Jess Thompson
Travel Designer
Being from South Africa, and growing up with camping holidays in the bush, I think that safari and a love of a more wild Africa has always been there for me. After studying, I worked as a safari guide on some of the best reserves in South Africa and I was lucky enough to travel through Southern Africa as well. Having seen some incredible things while on numerous safaris myself, I love the fact that I can now help other people fall in love with Africa and all that she has to offer.
My most memorable trip: Mana Pools
My most memorable trip was to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. We stayed on the edge of the Zambezi River and had a bull elephant roam through our camp every morning, completely unbothered by us having our breakfast. We walked with wild dogs, had our food stolen by hyena’s, and watched the same pack of wild dogs that we walked with chase some antelope into the river (the wild dogs ended up catching one antelope and a crocodile caught another one) right in front of our camp again.
Best destination for families: South Africa
South Africa is a great place for families. You can go to Cape Town and explore the city. There are so many things for both adults and kids to do while they are there, both indoors and outdoors. The safari experience is also perfect for families. The safari’s are perceived as quite a lot safer than the rest of Africa (animals are more habituated) and the lodges are often more geared to keeping youngers children entertained. South Africa provides a varied and well rounded experience for kids so that they don’t get bored going from one safari spot to another.
My favourite trip: Classic Botswana
The Classic Botswana trip is such a great holiday to take. This is pure safari, with water and land activities available. The option of going boating and canoeing is so so unique to Botswana and I love that you have an entire portion of your trip dedicated to that in the Okavango. Then going up to the Linyanti will provide a completely different landscape, and you will be able to see all the predator action that this region is known for, first hand.
My favourite hotel: &Beyond Phinda Homestead
&Beyond Phinda Homestead is my favourite lodge. You have access to so many different habitats meaning there is an incredible diversity in terms of animals, plants, birds and more. This is also an exclusive use lodge, meaning you are in control of your timings and your experiences. Everything is tailored around you, meaning you connect with the people who live and work there on a much more personal level.
My top tips
- For an incredible East African travel experience, go to Kenya and Tanzania in the off season. During the migration, it gets extremely busy and so by avoiding this you'll have a far more private and intimate experience
- Always add Etosha into your itinerary when travelling in Namibia. There are very unique desert adapted animals to see that you would not be able to see anywhere else in the world
- Hike up Lions Head so that you get to the top at sunrise. You will avoid the heat of the day and you will be able to watch the sun rise over the city
- Make sure you go for a walk when in Mana Pools. These are some of the most knowledgeable and experienced walking guides in Southern Africa and you will be able to learn so so much from them