As we conclude a very busy and fulfilling year, we would like to take some time to stop and reflect on what Africa means to us and how this beautiful continent has influenced, inspired and moved us. A memorable trip that immediately comes to mind is an action-packed adventure in East Africa that served as incredible food for the soul. It reminded me of just how powerful and magical Africa is and what it can do for you both inside and out.
So much of the first world and what we believe is normal life is left behind when you go to Africa.
Time becomes irrelevant, phones and communication impossible, consumerism no longer and worries a distant thing of the past.
Embraced entirely in the present, you are able to fully appreciate everything about that very moment. Sights become brighter, sounds louder, smells more intense, and feelings more honest and accessible.
Life as you know it begins to fade away. Your heart slows down to the beat of the bushveld; your shoulders feel light and your laughter unbridled.
A transformation is happening as you slowly unravel and join the peace and the pace of the exquisite creatures we share this earth with.
You rise and fall with the sun, beginning and ending each day with awe and appreciation.
In between this, you are entirely enamoured by nature, its wonders, intricacies and surprises. From the habits of a herd of elephants to the quirky determination of the wildebeest, to the focus and agility of the pied kingfisher, to the mating habits of the crowned cranes…there is so much to take in.
You breathe out, your eyes are open and focussed on the landscape around you, your ears listening intently and your mind free.
It is impossible to take it all in but you make a concerted effort to be fully present; to be fully available to enjoy every minute of what Africa has in store for you.
There is so much the bush can teach you, so much goodness, so many life lessons and behaviours that you can take home with you.
Let it fill your heart and soul. Let it complete you, one sighting, one story and one sundowner at a time.
Stop thinking I should go to Africa one day or I’d love to go back. It’s more than just an item on your bucket list it’s a life-changing experience and you won’t ever regret it.
Africa is here waiting for you and it will make you feel more alive than you ever thought possible.
A cheetah and a leopard are two completely different big cats. Both are magnificent sightings that contribute to the allure of the African wild, but spotting the difference can sometimes prove challenging for first-time safari-goers. We’ve put together some distinct features and characteristics to make identifying cheetahs easier on your next game drive.
You will find cheetahs hunting during the day, rather than at night.
Cheetahs have a distinct coat of fur with solid black, round or oval spots.
Cheetahs have a black ‘tear line’ running from the corner of the eye to the mouth.
You will find cheetahs in the grassy plains with their prey rather than up trees as they don’t have retractable claws needed to climb.
Cheetahs are the world’s fastest animal and hunt using speed over short distances, rather than furtiveness.
Cheetahs have smaller teeth and cannot chew through large bones. Their smaller jaw allows for a bigger nasal cavity so that they can breathe faster.
Cheetahs are more sociable than leopards.
Cheetahs are lighter, taller and more slender than leopards.
The most intoxicating feeling will be when you see a big cat hiding amongst the tall grass, moving with a graceful and sophisticated aesthetic – and you’ll be able to tell if it’s a cheetah or leopard through the camouflage vegetation (like a pro).
Here are our top five destinations to spot cheetahs in the wild:
Liuwa Plains National Park
This well-kept secret is found in a remote corner of Zambia. This park is home to a plethora of wildlife species, including large predators such as cheetahs.
The Masai Mara is situated in the south of Kenya and is one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations. While the Great Migration occurs annually, the predator game viewing is extraordinary year-round.
Serengeti National Park
Next to the Masai Mara, is Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park – a wonderful destination to look for cheetahs. They are in abundance during the migration, as they lurk, looking for their next meal. Despite their rarity, the Serengeti’s open plains make it the ideal terrain to spot them among the sparse grass.
The Kalahari
The Kalahari is one of the best places to see cheetahs in Southern Africa as the landscape is flat, making it easier to spot cheetahs in the grass. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is also remote making game-viewing more exclusive.
The Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park has around 200 cheetahs in the park. This number is not very high compared to other countries and parks, but your chances of spotting a cheetah whilst on safari here are pretty decent.
Cheetahs are one of nature’s most beautiful, yet endangered cats. With less than 10 000 cheetahs recorded in the wild, sighting one of these big cats is definitely a bucket-list moment.
Not only did our director John Holley spend two wonderful years working at Londolozi in the Sabi Sands but our team is often there visiting. In fact, we just can’t seem to stay away! Here are a few reasons why this wonderful place holds a special place in our hearts.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve was the first private game reserve in South Africa, founded in 1948 and now forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Sharing a 32-mile unfenced border with the Kruger, wildlife can traverse freely creating an exceptional opportunity for big game viewing with some of the world’s finest rangers and trackers.
The Sabi Sands is one of the most sought-after private game reserves for safari and this comes as no surprise with the unforgettable luxury accommodations available.
This 65, 000-hectare wilderness should definitely be on your travel bucket-list – a destination that will see your many returns once you get a taste of all its magic!
Here are some of our favourite luxury accommodations in the reserve; from romantic escapes to family retreats, there is the perfect bush escape for every reason, season and occasion.
Singita means “place of miracles,” which truly embodies everything for which this incredible brand has become famous. Known for astonishing game viewing, Singita has won “Top Hotel in the World” more than 16 times.
Sheltered beneath the shade of ancient trees and embraced by the riverine setting, the tranquil haven offers a five-star luxury experience. The subtle blend of pan-African art and the traditional safari theme creates an enchantment while ensuring Dulini feels like a home away from home. Dulini Lodge is also world-famous for its leopard sightings.
Three of Londolozi’s five lodges, namely Granite, Pioneer and Tree are Relais & Chateaux properties and these lodges are true to the elegance and attention to detail that this world-renowned signature embodies. The remainder of the five, Founders and Varty are not to be overlooked. Varty Camp is adored for its deep history and endearing charm; and Founders is equally deserving of complimentary adjectives: sophisticated, warm and classic.
Lions Sands’ pride of four ultra-luxury lodges, all perched along the Sabie River, are a testament to a family’s passion and admiration for their pristine piece of wild Africa. It is nurtured as a gift passed down over four generations and each lodge endeavours to share its story and its beauty with everyone that visits.
These properties are world-contenders for the best hospitality, food, architecture and luxury. But it is not only the lodges that provide the avid traveller with a lifetime of memories.
The ultimate bush experience is made distinct by the quality of game viewing. The Sabi Sands is one of the best places to view leopards – on exciting night drives, the Big Five and other game. On a single outing, you may even get to see up to 10 different animals and birds and observe their habits.
With hundreds of bird species and tons of recorded mammal species, you won’t have to leave your lodge to see a plethora of plants and animals, especially being close to either the Sand or Sabie Rivers – perennial water sources that attract herds of animals to their water source year-round. Watch hippos cool down in the water while you take in the lush surroundings in summer or watch how the wild bring new life to this unspoilt corner. During the winter months, wildlife are more active and you have a greater chance of seeing big cats on the hunt or young cubs playing.
In addition to the safari classics; the giraffe, zebra and hyena, you could spot a rare pangolin if you’re lucky. And the best part is that your experienced guides will be able to drive the vehicle off-road to follow any tracks and get up-close and personal with some of Africa’s finest wildlife.
The easiest way to optimise your time in this prestigious wilderness is to catch a flight from Johannesburg or Kruger Mpumalanga International airport or to an airstrip in the Sabi Sands and have a transfer take you directly to your lodge.
Take the necessary precaution and get vaccinated. Speak to your doctor or travel clinic about anti-malaria tablets and pack in your long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and closed shoes.
First-time safari-goers and regulars always return time and time again. This private game reserve is always in high demand, so book your Sabi Sands safari now!
A private guided safari is without a doubt the best way to experience Africa’s bush and wildlife. Guests can enjoy a holistic experience with our lodges and camps’ excellent teams of specialist guides who will assist you with not only planning your dream game drives but also guiding you throughout the journey to ensure that your wildlife experience is everything you ever dreamed of!
Most camps and lodges organise game drives with between 4 and 6 guests to a vehicle. While sharing your experiences with other guests is a great way to meet fellow travellers and often great fun, it is also possible to request the ‘exclusive-use’ of a vehicle and a private guide for all or part of your stay. This can be very appealing to guests who have very specific interests or simply wish to prioritise the flexibility and exclusivity of their day.
Here are our top reasons to choose a private guided safari:
All of our destinations offer the finest qualified and experienced private guides in the industry, adding immeasurable value to your safari. Most countries in Africa have a formal qualification requirement which is extremely rigorous, and ensures top quality guiding.
From the moment you arrive, your private guide will be there to make sure you don’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying your time in Africa’s great outdoors. You can customise your game drives to specific areas you wish to visit and your guide will help you to maximise the sighting and photographic possibilities.
You’ll build up a wonderful relationship with your private guide, as they share the incredible knowledge, stories and experiences with you. Your private guide will become familiar with your interests, what you’ve already seen and what you want to see, maximising your time in the bush.
On a private guided safari, you won’t have to share your guide’s knowledge and passion – special attributes that add a unique touch to your experience. This one-on-one time accompanied by your guide’s deep understanding will open your eyes to a world you never knew existed. You will learn more than on any other type of holiday – that’s for sure!
Your private guide is also available to you throughout the day for any questions or to help with editing the day’s photographs. Whatever your level of photography is, you can be assured of leaving your safari with new skills, techniques and inspiration.
Whether your focus is on wildlife photography or an interpretive game drive, your private guide will make your days more relaxed, memorable and informative, but leave you wanting more. You will also no doubt make a life-long friend in your guide.
“Family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” George Santayana
Multigenerational travel – a frequent choice among travellers – has grown in popularity over the years. Families no longer focus on collecting things, but prefer accumulating authentic and memorable experiences with three or more generations ranging from infants to great-grandparents. Although traveling with such a diversely-aged group can be daunting, it has become a trend.
With more time and distance between loved ones, families are taking advantage of free time to travel and maximise family time. Each age group instigates a new travel trend – be it adventure, some R&R or personal enrichment. Fortunately, multigenerational travel can accommodate everyone’s travel needs. Appealing to all age groups, each generation can create their own memories while having an authentic experience with the entire family.
What matters is the people you are with; but so does where you go and what you do… so we have put together some multigenerational travel tips for you here:
Before choosing where to go, you need to decide who will be paying. Family vacations include the young and old, immediate family and sometimes close friends. Never assume that you are or aren’t paying. Rather discuss who’s footing what bill before planning the vacation – that way there are no surprises and you can begin to budget.
Determine a budget before you begin putting together an itinerary. Once you’ve established who’s paying for what, you can then decide where you want to go, how much you want to spend and what you would like to do.
One of the main concerns for large families is visiting a destination that works for a diverse group. This is why so many people choose Africa as their top multigenerational travel destination! It can be exhausting trying to appeal to so many age groups on different levels, but it is important that you have a balance of and enough activities – something Africa is not short of. You can accommodate those who prefer scenic game drives and luxurious pampering, adrenaline seekers and young first-timers.
The great thing about Africa is that there doesn’t have to be the debate of visiting an ‘old favourite’ or trying something new. Some families believe that returning to a place they have already been to and enjoyed is the safe choice. However, each country will evoke that special meaning or sentimental value – one of Africa’s great gifts.
Perhaps choose the same time to visit Africa, plan an itinerary that will give you the same experience and choose a new destination.
Decide on which time of the year is most suitable for the age demographics on your trip (as the weather can often determine which activities you can do) and what type of accommodation you are looking for. For larger families, it is ideal to book an entire suite or villa instead of single rooms – especially with young children.
Planning ahead and knowing what each traveller wants out of the trip is the easiest way to put together a vacation that everyone enjoys. By knowing what they hope to see and do is a good way to decide on a location. Africa can often accommodate multiple travel requirements at the same destination. Most countries have an array of landscapes and activities including mountain escapes and seaside living.
Every African country offers the wonders of nature – but southern Africa in particular is home to magnificent wildlife including the Big Five, birdlife and marine life if your family’s ideal holiday includes game drives and safari walks.
Or come down to Cape Town for the best of both – the mountain and sea. This way you can please everyone with the beach and the bush. This city is ideal for both indoor and outdoor leisure activities such as visiting Table Mountain, sea kayaking or shopping!
Africa is the ideal place to begin a tradition of multigenerational travel – especially with young children. Introduce them to the natural wonders of the world here and give them a new-found love and respect for wildlife, fauna and flora.
If child friendly accommodation is what you’re worried about, do not fret. Most lodges, reserves and parks host exciting activities and programmes for children under 12. For more on our top family friendly safari destinations click here.
Do not let multigenerational travel frighten you. Planning a family vacation of such magnitude is easy if you plan ahead. Africa offers travellers an overwhelming variety of destinations – each with its own unique culture, cuisine, landscapes and activities. In Africa, you can be amongst the mountains, in rugged terrains or near the ocean at one destination, so tailor your vacation to fulfil everyone’s travel desires!
When on safari you will learn so much about the animals and the bush – here are a few interesting facts to give you a head start.
The African Elephant is the world’s largest living land animal. Elephants have the largest brain of any mammal in history. They are extremely protective of their young. Did you know, like humans, elephants undergo menopause.
Like humans that use GPS, birds use landmarks to navigate long journeys. They can fly thousands of kilometres to find the same roosting spot with no navigational difficulties. Some species of birds make a round-trip journey every year, and use ferromagnetism to detect their orientation with respect to the Earth’s magnetic field. A 2006 study published in Animal Behaviour suggested that pigeons also use familiar landmarks on the ground below to help find their way home.
Did you know, crocodiles swallow stones to help them swim? Firstly, a crocodile digests everything from turtles, fish and birds to giraffes, buffalo, lions and even other crocodiles. In addition to their diverse appetite, they swallow large stones that stay permanently in their bellies. It’s been suggested these are used as weight stabilisers in diving.
The giraffe is known for its long neck and slender features. But did you ever consider the difficulties that come with having your head sit 16 feet above your shoulders? The stately giraffe adapted its neck to compete for foliage with other grazers. It compensates for its height with unique blood flow. The giraffe’s heart needs to pump twice as hard to get blood to the brain. It also has a complex blood vessel system that ensures that blood doesn’t rush to the head when bent over. Even more amazing, the giraffe has extremely tight skin in the legs to prevent blood from collecting at the hooves.
Did you know, Africa’s ostrich can kill a grown man with its kick? And one ostrich egg is the same size as 24 chicken eggs.
Vincent van Gogh was not the only one inspired by the night sky. Did you know that dung beetles use the Milky Way to guide them as they roll dung?
Like most cats, lions hate swimming. And keeping in sync with feminism, female lions do almost all of the hunting, and will make up to 20 kills in their lifetime.
Despite its questionable size and weight, the hippopotamus can run really fast reaching speeds of about 32 kilometres (or 20 miles) per hour.
Delight in the sighting of cheetah cubs as only a small proportion actually survive to adulthood – around a shocking 10%.
We hope just these few interesting facts have got you excited to go on safari! Hopefully you can mention one or two of them on a game drive to impress your guide or fellow guests!
Ecotourism, Green travel and Sustainable travel are all terms frequently used by tour operators when planning trips to Africa. Last year, the UN declared it the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development — an entire year dedicated to reminding us that tourism just isn’t about seeing the sites.
But what exactly does responsible travel entail? Responsible travel allows local communities to earn a fair income from tourism; it supports conservation, local community initiatives; and limits the environmental impact of the vacation itself.
Ecotourism started the green travel trend where the focus was on protecting and preserving the physical environment, fauna and flora. Tourists ensured that their visit did not disrupt or damage the local surroundings. Of late, the focus has shifted to responsible travel that brings the wellbeing of people in to focus.
Travellers going on safari have widened their gaze beyond the majestic lion hunt. They are visiting local schools, expending the skills of local warriors as guides and taking local cooking classes to truly enjoy the culture and appreciating the people as much as the physical environment. And while responsible travel aims to promote community involvement in tourists’ experiences – it is not limited to this. Ecotourism and responsible travel are not mutually exclusive and often occur simultaneously – protecting the environment whilst promoting local communities. It is not about high-profile gestures, rather a long-term support.
Many ask if luxury vacations can still be ‘’Responsible”, and the short answer is yes! Here is a quick guide on how to be a responsible traveller in Africa:
When planning your trip, focus on low-impact routes of travel around the country, aiming for direct flights. The single largest impact of most leisure trips is the international flights to the destination and back home. So consider alternatives to reduce your carbon emissions or offset the environmental consequences of the extra flights.
Plan to stay at eco-friendly lodges and camps. Support accommodations that do good work in terms of reducing their environmental impact, promoting conservation and contributing to social betterment.
Attempt to use environmentally friendly bathroom products and use them sparingly to minimise pollution of the local water supply. Many lodges provide their own complimentary environmentally friendly products.
The most exciting part of any luxury safari vacation is seeing the wildlife and taking part in fun activities! The most responsible travel choice is to select reserves or lodges that specialise in non-motorised activities like walking, horseback, canoe and cycling safaris. These “green” options are less fuel intensive and energy consuming, as well as being less physically intrusive or damaging to the natural habitats that you visit.
Support local community based projects and small-scale businesses and try to ensure that they secure a fair share of the benefits.
Employ the services of local guides who can pass on local information and provide an insight into the destination in a culturally sensitive manner.
With regard to your own social behaviour, it is important to be aware of the local community’s culture and traditions and to respect local etiquette:
Ask before you take photographs of local people and please respect their privacy.
Try to learn simple words or phrases from the local language to reflect your interest – greetings are vital.
Purchase local goods rather than imported products. Be adventurous and dine in local restaurants and cafés. This helps to support the local economy. Visit and support local conservation and community projects where possible. This provides valuable funding for projects and enables the local community to improve their standard of living. Seek out local, small-scale souvenir shops and purchase from these rather than city/hotel tourist shops.
Protect the environment! Keep all litter in your possession until you find a suitable disposal facility. Do not carelessly discard cigarette stubs as much of southern Africa is very arid and grasslands can catch light quickly with devastating effects.
Do not purchase products that may endanger the survival of an animal by encouraging the destruction of a species for souvenirs such as ivory, skins or other wildlife products.
If you plan on driving yourself, then stick to known roads, tracks and trails. This helps minimise damage to vegetation and distress to wildlife. Similarly, when approaching animals in your vehicle or on foot, keep a respectful distance. Do not attempt to feed or touch any wildlife.
In some areas of southern Africa, water shortage is a serious problem. In Namibia in particular, the severity of this increases during the winter period. Recently, Cape Town has entered Level 6b water restrictions. And although Day Zero been pushed back to the 4th June 2018, we continue to urge residents and travellers to please conserve water where possible. However, it is important to keep oneself hydrated at all times.
Key facts about Cape Town’s drought for travellers:
There is enough water for your daily essentials, bottled water is plentiful and available for purchase.
Level 6b restrictions means no more than 50 litres per day, it applies to you whether you live at a hotel or a guest house.
Showers should be kept to a maximum of 90 seconds – no more than twice a week
Help us by saving as much as you can.
There has always been a difference between a “tourist” and a “traveller”. A traveller learns about his/her destination and immerses themselves in the place and culture. Be a traveller: learn about where you are going and brace yourself for the difference between the place and your home. Don’t just see, learn.
Organising a safari is always exciting, however, it can be a little bit daunting if it’s your first time. It’s even daunting for people who have gone on safari before because things change and different places require different things. In order to put your mind at ease, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten most frequently asked questions when preparing for a safari.
Are all safaris the same?
Definitely not. There is an incredibly wide variety of safaris to choose from. Most people think of the traditional African safari trips—you know, the Big Five sightings, the African savannah, the vast plains … But, you can also go on boat (mokoro) safaris in Botswana or even ocean safaris in Mozambique! This is a great way to see hippos, elephants, and even crocs up close. Another thing to remember is that there are different types of game drives at different times of the day.
Will I definitely see the Big Five?
This is something that really can’t be guaranteed. Unfortunately, nature is unpredictable, so it really is just all about luck. Don’t get obsessed with seeing the Big Five—just sit back, relax, and enjoy the things that you do see – you will no doubt be blown away by the experience!
Do I need a visa to travel to Africa?
This truly depends on which country in Africa you are visiting, and which country you are coming from. If you are visiting Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, or South Africa, and you are from either the UK or the US, you will not need a visa if your visit will be less than 90 days. If you’re visiting Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, or Zimbabwe, and you’re from the UK or the US, then you will need a visa, but you can obtain one when you arrive in the country for approximately $50.00 per person. If you’re visiting Mozambique or Uganda, and you’re from the US or the UK, then you need to obtain a visa before you travel to these countries.
Do I need to get any vaccines?
Yes. You need to book an appointment with your doctor to make sure that they can recommend the most up-to-date vaccine advice. You need to let them know where you’re going and for how long. Also inform them about any stop-overs that you might be having because if you stop over in Kenya at all, you will need to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever. Other African countries will not allow you to enter from Kenya if you have not had this vaccine. Most game parks in Africa are malaria areas so it is important to take malaria medication. The vaccines that are generally prescribed are for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and diphtheria, but your doctor will be able to advise you on this.
Which currency will I need to take with me?
It’s best to use US dollars in Africa. However, South Africa does not accept US dollars, and so you will need to take the South African Rand if you will be staying in South Africa. You can use your credit cards as well, although the surcharge might be quite large.
Is it safe to visit Africa?
Of course. We make sure that the countries where we operate our trips are safe, and we are kept up to date with regular updates about each country so we would be the first to know if there were any issues or safety concerns to worry about.
Is there a specific dress code for a safari?
No. It’s important to dress comfortably and casually while you’re on safari. You should, however, take some smart casual clothes to the top lodges for the evenings. You should wear khaki for game drives, and you should bring along a polar fleece jacket for early morning game drives. Pack in a few cardigans or sweaters just to be safe because the evenings are sometimes quite cold. Here are a few more tips on what to pack when going on safari.
Will I be able to charge my electronic devices?
Yes. Most of the lodges have an electricity supply of 240 volts and most use the UK-style plugs. South Africa is the exception because its sockets are either 2 prong or three prong with the larger, round pins. But, you will definitely be able to charge you camera batteries at all of the lodges.
Will food and drinks be included in my accommodation fee?
Most safari lodges include your food and drinks in your accommodation fee but there are exceptions. You need to find out from your safari specialist whether or not your food and drinks will be covered by your specific lodge.
Is it okay to drink the local water?
It’s best to be safe and to limit yourself to bottled water for your time spent in Africa. The safety of the water depends on the area so you can ask the camp manager whether or not the water is safe to drink.
For any other queries or questions you might have please contact us and we will be sure to help you out.
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