Great African plains and idyllic isles

With feet in the sand and the meandering Zambezi ahead, guests here would be forgiven for thinking they were on a private island. The exclusivity is palpable from the moment the transfer to Mpala Jena (meaning ‘white impala’) begins, with a speedboat making light work of the river’s rapids in a journey straight out of an espionage film. Sightings of elephants and hippos give a taste of safaris to come in Zambezi National Park, where adventures on foot – including a tour of Victoria Falls and the town – compliment more traditional game drives. It’s back on the water that things are made truly special, though, in the form of a specially-procured Zanziba

It is here, on the Selinda spillway which links the Okavango Delta with the Linyanti swamps, that Great Plains Conservation have created the quintessential safari camp experience.

The perfect follow up to a Southern Africa safari, Miavana has brought a new level of luxury to the Madagascan coastline. An advocate for taking it easy, a boutique number of villas dot the beachfront. The sunlight and a cool ocean breeze bathing the private decks and plunge pools. It invites nothing but relaxation, but should the urge to explore take hold they’ll happily oblige. Forest treks give a glimpse of the shy lemurs, while the ocean brings out a playful side with the likes of whale and dolphin watching and snorkelling or diving the kaleidoscopic reef. It’s obvious that the nature Miavana shares a home with is very close to its heart. So it’s no surprise that the resort’s eco- credentials involve several programmes designed to protect the rich natural resources and wildlife.