We know you all have itchy feet to get on a plane and come to Africa…
But while we push the brakes on travel, let us put you in the driver’s seat with our favourite tracks to get you in the right mood.
Nothing can transport you to a time, place, moment or safari destination like a good song! we’ve chosen our favourite tracks from our safari playlist to bring you back… Soon we will be able to travel again, and what better reason to want to sing!
Our first, and favourite song has to be Africa, by Toto.
This classic 1982 pop song is probably the best song ever made and should be on your gym, travel, cleaning and feel-good playlist.
It is almost impossible to not break out in song…
1982 was a great year for music it seems… Scatterlings of Africa is a song from Juluka’s studio album – a band led by the sorely missed Johnny Clegg and talented Sipho Mchunu.
And so fitting that in Mandela Month, we remembered this gem – Asimbonanga (Mandela) by Johnny Clegg & Savuka. Even if you don’t know what the lyrics mean at first, this song will tug on your heartstrings!
The Lion King films will have adults and children alike teary-eyed and choked up. But this beautiful story of African wildlife also has the most vibrant songs in animation and our favourite from the franchise… The Lion Sleeps Tonight by Token.
We leave you with Vicky Simpson’s signature hit – My African Dream… This song will have you packing your bags in no time. Her voice is euphonious, and the words are so fitting for all our future travellers and South Africans scattered around the world.
Our favourite songs from Africa is an endless list, but these songs are a great start for your safari playlist and will definitely keep you positive during this time – and are catchy enough to have you singing along to each one!
*At Narina Lodge, each suite has an expansive wooden deck centred on a private plunge pool. A cooling soak in the heat of the midday, a gin and tonic at your side, a buffalo bull chewing in the deep shade below, a flock of green pigeons squabbling over figs in the boughs above, will immerse you in the wilderness until you feel like a part of it – which of course you are. 
*Tinga lodge is a cathedral tribute to the Kruger. The double volume, cathedral-like main area opens out onto an expansive deck overlooking the Sabie River. When you return famished from morning game drive, you can devour a delectable breakfast array on the deck while the elephants wander past in the lazy heat. In the evening, put your feet up next to the lounge fire with an excellent glass of South African wine as you contemplate the wonders you experienced on drive.
*Perched amongst the vineyards, on the slopes of the beautiful Franschhoek Mountains is the pinnacle of luxury and unrivalled piece of heaven – La Residence. Voted Conde Nast’s No 1 Hotel in the World in 2013 amongst a myriad of other awards, La Residence is a must for any bucket list. Tuscan inspired, the horse-shoe shaped manor wraps around an exquisitely manicured courtyard, decadent pool and endless panoramic wineland backdrop. 
*Birkenhead House is perched on a cliff overlooking magnificent Walker Bay in the little seaside town of Hermanus – gateway to the garden route. The bay is fringed with pristine white sand beaches and secluded coves while in the water surfers carve the waves and, for several months of the year, hundreds of southern right whales call the waters of the bay home.
*Marataba Safari Lodge is the ideal location for a romantic wedding or a honeymoon, or even just for an intimate escape with your loved one. The Lodge is very convenient as it’s located in a malaria-free zone and is only four hours away from Johannesburg—perfect for a quick escape to the bush!
*The Outpost’s awarded architecture accommodates 24 guests in 12 stand-alone luxury spaces cantilevered over the Luvuvhu river valley – connected to the central lodge area by a raised walkway. Enjoy 180˚ views of the African wilderness and fall asleep to the open-air sounds of the African night.
*Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, the andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge fuses spectacular design with the ultimate in conservation principles. 16 handcrafted, minimalist, glass-encased suites are built on stilts among the trees and boast luxurious en-suite bathrooms and viewing decks where guests can take in the sight of graceful nyala and duiker in the shade of the forest. 
*Poised majestically on the crest of a mountain, Phinda Mountain Lodge commands dramatic vistas over the surrounding landscape. Balanced between soaring views of the scenery below and the endless blue of the African sky above, each suite opens onto a breathtaking panorama.
*The lodges at Kwandwe are intimate, relaxed and trendy with décor inspired by the vibrant colours and textures of the nearby villages.
