Trafalgar, the expert in guided holidays around the world, has launched a dedicated Africa programme for the first time in the brand's 72 year history. The new portfolio of 10 trips visits nine different African countries, including trips to five all-new destinations for the company; Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya, alongside four existing trips in Egypt and Morocco.

The launch is a pivotal moment in Trafalgar's brand history, paying homage to the homeland of the Tollman family who own and operate The Travel Corporation (TTC), of which Trafalgar is part. The new Africa programme was a labour of love for proud South African and Trafalgar CEO, Gavin Tollman. The company's firm roots in Africa brought immeasurable passion, unrivalled expertise and personal connections to Trafalgar's African journeys.

Trafalgar's new Africa itineraries offer a more intimate touring experience, with a maximum of 12-15 guests on many of the trips, and as few as four guests on the special Mini Stay itineraries.

Trafalgar's NEW Africa adventures are as follows:

14-day Namibia Explorer

• Meet members of the OvaHimba tribe, one of the last semi-nomadic tribes of Namibia
• Visit the impressive Fish River Canyon (Namibia's answer to the Grand Canyon), an experience offered by very few tour operators
• A special overnight stay (one of Trafalgar's 'Stays with Stories') in the Namib Desert at the Namib Naukluft Lodge, which offers striking views over the open desert plains. Guests will have ample opportunity to stargaze – taking full advantage of the fact Namibia has one of the lowest levels of light pollution in the world.

Prices start from £4,050 per person, departures available from 15 June 2019.

14-day African Safari Adventure

• Guided game drives at some of Tanzania and Kenya's top safari parks such as; the Maasai Mara National Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park and Solio Game Reserve, renowned as the most successful rhino breeding reserve in Kenya
• Visit Shangilia Children's Home in Kenya which provides a loving and stable family environment for the children, as well as the basic provisions of housing, clothing food and education. Funds from the Trafalgar visit are used to help support and rehabilitate these local children to give them brighter futures
• A 'Stay with Stories' in the majestic Seronera area of Serengeti National Park takes the form of a classic tented safari camp, home to year-round wildlife due to the constant presence of water. With views of classic vistas of the Serengeti Plains, the Thorn Tree Tented Camp's area is famous for spotting lion, leopard and large herds of elephant

Prices start from £4,875 per person, departures available from 18 December 2018 for a special Christmas departure which will celebrate at Lake Victoria with a festive meal.

Five-day Botswana Delta Experience

• This is a mini adventure that can be added as an extension to longer journeys, including Trafalgar's Best of South Africa and Essence of South Africa itineraries, which link perfectly with this mini trip
• Includes a fly-in fly-out safari on a light aircraft over the Okavango Delta
• Two nights' accommodation at the secluded Xugana Island Lodge which overlooks one of the Delta's only permanent water sites, offering ample opportunity to see the region's wildlife up close
• The mini trip offers countless ways to explore Africa's largest and most awe-inspiring oasis; a boat safari on the Okavango's winding waterways, a 4x4 safari drive through savannah and dense forest, fishing for bream and tiger fish at a nearby lagoon, and joining a guided nature walk to spot hundreds of species of bird and wildlife that sustain themselves within the diverse eco-system

Prices start from £2,595 per person, departures available from 1 January 2019 in conjunction with either Best of South Africa or Essence of South Africa.

Four-day Victoria Falls Experience

• Another mini adventure that can be added as an extension to longer journeys, including Trafalgar's Best of South Africa and Essence of South Africa itineraries, which link perfectly with this four day trip
• Visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, as well as Chobe National Park where herds of African elephants roam free
• A cruise on the mighty Zambezi River is include, gliding past basking crocodile and hippo pods
• Spend four nights at The River Club in Livingstone, located on the banks of the Zambezi River. The 'Stay with Stories' provides a fully-inclusive experience, inviting all guests to truly immerse themselves in the area's stunning natural beauty. Meet the owner who will regale stories about the history of Zambia and its people, as well as the famous guests who have stayed there

Prices start from £1,775 per person with departures available from 1 January 2019 in conjunction with either Best of South Africa or Essence of South Africa.

15-day Best of South Africa

• Travels from the north to the south of the country, including two game drives at Kruger National Park
• Visit the local community of Coldstream in Tsitsikamma (along the Garden Route) to hear stories and learn about the customary traditions of the Khoisan people. Sample local dishes such as Roester broad (roasted bread), 'Umngqusho' (samp and beans) and Gemmer Beer (ginger beer)
• Connect with Swazi culture during a visit to a local Chief's village. Watch a performance of typical Swazi dances and storytelling, performed in traditional dress, before enjoying a lunch of typical Swazi dishes
• Stay at one of South Africa's best loved and most distinguished hotels, The Oyster Box in Durban, overlooking Umhlanga's iconic red and white striped lighthouse and the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Prices start from £3,795 per person, departures available from 5 January 2019.

10-day Essence of South Africa

• Travels from Cape Town and its surrounds northward to Kruger National Park and Johannesburg
• Indulge in a traditional Cape lunch and wine tasting with a member of the De Waal family, whose heritage is intrinsically linked with the wine traditions of the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley. In this exclusive Trafalgar experience, guests are invited into the home of the De Waal family to sample delicious wines under the expert guidance of the owner,  Pieter, and indulge in a traditional Cape lunch
• Visit a local Shangaan village to hear firsthand about their traditions and culture, and how their village promotes eco and wildlife education
• Inside the Karongwe Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, stay at Becks Safari Lodge, offering some of the best big five game-viewing opportunities in Southern Africa. The luxury lodge also contributes to the area's environmental sustainability and community development

Prices start from £3,475 per person, departures available from 23 December 2018, the special Christmas departure will include a festive meal in Cape Town.

For further details please visit Trafalgar.com, contact your local sales agents, or call reservations on 0800 533 5619.