Imagine Africa Guidebooks

We have a selection of guidebooks to some of our most popular countries in Africa. Written by our specialists, they detail destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send this via a PDF to your email.

Self-drive holidays

Nothing beats taking on the open road and exploring all the ins and outs of a destination at your own pace, taking in shifting landscapes and jaw-dropping vistas.

One of Africa’s youngest countries, the stunning landscape of Namibia is best enjoyed on an unforgettable self-drive adventure. Rent a car and cruise by at your own pace as you pass by vast red dunes and crashing waves. There are plenty of empty roads to be explored, but a good place to start is at the Etosha National Park where self-driving is an easy and affordable option. Water is scarce which means large herds of animals congregate around Etosha’s famous waterholes, including black rhinos and flamingos.

A good way to get under the skin of Zimbabwe is to get behind the wheel. With a mixture of scenic landscapes, history, culture and fantastic game viewing, Zimbabwe perfectly lends itself to self-drive discovery. Explore the beautiful Eastern Highlands, the Matobo Hills and the Victoria Falls all at your own pace.

With unbeatable scenery and endless adventure activities, South Africa’s Garden Route packs wildlife, culture, adventure, beach and cosmopolitan cities into one incredible trip of a lifetime. The route stretches along 200km and is sandwiched in between the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Indian Ocean – making it a best way to experience South Africa’s stunning coastline.

Central Highlands, Namibia

The Elegant Farmstead makes a convenient overnight stop for those travelling between Etosha and Windhoek and offers comfortable accommodation in a tranquil farm setting with the opportunity to enjoy game drives or just relax by the lovely swimming pool.

The Elegant Farmstead

Swakopmund, Namibia

The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is based on what seems to be the hotel's own peninsula offering guests fantastic ocean views from both sides of the hotel. This luxurious contemporary hotel is a gem on the beautiful Namibian coastline.

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Hermanus, South Africa

138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse is an outstanding and stylish guesthouse in Sandbaai, a short drive from Hermanus. Astonishing views and the warmest of welcomes make 138 Marine Beachfront a wonderful base for whale watching and cliff-top walks.

138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse

Southern Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

Norma Jeane's Lake View Resort is set in the granite hills and Msasa woodlands overlooking Lake Mutirikwe (formerly known as Lake Kyle). The resort offers comfortable accommodation for visitors to use as a base to explore Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

Norma Jeane's Lakeview Resort

Swakopmund, Namibia

The Hansa Hotel - nestling in the very centre of the charming little town of Swakopmund, wrapped in the shape of a timelessly classical building dating from 1905, and integral part of Swakopmund's architectural heritage.

Hansa Hotel

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Hunter’s Country House is an award-winning lodge near Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s famous Garden Route. Great for families, Hunter’s Country House is a peaceful retreat ideally placed for exploring the area’s mountains and golden beaches.

Hunter’s Country House

Swakopmund, Namibia

Meerkat Guesthouse is a small guesthouse in Swakopmund on Namibia’s Atlantic coast. Despite a rather humdrum exterior, Meerkat Guesthouse is lovely inside and makes a good base to experience Swakopmund’s charm and the range of activities on offer.

Meerkat Guesthouse

Windhoek, Namibia

Olive Grove is a comfortable small guesthouse in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. With delightful gardens, friendly service and excellent cuisine, Olive Grove makes for a charming and relaxing stay at the beginning or end of your Namibian adventure.

Olive Grove

Windhoek, Namibia

The Elegant Guesthouse is a contemporary and stylish owner-run guesthouse in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. The Elegant Guesthouse has beautiful gardens and home comforts, making it a great place to relax at the start or end of a Namibia trip.

The Elegant Guesthouse

Hermanus, South Africa

Uniquely located on Siever’s Point, Hermanus’s scenic seafront, Abalone Guest Lodge offers its guests direct access to the well-known cliff path used for whale spotting. This luxury guest lodge comfort and unsurpassed views across the ocean.

Abalone Guest Lodge

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