The exclusivity of private islands is often the “go-to” when selling a beach destination holiday, and many guests travelling to Mozambique will arrive at Vilanculos Airport, and immediately board a helicopter over to Benguerra Island to start their beach holiday in the middle of the Bazaruto Archipelago, rather than considering any time on the mainland. It's overlooked as an opportunity to experience the diverse and rich cultures of Mozambique...

My 16-day whirlwind itinerary through Tanzania was a whole list of firsts for me: first time to Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, first time witnessing the Great Migration, first time travelling solo, and the longest period to date that I would be away from my daughter. So, with my bags packed, my camera and Kindle fully charged, and my phone full of videos and pictures of my family, I headed off on what ended up being one of the most incredible trips of my life!

Our arrival in Kigali was uncomplicated and easy, given what we had experienced in the neighboring airports and ably assisted by our driver guide Emmanuel - who was our lifeline as we travelled through Rwanda. We could not have wished for a more engaging and personable guide to look after us, and Emmanuel’s wisdom shone through like a leading light, showcasing his country so sensitively to us.

Waking up in morning to be able to slide open the glass door and then hop back into bed to enjoy that view and the sounds of the wild was one of my most awesome moments. Sipping your first morning coffee with that view of the vast water mass of Lake Kariba in front of you, with the accompaniment of the fish eagles calls from a little way off, this definitely is a perfect spot for a slow safari!

Besides the comfort of Return Africa's Pafuri Camp, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the region and how different it was to the other areas of Kruger. The exquisite trek up to the top of Lanner Gorge to view the river below and the Kruger outstretched for miles, the fever tree forest, Crook's corner at the Limpopo River, as well as the many mighty baobab trees add to the tranquility of area not frequented by many.