2020 Archives - Page 2 of 4

South African International Borders Are Open!

Posted on September 17, 2020September 17, 2020 by Lexi Hall

Drumroll… the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived!

We are ecstatic to share with you that South African borders will finally be open to international visitors on the 1st October 2020. Although they are not open to all countries just yet this is a step in the right direction and they will be soon.

As a nation that loves to play host and to show off our beautiful land, we have so missed all of our foreign travellers and friends. We are ready for you now more than ever before as we’ve been prepping for your arrival since March. We cannot wait to welcome you back to the land of magical sunsets, exhilarating safaris, G&Ts, colourful cultures and breath-taking landscapes.

As we enter Level 1, we are excited that both domestic and international flights can resume to get you to us as soon as possible! All travellers will be required to have a PCR COVID-19 clearance certificate issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure. All commercial airports in South Africa have a risk-adjusted strategy in place to keep all flyers safe. But if you’re still having cold feet, we have put together some useful information for when you travel post lockdown.

The thought of welcoming guests back into our hotels, lodges and camps brings us all sorts of emotions! We’ve been waiting patiently and preparing for your arrival. All accommodations, restaurants and attractions are operating within regulations and are thrilled to have you come hang out with our local people and wildlife. Our operators are fully equipped to receive you and your families and cannot wait to give you their undivided attention and offer you the 5-star luxury that cannot compare to anywhere else.

Our staff are ready to make your stay the most memorable; our guides cannot wait to show you the bush and its exquisite wildlife and our chefs are busy preparing to cook up a storm for you! The Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s Travel Safe-Eat Safe protocols and programme has been implemented across the tourism sector to ensure the safe reopening of the industry.

For those who have postponed their stay, we hope these videos inspire some wanderlust!

Our beaches, winelands and wilderness await you to grace us with your presence once again! The opening up of our borders will unite and reignite after what seems like way too much time apart! We hope to have you on the viewing decks soon, ice-cold G&T in hand and sun setting over the horizon.

Take a look at these amazing once-in-a-lifetime safari tours we have put together to help you to see more of our spectacular country.

Africa’s Cape of Desire

Singita Safari Splendour

Great Value Golf & Wine Tour

Premier Wine & Gold Tour

With Zambia and Zimbabwe opening their borders too, these tours are also now options:

The Royal Romance

Luxury Safari Classic

Africa’s Family Getaway

If you have any questions at all about your travels please feel free to get in touch with us.

Rwanda, Kenya and Zambia Open for Travel

Posted on September 11, 2020September 14, 2020 by Lexi Hall

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

Don’t be scared to travel, just be wise when you do!

Posted on September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 by Lexi Hall

The tourism industry is seeing the light at the end of this very long tunnel and many of our destinations are finally able to reopen their doors. However, we completely understand that under the current climate, many fervent travellers are reluctant or nervous to book or to travel. This is human nature considering how our world has been turned upside down in a matter of months.

The good news is that establishments now have updated COVID-terms and while we strongly encourage people to continue with their travel plans or to make new travel plans, just ask for information on the COVID regulations to set your mind at ease and inform you of the current situation.

These last few months have changed the way people will travel for a long time. At Iconic Africa, we have done everything we can to accommodate our travellers over this time. Instead of cancelling all of your holiday plans, chat with us and we will do our best to postpone them until you are feeling comfortable to visit us. As airports, hotels, restaurants and recreational facilities improve their social distance and cleaning policies we look forward to the tourism industry opening up even more than it has already and welcoming foreigners to our shores once again.

All of Iconic Africa’s operators are fully aware of the effects of this pandemic and the importance of following health and safety regulations. They are fully prepared and equipped for both international and domestic travellers coming to South Africa and have been extremely accommodating with their booking and postponement terms. This will continue as long as COVID remains an officially regulated threat.

All suppliers have their own specific terms and conditions for bookings and cancellations during this time. Please ask us for more information on this when enquiring. What you can expect is online check-ins, use of QR codes, mobile scans, temperature recording and contact tracing, mandatory mask-wearing, decontamination of surfaces and applicable social distancing.

As mentioned, the specific terms and conditions along with cancellation terms vary from one establishment to another and they also change frequently due to the changing status of the pandemic and the Level we find ourselves in. The cancellation policies will be in place until international travel opens up and we readily welcome our foreign family back to African soil. It is both our and the various suppliers we deal with standard requirement that you have travel insurance in place when making a booking. Once South Africa enters Level 1, operators will be reverting back to standard terms and conditions and non-refundable deposits and cancellation policies will once again apply. We, therefore, please urge you to get yourself covered with good travel insurance for peace of mind.

Together we can assist destinations and businesses that depend on tourism to recover. One of our experienced and trusted advisors can guide you through the unchartered territories of travelling in this new world. We are here to help so please be in touch.

For now, we have to co-exist with the virus, and if you’ve been bitten by the travel bug we will get you ready for new ways of planning and travelling in the weeks ahead. Click HERE for some do’s and don’ts when travelling post-lockdown and some insights on the new travel norms. Always remember to exercise extra caution and strict obedience of the rules such as physical distancing, mask-wearing and vigorous handwashing.

Once you are over those few tiny hurdles… enjoy the magic of Africa and the soul-filling sensation of safari!

Tips for Travelling Post Covid

Posted on September 1, 2020September 2, 2020 by Lexi Hall

As things slowly return to a new ‘normal’ and the tourism industry resumes operations, locals can now feel like tourists close to home as we wait for international travel to bounce back from Covid-19 restrictions. As we take to the open road with enthusiasm, bags packed, holiday playlist at hand or board local flights, many will soon be checking in at one of South Africa’s most luxurious accommodations with few foreigners in sight.

But before you experience the comforting buzz of a lodge or hotel lobby, let us remind you of some health and safety tips that are here to stay to make your vacation less stressful. While the entire world has implemented best practice such as requiring customers to wear a mask, promoting social distancing, using online or contactless reservations, check-ins and contactless payments as well as enhanced cleaning procedures, these tips will let you look forward to your getaway with optimism and excitement …

Entering public spaces:
Wear a mask.
Avoid close contact from anyone who is not from your household.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 70% alcohol).
Avoid contact with anyone who is showing flu or cold symptoms.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Continue reading “Tips for Travelling Post Covid” →

Time to Switch Off and Reconnect With Nature

Posted on September 1, 2020April 12, 2021 by Lexi Hall

“I feel as though the cardboard box of my own reality has been flattened and blown open. Now I can see the edge of the world.” Tom Hiddleston

It’s time to log off and put your devices down. With lockdown lasting longer than we’d like, we have all become hyper-connected to our screens as we depend on it to stay distracted, connected with friends, family and work remotely.

We already live in a world where technology is taking over more of our time and attention, but how do we turn off when we rely so much on our devices? With social distancing and isolation in place, reaching for our phone, tablet, laptop or TV remote has become a coping mechanism for many. But with local travel reopening, you can now trade in checking emails for some much needed time in the bush!

At Iconic Africa, we believe that “switching off” and getting in touch with real-life is imperative to our wellbeing. Doing this in our world’s most primitive natural habitat (the African Wilderness or as we call it here… the “Bush”) can only speed up and enhance your experience. As the world heals, we need to heal too! Experience the primordial rhythms of Africa and let it resonate back home; let the stunning landscapes and sceneries of the Kruger infuse into your mind and heart; appreciate the sustainable bounties of the African bush from 5-star gourmet meals to signature cocktails; let your heart be guided by yoga and meditation; meet new, life-long friends who will become family; and reconnect to your true self and bond with your loved ones in a way that can only happen in the bush.

Some wisdom:

The more technology takes over our lives the more nature we need…

Humans are hard-wired to love and thrive in nature (and more specifically in the endless space of dusty savannahs)

The bush makes us feel alive – it awakens all our senses

It has the ability to heal the heart, mind and body

The beauty of the African wilderness makes us more efficient, inspired and creative

It can reduce depression and improve psychological wellbeing

Animal-human interaction builds social bonds and grounds us

Nature bonds families and friends

Now that we know why it is important here a few tips on how to digitally de-power on Safari:

The minute you leave the airport and head for your luxury safari destination turn off everything digital except your camera.

Make an effort to do things you wouldn’t normally do and do them at a slower more leisurely pace i.e. take a long bath, read a book, go for a long walk, sit and watch the beautiful African sunrise and listen to the sounds of the bush waking up.

Be aware and observe like a scientist! Immerse yourself in your surroundings and connect with the present by learning as much as you can about your exciting new
environment.

Meditate to the sounds of the African bush this will create clarity and calm the mind in a way you didn’t know was possible.

Relax, sleep and let Africa spoil and treat you in a way you have never been treated before.

Iconic Africa 2020 Spring Specials

Posted on August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 by Iconic Editor

Sarah Graham Visits Magical Marataba

Posted on August 12, 2020August 12, 2020 by Lexi Hall

Recent traveller, close friend and distinguished chef, Sarah Graham has returned from some much needed time in the bush with her family. The Grahams visited the luxurious Marataba Safari Lodge – a magical retreat just a short drive away from Johannesburg.

This easily accessible escape to one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets is the perfect family getaway! It is malaria-free and combines luxury, adventure and intimacy with wildlife like no other.

This private lodge is the perfect place to make new memories with your loved ones. Sarah has very kindly shared with us some of the highlights of their trip as well as some delightful pictures below.

Was it easy to get to Marataba from Joburg?
It was a totally effortless drive! We made it from door to door in about three hours, and it’s just such an amazing feeling to be on the open roads and heading out of town.

What was your first impression of Marataba?
As you inch closer to the Waterberg Mountains it’s an incredible feeling, they have a magic all of their own, and that carries through all the way to the Lodge and the warm welcome on arrival.

What were the staff like?
Besides the magical backdrop of the mountains, the bush and its abundance of wildlife, the team at Marataba add a special touch that makes you feel instantly at home. We arrived as eager strangers from the city and feel like we left as real friends.

What was the accommodation like?
We loved our family room! Nestled amongst the trees, with big views over the bush and looking up to the mountains it has incredible tranquillity, and the girls loved having their own room, bunk bed and bathroom. The accommodation is luxurious, spacious, carefully thought out but still comfortable. We didn’t want to leave.

Were there activities and entertainment for your kids?
Our girls loved every minute of their time in the Eco Garden! Thembi looked after them with such sincere care and fun – even little 2-year-old Emily was completely happy there, and they got stuck into everything from cookie making to popcorn eating, spoor crafting and lots in between.

What did they think of the lodge?
The girls were awed by the beautiful setting, the giant Camelthorn Tree on the front lawn that stretches out to the bush, waterhole and mountains beyond really does sweep you off your feet. They even had a little dip in the pool one day, despite mid-winter temperatures.

Do you recommend it as a relaxing family getaway for both parents and kids?
Completely, we would go back in a heartbeat.

What was your best sighting?
Not just our best sighting at Marataba, but definitely in our lives were two fully-grown male Cheetah on a Warthog kill, we were all entranced from the very first moment. We also can’t speak highly enough of our guide Hugh who was patient, fun with our kids, informative and just an all-round legend.

What will be your forever memory of your trip to Marataba?
So many things! Besides the epic cheetah kill, the sight of the dusty pink mountains in the evenings and our girls playing in a nearby riverbed while we have sundowners will probably stay with us forever.

For more information on Marataba and the incredible specials they are offering to South African locals get in touch with one of our team members and start planning your next local family bush vacation.

Celebrating Women’s Month

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Lexi Hall

Happy Women’s Day, Weekend and Month to all the empowering women in our lives!

“What would men be without women? Scarce, sir…mighty scarce.”
― Mark Twain

On Sunday 9th of August our beautiful nation celebrates Women’s Day. A public holiday
that pays homage to over 20 000 ladies who protested against the apartheid
regime’s pass laws in 1956. The protest was an inspiring display of political
strength, female solidarity and inner fortitude.

The following great women: Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Albertina Sisulu and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn led the march
and helped mould South Africa into what it is today.

It is also about the trailblazing women of today, who continue to advocate for a more
equal society, who touch so many lives every day and who lead the country forward.

So to all those empowering Mums, Grannies, Aunts, Sisters and Wives, we salute
you. Thank you for your inspiration, leadership, care and so much more. We hope
your loved ones spoil you this weekend.

Great Wildlife Photographers

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Lexi Hall

A picture is worth a thousand words, and our favourite wildlife photographers definitely know how to tell a story with a camera. To be a successful wildlife photographer, it takes skill and these guys definitely know how to capture those unexpected moments we can only dream of witnessing. Let us take you through some of our favourite images from their art collection and hopefully bring back beautiful safari memories or encourage you to make new ones.

After lots of patience and hundreds of images to sort through, we bring you perfectly timed and executed photographs from Graham Wood, James Tyrell, James Hendry, Stuart Bay and Cal Butler.

Graham Wood is a wildlife photographer and no words can do his work justice. See for yourself below.

James Tyrell lives and works in the bush and keeps us up to date with all the wildlife happenings at Londolozi.

James Hendry is a wildlife TV presenter, guide, writer, musician and exceptional photographer. Check out his YouTube channel for “me, my wife and the wildlife” or watch him on WildEarth.

Stuart Buy is a field guide at Leopard Hills in Sabi Sands. His weapon of choice is a Canon 7D Mark II with a 70-200 ft2.8 lens.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCIlcA_ABEe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_VPP8pAi5P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7N9kOjgvg1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cal Butler is a field guide at Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve. Visit his Instagram page or blog for more.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6S6fhWAv1t/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2TZDjvAaY7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0f_5ioAYVn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Our favourite African songs

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Lexi Hall

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!

Our Favourite African Reads

Posted on August 3, 2020August 18, 2020 by Lexi Hall

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

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

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.

Our Top 5 Live Safaris

Posted on July 21, 2020July 26, 2020 by Lexi Hall

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?

A Little African Wisdom

Posted on July 21, 2020July 26, 2020 by Lexi Hall

We can’t travel now, but that doesn’t stop us from dreaming, planning and turning to our most loved places in the world for much-needed inspiration. In the last few months thousands of travellers would have visited Africa for the first time and many safari-lovers would have returned at least once maybe even more!

There are few things that can substitute for travelling, but words can often offer an escape, and until we can escape to Africa, let’s get lost in the beautiful wisdom which emanates from this magical land.

Africa is full of rich cultures and boasts a massive collection of quotes and proverbs seen as sayings of the wise! Many African proverbs are strongly tied to the earth and animals, conveying lessons of life, learning, wisdom, community, family, and love often through simple daily activities.

Here’s a list of some of our favourite African proverbs. We hope that these will provide you with some hearty Africanisms to take with you into your day today:

1. If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. ~ African proverb

2. To get lost is to learn the way. ~ African proverb

3. What you learn is what you die with. ~ African proverb

4. Travelling is learning. ~Kenyan Proverb

5. It takes a village to raise a child. ~ African proverb

6. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won’t eat you. ~ African proverb

7. A family is like a forest when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place. ~ African Proverb

8. A friend is someone you share the path with. ~ African proverb

9. Where there is love there is no darkness. ~Burundian proverb

10. It is crooked wood that shows the best sculptor. – African proverb

Birding in Mana Pools

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Lexi Hall

Are you planning your post-lockdown travel itinerary? If you’ve decided on the far north of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools is the perfect destination for travellers who appreciate and are seeking a great diversity of bird species. This already bucket-list worthy destination has over 380 recorded bird species, spread across more than three different habitats from woodlands to plateaus and savannah areas.

Mana Pools National Park includes the south bank and islands of the Zambezi River, which forms the border with Zambia. The park is known for its 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 its best.

Some of the avifauna you can expect to lay eyes on are Waterbirds along the banks of the Zambezi River, the Southern carmine bee-eaters during April to November, the African skimmer, Pel’s fishing-owl and Lilian’s lovebird among others.

The best time to feast one’s eyes on the abundance of colours and sounds is during the dry season – April to November – when both resident and migratory birds are plentiful. Although birding in Mana Pools is good year-round, the dry season is when local species begin nesting.

Plan your trip to coincide with the best wildlife viewing which is from June to October to make the most out of your time in this beautiful region. At this time animals congregate around water sources and large numbers of elephants and buffalo can be seen more frequently.

The Zambezi River is known to have luxury safari accommodations nestled along its banks and relaxing boat safaris cruising its waters. The river attracts a variety of waders, including:

Spur-winged Plover,
Green Sandpiper,
Common Ringed Plover,
Grey Plover,
Caspian Plover,
Common Redshank
and Bar-tailed Godwit

Zambezi Crescent, Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zambezi River, near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Plan a walk along the river or take a canoe/boat trip and try to spot the Afrian Skimmer – breeding along the sand banks from May – November. During Spring, Southern Carmine Bee-eaters excavate their nest holes in the river banks.

Other species to keep an eye out for are:

Mottled & Bohm’s Spinetail,
Horus Swift,
White-browed Coucal,
Western Banded Snake-Eagle,
Rufous-bellied Heron,
and Collared Pratincole.

Back at your camp, look out for the Purple-banded Sunbird or White-bellied Sunbird before heading out for your drive through the woodland.

James Hendry is Now Married

Posted on June 30, 2020July 6, 2020 by Lexi Hall

We’re back with the follow-up to our most loved blog – Is James Hendry married? Unfortunately (for his die-hard fans), our dear friend, ranger and Wild Earth-star is now married. Iconic Africa catches up with him about his better half, his beautiful wedding and life in the bush during lockdown. Scroll down to see what he has to say and don’t forget to catch him on his live safaris here.

Q: Can you tell us who the lucky lady is?
A: Lucky is an entirely subjective term. The poor girl Who has acquiesced to hanging around me until one of us shuffles off this mortal coil, is Kirsten Hendry (née McLennan-Smith).

Q: Where did you meet her?
A: She was a director of the wild earth shows and as such used to be in my ear more or less permanently. This was excellent preparation for marriage.

Q: Where did you have your wedding?
A: At a place in the KZN midlands called Brahman Hills…there were many cattle and much fun was had by all except my nephew and mother in law who got gastrio but that’s not a story for here.

Q: What was it like?
A: Terrifying, wonderful, permanent

Q: Can you give us an update on what you are doing now?
A: We (my good wife and I) are trying to create and sell wildlife shows with a humorous bent to broadcasters. Mostly I’m trying to keep my wife sweet (she is a redhead so I must tread carefully)

Q: Tell us a little about the Wild Earth journey over the last 3 months?
A: Lockdown WildEarth was an extraordinary honour…being part of the show during this unprecedented human crisis felt important because we were taking the healing power of nature into peoples homes. This is the fIrst time in history that the human species as a whole has faced the same immediate threat. I think people took comfort from the unchanging ways of nature…perhaps made them see that ‘this too shall pass’

Q: What was your best sighting during this time?
A: An elephant sighting one Sunday afternoon where a young bull spent ten minutes feeding just 2 meters from me. He was so close I couldn’t take a picture. He was so relaxed that it brought tears to my eyes…his inviting me into his space was profound.

Q: Are there any other dashing guides that your fans should keep an eye out for?
A: No. I will become jealous.

Q: Any tips for your fans who are really missing the bush right now?
A: Watch WildEarth…I’ll be back on the 21st of June. Go into the Garden and watch the birds…there is a whole wilderness suspended above our cities in the trees. Appreciate the indomitable spirit of the grass pushing through the pavement or the gecko on your wall.

Q: Where to next for James Hendry?
A: You’ll have to ask my wife.

If you’d like to see more of him… and his work, visit his Instagram and Facebook pages 🙂

Kruger National Park

Madikwe

Cape Town

Cape Winelands

Tanzania

Mozambique

Victoria Falls

Botswana

Kenya

Kalahari

Category: 2020