Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
Over 20 years ago, my love for Africa began with a six-month adventure from Kenya’s Great Rift Valley to South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains. Travelling by local buses, alongside chickens and crying babies, I knew this continent held something truly special. The sounds, smells, landscapes, people, and incredible wildlife encounters captured my imagination from the start, drawing me back frequently over the years. I’ve witnessed nature’s wonders: vast herds of wildebeest and zebra in the Masai Mara, rhinos from horseback in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Silverbacks while gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, and leopard and lion on a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa. Floating above the Kafue in a hot air balloon, gliding through the Okavango Delta, waking in the Makgadikgadi salt pans, soaring over Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, exploring Cape Town’s beauty, and savouring the finest southern hemisphere wines — Africa is a true escape for the senses.
My most memorable trip: Skeleton Coast
Exploring Namibia's Skeleton Coast really felt like we were the only people left on earth - so remote, wild and empty. I loved the never ending landscapes, and the unexpected wildlife that would appear as if from nowhere thriving in such a desolate and challenging environment.
The best hidden gem: Chada Katavi
For those seeking wild, off the beaten track adventure and are happy to get back to nature, Chada Katavi has to be one of the true hidden gems of Africa. It is home to the big five and in their thousands, hippo pods of 200 strong, crocodiles cooling off in mud holes on the banks of the river, lions roaring all night long, palm fringed islands, open savannas, never ending landscapes, and no people.
Best destination for families: Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve
Tswalu Private Wildlife Reserve in the Kalahari is a must for families of all sizes and ages with something for everyone even the youngest explorers. With the added comfort of being a non malarial reserve, guests are invited to spend time with the meerkats, head out on horseback, diner under the stars, learn about the desert wildlife on walking safaris or learn to bake with the chef!
My favourite hotel: Wilderness Chitabe Camp
Wilderness Chitabe Camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta is such an incredible wildlife destination with so much to see at every turn. What it lacks in chandeliers, its makes up for with sheer wildlife concentrations and first class game viewing that can be done from the comfort of your bed. The staff are so attentive, friendly and really go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Explore Wilderness Chitabe Camp
My top tips
- To experience Sossusvlei at its best, make sure you are one of the first in the reserve to get the best light and avoid the crowds
- Add a different angle to a peninsula tour in Cape Town and kayak or snorkel with the seals and penguins
- Enjoy two gorilla treks if you get the chance - day one to take your photos, day two just to sit and take it all in
- Pack light - you never end up wearing most of the clothes you take and all lodges supply you with wonderful toiletries too