2020 in Pictures

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

Rwanda, Kenya and Zambia Open for Travel

We are excited to let our international travellers know that entry into Rwanda, Kenya and Zambia is now open.
Do not hesitate to book your trip to the land of a thousand hills and endless jungle; the finest wildlife entertainment in Africa; and world-class predator activity!

RWANDA
Rwanda is the ultimate jungle escape for the adventurous traveller. Its gorgeously green and misty forests are home to the magnificent, world-renowned Silverback Gorillas. Rwanda is fondly known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’ because of its remarkably hilly landscape and its spectacular volcanoes.

Rwanda African Luxury Saafari Gorillas

One of Rwanda’s most luxurious lodges, Bisate Lodge is a sight to behold—striking in its unique design and set against the backdrop of Rwanda’s verdant forested landscape, Bisate Lodge allows guests to marvel at the wonder that is Rwanda.

Bisate Lodge Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Rooms

And no Rwandan adventure is complete without a gorilla trekking tour! This magical experience will, no doubt, take your breath away and render you speechless. You will be in awe of this most unbelievable and unforgettable, encounter. It is an intimate experience like no other and has been known to bring many people to tears. One hour is certainly not long enough but it is an hour that you will remember for the rest of your days.

Gorilla Trek Tours Rwanda Iconic Africa

Gorilla Trek Africa Rwanda Iconic Africa 3

Rules for entry:
*All countries can visit.
*All countries must fill out a pre-arrival form. Before travelling to Rwanda, passengers must fill out a Passenger Locator Form. To fill out this form, passengers must be able to provide passport information, travel details, negative PCR COVID-19 test results, and booking confirmation at one of the designated hotels for a 24-hour quarantine upon arrival.
*All countries must produce a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding. The negative test must be emailed to lab@rbc.gov.rw before your departure and a printed copy of the results brought with you upon entry into Rwanda.
*Upon arrival to Rwanda, visitors will be taken to the designated quarantine hotel of their choice at the cost of the traveller. They will be required to quarantine in their hotel room until they receive a negative COVID-19 result.
*A test will be done upon arrival. The results should be available after 8 hours. Plus another test 48 hours after arrival, both at the cost of the traveller.
*Any traveller who has their negative-PCR test in hand, and is showing no symptoms, will not have to quarantine upon arrival into Rwanda.
*Re-Testing may be done before going on in-country tours or treks.

Popular parks such as Volcanos National Park, Nyungwe National Park and Akagera National Park have all reopened to international tourists, but some protocols need to be followed.

KENYA
Kenya is an Approved and recognised user of the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safety Stamp. Kenya promises the very best game viewing, hospitality and endless breathtaking landscapes, the origin and epitome of the true safari experience. It is without a doubt the ultimate safari destination. Exquisite luxury lodges and magical tented camps are aplenty, easily accessible and waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Your choice for luxury 5-star accommodation is endless. Take your pick between Giraffe Manor, Mara Expeditions, Ol Donyo, Bateleur Camp, Mara Plains and Angama Mara.

Giraffe Manor Breakfast Feature

Great Migration Tanzania Masaai Mara East Africa Safaris Angama Mara 2

Rules for entry:
*Entry into Kenya is permitted if the passenger does not have a body temperature above 37.5°C (99.5°F); does not have a persistent cough, difficulty breathing or other flu-like symptoms, and has a negative PCR-based COVID-19 test conducted within 96 hours of arrival.
*All passengers arriving on international flights are required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility or at their Kenyan residence.
*If there is a reported case of COVID-19 on a flight or if the above symptoms are detected, all passengers within two rows of the passenger with the symptoms will be quarantined for testing. If the test results are negative, they will be allowed to leave the facility.
*It is mandatory for all passengers arriving in Kenya to complete the Travelers Health Surveillance Form by the Ministry of Health. The form must be completed online prior to disembarkation. Passengers will receive a QR code after completing the form and will be required to display it to a Port Health Official to proceed through immigration.
*Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry.
*The Government of Kenya established an online portal to extend visitor and resident visas.
*Testing is available at Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital. The charge for the test is approximately USD 100 at private health facilities and USD 50 at government hospitals. Test results are available within 48 – 96 hours.
*Commercial flights and public transportation are operating.

ZAMBIA
Here in the warm heart of Africa lies one of the continent’s greatest secrets, the birthplace of the walking safari, Zambia! Sitting on a sprawling plateau, this little gem boasts the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa rivers, and shares one of the largest waterfalls in the world, the Victoria Falls with neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Mchenja Zambia South Luangwa - The South Luangwa is renowned for its world class predator action

There is no better way to get up-close-and-personal with the African bush, and its wildlife, than to go on a walking safari. It is, without a doubt, the best way to fully experience and appreciate the magical intricacies that make up a regular day out in the bush. Even if you’ve had many safari experiences in the past, this iconic adventure will, no doubt, take your breath away.

Zambia African Safari Travel

Zambia boasts magical accommodations from South Luangwa National Park to Liuwa Plains and Lower Zambezi Valley. Mchenja Bush Camp, King Lewanika and Chongwe are surrounded by unspeakable beauty and luxury.

Mchenja Zambia South Luangwa - The style and comfort of the suites make you feel like an early explorer on an authentic safari

King Lewanika - Gather after your exciting game drives and swap tales under the stars_

Zambia is open to foreign nationals and issuing visitor visas upon entry into the country. Limited domestic flight schedules are operating twice-weekly between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and Mfuwe International Airport, and between Kenneth Kaunda and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone.

Royal CHundu Iconic Africa Why Us

Rules for entry:
*All international visitors are screened on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to quarantine for 14 days.
*All arriving passengers must have a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 3 days of arriving in Zambia.
*Visitors will be expected to adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene. They will also need to monitor themselves daily for 10 days for symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.

Strict control measures have been implemented in these countries and have to be followed: social distancing, good hand hygiene, and the wearing of masks remain mandatory. Contact us HERE for more information on your next African safari adventure!

Our Favourite African Reads

We know all fervent travellers need to feed their wanderlust – and it is difficult during a global pandemic. There are only so many pictures to scroll through and songs to listen to.

So we have put together a reading list of some of our favourite books that will most certainly transport you to Africa or at least give you a small taste of its magic that will let you explore and experience, open your mind and change the way you view the world.

Even if you can’t travel right now, you can still experience new things with a good book…

Changing a Leopard’s Spots: The Adventures of Two Wildlife Trackers by Alex van den Heever and Renias Mhlongo

Iconic Africa Kruger National Park Leopard

Out of Africa, by Karen Blixen

Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith

The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild, by Lawrence Anthony

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Expedition to the Baobab Tree by Wilma Stockenström

Londolozi Tree Camp Bush Dinner Kruger Park

Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds, by Joy Adamson

We hope these books inspire you to visit when we can again but for now that they give you some hope.

Book your 2022 safari NOW!

A 2022 East African Safari of a Lifetime

We always encourage our travellers to book at least a year in advance, and this sentiment is true now more than ever.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought local and international travel to a standstill and most travellers are reluctant to book anything at this stage – understandably.

However, it’s never too early to book the life-changing safari you’ve always dreamt of!

With all 2020 travel plans pushed over to 2021 – our destinations are filling up! So we encourage all those who are longing to touch down on African soil to make those travel plans now for 2022 while there’s still space.

Although it may seem like a long way away… it will be here before you know it and the ‘future you’ will thank you for being so organised and planning ahead!

As the entire world navigates phased re-opening, our guides, wildlife and staff are waiting for you… and cannot wait to share with you the rare magic that this continent offers.

We’re busy putting together some great offers, but here’s a sneak peek of what your next safari could be:

A luxury trip to Tanzania and Kenya on a safari package that includes visits to Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Masai Mara between June to September 2022.

Spend 9 magical nights in these magical destinations:

Gran Melia Arusha from

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Located in the centre of Arusha, the Gran Melia Arusha is an oasis of beautifully landscaped coffee and tea plantations with views of Mount Meru. The hotel comprises an array of city and mountain facing rooms all of which are modernly designed and fully equipped with modern amenities. The hotel is home to various restaurants which include the Saba Saba all-day- dining restaurant, Yellow Chilli, Roof Top and the Ava Cafe.

Balloon Safaris Launch Iconic Africa Tanzania

Entamanu Ngorongoro from

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Entamanu Ngorongoro is a thoughtfully designed refuge in this elemental place, from which to explore the unique highland environment. Surrounded by the soaring peaks of dormant volcanic hills and the ebb and flow of Maasai pastoralist life, this is a place to explore beyond the hustle and bustle of the tourist trail. Not only to visit the Crater, but to understand it as part of a wider environment.

One Nature Nyarusiwga from

Situated in the heart of Tanzania, the Central Serengeti encompasses the world-famous Seronera Valley which is known for its prime wildlife-viewing opportunities. A “camp like no other” is the best way to describe this beautiful property. Uniquely located in the heart of the Serengeti and surrounded by breathtaking views of endless plains that are embraced by the Nyaruswiga Hills, this magical destination provides an almost surreal backdrop for the more than 1 million animals annually migrating through this valley.

Wildebeest crossing mara river Serengeti Safari

Mara Expeditions from

The Masai Mara together with Tanzania’s Serengeti form Africa’s most famous wildlife park, the Masai Mara National Reserve. The image of acacia trees dotting endless grass plains epitomises Africa for many, then add a Maasai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. Mara Expedition Camp is a magical revisiting of the past, drawing from the designs of Africa’s original explorers and designed for those who search for East Africa’s romantic safari era. Here, you will experience the best of both worlds: the intense action of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, as well as the more private 70,000-acre Mara North Conservancy.

For the full itinerary click here.

The package includes:

Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport (JRO)
VIP assistance at JRO
Transfer Gran Melia Arusha by A&H
1 night at Gran Melia Arusha on HB basis
Depart to Ngorongoro in one of our luxury safari vehicles via game drive in the Lake Manyara NP
2 nights at Nomad Entamanu on FB, including drinks
Game drive in Ngorongoro + Crater descent
Transfer to Manyara airstrip
Scheduled flight to Seronera via Auric Air
Transfer to the camp
3 nights at Nyaruswiga Camp on GP
Game drives in the Central Serengeti
Transfer to Seronera
Scheduled cross border flight to Mara via stops for immigration and customs
Transfer to the Camp
3 nights at Mara Expeditions on GP
Game drives in the Masai Mara
Transfer to OI Kiombo airstrip
Scheduled flight to Nbo Wilson
Transfer to Nbo JKIA
Depart

2020 has been a year that has deprived the tourism industry of Africa and the people and wildlife within it.

Book this incredible authentic East African Safari NOW, and let us welcome you back to this magnificent continent in 2022.

Plan, book and visit as we emerge from this uncertain time. Have something to look forward to while contributing to the preservation of this magical wilderness.

Contact one of our team members to start putting your once-in-a-lifetime itinerary together.

Mara Expeditions Camp

Our Top 5 Live Safaris

The African bush may seem a distant dream or memory right now… but it doesn’t have to be like that! We have chosen 5 of our favourite Live Safaris to bring the bush and its animals into your living room in a heartbeat.

While we may not be able to see the wildlife in person and capture its beauty, our favourite guides bring the Big 5 and so much more straight to our screens, and the experience cannot be more real. Interact with the guides through the comments and let your kids ask some questions too… You don’t need to let travel bans keep you and your family from adrenaline-boosting experiences in the back of a 4×4 as you make your way through the dusty paths of the bush… as the sun sets and the cicadas sing ? Need we say more.

You can definitely add this to your daily routine and turn it into some quality family-time as these awesome guides bring us exciting news in real-time, from returning pups, to cub sightings to hunts and so much more.

Join WildEarth on their safariLIVE channel for sunrise and sunset safaris. This award-winning, expert hosted show is broadcast directly from the African wilderness into your home. You can even interact with an expert game ranger in real-time. Join your guide in a safari vehicle, on foot, in a balloon and remote cams as they search for prey and predators alike. Our close friend and expert ranger James Hendry is one of the crew!

1. WILDWATCH LIVE
&BEYOND WILDwatch LIVE brings the wilderness to you. Join the live stream twice-daily, three-hour-long game drives from &BEYOND Ngala Private Game Reserve, &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve, Djuma Private Game Reserve, Tswalu and Pridelands Conservancy.

How to ask questions on WILDwatch LIVE

Adult questions: Morning and afternoon drives

Twitter: Post your question followed by the hashtag #wildearth
Youtube: Ask your question in the chatbox on the right-hand side

WILDchild (children’s) questions:
Afternoon kiddies drive (first 45min of afternoon safaris): Email kidsquestions@wildearth.tv



2. LONDOLOZI VIRTUAL SAFARIS
Londolozi never fails to excite and stimulate viewers with their thrilling virtual safaris. From rescuing a trapped honey badger to sighting missing wild dog pups, experience the best the Sabi Sands has to offer from your couch!

3. TSWALU ECOLIVE
Tswalu EcoLive is also in collaboration with WildEarth TV and is an interactive virtual safari showcasing the best wildlife action and animal encounters direct from the field, as they unfold in real-time. Tswalu’s experienced field guides are out on the reserve daily, hosting morning and afternoon game drives with a dedicated WildEarth camera crew. They are on a mission to track down the rare and iconic species of the southern Kalahari and to introduce you to Tswalu’s characterful meerkats.

You can find Tswalu EcoLive broadcasts on the below platforms sites:
YouTube
Twitter
Website

4. MARATABA VIRTUAL SAFARI DIARIES
Marataba South Africa Virtual Safari Diaries helps stay-at-home safari-goers learn some fascinating facts about their reserve on bush-walks with Field Guides Helen Mertens and Mitchel Bloem.

5. CHITWA CHITWA LIVE SAFARIS
Join Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge on a Live Safari as they adventure through the South African bush in search for some leopards, lions and zebras!

Let us know what has been your favourite virtual safari over this time or if there are any other great ones that you have loved?

Experience of the Month – Safari with a Purpose 

This month’s top and not-to-be-missed experience is a Safari with a Purpose. Embark on a journey with meaning… with one of four hand-crafted adventures. Submerge yourself in something bigger. Wander off the beaten track, interact with indigenous tribes, help conserve Africa’s wildlife and give back to wonderful projects so that the world can, in turn, give back to you. Iconic Africa, in partnership with Wilderness Safaris, would like to offer the discerning traveller the opportunity to find their travel purpose in Rwanda, Seychelles, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa by taking part in a world of philanthropy, conservation, wildlife, culture and adventure. 

Whether it’s working with endangered mountain gorillas, collaring wild dogs or elephants or conserving sea turtles – we’ve got just the thing for you here:

Great Apes and Rainforests: Experience behind-the-scenes conservation work in Rwanda; meet the Endangered mountain gorilla and help habituate chimpanzees for future ecotourism.

Travel With Purpose Gorillas

Paradise with Purpose: Explore one of the most beautiful islands on earth while actively participating in a survey and ringing of the Seychelles white-eye population and translocating some of the North Island population to other islands to further protect the species.

Travel With Purpose Turtles

Kenya Natural Wonders: Experience the Great Rift Valley, a dormant volcano, a vital water tower and learn more about the rare and elusive Critically Endangered mountain bongo.

Travel With Purpose Rift Valley Children

Hwange Elephant Collaring: In west Zimbabwe, amongst its grasslands and mopane woods are large herds of elephant. Help collar elephants, count wildlife, discover anti-poaching patrol, and meet neighbouring communities.

Travel With Purpose Elephants

Enquire about adding one of these experiences to your itinerary with one of our team members. You can have a magnificent time with plenty of adventure and also leave a positive impact on the place you’re visiting at the same time.

 

  

Iconic Africa’s Top 10 tours for 2020

There are so many different holiday-makers, from couples seeking a luxury escape, families that need different ages catered for and solo travellers seeking adventure. And… so many variables to consider – connecting flights, accommodation, activities and so on and so on! Taking time to plan your vacation shouldn’t feel like more effort so Iconic Africa has done all the hard work for you and put together some fantastic tours that have the perfect itinerary waiting. We have chosen our top ten tours for 2020 right here: 

 

JOHN’S GREAT VALUE GOLF & WINE SAFARI

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 made while either teeing off at sunrise or toasting to the sunset with an ice-cold beer at a waterhole.  On that note – another great love of his is wine so a combo of golf, bush and wine… really is (in his mind) heaven! John has put together this incredible Golf & Wine Safari 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. Click here for full interactive itinerary.

Value Golf And Wine Tour South Africa 2A

LUXURY LONDOLOZI AFRICAN ADVENTURE

Iconic Africa has crafted the perfect mix of the ultimate in African luxury destinations to bring you the Luxury Londolozi African Adventure.  You’ll begin your trip in the Cape of South Africa at the Cape Grace – in the heart of the world’s most beautiful city and then visit La Residence perched on the slopes of the Franschhoek Valley on the world’s most beautiful wine-lands. From there you will travel to the magnificent Londolozi Founders Camp in the exquisite Sabi Sands and then on to  Zambia where you will experience the majesty of Victoria Falls from The Royal Livingstone and lastly to Jao Camp in the midst the wilderness wonderland of the Okavango Delta. Click here for full interactive itinerary.

SAFARI AND ISLAND RETREAT

Southern Africa offers some of the most spectacular coastlines the world over. Iconic Africa has picked boutique luxury on the shores of the raw wild Atlantic and floating in the tropical serenity of the Indian Ocean. Cape Cadogan nestled on the northern slopes of Table Mountain, offers relaxed, family-owned style and luxury – a perfect base from which to explore the awesome beaches, gastronomy and viticulture of the Cape. Azura Benguerra, in the cobalt warm waters of the Indian Ocean, offers a new level of fresh sophistication, seclusion and serenity on pristine beaches and unspoilt reefs. In between these, Londolozi Private Granite Suites offer you discerning and opulent hospitality combined with the world’s best leopard viewing. Click here for full interactive itinerary

AFRICA’S CAPE OF DESIRE

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. Click here for full interactive itinerary

AFRICA’S FAMILY GETAWAY

Africa’s Family Getaway is the ultimate luxury bespoke family holiday. It is full of excitement, adventure and fun while maintaining an indulgent level of sumptuous luxury. It is also completely safe for young children. The One&Only Cape Town is perfectly placed and appointed to accommodate your family in luxury while being an excellent launch pad to the delights of the Cape. Lelapa is malaria-free and by far the premier luxury safari camp for families with a quite exceptional children’s programme amidst the gorgeous wilderness and opulent accommodation. Likewise, Tongabezi is specially equipped and staffed to delight the modern family with adventure and fun in complete safety and extravagance. Click here for full interactive itinerary

THE ROYAL ROMANCE

Africa is the continent of safari, wilderness and adventurous escapades but infused into all of this is an unmistakable and ancient romance. Iconic Africa’s Royal Romance combines the beauty, wilderness, adventure and pioneering excitement of Africa with four destinations that define supreme luxury permeated with complete privacy and opulent romance. Ellerman House is the definition of modern sophisticated living on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the marvels of Cape Town all around. La Residence is the jewel of Franschoek – abject indulgence suspended in an impossibly beautiful valley of vineyards. Royal Malewane is impeccably tasteful grandeur surrounded by the majesty of the African wilderness. Royal Chundu is the ancient mystery and magic of the Zambezi in luxurious island seclusion. Click here for full interactive itinerary

LUXURY VIC FALLS & BOTSWANA

In the Luxury Vic Falls & Botswana Safari, Iconic Africa has created the ultimate safari for those wishing to explore Victoria Falls, one of the original natural wonders of the world, and Botswana’s unbelievable wildlife areas. The Elephant Camp –has breath-taking views of the Victoria Falls’ spray and the spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is a luxury, intimate lodge under canvas within easy reach of Victoria Falls and all its attractions and activities, yet secluded in its own private game reserve. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero Lodge is situated in Chobe National Park which boasts the largest remaining population of the iconic African elephant. Botswana’s only fully serviced safari spa offers sweet repose in the heat of the midday. Selinda Camp is found in the Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana along the eastern banks of the Selinda Spillway, near the confluence of the Linyanti, Savute and Kwando Rivers. At the peak of the dry season, this concession boasts elephants by the thousands and regular sightings of the Selinda pack of African wild dogs.  Click here for full interactive itinerary

Selinda Explorers Camp

AFRICA’S LUXURY SAFARI CLASSIC

In Africa’s Luxury Safari Classic, Iconic Africa handpicks the quintessential essence of luxury southern Africa – the boutique opulence, the Out of Africa safari experience and the adventure of legend. The Cape Grace – in the heart of the world’s most beautiful city – is bountiful comfort while the city has natural beauty, gastronomic delight and heart-wrenching history in abundance. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is a sumptuous safari in the world-famous Kruger National Park. The Royal Livingstone Hotel, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, in the spray of the Victoria Falls is a luxurious launching pad for the natural spectacles and adventures of the falls.   Click here for full interactive itinerary

LUXURY EAST AFRICAN ADVENTURE

This tour as its name suggest is a grand tour of East Africa. From the colonial opulence of Hemingways Nairobi to the breathtaking views and exceptional service at Angama Mara, to the ultimate safari at Singita Faru Faru, to the pearly whites sands of andBeyond’s Mnemba Island Lodge in Zanzibar. Only the very best in East African hospitality, classic safari experiences, sumptuous luxury and unbelievable wildlife encounters await you.

JOHN’S PREMIER WINE & GOLF TOURS

Iconic Africa Director, John Holley’s three passions in life are golf, the bush and wine – 3 of life’s finest treats! He’s been lucky enough to spend much of his life dedicated to these 3 passions and exploring all that South Africa has to offer – which fortunately for him – is a great deal! He’s hand-picked his favourite destination and put them together for you here in his ultimate golf and wine safari. Explore the historical panorama route, the sensational Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park, the Mother City, the coastal town of Hermanus and the rolling hills in Franschhoek and George.  These will no doubt be some of the best 15 days of your life – and full of wine, wildlife and golf they will be! Click here for full interactive itinerary.

Premier Golf and Safari Tour Fancourt

Enlivened by Africa

As we conclude a very busy and fulfilling year, we would like to take some time to stop and reflect on what Africa means to us and how this beautiful continent has influenced, inspired and moved us. A memorable trip that immediately comes to mind is an action-packed adventure in East Africa that served as incredible food for the soul. It reminded me of just how powerful and magical Africa is and what it can do for you both inside and out.

Ngornongor Crater Lodge-38

So much of the first world and what we believe is normal life is left behind when you go to Africa.

Time becomes irrelevant, phones and communication impossible, consumerism no longer and worries a distant thing of the past.

Kitchwa-15

Embraced entirely in the present, you are able to fully appreciate everything about that very moment. Sights become brighter, sounds louder, smells more intense, and feelings more honest and accessible.

Life as you know it begins to fade away. Your heart slows down to the beat of the bushveld; your shoulders feel light and your laughter unbridled.

Ngornongor Crater Lodge-2

A transformation is happening as you slowly unravel and join the peace and the pace of the exquisite creatures we share this earth with.

You rise and fall with the sun, beginning and ending each day with awe and appreciation.

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In between this, you are entirely enamoured by nature, its wonders, intricacies and surprises. From the habits of a herd of elephants to the quirky determination of the wildebeest, to the focus and agility of the pied kingfisher, to the mating habits of the crowned cranes…there is so much to take in.

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You breathe out, your eyes are open and focussed on the landscape around you, your ears listening intently and your mind free.

It is impossible to take it all in but you make a concerted effort to be fully present; to be fully available to enjoy every minute of what Africa has in store for you.

Kitchwa-3

There is so much the bush can teach you, so much goodness, so many life lessons and behaviours that you can take home with you.

Let it fill your heart and soul. Let it complete you, one sighting, one story and one sundowner at a time.

Mara Plains-8

Stop thinking I should go to Africa one day or I’d love to go back. It’s more than just an item on your bucket list it’s a life-changing experience and you won’t ever regret it.

Ngornongor Crater Lodge-32

Africa is here waiting for you and it will make you feel more alive than you ever thought possible.

5 Fun Activities in Botswana  

Botswana has an incredible reputation as a premier wildlife destination yet remains an untouched wilderness of unbelievable diversity. Botswana is an immense country, from the Kalahari Desert with its famed black-mane lions; to the impossible vastness of the Makgadikgadi salt pans; to Chobe in the east. If you’re visiting this beautiful country and want to do a little more than game drives, we have put together our top five activities for you:

Botswana Safaris Okavango Safaris Okavango Delta

1. Shops of Maun 

Traditional Botswana baskets are known for their tight weaving and patterns, fashioned from the mokolwane palm. One basket can take weeks to complete. Take home your very own woven basket that can be found in the craft shops of Maun, a safari hub.

2. Fishing in September 

September is a great time to visit the Okavango Delta if you’re a fishing enthusiast. The waters of the Okavango Delta recede at this time of year, making it the ideal time for fly fishing. Giant catfish gather in papyrus reeds, attracting tiger fish and offering an exciting catch-and-release experience.

3. Star Gazing 

The Botswana sky is free from light pollution and lights up at night with a thousand stars! If you’re staying near the salt flats of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, you will be treated to the Milky Way splashed across the sky. You can even join a night game drive to stargaze and search for nocturnal animals.

4. Chapman’s Baobab

Another iconic site is Chapman’s Baobab – a predecessor of the modern GPS. This monumental tree was used as a landmark by 19th-century travellers crossing the Kalahari Desert. It also served as a postal service: Travelers tucked letters into its hollows for other explorers to find and relay to family and friends back home.

5. Prime Elephant Viewing

If you’re visiting Chobe National Park, you will find one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants. They migrate seasonally between the park’s floodplains and salt pans. For optimal elephant-viewing, visit the Chobe River area in October. 

For more information on what Botswana has to offer, click here