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At Iconic Africa our staff are our family, and the essence of family pride and love for African luxury travel is quite evident in all our client interactions. Since most of our team have been with Iconic Africa for many years, it goes without saying that there must be more to it than just a simple job – there has to be passion, love and expertise.

Meet our wonderful sales guru, Beverly Van Schoor and get to know her a little more here:

Beverly loves to discover new places, people and cultures. She believes it broadens your horizons, makes you appreciative and is the best way to learn and grow. Beverly has travelled the world, from Argentina to Vietnam and even lived in the UK and Australia but there is no place she would rather be than in Africa.

Her knowledge and passion for travel comes from her years of experience. Beverly completed a Tourism Diploma at Cape Technicon followed by two years’ experience at a London Flight Centre; worked in various Guest Houses; spent two years at Seekers Travel, 8 years at Impact Incentives and a year at Rhino Africa.

She has a travel-list of her own that she is busy ticking off – many countries seeing her return on more than one occasion: Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius and South Africa.

Bev has made great impressions with our clients as they get the perfect, tailor-made travel itineraries that suit their needs and wants:

“…we woke up refreshed and have just returned from an epic game drive, including a pride of 17 lions and a pack of 7 wild dogs… Bev has done an outstanding job. I can’t sing her praises enough. She is literally the best travel agent I’ve ever dealt with and I do a lot of travel! I’ve recommended you guys to 4 or 5 couples planning trips to SA…” – Ian Hartnell

Bev’s Favourite Tour

Safari and Island Retreat

Bev’s Favourite Camps

Londolozi

The Silo

In every major country there is at least one place with the reputation of a having a celebrity hot-spot. In South Africa’s North West Province, bordering Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve has established this title. This little bit of heaven in a very special land has welcomed guests such as Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

It is no surprise that many A-listers love visiting Africa… If you ever need to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, there is no better place to find restorative qualities than Africa’s great outdoors.

Iconic Africa was thrilled to have welcomed the Melbourne Rebels rugby team on safari this past week. They spent three magical days and much deserved down-time at Madikwe Game Reserve. The team had the exclusive use of Madikwe Safari Lodge and spent some time at Jaci’s Camp as well where they received some of the best hospitality in the industry.

Madikwe Safari Lodge offers three charming camps with 20 sumptuous suites in total. Perfect for large groups, this malaria-free camp offers specialised rangers, privacy and indulgent luxury. Higher up in the mountain, you will find awe-inspiring panoramas at Dithaba camp. Be prepared to see all the wonders of Africa at this reserve with family, partners and friends.

Here are some amazing photographs from the Melbourne Rebel’s time in the bush that will show you just how much fun they had.

King Lewanika Camp is situated in the Liuwa Plain area, one of the earliest protected expanses in Africa. Liuwa Plain was first preserved in 1880 by the head of the Lozi people, King Lewanika. His efforts kept the plains unspoilt and exclusive with rare game and a rich natural heritage. Here, on these rolling grasslands, the annual floodwaters promise a congregation of wild beauty whose rhythm imitates that of the royal drums.

The legend of the Liuwa Plain region

Liuwa Plain holds a collection of wonderful stories – our favourite being the legend of Mambeti – in loving memory of the famed lioness, Lady Liuwa. Mambeti was of the Lozi people who lived, died and was buried near to King Lewanika camp. The legend suggests that she was reincarnated into Lady Liuwa, the matriarch of Liuwa’s lion pride. The local people believe that this is why the lioness was so friendly to people and spent so much time in the same woodlands once frequented by the elderly Mambeti.

The King Lewanika Villas

If you’re looking for a safari destination that will keep your mobile off and eyes glued to the grassland out ahead – King Lewanika is the perfect place! This is the ultimate luxury safari with 5 villas and 1 family suite with two bedrooms and bathrooms. King Lewanika is the only luxury camp in the entire National Park, ensuring guests have the exclusive use of it. With only 14 guests at any given time, you will feel as if you have Africa all to yourself.

King Lewanika boasts a modern, luxurious design while maintaining its safari authenticity with natural materials, canvas walls, outdoor showers, and elevated decks overlooking the plains. The interior décor offers a sensual appeal with leather finishes, touches of cotton, canvas and natural textiles to complete the design. The villas create an uninterrupted, effortless flow into the vast landscape ahead, allowing guests to experience nature’s beauty in a meaningful way – a constant and natural extension of the villas. The design and décor carries the golden hue of the plains, contrasting against the masculine vintage leather accents and polished metal. Guests can spend afternoons taking in panoramic views or lounge on their private veranda watching birds splash in the lagoon. And as you fall asleep at night, listen for the calls of whooping hyenas in the distance. *All minors accompanying guests must be older than age 5.

Unrivalled wildlife sightings

Often described as the photographers dream, the region offers spectacular photographic opportunities. Along with award-winning guides and intimate safari excursions, King Lewanika and the Liuwa Plain offers unrivalled access to incredible wildlife, bird-sightings and wildflower blooms that you will see on any day and night game drives, walking safaris, or bird watching. However, the real magic of Liuwa Plain is the 30 000 – 40 000 wildebeest seen in the area from June when they start their migration from the area around camp to the north of the National Park.  Liuwa Plain is home to Africa’s second biggest wildebeest migration, a growing cheetah population, zebra, lechwe and the famed Lady Liuwa lion pride. And for the avid birders, there are often congregations of up to 330 species of rare birds, or for a more serendipitous memory, look out for clans of up to 50 hyenas interacting at their den.

Experience the true essence of African adventure

The unrivalled combination of land and water not only makes for exceptional game viewing and photography, but allows for perhaps the most exciting aspect of safari – the sheer variety of activities on offer. Zambia offers a variety of land and river-based experiences that few other destinations can offer. This wistful region is famous for its seasonal canoeing safaris, boating trips and catch-and-release fishing. Or for those seeking to stay on land, try a scenic helicopter flight, gourmet picnic, or book a high tea.

Day & Night Drives

There’s nothing to compare an encounter with African wildlife during both day and night drives to. King Lewanika’s excellent guides provide a plenty of knowledge to enrich the experience and the abundance of rare wildlife ensures incomparable sightings.

Fishing

King Lewanika is strictly catch-and-release to preserve all breeds of fish. All equipment is provided, and fishing is suitable for beginners and serious fisherman. Fishing is good year-round, but peaks in October and November during the breeding season.

Boating

A river safari offers a fresh perspective on the breath-taking scenery and wildlife, from predators along the river bank to the diverse birdlife.

Walking Safaris

Become part of the landscape rather than a mere spectator and explore the untamed beauty of the region with our experienced guides at your side.

Canoeing Safaris

Book a canoeing safari to witness the wildlife congregate along the river – a peaceful yet exhilarating experience. Enjoy the abundant wilderness and game viewing while quietly passing through the reeds. Float metres away from big and small game on the river’s edge – a memory you won’t ever to forget!

Sleep-out

If you’re visiting in July or October, you must experience a sleep-out under the stars with only the night-sky and roaming wildlife for company. Experience the thrill of early explorers while camping out.

Getting there:

King Lewanika is a short 15 minute helicopter transfer from Kalabo Airport in the Western Province of Zambia.

Why King Lewanika?

Liuwa Plain is one of the earliest game reserves in Africa.

King Lewanika is Zambia’s most exclusive camp

It is the only permanent camp in the national park

Guests will find incredible opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography

When To Go?

King Lewanika is operational from 20 October to 14 July.

Iconic Africa is thrilled to have been awarded the Best Custom Luxury Safari Operator by LUXlife Magazine – one of AI Global Media’s most popular standalone publications.

We are humbled and excited by this recognition, especially in an industry buzzing with remarkable safari tour operators. We’d like to extend a big thank you to the LUXlife team for all the hard work that goes into these prestigious awards.

The LUXlife Magazine Travel & Tourism Awards’ objective is to reveal the business and enterprises responsible for making travellers’ dream holidays and vacations come to life. They hail the key players, contributing to one of the fastest growing sectors, by revealing their dedication and hard work.

We are proud of our team’s consistent commitment and of how much we’ve grown and achieved in the last 4 years. Travel trends are ever-changing, but a classic safari never goes out of style. And when it comes to planning a luxury trip of a lifetime, we cater for all of your safari needs.

Full Press Release below:

LUXlife Magazine Announces The Winners of the 2019 LUX Travel & Tourism Awards

United Kingdom, 2019- LUXlife magazine announces the winners of the 2019 LUX Travel & Tourism Awards.

Like the yearly contributions the travel & tourism industry has on global economy and employment, LUXlife Magazine returns once again to reveal the business and enterprises responsible for making our dream holidays and vacations come to life, in the 2019 LUX Travel & Tourism Awards.

Steve Simpson, Awards Coordinator, comments: “These awards cover all markets from travel agencies to food and beverages services; those manage accommodations, provide transportation, entertainment and tours (and everything in between) to hail the key players, contributing to one of the fastest growing sectors, by revealing their dedication and hard work. I am proud to congratulate my winners and offer them my best wishes for the future.”

To find out more about these prestigious awards, and the dedicated establishments that have been selected for them, please visit http://www.lux-review.com/where you can view our winners supplement and full winners list.

About LUXlife

Published quarterly, LUXlife informs readers on all aspects of high-end lifestyle, including the finest, food and drink, hotels and resorts, health and beauty, automotive, jewellery, art and technology from around the world.

Iconic Africa has teams based in South Africa, Kenya and in the USA! We are African-born travel experts and are always thrilled to prepare and guide our clients before and during their dream luxury African escape. We have a profound love for Africa, its wildlife and its people and our goal is to share this love with you!

Our wonderfully diverse team is committed to providing you with a full service and exceptional travel experiences to groups, couples and families. Whether you’re ticking off your bucket-list, planning a romantic getaway or gathering with old friends, our dedicated team will the perfect partner for all your travel needs.

But before we can do that, here’s just a little introduction to our dream team. Meet our director,  John Holley.

John Holley grew up in Africa. His fervour for conservation and travel was ignited by a childhood spent travelling to the continent’s wilderness hotspots. As a student John spent every minute he could in the wild. Most of his youth was spent travelling and working as a horse safari guide in Kenya. He began his professional career by completing his chartered accountancy for global financial services firm KPMG. Eventually, however, John’s passion for travel and the call of the African wilderness lead him to Londolozi where he worked as a game ranger for two years. It was on one epic Londolozi safari that John drove Terri and her family and, through their mutual love and knowledge of Africa, they conceptualised Iconic Africa.

John’s Favourite Tour:

Singita Safari Splendour

John’s Favourite Camps:

Londolozi

Singita Castleton

AndBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge

Here are a few of John’s awesome pictures from his most recent trips to the bush.

Iconic Africa is lovingly built, run and maintained by a passionate team of safari and travel experts whose goal is to make luxury travel more human, more extraordinary and more tailor-made, just for you! With decades of combined experience, the team will make sure you have an unforgettable time in Africa.

We would like to introduce you to Terri Abadi, Director at Iconic Africa.

Terri is based in Atlanta, Georgia and founded Iconic Africa in 2013. The company is a labour of love designed to entice global travellers to African destinations that have inspired her over a lifetime of travel to this great continent. Terri’s uncontainable enthusiasm for Africa – her wildlife, her people and her wild spaces – borders on obsessive and this passion runs in the veins of the Iconic Africa team. Terri’s favourite way to spend the summer months is on safari with her husband and four children and she has been going to Londolozi for more than 20 years, she even got engaged there! She has personally visited every destination that Iconic Africa recommends and used this extensive luxury travel experience to mould Iconic Africa into one of the leading bespoke travel agencies for exclusive, luxury and adventurous African safaris and expeditions.

Terri’s Favourite Tour: Africa’s Luxury Safari Classic

Terri’s Favourite Camps: Pioneer Camp, Angama Maraand Singita Castleton

Terri is also a talented photographer. Here are a few pics from her most recent trips to the bush.

Of course the possibility of spending your 15+ hour journey to one of Africa’s most attractive destinations catching up on missed television shows and blockbuster movies seems intriguing – but you also suddenly have the time to read one of those books that’s been on your reading list for months.

And if you haven’t even had the time to start a reading list, we’ll help you find your next great read. Whether you get it off Amazon, buy it on the airport or download it to your kindle, you’ll be prepared for when that screen decides not to work!

Perhaps Mary JO Manzanares’ recent Travel Reading List can inspire the same love and curiosity for the world that she found through books. Here are our favourite reading prompts from her list that can be interpreted in any way you wish. Let it open your mind and enlighten your next journey or perhaps get you in the safari mind-set.

A book published in 2019

A best seller from 2018

A book with a destination in the title

A book set in a destination you want to visit

A book that inspires you to travel

A book on the New York Times Best Seller List

A book with a one-word title

A book that won a literary award

A book set on the continent of Africa

We have chosen our top five classic titles that have come out of Africa. Enhance your next safari with a novel set in your destination – whether it’s a fiction or a true story, set in the past or present. We hope this will encourage you to explore new authors, voices and genres as you travel through unchartered territories, try new cuisines and experience different cultures.

Love, Life, and Elephants 

By Dame Daphne Sheldrick

Dame Daphne Sheldrick’s memoir explores her efforts and dedication to preserving Kenya’s wildlife. The late Dame was known as the “first person to successfully raise new-born elephants”.

I Married Adventure 

By Osa Johnson

In this classic, American couple Osa and Martin Johnson are adventurous filmmakers who recount their journey through Africa in the early 1900’s.

Dark Star safaris

By Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux’s inspiring novel takes us on his overland journey from Cairo to Cape Town only using public transport such as trains, buses, mokoro’s as well as planes, cars and armed convoy. Get to know Africa as well as Paul Theroux through his eyes and discover how the continent had changed.

The Number 1 Ladies detective agency

By Alexander McCall Smith

Precious Ramotswe is Botswana’s first female detective. This enjoyable read novel is the first of seven in The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and will surely put a smile on your face.

I Dreamed of Africa

By Kuki Gallmann

This powerful story introduces the reader to the Italian writer, Kuki Gallmann who had a life-long love and fascination with Africa – starting in her childhood. Visit Kuki in Kenya where at the age of 25, she and her future husband established an expansive farmstead. Let her describe Africa’s beauty to you and journey with her as she navigates 90,000 acres of land, pregnant and alone after the tragic loss of her husband.

Happy reading and blissful travels. Let us know which of these was your favourite read!

Africa, sometimes referred to as the mother continent, has an abundance of beautiful water bodies. Whether you’re interested in canoeing, swimming, fishing, cruising on a boat or simply capturing extraordinary photographs – there’s a river, lake or ocean waiting for you! Our water attractions are home to over 500 fish species; contributes to fertile land that sustains croplands; and witnesses wildlife spectacles such as the Great Migration and survival of the fittest. Here are our top 9 African water attractions, from freshwater and man-made lakes to African Great Lakes to majestic cascades:

The Mara River, found in the Mara Region in Kenya and Tanzania, cuts across the migration path of big game in the Masai Mara/Serengeti Game Reserve. The river sees the cycle of life and death and has become one of Africa’s most perilous sites during the Great Migration. One of Earth’s most spectacular wildlife events culminates at this very river.

Victoria Falls is a cascade of water in Southern Africa. This world-renowned waterfall lies on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. First known as Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “The Smoke that Thunders”, the falls is 1 708 meters wide, and is the largest in the world.

Lake Kariba is the world’s largest fresh water, man-made lake and reservoir. It lies 1,300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba spread over the Zambezi River valley and is a special place of incredible beauty for all nature and photography lovers.

The Okavango Delta is an expansive inland river delta in northern Botswana. One of Africa’s last remaining great wildlife habitats that provide refuge to huge concentrations of game, this water body is a maze of sparkling lagoons and meandering channels. Explore the Okavango Deltaby mokoro, on foot or on game drive; or navigate past hippos, elephants and crocodiles in a dugout canoe.

The Zambezi is the fourth-longest river and the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa. Known as Southern Africa’s “River of Life”, it drains seven countries and supports millions of people who make use of its fisheries, forests, water, and rich floodplain soils.

Lake Victoria is one of the African Great Lakes, named after Queen Victoria. It’s so large it extends significantly into Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Among the freshwater lakes of the world, it is only exceeded by Lake Superior in North America.

Lake Turkana is situated in the Kenyan Rift Valley, in northern Kenya. It is the world’s largest permanent desert and alkaline lake.

The Olifants Riveris one of Southern Africa’s most important catchments – its water irrigates farming in western Mpumalanga and is a source of electrical power.

The Sabie River in South Africa forms part of the Komati River System and is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in South Africa.

Here are a few of our favourite videos from our team’s recent visit to the wonder that is Mana Pools.

Mana Pools National Park is in the far north of Zimbabwe. It includes the south bank and islands of the Zambezi River, which forms the border with Zambia. The park is known for it’s incredible wildlife… and the exquisite river and vast flood plains. It is on every safari-lovers bucket-list as it is remote, it’s teeming with animals, the scenery is exquisite, sunsets breath-taking… need we say more – it really is Africa at it’s best. Have a look at some of the videos below and let us know what you think?

Cheers to the end of another week… Until tomorrow’s sunset

Reaching for a mid afternoon snack

Another tough day in Africa…

Check out these mischievous eles

What a place for an afternoon nap

Munch munch munch… grabbing a bite for lunch!