Two people walk along a dirt path lined with tall, slender baobab trees against a vibrant sunset sky. The warm orange and purple hues create a picturesque landscape.

Yachting through an expert lens:
East Africa

Home Stories Yachting through an expert lens: East Africa

Published 30 November 2023

Yacht Expedition Designer and Charter Broker

With over three years at Pelorus, Lana specialises in creating dynamic, adventure-led yacht itineraries for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Born in Botswana and raised across five countries, she brings a truly global outlook, blending legal training with hands-on expedition expertise to design seamless, purposeful journeys on the water.

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Discover how Lana, one of our Expedition Designers, would spend three weeks at sea with their expertly curated East African yachting itinerary.

We caught up with Lana, an Expedition Designer at Pelorus Yachting, who grew up in Africa, traveling extensively across the continent and developing a deep appreciation for its diverse landscapes and cultures. Recently, she embarked on an unforgettable FAM trip aboard a yacht in Madagascar, further fuelling her passion for creating extraordinary journeys. Drawing on her extensive experience in the yachting industry, Lana expertly crafts itineraries that blend luxury and adventure. Every trip is curated through an expert lens, mixing history, culture, and wildlife to explore the hidden gems of the East African coastline.

Two ring-tailed lemurs walk confidently on a rocky surface, showcasing their distinctive striped tails and playful expressions. Natural earthy tones and a blurred background accentuate their movement and habitat.

What type of yacht would you choose for this itinerary?

Yachts are an incredible way to see the world, and staying on board a 70m+ explorer yacht, that can host helicopters, submarines, jet skis, paddleboards, and a spa, would be the ideal way to explore this region. Service on board a yacht of this size is unparalleled, as you will often find a ratio of 2 crew members to 1 passenger. If you have never experienced it, it will change you. My interpretation of impeccable service is climbing out of the water to a waiting crew member with a personalized cocktail or my favorite refreshments. This level of detail is a priority for Pelorus.

“The Indian Ocean can be overlooked, and the east coast of Africa needs further exploration.”

Where would you go?

I used to think I had seen most places, but at Pelorus, I am constantly discovering more, and my bucket list keeps growing. The Indian Ocean can be overlooked, and the east coast of Africa needs further exploration. I’ve quietly been creating an itinerary, hoping to offer clients the chance to step back in time through an Africa rarely visited. Starting in Kenya, sailing to Madagascar, and finishing in Mozambique, this three-week trip is incredibly immersive. On a yacht holiday, as with all Pelorus trips, nothing is set in stone; all of our itineraries are tailored to each individual client.

A kitesurfer performs tricks on a vibrant blue ocean, with waves gently rolling in beneath a sunny sky and a large, colorful kite soaring above.

Two people wearing headsets sit in the cockpit of a helicopter, overlooking vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs below. The landscape features islands and a clear blue sky in the background.

A scuba diver explores the ocean while a manta ray glides above. A school of yellow fish swims near a colorful coral reef below.

Can you tell us more about this East African itinerary?

Kenya

Starting inland, I would travel to the Turkana Basin, also known as the ‘Cradle of Humanity’, to join an excavation. Here, spend 3-4 days with a paleontologist as we dig to find out more about the evolution of animals, pollination, and dive further into the birth of human development. After this, I would fly to the highest lake in Rift Valley, the beautiful Naivasha, where there is a national park that houses an array of exotic wildlife. It’s an amazing place to relax, complete a PADI course, or head out on night game drives looking for leopards, aardvark, and hippos. Some yachts carry PADI instructors, and we can weave in courses throughout the charter. From here, I would fly out to Madagascar, where I will board the yacht in the beautiful natural harbor of Antsiranana.

“It wouldn’t be a Pelorus trip without venturing inland by helicopter to explore the ecosystem, taking advantage of the wildlife in Madagascar, of which 90% is endemic and found nowhere else.”

Madagascar

The ideal time to visit Madagascar is July or August, as you’ll have the opportunity to trail behind hundreds of migrating humpbacks. If the yacht is suitably equipped, I would launch a submarine, revealing swarms of whale pods. Madagascar is also home to some of the best breaks in the world, making this a great spot for exceptional kite or heli-surfing. It wouldn’t be a Pelorus trip without venturing inland by helicopter to explore the ecosystem, taking advantage of the wildlife in Madagascar, of which 90% is endemic and found nowhere else. Home to the Baobab tree, commonly known as the ‘Tree of Life’, it can reach up to 30 meters. Release your inner child and try climbing up one of these ancient trees to uncover breathtaking views, giving you the chance to marvel at the forest from a whole new perspective. I would also embark on a Lemur trekking expedition to find the rare Gold Crowned Lemur, which is only found in this pocket of the world, as well as diving through an incredible cave system, where the seabed is littered with the bones of various species in an eerie underwater graveyard.

Mozambique

An overnight and morning cruise will bring the yacht close to the coast of mainland Mozambique. Jet ahead of the main vessel in one of the high-speed tenders for the chance to swim with whale sharks and dive with humpbacks, learning about the marine protected area from your local expert guide on the way. After this, I would head south along the coast to Bazaruto, the main feeding ground to one of the last Dugong populations in the world. En route, you can take the opportunity to explore stunning coral reefs and swim with devil rays, manta rays, and nesting turtles. Bazaruto is known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, and this archipelago will bury itself in your imagination for years to come. Here, you can track beaches on horseback before heading into the air on a microlight airplane to spot the elusive Dugong, see their feeding paths, and maybe even spot the occasional breaching whale.

Two young lions resting in tall grass at night, their eyes reflecting light.

A kite surfer rides the water at sunset, with a colorful kite soaring above against a backdrop of pink and purple skies. Mountains silhouette in the distance.

A humpback whale breaches the surface of the water, creating a splash as it lifts its body high against a clear blue sky with sandy shores in the background.

What other recommendations would you make to get the most out of this yacht expedition?

Taking advantage of a Pelorus host and professional photographer/videographer can greatly add to the experience, leaving you time to be present and in the moment. Let your Pelorus host, along with your Captain and crew, take care of the logistics to ensure your itinerary runs seamlessly, and relax in the knowledge that as you dive below the surface or trek through the jungle in search of wildlife, all these precious moments are being captured by a professional. For me, travel is about learning and not letting the outside world blur the experience. I always forget to take photos, as the last thing I want to do whilst away is look at my phone or observe moments from behind a camera lens. Having a professional who knows what they are doing is worth it. I particularly enjoy receiving the album or film once I am home; it’s amazing to have the memories collated and professionally organized. Trips without this tend to live on a memory card for years before I get around to arranging them, assuming I even do!

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Inspired to visit East Africa?

Get in touch with Lana and our Yachting Team to start planning your own unforgettable experience in East Africa.

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Yachting through an expert lens:
East Africa

ARTICLE