Hello to our friends, family and followers,
Life in Cape Town continues to treat us exceptionally well. We’ve settled into our little Claremont office and genuinely look forward to coming to work each day. It’s become a space where we catch up on life over coffee before getting stuck into creating itineraries, researching new destinations and planning our clients’ travels. We’re feeling incredibly fulfilled by this season of business and life.
The past few months have been busy in all the best ways. We’ve:
- Attended We Are Africa, reconnecting with many of our trusted partners and discovering some exciting new ones.
Visited a number of lodges and destinations, both close to home and further afield, ensuring our recommendations continue to come from first-hand experience. - Tried our hand at gumboot dancing while celebrating 20 years of the incredible work being done by the ABC Foundation.
- Celebrated both our birthdays, including Leigh’s milestone 40th.
- Tested a number of adventure experiences that we’ll confidently be recommending to future clients.
- Kelptown photo/s & CT Helicopters
- Built some incredible itineraries across South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania.
- Spent plenty of time on the mountain with family and friends, and
- Connected with both existing and new clients as they plan their African adventures.
As we write this, the Cape’s winter rains have arrived. While the sunshine will always have our hearts, we’ll happily trade a few grey days for full dams and a beautifully green landscape.
What’s on our radar
Madagascar
Madagascar continues to be one of the destinations we’re recommending most.
It offers something genuinely different to anywhere else in Africa. Endemic wildlife, a fascinating culture, spectacular coastline and relatively few tourists make it an excellent choice for travellers looking for something beyond the traditional safari-and-beach itinerary.
Two properties consistently stand out for us: Anjajavy offering an authentic and immersive mainland experience and Miavana delivering world-class barefoot luxury on a private island. Add a few nights exploring the islands around Nosy Be by catamaran and you have a journey that balances adventure, relaxation and discovery exceptionally well.
Zambia
Zambia remains one of Africa’s best-kept safari secrets.
It hasn’t experienced the same growth in tourism as some of its neighbours, which means fewer vehicles, outstanding guiding and a safari experience that still feels wonderfully wild.
The Lower Zambezi continues to be one of our favourite regions, particularly Lolebezi, Royal Zambezi Lodge and Anabezi. Combined with South Luangwa and camps such as Sungani and those operated by Time + Tide and The Bushcamp Company and hey presto – you have one of the most rewarding safari itineraries on the continent.
If Zambia isn’t already on your list, we think it should be.
Experience over all else
The longer we do this, the more convinced we become that the best journeys aren’t defined by the most expensive lodges, but by the quality of the experiences they create.
At BAYA AFRICA, this sits at the heart of everything we do. Our role isn’t simply to book beautiful accommodation; it’s to understand who you are as a traveller and place you in the right destination, at the right property and at the right time of year, so that those unforgettable moments can unfold naturally.
Beautiful lodges undoubtedly elevate a trip and the thoughtful touches of luxury certainly matter. But it’s rarely what people talk about when they return home. They remember the guide whose passion was infectious, the silence beneath a sky full of stars, an unexpected wildlife encounter, conversations around a campfire, stepping outside their comfort zone, or the quiet moments that somehow become the ones that stay with them forever.
If your 2026/2027 calendar still has room for adventure, we’d love to help you fill it. And if not, then make space in 2028! Africa rewards those who plan ahead and there has never been a better time to start dreaming.
Until next time,
Claire & Leigh
BAYA AFRICA
