Category: Madikwe

Iconic Africa recently had the pleasure of showing off the beautiful African bushveld and more specifically Lion Sands to the Goldsworthy family. We managed to have a chat with Laura who was kind enough to share some thoughts and even some photos with us. They had a wonderful trip!

 What was your most memorable moment?

It happened to be my birthday while we were there, and unbeknown to me, the staff at River Camp arranged a surprise picnic breakfast out at their hide, overlooking a waterhole full of grunting hippo. The food was delicious and it was a huge treat to have breakfast surrounded by the beautiful African bushveld.

What did you think of the country as a whole?

South Africa is a hugely diverse and interesting country with a range of different destinations to visit. There is something for everyone, and endless curiosities to explore!

What did you think of the people?

The people at River Lodge, Lion Sands were extremely friendly and accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble for them and special effort was spent on the finer details, which made our stay all the more magical.

 

Did you feel safe throughout your trip?

We felt completely safe throughout. Even in the middle of a breeding herd of elephant, we were confident that our guide was experienced and knowledgeable and we placed our full trust in him.

Did you like the cuisine?

The food was sublime. The lunches were particularly special – they were light, fresh and tasty.

What tips would you give other travellers? 

If you can request the superior rooms at River Lodge – they are further away from the main area and close to the pool.

Thank you Laura for sharing with us – we hope to have you visit again soon!

Presenting Iconic Africa Bush Diary Episode 2: “Rain, life and wilderness.” Filmed by intrepid guide and filmmaker James Hendry, direct from the heart of the Kruger National Park!

This episode looks at life in the Kruger awakening in celebration of the much-awaited rains!

Drought breaks in the lowveld and the panorama…
The hyaenas have moved home…
The dwarf mongoose reveal a few secrets…
The elephants have a last dust bath before the water…
Life erupts!

We hope this clip transports you immediately to your prized seat on the game vehicle, driving through the raw beauty and wonder that is the African bushveld. Smell the rain,  hear the cicadas calling, soak up the fresh air and feel the sun shine through the branches and warm your face!

Just in case you missed it – Episode 1: “It’s dry, it’s hot, it’s pure magic” took a close look at the effects the current drought and the hottest summer since 1904 had on the animals and the vegetation in the greater Kruger National Park.

 

The leopard is without a doubt the most beautiful and most elusive member of the Big Five. It’s the most sought after sighting amongst tourists and one that safari guides across Africa spend their days in search of.

Leopards are solitary and stealthy predators whose mastery of camouflage makes them very difficult to spot. To increase your chance of seeing them you need to find their prime habitats where concentrations are greatest. It also really helps if guides are able to take you on night drives as well as drive off road in the reserve to follow these magnificent predators. A leopard sighting is truly a sight to behold but unfortunately seeing them really is down to luck. However, if you go to one of the 5 places listed below you will most definitely have better odds of witnessing this definitive wildlife experience.

Sabi Sands, South Africa

The Sabi Sands situated on the Kruger National Park’s western boundary has an incredibly high concentration of leopard. Within the Sabi Sands your best bet is most definitely Londolozi as this pinnacle safari destination prides itself in its incredible relationship with its leopards. The reserve contains hoards of the perfect leopard prey, its lush habitat and expanse of dense trees makes is perfect for leopards and guides are allowed to drive off road and at night in search of them.

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Moremi is a truly special place as it surrounds much of the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s wildlife hotspot. With herds of small antelope, monkeys, warthogs and the like the grassy floodplains and tall forest are prime leopard country. Most of the camps allow night and off-road driving which helps considerably too. Chiefs Camp in particular sits on the Delta’s largest island and is renowned for some of the best big game viewing in all of Africa and most notably leopard viewing.

South Luangwa, Zambia

The exquisite South Luangwa Valley in central Zambia boasts one of the highest concentrations of leopard in Africa due to its high concentrations of prey. A wide and fertile alluvial plain nourished by the Luangwa River, the park’s wildlife ranges from aardvark to zebra and it has long been known for its dense concentrations of predators, especially lions and leopards. South Luangwa camps also offer some of Africa’s best walking safaris, which enable you to prowl this big predator country on foot!

Kalahari Desert, Namibia and South Africa

The Kalahari Desert is a large “waterless” desert covering most of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It is hot and rainfall is minimal but it is also home to a large collection of leopard, which graze and cool off by the few rivers in amongst the sandy plains, mostly up North towards Namibia.

Samburu & Masai Mara Reserves, Kenya

The Samburu and Masai Mara National Reserves both have great reputations for excellent leopard sightings. Samburu a dry woodland area and the Mara an open rolling grassland are both prime leopard habitats. Leopards lie especially along the rivers, in the trees and in amongst the kopjes awaiting the arrival of their prey often which consist of the great herds that move annually into the areas.

A leopard sighting is one of life’s true wonders, an experience you will never forget and one that will leave you speechless and covered in goosebumps! We wish you all the best on your quest to get up close and personal with Africa’s most magnificent predator.

“On this World Wildlife Day, I call on all citizens, businesses and governments to play their part in protecting the world’s wild animals and plants.  The actions taken by each of us will determine the fate of the world’s wildlife.  The future of wildlife is in our hands!” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Join us in celebrating out beautiful African animals this World Wildlife Day! A day when we must remember to stand together and fight wildlife crimes such as poaching and wildlife trade. A day we must remember the words of the UN: “wildlife has an intrinsic value and contributes to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of sustainable development and human well-being,” and be grateful for the part it plays in our world.

This year’s theme is “The future of wildlife is in our hands,” a tribute to African and Asian elephants. To show our support we thought we’d share our 5 most epic elephant moments with you. After all… they are “nature’s great masterpiece!”

 

Iconic Africa is proud to present the Iconic Africa Bush Diaries!

We would like to give a warm welcome to James Hendry an old friend and expert safari guide who will be sharing monthly bush diary videos from the heart of the Kruger National Park.  James is incredibly talented with a camera and his understanding of and passion for the African bushveld is unparalleled. Thank you James, we are excited to have you on board!

James Hendry grew up in Johannesburg and was schooled at St John’s College. He has an Honours in environmental science and a Masters in Human Development.

James has more than a decade of experience working in and around game reserves in southern Africa. He has worked as a safari guide, head ranger, guide trainer, land manager and lodge manager. James currently works as a wildlife TV and internet presenter on the National Geographic sponsored live wildlife show, Safari Live. While working in the bush, James completed a number of research projects looking at the relationship of local rural people to game reserves.

James has a dry, sarcastic wit that reflects the inspiration and joy he derives from observing the human condition and the natural environment. He has also worked as a guitar teacher and professional musician. He speaks both Shangane and Zulu and is the author and co-author of three South African best-selling books

Click below to view Episode 1: It’s dry, it’s hot, it’s pure magic.

This episode takes a closer look at the effects the current drought and the hottest summer since 1904 is having on the animals and the vegetation in the greater Kruger National Park.

We hope you enjoy it! We look forward to bringing you more of these on a monthly basis. We hope that wherever you are in the world these videos give you a glimpse of Africa’s splendour and a welcome escape in your busy day.

Click here to learn more about James Hendry the safari guide in our interview with him.

“Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” Michael J. Fox

In the chaos of today’s frantic, fast-moving world the simple things like spending time with family are often forgotten. I can promise you that at the end of your life you will never look back and wish that you had worked harder, spent more time on your cellphone or made more money… you are going to wish that you had made more time for and gone on more adventures with those nearest and dearest to you. So why not take things down a notch, go back to simpler times and disconnect from the world. Travel to Africa, succumb to its beauty, be in awe of its people and let its magic engulf your whole family.

Just in case you are lacking some ideas or inspiration we have put together just a few ideal destinations perfect for the whole family. We hope this paints a lovely picture for you!

 Africa’s Family Getaway is the ultimate luxury bespoke family holiday. It is full of excitement, adventure and fun while maintaining an indulgent level of sumptuous luxury. It is also completely safe for young children.

The One&Only Cape Town is perfectly placed and appointed to accommodate your family in luxury while being an excellent launch pad to the delights of the Cape. Lelapa is malaria free and by far the premier luxury safari camp for families with a quite exceptional children’s programme amidst gorgeous wilderness and opulent accommodation. Likewise Tongabezi is specially equipped and staffed to delight the modern family with adventure and fun in complete safety and extravagance.

 Click here for full interactive itinerary

• Day 1-3: Vibrancy and Fresh Luxury Family Refuge

The One & Only is an energetic, friendly and contemporary hotel in the perfect Cape Town location. The suites all have sweeping views out over Table Mountain or of the picturesque working harbour fringed by the world-class V and A waterfront and world renowned Two Oceans Aquarium. The rooms and suites are tributes to contemporary chic lines and fresh art with deference to Africa through the dark wood finishes. Every possible modern convenience including full internet facilities and a personal Nespresso machine complete the opulence of the space. The commodious bathrooms boast huge baths and showers with separate lavatories. Cape Town is packed full of fun for the whole family. Trips up Table Mountain in the cable car or on foot for the fitter families will leave you breathless with wonder. The gleaming white beaches, especially with a gourmet picnic lunch, offer magnificent days out in Hout Bay, Llandudno, Clifton and Camp’s Bay while the quirky town of Fishhoek and Boulder’s Beach offer warmer waters for the kids. Although the produce of the spectacular wine lands are best enjoyed by parents, there is beauty and activity in abundance for young travellers

• Day 4-7: Africa’s Seamless Family Safari Retreat

Lelapa, meaning family in the local language of Setswana, is another of the pioneering More family’s sublime properties. Situated in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve and with a more extensive children’s safari than any other luxury camp, Lelapa is the ideal destination for a family safari. While parents are catching forty winks or luxuriating in spa treatment, children are entertained in the Eco House or nature beyond. The Lelapa suites are indulgent havens that blend beautifully into the vastness of the surrounding woodland. The enormous lounge, bedroom and bathroom areas are all glass-fronted and allow unimpeded views of the African wilds beyond where you may see herds of elephant picking at the leaves as they amble slowly by. The suites can accommodate up to two children on a double sleeper couch. The secluded deck with private plunge pool is an excellent place for you and your family to cool off in the heat. On colder nights, you might like to sit by the fire in the sumptuous lounge and enjoy dinner in your suite, the full moon lighting the plains in gentle blue, a lion calling in the distance.

• Day 8-10: The Perfect Victoria Falls Family Sanctuary

Tongabezi is situated about 30kms upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls. It is the perfect place for families with children – with two delightful two bedroom houses with private lounges, play areas and plunge pools. The Garden House has a fully walled garden which is ideal for younger children while its funky African fusion design gives it an informal and fun atmosphere. The Dog House’s bedrooms and communal areas are safely linked by raised walkways and the infinity pool hangs out over the Zambezi River. This beautiful suite comes with a private vehicle, guide and valet. The expansive and luxuriant gardens are blended into the banks of the Zambezi. They are dotted with private decks and terraces where families can relax in privacy. The magnificent Lookout – a multilevel wooden platform, sumptuously furnished with soft sofas and chairs can be booked for exclusive use and is a wonderful way for families to dine together and watch the river. Large families can book Tangala House – the pinnacle of luxurious family living. This magnificent home has three ensuite bedrooms, a huge private pool set in lavish gardens. For fun there is a trampoline, garden games and a TV nook. Tangala comes with a private valet, chef, guide, boat and vehicle for exploration. There are endless activities – fishing, drumming, helicopters flips and much more for parents and children alike and in the evening, smiling kids and contented parents will revel in the joy of a sunset cruise on the languid waters of the Zambezi around Tongabezi.

For more information on other family friendly destinations on our beautiful African continent please click here.

 

 

Today we are proud to announce the launch of Iconic Africa Food Safaris. We’d also like to welcome Sarah and the rest of the Graham family, Robert, Sophie and Isla who have been instrumental in crafting these wonderful African foodie adventures.

Meet Sarah Graham, an old friend, celebrated South African cook, food writer and sensational TV show host. With Sarah’s help 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.

“Iconic Africa has been built on a deep passion for Africa and for sharing that passion with people – they are sincere and I love that,” Sarah Graham.

Sarah grew up on a small wildlife conservancy in Zimbabwe, and this instilled in her a food philosophy that is built on sharing beautiful, simple, healthy food with family and friends.

Sarah has written 3 award-winning cookbooks: Bitten, Smitten and Home and filmed two cooking shows, which have aired both in South Africa and internationally. Sarah’s Food Safari is currently showing on the Cooking Channel (U.S.A) on Saturdays at 10a.m. The series takes viewers on an epic food journey through some of Sarah’s favourite spots in Southern Africa, with breath-taking backdrops from golden wildlife-dotted savannah, The Victoria Falls, the colourful streets of the city of Johannesburg, the expansive plains of the Karoo and ends off back in Cape Town where Season 1 was filmed.

“Africa is all your safari dreams come true, and I want to share it with you. Let’s explore the food, the flavours, the sights and smells. Let’s make memories built on those endless, breath-taking vistas of savannah bowing quietly to a gentle breeze; of animals dotting endless plains and sunsets that stay with you forever. Let’s visit beaches that are so pure and white and their waters so exquisitely turquoise that they are beautiful and blinding in equal measure. Let’s explore all of the colourful cultures, with all their labyrinths of stories and traditions and adornments. Our Africa is immense, it is enormous, it is dramatic and in full colour, it will swallow you whole; heart and soul, and you will love every minute of it.” Sarah Graham

See below the 3 specially designed Iconic Africa Food Safaris – there really is something for everyone!

 Sarah’s Southern African Food Safari

 Including: The Twelve Apostles, Franschhoek Country House, Kirkmans Camp and White Pearl.

“Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands are special to me for so many reasons, one of them is that it’s where my food writing journey first began. It’s a melting pot of unforgettable colours and flavours and it steals the show every time. Add to that the endless beaches of Mozambique, with its beguiling Afro-Portuguese influences, and this trip means that you end up somewhere magical.” Sarah Graham

Sarah’s Family Food Safari

Including: One & Only, Grootbos Nature Reserve and Madikwe Lelapa Lodge.

“One of my very favourite things, and some of our most treasured memories, are being with our children in the bush. Where nature’s playground is the only (and very best) form of entertainment, and where they can live and learn expansively under endless blue African skies.” Sarah Graham

Sarah’s Exclusive African Food Safari

Including: Ellerman House, Delaire Graaff, Birkenhead House, Londolozi Private Granite, Royal Chundu.

“It would be no exaggeration to say that this Safari is a once in a lifetime experience. With this itinerary, Iconic Africa have brought together some of Southern Africa’s most perfectly untouched and dramatic destinations. The kind of places you thought only existed in your mind’s eye. From the dramatic tip of Africa, the allure of the ‘Mother City’ (Cape Town) and the Winelands all the way through to the quiet, endless waters of the Zambezi River.” Sarah Graham

Thank you Sarah for all your wise words, your passion for Africa and your delicious food. Together we look forward to treating travellers from all over the world to these 3 things!

Click here for the official trailer of Sarah’s Food Safari (TV show) and here for more on Sarah Graham.