Tag: adventure

Leopards of the Lower Zambezi

Posted on by James

The Zambezi is truly one of Africa’s great rivers.

The fourth longest in the continent, it rises in the highlands of western Zambia, before cutting down into Angola, back into Zambia and then acting as a natural border with Namibia, then Zimbabwe before it finally flows into Mozambique, wending its way down to the Indian Ocean.

One specific section of it – the aptly named Zambezi Valley – is between Chirundu and the Mpata Gorge, and is absolutely teeming with wildlife! On the northern, Zambian side of the river, lies the Lower Zambezi National Park, and it is here that we shine our spotlight…

Although the park itself is over 4000 square kilometres, the vast majority of that is scrubby hill-land from the escarpment back away from the river; as a result over 95% of the wildlife viewing takes place down on the valley floor, in the few kilometres between the river itself and the escarpment. It is here that the camps of the Lower Zambezi are to be found, and it is here that you will find some of the best leopard viewing in Africa.

Stunning open forested areas made up of imposing Winterthorn trees provide an incredible backdrop through which the sly cats are consistently to be found moving, as they stalk their predominantly impala prey. The bark of a baboon is often the first indication that there is a leopard on the prowl.

Although in recent years it is the large pack of buffalo-hunting wild dogs in the central Jeki area that has truly put the park on the map, the reality is there is far more to it than a single pack of canids. The lion population is as healthy as ever, general game is prolific, and the elephant herds move their stately way under the Winterthorn canopy in such numbers as to almost be uncountable. The height of the dry season in particular is a spectacular time for a visit as there is scant grass cover and lovely soft light, so you are invariably viewing animals in the open and the photographic opportunities are prolific.

Accommodation-wise one is treated to an almost surfeit of spectacular camps. To the west of the park lie two of our favourites – Zambezi Grande and Time & Tide’s Chongwe House.

With our amazing 35% special currently running on Time & Tide’s camps, Chongwe House would be our obvious recommendation for now, although Zambezi Grande is no less stunning.

Moving east along the riverbank one gets to Chiawa Camp, and it’s sister camp Old Mondoro more centrally located in the park. Both are very similar in design and feel and share similar game viewing opportunities, with Old Mondor being a particular favourite with the elephants, and Chiawa being one of the leopard hotspots in the west of the reserve.

Jeki Airstrip (directly above of Old Mondoro camp on the map) is where most flights to Lower Zambezi will arrive, and is unofficially the centre of the park; it is here that the famous wild dog pack renowned for their buffalo hunting prowess have chosen to den over the past two or three years. Although the pack has split slightly, the larger group and their pups still number roughly 30 individuals, and they still hunt the big bovines in the dry season.

Just east of Jeki, down towards Anabezi Lodge, is the leopard area. For some reason the density here seems to be higher than in the rest of the park, and sightings are frequent. A mother and her two daughters have become regular features in the sightings logs, as well as two small cubs born towards the end of 2023 that are now wll on their way to sub-adulthood.

Anabezi is our favourite camp in the east. It provides superb access to the eastern section of the reserve, is as comfortable as one could wish, and best of all, each visiting party receives their own private vehicle, meaning game drives are yours to do with what you please.

Whilst it is the wild dogs that have taken centre stage over the last few years in the Lower Zambezi, it is the leopards that we believe will keep the park on the map.
Spread throughout the reserve (the wild dogs can disappear into the escarpment), the viewing of them is as consistent and spectacular as one could wish, and with some of the most stunning scenery in Africa on display, there is almost no better place to be viewing these cats in the wild.

The Time & Tide 35% special will be running for the next two months, but there are plenty of options to choose from in this, one of the continent’s most underrated destinations.

Get in touch now through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more…

 

South Africa: The Ultimate Travel Destination

Posted on by James

South Africa literally has it all.

Well. Almost.

It can’t quite compete with the Alps or the Rocky Mountains as a skiing destination, but for the rest, you name it, it’s got it!
Beaches, mountains, forests, deserts, bustling cities, cultural heritage sites, fascinating history, amazing food and wine… the list is seemingly endless.
From the rugged yet stunning west coast through the dry interior to the high peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, and down the other side to the turtle-strewn beaches of Kwazulu/Natal, if you can’t find something here that absolutely blows you away, you’re doing something wrong…

The sheer diversity of experiences on offer is simply staggering, and the fact that the country is linked together by incredibly efficient modern airports in the major city centres, smaller regional hubs, and a road network that runs through the major tourist areas, and you have the perfect recipe for travel.

You could spend a month in the Mother City (Cape Town) and not do it all, and once you get your safari fix for the first time, you’ll be spending the next year planning your return trip, so addictive does it become.
The eastern Lowveld towards Mozambique is the traditional area to safari, and the Garden Route along the south coast offers quaint and magical little escapes where one can luncheon on oysters and champagne then go mountain biking in the forest, but to be honest, there is no corner of South Africa that doesn’t contain its own special offering.

The main tourist areas are just that for a reason – they feature incredibly high densities of amazing things to do – but from the farthest flung desert to the chilliest mountain peak, the country is strewn with thousands off hamlets, homesteads and adventure activities that are just waiting to be discovered. And heading off the beaten track often ensures lower costs and fewer people…

South Africa is about SO much more than just safari. It truly is one of the low-hanging fruit of travel destinations in the world. You will love it. That much we guarantee,

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com if you want to experience some of what this remarkable country has to offer…

 

 

Space & Silence: The Real Luxury

Posted on by James

In this modern age of safari, when there are countless lodges to choose from, often with no more than a few kilometres between them, people are starting to reevaluate what luxury means.
Wifi speeds and thread-counts, wine lists and heated seats in the game viewer… these are certainly things that can optimise your enjoyment of an experience and make it as comfortable as can be desired, but are they things you can’t find anywhere else? Are they things that will leave you breathless and in complete awe?


It is the sensation of feeling somehow so insignificant yet so much a part of something that people are starting to realise they are truly searching for, and that you are unlikely to find in a fairly standard lodge offering, no matter how “luxurious” it may be on the surface.
Those feelings can only be sought in the stillness of great space, where one can look to distant horizons and let the imagination soar as to what might be out there.

The absolute silence of the Makgadikgadi Pans as you gaze out over their endless salt flats will humble you.
A huge bull elephant dwarfed by the vastness of the north Namibian landscape will give you a new appreciation for the fine balance of life in the harsher environments of this world, and the beauty of an Okavango sunset reflected in the still waters will open your mind to colours and beauty you never knew existed.

These are the bespoke trips we love our guests to experience. Discovering the thrill of safari and adventure often comes with the realisation that it’s not only about the wildlife, but about feeling grounded with the earth and unearthing a deep sense of reverence.
Finding places in this world that are hardly affected by man and where you still very much need to respect the elements gives one a respect for nature that won’t dwindle.

Come and travel with us to uncover these worlds.
Where the magnificence of the land before you makes your gin and tonic the sweetest you’ve ever tasted, and where the emotions of being confronted by such grandeur leave you almost drained come the end of the day, so you enjoy the best sleep you’ve ever had, disturbed only y the lion’s roar on the still night air.

Come and journey with Iconic Africa, and discover that the stillness to be found out there can translate into a stillness and peace within you…

Iconic Africa’s Favourite Escapes #2

Posted on by James

As a continuation of the Bucket List series we began last month, Iconic Africa Sales Consultant Danni Mcfarlane gives us a list of some of her top destinations for a trip to Africa, as well as a few little extra gems that rank highly in her books…

La Petite Ferme

As someone who appreciates good wine and food, I can wholeheartedly say that La Petite Ferme holds a special place in my heart. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warm, smiling faces. The food overall was stunning, the cake of the day was to die for, and the wine was superb.

The estate is set on a vineyard with stunning views, offering an authentic experience of Franschhoek. They also harvest a variety of grapes, which produce a great selection of wines.

This is the perfect place to unwind after a long flight to South Africa snd before commencing your safari, or to finish up your trip after the early morning game drive wake-ups have you requiring some proper down-time…

Cape Grace

I believe that Cape Grace has one of the best locations in the Waterfront. It also offers a range of accommodation options to accommodate most budgets, and all their rooms are luxurious. The hotel also has a boutique feel which I love.

I wanted to include a Cape Town experience in my itinerary, and the Cape Grace was my top choice for the area. It is right in the beating heart of South Africa’s Mother City, and is the perfect place from which to launch adventures of the greater area…

Saseka Tented Camp

This is a camp I have visited on numerous occasions, and a place I will visit at the drop of a hat again.

Not only have I experienced some of my best sightings at Saseka, but the rooms are unique and absolutely stunning, and the cuisine is out of this world.

Without questions, this is my best property in the Greater Kruger…

Azura Benguerra Island

Last but not lease, Azura.

I have so many beautiful memories of Mozambique from my childhood. We spent most of our Christmas holidays in Mozambique, soaking up the sun and eating some of the best seafood I have ever tasted.

A holiday to Southern Africa is not complete without a few days of relaxation on the beaches of Mozambique. Warm water, white sand and sea life everywhere… this is true tropical island paradise…

To add, the three additional properties that I would like to include are available below:

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge

I chose this lodge for one of the most epic sightings I have ever experienced in the Kruger. This is where I witnessed one massive crocodile take down a ‘dagga boy’ (an old buffalo bull). This memory will stay with me for a long time to come, and the deciding factor for adding this to my top three destinations…

Wilderness Jao

I have included Wilderness Jao as this camp is on my bucket list for Botswana! Stunning lodge design meets superb game viewing in the heart of the Okavango Delta…

Dulini Leadwood

I love the boutique feel of Dulini, especially Leadwood. I have chosen this camp for its beautiful and intimate setting, the design of the camp, and attention to detail in every aspect of what they do. Plus it sits in leopard heaven…!

Bush Legends Dinner for Endangered Wildlife Trust

Posted on by James

July 20th saw an incredible fund-raising event take place at Katy’s Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In honour of their tenth anniversary, the Jocks of the Bushveld – a bush-loving group of friends – hosted a dinner in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust – who were celebrating their 50th anniversary – to raise money for the EWT and the work that they do.

The dinner featured a number of Bush Legends, for once dressed up in black tie instead of khaki, who shared their stories and strategies for protecting Africa’s natural history and wildlife heritage.

180 people attended, with tickets sales contributing significantly towards the money being raised, as well as an auction of prizes donated by various lodges, travel companies (including Iconic Africa) and wildlife photographers.

A total of R800 000 (around $43 000) was raised over the course of the evening.

The real power of evenings like this however, lies in their ability to connect people. Those from outside the conservation circles have the power to affect massive change by donating their expertise and experience to a rapidly-changing world in which technology, education and leadership are what will be saving Africa’s wild spaces. It is no longer enough to simply be passionate about the preservation of wilderness areas; if one does not have the financial clout and the links to those who can see the bigger picture from a different perspective, the same problems will refuse to be solved.

Brett Horley, Founder of Brett Horley Safaris and the safari guide who has hosted the Jocks of the Bushveld on many a sojourn into Africa’s wildernesses – had this to say at the end of his speech:

“We need solutions, we need to support those on the frontline who do the actual protecting in the middle of the day and the middle of the night. The field rangers putting their lives on the frontline; the regional and section rangers; the organisations helping and assisting; EWT, GKEPF, SAWC – we need collaboration, we need passion, and we need leadership. We need evenings like this to help, to inspire, to remind, and to instil in us the desire to take action. That is how we got here, and that is why we are here.”

A huge thank you to all those who helped organise and host the event, and especially to those who contributed so generously towards the funds being raised.

Iconic Africa is incredibly proud to have been involved in such an initiative, and to have played our own small role in making the evening the success it was.

If anyone would like to donate to the EWT and further their cause in Africa, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com…

South Africa: World’s Best Country to Visit

Posted on by James

It’s pretty difficult to choose one thing that stands out as brilliant about South Africa, simply because the list of things that make it exceptional is so long.

But now that the country has been crowned “Favourite Country in the World” by readers of The Telegraph we should really delve into a few things that make the Rainbow Nation a must-visit for foreigners…

Affordability

As far as value-for-money goes, South Africa is right up there. The local currency, the Rand, isn’t as strong as it was historically, so Pounds, Euros and the US Dollar go a long way here. Dinner and wine at one of the country’s top restaurants might only set you back $75, and the spectrum of accommodation options is as wide as the imagination. There’s literally something for everybody.

Wildlife

Obviously our favourite part of the equation.
South Africa is one of the world’s top game-viewing destinations, but it is by no means limited to just the Big 5. Its diversity of habitats mean a stunning array of wild creatures, so all you have to decide is what you want to see, and go there. The Kruger Park and surrounds tend to steal the show, but they are just the tip of the iceberg…

Beaches

Along its more than 2550 kilometres of coastline, South Africa has some truly stunning beaches, many, many miles of them remote and without a building in sight. From the harsh Atlantic coastline near the Namibian border round to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, there are wild experiences to be had, from watching turtles laying their eggs to surfing some of the best waves on the planet.

Scenic Splendour

South Africa really is many worlds in one. Expect stunning coastlines, dramatic mountainscapes, huge areas of untamed bushveld, starkly beautiful semi-deserts, lakes, waterfalls, spectacular canyons, forests and wide plains, plus Cape Town, undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Friendly People

The ‘Rainbow Nation’ has 11 official languages. People from all races make up a wonderful array of cultures, and visitors can expect a friendly welcome wherever they go. The hospitality of South Africans is unrivalled, whatever culture they are from.

Excellent Infrastructure

South Africa has excellent major transport networks, good tourist facilities, some of the cleanest drinking water in the world, a great banking system with numerous ATMs countrywide, good accommodation for all pockets, and mouth-watering eating options. Whether you’re a back-packer or coming in on your own private jet, there is something for you

Though South Africa sits at the far end of the continent, it is one of the most accessible of the other African countries featured in the top 20; you can fly to two South African cities (Johannesburg, Cape Town) directly from the UK and from the US, and those coming from Europe arrive free of jet-lag due to a near-identical time-zone.
Your reward for 12 hours in the air is a place of true beauty – Cape Town a supermodel at the foot of Table Mountain, the Garden Route a ribbon of road-trip nirvana, the wineries of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch crafting fine vintages, the landscape thrilling to the peaks and troughs of the Drakensberg range and Motlatse Canyon, Kruger National Park a roaring wildlife zone.

This coronation has been coming.  South Africa was third in this poll in 2017, second in 2018, and now it’s top of the pops.

With Namibia, Botswana and Kenya all featuring in the top 20 Favourite Countries in the World (16th, 10th and 7th respectively), it’s clear that the readers of The Telegraph love the rest of Africa too.

All those countries feature on bespoke itineraries we have created for our guests, so if African Travel is what you’re after get in touch with one of our sales representatives through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your trip of a lifetime…

 

 

4 Reasons to Get Off the Beaten Track

Posted on by James

Africa’s photographic safari scene is by now well-established.

Areas like Kenya’s Maasai Mara or South Africa’s Sabi Sands have over 60 years of experience in crafting the ideal safari for their guests, making subtle tweaks depending on their visitors’ nationality, ages, preferences, safari history etc., and you are bound to get an absolutely mind-blowing, world-class nature immersion as a result. 

Yet over the last decade or so, a few off-the-beaten track gems have started popping up on our radar (read about a few of them here), and knowing what we do about how much incredibly positive feedback some of our travellers have sent us about their stays in such lodges, we thought we’d fill you in on a few reasons why it’s sometimes the smaller, hidden-away places that really set your soul on fire.

Here then, are four very good reasons why the lesser known spots should sit high on your next-want-to-visit lists:

  1. Lower Vehicle Density

The established places are where everyone wants to go. Sure, there’s a reason – usually that the game viewing is exceptional – but hand in hand with that you will sometimes find things like vehicle pressure, blaring radios and evidence of man starting to intrude into what should essentially be a wilderness experience. 

By looking slightly further afield to the lesser well known areas, you stand a much greater chance of enjoying sightings to yourself, enjoying them for far longer, and getting a sense of exclusivity that you didn’t pay a premium for.

Which brings us to Point #2:

 2. Lower Costs

Safari can be expensive, there’s no denying it, particularly in the luxury lodges in the high-impact game-viewing areas. 

Yet if one chooses carefully, you can often see just as much without breaking the bank to have to do so.
There are plenty of game reserves in Africa – like Ruaha National Park in Tanzania or Nxai Pan in Botswana – that can provide world-class wildlife sightings, yet because they have tended to fly under the radar, don’t charge as much as their better known cousins nearby.

 3. Variety

One will often find that the more established wildlife destinations have a formula that works. And this is all to the well and good. However, by going further afield, you are likely to encounter experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. The truly nuanced safari and adventure destinations differentiate themselves in a myriad of ways; by involving you in the uniqueness of the local culture; by giving a completely different take on what sundowner drinks should involve; boat cruises on a lake where you can cast a line to try out tiger fishing… anything is possible when you try somewhere unique…

4. Thrill of Discovery

You will likely have a fair idea of what to expect in the more documented wildlife areas of Africa. You will likely have seen pictures or seen a documentary feature or two.

Yet the secret parks feel like just that a lot of the time; well-kept secrets. Dry river beds fringed with palm trees and endless baobab forests covering rolling hills as far as the eye can see… you can find these and so much more just when you least expect them, by venturing a bit more into the unknown… You won’t have friends or family telling you exactly what it will be like based on their own experiences, instead you get to be the explorer, to break the new ground of all your contemporaries.

Don’t just book somewhere random, that’s definitely not what we’re saying.

But if you do want to truly feel that adventurous spirit, almost as if you are the first person to venture into a place, then do a bit of research (or ask us), see where the reviews say is brilliant but not a lot of people know about, and go…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning YOUR adventurous safari…

Little Chem Chem: Quintessential Safari in East Africa

Posted on by James

On the shores of Tanzania’s Lake Burunge, set amongst the acacia and baobab trees with the lip of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment sitting as a backdrop, lies Little Chem Chem; a camp where understated luxury is woven into every experience.

Little Chem Chem is the “sunrise camp” of the three Chem Chem lodges – the other two are Chem Chem Lodge itself and Forst Chem Chem – being the furthest east, and as such being situated the closest to Tarangire National Park, with which the concession on which the lodges are found share a contiguous border. With no fences around the park allowing the free movement of wildlife, the entire area shows an abundance of game for the wildlife enthusiast. Lions and elephants are regular visitors and during the migration season the fringes of the great wildebeest herds pass through, providing a glut for the predators.

The bird life is sensational, and the combination of savanna and lake shore habitats will keep the avid bird watcher enthralled for hours with its myriad of species.

The lodge itself is elegance in the true classic safari style.

Six luxury safari tents (including one family tent), each boasting indoor and outdoor showers, overlook an open gladed area that attracts an abundance of wildlife. Stately giraffes stroll by as you sit outside in the shade of your canvas awning, and superb starlings hop about looking for morsels amongst the grasses. The main lodge is spacious and cool (WiFi is available in both the rooms and the main area) and allows for fantastic views into the surrounding bush and open spaces. Being small in size, it retains a completely intimate feel, and is also readily available for exclusive occupancy…

Martial eagles soar above, and the bush sings to you constantly with its soft chirp of cicadas in summer, von der Decken’s hornbills in winter, and at night time the ambient sound is provided by the roar of the lion and the guttural rasp of the leopard slinking in the shadows.

Little Chem Chem has paced itself to the natural rhythm of Africa herself, and you will too upon arrival.

Walk with wildlife, marvel at ancient baobabs, embrace serenity and wellness, sip sundowners overlooking the Rift Valley, and discover the ancient culture of the Maasai people. Chem Chem is where you go to feel something with this ancient continent; belonging.

 

Notten’ Bush Lodge: the Sabi Sands’ Best Kept Secret

Posted on by James

Down towards the south-east corner of South Africa’s world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve lies one of its hidden gems.

Unobtrusively nestled between the old bed of the Selati railway line to the west and the Sand River to the east lies Notten’s Camp, a small, family-run bush lodge that redefines what it means to feel at home in the wild.

Owned by the Notten family since 1963 and open as a commercial lodge since 1986, this land has seen almost four decades of conservation-focused safaris conducted upon it, and the experience of the staff reflects that.

Like the rest of the Sabi Sand Reserve, Notten’s is a leopard paradise, and the greater area boasts the highest density of these magnificent cats yet recorded on the African continent. It is not at all uncommon to spot a leopard sauntering past the deck of your chalet, or even to catch a glimpse of one ducking off the camp walkways. Sightings are common out on game drive, and the Notten’s guides are well practiced in getting photographers into the right position for the shot.

Two young leopards spar playfully. Despite already possessing fiercely sharp claws, their play sessions generally cause no harm, and are important in developing the skills they will need in later life.

The rest of the Big 5 are sure to fill your frame just as fast, and elephant, buffalo, rhino and lion are also plentiful in the area. The waterhole situated in the open clearing directly in front of the lodge’s main area attracts a plethora of wildlife throughout the day, particularly during the dry winter months, and one simply has to glance up during breakfast to see herds of impala, stately kudu or the resident bull waterbuck sauntering by.

Lions are regularly encountered on safari at Notten’s…

It’s certainly not only about the larger stuff though, and it is the sheer diversity of life here that will astound you. Over 2000 species of mammals, birds, trees, insects, reptiles and amphibians have been recorded on the reserve; an incredible amount of biodiversity which makes game drives, bush walks, or even a simple stroll through the camp a constant stimulation.

The Notten’s camp is unfenced, and wildlife is regularly encountered on the lawns around the swimming pool in particular.

The rooms at Notten’s are what make the place truly special. Lit by candlelight and paraffin lanterns, they retain the feel and charm of an old-school bush camp, whilst sacrificing none of the comfort. The rooms are air-conditioned and charging facilities are available, so there’s no danger of running out of power for your battery or cellphone.

Whether it’s a romantic getaway you are after or a Big 5 photographic experience, Notten’s ticks all the boxes, and with their current specials there is no better time to visit. The winter months offer some of the best game viewing on the continent, and when summer starts rolling around again, visitors will be treated to the most remarkable changes as the bush flushes green once more, the migrants return, and the lodge comes alive with the buzz of cicadas and the galavanting of newborn antelope.

Click here to find out more about Notten’s Bush Lodge or to make a booking…