Author: Lexi Hall

At the end of April, Iconic Africa hosted its first ever, luxury tracker expedition at Londolozi for 12 of our ambassador clients. This was a weekend like no other… and our guests got to experience a world-class wildlife adventure through a complete immersion into the ancient art of tracking.

Led by legendary trackers Renias Mhlongo and Alex van den Heever and hosted at one of Africa’s ultimate safari destinations Londolozi Tree Camp. The weekend was a resounding success, and we can’t wait for the next one.

“An opportunity to immerse people in the ancient skills of wildlife tracking is a wonderful thing. There is no greater connection with nature than following in the trail of a wild animal. All humans are born to track,” says Alex van den Heever.

Alex and Renias had our guests entertained tracking and following rhino and equally late into the night around the fire regaling us all with stories of the bush and the Tracker Academy journey. Tracker Academy’s success is testament to their hard work. The yearlong, intensive tracker training programme is so highly regarded that every graduate is in high demand and results in them being placed at South Africa’s leading safari lodges.

“Iconic Africa is honoured to have been able to be a part of this event and to help Tracker Academy continue to make an incredible impact not only in the industry but in the local communities around wilderness areas where employment is often difficult. We are over the moon with the funds we’ve been able to raise and expect more exciting developments and sponsorships to follow!” says John Holley.

Until then, take a look through our photo diary here.

If this type of wildlife immersion is of interest to you please let us know and we will make sure we let you know about the next incredible tracker expedition.

 

As much as we try to deny it…  there is suddenly a crisp chill in the air. The nights are getting longer, the days shorter and let’s face it, it’s getting more and more difficult to get out of bed!

Winter is upon us but not to worry…winter is great for lots of things… hot chocolate, big fires, red wine and… most importantly – going on safari!

There really is nothing better than getting bundled up on a safari vehicle complete with warm poncho, hot water bottle , beanie and binoculars and heading off into the sunrise. Not to mention stopping on the edge of a waterhole while a herd of elephants drink quietly and join you on your steaming hot early morning coffee and home-made rusk.

South Africa’s ‘low-season- runs from May to September and what most people forget is that while Cape Town is hibernating, the rest of the country is still enjoying a mild climate, making the country a winter holiday mecca with year-round great weather.

And… to warm you up just a little more – we’ve got some incredible winter specials.

Why not treat your loved ones to the African experience of a lifetime with up to 70% off South Africa’s top luxury safari destinations! For a limited time only, these not-to-be-repeated winter specials are exclusive to SADC residents. Only the absolute best wildlife, the ultimate luxury and exciting adventures await you…

Whether you go for the Kruger National Park, Madikwe or the Kalahari You can still enjoy blue skies and balmy days.

 

Just in case we haven’t convinced you yet, here are seven reasons why winter really is a great time to go on safari:

Amazing Game Viewing

Because winter in the bush is dry, the sparse vegetation means better chances of spotting and ticking off your wildlife bucket list. The limited water supply means that you will see congregations of thirsty wildlife gathering around water holes so make sure you are ready to take some amazing photographs…

Privacy

Winter has so much to offer – including having the bush all to yourself. May to August is the perfect time to spend some quiet time on safari with little to no other vehicles around as many tourists prefer to visit in summer (and most can’t even get into the country now.) Slow down the pace and have more space to enjoy time you’re your family and friends.

Winter Specials

There’s something for everyone! Our winter specials keep the entire family in mind no matter where you choose to go and what your heart desires to see and do. These rates won’t be repeated in the warmer summer months.

Great Weather

Wake up in the morning to the steamy bush as the cold dissipates and mild weather returns and the sun warms you from the inside out – a welcomed relief from the relentless summer heat.

Breath-taking Landscapes

Exchange the sun, sand and sea for panoramic views of snow-capped mountains in the Drakensberg, watch the mist rise and disappear in the Kruger National Park and walk through sparkling ground frost on your way to see a wintery sunrise from the back of a game vehicle, bundled up in a blanket.

Lower Malaria Risk

Malaria is present in some parts of the Kruger and north eastern parts of South Africa. However, the risks of contracting malaria are lowest in winter, when breeding conditions are less favourable for mosquitoes. Precautions are still recommended but in general winter is a better time to visit from a malaria point of view.

Starry Skies

Lower temperatures mean clearer skies and better stargazing. Book a night in a treetop room and let The Milky Way wow you as you stop to take time to appreciate the natural wonders up above…

Our winter specials are quickly getting booked up so contact us soon to book the perfect spot just for you.

Now more than ever, we take our work with us wherever we go – even on vacation. But with remote working settling in as the new norm, we can take our vacation with us to work and make our mobile office as simple as a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole in the greater Kruger. We no longer have to choose between being online and witnessing watercolour sunsets and mirages. Sometimes just a change of environment is enough to catch a break.

While vacations are synonymous with ‘switching off’, this new way of working has seen many travel-hungry businessmen successfully accomplish tasks while seeing the world.

In the past internet connectivity in some parts of the bush has been known to be sporadic at best and remote areas often have poor signal, let alone bandwith. Unreliable connections make checking-in and social engagement a frustrating experience… however, look no further.

We have put together our top ‘workation’ destinations for those who need to retreat into the wild but cannot leave their e-mails behind:

Madikwe, South Africa

The possibility is that you would rather want to take in Madikwe’s panoramic views instead of hearing your message notifications come in, but this luxury safari lodge offers guests excellent complimentary WI-FI throughout the lodge, laptop loans and business facilities for those who like to travel light.

White Pearl, Mozambique

Don’t forget there is also the possibility of an ocean safari… Here is an opportunity to work hard and play hard. It is almost certain that you will have the chance to swim amongst dolphins or view migrating humpback whales while you’re strolling on the beach or reclining on your private deck. This ultimate African experience may inspire some creativity or give you the motivation to finish that task! While the guest areas have been designed for relaxation and romance, stretch out on your bed or day lounger and keep updated or simply post those magnificent pictures of the crystal blue water using the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

Mara Plains Camp, Kenya

Kenya is unparalleled in sceneries and adventure and Mara Plains Camp rolls both into one at one of the most iconic destinations in Africa. It’s not only millennials that will have a hard time not sharing these magical moments with the world as it happens. Luckily, Safaricom provides a decent 3G network in most parts of Kenya, and Mara Plains Camp offers mobile network to guests.

Tongabezi, Zambia

Most travellers head to Tongabezi for a romantic stay. But posting those dreamy pictures to your Instagram may be more important than work e-mails. Catch up with loved ones and post those pictures that will have all your friends envious using the area around Victoria Falls and Livingstone’s mobile connectivity or Tongabezi’s uncapped Wi-Fi.

 Sabi Sands, Kruger National Park

The Sabi Sands is perhaps the most famous Private Game Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. This 66 000-hectare Private Game Reserve adjoins The Kruger National Park and has become globally recognised for the highest quality game viewing due to the incredible predator density. This coupled with the ultra-luxury lodges which own private concessions within the reserve has guaranteed the fame of the Sabi Sands.

Here are a few of our favourite spots in the Sabi Sands for you to choose from:

Cheetah Plains

Cheetah Plains shares a fenceless border to the east with the vast, world famous Kruger National Park and its southern border with the esteemed Mala Mala Game Reserve.  Cheetah Plains’ prime location within the inimitable Sabi Sands delivers a prolific, sustainable safari experience facilitated by the natural movement of wildlife over this vast land, fiercely protected under conservation. Each of the three exclusive-use Plains Houses at Cheetah Plains accommodates a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 guests per house, offering you and your safari companions the ultimate private safari experience in the splendid Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Dulini Lodge

Situated in one of South Africa’s most prestigious game reserves, Dulini Lodge is world-famous for its leopard sightings and is renowned for having the best Big Five game viewing in the country.

Kirkmans Camp

It is set in one of the Kruger’s most game rich regions and famed for its inspired game guides and trackers who will interpret the wonders of this natural paradise to you. Kirkman’s Camp is a home away from home, brilliant for family and couple safaris.

Londolozi

Londolozi effortlessly exceeds all expectations on a luxury, hospitality, wilderness and experiential front – however when anyone who knows Londolozi well, is tasked with describing this African wonder they are immediately confronted by the difficulty of portraying the intangible. It is this indiscernible x factor which sets Londolozi aside from the rest!

Singita

Singita, means “place of miracles,” which truly embodies everything for which this incredible brand has become famous. Astonishing game viewing, amplified by exquisite accommodation and outstanding home-grown cuisine – all with a touch of genuine, warm African hospitality.

Lion Sands

Steeped in history and tradition Lion Sands is the most prized possession of the More’s extravagant collection of luxury wilderness properties. It is an intimate and spectacular safari experience, a testament to a family’s passion and admiration for their pristine piece of wild Africa.

Chitwa Chitwa

Chitwa Chitwa is a private lodge within the 150 000-acre Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve which sits adjacent and open to the world renowned Kruger National Park, perfect for both romantic retreats and family adventures.

There’s no need to put off spending time in the bush. You can have it all – rest in a sanctuary for both humans and wildlife, and work at the same time while enjoying five-star accommodation, first-class African hospitality, heart-stopping wildlife encounters and fine dining opportunities. The Wi-Fi signal is strong in the one place you wish you could switch off…

May your travels take you where the signal is strong, but don’t forget to take the time to stop, switch off, submerge yourself in the amazing surroundings and let the magic of Africa wash over you.

Are you worried about taking your small children on safari? Or wondering what they might get up to in the heart of the African bushveld?

It is a completely different experience seeing the African bush through the eyes of a child, in fact is an experience unparalleled by any other! A feeling that you will remember for the rest of your days!

Most parents are anxious about their kids getting bored, making a noise, or not sitting still in the game vehicle; but you will return with both a smile and tears in your eyes when you see your little one’s reaction to their first wild elephant or some big cats passing you by.

No matter how young, the kids feel the magic of the African bush and will react in ways you would never have been able to predict…

While it is a common misconception that a family safari should be kept on ice until the kids are older… we say, don’t wait! Reawaken your inner child as your junior ranger experiences new sights, sounds, sizes, and smells from the back of an open-air safari vehicle. Safaris are such amazing and magical experiences for children to have. They have so much energy, and they absolutely love being bundled up into the car in their pyjamas so that they can catch an early morning game drive. There is such excitement and anticipation involved in peering out the vehicle and spotting all the animals that are up bright and early to enjoy the fresh, cool morning air.

Here are 10 tips for taking kids on a safari to ease your mind… Remember to start off with a shorter game drive as it takes them a little longer to adjust.

If your toddler uses a car seat car, take it with and put it into the game vehicle.

Always have warm jackets, beanies and a blanket. The temperature drops quite a bit in the morning and towards the evening.

Lots of snacks! If you can pack the snacks in little containers that are easy to open and hold and make sure the wrapping will not make too much noise. Of course, it is a necessity to have biltong readily available and dried fruit and nuts always go down a treat.

Bottled water to keep them hydrated.

Mini binoculars – there is no better tool to satisfy a child’s curiosity than being able to get a better close-up view of the wildlife from the vehicle. It keeps them engaged on the drive and opens their eyes to see the wildlife in a whole new way (and feel like a professional ranger). It’s also so nice for them to have if Mum and Dad have too.

Ask the ranger if they can have a turn on the radio (even if it is just pretend) – they absolutely love being a part of the vibe or as we say in South Africa… the gees!

Tell them stories of the bush – tell them how the elephant got his long trunk or how giraffes got their long necks. The Just So Stories are great for this.

Teach them the little things about the bush – about the insects, birds, and plants. You will be surprised by how much they remember, and how amazed they are by something as small as a dung beetle or a mopane worm.

Show them spoor and show them how to work out which way a lion/elephant is walking. They pick this up quickly and will be able to spot tracks on their own.

Always make sure you keep them inside the vehicle and talk in their ‘game-drive voices’ so that they don’t disturb nature. A good tool to have on hand is a wildlife check-list to keep them busy. This one is always a crowd-pleaser as they get to be involved and tick off an animal every time they see one. The thrill of ticking them all off will keep them entertained too!

Whether it is sitting out on the veranda, drinking tea, and eating rusks while relaxing, or waking up early to a delicious mug of hot chocolate before going out on a sunrise game drive through the Kruger National Park, your kids will treasure these memories for the rest of their lives.

Iconic Africa looks forward to planning you and your family, the African Adventure of a lifetime! For 3 of our top-rated Family Lodges click here.

Hooting cars fade into barking baboons, the distant hum of traffic turns into silence across grasslands and the tapping of a passer-by fades into the rhythmic crunch of gravel. The sights and sounds of the African bushveld are best explored on foot with a passionate guide. 

Here’s 10 reasons why you should go on a walking safari. 

Walk where the wild things are

See the bush from an animal’s eyes and weave beneath lush canopies of trees alongside enchanting riverbeds.

Up close and personal

Wind along the foot paths of animals, photograph vibrant blooms amongst wild grasses, and learn the complex stories behind rhino middens.

Find peace 

Find a peaceful rhythm as you walk beyond the veil of mopane trees, and break with a steamy, frothy coffee and home baked rusks as you breathe in the serenity of the wind. 

Better birding views

If birding is your game, there is no beating a walking tour. Check off more birds on your list than imagined with better sightings on foot. 

Teachings by experts

Learn from an expert guide every step of the way. Give right of way to a rolling dung beetle or learn the meaning behind a rubbing stone polished over centuries.

 

Off the beaten track 

Explore the wilderness with your own guide, away from people and the hustle and bustle of viewing vehicles along the main road. 

Find relaxation amongst wildlife 

Find peace whilst sitting on high peaks overlooking breath-taking valleys at Pafuri or swimming amongst boulders in a rockpool, with offerings of fruit baskets and picky snacks along the way. 

Time with family and friends

Build bonds with the people you love over a shared, luxury experience that you can refer back to year after year at gatherings. 

Exercise 

Get your step count up while you breathe in the stillness of the bush and then unwind in a soothing open air bubble bath – it will feel far more rewarding after a trek in the wilderness.

Hearty food

Come home to a sumptuous spread of African cuisine and a glass of your favourite drink, then put your feet up at a warming campfire and reflect on the sightings of the day beneath the stars. 

On your next visit to the African bush, book a walking safari – you won’t regret it.

 

Find out more here.

When you’re headed to the bush – especially if it’s your first time, your attention will most likely be drawn to the Big Five first. Even fewer people are aware of the Big Six. Even if you’re not an avid birder, these six bird species should be on that must-see bucket list. They are special for a number of reasons, including their rarity to exceptional beauty.

They include the:

Lappet-faced Vulture,

Martial Eagle,

Saddle Billed Stork, there are only between 25 and 30 breeding pairs of Saddle-bills in the Kruger, plus a handful of non-breeding individuals. But because they are so large and striking in appearance, visitors regularly see them.

Kori Bustard,

Ground Hornbill and

Pel’s Fishing Owl is the most elusive of the Big 6 as it’s a nocturnal bird found along large bodies of water… There are however populations along the Limpopo, Levuvhu and Olifants Rivers.

The next time you are making lists, get your kids and family involved. It’s a great way to learn more about the bush before your departure and include everyone on the adventure and keep them enthusiastic.

While everyone will head on safari with a preconceived idea of what they want to see, don’t forget to be in the moment, take in your surroundings and appreciate every big and small sighting so that we don’t bypass the true magic of adventuring in the bush. This is the real treat!

Book your safari now! The bush is alive with possibility and magic awaiting your return.