If you’re feeling nostalgic or busy planning your first safari, we have put together our top 10 wildlife and bush videos from 2020 to take you back to a blissful place and time. Or… to get you excited for your ultimate bush adventure that you hopefully have planned soon.
Don’t you wish you were here?
It’s been a tough year away from the bush and thank goodness for our friends and talented wildlife photographers who have kept us as close to our beloved wildlife as possible. They know how to capture words and feelings in one click and have brilliantly kept our longing at bay with their keen eye for detail as they make the lighting, composition and subject come together to tell a story. If you’re in a slump, need a midweek pickup or are longing for the bush, take a look at our favourite pictures of 2020 that got us through the longest time indoors.
Photographer: Graham Wood
Photographer: Matt Yardley
Photographer: Francois Roos
Photographer: Andrea Campbell
Photographer: Becky Rasor
Photographer: Carmen Shui
Candiss Diamondis, a Zimbabwean veterinarian, children’s book author and illustrator combines her love of science, nature and art to create beautiful works-of-art that… In preparation for a truly African Christmas, she has illustrated the types of personalities at Christmas depicted by various African wildlife.
The Caroler – all through December and well into January, the jolly caroler hums, sings and whistles the Christmas classics. Sure to get you in the Christmas mood, he may also start to annoy you by the time New Year rolls around!
The Festive Foodie binges for the month leading up to Christmas, and a good few days afterwards. Everything just tastes that much better with a sprinkle of Christmas magic on top.
The Oversleeper – all these festivities are quite exhausting, and by the time Christmas morning arrives, she has overslept and missed most of the excitement. She’ll make up for it though!
The Grinch – we all know at least one! The Grinch is grumpy about all things Christmas, particularly all the festive cheer. Maybe this year, the Christmas spirit will capture him and he’ll find out how wonderful Christmas can be.
The Misplaced Elf is over-excited about everything in the build-up to Christmas Day – the decorations, the preparations, the carols, the gifting, Santa, and aaaaall the tinsel.
The Drunken Santa – fueled with Christmas cheer and all the beer, he’s the free entertainment every year.
For more amazing illustrations, follow her on Instagram.
If you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime African safari and are looking for exclusivity and freedom and a unique safari adventure, we would recommend booking in a private game reserve.
Because there are fewer safari tours that take place in private game reserves, guests are allowed to freely explore the African wilderness. You are offered the opportunity to escape from the crowds that are associated with the larger National Parks and this means that guests can experience the true African bushveld and won’t have to share their wildlife sightings with other vehicles.
Private game reserves guarantee no “traffic jams” because the number of vehicles that can be present at a game sighting is restricted to two or three cars which means that not only are you ensured the ultimate game viewing experience, you won’t have other vehicles photobombing your best wildlife photographs!
Game viewing vehicles in private reserves can drive off-road to allow guests to search for big cats or to track specific animals. Private game reserves don’t have hours of operation like National Parks so guests are given an exclusive opportunity to experience an exhilarating night drive, showing you all the nocturnal game you wouldn’t get to see during the day.
You get to see amazing animal interactions that often occur out of sight of main roads and because the rangers are not restricted to national park hours, your game drive can last much longer and you can stay as long as your ranger will allow on a sighting.
Game drives are not restricted to certain times and to certain roads and the open-top vehicles give you the best panoramic view of the area.
You can enjoy bush walks and your guide or ranger will help you get those extremely up-close and personal pics of wildlife.
‘Traversing rights’ will allow your ranger to take you onto neighbouring land to expand your wildlife sightings with more biodiversity to explore.
It’s all in the name…if you’re after privacy, this is what you can expect to get in a private game reserve. Not only will you feel like you have the entire continent to yourself, but you can also experience Africa’s wilderness in a more authentic fashion, where you see Africa’s animals in their natural environment, undisturbed by the vehicles around them.
Contact us here to find out more about the luxury private game reserve on top of your bucket list.
Iconic Africa’s director, John Holley has recently visited one of the Kruger National Park’s most untouched areas – The Outpost, Pafuri. This breath-taking wilderness is almost prehistoric. It’s surrounded by high peaks that form a sensational valley, perfect for the walking safari that will show you the beauty, splendour and stillness of the African bushveld. John was lucky enough to spot a black eagle nesting and a Pels fishing owl, but this is no surprise as this birder’s paradise is home to over 350 species. This 26,500ha concession, belonging to the Makuleke people, boasts nearly 80% of the Kruger Park’s biodiversity. Not only does The Outpost pride themselves on awarded architecture, but they also promise fun-filled excursions through the concession, magical walking safaris and game drives that will show the first time safari-goer and avid traveller all the incredible birding, fauna and flora before relaxing with a few sundowners or some stories around the fire.
See some of John’s favourite memories from the trip in his pictures below.
Longstanding as a top safari destination, South Africa boasts exceptional weather and offers magnificent golf courses set in the beautiful scenery, doubling it as a golfer’s paradise. South Africa gives travellers the gift of options – incorporating a golf tour into any well-deserved holiday, romantic trip or family vacation.
Choose from the breath-taking Cape Town or the City of Gold – the perfect start with brilliant shopping for the non-golfers. Perhaps the appeal of a seaside setting will lure travellers to the Garden Route or for another life-changing bush experience to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Those familiar with South Africa will understand the phenomenal natural beauty of the surroundings that will form the backdrop for your next tee-off.
Iconic Africa Director, John Holley’s two passions in life are golf and the bush. Most of his childhood was spent doing one or the other and many memories were made while either teeing off at sunrise or toasting to the sunset with an ice-cold beer at a waterhole. John has put together two incredible Golf & Wine Safaris from all of his favourite destinations just for you. Get up close and personal with the magnificent Big Five; tee off on some of South Africa’s most impressive golf courses; discover gourmet restaurants and taste the finest wines that the Cape Winelands has to offer.
Read all about John’s Great Value Golf & Wine Safari and John’s Premier Wine & Golf Tours here.
Here are our top three reasons to add golf to your next safari:
Wide Variety of Championship Courses
South Africa is home to more than 500 golf courses – many of which are championship courses. A lot of South African gold courses have been designed by international designers or have the patriotic stamp of resident golfing legends.
Spectacular Settings
South Africa is one of the top countries with many diverse golf course settings. You can tee off inland or near the sea; from a clifftop at Pinnacle Point; or within view of some big game near or in the Kruger National Park, where it is common for wildlife to wander onto the course.
Additional Activities
While your vacation may focus on having an exceptional golfing experience, you will still be able to incorporate traditional highlights such as a Big Five safari or visiting world-renowned tourist attractions, ensuring your visit to South Africa is unforgettable.
Here are our top four golf destinations in South Africa:
The Western Cape is blessed with magnificent mountain ranges and bordered by coastal settings. This creates picturesque sceneries for impeccably maintained courses such as Erinvale Golf Club in Somerset West and Steenberg Golf Club near the Tokai Forest designed by golf-legends, Gary Player and Peter Matkovich.
While you’re in Cape Town, you can stay at one of our beautiful city residences or countryside homes-away-from-home.
The Garden Route offers a distinct climate specific to that area. Combine moderate temperatures with the surrounding greenery and golden beaches and you have yourself a bucket-list destination! This area has a number of beautiful golf courses and at least four of the top ten golf courses in South Africa are located here. Two of our favourite courses include Fancourt and Pezula. The area also offers a treasure of other fun activities for non-golfers and families.
While not as scenic as other parts of South Africa, Gauteng does offer exceptional quality golf courses. Some of the top courses in Gauteng have hosted various competitions, including the South African Open and the PGA Championship.
Distance from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park: +- 4 hours by vehicle.
The Kruger National Park has a range of pristine golf courses bordering the park or nearby in the Lowveld region. This is one of the only areas in South Africa where golf is best enjoyed during the dry autumn and winter months. Often ranked as South Africa’s best golf course, Leopard Creek should be on top of your golfing to-do list.
Here are is a list of our top accommodation in the Kruger National Park.
Add a round of golf – or two – to the itinerary on your next South African vacation. South Africa is the perfect family getaway and your golfing experience will be enriched by the possibility of combining it with the ultimate luxury safari. In between rounds of golf, see the legendary Big Five, do a Cape Winelands wine tour or simply relax on the beach.
We are thrilled to introduce to you another wildlife photographer who has a way with a camera! Photography guide, safari guide and expedition leader, @mattyardleyphotography has brought some of Africa’s wildest moments to our screens… We bring you our third instalment of breathtaking images from this talented artist. Follow us on Instagram @iconicafrica to see more of his world-class wildlife photography…
Image Name: “Fear no Evil”
Caption: A male cheetah stares down the camera lens as he walks with total confidence in his killer instinct.
Explanation: This male cheetah was on a daily mission marking his male territory and he locked eyes with the camera as he walked towards us in the grasslands of Northern KZN.
Image Name: “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Caption: A young elephant walks across an African plain with its family.
Explanation: This young elephant bull was full of confidence and personality, as he travelled in safety surrounded by the support of his family.
Image Name: “Cats on Thrones”
Caption: A male cheetah scans his territory from his throne made of a broken Euphorbia tree!
Explanation: This male cheetah was on the hunt and to get a better view of his hunting territory he had to climb this broken Euphorbia tree – this also enabled him to keep an eye out for any other encroaching males!
Image Name: “Unity”
Caption: Two elephants link tusks and trunks in unity.
Explanation: These two elephants were playing with each other and in a perfect moment of symmetry, they locked tusks and trunks in a very intimate display of affection.
Image Name: “Reflections”
Caption: Lioness has a leisurely drink at a waterhole as her mirror image reflects back at her from below.
Explanation: We waited at this waterhole and were rewarded by the arrival of this lioness; the moonlight showed a beautiful reflection of her off the water whilst she drank in the peaceful coolness of an evening in the African bush.
Our recent traveller, Francois Roos has just returned from a magical time at Dulini Game Reserve and has shared with us some of his incredible sightings.
Each day at the private game reserve offers an inspiring immersion in conservation and harmony. View some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife on game drives escorted by expert guides and Shangaan trackers. The vast knowledge and interpretive skills of your ranger and tracker are unsullied. They are excellent at finding wildlife and share their extensive knowledge, friendly banter and amusing anecdotes of life out in bush. Guests can also enjoy interpretive guided bush walks with excellent birdwatching.
It’s been longer than we’d like since we’ve been able to travel anywhere and we’re all looking forward to hitting the long, open road or catching a flight to our next bush, seaside or mountain retreat. A big thank you to all those who’ve travelled with us this year… and to those who are yet to, we cannot wait to welcome you to our shores.
As we anticipate the future of travel, let us take a moment to reflect and look back at some of our top 2020 travel reviews:
Thank you, Lauren Fryer!
Thank you, Lauren Fryer, for assisting us with a last-minute first South African safari to Madikwe Safari Lodge. Your professionalism and expertise were second to none. Some highlights of the trip included flying into Madikwe with Federal Airlines where we spotted elephants from the air, meeting our highly knowledgeable and passionate Game Ranger Wesson and of course the animals in their natural environment. Thank you to everyone involved for making it better than we could ever have dreamed of. – Sian Mikkelsen
Outstanding from start to finish
Outstanding from start to finish. Terri, Lauren and team put together an itinerary that more than met any expectations we had. Our first family experience in Africa was really life-changing and we can’t wait to return! Hard to compare the 3 locations as each was so rich in different experiences. The staff were amazing throughout.
What an incredible experience we had with Iconic Africa
What an incredible experience we had with Iconic Africa and our Representative Bev. From the incredible attention to detail in planning our trip to prompt communication, Iconic Africa is a first-class agency that I would highly recommend. – Paul J. Boes
Iconic Africa helped make my first trip to Africa truly ICONIC!!!
Before visiting Africa I’d travelled for nearly 30 years across 28 different countries.
The African continent had always been on my list but the thought of planning a trip like this across multiple countries was daunting.
Having travelled so much for business over the years I pride myself in DIY travel but I wouldn’t have had a clue on where to start for 3 weeks and 4 countries in Africa. Iconic Africa came highly recommended by a former colleague and they didn’t disappoint.
I have to especially thank Lauren Fryer for her attentiveness, responsiveness and passionate follow-up to assure there were no surprises.
This was one of the best vacations/pleasure trips I’ve ever had. Top 2 rivalled only by my honeymoon in the Maldives and I’ve already booked a second trip with Iconic Africa! – James Hollis
Iconic Africa – Amazing!
Iconic Africa was amazing. Lauren and John planned our honeymoon itinerary perfectly and everything ran smoothly without a single hiccup. We travelled through Vic Falls, Cape Town, Franschhoek and Sabi Sands – and had the trip of a lifetime. The car/plane transfers were all on schedule and professional; the accommodation in each city was stunning and well located, and the recommendations for activities/restaurants were even better. I can highly recommend their service and would not hesitate using them again. – Mitch
Highly recommend Iconic Africa
Iconic Africa helped us arrange our Honeymoon in Kenya and Tanzania and the experience was absolutely incredible! Not only did we absolutely love the camps we visited – &Beyond’s Mnemba Island and Masai Mara Bateleur camp – but Iconic Africa did an excellent job arranging our complete agenda, including flights and transfers, which were all seamless and managed by very professional and pleasant employees. We can’t express how much we loved our trip and were impressed with Iconic Africa’s arrangements and communications with us. Thank you, John and Bev! – Sophie Susman
Booking a trip in Africa seemed intimidating, Iconic Africa made it easy.
Booking a trip in Africa seemed daunting to us. Bev at Iconic Africa made the process incredibly smooth. She provided excellent recommendations for accommodations and was incredibly responsive to our needs when we were on the trip. Would use Iconic Africa again when we travel to the continent next time. – Justin Gaudenzi
Amazing Rwanda at Singita Kwitonda
If hiking to see the gorilla in their natural habitat is on your bucket list, by all means, stay at Singita Kwitonda, a brand new camp at the base of the dormant volcanic mountains in Rwanda. First-class luxurious cabins, with magnificent views, and all the extras synonymous with a Singita property. The staff are incredible and the food and wine top of the line! On top of all that, the drive to the gorilla welcome centre is just minutes away! Truly a memorable experience not to be missed! – Geri Potter
Contact us here so that we can help you plan your next luxury African safari now.
South Africa sits on the southernmost tip of the African continent and is marked by several distinct destinations, landmarks and activities. The most famous being the Kruger National Park for an abundance of big game. First stop, the Western Cape where the highlight of your trip will start and end with the plethora of golden-sand beaches, lush Winelands, breath-taking mountainsides and so much more.
While we remain vigilant, safe, and adhere to health and safety precautions, the future looks bright as South Africa heads into warmer summer months and most normal activity can resume at Coronavirus COVID-19 Alert level 1. With precautions and health guidelines followed at all times, locals and travellers can now look forward to the resumption of incredible sights and attractions.
Things to add to your itinerary:
Table Mountain Cable Way
Robben Island Ferry Tours
Addo Elephant National Park
Visit Augrabies Falls
Balloon Safaris
Valley of a Thousand Hills
St Lucia Estuary
Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach
Cape Winelands Tours
The Kruger National Park
Blyde River Canyon
Bloukrans Bungee Jumping
Camps Bay beach
Hike and picnic at Cape of Good Hope
Clay Cafe
Cape Town is the ultimate destination! A triad of vacation destinations – bush, mountain and sea, perfect for the whole family. This city is an amalgamation of cultures, cuisines and landscapes, and what better time to visit this festive-hub than December… With an abundance of sunshine and perfect weather, it is every beach-lovers ideal stop. The endless possibilities of activities for all ages and close proximity to nearby towns and cities will have you visiting us for a while.
We have the perfect tour to tick off all the boxes without compromising on luxury and wildlife sightings that you can definitely boast about back home.
These two tailor-made tours offer travellers the perfect combination of mountain and sea with ample opportunity to spot some of South Africa’s Big 5.
Africa’s Cape of Desire, as its name suggests, is a grand tour of this inspirational region at the base of the African continent. From cosmopolitan Cape Town – with its trendy bars and restaurants, world heritage sites, pristine beaches, sense of history and natural beauty – to the winelands of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek – the undisputed culinary capital of South Africa and where South Africa’s world-famous wines are conjured from the Cape terroir – to the coastal sanctuary of Hermanus set on the magnificent cliffs of Walker Bay – world renowned for its frolicking southern right whales and, for the more adventurous, a place to dive with Great White Sharks; The Cape of Desire offers you the most sumptuous luxury and astonishing natural wonder that only the tip of Africa has to offer.
Accommodation: Ellerman House
Accommodation: Delaire Graff
Accommodation: Birkenhead House
The most spectacular mix of Africa’s world-class luxury destinations and combined them to bring you Singita Safari Splendour. Marvel at the wonders of the Cape, its exquisite winelands, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Kruger National Park and much much more.
Accommodation: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Accommodation: Birkenhead House
Accommodation: Singita Boulders
Why not go the extra mile for the golf-lover in your family and add an exclusive golf tour to your itinerary?
Africa is the continent of safari, wilderness and adventure and infused into all of this is an unmistakable and ancient romance. Not only can Africa rekindle the flame under ancient Jackalberry trees, but this colourful continent will touch your heart and have you falling in love with everything it has to offer. There is very little in this world that compares to a rustic, yet luxurious entanglement with nature and no other place can offer it in an abundance like here.
We can think of hundreds of places to make you fall head-over-heels, but we have chosen just 5 for now…
South Africa
Cape Town has something which will appeal to you, no matter your holiday desires. Honeymooners and romantics will fall further in love with the idyllic views and white sanded beaches. Families can share a morning with curious penguins or throw in some laidback whale watching in Hermanus. For the more adventurous go cage diving with the Great White sharks off Gansbaai or even paraglide off the mountains surrounding Cape Town.
Cape Winelands are without doubt one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Leave the coastline of Cape Town and wander towards the culinary capital of South Africa – Franschhoek. Cross rugged mountains passes and descend into century-old vineyards framed by high arching mountains. Drive lightly down age-old cobbled driveways and gently make your way into the Cape Dutch style manor houses.
The Kruger National Park is the largest reserve in South Africa and forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which stretches over 35 000 square kilometres and encompasses three countries – South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This is one of the world’s largest wildlife sanctuaries whose vast expanse ensures the ultimate luxury safari experience as the wildlife is free to roam in a protected area which is slightly larger than the State of South Carolina.
The Victoria Falls is possibly the most awe-inspiring and humbling natural wonder on planet earth. Standing in the rainforest faced with the great thundering boom of the ancient Zambezi waters plunging more than 100 metres into a fathomless gorge will leave you silent, grinning, tearful and overjoyed to be soaked by the cleansing waters. Victoria Falls is a soulful journey into primal Africa – with Iconic Africa, your visit is combined with superlative luxury, service and adventure.
Not only is Rwanda the realm of the Silverback Gorillas, but it is also home to a multitude of monkey species. Rwanda promises to be the pinnacle of monkey interactions. Of course, a trip to Rwanda would be wasted without the unique experience of a gorilla trek but, why not combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee trekking to create an utterly unforgettable experience? Nothing compares to the excitement of spotting Colobus and Mangabey monkeys whilst strolling through the lush, virescent jungles of Rwanda. Birdlife is also abundant—making Rwanda the ultimate bird lover’s paradise.
The density and variety of wildlife is unreal, with often more than ten different species of mammals in one spot, an anomaly that is unheard of elsewhere. Kenya boasts hoards of unique antelope such as the graceful Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle as well as the vibrant topis making it the ultimate predator’s paradise.
From the volcanically rich soil to the lush forests, interminable golden savannahs, pearly white sands, snow-capped peaks, baobab clusters, lush swamps, fields of sunflowers and a constantly overwhelming sense of space, there is so much to explore. Tanzania has three safari circuits and each one of them would make Tanzania a top wildlife destination. The popular Northern circuit with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater offers one of the best classical safaris in Africa, especially if timed with the annual wildebeest migration. Sit surrounded by 1.5 million wildebeest as you experience one of nature’s great wonders, sip a G and T on the shores of the flamingo-infested lake Manyara as the fiery sun sinks below the horizon, or survey the vast Ngorongoro crater from a breathtaking vantage point on the rim.
We have all been feeling cooped up for the most part of this year and deserve a much-needed vacation. What better timing for the Indian Ocean islands to open up again to international tourists. We are excited to welcome travellers back to paradise and to celebrate, we have an exclusive safari and island getaway that will remedy all our problems as we leave reality behind…
Mozambique is a symbol of hope, beauty and possibility. Benguerra and Quilalea present the most luxurious and secluded ways to relish the legendary islands drifting off the ancient coast. But before you decide to immerse in the splendour of a Mozambique island holiday, let us take you to Tanzania, East Africa’s biggest country by far and most famously known for the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Africa’s highest mountain and largest lake but holds secrets very dear to us – Essque Zalu, Baraza and andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge.
Tanzania:
Arguably one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, Essque Zalu Zanzibar has been awarded numerous high-quality travel industry awards. The hotel is the winner of the Tripadvisor ‘Travelers Choice 2016’ Award and it has been nominated for the 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards. Enjoy your own personal piece of paradise and create unforgettable memories at Essque Zalu Zanzibar.
Experience the wonders of Zanzibar whilst spoiling yourself to the ultimate luxury beach getaway. Baraza Resort is an exclusive boutique hotel located along Bwejuu Beach – one of the top 30 island beaches in the world!
Just off Zanzibar’s north-eastern tip, resting on a secluded island, you will find Mnemba Island Lodge – Africa’s most exclusive beach lodge. Famous for its astounding coral reefs and its esteemed reputation for being one of the most amorous ocean destinations in the world, Mnemba Island Lodge is the perfect romantic getaway. With its rustic charm and its gorgeous ocean views, Mnemba will not disappoint!
Mozambique:
andBeyond Benguerra Island is a delicious tropical island retreat where couples and families will luxuriate in serene bliss in the consummate hospitality skills and stunning airy rooms that &Beyond has created. Here be adventure and repose in abundance floating in the Indian Ocean.
Quilalea Private Island, lying in a fully protected marine reserve, is the ultimate island experience – there are just nine villas on the entire Indian Ocean knoll. This is Swiss Family Robinson tropical island seclusion in unpretentious sophistication and impossible comfort. Your meals come straight from the abundance of the ocean just steps from your private beach villa. Your private butler will lavish subtle Mozambican hospitality on you while you luxuriate in ultimate island solitude.
[caption id="attachment_8949" align="aligncenter" width="2880"]
Quirimbas National Park – Mozambique
In case you missed it, here are some post-lockdown travel tips and our revised booking terms.