Tanzania was my very first African destination—and I’ve returned time and again for its unmatched variety of landscapes and wildlife. Spanning from the Indian Ocean coast to the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers:

• Serengeti National Park: Home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras, with open plains ideal for big-game viewing.

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A volcanic caldera teeming with elephants, lions, and rhinos against a backdrop of grasslands and woodlands.

• Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest summit, with trekking routes through rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and summit ice fields.

• Zanzibar Archipelago: White-sand beaches, historic Stone Town, and spice-plantation tours along a turquoise coastline.

• Lake Manyara & Tarangire: Diverse birdlife—flamingos on the lake, tree-climbing lions in Manyara and large elephant herds in Tarangire’s baobab forests.

• Cultural experiences: Encounters with Maasai and Hadza communities, traditional dances, and insights into Swahili customs and cuisine.

In my Tanzania guides you’ll find current advice on the best travel seasons (dry months of June–October and December–March), safari-circuit transport options, eco-lodge and tented-camp recommendations, plus Maasai-hosted cultural visits—so you can explore with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.

The Gambia was my second African destination—and its narrow ribbon of land along the Gambia River offers an intimate look at communities shaped by one waterway. Despite its modest size and limited tourist infrastructure, the country’s authentic spirit shines through every village and wetland.

The Gambia highlights:

• River corridor: A 450 km stretch of mangroves, floodplains and sandbanks that define daily life.

• Kiang West National Park: Floodplain forests and swamps home to rare waterbirds, baboons and pythons.

• Banjul & historic forts: The capital at the river mouth, with bustling fish markets and 19th-century colonial forts.

• Riverside villages: Homestays where you can sample domoda (peanut stew), fresh cashews and home-brewed palm wine.

• Birdwatching hotspot: Over 500 species—migratory raptors, herons and kingfishers—along quiet creeks.

• Local customs: Kora music gatherings, wood-carving workshops and weekend markets that bring communities together.

In my Gambia guides you’ll find up-to-date tips on the best months to visit, arranging community-led eco-tours, navigating pirogue and bush-taxi routes, and essential customs—so you can explore this hidden corner of West Africa with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.

Senegal was my third African destination—and its mix of lively cities, historic sites, and coastal scenery has kept drawing me back. Stretching along West Africa’s Atlantic coast from Dakar to the Casamance, Senegal offers a blend of urban energy, colonial heritage, and natural beauty.

Senegal highlights:

• Dakar & Médina: Bustling capital with colorful markets, colonial architecture, and nightly mbalax music sessions.

• Gorée Island: UNESCO World Heritage site whose cobblestone streets and former slave-trade houses tell a powerful story.

• Saint-Louis: Senegal’s former colonial capital, now a UNESCO-listed town on the Senegal River, famed for birdwatching and French-style villas.

• Casamance: Lush riverine landscapes, Diola villages, mangrove creeks, and wildlife in Niokolo-Koba National Park.

• Coastal escapes: Surf-friendly beaches along the Petite Côte, fishing villages like Joal-Fadiouth (the Shell Island), and seaside resorts in Saly.

• Cultural traditions: Warm “teranga” hospitality, vibrant festivals (Dakar Biennale, Saint-Louis Jazz), traditional wrestling, and craftsmanship in mudcloth and basket weaving.

In my Senegal guides, you’ll find up-to-date advice on the best months to travel (avoiding the June–July rains), reliable transport options—from intercity buses to bush taxis—eco-friendly lodging picks, and key local customs, so you can experience Senegal with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.

Morocco was my fourth African destination—and its sheer diversity has kept me coming back. Straddling the Atlantic and Mediterranean, the country unfolds from windswept coastlines and fertile plains to the rugged High Atlas and the edge of the Sahara. Centuries of Berber, Arab and European influence have shaped four imperial capitals and a wealth of living traditions that make Morocco unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Country highlights:

• Imperial cities: Fès, Marrakech, Meknès and Rabat each boast UNESCO-listed medinas, monumental gates and centuries-old souks.
• Mountain landscapes: The High Atlas and Rif ranges offer hiking routes, terraced Berber villages and cedar-forest wildlife.
• Sahara frontier: Vast dunes at Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, traditional desert camps and night skies that feel infinite.
• Coastal life: Atlantic ports like Essaouira and Agadir blend fishing-village charm with fresh seafood and beachside winds for surfing.
• Cultural traditions: From mint-tea hospitality to vibrant festivals (Mawazine, Gnaoua), and craftsmanship in leather, ceramics and textiles.
• Culinary delights: Tagines scented with preserved lemon, fresh couscous, sweet pastries and Andalusian-influenced spices.

In my Morocco guides, you’ll find clear, up-to-date advice on the best seasons to travel, how to connect imperial cities by train or grand-taxi, where to stay in eco-minded riads, and the local customs that ensure you explore with confidence, respect, and genuine understanding.