Are you looking for the ultimate in luxury that South Africa can offer?
Look no further! Two of our favourite properties, Ellerman House and Singita Lebombo have teamed up to offer you an unbeatable special!
BOOK
● 4 Nights at Ellerman House in a Deluxe Room Category or higher
● 4 Nights at Singita Lebombo or Sweni Lodges in the Kruger National Park AND RECEIVE
● A complimentary night at Ellerman House and Singita
Nestled into the side of Signal Hill and boasting some of Cape Town’s most spectacular views lies a magnificent Cape Edwardian mansion that will welcome you with both arms and capture your heart forever. Ellerman House not only offers the ultimate in Cape luxury but it is an endless heaven to wine lovers and art fanatics alike.
Singita, means “place of miracles,” which truly embodies everything for which this incredible brand has become famous. Astonishing game viewing, amplified by exquisite accommodation and outstanding home-grown cuisine – all with a touch of genuine, warm African hospitality. For many avid African travellers, Singita represents the summit of luxury African safari. This world class experience has been recognised globally with endless awards in numerous travel publications! At last count Singita had in fact won “Top Hotel in the World” awards an implausible 16 times!
Terms & Conditions
4 Nights minimum in either a Deluxe Room category or higher at Ellerman House and 4 nights at Singita Lebombo or Sweni Lodges | All standard inclusions apply to both properties | Valid for new reservations and cannot be applied to existing bookings | Please quote promotion at time of booking | Properties reserve the right to limit number of rooms available and/or discontinue when deemed necessary
For more information on this incredible offer please feel free to contact us.
This month we’d like to congratulate our friends and colleagues at the Royal Portfolio for a real shining star in a world-class collection of properties.
Presenting our Property of the Month – the Royal Portfolio’s, Royal Malewane.
This video says it all – but just in case you need more reason to visit this sensational property… read on for more.
On a private game reserve bordering the Kruger National Park lies the conquering queen of African luxury experiences. This Royal majesty is set against the silhouetted back drop of the towering Drakensberg Mountains. Yet despite this awe inspiring setting it is the Royal Malewane’s lavish attention to detail in every aspect which belies belief and which has earned this regal property its plethora of “World’s Best” awards over the past decade.
Luxury beyond compare
The Royal Malewane reserve is set in the Mpumulanga lowveld and is well-known for its consistently incredible game viewing. Royal Malewane is the undoubted icon of extravagant safari destinations and offers its guests every modern-day comfort and convenience while at the same time embracing the wild heart of Africa. Royal Malewane prides itself in sharing an exclusive safari experience beyond compare with its heightened attentiveness to ultimate privacy, personalised hospitality and incredible wildlife sightings. The inclusion of the Royal Malewane Bush Spa, world-renowned for its striking setting and oasis of treatments, crowns the safari and all round experience with sheer indulgent pleasure.
Royal Malewane hosts a maximum of 20 guests insuring a continuously intimate experience. There is an option of either one of six luxury suites for couples, or for even more privacy and seclusion, one of two four-sleeper Royal Suites.
The air-conditioned luxury suites are an opulent hideaway from the heat of the bushveld yet display unparalleled views of wild spaces beyond. Each suite is generously spacious with a private outside wooden deck and rim-flow pool. If you are in luck, a small herd of elephant might drink even from the pool waters as you take an afternoon plunge. Classic mahogany furnishings compliment the refined extravaganza of Persian carpets and canopied king-size bed while indoor and outdoor showers leave you rejuvenated and refreshed.
The Royal suites exemplify the definition of style and splendour. An enormous outside deck and sparkling pool give even four guests the freedom to cherish their solitude, and the inside living areas tell stories of colonial times gone by through treasured antiques and over-sized chandeliers.
Both the Luxury suites and the Royal suites speak to guests seeking a high-end luxury retreat.
The Royal assault on our senses
World beating game viewing
Royal Malewane holds the secret ingredients for enchanting all your senses. The spectacular close encounters with unbelievable wildlife on dawn and dusk game drives create unforgettable memories and countless photographs to look back on. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, to name but a few, are enthusiastically pursued by the passionate guide and tracker team. What’s more if viewing the highly endangered Black Rhino is on your wish list then there is no better place than Royal Malewane to get a glimpse of this exceptionally rare animal.
Homely indulgent cuisine
The dining experience at Royal Malewane is a signatory feature. Let your imagination run wild while savouring delectable dishes under the stars in the boma or by candle-light in the Bedouin tent. Service is of a premium standard and you are lovingly serenaded whether it is by the night’s natural chorus or the hum of traditional song and dance.
Africa’s crystal clean ambiance
Inhale the gentle tannins and rich forest-floor aromas wafting out of a goblet of Merlot or take a relaxing amble along the elevated walkways in search of a commonly-found Mopane Tree. The kidney-shaped pods release a fragrance of rich raw honey and the butterly leaves make for unusual bookmarks.
Royal Malewane’s activities
Royal Malewane offers an exciting assortment of additional luxurious activities from helicopter flights and hot air balloon rides to a round of golf on the exclusive Leopard Creek Championship Golf Estate. But for those in need of relaxation and tranquillity, Royal Malewane’s Bush Spa is dedicated to timeless languor.
If travelling to Africa isn’t on your bucket list yet, we’re here to tell you why it should most definitely be. We have compiled a list of the top five African experiences that we think definitely deserve a place on your bucket list. We even have great links to spectacular, first-class places for you to stay at while you cross off your African bucket list items. These are the types of experiences that will remain entrenched in your memory… forever!
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Known as the ‘greatest wildlife show on earth,’ the Great Migration is a mind-blowing phenomenon that should not be missed by anyone who loves Africa. For a sneak peak of this incredible spectacle watch our video here. Over a million wildebeest make their way through the vast plains of the Serengeti to find better grazing areas. It is the most exquisite mass movement of land animals that takes place in the entire world. Escape to the Serengeti and spend some time in the National Park. If exclusive, and incredible game viewing is what you love, why not stay at Sasakwa House in Singita Sasakwa? It has exquisite views of the infinite Serengeti plains, and it gives one the feeling of going back in time to the colonial era. Singita Faru Faru is another gorgeous option, with its very own beach, and its classic safari lodge feel.
Climb Table Mountain.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cape, be sure to add hiking up Table Mountain to your bucket list. Once you’re at the top, you can admire the breath-taking view of Cape Town and you will realize the immense scale of the steep mountain slopes and the vast reach of the sparkling blue ocean. There are plenty of places to stay in Cape Town, from the grandiose Cape Grace Hotel to the Victorian beauty that is the Cape Cadogan which dates back to the 1800s, there is truly something for everyone.
Soak in the beauty of Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is an astounding natural wonder and it is the largest curtain of water in the world. The magic that is Victoria Falls deserves a place on anyone’s bucket list. We recommend staying at the Royal Livingstone Hotel if Victorian elegance is what you’re after. The Victoria Falls Hotel is another delightful place to stay with its tranquil gardens and its Edwardian grandeur. Wherever you stay, we guarantee that you will fall in love with the enchanting Victoria Falls.
Taste award-winning wine in the Cape Winelands.
Without a doubt, touring the Cape Winelands should certainly be on your bucket list. The Winelands boast spectacular views of captivating mountains and century old vineyards. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we suggest the idyllic valley of Franschhoek. Le Quartier Francais is one of our most favourite establishments. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to truly experience all that this incredible village has to offer. It has an uncanny ability to remind one of a time gone by.
Visit the Kalahari Desert and walk with the Bushmen.
The Bushmen of the Kalahari are the nomads that have lived in the Kalahari Desert for thousands of years. They are remarkable hunters and experts at finding underwater springs. They make their own medicine by using plants from the Kalahari. No one would want to miss out on such an informative and interesting experience. You can stay in Tswalu at the Motse Lodge which is in the heart of the spellbinding Kalahari Desert. It is a place of ultimate peace and is the epitome of a luxury safari destination.
For more ideas on what incredible African experiences to add to your bucket list click here.
Presenting Iconic Africa Bush Diary Episode #15 “Warm winter arrives,” filmed by James Hendry of Safarilive.
Watch as as the hippos wallow, the warthogs dart through the savannah, the kudus congregate, the elephants rumble, the leopards laze in the sun and the lion strolls through the long grass.
Just in case you missed last month’s episode, #14 “Autumnal Kruger,” also filmed by @jamesrahendry of #safarilive click here to view.
Watch as the wild dogs play, the elephants drink at the waterhole, the buffalos graze lazily, the leopard relaxes in a tree and the lion calls at dusk. Transport yourself away for just a moment to the peace and beauty of the exquisite African bush-veld… need we say more!
We hope that these clips transport you back to Africa in a heartbeat and that they fill you with the warmth, beauty and spirit of this exquisite continent. #Africa #bigfive #luxury #wildlife #safari
Click here to learn more about James Hendry, the safari guide in our interview with him.
We are often asked how much safaris cost. This is because it is extremely hard to find prices for safaris online, and because there is an incredibly vast range of safari tours available—each type of safari tour obviously has its own associated costs, depending on the travel agent that you use.
Iconic Africa showcases the African destinations which best represent our values of the utmost luxury, world-beating African hospitality, delectable contemporary cuisine and most importantly an authentic commitment to wilderness conservation.
We aim to give you the most comprehensive quotations by detailing all of the expenses that you will incur during your safari adventure. We pride ourselves on the fact that our quotations have no hidden costs and no hidden surprises. Here’s what you need to know about safari costs.
Good safaris are expensive, however, you truly get what you pay for. We cater for mid- to high-end, boutique safaris which means our focus is on luxury, excellent service, and unforgettable safari experiences. It is important to remember that Africa is a huge continent. Great distances need to be covered by either cars, airplanes, or both. Therefore travel costs often make up a large portion of your safari expenses.
Because we cater for mid- to high-end safaris, the lodges that we choose are only the best of the best. Guests can expect a large staff complement at all lodges—in fact, the staff-to-guest ratio at most of the lodges that we recommend is a 3:1 ratio. This is to ensure that our clients are treated like absolute royalty. Of course, excellent accommodation and gourmet meals are world-class too. The lodges that we have on offer pride themselves on exclusivity and, of course, fewer visitors means fewer vehicles, which ultimately means a more exceptional and much more intimate wildlife experience for you.
We specialise in tailor-made safaris which ensures that our clients are not limited to pre-set itineraries or specific dates. Our clients can choose their own accommodation and they can indicate which activities they would like to experience on their safari. Our clients tell us what they want the focus to be on (for example, game viewing, birds, cats, relaxation, romance etc.), and we make sure that their expectations are not only met but exceeded. Read more in our Iconic Africa Promise
Our itineraries are perfectly planned out and drafted with each, individual client in mind. They are highly intricate and specific, so you will never be met with nasty shocks or unpleasant surprises. They contain comprehensive information about where, when, and with whom you should meet, and we set up the itineraries in such a way so that they are easy to read and the important information is easy to find. The itineraries also indicate where any costs are not covered by travel agency costs or accommodation costs.
So, what do we include in your quotation? Our quotations include all of your internal flights with specific details about each flight—such as when and where to meet, and who will pick you up to take you to and from the various airports. We also include details about all of your transfers, and all of your vehicles costs will be included. The quotation includes your day tours with specific details, and rental costs for rental cars and accommodation costs are also included in the quote.
For any other queries on costing please do let us know.
“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up & was not happy.” Ernest Hemingway.
To say that a visit to Africa is enchanting is an understatement… it’s something that cannot be fully expressed with words or with film but that can only truly be recorded by memory. Just in case you missed them on Instagram, here are just a few of our most recent memories in our #monthonInstagram:
For many years, we have enjoyed a great relationship with the highly respected Biden family and their beloved Royal Portfolio.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the team on their latest award, the “We Are Africa Design Africa Award 2017,” an outstanding accolade. Well done!
With an incredible collection of outstanding properties, magical spaces and unforgettable experiences it’s difficult to choose just one… so the team have put together some bespoke combinations just for you. The below itineraries really are fit for royalty so we have no doubt that you will be blown away by any one of them:
Presenting Iconic Africa Bush Diary Episode #14 “Autumnal Kruger,” filmed by James Hendry of Safarilive.
Watch as the wild dogs play, the elephants drink at the waterhole, the buffalos graze lazily, the leopard relaxes in a tree and the lion calls at dusk. Transport yourself away for just a moment to the peace and beauty of the exquisite African bush-veld… need we say more!
Just in case you missed last month’s episode, #13 “The End of Summer,” also filmed by @jamesrahendry of #safarilive click here to view.
Watch as the zebras graze, the lion cubs romp, the elephants browse, the leopards survey the land and the hyenas nurture and cuddle their cubs.
We hope that these clips give you a touch of Africa and that they warm your heart and make you smile wherever in the world they find you! #Africa #bigfive #luxury #wildlife #safari
South Africa is different from other countries because it is a place where all holidaymakers can have fun—it absolutely has something special for everyone. If you’re looking for an escape into the wild, South Africa has some of the best game reserves in the world, and they are utterly bursting at the seams with wildlife. If you love sun, sand, and waves, you can visit one of the many spectacularly picturesque beaches along South Africa’s coastline. We believe that the expression ‘white sandy beach’ must have been coined whilst someone was lying on one of South Africa’s gorgeous beaches. South Africa is also home to some of the finest wines on the planet—be sure to book a tour of the Cape winelands if you’re a wine enthusiast or expert. If you love shopping and bustling cities, South Africa has those too! And the good news (as if you needed any more reasons to stay in South Africa)? South Africa has completely unrivalled luxury accommodation for guests to stay at while they soak in all of the wonders of South Africa. Here are our top ten reasons to holiday in South Africa.
Affordability
At the top of our list of reasons to holiday in South Africa is, of course, affordability. Who wouldn’t want a luxury holiday at an affordable price? The excellent exchange rate makes South Africa one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the world. This means that you can literally ‘shop-till-you-drop’. You can spoil yourself, and your friends and family, during your stay in South Africa.
Wildlife
When one thinks of South Africa, one thinks of safari adventures. There are plenty of beautiful places to visit if you’re planning a safari escape. From private and exclusive game reserves, to enormous game parks, South Africa has everything you need to enjoy a true African getaway. Most people know that South Africa is home to the Big Five, but what they might not know is that South Africa is also home to the Marine Big Five. You simply cannot visit this exquisite country without visiting the African bushveld. The wide-open spaces, lush vegetation, endless savannahs, big blue skies and breath-taking sunsets are there… just waiting for you. Not to mention the plethora of exquisite game just waiting to cross the path in front of you and once again… leave you breathless.
Birdwatching
South Africa is most certainly a bird-watcher’s paradise. South Africa, alone, is home to approximately one tenth of the world’s bird population. The Kruger National Park is possibly the best place to visit if bird-watching is your passion. The Kruger Park is home to the elusive Ground Hornbill, Pel’s Fishing Owl and many other rare species that all bird watchers dream of spotting. One mustn’t forget the delightful penguins to be found in Simon’s Town in the Western Cape.
Beaches
South Africa literally has hundreds of beaches. The best beaches can be found in Durban and Cape Town. If you love sunbathing and sunset picnics try one of Clifton’s four flawless beaches found at the base of Lion’s Head or Camps Bay at the foot of the impressive Twelve Apostles… and we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is South Africa’s pride and joy. It is something that is not to be missed. Visitors can either catch a cable-car to the top of the mountain or they can hike to the top, if they are feeling up to it, to enjoy a proper sense of the vastness of the mountain. You will be sure to spot plenty of birds and small animals, and you can enjoy the distinct smell of the lovely Fynbos (plants) that surrounds the area.
Food and Wine
South Africa is certainly one of the wine capitals of the world. The Cape Winelands are a must see, but South Africa also offers its visitors lavish restaurants with the most delicious food. In fact, The Test Kitchen, at the Biscuit Mill in Cape Town, was actually voted one of the best restaurants in the world. Other award-winning restaurants include La Colombe in Cape Town, and The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais in Franschoek. South Africa’s top restaurants definitely put the country on any foodie’s map.
History
Good news for history lovers—South Africa is a historical and cultural hotspot. South Africa boasts plenty of awesome museums and landmarks. Johannesburg offers one of the best cultural tours in the country—it includes visiting Constitutional Hill, exploring the Apartheid Museum, and touring Soweto. If you’re planning a trip to the Cape, a visit to Robben Island will definitely be in order. You can walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and contemplate all of his contributions to this beautiful country.
Hiking and Walking trails
If you love hiking, South Africa’s most famous hiking trail, the Otter Trail, along the Wild Coast is a definite must! The Drakensburg is another pristine piece of South Africa that hikers will adore.
Golf Courses
South Africa is home to many world renowned golf courses which can be found in the most astounding destinations. You can visit the Gary Player Golf course at Sun City which is only a two hour drive from Johannesburg. If you have planned a safari trip to the Kruger National park, you can also enjoy the Leopard’s Creek golf course.
Adventures
Adrenaline junkies, rejoice! South Africa is certainly the place to be if you have a taste for adventure. You will find the world’s highest and most extraordinary bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. It is a 216 metre drop which will definitely get your heart pumping! You can also tour the Wilderness coastline by paragliding 100 metres above the sea or explore some of our exquisite rivers on foot. When it comes to adventures, South Africa truly has it all.
If these are not reason enough and you need more inspiration on why to visit our beautiful country – please do let us know and we will be more than happy to provide it!
Just in case you need some inspiration to pack your bags for another unforgettable African adventure, we’ve put together some of our top pics from this month here. From encounters with Gorillas, to hot air balloon rides, to migration river crossings, to magical Marataba visits and so much more… April has certainly been full of adventures! #luxury #bigfive #Africa #safari
Iconic Africa’s relationship dates back decades with the Varty family and Londolozi. After so many years of support and so many happy memories there, we are proud to feature Londolozi as our property of the month.
Terri not only has been going there for the last twenty years but she even got engaged there and John had two very memorable years there as a game ranger. Not to mention the fact that it was on one such unforgettable Londolozi safari that John drove Terri and her family and, through their mutual love and knowledge of Africa, they conceptualised Iconic Africa.
We’d like to highlight and showcase the special place Londolozi has in our hearts so that hopefully one day it will have one in yours too.
Watch the video below to get a feel for the absolute magic that awaits you at Londolozi.
“Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.”
These are Einstein’s words. In Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2014, Londolozi was named the best hotel in the world! A global honour of colossal proportions. Londolozi effortlessly exceeds all expectations on a luxury, hospitality, wilderness and experiential front – however when anyone who knows Londolozi well, is tasked with describing this African wonder they are immediately confronted by the difficulty of portraying the intangible. It is this indiscernible x factor, which sets Londolozi aside from the rest!
Let us put the necessary emphasis on those last three words of the aforementioned award:
In. The. World.
Falling under the awards was another category – Top 20 Safari Lodges & Camps in Africa – and, as can be expected when you’re the World’s Best Hotel (too much emphasis? – we think not), Londolozi claimed top position. Three of Londolozi’s five lodges, namely Granite, Pioneer and Tree are Relais & Chateaux properties and these lodges are true to the elegance and attention to detail that this world-renowned signature embodies. The remainder of the five, Founders and Varty are not to be overlooked. Varty Camp is adored for its deep history and endearing charm, and Founders is equally deserving of complimentary adjectives: sophisticated, warm and classic. Awards aside – and we’ve only skimmed the surface of the property’s accolades – Londolozi’s reputation continues to soar thanks to the oldest advertising there is: word of mouth. You see, to know Londolozi is to adore Londolozi.
The Intangible
There remains that which is difficult to pin down with mere words. But before we address that, let us first touch on the wildlife. To delay it any longer would be to ignore why everyone is drawn to this place and when we say everyone, we meant it; both those who call it home and those who travel across continents to experience Londolozi with their own eyes, their own minds and, of course, their own hearts. It’s mandatory for us to say the Big 5. There it is, we’ve said it. But let’s crack the term open and put a magnifying glass to the one member of the quintet that Londolozi is famed for: Leopards. Anyone who has spent time in the African wilderness – besides Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve – appreciates that Leopards are elusive creatures. Some South Africans visit the bush time and time again and these graceful cats continue to elude them and then one day, let’s call it a Tuesday morning; they get up at sunrise and spot a female Leopard through their binoculars. It’s a brief and distant sighting – just an outline in the approaching day – but it’s enough to put a grin on their face for the rest of the week.
Considering this reality, it seems almost cruel to speak of the intimate leopard sightings at Londolozi. It is common for game drives to spend an hour or two with a leopard and this familiarity extends into every aspect of the cats’ lives: hunts, cubs, mating, territorial spats… When it comes to Londolozi, calling it a Leopard sighting is misleading because the word implies a fleetingness that is just not a factor. Lions too are generous with their presence; loitering in the grass, unfazed by the vehicles they allow to share large chunk of their days whether it be lazing in the grass, chasing a herd of impala through the bushveld or rearing their young. Not to be forgotten, elephants, rhinos and buffalo punctuate game drives through this beautiful reserve.
The origin
And so now, finally, let us turn to the energy that is so difficult to capture. There is no better place to start than with the name: Londolozi. Derived from the Zulu word, “to protect,” John, Dave and Shan Varty took the decision to leave the farm’s history of hunting behind them and build, instead, a sanctuary for all living things. Londolozi’s pioneers did not discard the past, they evolved it and so the charm, stories and character of the property’s previous generations was cherished and passed onto their own children.
Generations of striving for perfection
Here exists one of the pillars that defines Londolozi: it is family run. Blood is not the only determining factor of that family, it branches into friendships that were forged on the land and reaches back into eight decades, encircling those that are no longer physically present yet remain nonetheless.
We read somewhere that thoughts are infinite. That once formed they travel into space and time, never ceasing to exist. If this assertion is true, it can be used to explain Londolozi’s energy: Running back five generations are men and women who considered the land sacred, who sat together, after another perfect day in Africa, around an open fire with the people they loved most and ate and drank and told each other stories – sometimes the same one for the tenth time – and these moments gave birth to a plethora of happy thoughts and sentiments. The thoughts of Londolozi’s yesteryears are still felt today and they are affirmed by everyone who lives and visits the property in recent years. Ask any ex-ranger what the best time in his life has been and his answer will almost always be, “my years at Londolozi.
Belong
The same is true for guests. Londolozi continually shakes off other destinations to earn a position as their favourite. When everyone is, literally, having the time of their lives, the air cannot help absorb some of that liveliness. And that in itself, is the reason why you will feel, on arrival, that you instantly belong.
Londolozi is a feeling! Of course, Londolozi’s absolute luxury goes without saying, however if you are to understand this incredible place and it’s feeling, you have to visit and experience it for yourself!
If you’d like to come and see for yourself we promise you won’t be disappointed. Contact us now and we will craft a once-in-a-lifetime Londolozi safari for you! BUT heed our warning, book months and months (a full year or more to be on the safe side) in advance! Getting in isn’t easy!
Hopefully you have seen and enjoyed at least one episode of our epic Iconic Africa Bush Diaries series. If you have, we thought you might be interested to find out a little more about the man behind the lens; old friend, talented Safarilive filmmaker and brilliant photographer, James Hendry. We had a chat to James to find out a little more about life in the African bushveld. Here’s what he had to say:
How long have you been a safari guide for? I started in 2000. I have been in the bush on an off for the last 17 years.
What made you want to become one? I just always wanted to live in a beautiful place with wilderness at my back door.
Where is the best place you have worked? This is impossible to answer because there have been too many great experiences – I suppose Ngala, where I cut my teeth, will always hold a very special place in my heart. It’s where I first immersed in the wilderness.
What do you love most about working in the African bush everyday? The peace – sounds, smells and sunsets and sunrises.
What is the most amazing sighting you’ve had? Again far too many to pick one – I would say a recent experience with wild dogs on foot…a pack of 12 came to within 2 metres of me. They knew I was there. The adults wandered straight past but the pups stopped, sniffed at us – they were not threatened by us and nor were they aggressive. It was one of the closest touches of the wilderness I’ve ever had.
Tell us about a time when you were nervous in the bush? When I started training, I had to do ten days of unarmed walking – I had no experience in the bush and I walked Ngala seeing buffalo, elephant, rhino and lots of other animals. I was utterly terrified for the first half – until I came to see that we, human beings, are the most feared animal in the wild and that if I was respectful to the creatures I encountered, they would leave me alone.
What is your favourite animal? Wild dogs.
What do you love most about Safarilive? Sharing the wilderness with people from all over the world – many of whom will never be able to come to Africa. I hope that our daily safaris will inspire people to conserve the natural world wherever they are.
When is your favourite time of year in the Kruger? The first rains and the expectant time leading up to them. Springtime, when the trees flush, the grasses turn the land green and the flowers splash the wild with colour.
If you could give travellers one reason why they have to visit Africa in their lifetime what would it be? Africa is where we as humans began. I promise that coming to Africa will make you feel like you’ve come home.
Presenting Iconic Africa Bush Diary Episode #13 “The End of Summer,” filmed by James Hendry.
Watch as the zebras graze, the lion cubs romp, the elephants browse, the leopards survey the land and the hyenas nurture and cuddle their cubs. Let this clip wash over you with the passion, beauty and magic that is the African bushveld! May it brighten your day wherever in the world it finds you.
Just in case you last months video, click here for Iconic Africa Bush Diary Episode #12 “Water Comes to the Kruger,” filmed by old friend, talented filmmaker and intrepid game ranger, James Hendry.
Watch as the impalas graze, the elephants bathe and dunk in the river, the leopards groom, the cheetahs stalk their prey and so much as the Kruger comes to life with the much-needed rains.
When you go to the bush you will most likely have your attention drawn immediately to the Big Five. For the uninitiated, they are the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. What many people do not know is that there also exists a ‘Little Five’; they are far less famous and actually, far harder to spot. Again, for the uninformed, they are the ant lion, leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, rhino beetle, and buffalo weaver. In fact, one could make up lists all day of what to try and see, and the six of us who were assigned to our safari vehicle at Ngala Safari Lodge all had our own preconceived ideas about what we would see, and more importantly, what we hoped to see.
Lists can be a great way of getting people who know little about the bush to learn a few things pre-departure, and it is a great way to include children on the adventure and keep them enthusiastic and upbeat. It is completely natural to have a bucket list when going to Paris, London, or Rome. A grocery list when visiting the shops. A hit list of songs you want played at your wedding. They are necessary items for “survival” in a modern world that has us communicating non-stop over multiple methods of social media… but they do have a downside. You can potentially find yourself never truly seeing what is not on the “super- important” list. The list can become such a focus that you forget what you are actually out there to do: namely, enjoy being in Mother Nature and soaking up all that it has to show you.
In my recent, brief outing to the bush I often found myself staring into the distance at an enormous cloud billowing up into the atmosphere and wondering ‘Why aren’t we stopping to look at that?’ The same could be said for a 15-foot high termite mound, or a fig tree born before Shakespeare. I think there is a simple reason we have found ourselves in this dilemma: we create imaginary scenarios of what would bring us joy and we try our best to fulfil them. Unfortunately when we do this we bypass the true magic of adventuring in the bush: namely, that around every corner, you may stumble across almost anything, including the Big Five.
Thankfully, at Ngala Safari Lodge, we had a great guide whose plan – as he thankfully reminded us each day – was to ‘bumble along, and see what we come across’. We could not have said it any better; our safari could not have been any better!
The Big Five was a formality (I think we saw them all within 24 hours) but the real treat was seeing the unpredictable – things we had no intention of seeing – and therefore no preconceived notions and expectations upon them. We may not have seen the Little Five (2/5 if I remember correctly) but we saw many other “fives” which more than made up for it. One, a Scops Owl at night, sitting aimlessly beside the road. Two, the Red-crested Korhaan doing its mating, mock-suicide dive-bomb. Three, dung beetles at war. Four, the foam-nest frog. Five, the dwarf mongoose escaping into his hole. Six, the jackal. Seven… I could go on and on.
The bush is alive with possibility and randomness. If only you will let it be. So, the next time you set out from the drudgery of the city to ‘do a safari and see the Big Five’ consider being open to anything happening. In fact, it is perhaps the greatest contrast from city life you can experience. And that, along with a customary G&T at sunset, warrants the last ingredient for success in the bush: an all-important ‘High Five’ with a friend.
For decades the Iconic Africa team has been living, exploring and experiencing every adventure that this incredible continent has to offer. We are all eternally grateful for these opportunities and we cherish the memories they have left us with. Now the time has come that we share them with you with the launch of Iconic Experiences!
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt.
Whether it’s sailing in a hot air balloon high above the Serengeti, coming face-to-face with a gorilla in the depths of the Rwandan rainforest or swimming with Dolphins in the big blue we’ve got just the thing for you. Below is a brief introduction to the iconic experiences we’ve handpicked just for you.
The Great Wildebeest Migration
The wildebeest migration is rated as one of the world’s most incredible wildlife spectacles, and a phenomenon that should have its place on every safari-lover’s bucket list. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate clockwise around the Serengeti/Masai Mara ecosystem. They travel up to 3000 kilometers each year in search of rain-ripened grass. It is a natural phenomenon like no other, a spectacle not to be missed and, most definitely, an event that belongs on your bucket list.
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, knock your socks off. Read more.
Gorilla Trekking
No wildlife adventure can compete with coming face-to-face with a wild gorilla. This is an endangered species that will certainly take your breath away. Their sheer size and human-like characteristics will leave you feeling astounded.
Because their numbers are diminishing and because the treks are a highly-restricted activity, encountering wild gorillas is considered to be an unforgettable and essential travel experience. Visiting these gentle, mystical primates in their natural habitat really is one of earth’s ultimate wildlife experiences. Read more.
Balloon Safaris
A balloon safari is very definitely an adventure that belongs at the top of your bucket list. Africa shows off beneath you as you float gently through the beautiful blue sky.
The feeling of weightlessness, the sense of space and freedom, and the incredible perspective that the height provides will render you speechless. With the sun peeking up over the horizon beyond, with the darkness turning to light, and with the shimmer of gold on the savannah below, the beauty is more than overwhelming. Read more.
Ocean Safaris
When you hear the word “safari” you immediately think of the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, or the Kruger National Park. However, the official dictionary definition of the word “safari” is “an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat.” So why not explore the offshore wonders of the Indian Ocean from White Pearl, Mozambique, where a somewhat different, but equally magical, adventure awaits? Read more.
Sarah Graham’s Food Safaris
“Africa is all your safari dreams come true, and I want to share it with you. I’ve teamed with the amazing people at Iconic Africa so that they can turn your dreams into memories – they love Africa like I do, and are as passionate about making travellers feel at home here as you’d want them to be. I’ve worked with them to hand-pick the very best gourmet destinations in Southern Africa, and we’ve crafted three Iconic Africa Food Safaris just for you” – Sarah Graham
Iconic Africa specialises in tailor making boutique African experiences at market beating rates. In proud association with Sarah Graham, an old friend, celebrated South African cook, food writer and sensational TV show host, we have hand-picked the very best gourmet destinations in Southern Africa and carefully crafted 3 decadent Iconic Africa Food Safari’s that promise to inspire and delight foodies from around the globe. Read more.
If any of the above experiences get you even a little excited please contact us and we will do our best to make your wildest dreams come true.
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