Through more than 20 years in the industry, Elin and I have experienced a number of incredible places in Africa; exotic lodges and distinctive hotels. Lately, Elin has shared many of her experiences, so now it's my turn!  Some of the places may be well known to former Get Africa guests and hopefully there are also some places that create inspiration for new travels. One thing is for sure, my "Big Five" have given memories, new lessons, inspired, and not least, lived up to my favorite expression: "Africa is Passion" - Africa is passion!

“Meant to be” - Amakhosi

If I have to choose my top five destinations, it is completely impossible not to include Amakhosi. Some destinations are "just meant to be". Still, it was a bit of a coincidence that we discovered and fell in love with Amakhosi. In 2001, Elin and I had lived a long weekend in the neighboring reserve. We were actually quite happy and were on our way home. When we got home to Durban, I got a gut feeling that we should have checked out the lodge next door as well. Amakhosi had opened the doors the week before. The next day I drove the four hours back. I have never regretted it. Sometimes you have to dare to trust your many feelings.

At Amakhosi you get «the little extra». You are well taken care of and here we know that the safari lives up to expectations.

Amakhosi Safari Lodge is located in a spectacular private game reserve, right in the heart of Zululand. The people who work here are the icing on the cake! Powerful Zulu dances around the fire, smiles, kindness and there are no other places I know of that light welcome bonfires after every evening safari.

Kulala - A journey to another universe

Kulala in Namibia is perhaps a slightly more unknown destination for our guests. The lodge is located just outside the Sossusvlei desert. What I like so much about this place is that the lodge has private access to the desert and views of the endless dunes. This means that you can travel into the desert before sunrise and not have to stand in line when the gates of the desert open at dawn, like everyone else.

Elin and I traveled here for the first time when our children were small, we were not fully prepared for a long drive on a gravel road. In fact, we almost turned around before we arrived. The kids were grumpy and Elin said: How unique can this place really be, is it worth it?

It is true that there are oases in the desert! The landscape in the desert is unlike anything else I have seen, the red dunes are both fascinating and mighty.

When I returned to Kulala with the Get Africa team in 2019, something else impressed me: The extreme silence from the desert. The desert swallows all sound. I, like most others, live a hectic life with a lot of noise. Enjoying the silence here is definitely worth the whole journey in itself.

Thonga - A beach paradise

Thonga Beach Lodge also gets a place on my top list. Thonga is my beach paradise from childhood. My family celebrated Christmas in a primitive tent hut behind the dunes a little south of Thonga. An extra bond to this area was formed when Elin almost gave birth to our first son here. The birth started while we were on a trip with a group to Lake Sibaya. This is the lake located directly behind the lodge.

Thonga Beach Lodge is located near the area where we started the project, Mabibi United, 10 years ago. Since then, we have firmly supported a football team in the local community.

Along the beach at Thonga, the large sea turtles come up every year in the period November to March to lay their eggs. I myself have been lucky and experienced this several times - a fascinating sight. I love the elongated beaches, the unspoilt nature, the crystal clear water, the warm Indian Ocean and the good service. There are activities for all ages, including snorkelling, boating and kayaking. You can also slow down completely. After all, a holiday should help to recharge your batteries. Thonga is the best charging station for me!

The wildest place in the world - Liuwa Plain

Liuwa Plains had long been on Elin's "bucket list", without me fully understanding why. I did not want to go there. There was little information about the area and it was so close to Angola. Was it safe? Was it justifiable that we both went to this "white spot" on the map?

Fortunately, Elin convinced me, because I was totally saved by nature here! Liuwa Plain is located in the northwestern corner of Zambia where the mighty Zambezi River begins. The endless plains are home to the second largest wildebeest migration in the world. Liuwa Plain is definitely the wildest and most unspoilt safari destination I have visited. We experienced an unreal abundance of animals. Lions, zebra, wildebeest, hyenas, cheetahs and not least an incredible bird life.

Liuwa Plains is a successful example of good management and conservation of nature reserves in Africa. Here, animals and humans have managed to live together for many years. Hopefully, tourism can help to protect such areas in the future as well. Liuwa has definitely made a deep impression on me, and I'm incredibly glad I went here with Elin. You have to take chances sometimes, even if it is unknown land!

Oyster Box - a hotel in a class of its own

Oyster Box is mandatory on my top list. 21 years ago, this gem of a hotel was a well-kept secret. Hidden deep in a large park, the hotel was located on the cliffs facing the Indian Ocean. It was a hotel that had already had its heyday. The room price was 300 kroner a night and with 3-star status. We became the hotel's top agent, because this was right up our alley for our guests. We became so involved instead that when they closed for a total renovation in 2008, we were invited to participate in the construction process on regular tours. From being a completely average hotel to today being a magnificent and renowned hotel, which is on the list of "Best Hotel in the World".

There is no doubt that I, like many others, love the sumptuous luxury and personal service of the Oyster Box. I love Indian food and the curry buffet they have here is the best I know.

Oyster Box Hotel

It is perfect to sit on the roof of the hotel in the Lighthouse bar, overlooking Durban with a cold beer. It has been really inspiring to see this hotel gem grow and manifest itself like this.

It was my "big five". We are looking forward to being able to receive guests again, but for now we just have to wait. In the meantime, you can tell us about your favorite places in Africa.