Tag: honeymoon

San Camp: Uncovering the Desert

Posted on by James

An almost mirage-like appearance of white tents, rising as an oasis of shade and tranquility on the edge of an endless horizon… This is the reality that is San Camp, an unbelievably romantic, seven-bedroom camp on the edge of the Ntwetwe Pan in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi.

This camp isn’t a place for frills and excess. The minimalistic approach is what creates the magic, both at the camp and in the lunar desert landscape. You can forget the crowds and packed overland vehicles; it’s just you, the wildlife and the empty spaces….

Meerkats abound here, popping their heads up from the desert dust, brown hyaenas secret themselves in the golden grass, and you’ll encounter oryx, red hartebeest and springbok all moving endlessly between them. But San Camp is about far more than the desert wildlife – it’s about the atmosphere and the ethereal surroundings. Here you can truly merge yourself with a forgotten world, a million miles from screens and car alarms, where vistas are so vast you can literally see the curvature of the earth…

The salt pans are home to a host of unique desert animals which make a fascinating contrast to an Okavango safari. For those with the time, visiting this area as part of an Okavango itinerary is highly recommended. Wildlife in the region includes the famous black maned lion and cheetah, and small roaming herds of wildebeest and zebra, elephant and brown hyaena almost exclusive to this area. Kori bustards and northern black korhaan can be ticked off your bird list and your trip would not be complete without an up-close-and-personal interaction with the habituated and well- loved meerkats that have delighted guests from all over the world.

An elegant, solar powered, seven-bedroom camp on the rim of the Ntwetwe Pan, the seasonal San Camp offers a truly remarkable safari experience. White canvas tents complement the stark setting and create an ambience of calm, perfect for a few precious hours of meditation at the specially designed yoga retreat. Think elegant décor and mouth-watering cuisine to delight travellers of all ages.

The main canvas covered central area is light and airy, inviting you into a stylish dining room where delectable meals live up to their excellent reputation. The lounge floor area is accentuated by Eastern Style rugs and dark Mahogany furniture adds to the atmosphere of the camp. Interesting sources of anthropology and archaeology of this specialized desert region are just waiting to be discovered within the cabinets housing historical artefacts and old fossils. Romantic lantern-lit evenings in camp add to memorable moments on your African safari.

The strategically placed luxury tents with views over the pan are slightly reminiscent of times gone by and feature relaxing outdoor day beds. Indoors, the bed linen is crisp and fresh – irresistible at the end of the day’s activities and en- suite bathrooms include all the necessary facilities to make your stay comfortable and relaxed.

The menu of desert activities offered by San Camp is exhilarating and include game drives within theMakgadikgadi Pans National Park and night drives led by spotlight while seeking out specially adapted desert wildlife. Adventurous expeditions to Kubu Island by quadbike can be enjoyed during the dry season and horse-riding safaris add to the magic of exploring this vast wilderness.

From San Camp you are encouraged to venture out and experience the desert through the eyes of the nomadic bushmen. To learn first- hand the culture of the Zu’/Hoasi Bushmen who call this arid landscape home is a truly remarkable experience. The experience here is sensitively done and not contrived, it is one of the best such experiences in Botswana. Informative bush walks with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen satisfy the most curious of minds as you learn to identify medicinal plants, source food to eat and learn the habits of smaller animals so easily overlooked on game drives.

Stargazing takes on a new meaning as one studies the heavens above from the salt pans.

San Camp and its sister camp Jack’s – only a few kilometres away – are truly in a league of their own when it comes to opening your eyes to the wonders of this arid corner of Africa. Don’t stay too long though, as the magic of the desert gets under your skin, and it will be almost heartbreaking to leave…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out rates and availability, and the best way to incorporate San Camp into your itinerary…

(Not So) Secret Cape Town

Posted on by James

When guests of ours visit Cape Town and talk about their trip after the time, they often refer to how they did the “touristy” things.

Well, we’re here to tell you that the so-called touristy things of Cape Town are just that for very good reason. People don’t visit this breathtaking city to do things they can do anywhere else. No, Cape Town has its specific attractions that make it so special, and it stands to reason that whether making it the centre-point of your stay or simply tailoring onto the beginning or end of your safari, you are going to want to get to the top of Table Mountain, take a drive down the Peninsula, eat at some fine restaurants and indulge yourself in wine country for a couple of days.

Literally millions of people visit South Africa’s Mother City each year, but don’t be fooled by these numbers; there is still plenty of space to do things. Granted, the summer season can see the most popular beaches getting a little crowded, but a good guide will know the places and timings to make sure you have more than enough space to yourself.

The Big Four are essentially Table Mountain, Peninsula Tour (including the Penguins at Boulders Beach), the Winelands and the Waterfront.

Starting with the Waterfront…
It has its perks sure, and there are some amazing hotels all around it, which makes it very convenient for dining at its incredible diversity of restaurants, but the place itself is essentially a large mall. Save your curio shopping for when you are actually on safari, as the artefacts are more likely to be genuine. That’s our main bit of inside intel.
What the Waterfront is best for, we feel, is as a gateway to a whole multitude of Cape Town experiences.


Visting Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned), evening boat cruises, helicopter rides around the peninsula… all are launched from the vicinity of the Waterfont, so for those alone, its worth a visit.

Next, Table Mountain.
Try to hike up if you can, and make a full morning of it. The cold beer at the restaurant on top will be even more delicious after the walk. It can be pretty steep, but the paths are good; all you need to do is take it slow. Then take the Cable Car down. You’ll have earned it.

Inclement weather can sometimes close the cable car down and make a hike a poor idea, but this is generally just a winter thing (May – August), although high winds in summer can occasionally do the same.

The winelands should have at least three days assigned to them. And a driver.
The choices of vineyards are almost endless, so you could stay for a month and still only be scratching the surface. Our recommendation would be to stay at one specific location and visit two to three vineyards a day. One for a lunch and an afternoon of wondering around the grounds, and a second for dinner. Most of the bigger wineries have amazing restaurants associated with them. This is the fine-dining heart of South Africa, so take your time once you get there, and truly savour it.

Finally, the full peninsular tour itself. You’ll want to allow for at least half a day for this, if not more. There are so many quaint stop-offs and secret corners and coves to explore. Have a breakfast in Muizenburg before making your way down to the penguins at Boulders Beach. From there its a short drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, which is a must-see; only 45 minutes from the city centre yet you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.


From there head back north on the western side of the peninsula. TAke the time to watch the surfers down at Long Beach and marvel at the engineering feat that is Chapman’s Peak. Maybe enjoy a fish and chips in Hout Bay near the Harbour, before heading over Suikerbossie for the wonderfully picturesque home stretch towards town, past Camps Bay and the upmarket ocean-side suburbs.

We could wax lyrical about the majesty of Cape Town, but we’ll never be able to do it justice. Just remember that “touristy” in the context of the city does not mean gimmicky. It simply means the things everyone wants to experience because theya re so spectacular.

If you are heading all the way to Southern Africa for safari, it’d be a shame not to add on a Cape Town leg…

trust us…

Azura Benguerra: White Sand Paradise

Posted on by James

The exceptional Azura resort rests on the idyllic shoreline of Benguerra Island. Built entirely by hand by the local community, Azura offers 18 splendid villas set amidst indigenous gardens only steps away from the beach. Each villa features a beautiful ensuite bathroom with an alfresco shower, a dressing area, a huge comfy bed, a private plunge pool, a beachside sala, a sundeck and day beds.

Guests are assigned a dedicated Mozambican host, who will attend to their every need for the duration of their stay. Dining is a delectable affair, with a superb seafood menu. Meals can be savoured in the restaurant, on the beach or at a picnic in a romantic and secluded spot. Azura houses a decadent and luxurious spa, as well as a water sports centre that offers adventures such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, big game fishing and kayaking. Island drives and cultural excursions can also be arranged.

Compact villas offer the perfect balance of stylish comfort and elegant simplicity. Comfortable indoor lounge and living spaces flow into an outdoor seating and dining area with secluded beachside frontage.

Submerge into your private plunge pool that mirrors the colours of the ocean, or enjoy some R&R on the large, undercover deck with a daybed. All beach villas have a separate sundeck, as well as a private beach sala for seaside relaxation.

Hop aboard a traditional dhow, a wooden vessel with a triangular sail, used for fishing by the island’s locals. A welcoming local skipper will collect you from your casita or cabana in the late afternoon, embarking on an unforgettable cruise around the azure bay. The sailing adventure presents the Island and its surrounding waters in a unique light and thus offers excellent photographic opportunities of the wide horizon, the calm waters and the glowing horizon.

Watch the sun set over the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago as you drift along the calm water, guided by ocean breezes. Witness the cerulean sky rapidly change colour, embracing hues of rose and violet spread over an amber canvas. Marvel at the illuminated water, dancing with gold shimmers, as it welcomes the sun’s descent beneath the distant horizon. The scene plays out beautifully and the ocean swallows the golden orb into its infinite depths. Travel back to the shore, accompanied by the quiet swoosh of the dhow’s sail, lost in the kaleidoscope of an African sunset.

Feel as though you have the island all to yourself as you indulge in a decadent picnic set in one of the most secluded sites on the Bazaruto Archipelago. Revel in magnificent sea views from the sand spit that daringly juts out into the ocean and lounge on the peak of soaring sand dunes, romantically set up for an idyllic picnic. Delight in fare that is sure to tantalise your taste buds with a vast assortment of hors d’oeuvres, appetisers and local delicacies.

Choose from South Point Bazaruto or North Point Benguerra, gently evoking feelings of being a castaway on a dreamy deserted island. Kick up your heels and lounge on satiny sands with 360 degree views of the ocean vista and the frolicking dolphins below. Relish a languid afternoon picnic in exquisite natural surroundings. South Point Bazaruto is an ideal spot to relax after thrilling dives or on a meandering sunset cruise. The North Point Benguerra Castaway Picnic will have you reclining on a sandy spit with unparalleled views of a wild, frothing ocean with short waves on one side and a calm bay with mirror-like waters on the other. Explore the clean coastline over miles, treasure hunt for rippled seashells, encounter the almost translucent ghost crab and marvel at the ebony and candy floss coloured wings of the elegant flamingo. Soak in the temperate, aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, brilliantly illuminated by the warmth of the African sun.

Snorkelling at Two-Mile Reef will suit every guest, regardless of age and expertise. The boat ride out to the reef can be bumpy as the outgoing and incoming tides converge in the channel between Bazaruto and Benguerra Island. Two-Mile Reef is a flat-topped barrier reef renowned for its brilliant snorkelling. Highlights include a variety of hard and soft corals and many schools of reef and pelagic fish passing through. On the boat trip you may be lucky enough to spot playful dolphins and the elusive, endangered dugong.  Under the water you may encounter harmless reef sharks and slumberous turtles that effortlessly glide past with their wise eyes. Embrace the unspoilt beauty of the reef and the kaleidoscopic colours of the tropical fish that move in droves along the exposed coral. Two-Mile Reef is faultless in its beauty, guaranteeing an unforgettable outing, and is ideal for those who want to confidently explore the Indian Ocean’s shallower coral reefs. Your snorkelling excursion goes out at low tide, so is determined by the timing of the sea.

Azura Benguerra is truly the perfect way to wind down at the end of your African sojourn.

Safaris are incredible, but a few days of the early wake-ups for morning drives and some late evenings around the fire sipping delicious red wine can leave one in need of some proper down time, and that’s where the tropical paradise of the Mozambican islands comes in…

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about rates and availability at Azura Benguerra or others like it…

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge: Quietening the Soul

Posted on by James

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is set in a veritable ocean of tranquility; a vast 12,715 hectare (31,419 acre) expanse deep in the Namib , the world’s oldest living desert.

Tucked discreetly against a rocky outcrop amidst a seemingly endless sea of red dunes and gravel plains, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve (recently declared one of the two quietest places on earth) of the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature.

Sustainability and uncompromised luxury go hand in hand at Sossusvlei; 10 beautifully appointed stone and glass suites, spread out along the curve of the escarpment, open onto ever-changing outlooks. Each spacious air conditioned suite offers a secluded, shaded veranda complete with private plunge pool, a living room with a fireplace, a large retractable skylight above the bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º desert views. The two-bedroomed Star Dune Suite is an ideal option for families or groups of friends.

The split-level guest area is an inspired masterpiece of glass, rock and steel. Large glass panels fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. Inviting amenities include a central-island bar, comfortable sitting room, walk-in cellar, interactive kitchen and rim-flow pool. Other signature features include numerous shaded, private spaces; a sunrise-view gym and sunset-facing wellness centre which offers both a treatment room with a private spa-bath, and a separate wet-room spa. The lodge’s Signature Shop showcases Namibia’s finest craft offerings.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate safe travel bubble as you enjoy an array of private experiences, delectable dining, myriad adventures and spectacular accommodation. Among these vast ancient vistas, a thousand tiny miracles play out each day, as fascinating desert animals and plants make dozens of unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in this arid environment. Natural beauty on a grand scale stretches beneath impossibly blue African skies. Stripped down to barest simplicity, the desert playground of Sossusvlei is the ideal place to reawaken your soul.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about rates and availability, and to explore more about a potential Namibian itinerary…

 

Sabi Sabi Fly-In: Ultimate Big 5 Convenience

Posted on by James

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated in the Sabie Game Reserve in the South-Western section of the Greater Kruger National Park, is a wildlife oasis where you can observe at close quarters the age-old natural relationship between predator and prey.

The accommodation at Sabi Sabi is quite simply stunning. Four completely different lodges dotted about the reserve provide accommodation types for everyone’s taste. Earth Lodge is completely modern; cutting edge architecture merges it with the landscape in an almost subterranean design. It is a breathtakingly original approach to safari lodge design, but those who prefer a throwback to the early days of safari may prefer the other three offerings of Bush Lodge, Little Bush Lodge or Selati Lodge.

Safari at a destination like Sabi Sabi will always go far beyond your expectations. Whilst all visitors arrive in the anticipation of stunning wildlife encounters, delicious meals in a beautiful setting and a comfortable night’s sleep, it is the in-between experiences that ultimately end up as the most trip-defining and memorable.

The shot of Amarula with your coffee, sipped on whilst overlooking an elephant herd at a waterhole. The hyena which comes slinking past while you enjoy a drinks stop under the African stars, or the choir in full foot-stomping harmony around the fire, inviting you to come and dance with them.

These are the moments that settle into your soul, and will stay with you long after safari is over. They are far more than any brochure or website could ever fully capture, and have to be lived to be understood…

Whilst Sabi Sabi is among the best South Africa can offer in terms of safari options, it is the special they are currently offering in conjunction with Federal Air (the local safari carrier) that is really making them a no-brainer for safari vistors, especially those coming in from overseas and looking to have safari as their first stop.

16 hours in the air coupled with hours spent waiting at the airport before you even take off is often met with sighs of despair. When jetlagged, hungry and probably in need of a shower, the last thing you want is to wait even longer before you arrive at your destination.
Jumping on a Federal Air Flight from OR Tambo International (South Africa’s main airport hub) can see you on the ground in the South African bush in less than an hour.
A few minutes road transfer from the international terminal to the private FedAir Lounge sees you waiting in comfort for your Sabi Sabi connection. Then it’s onto the ‘plane, 50 minutes flight, quite possibly some elephants from the air as you come in to land, and straight into your Game Viewer for the short safari drive to the lodge, with the very high probability of encountering wildlife on the way.

Three packages are on offer:

  • Return flights from Johannesburg to Sabi Sabi and a three-night stay
  • One-way flights either to SS from Johannesburg or the other way round, with a three night stay.
  • Flights to Sabi Sabi from Johannesburg and then out of Sabi Sabi to Nelspruit (a great jump-off point for a Mozambique beach adventure) or the other way around (Nelspruit – SS – JHB). This also includes three nights on Safari.

Rates vary depending on which Sabi Sabi Lodge you elect to stay at, so get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire about availability and the costs of the respective lodges.

This fly-in rate is on offer until February 2025.

Marataba Special Still Running

Posted on by James

Marakele means “place of sanctuary” in the local Setswana language, and that is exactly what you feel like you are entering when you arrive at Marataba Private Reserve, which forms part of the greater Marakele National Park.

Marataba itself is 21 000ha of mixed thornveld and open woodland, flanked to the east and south by the utterly spectacular Waterberg mountains, which gather every last drop of golden light as the sun starts to sink and reflect it back over an environment brimming with wildlife.

Lion roars reverberate up the valleys from the plains below, whilst from the rocky crags the guttural rasp of a leopard is regularly heard through the hours of darkness. It is in this magnificent setting that the stunning Marataba Mountain Lodge part of the NJ More collection.

Not only is Mountain Lodge one of our favourite South African safari destinations, but it is currently on special at the unbelievable rate of R4995 pppn sharing. This offer is open until the end of September 2024, so do NOT wait to enquire…

Mountain lodge, tucked away in a rocky valley close to the escarpment features only 5 eco-suites. Mountain Lodge is completely solar, so as well as feeling a wonderful sense of isolation in such an intimate setting, guests can be happy in the knowledge that their stay is having the least possible impact on the environment.

For honeymooners and those who want ultimate tranquility and time to themselves, wishing to feel a complete sense of isolation, Mountain lodge should be your pick.

At no time at either camp will you feel anything but fully immersed in the wilderness. The subtle colour tones and layout of every aspect of both lodges has been carefully thought out, designed to feel like a simple extension of the African bush whilst retaining every element of luxury.

Marataba is only a few hours drive from Johannesburg, or easily accessible via a 45 minute charter flight. The area is malaria-free, so if you are travelling with small kids or have even the slightest concerns about malaria (which is extremely rare in South Africa), look no further than Marataba as your destination of choice.

Enquire now if you want to be able to visit Mountain Lodge at an absolute steal. Be sure not to miss out…

Mail us at info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s get the safari ball rolling…

Selinda Explorers – Tented Authenticity

Posted on by James

Selinda Explorers Camp is a delightful little camp, perfect for travellers looking for a genuine “old world” safari in simple but elegant style.
Unpretentious yet refined, this camp of just four tents offers a special safari experience with a focus on walking and 4×4 drives. The camp lies on the Selinda Spillway, embracing the natural riverine forest, in the heart of the vast and varied 130,000 hectare Selinda reserve. A truly remote and peaceful safari.

In the style of the early explorer, Selinda Explorers Camp is furnished with traditional and vintage pieces – reminiscent of the expedition pioneers. This is especially evident in the central area, positioned beneath towering Jackalberry and Mangosteen trees. The overall feel of Selinda Explorers Camp is bohemian with stylish bare-foot luxury. This is an intimate camp, with just four tents, and being such a popular camp it books up very quickly.

Each of the tents at Selinda Explorers Camp are designed to offer a classic safari experience in an intimate bush environment. Ensuite “al fresco” showers and toilet area create an authentic wilderness feel and the copper vanities and large pouring jugs are reminiscent of a vintage expedition and make an original touch. All tents at Selinda Explorers Camp enjoy the shady canopies of the forest on slightly raised viewing decks.

The focus at Selinda Explorers Camp is the appreciation of the reserve’s environment and the creatures who live here, with minimal divide in-between and as such walking is offered allowing for a slower pace safari. 4×4 game drives will be included to complete the experience.

Exploring this remote area on foot allows for guides to share their intimate knowledge of the tracks and signs in the bush. Finding animals this way is exhilarating and fascinating. A huge variety of Africa’s iconic animals and plentiful birds reside here and can often be found, whilst exploring this way. The famed large herds of Elephant and Buffalo frequent the area, with numerous antelope and plains game species including Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Kudu, Red Lechwe and Reedbuck. Predators are always around and sightings of Lion, Leopard or African Wild Dog are not unheard of! 4×4 game drives at Selinda Explorers Camp are also available when sightings require a little more infrastructure!

Selinda Explorers Camp lies on the exclusive Selinda Reserve,  especially well known through various National Geographic films made by the camp’s film-maker owners Beverley and Derek Joubert and watching one of their films, such as the “Birth of a Pride” is a wonderful way to build anticipation of your forthcoming safari to this wonderful reserve.

Selinda Explorers Camp is Great Plains Conservation’s wildest experience. Perched on the banks of the ever changing Selinda Spillway, it is the very essence of pioneering, 19th century African exploration under canvas – but in sublime comfort.
Selinda Explorers Camp

Sussurro: Indian Ocean Whispers

Posted on by James

Few places in the world can offer a true sense of peace.

Yet at Sussuro – Portugese for “whisper” – does just that, with the gentle lap of tiny lagoon ripples on its shoreline, birdsong in the trees around, and the soft creaking of ropes from the dhows moored just offshore all combining into a lovely susurration that fills one with a sense of calm.

The tropical breeze that ensures warm weather pretty much year round means this ocean paradise is a place of swimming costumes and bare feet, with the ever=present option of having a margharita in hand…

Sussurro’s private bungalows provide over a thousand square feet of personal space. Each suite includes indoor and outdoor bathing facilities and generous water front verandahs. Looking out over th lagoon sheltered by the Nhambue peninsula, it is not uncommon to see a school of dolphins moving by close inshore, and one feels completely immersed in nature.

Mozambican architecture weaves a natural canopy above billowing mosquito nets. Large apertures allow the colours of an ever changing landscape to permeate the space.

Rooms are dressed with furniture created and carved onsite and thoughtfully collected artisanal pieces from sub-saharan Africa.

As well as being a place of complete relaxation, where lounging sleepily with a book is the perfect way to pass the time before your next delicious seafood meal, Sussurro is also a place of activities.

Optional dhow trips into the bay or up the Govurha waterways can end in a snorkelling experience on a reef, or a cold Laurentina beer in an isolated cove.
A day trip to Santa Carolina Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago is also a wonderful cutural experience; as well as the thrill of the boat ride, and the natural beauty of the reef systems, one has the opportunity to wander into the Santa Carolina hotel ruin; a throwback to the days of the Portugese colonialists.

Beach picnics under a shaded tent, Stand-up paddleboards, simply lounging by the pool… Sussurro is a place where “urgency” is not part of the vernacular…

Whereas some resorts operate around set mealtimes, time tables and an idea of what they think should happen to make your stay that much better, Sussurro puts the decisions firmly in your hands.
They welcome you in, let you know what’s on offer, and leave it to you to how you want your tropical ocean resort experience play out…

Get hold of us if an idyllic warm-water ocean getaway is what you’re after (inder tip: it’s an amazing way to cap off an African safari…), then get hold of us on info@iconicafrica.com…

 

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…

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…

 

Beach & Bush: the Perfect Holiday Combo

Posted on by James

The East coast of Africa is one of the most amazing coastlines to visit in the world. And it is almost endless.

Starting from Cape Town right on the south-western tip of the continent, moving east past Cape Agulhus (which is technically the southernmost point of Africa) and up the coast towards Durban, one experiences an amazing change in climate; Mediterranean weather (hot dry summers and cool wet winters) gives way to a sub-tropical system (warm all year with rain over the summer months), and the incredible diversity of habitats along the beaches reflects this.

The coastline is so full of life that documentary makers come from all over the world to film the spectacular array of creatures and natural events taking place.
The Academy Award winning feature My Octopus Teacher was filmed in Cape Town, and the annual sardine run off the appropriately named Wild Coast north of East London is one of the greatest marine shows on earth with countless whales, dolphins and all sorts of other marine life flocking in to take advantage of this bounty.

And that’s just in the south.

Golden beaches with bath-warm water await you in Mozambique. The Kenyan coast and its coral fringes have some of the best big game fishing in the world. And offshore you have the jewels of the Seychelles, the Comores and Mauritius awaiting.

The point is you are absolutely spoilt for choice, and the accessibility of so many of these dream destinations is more often than not a short flight from Johannesburg, the flight hub of Southern Africa.

45 minutes in a light aircraft can get you from your safari destination to Johannesburg, and then a connection down to the coast will not be much more than that.

You can be on a game drive in the morning watching a leopard climb a tree and elephants drinking from the waterhole, and by sunset you can be sipping a pina colada under a palm tree, the Indian Ocean lapping the shoreline only a stone’s throw from your verandah whilst a fresh seafood buffet – caught that day – is being prepared for dinner.

And whilst safari can offer the ultimate opulence, with luxurious rooms and Michelin-quality food, amazing service and hospitality, after four or five days of extended game drives, getting up before sunrise for a 5:30 departure, one can feel the need to slow down and unwind a little bit. And that is where the beaches come in!

A few days reclining in a hammock, reading a book whilst reminiscing over your favourite safari sightings, or snorkelling on shallow reefs, marvelling at the myriad tropical species to swim in front of your goggles

Be you a honeymoon couple, a family with kids or a group of friends travelling together, there is something for everyone along Africa’s extensive coastline.

Get in touch at info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your beach and bush combination holiday…

North Island Okavango: in the Heart of the Delta

Posted on by James

With only three spacious tents in camp, each resting on a raised wooden deck under the shady boughs of wild ebony trees, exclusivity is the name of the game at North Island, the latest amazing camp in the Natural Selections Portfolio.
Set in one of the most wildlife-rich concessions in the world heritage site that is the Okavango Delta, this is truly an African Paradise.

Each tent offers stunning views of the lagoon in front of it and a private plunge pool with a sunken sundeck for cooling off, for you to enjoy while watching the ever-present wildlife that comes into view.
After dark the local frog chorus dominates the soundscape whilst fireflies twinkle at you from the reedbeds, their reflections on the still water doubling the light display.
During the hotter summer nights, each bed comes with its very own ‘over-the-bed’ cooling system, and during the winter when cold nights are the norm, there is a cosy fireplace to relax in front of, making each tent a romantic safari experience.

 

Tents all come with sleeper couches that can accommodate children should you be travelling with the family.
En suite bathrooms are fitted with both indoor and outdoor showers, which means you can wash while being fully surrounded by nature. WiFi is available in the rooms but not in the communal areas; guests are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the experience and their surroundings, so checking social media can be left for after hours!

Delicious dinners are served in separate dining areas overlooking a hippo-filled pool; these parts of camp are connected by a wooden deck that extends outwards for stargazing around a crackling firepit one the sun has gone down. Tucked discreetly to one side lies a small, comfortable library for resting and reading and an outdoor gym for those who wish to stay fit while on safari.

North Island looks set to reinvent what the words “luxury” and “exclusive” truly mean on safari.

If you’ re interested in this spectacular destination, get hold of us on info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your safari…

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…

 

An African Romance at Londolozi

Posted on by Lexi Hall
Londolozi was voted Best Resort In South Africa: Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2019. No wonder Carmen Shui chose to spend her honeymoon there – in absolute luxury amongst Africa’s most sought-after wildlife and wilderness. This magnificent property exceeds all expectations, but often cannot be described adequately with just words. Carmen has very kindly shared with us some of the breathtaking wildlife photographs that she captured whilst on her romantic stay in the bush. Scroll down here for her full photo story…

A Babymoon Safari for Expecting Parents

Posted on by Lexi Hall

For some expecting parents, one of the priorities on the to-do list is planning the ultimate babymoon before the stalk arrives. For some it’s a relaxing weekend getaway and others are ready for a long-haul flight and an action-packed two-week stay in the bush.

This is your chance to unwind properly and enjoy each other’s company undisturbed. Whether it’s a quick trip or an extensive vacation, you could expect to indulge in couple’s massages, gourmet dinners, theatre performances, art galleries, outdoor yoga and not forgetting a memorable game drive that will leave you wanting to return with your little one.

 

Create a babymoon bucket-list filled with all the activities that won’t be as easy when two becomes three such as turning up the romance in a luxurious honeymoon-worthy villa overlooking a waterhole or lodges that don’t accommodate under 12’s/young rangers.

 

We’re here to help you plan that final romantic hoorah. If you’re ready to hop on a plane, South Africa is the ideal destination for a pre-baby escape because of its malaria-free game reserves and access to great medical care (just in case). And if you or your better- half are incapable of sitting on a lounger for more than a couple of hours, we’ve incorporated a little bit of adventure for you too…

The best time to experience an unforgettable safari in South Africa is September, when spring is in full force in the Western Cape. You’ll have clear blue skies and temperatures in the early 20s – perfect for exploring and relaxing in the sun.

Begin your babymoon exploring Cape Town where you will find a great balance between fun activities and sophisticated pleasures. This city has everything to offer you, from mocktails on glistening beaches and an incredible city-life to countryside day-trips and time to relax by the pool – which is pretty essential when you’re pregnant. Not only does Cape Town house many great tourist attractions such as Table Mountain and Robben Island , you are centrally located to great smaller towns that are only an hour and a half drive away such as the coastal town of Hermanus and the French-inspired Franschhoek.

Move on to a luxury safari in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve where there is phenomenal game-viewing.  Just 3.5 hours north of Johannesburg and bordering Botswana near Gaborone, this 75 000 hectare reserve is one of South Africa’s largest and finest game reserves. Madikwe Private Game Reserve has become world famous for its Lion and African Wild Dog viewing. The exclusive Madikwe Safari Lodge, Madikwe Hills and Jamala Madikwe are equally famous for their bespoke romantic experiences and have become synonymous with luxury and attention to detail. Here you are ensured a romantic, lavish safari retreat.

You can also add the beautiful Kalahari to your itinerary. Located just south of Botswana’s border, it’s the largest private game reserve in South Africa, yet only allowing 30 guests at a time within its borders. Tswalu Kalahari’s lodges were named together as one of National Geographic’s 24 Unique Lodges of the World!

A new baby brings with it great changes and joy for new parents! Soak up these romantic moments with a luxury babymoon safari.  You know what you seek, whether it’s pristine beaches or a brush with the Big Five, our team is here to help you take advantage of the small pleasures.