sand Reserve would be in the cooler months from May – September as this period guarantees exceptional sightings.

To start off your adventure we recommend a stay at Hamiltons Tented Camp. Set within a 10 000 hectare private concession this is truly the “Gem of Kruger”. Hamiltons  was named after Colonel Stevenson-Hamilton, who was instrumental in establishing the world famous Kruger National Park. Besides the privacy offered by being on the privacy concession (no busses on these roads!) the camp itself boasts magnificent tented suites complete with teak floorboards, dreamy mosquito nets, slipper baths, private plunge pools and a superb view of the complete seasonal river, linked to the main lodge area by raised timber walkways amongst ancient Jackalberry trees.

We recommend a minimum of two nights during a wildlife excursion, and so next, for a change of luxurious thread count linen, we recommend the private Granite Suites at Sabi Sand. Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, these exclusive villas offer the ultimate private experience, situated on the banks of the Sand River. Each villa boasts three luxurious suites that offer a private swimming pool and private river bath – perfect for a soak with a view after the game drives – available twice a day. Don’t be too taken aback if this ultimate guest service team creates a cocktail experience in the river to make your visit truly unforgettable.

Zambia’s untamed wilderness has long made it the ultimate mecca for travelers looking to experience the extraordinary. With over 30% of the country dedicated to some of the world’s largest and most diverse national parks, the safari experience is a bucket list one – especially for senior travelers who may have experienced safari’s before and are looking for truly unique encounters that are off the beaten track. With vast rivers and wetlands, Zambia is also a natural choice for birders, and of course a photographic safari destination extraordinaire.

Your home while you are here on this senior travel adventure is Royal Chundu Island Lodge set on an island reached by taking a short pontoon trip. Each villa boasts its own private deck, infinity pool and indulgent outdoor bathtub from where you can experience the beauty of the river. Here a world of wonder awaits the discerning traveler. Mokoro and birding safaris are popular cruises, as well as the obligatory and oh so enjoyable sunset cruises – check out our Little Black Book of Safari Sundowners in Africa. Guests can also enjoy a village walk to learn the traditions of the local communities – a true in-depth, authentic experience.

The Victoria Falls River Lodge is perhaps best loved for the incredible views of the spray from the great falls that can be enjoyed on the breakfast terrace. A helicopter trip over the falls provides an unfettered, unbeatable view of the Victoria falls, one of the seven wonders of the world. A gargantuan 500 million liters of water cascade over the falls every minute – a view sure to be enjoyed from your private airborne cocoon.

If you prefer a more sedate experience, then a private walkway from the hotel will lead you to a picture perfect vantage point of the falls. Back at the hotel, we invite guests to enjoy an hour or two at the spa, in between a splendid high tea experience. The accommodation during your seniors travel adventure will be at the island treehouse suites which are set on a private island.

There are many island paradises off the coast of Tanzania, the most famous one is Zanzibar – also known locally as Unguja. Senior travel adventures abound on this island with a balmy climate, white sandy beaches and an enticing array of cultural, culinary and aquatic adventures.

Elewana Kilindi in the North of Zanzibar is set within 50 acres of lush tropical gardens providing you with the ultimate escape that makes you feel at one in nature. Each of the pavilions boasts its own private plunge pool, and a mesmerizing ‘rainfall’ shower room. To fill your sun soaked days with fun, why not try diving or snorkeling around the island in the warm, clear azure waters or a sensory spice tour to Stone Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site. In addition, the service of a dedicated butler complemented the expansive views of the Dhows routes over the Atlantic and the endless stretch of beach allows for an uninterrupted and tranquil escape.

Recently voted as one of the world’s most romantic all-inclusive resorts by Travel + Leisure, this island paradise offers the ultimate in beauty and charm for a loved up senior travel adventure. The Palms boasts seven villas that offer the ultimate in private luxury with its own private plunge pool and world class service, breathtaking views and of course an array of water based activities.

The Palms, in particular, also offers an incredible amount of cultural experiences to enjoy alongside the traditional island escapades. Learn the traditional art of palm-weaving to make a sunhat or spend time with the resort’s Mwalimu (teacher) who offers lessons on Swahili and the history of Zanzibar.

The ultimate favorite is the culinary classes presented by the resort’s chef where you will learn how to make famous Swahili dishes using the spices from the island – as well as learning about their medicinal uses in this interactive experience.

Another must visit is the local turtle rescue programme – Sea Turtle Lagoon. Working in partnership with the local fisherman, this programme aims to rehabilitate the local turtle population who have suffered from coastal plastic contamination. Complete your trip by visiting the Jozani Forest – a tiny natural park on its way to achieving UNESCO World heritage status that shows what Zanzibar looked like at the dawn of time and is sanctuary for many endangered species like the Zanzibar servaline genet, and rare red colobus monkey amongst many others.

Be sure to contact your LuxVenture® Designer to book a stay at one of these fine lodges so that you can experience the ultimate in luxurious senior travel adventures.