Meet Africa Travel Specialist Andy Stock

Planning a trip to Africa comes with plenty of questions — where to go, how to do it well, and what actually makes the experience unforgettable.

Andy Stock, one of our Africa Specialists, spends his days talking clients through all of these common questions. With years of on-the-ground experience across the continent, he is an absolute expert in all things safari and African adventures!

Read on to discover the place in Africa that Andy thinks is most underrated, the coolest itinerary he's made for a client, and his #1 top tip for planning your own African holiday. His insights offer a practical perspective — along with a glimpse into the moments that make people fall in love with Africa.

And don't leave this page without checking out his favourite Africa tours for 2026 and 2027 - handpicked by Andy, these itineraries will give you a taste of some of our most loved Africa experiences, and a guide for the sort of traveller they're best suited to.

Africa Travel Specialist Andy Stock, atop 'Big Daddy' - the tallest sand dune in Namibia's Sossusvlei

What's been your most most memorable animal sighting?

I was lucky enough to witness an unforgettable wildlife moment at Little Vumbura Camp in the Okavango Delta.

We were picked up straight from the plane by our guide, who mentioned there was a cheetah nearby on the hunt. Naturally, we headed out to see if we could find her. Over the next few hours, we followed at a respectful distance, watching her move through the landscape and patiently track her prey.

When the moment came, it was incredibly quick. The cheetah sprinted and brought down a red lechwe in a matter of seconds. Afterwards, we stayed and watched as she fed, remaining alert and occasionally scanning the area for other predators.

It was a special sighting and a real privilege to witness such a natural moment up close — definitely one that will be hard to beat.

Which place in Africa do you think is underrated, and why?

Zambia is one of Africa’s most underrated safari destinations. It offers an experience that feels far more exclusive than many of its neighbours, with fewer crowds and a stronger sense of being truly immersed in the wild.

What sets Zambia apart is the variety of ways to explore. You can track wildlife by vehicle, glide quietly along the river, or head out on foot for a more intimate, ground-level perspective — something the country is especially known for. The diversity of experiences keeps each day feeling different and engaging.

Accommodation is just as varied, ranging from simple bush camps to beautifully designed luxury tented lodges, so there’s something to suit different travel styles and budgets. Compared to nearby destinations, it often represents excellent value for the quality of the experience.

If you’re looking for a safari that feels more authentic and less crowded, Zambia is hard to overlook.

Read more: Why you should visit both Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa

What do you think travel should feel like?

Travel should heighten your senses and pull you gently out of your daily rhythm, making the unfamiliar feel surprisingly comfortable. It’s in those moments — when you’re more present and more curious — that things start to click.

At its best, travel creates the space for you to become a slightly better version of yourself: more open, more aware, and more connected to what’s around you.

What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked by a client?

I’ve been asked plenty of unusual questions over the years, but one that comes up more often than you’d expect is: “Where in Africa can I see tigers?”

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that, I’d probably be retired by now.

What’s the coolest itinerary you’ve made for a client — one you wished you were going on?

One of the coolest itineraries I’ve put together was for clients who really wanted to experience Africa in depth — and I have to admit, I was a little jealous planning it.

They started with about seven weeks through Southern Africa, travelling through Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia — a mix of dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and very different safari styles.

They then headed home for three months, which was actually part of the plan. It gave them time to reset, go through photos, and, most importantly, start missing Africa again (safaris have a way of doing that).

After that, they set off for East Africa for another month, exploring Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and finishing in Zanzibar.

It was the kind of itinerary that really lets you experience the continent in layers — different regions, different rhythms — and by spacing it out, they got to enjoy that feeling of anticipation all over again. Definitely one I wouldn’t have minded tagging along on.

Andy’s top tip for planning an African holiday

Don’t rush. If time is limited, it’s far better to experience one or two countries properly than to skim across several just to tick them off. Africa rewards a slower pace — you’ll see more, feel more, and enjoy it far more.

You might think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but chances are… it won’t be.

Andy’s favourite Africa tours for 2026 & 2027

We asked Andy the toughest question of all, to pick his favourite of all our Africa itineraries for travellers wanting to go to Africa in 2026 and 2027. 

But Africa is a big place, with endless opportunities to explore, so after much deliberation he managed to narrow it down to a top 3, and shared his insights into who they're best suited to.

Best of Rwanda (10 Days)

Why I love it: The variety — few countries offer this much contrast in such a compact space.
Who I’d recommend it to: Travellers wanting a well-rounded, immersive experience beyond a traditional safari.

The obvious highlight here is gorilla trekking, but Rwanda offers far more than just that. Kigali is one of the safest and cleanest cities in Africa, and a fascinating place to begin — offering real insight into the country’s past while showcasing how far it has come.

From there, you’ve got the diversity of Akagera National Park, now home to the Big Five, Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks, and Lake Kivu for a scenic, more relaxed finish.

See the Best of Rwanda tour itinerary

Viva Expeditions - Best of Rwanda

Cultural Namibia – Self Drive (16 Days)

Why I love it: The freedom, the landscapes, and the cultural depth.
Who I’d recommend it to: Independent travellers looking for something different from a traditional safari.

Namibia is one of the best countries in Africa for a self-drive adventure. It’s well set up, easy to navigate, and feels incredibly safe — ideal for travellers who value independence.

The landscapes are a major highlight, from vast deserts to ever-changing scenery, but the cultural side is just as rewarding. Visits with Himba communities, time in Damaraland, and the unique character of Swakopmund all add depth to the journey.

Wildlife experiences include Etosha National Park and tracking desert-adapted elephants and rhino.

See the Cultural Namibia Self Drive Itinerary

Viva Expeditions - Cultural Namibia Self Drive

Two Rivers Walking Safari – Zambia (8 Days)

Why I love it: One of the purest walking safari experiences in Africa — simple, authentic, and completely immersive.
Who I’d recommend it to: Travellers seeking a deeper, more connected safari experience.

This is a beautifully balanced walking safari that combines remote bush camps, exceptional guiding, and a true sense of immersion in wild Africa.

You’ll move through South Luangwa National Park on foot, staying at Luwi and Nsolo Bush Camps, before finishing at Chongwe River Camp in the Lower Zambezi — where walking, canoeing, and river safaris bring a different perspective.

See the Two Rivers Walking Safari Itinerary

Viva Expeditions: Two Rivers Walking Safari

Ready to start planning your own African safari? Get in touch with our team of Africa specialists today.