Last year, beauty entrepreneur Jaimee Lupton traded spreadsheets for safari gear as she set off on an extraordinary journey across the African continent. We caught up with Lupton to hear about her adventures through some of the most breathtaking and unique destinations in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Botswana. From awe-inspiring mountain landscapes and intimate wildlife encounters to luxurious lodges and vibrant cultural experiences, Lupton provides a firsthand glimpse into what makes these destinations truly unforgettable.
RWANDA
In the south-east of the African continent, bordering Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Congo, is Rwanda, a mountain paradise for around one-third of the world’s remaining gorilla population. The landscape feels tropical and largely untouched, making it a respite for the endangered species.
Getting there
The country’s capital, Kigali, is connected to major cities on the continent, such as Johannesburg and Nairobi, along with several international destinations, such as Dubai and Doha. From there, Kwitonda Lodge is under a 30-minute helicopter flight, or a two-to-four hour long drive through winding terrain.
Accommodation and dining
Singita Kwitonda Lodge has an enviable position on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s north. The park is home to one of only two isolated gorilla groups in the entire world. Sharing more than a kilometre border with the park, Singita is the perfect place to safari from, and the view up to the picturesque volcanoes is breathtaking. The lodge’s farm-to-table restaurant is a highlight, as is strolling the grounds’ nursery — all part of local regeneration efforts. Along with safari trips and gorilla treks, there are other guided and unguided walks, hikes, and bike rides — plus wellness offerings and a private heated plunge pool (if that’s more to your taste!).
Highlights
The gorilla trek was a standout — getting to watch baby gorillas play was one of the most special things I’ve ever witnessed! One took an interest in me, running towards me when I dropped my phone, which was a little unnerving, but overall incredibly sweet. The tour of the local village, Iby’Iwacu, was another amazing experience; witnessing local artisans at work with basket weaving and ceramics, and elder women grinding sorghum, a type of grain that’s a staple in many native dishes. We also were lucky enough to witness a traditional marriage ceremony, which was a welcome surprise!
Poaching is unfortunately an ever-present theme throughout travels in Africa, but engaging with ex-poachers turned conservationists, and getting to know the guides who are actively involved in anti-poaching efforts is a heartwarming and comforting reminder that the good fight is being fought for precious species.
Tips for travelers
With two rainy seasons that span March to May and October to November, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons — from June to mid-September, which is said to offer the best conditions for hiking, and December to February. Kwitonda Lodge provides virtually everything you need for day expeditions and hikes, just ensure you’re up-to-date on vaccinations.
TANZANIA
Lying just south of the equator, and with the Indian Ocean as its coast to the east, Tanzania is often frequented for the island paradise of Zanzibar, along with Africa’s highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro, and three of the continent’s Great Lakes.
Accommodation and dining
We called the Singita Sasakwa Lodge home for our stay: elevated above the surrounding savannah it was a truly special vista to wake up to each day. The decor is classic yet elegant and has a light and airy feel, with manor-like buildings and wraparound verandas to take in the views as far as the eye can see.
Highlights
While two safari drives each day, at sunrise and before sundown, might seem like plenty, it’s hard to tire of the incredible animal interactions, and no two expeditions are ever the same. We were lucky enough to tick off the ‘Big 5’—elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and African buffalo—along with countless giraffe, cheetah, zebra, hippo, antelope, and wildebeest. If you’re in the right place at the right time of year, there’s also a chance you’ll be able to witness part of the elusive wildebeest migration. The sunsets are incomparable, with stops for sundowners on the way back to the lodge a definite highlight. I can’t think of a better place to enjoy a cocktail than after a big day taking in bucket list experiences, as the sun sets over the surrounding savannah.
A hot air balloon ride was an absolute highlight, as taking the area in from the sky meant we were able to see dozens of species at once. On our third day having not been lucky enough to see lions yet, once in the air we quickly spotted a pride of lions with their cubs playing in the long grass — a truly magical sight. When we were back on solid ground our guides were able to locate them, rounding out our ‘Big 5’. Getting there Sasakwa Lodge are able to organise scheduled flights or private charters for arrival, to the nearby Singita Sasakwa airstrip in the Grumeti Reserve, before a short drive to the lodge. We flew direct from Kilimanjaro.
Getting there
Sasakwa Lodge are able to organise scheduled flights or private charters for arrival, to the nearby Singita airstrip in the Grumeti Reserve, before a short drive to the lodge. We flew direct from Kilimanjaro.
Tips for travelers
The best time to visit Tanzania is between July and September, while November to March is also meant to be an ideal time for something a little quieter. Without knowing better, it’s easy to go into your trip wildly underestimating the knowledge and experience of safari field guides and trackers. Far more than just ‘tour guides’, they have an innate knowledge of the landscape and its inhabitants, and are highly skilled in picking up on otherwise imperceptible cues in order to seek out animal interactions, ensuring every experience is memorable and profound. You’ll come away astonished by their skill and the way they navigate the environment around them with minimal intervention and impact — and the utmost respect for precious animal species.
BOTSWANA
Sitting directly to the north of South Africa, Botswana is beloved for its wilderness and safari adventures. Approximately the size of Texas, it differs from both Tanzania and Rwanda in that it has a mix of desert, grasslands, and wetlands, along with unique salt pans.
Accommodation and dining
It was a no-brainer to opt for the Duba Plains Camp, a luxe tented camp-style stay set on a 33,000-hectare private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Part of the Great Plains Conservation group, the five bespoke suites boast sweeping views across the Okavango floodplains, with a communal dining deck and firepit to share meals around, shaded by ebony and fig trees. Each bedroom has its own plunge pool and indoor/outdoor shower, along with charming vintage 1920s-safari style decor and a canopy bed.
Highlights
Spotting an elephant from my outdoor shower was not on my bingo card, but it was a very welcome sighting! There were also giraffes, buffalo, antelope, hippo, lions, warthogs, leopards and monkeys aplenty. The camp is set next to a delta, so in addition to the regular safari experiences, there’s also a boating expedition, which is not to be missed: we had an alligator virtually jump over our boat while we were watching a group of hippos nearby. While I wasn’t quite game enough, the friends we were travelling with did the guided ‘walking safari’ and said it was a real thrill being on the ground with some of the animals they’d previously only seen from the comfort of the safari truck.
Getting there
The main international airport close by is Maun, from which you can charter a flight to the local airstrip in Duba. This is certainly one of the more remote spots on the trip, however the unparalleled location makes it well worth it.
Tips for travellers
National Geographic documentaries make for perfect plane viewing both on the trip over and to reminisce on the way home. The staff at Duba recommended Relentless Enemies — made by the camp’s founders, filmmakers and influential conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert — which is partly set nearby and in other parts of Botswana.
Words: Jaimee Lupton
Imagery: Supplied
