A family holiday of a lifetime: from the heart of Africa to the opulence of Dubai

18 August 2025

One of the many things that sets Travel Counsellors apart is our ability to craft truly special and unique holidays that are filled with unforgettable moments. A classic example of this comes from one of our Travel Counsellors, Andy, who recently returned from an incredible family holiday that encompassed three different continents. Over two incredible weeks, his family journeyed from the heart of Africa to the Indian Ocean and finished with a touch of Middle Eastern extravagance. It was a trip that combined the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda, the serenity of the Seychelles, and the sheer indulgence of Dubai’s most iconic hotel. Here’s how it all unfolded…

A family holiday of a lifetime: from the heart of Africa to the opulence of Dubai

Uganda: a close encounter with the wild

Our adventure began in Uganda, a land of breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. We spent four nights here, starting with two at the Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, perched on a private island in the Nile. The lodge was a serene retreat, where the sound of rushing water lulled us to sleep each night. From there, we took a small plane to the Mahogany Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of our lives: gorilla trekking.

The trek itself was an adventure, winding through ancient forests alive with the sounds of nature. After hours of anticipation, we found ourselves pretty much face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas. Words can hardly do justice to the moment. A silverback descended from a tree just metres away, and we spent an hour in the company of 14 gorillas, including playful babies and majestic adults. It was humbling, exhilarating, and deeply moving all at once. For our family, it was the highlight of the trip - a rare privilege to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Seychelles: paradise perfected

After the excitement of Uganda, the Seychelles offered the perfect counterbalance: pure relaxation in a setting that felt like a dream. We split our time between two stunning resorts. On Mahe, we stayed at the Constance Ephelia in a two-bedroom family villa, complete with our own private pool. The days were spent exploring the island’s powder-soft beaches, indulging in world-class dining, and simply unwinding.

Next, we flew to Praslin for another five nights at the Constance Lemuria. This resort took luxury to another level, with our beach villa offering direct access to powder-soft sands. One of the highlights was a day trip to La Digue, where we hired bikes to explore the island’s iconic beaches and meet its famous giant tortoises. The Seychelles was everything we needed after a busy year of exams (our two teenagers, Jake (18) and Eleanor (16), definitely deserved a treat after working so hard) - a place to relax, reconnect, and soak up the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Dubai: a taste of extravagance

Our final stop was Dubai, where we indulged in 36 hours of pure opulence at the Burj Al Arab. This iconic hotel, often described as the world’s most luxurious, exceeded every expectation and was the perfect way to end our holiday. Our two-bedroom suite was incredibly luxurious, complete with a private butler, gold television, and views that took our breath away. The breakfasts were a culinary masterpiece, and even the beach club offered a level of service that was second to none.

Dubai in the summer is not for the faint-hearted, but the Burj Al Arab made it worth every moment. It was a whirlwind of indulgence, from Michelin-starred dining to exploring the extravagant boutiques. For our family, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that added a touch of glamour to an already extraordinary holiday.

As a Travel Counsellor, I’ve been fortunate to experience some of the world’s most incredible destinations, but this recent family adventure was truly something special. Each destination offered its own unique magic, and together they created a holiday that we’ll treasure forever.

To book your special family getaway, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

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