Africa

Experience these destinations authentically by getting under the skin of these countries is how we want you to experience these short breaks.  These include spying wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks to cooking with locals on a little-visited Greek island.

"Ever ridden a horse?" my Egyptian kitesurfing instructor Cousha asks. Before I can answer, he continues: "This is the exact opposite of riding a horse. Pull on that line and we will soon be watching you fly away." So, it's with those anxiety-inducing instructions I'm introduced to kitesurfing. The sport is a relatively new one, a complicated combo of wakeboarding, windsurfing and gymnastics. In 1998 it went mainstream.

It's desert war. My sheet slaps me in the face, my eyes begin to sting and the rest of my bedding gets chucked around me. Groping for my torch, I surrender to the sand and wind, and drag my mattress back to the protection of the tents.  Sleeping on top of a sand dune under the stars and moon seemed like the perfect way to round off a memorable day in the desert. But to get any rest, I have to be content to drowse off to the sound of camel grunts in the shelter of the Berber camp.

Tanzania has had its trouble internally and sometimes trouble from its neighbour Kenya spill over scaring visitors. But putting that aside Tanzania is one of Africa’s best kept secrets, with its searing temperature, Tanzania has emerged as the African destination of choice for those seeking a host of natural wonders, exquisite safari opportunities and a wealth of secret spots.  Here, we pick our favourites and throw in a few hidden gems.

The coastal town of Essaouira has attracted a wealth of celebrities including Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, over the years, thanks to its chilled-out hippy vibes, bohemian shops, sandy beaches and burgeoning arts scene.  I was Gorging myself on an extravagant meal and I soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, when I decided then and there that I want to learn to cook like a Moroccan.

I choose sleek yet authentic L'Atelier Madada, a cooking workshop in the lofty grounds of boutique hotel Madada Mogador, to learn the craft.

The baby wildebeest is lying in the long grass, lurching around like an infant learning to walk as it strains to get back on its feet. It would be cute, if only it wasn't struggling so much - but then the lioness, her mouth dripping with blood, digs her fangs back into the baby's throat, and the flailing ends; the wildebeest has succumbed and the queen of the jungle is ready to enjoy her fresh kill.

"Diving is so much fun, you'll love it", my friends said. As I vomited in the water and fought back tears on the first day of my four-day Open Water Diver course in Dahab I began plotting my revenge against these so-called friends.  At first, the course seemed like torture. This was my holiday, after all, and I had paid a substantial sum of money to spend part of it studying a textbook called the PADI Open Water Diver Manual, and the other part subjecting myself to complicated skills work in the ocean, such as learning to pivot on my fins.

Morocco's cities are impossibly exotic. North African culture bumps up against all the quirks and traditions of the Middle East, leaving travellers caught up in haggling sessions for carpets, tripping over snake charmers' baskets, drinking scalding mint tea or getting lost in dark, maze-like souks. From the capital to the coast, there's plenty to discover in the urban hubs across the country. Here's our pick of the top spots to see.

It’s one of those ‘must do it before I’m…… trips on everyone’s bucket list – an African safari adventure. Prowling big cats, toothy crocs, thundering elephants and many more of their exotic neighbours make a visit to the continent a once-in-a-lifetimer.

It’s easy to feel energised when you’re surrounded by breathtaking wildlife, vibrant North African culture and enchanting ancient heritage. It’s even easier when you have clear blue skies, beating sun and perfect Mediterranean weather on your side. A brilliant balance of exotic adventure and unadulterated relaxation, Tunisia is elegant, inspiring and full of incredible secrets.