Ganders Travel

GANDERS TRAVEL LTD

Ganders Travel has been established to achieve only one thing — to provide the very highest quality bespoke holidays to Southern and East Africa and the Indian Ocean. The mix of personal experience and professional background enables us to offer tailor-made itineraries combining our expert knowledge with your wishes. Whether you are travelling as a family, on honeymoon, with friends, or solo, we are perfectly placed to advise you.

Our tailored holidays offer a wide range of experiences including traditional wildlife safaris, riding safaris, walking safaris, cultural encounters, photography trips, trekking, primate safaris and beach getaways. We work with carefully selected properties and service providers to ensure the highest standards of quality, luxury and comfort.

Founder, Lucinda Rome, has specialised in African and Indian Ocean travel for nearly two decades. Her deep connection with the region started when she scaled Mt Kilimanjaro and took a safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara 20 years ago. After several years working in remote camps in Zambia, her attention turned to planning bespoke holidays in East and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean.

My background running safari camps, coupled with extensive travel throughout Africa has given me a deep understanding of the nuances of each destination, the local cultures, the wildlife, and the intricacies of planning various types of journeys. I have strong relationships with a trusted network of partners and would be delighted to help plan your next holiday adventure.’

Lucinda Rome

© Felix Rome

Cover image © Felix Rome

Southern Africa

Southern Africa offers exceptional wildlife viewing, a vast array of experiences and widely contrasting landscapes. From Namibia’s parched deserts to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, and remote national parks to UNESCO World Heritage sites, it offers a complete safari holiday experience.

Botswana - Renowned for abundant wildlife, desert to delta landscapes, unique travel experiences and relatively low visitor numbers, Botswana offers an intimate and exclusive safari experience. The dry winter months (April to October) coincide with high waters of the Okavango Delta, whilst the wetter summer months (November to March) bring lush vegetation, newborn animals and migratory birds. Combine Botswana with Victoria Falls, Cape Town or the Indian Ocean.

Malawi - Known as the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, this scenic gem is ideal for off-the-beaten-path experiences. Small and surprisingly diverse, the superb national parks offer increasingly good wildlife viewing, with tea plantations and cultural interactions giving further interest. The clear blue waters and sandy beaches of Lake Malawi provide endless beautiful spots at which to relax after a safari. Malawi is at its best between April and November although the wetter months offer wonderful migratory bird sightings. It combines very well with Zambia.

Namibia - Characterised by huge open spaces and unique wildlife this extraordinarily beautiful country will delight anyone seeking an unforgettable African experience. Dramatic desert landscapes, towering sand dunes, the desolate Skeleton Coast, and wildlife of Etosha National Park are just some highlights of a safari here. Photographers will relish the amazing light, adventurers can self-drive and those in a hurry can fly. Visit year round as rains are limited. Namibia combines well with South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.

South Africa - Deserving of its ‘world in one country’ moniker, South Africa offers world class wildlife viewing, a plethora of safari activities and a multitude of national parks and private reserves. Beyond traditional wildlife viewing are the winelands, the battlefields, sophisticated cities and glorious beaches. Whether you're drawn to its natural beauty, interested in its history, or excited about its adventure opportunities, South Africa fits the bill. Visit throughout the year with the Cape Region at its best between November and April. Combine South Africa with Mozambique, the Indian Ocean islands or Victoria Falls.

Zambia - The birthplace of the walking safari, Zambia rejoices in pristine wilderness, stunning landscapes, and plentiful, diverse wildlife. The birdlife is fabulous and it’s a known hotspot for leopard, lion and elephant. Remote bush camps scatter the different eco-systems making this a superb spot for a properly remote safari experience. Prime season falls between the drier months of April to October, while exhilarating boat and canoe safaris offer a completely different perspective in the rainy season. Zambia combines well with Victoria Falls or the beaches of Lake Malawi.

Zimbabwe - Breathtaking natural wonders, excellent national parks, and historical sites draw those looking for a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Activities include canoe safaris, cultural experiences, walking safaris, white water rafting, and superb wildlife viewing all in the company of some of Africa’s most charismatic safari guides. Best visited between April and October. Combines well with Victoria Falls, Cape Town or the Indian Ocean.

East Africa

As diverse as it is beautiful, East Africa’s landscapes range from the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara to the majestic Virunga Mountains in Rwanda. The Rift Valley system, which has thrown down a mix of intriguing soda lakes and dramatically rugged scenery, is evident throughout. Superb wildlife viewing is a given, with the wildebeest migration just one major draw. Visit between December and March, and June to October. April and May tend to be wet, and November sees variable amounts of rain.

Kenya - Perhaps the best known of Africa’s safari destinations, Kenya’s varied landscapes host all the iconic wildlife and a rich cultural heritage besides. You could safari here multiple times and not see all that’s on offer. Classic East African-style tented camps and lodges are scattered throughout the open plains of the Masai Mara, highland forests, lush valleys, arid deserts, and freshwater lakes. Combine with gorilla tracking, the coast, Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, Mauritius, Seychelles or Maldives.

Rwanda - Despite its small size, the ‘land of a thousand hills’ enjoys a remarkable blend of natural beauty and distinctive wildlife alongside an inspiring story of resilience and progress. The mountain gorillas are a must, and the savanna landscapes and burgeoning wildlife of Akagera National Park are well worth an excursion. Chimpanzees roam one of Africa’s oldest forests in Nyungwe and the birdwatching is extraordinary all over. Rwanda combines well with Kenya, Tanzania and the Indian Ocean.

Uganda - Mountain gorillas are the big ticket here, but there’s much more to explore in the lush landscapes of this hospitable country. Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park offer wildlife viewing every bit as good as that found elsewhere in East Africa. It’s a paradise for birders with over 1,000 species recorded, including the bizarre shoebill. Chimpanzees wander Kibale National Forest and boat trips along the Kazinga Channel or the Nile are interesting diversions. Combine with Kenya, Tanzania or the Indian Ocean.

Tanzania - There’s plenty more to this exceptional safari destination than the magnificent wildlife filled plains of the Serengeti, with the Ngorongoro Crater, Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks, and Mount Kilimanjaro to draw visitors. Smaller gems like Tarangire and Manyara have a charm of their own and the improbably beautiful Mahale Mountains, far to the west, offer something truly special. Combines with Zanzibar, Kenya or gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda.

© Felix Rome

Indian Ocean

Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and tropical islands dotted with palm trees make the Indian Ocean an irresistible paradise. Perfect for a stand alone beach holiday or as an add on to a safari.

Seychelles - Stretching across 115 islands, way out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is a heady mix of beautiful palm fringed beaches and unspoiled coral reefs. Expect great diving and snorkelling, a mix of hotels and private island resorts and a perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and romance. A year-round destination with constant temperatures.

Zanzibar archipelago - An easy hop from East Africa, this culturally rich archipelago with its combination of pretty beaches, rich marine life, cultural heritage, and opportunities for adventure and relaxation is a versatile destination with a broad appeal. A great post-safari add on or a holiday destination in its own right. Warm temperatures throughout the year although April, May and November can be wet.

Mauritius - This charming island is a haven of beautiful beaches, calm warm waters and gorgeous hotels. It’s perfect for water sport enthusiasts, lovers of luxury, honeymooners and families alike. Mauritius is a year round destination although our summer months can be windy and cooler.

Maldives - This tropical idyll scattered over 1,000 coral islands is home to a collection of superb resorts. Famous for stilted overwater villas, glorious beaches, magnificent diving and snorkelling it’s a superb choice for a classic beach holiday and a perfect winter escape.

Kenyan coast - From five star resorts and superb private villas to safari style camps on the beach, there’s a huge choice on Kenya’s lovely coastline. You’ll find white sandy beaches, interesting culture and a great range of watersports. A Kenyan safari combined with some time on the beach is a match made in heaven. With the exception of April and May which are wet months, and some possible rain in November, the Kenyan coast is good year round.

Mozambique - With its beautiful coastal landscape and islands, Mozambique is perfect for relaxing pre or post safari. Wild, remote and little developed, its coral reefs teem with marine life. Its sparkling warm waters make it an ideal destination for snorkelling, diving, fishing and kayaking. Whether you're looking to relax on pristine beaches, visit vibrant markets or explore an underwater wonderland, Mozambique offers a unique and rewarding travel experience. Visit throughout the year and combine with South Africa and Botswana.

Safari Experiences

While traditional vehicle based wildlife viewing is still one of the very best ways to see Africa's cast of animal characters, those wanting something a little different, or more active, might enjoy the following:

Riding safaris – a magical way to experience a safari, and with the plains wildlife relaxed around horses, a chance to get some up close viewing encounters. Options for beginners to experienced riders throughout Africa.

Canoeing and boating – drifting quietly down the Zambezi River or through the waterways of the Okavango Delta is heaven. The water-level perspective provides an extraordinary viewing experience.

Cycling safaris – with everything from pedaling along an Indian Ocean beach to cycling through the bush there’s something for the relaxed to adventurous to enjoy on two wheels.

Self-drive – an ideal choice if you want to go at your own pace. You can choose to camp, drive from lodge to lodge or do a mix of the two. There are stunning routes to drive throughout Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and South Africa.

Mobile safaris – the ultimate African adventure with simple, lightweight camps set up as you move through the wilderness. Brilliantly authentic and evocative of safaris in days gone by.

Walking safaris – from short strolls to multi-day walking safaris, there’s plenty of opportunity to step away from the vehicle and explore on foot. A great chance to slow down and see the things often overlooked from a vehicle.

Flying safaris - helicopter, light aircraft and hot air ballooning all offer a thrilling bird’s eye view of the wilderness and wildlife. From multi-day to an hour or so as dawn breaks, a wonderful addition to any safari.

Sundowners - it’s not a trip to Africa without them.

Luxury train journeys – the famous routes between Pretoria and Cape Town evoke an old time elegance, while the longer journeys to Victoria Falls, Namibia or all the way to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania provide an ever changing canvas. An effortless way to cross some of Africa’s most glorious landscapes.

Photography safaris – Africa’s beautiful subject matter and amazing light offer endless opportunities for photographers. Professional photographic guides, hides, and specialist kit maximise the opportunities.

Primate safaris – coming face to face with a mountain gorilla or chimpanzee is one of Africa’s most extraordinary experiences, both exhilarating and awe-inspiring.