Where would you go if you were flying to Africa tonight? Or, holidays worth going to work for.

A few years ago I used to work in a large office of safari experts, all passionate Africa lovers. Our favourite game on a quiet Friday afternoon was to plan our fantasy African adventure. We discussed the safaris that we’d sell our souls to get to, the remote beaches that our bones ached for, and the game reserves we lost afternoons dreaming of. We talked about lodges, camps, and game reserves that made coming to work worthwhile, if only because it meant each paycheque brought us closer to another African adventure.

Time and again, the same names came up, the places that were so magical we all adored them.  And here they are, our ultimate African experiences.

Best for utter magic: Greystoke Mahale, Mahale Mountains, Tanzania

Best for beauty: Namibia

Best for food: the Western Cape, South Africa

Best for off-the-beaten-track beaches: Kaya Mawa, Lake Malawi

Best for families: Morukuru, Madikwe, South Africa