Victoria Falls is at its mightiest. The chimpanzee trekking season in Rwanda is in full swing. It’s calving season in the southern Serengeti and photo-friendly Green Season in Botswana. Cape Town is crowd-free and ready for the taking.
Your spring break is Africa’s fall and it’s a great time to take your front-row seat!
Looking for spring break vacation ideas? Here’s our round-up of where to go, what to do and how to make the most of it.
Victoria Falls
Why visit in March/April? The “best” time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May. This is the period following the abundant summer rains, leaving this wonder of the world thundering at full power into the Zambezi River below.
What to look forward to: In need of some R&R? Plan a calming sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. Prefer an adrenalin spike? How about a 111m bungee jump from the legendary Victoria Falls Bridge?
Where to stay: Old Drift Lodge promises the perfect mix of a classic safari (it overlooks the Zambezi National Park) and a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the form of taking in the majesty of Vic Falls (just 7km away). You can access the 14-suite lodge, including four family suites, via luxury boat.
Another top pick is Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, with its 16 luxury suites and family-friendly atmosphere. The hotel offers an enriching kids’ programme and a glistening swimming pool for hours of fun for everyone.
Our expert tip: Plan your rainforest walk for some time in the afternoon when it’s cooler and the crowds have thinned out.
Rwanda
Why visit in March/April? While gorilla trekking is the usual go-to for anyone visiting Rwanda, it’s best to enjoy this particular adventure in the country’s dry season. On the other hand, chimpanzee trekking is at its best in autumn, thanks to the lush greenery. The chimps move about less and are, therefore, easier to track.
What to look forward to: Aside from chimpanzee trekking, there’s an endless supply of wildlife to spot inside Volcanoes National Park on a spring break safari. Don’t forget to delve deeper into Rwanda’s haunting history by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Where to stay: Singita Kataza House is located right inside Volcanoes National Park and is an excellent choice for multi-generational families or small groups. It’s a private villa comfortably accommodating up to eight people in its four bedrooms. Promising the ultimate in luxury safari living, guests have access to a private chef and a host. Guests can also access all facilities at the nearby sister lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge.
Our expert tip: As mentioned, it’s going to be wet if you intend to chimpanzee trekking during this time, so be sure to waterproof your camera (remember that flash photography is prohibited) and invest in waterproof walking shoes and clothing.
Tanzania
Why visit in March/April? February sees the birth of over half a million wildebeest calves. These little ones grow stronger and sturdier throughout March and early April, preparing for the Great Migration ahead of them.
What to look forward to: You can look forward to admiring the wildebeest and the other wildlife at a significant discount thanks to the rainy shoulder season. Rest assured that there’s still sure to be an opportunity to soak up the sunshine in between the showers.
Where to stay: Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp in the southern Serengeti provides five-star game viewing and a lavish base in the form of 10 elegant canvas tents, outfitted for complete comfort. Each tent has a private wooden deck and ensuite bathroom.
Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp is another winner, with 12 tented rooms, including a two-bedroom family tent. The camp’s aesthetic is reminiscent of the classic 1930s era.
Our expert tip: Book a longer safari to increase your chances of seeing every member of the Big 5.
Cape Town
Why visit in March/April? Looking for spring break vacation ideas specifically in South Africa? South Africa’s Mother City is a hugely popular spring break destination for families and enters its shoulder season at this specific time of year. That means it’s your chance to snap up significant savings and beat the crowds. The weather is also blissful – not too hot and not too windy as the country gears up for winter.
What to look forward to: Catching the penguins waddling around on Boulders Beach, doing some shopping at the V&A Waterfront and getting adventurous on Table Mountain.
Where to stay: Enjoy your getaway inside a beautifully restored Georgian and Victorian building when you check into the 15-room Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. Legendary Kloof Street is right on the hotel’s doorstep, and Table Mountain looms on the horizon to set the stage for a memorable vacation on all possible fronts.
The Victoria and Alfred Hotel brings timeless elegance in the form of 94 spacious bedrooms on three floors at the V&A Waterfront. Choose from a mountain- or piazza-facing room, each offering access to satellite television and wireless internet.
Our expert tip: Plan a day trip to Stellenbosch (less than an hour from Cape Town’s city centre) to indulge in some wine tasting and explore this quaint historic town in the winelands.
Get your trip in the bag. Be our guest and contact team GILTEDGE for customised spring break vacation packages today!