Best for game viewing?

Kruger National Park is hard to beat, especially the private lodges. Try Royal Malawane in Sabie Sands, or Thornybush in the Timbavati. If its the Big Five you want, this is the place!

Best for birding?

This has to be Mkuze Falls and White Elephant Lodge. They record over 420 species, including rarities like the Narina trogon and common hornbills.

Best for wild life photography?

When it works, it’s Kumasinga Hide at Mkuze, Zululand. The animals come to the water hole in front of the hide like a kaleidoscope.

Best for food and drink?

It must be the winelands in the Cape. The ambience is so relaxed and the cuisine superb. Try, especially, Franshoek – fantastic restaurants!

Best for prawns by the sea?

No doubt about it – Maputo in Mozambique. The best prawns and lobster in the world, in a fascinating fusion of African and Indian Ocean culture.

Best for history?

David and Nicky Rattray’s Fugitive’s Drift Lodge! The review of South Africa’s history is immense, especially the Anglo-Zulu war.

Best for rural Africa?

Swaziland. It’s such a lovely country and the people are so warm and welcoming. The pace of life is ‘old Africa’ here.