For some people, the thought of an African safari with only two of the ‘big five’ showing up would be a pretty average experience. Whilst you’re ecstatic to be out of the office and away from work, you can’t help but feel cheated especially if the big five are your main reason that you went on an African safari. Unfortunately the very same parallels can be drawn from the up and coming Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Egypt, the most successful African Cup of nations side will be absent from this year tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon as well as continental giants, Cameroon who will also be absent from the tournament, they have won the contest the second most amount of times (four times), and Nigeria who are the fourth most successful country in the African Cup of Nations with two tournament wins to their name. All three teams will be absent from this year’s bill, with an impressive thirteen tournament wins between the three nations. The most successful country which is left in the cup is Ghana, who would become the second most successful African Cup of Nations team should they win the tournament.

Egypt are the reigning champions, having won the tournament for the last three occasions. Sadly this time around they were unable to quality, finishing bottom of their group which contained South Africa, Sierra Leone and Niger. This failure has meant that long serving manager Hassan Shehata has now left.

Cameroon are the most successful African country outside of the African cup of nations, being the very first African country to reach the World Cup quarter finals, they were unable to get through a group which contained Mauritius, Senegal and the DRC. Nigeria who won the Olympic trophy in 1996, lost out to group winners Guinea.

Because the three greatest teams in the African cup of nations are absent (baring Ghana), why not head out to Africa instead and go on an African safari adventure and see the big five, rather than watching the football just to see the big two? (Ghana & Congo DR)

Now that you’ve chosen to go on safari, you just need to decide where to go on safari. January is the prime time in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya as the weather is particularly dry and the animals will congregate in dense numbers around watering holes and lakes. The world famous migration of over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle can be found in the northern safari parks in Tanzania.

Because the African Cup of Nations runs into February, there are even more excellent safari destinations to choose from, with Tanzania and South Africa being the best, because of the newly born wildlife born around this time of year. If its baby animals that you’re seeking then perhaps a safari holiday to Kenya would be more suitable, with the incredible Masai Mara safari park being a highlight to any African safari holiday in Kenya.

No matter where you decide to go on safari, you will most certainly have the time of your life and will take with you memories which will last a lifetime.

Following on from yesterday’s post regarding the murder of David Tebbutt and the kidnap of his wife Judith, a British couple holidaying at a luxury resort on Lamu Island in Kenya  I thought it was right to post an update on current events.

Kenyan officials have drafted in more police and members of the Kenyan army to search for the kidnappers who raided the exclusive Kiwayu Safari Village in the early hours of Monday morning. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the act Kenyan investigators believe that the nature of the attack is likened much more to a pirate or bandit raid than an organized move by the Somali Islamist militant group Al Shabaab as had been speculated.

In the last few hours it has been announced that police have made their first arrest in relation to the assault which saw Mr Tebbutt, restrained and killed with a single gunshot and though it is unsure whether the man detained played a physical role in the event he is suspected of helping to plot the kidnap.

Mrs Tebbutt’s whereabouts are still unknown although it is thought that a ransom demand may be made at some point in the near future. Officials from the British High Commission in the country’s capital, Nairobi have flown to Lamu to aid the investigation.

For anyone planning to travel to the Lamu area of Kenya I would again refer you to the your respective country’s foreign office i.e. the US Department of State or the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

This is of course an isolated incident and tourism in the rest of the country (I hope) will remain largely unaffected.

Yesterday, the tenth anniversary of the September 11^th terrorist attack on America was certainly a day for reflection and remembrance; but the tragedy of the occasion was compounded even further for many in Britain and indeed worldwide by the news that a British couple had been attacked while holidaying in Kenya by suspected Somali militants who killed one man and then abducted his wife.

Although there has been no connection made between the attack and the commemoration of the New York City and Pentagon bombings the news has come as a horrible shock to a world already only too aware of the frailty of life.

David and Judith Tebbutt had arrived at the exclusive Kiwayu Safari Village on Saturday after spending time visiting the famous Masai Mara Reserve. The remote beach front property is located on Lamu, a small island just off the Kenyan Coast and 30 miles south of the Somali border. The men, thought to be Somali, sneaked into the complex and headed for the couples’ cabin demanding all of the Tebbutt’s valuables and money. It is believed that Mr Tebbutt, 58 who had been financial director for publishers Faber and Faber was trying to protect his wife when the single shot that killed him was fired. A private security guard is said to have rushed to the scene but only in time to see Mrs Tebbutt, 56 being carried off into a speedboat by the men; the guard deciding not to draw his gun in fear of harming the captured Briton. The couple had been the only two guests at the luxury resort which in the past has hosted the likes of artist Tracy Emin, actress Imelda Staunton and reportedly Sir Mick Jagger.

Somalia is a war torn country which due to a futile political system, clan allegiances, militant rule and the struggle for control of domestic resources has seen internal fighting for decades. As was also widely reported earlier in the year after two successive rainy seasons had failed a regional famine has also been declared. Poverty is rife in Somalia and it remains one of the most unstable and economically retarded countries on earth. Piracy has become somewhat of a common problem around the horn of Africa and a number of high profile incidents have taken place including the capture of British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler who were eventually released 388 days after being taken from their yacht as they sailed around the Seychelles. Although police believe it  very likely that Mrs Tebbutt has been taken north across the border it is still unclear whether indeed this was the action of pirates or the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab who have been closely linked to the Al-Qaida network; with currently no individual group taking responsibility for the attack.

So is Kenya itself, a neighbour of Somalia, still safe to travel to? Well in my opinion yes it is. On their official website the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office state that “We continue to advise against all but essential travel to within 30 km of Kenya’s border with Somalia.”, and this is certainly a recommendation I would also subscribe to. Somalia is an unstable state and one where violence amongst its own people is unfortunately quite common and so despite the beauty of north eastern and northern reaches of Kenya, travel to these areas is not advised. However the vast majority of Kenyan people are incredibly humble and welcoming people and as a whole this country is still one of the most beautiful and beguiling in Africa.  This event will have come as much of shock to the residents of Lamu and the wider Kenyan public as it will to the global community. Kenyan’s are immensely patriotic and proud of their homeland and so this act will cast a great shadow across the entire country; a time of difficulty that I believe will only go to unify these people even more.

The Masai Mara and Amboseli Game Reserves are amongst Kenya’s most popular tourist attractions and nestled far to the south straddling the border with Tanzania there is little need for alarm for travellers heading to these areas. Kenya depends upon its tourist industry and therefore the people and the government will endeavour to uphold its reputation as one of the most popular destinations in Africa.

For up to the minute advice and travel information you can contact the Kenyan Tourism Federation via email: safetour@wananchi.com or telephone: +254 20 604730

Luxury safaris are becoming more and more popular amongst couples, honeymooners and families alike. When asked to consider an African escape you might be expected to envisage the wide open Serengeti or the ranging herds of the Kruger National Park, images synonymous with the wilds of Southern Africa that have for decades asserted the region as a world renowned tourist destination.

One place that you may not consider amongst the great safari locales is the coastal nation of Namibia, nestled towards the South Western tip of the continent. Although Namibia resides as one of the largest countries in Southern Africa, greater in size than both Tanzania and Mozambique it yet remains one of the more obscure parts of the area, perhaps more famous for being the home of Olympic and commonwealth sprinter Frankie Fredericks.

There is however, much more to Namibia than just its most famous son, this is a land rich with history, fascinating culture and a beautiful and rugged landscape. Perhaps the country’s most renowned geographical landmark is the Kalahari Desert which it shares along with South Africa and Botswana; despite being certified as a desert region, the Kalahari actually consists of several microcosmic ecosystems, an area known as the Succulent Karoo, is for example abundant in plant life boasting of 5,000 species many of which are endemic.

Along the Western Coast of Namibia the landscape is dominated by the Namib desert, in which lies the famous Skeleton Coast. Due to rough seas and a mist that rolls in off the Atlantic numerous ships have run aground along this strip of shoreline and today there skeletal-like remains still litter the coast, lending the area its eerie name.

One of the best ways to explore Namibia is by light aircraft on a fly-in safari. You could begin by venturing to the Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a remote and beautiful part of Namibia and the gateway to it’s the Namib Desert. The area is home to the largest sand dunes in the world and some of the most photographed natural sites in the world, Sossusvlei. Marvel at the bizarre visual contradictions of Dead Vlei and the solitary and resolute Dune 45. Take to the air once again on a wonderful balloon flight over the area, although costing a little extra offers unrivalled views of this surreal landscape.

Take a flight up along the stunning Skeleton Coast past ships wrecks such as the Shaunee and Eduard Bolen and towards Swakopmund, a charming coastal community. While in this area check out Wallvis Bay which weathering permitting offers excellent boat trips out into the Atlantic where you can hope to see turtles, dolphins, seals, sunfish and a host of birdlife. From there return to the air and head eastward marking as you do the subtle shift in the landscape until you reach Damaraland and dramatic scenery indicative of the central plateau.

Of course a safari would not be complete without some large mammal interaction and the Etosha National Park, the country’s most renowned wildlife reserve, boasts over 114 species ranging from lions and leopards to the endangered black and white rhino. The best time to visit the park is from mid April through to around October, the drier season when animals must congregate at established watering holes along the safari trails which provides tourists with regular glimpses of the most iconic beats.

Couple with a broad spectrum of luxury accommodation, particularly in the Etosha and Sossusvlei regions, Namibia really is one of the best kept secrets for safari lovers in Africa.

Ever since Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton on safari in Kenya people have been clamouring for their own spectacular safari encounter. The wildlife, the stunning geography and the rich heritage make an African safari one of the most memorable adventures you can ever partake in.

The popularity of luxury safaris in particular has been consistently growing for decades and as the variety and choice of the experiences available increases Africa is becoming a favoured holiday destination for the affluent traveller. This got me thinking about exploring some of the continent’s most exclusive lodges, where privacy and seclusion is seamlessly married with peerless luxury and personal service. Oases of extravagance in the rugged African bush, here are my choices for Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges.

Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania- The flagship lodge of the Grumeti Reserve, Sasakwa overlooks the renowned Serengeti National Park, boasting stunning views of the rolling hills and plains, thriving with flora and fauna. The Lodge is modelled on an imposing English manor and its architecture is suitably grandiose, ornamented with local and international artworks, antiques and artefacts. Sasakwa consists of seven beautifully appointed private cottages, each hidden away within individually manicured gardens and heated plunge pools. Inside the level of sophistication is maintained with sizeable living areas and extremely spacious bedrooms and adjoining dressing rooms all wonderfully decorated. Rooms are complete with fireplaces, verandas with your own spotting scope, en suite bathrooms with baths and shower, direct dial telephone facilities and wireless internet access.

Getty House, South Africa- With eight private residences Getty House is the epitome of exclusivity. Sympathetically constructed in local materials including sandstone, glass, thatch and timber, the house strikes a unique balance between contemporary chic and classical grandeur, free flowing space and earthy homeliness. Getty House was voted by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the world’s 50 most romantic escapes and this is ensured by the unfaltering pursuit of quality and service, the property enjoying its own private butler, chef, ranger, tracker and access to private safari vehicles.

Ulusaba, South Africa- Technically Ulusaba is not a lodge but a private game reserve owned by Sir Richard Branson, within which he has established, to the highest quality, some of Africa’s most incredible lodges. Set within the larger Sabi Sabi conservation area you can choose from a selection of the three properties including the Rock Lodge, perched high on top of koppie (small mountainous or hilly outcrop), Cliff Lodge, located near by the main house of Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge, situated deep in the dense bush of savannah. The ten private rooms in Rock Lodge are wonderfully designed and decorated, individual colour schemes each denoting a different African tribe. The Main room here is the one Richard Branson himself chooses to stay at when he is South Africa, so you can imagine that it is quite a magnificent accommodation. Cliff lodge consists of two private suites, boasting a private Jacuzzi or plunge pool and additional bedrooms, if you book both suites for exclusive use you will be provided with a personal chef and private safari vehicle and driver.

Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve, South Africa- South Africa’s largest private game reserve is dedicated to the conservation and enduring protection of the nation’s wildlife and landscape. Established by Manchester entrepeuner Stephen Boler and passed on to the famous Oppenheimer family in his will, the reserve is understatedly spectacular, neither brash nor obvious but beautifully honest. The area consists of two properties, the larger Motse and Tarkuni, the Oppenheimer’s personal home when in the region. The Motse is a real community in itself, Motse meaning village in the local Tswana tongue. Each of the eight suites boasts an open fire, a sumptuous en-suite bathroom with an indoor and outdoor shower, and a large dressing and study area. From your private sundeck watch as local wildlife are attracted to the nearby watering hole, providing a safari experience from the comfort of your own font door.