SERIES FIVE
Inspiring African Travel Podcast
African Travel Tips
We bring you some of Africa’s most spectacular destinations with our insider knowledge, covering everything from safari planning and mountain trekking to cultural experiences and hidden local secrets. We’ll share the essential tips that transform good trips into extraordinary adventures. Tucked-away islands in Zanzibar, our tips in our favourite province of South Africa, and unlocking the energy of Victoria Falls.
These aren’t just travel tips, but deep conversations with the people who bring you real understanding of the culture, wildlife, and landscapes that make Africa so utterly captivating. Our love of Africa shines through the different destinations we bring you in this series.
Series 5, Episode 6 | 50 min
The Victoria Falls
The largest waterfalls on the planet, stretching 1,700 metres between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is simply one of the most stunning sights in Africa. Known locally as Mosi oa Tunya—”the Smoke that Thunders”—this natural wonder drops just over 100 metres whilst creating spray that shoots 800 metres into the air, visible from 50 kilometres away on clear days.
In this episode, we explore insider tips to help you maximise your visit to this iconic destination. Joined by Jess White from Wild Horizons in Zimbabwe, a Victoria Falls local, we share loads of practical advice and ideas for experiencing everything this remarkable place offers.
From white-water rafting the mighty Zambezi to discovering the power of negative ions, we cover dining experiences like Dusty Road for incredible local cuisine, unique activities like bike tours, and must-visit spots like The Lookout Cafe. This UNESCO World Heritage site never fails to inspire visitors from around the world.
Series 5, Episode 5 | 60 min
Your top tips for exploring KwaZulu-Natal
After listening to this jam-packed episode, you’ll be pumped to explore our beloved KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Our guest, KZN expert travel writer and photographer Melanie Van Zyl, lives in sunny Pietermaritzburg and has become an absolute advocate for the region.
We focus on five key areas: Durban city as KZN’s vibrant hub, featuring restaurants like Malis for fantastic homemade curry; the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains with guided hikes and the famous Sani Mountain Lodge offering Africa’s highest pub; Kosi Bay’s remote tropical wilderness including Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Kosi Forest Lodge; the KZN Midlands with the Midlands Meander perfect for road trips, plus The Capture Site Nelson Mandela museum; and outstanding game reserves like Babanango Game Reserve that offer unique ecosystems often overlooked due to Kruger’s fame. Follow Melanie on Instagram for ongoing KZN inspiration.
Series 5, Episode 4 | 36 min
A little gem off the coast of Zanzibar
You often hear of gems in the travel world, but Chumbe Island really and truly is one. This episode follows our trips to this remarkable place—an affordable yet exclusive tiny island off Zanzibar’s coast that perfectly captures what you imagined a tropical island would be like as a child. Picture rustic bungalows nestled in lush forests, turquoise waters, pristine white sandy bays, and the world’s largest and most elusive crab! Over the past thirty years, Chumbe has been transformed into an award-winning marine conservancy and community tourism project that demonstrates how conservation and sustainable tourism can work hand in hand.
The island offers an authentic tropical experience whilst contributing meaningfully to marine protection and local community development. From snorkelling in pristine coral reefs to exploring unique ecosystems, Chumbe represents everything we love about responsible African travel. This is one of our absolute favourite places in Africa, and we’re excited to inspire you to discover why this special island should be on your travel radar.
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Series 5, Episode 3 | 48 min
Tips for Trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro
If you enjoy active outdoor adventures in Africa, this episode is essential listening. James recalls his Kilimanjaro experience whilst we invite Ake Lindstrom from Summits Africa to share his wealth of guiding and mountaineering knowledge. Ake (pronounced “Orca”) has summited Kilimanjaro over 80 times, making him exceptionally qualified to provide practical tips for conquering Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest freestanding mountain.
Beyond Kilimanjaro, we explore other incredible East African treks, including Mount Kenya and a spectacular seven-day journey through the Great Rift Valley between ancient craters, active volcanoes, and vast open areas dotted with remote Maasai communities.
We believe hiking is the best way to truly absorb a country—allowing time to soak up scenery, understand ecosystems, and meet local people without rushing between destinations. These adventures provide the perfect opportunity to appreciate any region authentically whilst challenging yourself physically and mentally in some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Follow Ake on Instagram for more mountain inspiration.
Series 5, Episode 2 | 46 min
Salt Pans Sleep Out in Botswana
There’s a place in Botswana called Makgadikgadi, home to the largest collection of salt pans on the planet—a vast, open, desolate landscape within the already expansive Kalahari Desert. In this episode, we transport you to one of our favourite lodges, Leroo La Tau, and guide you through the extraordinary experience of sleeping under the stars in the middle of these enormous salt pans.
Imagine witnessing a blanket of stars unlike anything you could dream of, taking in seemingly never-ending horizons of salty white surface that could only be matched by being on the moon itself. This otherworldly adventure represents one of Africa’s most unique wilderness experiences, where the vastness of the landscape and the brilliance of unpolluted night skies create moments of profound connection with nature.
The silence, the space, and the spectacular celestial display make this an unforgettable bucket-list experience that showcases Botswana’s incredible diversity beyond its famous delta and wildlife reserves. For expert knowledge on how these remarkable formations came to be, check out this detailed book on the salt pans.
Series 5, Episode 1 | 48 min
Primate Trekking in Africa
Everyone talks about “gorilla trekking” as a bucket-list African experience, but in this episode, we reveal why there’s so much more to discover. We share insights from our Uganda and Rwanda adventures, including chimpanzee, golden monkey, and gorilla treks, demonstrating that whilst gorilla encounters are profound, the region offers incredible diversity of primate experiences.
Featuring specialist ranger Africano Kob, formerly from Kibale and now guiding for Speke Uganda Holidays, we provide useful information and quality insights for planning your primate adventure. The episode includes discussion of our trip planned by Nziza Hospitality, who specialise in Uganda and Rwanda experiences and did a wonderful job curating our journey.
We also reference video clips including the famous “Touched by a Wild Mountain Gorilla” and “Chimp Trekking with James and Julia“. For additional information, contact us at hello@inspiringafricantravel.com or reach out via social media.
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OUR OTHER SERIES
SERIES 1: WOMEN IN TRAVEL
Trailblazers. Game-changers. Icons. These are the women transforming Africa’s travel scene and shaping the future of the continent.
SERIES 3: Local Guide Stories
Meet the legends behind the lens — the local guides whose passion, wisdom, and stories bring Africa to life in every step.
SERIES 4: 2022 The year of Travelling to Africa
A deep dive into Africa’s tourism comeback post-COVID, with stories of resilience, innovation, and the new future of adventure.
SERIES 4: 2022 The year of Travelling to Africa
A deep dive into Africa’s tourism comeback post-COVID, with stories of resilience, innovation, and the new future of adventure.
SERIES 6: A Fundraising Year for Julia
Our most personal season yet — honouring Julia Spry-Wilson through inspiring stories and a fundraising mission supporting Africa’s grassroots heroes.
SERIES 7: Untamed Routes – Africa’s Hidden Treasures
We’re taking the road less travelled, sharing secret safaris and soul-stirring spots across Africa’s wildest, most underrated gems.