Tag: Africa

Lodges of Legacy

Posted on by James

Dotted amongst the myriad of safari offerings out there are a few camps who have truly stood the test of time.
Tracing their roots back to the early days of safari in their particular areas of operation, these gems have refined their offerings to the utmost degree, understanding their environments and their guests’ needs superbly. Some offer luxury, some offer a quaint rustic charm, but all of them are steeped in history and have already left a legacy within their chosen corner.

Here are three of our favourites, from South Africa, Kenya and Botswana…

Londolozi

Family-run Londolozi has been around since 1926, although technically only as a commercial safari operation since the early 70’s.

Bought by the Varty family as a bankrupt cattle farm almost 100 years ago, the land was slowly regenerated and rewilded, until it turned into the thriving ecosystem guests enjoy today, with some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet, the highest density of leopards yet recorded in Africa, and a percentage of repeat guests that most lodges only dream about, so loyal to this unique brand do its visitors become.

With its progressive approach to the safari space, Londolozi has been at the forefront of many innovations in the industry, setting the tone for how the bush can – and should – be so much more than simply a place to view animals. Instead, they have recognized it as a place of healing and connection, and this ethos has tailored their whole safari and lodge offering to reflect that.

Londolozi was the training ground for many big names across the industry. The head of Kruger Park anti-poaching, a world authority on the Okavango Delta, CEOs of big lodge portfolios, award-winning wildlife cameramen, internationally-renowned public speakers… all former rangers at Londolozi who have gone on and continue to go on to shape the industry across the continent.

The legacy of Londolozi has not only been the mark it has left on the many guests who have passed through its gates, but the ripple effect out across African safaris in general…

Cottar’s 1920 Camp

The award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp is situated in the 7608-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa it extends an era of luxury and quality and returns to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’.

Cottar’s Safari Service was founded in 1919, which means over 100 years of experience in the industry.

The Cottar family was renowned amongst the British administration for being rebellious and anti-establishment, preferring long stints with African tribes in wildest Africa. The Cottars’ were the first to import American vehicles for safaris, the first to reach new areas such as Lake Paradise, the first to obtain never before seen wildlife footage. In this family it was normal to have lions, leopards, wild dogs and chimpanzees as family pets. Mike’s son Glen, with his wife Pat, continued the family business and pioneered hunting and explorations expeditions into remote parts of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Zaire and Botswana.

Having established and run photographic safari camps since their first one erected in Tsavo National Park in the 60s, the Cottars’ legacy has long been established, only furthered by the building of Cottar’s 1920 Lodge in the 1990s by Calvin Cottar, the great-grandson of Charles Cottar, who founded the business all those years ago.

The camp itself provides the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travellers. It has two main mess tent areas for fine dining, drinking, reading and relaxing, and an amazing pool and spa where guests can relax after a game drive. Guests can also enjoy a traditional canvas safari bath, a genuinely unique way of bathing specifically set up on the tent’s verandah, with views out over the plains. The location of the camp provides easy access for day and night wildlife drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Olderkesi Conservancy, wildlife walks, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community.

The professional guiding team that will handle your safari rank among the most qualified in Africa.

Nxamaseri Island Lodge

Nxamaseri Island Lodge is one of the oldest camps in the Okavango Delta. It was established in the early 1980s by PJ and Barney Bestelink. PJ, an experienced guide, spent months exploring the permanent water channels of the delta in search of a perfect location for his home and camp. He favoured the Nxamaseri Channel for its beauty and seclusion, and eventually elected to build his lodge on a large shady island hidden in the Nxamaseri waterways.

The lodge is best summed up in the video below:


These are just three of our favourite picks, each offering their own unique insight into the wild ways of Africa.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about some other gems who have left their indelible mark on the industry…

Celebrating 10 Years of Iconic Africa

Posted on by James

When Londolozi Ranger John Holley picked up guest Terri Abadi from the Londolozi airstrip to host her and her family for their safari, little did he know that over a decade later they would be business partners in a venture revolving around the ruling passion in both their lives; safari.

Although having moved to Atlanta from Johannesburg in the 90’s, Terri’s love for her home continent of Africa led her to begin her own boutique travel agency in 2013. John, having a solid business pedigree and loving the safari industry himself, was looking to get involved in his own way too, largely with the aim of using travel to help promote and fund conservation initiatives.

John Holley as a young ranger at Londolozi in 2011.

And so in December of 2014, Terri and John joined forces to turn a traditional travel agency into a world-beating online travel platform that showcases the African destinations which best represent Iconic Africa’s values of opulent luxury, world-beating African hospitality, delectable contemporary cuisine and most importantly an authentic commitment to wilderness conservation.

 

Fast forward ten years, and Iconic Africa has introduced hundreds of guests from across the world to the wonders of Africa.
From the Okavango Delta to Cape Town’s foreshore to the majestic plains of the Serengeti, Iconic has left no stone unturned in their continued search for the best options for their bespoke safaris.
Each guest has a highly experienced travel specialist work through their whole itinerary with them from beginning to end, answering any questions no matter what time of day. Although Iconic works with hundreds of lodges, the preference is and always will be for those that have a heavy focus on community upliftment and conservation initiatives, whilst reducing their environmental impact at the same time through a shift to green energy and systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

Now with an office in the safari town of Hoedspruit, bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Iconic Africa keep their pulse on the latest safari trends, new lodges, flight specials, and anything else that might contribute towards making a guest’s trip that much more memorable.

It’s been an amazing decade of fun, adventure, learning and making safari dreams come true.

Here’s to the next 10…

 

 

Victoria Falls Special

Posted on by James

Victoria Falls isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. From the powerful allure of the Falls to sundowners on the Zambezi, there’s an adventure for every taste. Stanley & Livingstone brings a touch of luxury to the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, home of the Big Five. Set amidst this incredible natural beauty, and just a 15-minute drive from the Falls and the vibrant town, our 16 Suite Boutique Hotel offers a seamless blend of comfort and adventure.
And with a current Iconic Africa special running at up to 55% off until the end of May, there has never been a better time to visit!

Enjoy culinary excellence with wildlife as your backdrop in our 1871 restaurant or watch game from your luxuriously large suite. Our attention to detail ensures you’re not just comfortable, you’ll genuinely feel at home whether in our welcoming lounges or the pool area that extends an invitation to relax and merges effortlessly with our thoughtfully designed gardens. As evening sets, our terrace presents the perfect spot to reflect on the day under the vast African sky.

The team of Africa Travel Specialists are on standby to curate unique experiences, be it a helicopter tour, game drives, a black rhino conservation outing, or even an exhilarating canopy swing. At Stanley & Livingstone, it’s all about creating a personalised African adventure.

At Stanley & Livingstone, the backyard is the vast 4,000ha (9 900ac) Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, the only one of its kind so close to the Falls. There, the Big Five roam freely, side by side with rare creatures and birds aplenty. From open grasslands to dense forests and winding rivers, it is nature’s playground waiting for you to join – and yes, that includes spotting the elusive and critically endangered black rhino.
Enjoy authentic Africa safari adventures with game drives, bush walks and a rhino conservation experience. Your safari starts right at the lodge with a view over an active waterhole.

Victoria Falls is a sight to behold, and the team at S&L know all the best view spots. Their expert guide will lead you on a personalised journey through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, tailoring the experience to your preferences and interests. Whether you wish to admire the breath-taking vistas or learn about the fascinating history and geology of the Falls, the 3-hour tour promises heaps of fantastic photo opportunities.

When you stay at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, Victoria Falls is yours to explore. Between adventures, you get to enjoy comfort, privacy and natural wonder on your doorstep. Every luxurious Suite, distinct yet uniformly elegant, offers a contemporary take on colonial style, inviting you to feel completely at ease. For families, they feature two sets of interconnected Suites, ensuring everyone has enough room.

Book now to take advantage of the special currently running. Bookings are only available until the end of May, so don’t wait.

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

Where to Safari This Winter

Posted on by James

(Note: Winter in this post refers to the Southern Hemisphere winter; roughly May through to September)

The word “winter” doesn’t always conjour up exciting images of travel. More like pictures of cold, overcast days, likely some rain, not much happening, everyone sitting indoors reading a book.
Yet for those who know safari, winter sends ripples of excitement up and down their skin. It’s a time of clear skies in the southern hemisphere safari circuit, jackets and beanies at night, and action, action, action from the wildlife!

Ultimately winter is about water.

It’s the dry season over most of the African safari circuit, so any surface water becomes of prime importance in wildlife movement, be it in the form of a river, a pan left over from the rains or even an artificially pumped damn.

Almost all wildlife needs to drink every day, and so understanding what ecosystems have what water availability at different times of the year will certainly aid you in planning a world-class safari.

Here are three areas we absolutely love when the winter months settle in…

The Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango can seem quite topsy-turvy when it comes to water, in that when the rains have stopped, the water levels rise. This is because the rain that feeds the Delta’s annual inundation don’t fall locally, but far away in the Angolan highlands. It takes these rains a good few months to flow downstream, so it is only in May that they are properly reaching the Delta itself, and the channels start to spill over into the floodplains.

The rains are quite variable which means the inundation itself is variable, but for those who are interested in water-based activities like dugout canoe excursions, fishing trips or water transfers between camps, winter is the time for you.

It’s also a fascinating time to see how the local wildlife adapts to very different conditions.
Elephants swim across channels to reach better grazing, lions use the waterways to hunt buffalo, chasing the big bovines into the deeper water to slow them down, then moving in en masse to finish the job, and everywhere you look you see shimmering signs of life-sustaining water.
There is magic to be found in the Okavango all year round, but to truly understand the ecosystem, the months of flood are our favourite.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

The south-eastern corner of this, one of Africa’s oldest national parks, is particularly productive. The Wilderness-run Linkwasha concession boasts four stunning camps – Makololo, Little Makololo, Davison’s and Linkwasha Camp itself – all of which offer exclusive access to some of the best game-viewing the dry season can offer south of the Zambezi.
The closest permanent water is the Zambezi River, over 100 kilometres to the north, so Hwange choose to maintain some surface water through a series of pumped waterholes, evenly spaced across the reserve.

This prevents the wildlife – most notably elephants – dispersing outside of the park and into neighbouring community lands. Prime game viewing is therefore maintained for visitors and human-wildlife conflict in buffer zones is mitigated against.

The dry season also means shorter grass, so spotting animals is easier, and there is far less vegetation to get in the way of a potentially award-winning photo.

Things can get chilly though, here in what is essentially still part of the Kalahari basin, so make sure to bring a warm jacket to protect against the chill of the evening. Upon return to camp you’ll be greeted by a warm drink or a crisp glass of wine, and can gather round the fireside as the hyenas start to call.
Then it’ll be back out again before sunrise, checking the waterholes to see what has happened during the evening.

Hwange in the dry season is not to be missed!

North-west Namibia

The rolling gravel plains, stark mountains and seemingly barren wilderness of north-west Namibia may appear to be lifeless, but in fact is one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet.

Desert-adapted black-rhino, desert elephants, lions who almost never drink, giraffes that stand alone in an area that looks somewhat like the surface of Mars… all these and much, much more are to be found here, somehow eking out an existence where it hardly ever rains.

Given that water is still necessary for life, animals must still drink, and secreted in this vast wilderness are secret springs and seepages that the animals know of. Visit any one of them and you will find a myriad of tracks showing all kind of visitors; hyenas and kudus and mongoose and jackals and the elephants themselves.
Ancient pathways lead many kilometres between these hidden lifesprings, but the ancient knowledge the wildlife possesses leads them unfailingly to these points.

A number of stunning camps are tucked away in remote valleys in the wildlife concessions here, which allow unfettered access to this, one of the most remarkable ecosystems in the world. The winter months mean cooler temperatures in an area that can be scorchingly hot in summer, and clear skies and a panoply of stars come standard.

   

Both the Damaraland region and Kaokaveld to the north are cut through by ephemeral rivers that wind their sandy way down to the harsh but appropriately named Skeleton Coast, and theses river systems serve almost as oases, harbouring subterranean water for much of the year, which the elephants know to dig for, and the giant pachyderms can often be found along the watercourses as a result.
Seeing a herd emerge from a riverbed onto the gravel plains in a landscape that you would never imagine could support such creatures, is a sight you will never forget.

The southern hemisphere Winter is a magical time to be on safari, and we feel strongly that the three areas above will offer some of the most spectacular experiences out there.

If you want to know more about what’s available, reach out on info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your winter journey to Africa…

Disconnect to Reconnect

Posted on by James

An African sunset makes you feel at peace.

There are few things on earth that can bring such a level of contentment into your life in one moment. It doesn’t matter what other stresses might be going on back home; mortgage, bills, business deals, impending board meetings… in that brief period of time, surrounded by beauty, likely with gin and tonic in hand and the sound of the African Bush shifting from day mode to night, everything seems right with the world…

Look around at who you’re with…

Wife, kids, friends… The ranger who you have bonded with so quickly over the course of your safari, he or she almost feels like an extension of your family…
The company is stellar, the view amazing. The fact that you haven’t read an email in hours, even better.

The feeling you have is one that may have been missing for a good long while. It’s the feeling of you as you were meant to be.
The authentic self can most easily be found in nature, far from any screens, wifi, advertising or media of any sort. This is where you can rekindle relationships, be at your most vulnerable and honest, and realise things about yourself that it took removing yourself completely from your normal environment to discover…

At Iconic Africa, we pride ourselves in the experiences we craft for our guests. We tailor-make itineraries that we know will reconnect people with the versions of themselves that they were meant to be. Through immersions in other cultures, deep dives into the ways of the wild and journeys into wildernesses most can only dream of, we seek to reawaken parts of peoples souls that have long lain dormant.
And through disconnecting from the fast-paced world that most of us inhabit, by switching off phones and leaving an ‘out-of-office’ response on our email, we get that much closer to true authenticity.

To quote J.R.R. Tolkein –

The world isn’t in your books or maps… It’s out there…

We’ve been out there in Africa and we’ve seen it. We encourage you with all our hearts to do the same…

 

‘Phones in the Bush: Dos and Don’ts

Posted on by James

(Disclaimer: We know not everyone is on an iPhone specifically, so if we use the term iPhone we are meaning it generically – it can be both iPhone or Android)

Phones rule our lives these days.
From communication to social media to direction finding to taking photographs – you name it, they’ve got it.
But whilst these seemingly indispensable little gadgets can be exceptionally convenient in an urban environment, they have the potential to distract you from the real beauty of your safari, so we thought we’d run through a couple of Do’s and Don’ts that might help you know when or when not to pull your phone out of your pocket..

Do: Have your phone with you

We are torn when it comes to the above, since we are very much in favour of the fully disconnected bush immersion, but given that not everyone will have a mirrorless camera and big lens with them, a phone is a fantastic way of capturing images of your safari, and with camera technology improving almost daily, one can have some stunning photos to take home, but…

Don’t: Have it connected to the network

Rid yourself of messages, emails, newsfeeds or anything that might cause you to be looking needlessly at your screen, at least until you’re back at the lodge. Who knows; that split-second when you glance down to check your inbox might have been when the leopard appeared briefly in your peripheral, but you missed it. Have your phone with you, but leave the signal for after drive.

Do: Take photos

Don’t: Post them straight away

You want the record of your safari. You want to be able tho show people what you saw, what it did, how quickly the leopard climbed the tree, how close the elephants came to your safari vehicle… But there’s no need to post any of the content you capture until you’re back in your room (many safari lodges only provide wifi in the rooms, and not on deck – this encourages guests to be off their phones and present).
Posting takes time; picking the right filter, cropping, editing, maybe selecting a nice song for a reel.. all this serves to do is distract further from the magic of what’s around you. Take the photo, record the video, but once you’ve got it, put the phone away again. Save the posting for later…

Do: Use reference apps.

Don’t: Forget to ask your ranger first.

There is an untold number of apps out there providing detailed information from anything from tree longevity to frog mating calls. Most places in the world have some sot of reference for that particular area.
The Roberts’ Bird App for Southern Africa is amazingly detailed and provides a wealth of information on bird plumage, calls, distribution, mating habits and everything else that go with their life history.
Star apps can help you identify individual constellations at any time of the year. There are many wonderfully useful tools that are highly applicable in the African bush.

However, too-heavy a reliance on these apps does exactly what we’re constantly trying to discourage when out there: screen-time.

Don’t forget that your ranger (and/or tracker) are highly qualified guides into this world, and they are there for a reason. They will know the answer to most questions you might throw at them.
If the whole vehicle is stuck identifying a specific bird, by all means delve into the app, but see how fun it is trying to work it out with your guide to work it out beforehand…

Do: Keep the phone in your pocket

Don’t: Keep it on the seat next to you

We’ll end here so that we don’t end up sounding like we’re completely against the use of phones in the bush, but the best way to not be distracted by something is to limit your exposure to it. Out of sight, out of mind is very applicable in this case, and by simply keeping the phone in your seat pocket or in the pocket of your pants, you won’t be wondering who tried to call you or how many likes your latest post got. You will be left to bask in the magnificence of nature all around you, soaking in every glorious moment.

More and more phones are becoming a part of being in the bush, whether to photograph, reference or (and hopefully not) find your way home.

We’re simply saying to remember why you journeyed there in the first place; it wasn’t to look at a screen…

The Best Treehouses in Africa

Posted on by James

Counting sheep is one way to try and fall asleep.

Why not go one better though? Try to count a billion stars, have a lion roaring in the distance as a lullaby, and feel the cool night breeze of Africa on your face as it sussurates through the mosquito net… That’s the way to do it.

More and more safari lodges across Africa are offering a romantic sleep-out as an option, and their stunning treehouses are as opulent as one could desire.
No simple matress-and-sleeping-bag combinations are to be found here; instead guests are greeted by soft mattresses, expansive duvets, the warm glow of kerosene lanterns, and more than likely the subtle accompaniment of nightbirds trilling nearby.

Although the idea of a sleep-out can be intimidating to the inexperienced safari-goer, treehouse locations are as safe as any luxury lodge, and are an incredible way to experience raw nature. You will never sleep as deeply as you will when the night sounds of Africa are your personal bedtime story.

Here then are three of our favourite safari sleep-out offerings:

Wilderness Linkwasha, Zimbabwe

Tucked in the south-east corner of the Hwange National Park, the Linkwasha Concession plays host to four stunning lodges in the Wilderness portfolio: Linkwasha, Davison’s, Maokolo and Little Makololo. The area boasts a stunning variety of wildlife, and is particularly productive in the dry season when animals are entirely dependent on the few remaining surface water points.

It is next to one of these pans – which is kept topped up by the National Park – that the Linkwasha Sleepout platform is situated.
Tucked up against an ancient Leadwood tree, the treehouse enjoys stunning panoramic views over the surrounding plains, with prime viewing over the waterhole and whatever might be coming down to slake its thirst.
In the dry season one can be assured of a constant parade of elephants doen below, whose splashing and gurgling will be a gentle accompaniment to your snores through the night, and the grasslands will almost certainly reverberate to the call of a big cat during the evening.
Open skies all around mean that the star-gazing will be unsurpassed!

Xigera Lodge, Botswana

In the heart of the Okavango Delta – about as close to a wildlife eden as you can get on earth – Xigera Lodge offers unmatched opulence in the safari industry. Stunning architecture in a remote location with some of the best game viewing on the sub-continent really makes this destination hard to beat.

Throw in a treehouse built to resemble one of Africa’s most iconic trees – the baobab – and you have just about one of the most romantic sleep-out venues on the planet.

The sheer imagination used to design such a stunning creation will take your breath away; something like a treehouse standing by itself could be potentially incongruous, but the Xigera offering just fits.

A night out here will be one you will never forget…

Lion Sands, South Africa

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of the best places to view predators in Africa, and Lion Sands ticks this box brilliantly.
Apart from boasting some of the most luxurious lodges and one of the densest leopard populations on the continent, they have three stunning treehouses to choose from if a sleep-out under the stars is what you’re after. Each of the Chalkley, Tinyeleti and Kingston treehouses has their own unique charm, but all have much in common at the same time – comfort, beauty, and a sense of place, almost as if the treehouses were always there.
The feeling you want from an experience like this is one of belonging, as if you are actually part of the environment. And you get that feeling in droves at the Lion Sands treehouses…

As rustic as they may sound, the treehouses on offer at the higher-end lodges are anything but. Bathroom facilities, their own dining experience, 24-hour communication with the lodge via radio, and a whole host of other make them incredibly comfortable, safe, and as user-friendly as one could wish.

A treehouse sleep-out is just about as authentic an experience that one can find in the African bush…

If this is the kind of adventurous night you’d be interested in, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start looking for a treehouse for you…

 

 

Iconic Africa Wins Another Award

Posted on by James

For the 5th year in a row, Iconic Africa has scooped top spot in a LuxLife Travel Awards category, this year being declared Best Luxury Africa Travel Agent – USA.

We could not be more proud to once again be recognised for the experiences we keep aspiring to deliver for our guests, and the continent we keep aspiring to promote.

To quote the LuxLife Website:

LUXlife Magazine is a premium lifestyle publication which was founded in 2015. Distributed to a circulation of 94,000 globally, LUXlife focuses on a range of topics within the luxury lifestyle industry, featuring articles on fashion, beauty, fine dining, travel, luxury real estate and much more.
The LUXlife awards honour the extraordinary achievements of those shaping the luxury industry. These prestigious awards are a testament to the relentless pursuit of brilliance, recognizing those who are shining with excellence.

The travel and tourism industries have made a strong comeback! After enduring the effects of previous years, 2023 finally brought back a sense of normalcy. It is predicted that 2024 will continue this upwards trend in travel bookings and build upon it. Economic struggles and doubts about industry recovery are now a thing of the past. The travel industry is operating at full capacity and surpassing expectations!

Iconic Africa has been revelling in this upward trend in travel, and we have never been busier. With new sales agents joining our team and new guests from all over the world travelling with us, we continue to refine our offering, seeking out only the best destinations for our bespoke safaris.

A crucial aspect of Iconic Africa’s philosophy is that the destinations we represent must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the conservation of Africa’s last great wilderness areas and the rural people who live around them. Terri Abadi and John Holley, our founders,  have both personally been extensively involved in education and social upliftment in rural Africa.

When you travel with Iconic Africa,  a portion of the money you spend on your life-changing African vacation will be put to wilderness conservation and social enterprise development. Our destinations contribute to the protection of rhino, innovative green energy, valuable ecological research, education, lion conservation and community involvment.

Iconic Africa creates exclusive luxury African safari and adventure holidays for couples and families in southern and East Africa. Our gorgeous destinations are all hand-picked and visited by Terri and John and are as varied as Africa is large; from Cape Town to Kilimanjaro, along the Zambezi River and through the Kruger Park to Mozambique’s tropical coastline and everything in between…

With five years entering the LuxLife Tourism Awards and 5 awards to our name already, we can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring for Iconic Africa, our guests, and the magnificent continent we call home…

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your safari…

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…

 

The Luangwa Valley: the Best of Time & Tide

Posted on by James

Spoiled for choice is a wonderful term with which to associate with safari, and it is certainly the case when looking into lodge options within the South Luangwa Time & Tide portfolio.
Stunning camps – some of which are set along the banks of the Luangwa River while the others are further west on the seasonal Luwi Riverbed – provide access to a wide diversity of habitats, ensuring maximum game viewing opportunities in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas.

Time & Tide camps are currently available at 35% off, but this limited-time offer is set to expire in a couple of months, so this is the time to book!

Essentially what you are looking at is a wonderful spectrum that takes you from the heart of one of the core game viewing areas out into the true wilderness areas of the park where there are far fewer operators; you will work a bit harder for your major sightings in the more remote camps, but whatever you find you will likely have all to yourself.

Our personal recommendation would be to combine two of the camps in your trip; either Chinzombo or Kakuli at which the chances of seeing excellent game are exceptionally high, and then moving on to a Luwi or Nsolo camp where you will get a true sense of wilderness. Apart from dusty roads there will be almost no other evidence of human presence. The stars will be more brilliant than you could imagine and you will feel like you are a part of the community

The beauty of Luangwa is its seasonality. Cool dry winters give way to a hot dusty spring, with the promise of rain threatening more and more each day. Wildlife congregates around the river and permanent waterholes during the dry times, but when the rains unleash during the summer months the entire landscape transforms into one of vibrant greens, with ephemeral pans topped up, frogs calling throughout the night, and the dambos (dry floodplains) turning into boggy ground that is difficult to negotiate with even the hardiest of vehicles. It’s all part of the adventure, and for photographers in particular this is a time of plenty. The migrant birds have returned, baby impalas are all over the place and everything is clean and colourful.

Some of the more remote camps shut down over the rainy season due to the logistical difficulty of getting supplies in during muddy periods, but Chinzombo remains open due to its still-navigable road network.

One of the main reasons to visit South Luangwa is the leopards. There are plenty of them. Plenty. The dry season in particular is an amazing time to visit as the leopards alter their behaviour to suit the terrain. As the grass dies through the winter, cover becomes sparse and the hunting becomes difficult. The leopards then take to the trees, in particular the heavily foliated sausage and mahogany trees. With ample cover up in the branches, they have shady refuges from which to scan for hunting opportunities, often only waiting until darkness has descended before descending to attempt a stalk.
On rare occasions they will even drop straight from a tree onto unsuspecting prey down below.

Zambia, and South Luangwa in particular is swiftly emerging as front-runner in Africa’s wildlife real estate; a place to compete with the Okavango Delta to the south or the East African grasslands.

With the amazing 35% special currently running with Time & Tide, there could be no better time to book, so you can see for yourself…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about the special, camp rates and availability…

 

 

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…

The New-Look Rattray’s on Mala Mala

Posted on by James

Since the 60’s, Mala Mala has been wowing guests with its game viewing.

The camps have developed somewhat in the last five and a half decades, but the phenomenal wildlife viewing has remained ai its consistent best.

MalaMala Rattray’s Camp offers an intimate glimpse into an era long lost, when travellers from afar married the magic of the African bush with elegance and refinement.

Combining humble opulence and romantic exclusivity with unrivalled game viewing, MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is one of the premier safari destinations for those seeking to experience the wild heart of Africa.

 

Mala Mala’s hashtag #itsallabouthewildlife, says it all; wildlife safaris are their number one priority. A maximum of only four guests per safari vehicle out of Rattrays Camp is the norm and a flexible operation ensures your adventures into the bush will be intimate and unforgettable. An experienced ranger will serve as your guide and host, handling all the minutiae that go into making your trip as seamless as possible, both in camp and out in the bush.

Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations including the boma, the deck, the dining room or in the privacy and comfort of your own suite. And with unobstructed views down into the Sand River, it is more than likely that mealtimes will feature a wildlife show of some sort, be they elephants drinking from the gently flowing water, or a leopard skulking through the reeds.

Rattray’s on Mala Mala features everything you may need to make a slightly longer complete from all angles. A beautifully appointed library containing rare African books and magnificent works of art lets one pass the heat of the day reading of explorers of old, and an historic bar adorned with antique photographs lets one hearken back to the early days of game viewing in the reserve.

Lunches are served on the most phenomenal viewing deck, whilst evening meals will more than likely (although weather permitting) be served under the stars in the boma. Thos who would like to take home some mementos of their visit will find more than they could wish for in the boutique shop, and to ward off the inevitable gains that come with the delicious hearty meals on offer, a fully equipped gym will let you remain active between game drives. WiFi is available in all the rooms.

Rattrays can host 16 guests in eight luxury villas, each of which boasts a private verandah with grand river views and a private heated plunge pool, a private indigenous garden, en-suite bathrooms with double vanity, ball-and-claw bath and double indoor shower and outdoor shower; outdoor and indoor dining area, air-conditioning, heating, overhead fans, hairdryer, minibar, tea and coffee facilities. Satellite television, DVD player and laptop with wireless connectivity are available on request.

The accommodations here are everything you could ever wish for on safari, and with the high likelihood of encountering wildlife roaming through the camp, things couldn’t get any bette

Whether you’re visiting for three days or fifteen, Rattray’s on Mala Mala will make you feel as though your trip was too short, so at home will you feel.

If you want to find out more about staying in this wildlife-intense camp, mail us on info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your Mala Mala safari…

Linkwasha: Place of Elephants (and More!)

Posted on by James

If you want to be simply blown away by a seemingly endless procession of elephants, Linkwasha in the dry season is for you.

Literally thousands of the world’s largest land mammal are in constant movement to and from the waterholes of Zimbabwe’s Hwange national park as the last rains become a distant memory and water resources become limited. Evenings see them move into the real forests to feed in comfort, but as the sun rises and temperatures rise, it’s back to the water they go

Drinking, wallowing, mud-bathing… you name it; it’s all on display here. And just when you think there couldn’t possible be more elephants around, yet more herds emerge from the bush to join their counterparts.

Hwange is a land of waterholes. With no permanent water sources available apart from the odd natural spring (although these one or two are widely separated), something had to be done to keep animals in the National Park, so a system of pumped waterholes was established by the national parks authority, which are maintained to this day.

The permanent water that they provide help anchor the large herds within the park’s boundaries and help mitigate against the inevitable human-wildlife conflict that would occur should elephants in particular start moving further afield to find a drink. 

This interconnected system of waterholes ensures that the game-viewing in Hwange National Park is exceptional, particularly in the dry season.

In the park’s south east is the exclusive Wilderness Concession, upon which four camps sit; Linkwasha, Davison’s Makololo Plains and Little Makololo.

All are amazing, all come with an attending waterhole out front and all are almost certain to provide an incredible experience.

    

Linkwasha, the most south-eastern of the camps, is the high-end offering. Offering slightly larger rooms and some amenities that aren’t found elsewhere, Linkwasha also lies closer to Ngamo Plains, the easternmost section of the park that offers unbeatable photographic opportunities, particularly for the big cats. The resident Ngamo pride is a mainstay of predator viewing down here, and cheetahs put in a regular appearance. And of course the waterholes attract the elephants!

The camp itself features nine deluxe tents, all widely spaced and facing outwards onto an open plain to maximise the wildlife viewing. Aiconditioning units keep the interiors nice and cool during the heat of the day, but during cooler times of the year one can lounge on your couch or deck with the screen doors open, enjoying the traipsing of the local fauna to and from the camp’s waterhole.

Just as one returns from morning game drive is when the first elephants are starting to move towards the water. The underground viewing hide at the water’s edge provides an amazing spot for close-up, low-angle photographs of everything from elephants to baboons to martial eagles that come to quench their thirst. Equipped with beanbags, comfy stools and it’s own refrigerator, it’s a wonderful option to consider instead of a game drive for an afternoon – you are almost sure to get visitors, and unique shots you wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise.

Hwange is not just about the dry season however. Well-drained Kalahari sands mean the area is navigable during the wetter summer. Migrant birds are everywhere, the bush is teeming with new life, and the verdant greens brought on by the rains indicate a world in full bloom!

All areas of the exclusive Wilderness concession are accessible from all the Wilderness camps, as well as parts of the park beyond the concession itself, so you won’t lack for options of places to explore.

Hwange is one of Zimbabwe’s flagship national parks, and it is a reputation richly deserved. 

Be sure to get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about the camp options in this unique and flourishing ecosystem…

&Beyond Tengile: Beyond Sensational

Posted on by James

The Sabi Sands is renowned as being one of the best wildlife destinations in the Africa. The Big 5 and many more abound here, and the reserve has officially been established by the Panthera Organisation as having the densest population yet recorded anywhere in the world.

The reserve gets its name from the two major rivers that flow through the park – the Sabi and the Sand – and river frontage plays a major role in determine how good the game viewing is likely to be; the dry season in particular draws an abundance of wildlife to the water.

The Sand River flows right through the heart of the reserve, and in a prominent bend in the river’s southern reaches, one finds one of the newer camps in this wildlife heaven – &Beyond Tengile.

An extension of the original Kirkman’s Kamp (named after Harry Kirkman – the reserve’s first warden) Tengile overlooks a beautiful open stretch of Sand River that almost always seems to have a breeding herd of elephants traipsing across it. Leopards skulk through the reedbeds and along the banks, their presence often being betrayed by the warning bark of a bushbuck, and the eerie wail of a hyena is regularly heard through the hours of darkness.

Wildlife viewing here is simply superb, and the fact that &Beyond boasts one of the finest ranger training schools on the continent means that your guides will be some of Africa’s finest.

This magnificent lodge features nine large, air-conditioned, intimate suites, secreted in the dappled shade of the riparian woodland, each with broad Sand River views. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully-stocked bar, coffee station and outdoor seating and dining area that are quite simply sensational.
A private lap pool on your spacious deck comes complete with sunken outdoor lounge looking out onto the wilderness.
For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create an extended family suite.

The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places. The viewing deck is a wonderful addition and the library is a treasury of fascinating curated objects and interesting books. Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted. A massage and gym area offers guests a space of well-being and tranquillity and a Safari Shop is stocked with beautiful handcrafted item.

Tengile really is a jewel in the &Beyond crown; get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about rates and availability in this bushveld paradise…