DAYS 14 TO 17: SERENGETI PLAIN, TANZANIA

AFRICA is calling — although it requires a flight of almost eight hours before you get there. You are taken to the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti for three nights. Its five-star luxury is your base for Big Five spotting on two game drives each day.

One morning you can enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and your last dinner will be eaten in the bush, following sundowners and a traditional Majuto dance. Look out for bone-handled salad tongs as your pillow prezzie — and then steel yourself for boarding that plane once again.