Africa

Have you always dreamed of viewing gorillas in the jungles of Rwanda, meeting a Maasai chief in Kenya or spotting the “Big Five” in Tanzania but lack the confidence to tackle East Africa independently? A group tour can simplify the experience of visiting this stunning region of the world. While East Africa’s tourism infrastructure is well developed and traveling solo …

Some of the world’s best places to see the stars are far from the crowds – and their associated light pollution. Life is harsh in the world’s desert environments, and this reduces human development and light pollution. One such place is the NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia. NamibRand Nature Reserve was established in …

Inspired by Vanuatu’s ritualistic land divers, the modern sport of diving off a ledge while attached to a safety cord was popularised by Kiwi entrepreneur AJ Hackett. Where to try it: Hackett-owned Macau Tower boasts the world’s highest commercial jump point (233m/764ft), but the original Kawarau Bridge Bungy in Queenstown (43m/141ft) and Victoria Falls Bungee in Zambia (111m/364ft) are more scenic.

Almost 230ft (70m) above a lush ravine in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park are 525ft (160m) of sturdy suspension bridges and metal platforms, the perfect vantage point from which to witness the 13 primate species – including chimpanzees – and endless number of birds, butterflies, and more calling this park home. The canopy walk appears after a hike …

The huge gardens at the Beldi Country Club are the main attraction, stretching for miles and themed on Alice and Wonderland. Kids will love running around the gardens, as will be greeted with crepes and ice cream when back at the hotel. For adults, you can lounge at one of …

This sprawling maze of ancient streets and alleyways is one of the most impressive medieval medinas in North Africa and one of Tunisia’s great treasures. It’s home to numerous covered souqs selling everything from shoes to shisha pipes, as well as bustling cafes, back streets full of artisans at work …

Carved out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, this imposing main temple of the Abu Simbel complex was as much dedicated to the deified Ramses II himself as to Ra-Horakhty, Amun and Ptah. The four colossal statues of the pharaoh, which front the …

This ancient monastery traces its founding to about AD 330, when Byzantine empress Helena had a small chapel and a fortified refuge for local hermits built beside what was believed to be the burning bush from which God spoke to Moses. Today St Catherine’s is considered one of the oldest …

One of the finest Roman sites in existence, the ruins of Timgad stretch almost as far as the eye can see over a plain that in winter is cold and desolate and in summer hot and tinder-dry. Its perfect preservation has made it a Unesco World Heritage Site – take …

Amun-Ra was the local god of Karnak (Luxor) and during the New Kingdom, when the princes of Thebes ruled Egypt, he became the preeminent state god, with a temple that reflected his status. At the height of its power, the temple owned 421,000 head of cattle, 65 cities, 83 ships …