High hopes for 2014

Which East African safari destinations are we excited about for 2014?
Tourism in Uganda is beginning to come alive with the introduction of schedule flights from Entebbe connecting the main points of interest. We had a look at Uganda last year and thoroughly enjoyed visiting Murchison Falls and Murchison National Park. And it was a particularly exciting experience to be amongst the chimps and encounter other primates on our walk through the Kibale Forest. We were also able to visit with the gorillas and enjoy a different trek experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Have any new camps or lodges caught our eye for the Africa House portfolio?
Some of the accommodations in Uganda compared well with some of the top end camps and lodges in Kenya. Those that stood out were Kyanyinga Lodge (pictured, right) and Ndali Lodge in Kibale, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi. In Kenya, great new properties such as Ol Jogi, Sirai House, Segera and Elewana's Sand River Camp in the Masai Mara have pushed the boundaries of luxury to a new level. We hope to include these properties in a new and exciting Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary. Kilindi on Zanzibar and Mnemba Island just off Zanzibar to the North particularly caught our eye.

The stunning Kyanyinga Lodge in Uganda

What lies ahead for East African tourism?
This year there is a big opportunity for growth in the trending for multi-generational travel and first-timers on safari to experience the large herds of fabulous wildlife in East Africa in superb accommodations that have recently been added to the portfolio of luxury camps, lodges and bush homes.

What’s new in the Africa House Safaris team for 2014?
We have brought on board three safari guides that bring with them a wealth of many years’ experience and knowledge from guiding in East Africa. We will be looking to produce an exciting top-of-the-range safari itinerary using only the best properties, helicopters, private charters and superb guides.

Is there anywhere in East Africa we would personally like to explore this year?
We would love to find the time to visit places such as Namibia, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia, all of which have some fabulous attractions that can easily attach to East African safaris to provide that enormous, unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Africa, whether they be first timers, old hands or regular repeat guests.

What insider tips would we offer to savvy safari travellers?
Pack light, bring a good camera with a good lens and something to stabilise your camera, such as a Groofwin pod – which is easy to attach to a vehicle yet light enough to include in your safari luggage.