Tag: Iconic Africa

Tuludi Camp: the Luxury of Space

Posted on by James

Tuludi Camp is the perfect base from which to explore one of the most productive areas of the eastern Okavango Delta. Set in the renowned Khwai Private Concession, and overlooking a stunning Delta landscape – rippling floodplains fringed by ancient riparian forest – the camp sits next to a permanent waterhole that is frequented by elephants in particular, and the local big cat population are regular visitors.

Tuludi is one of the newest luxury camps in the World Heritage Site that is the Okavango Delta, with tree-house style rooms – each with its own private plunge pool – shaded by magnificent leadwood trees. Those who like to wile away the warm afternoons with a book will love the treehouse library.
The seasonal changes to the area result in either floodplains, lily-covered lagoons and the spectacular Khwai river, depending on what time of the year you visit, and what type of safari you would like to experience.

Twice-daily 4×4 game drives take you on excursions into the wilderness, expertly choreographed by local Setswana guides. You also have the chance to take to the water by motorboat or mokoro and gain a different insight into the Okavango’s ecology, although these activities are dependent on the Delta’s water levels.
And since the camp lies in a privately-run reserve, you can also choose to go on guided bush walks – a must for keen birders and photographers, and those who want to discover the minutiae of the environment.

Built in partnership with the local community and contributing to the social upliftment of the surrounding areas, Tuludi is a small camp comprised of only seven luxurious suites.
Each is extremely spacious and elevated for stunning views; you will not just have an indoor and outdoor bathroom but a private plunge pool and a station at which you can charge phones and batteries.
The intimate feel of the camp lends itself perfectly to  couples and honeymooners, but Tuludi also welcomes families with children aged six and over. Privately guided vehicles are available and one of the suites is slightly larger, sleeping a family of four more than comfortably.

Enjoying the advantage of both water and land habitats, Tuludi Camp is open all year round. Water levels are highest during the dry winter period – May to September – when the annual inundation of the Okavango is in full spate, and so offers the best time to explore by boat as well to see impressive concentrations of wildlife. The summer rains trigger an explosion of greenery and many animals such as impala and warthog give birth – good for predator activity – and the birding is at its peak with the migrant visitors all down to take advantage of an abundance of food.

With over 200 000 hectares of pristine wilderness to explore, at Tuludi you will find an exclusive oasis that you’ll be delighted to return to after a day soaking in all the extraordinary ecosystem has to offer…

Garonga Hambleden Suite

Posted on by James

To the west of the world famous Kruger National Park, nestled beneath the norther escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, lies the 22000 hectare Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. This secluded corner of South African bushveld welcomes you for an immersive Big 5 safari experience. High profile endangered species like cheetahs and wild dog are also to be found here, as well as a spectacular array of bird life, with over 200 species waiting to be ticked off by the avid twitcher.
The Makhutswi river wends its way through the rolling hills and grassy plains of the reserve, and perched on a slight rise within it all is Little Garonga Camp.


The three gorgeous suites that make up Little Garonga are completely separate from Garonga’s two other camps. All three are fully en-suite, thatched and air-conditioned, each with a raised deck, complete with hammock and stunning bush views. They are located around centralised indoor and outdoor lounges, with a swimming pool overlooking the bush.

The Hambleden Suite in particular is our favourite, and is a two-bedroom private villa suitable for a family of four or a couple who wants an extra-special and secluded stay.
The bedrooms are spacious and centre around four-poster beds. The hand-beaten copper bathtub is the highlight of the en-suite bathroom, which includes indoor and outdoor showers. The suite has a central fireplace, mini-bar and air-conditioning.

The indoor living space opens out onto a covered outdoor lounge and open raised deck with own swimming pool.

Little Garonga is for honeymoons and romantic retreats that deserve extra privacy and exclusivity. As a self-contained and run lodge, there is a private team of staff ready to meet all your needs. For a small family or friends group, Little Garonga is also an ideal exclusive-use lodge for a special safari experience.

With full exclusivity at Little Garonga your family can enjoy their own safari lodge while still being part of all the facilities of the main camp. This includes their own private safari vehicle and guide/tracker team.

This Big 5 wilderness celebrates South Africa’s biodiversity and wildlife conservation, and is now a sanctuary for some of Africa’s most endangered species. All members of the Big 5 and various other game were the first to call the reserve their home thanks to important game reintroduction progams.

Now, African wild dog, cheetah and pangolin populations also thrive here under the protection of K9 anti-poaching units. The endangered ground hornbill along with various threatened vulture and raptor species are a special part of the nature-lover’s checklist.

If you want a truly immersive Big 5 experience, away from the crowds, and with the exclusivity of your own private camp, Little Garonga is the place for you, and if you want to experience a home-within-a-home, the Hambleden Suite is a must.

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

King’s Pool: Linyanti Dreaming

Posted on by James

Botswana’s northern regions are most famous for the Eden that is the Okavango Delta. But venture even further north, to the border with Namibia, and you come to one of Southern Africa’s most underrated wilderness destinations; the Linyanti.

This river system is a section of a much greater flow; the Kwando river flowing south-east encounters a fault line and has its course dramatically diverted to the north-east, wheere it becomes the Linyanti. The Linyanti continues on its trajectory until it flows into Lake Liambezi, situated amongst extended marshland. From this ecosystem the waterway becomes the Chobe River, which heads further north and east to join the mighty Zambezi on its flow towards the distant Indian Ocean.

This extensive land of open floodplains, mopane woodland and riparian vegetation boasts a wonderfully high wildlife concentration, and sited in a prime position to enjoy the area at its most spectacular is King’s Pool Camp, one of the Wilderness Safaris’ portfolio.

Tucked away in a grove of jackalberry trees, King’s Pool is a luxurious safari camp named for Swedish royalty. This regal thatch and canvas camp, made up of eight spacious suites, a sprawling common area and eye-level hide overlooks a tranquil lagoon, attracting a diverse parade of wildlife and an impressive array of birds.

The area is a hotbed of lion activity, with a number of prides and coalitions flowing along the river system and crossing in and out from Namibia over the river. The open ecosystem provides a subtle ebb and flow of wildlife, and means the wildlife is always in a natural state of flux.
The rumble of elephants is never too far away, particularly in the dry season during which there is an almost constant stream of them down to the river to drink, as standing water is hard to come by.
Monkeys in the treetops are often heard sounding the alarm, telling the alert guest or guide that a leopard is skulking somewhere nearby.

Water-based camps like King’s Pool have the added appeal of offering water-based activities, and an afternoon boat cruise down the Linyanti River, gin and tonic in hand, is sure to turn up some delightful surprises.

King’s Pool is only one of a delightful selection of camps in the area; their particular concession is also traversed by Duma Tau and Savuti camps, also part of the Wilderness Portfolio. With all three being serviced by a central airstrip, access is essentially equidistant., and transferring between camps during the course of a stay is always an option if guests want to fully explore this sizeable area.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your Botswana Safari to the Linyanti…

Where to View Leopards in 2023

Posted on by James

In many ways, the leopard represents the African continent best.

Whilst the regal lion may hold the title of King of the Beasts, and the elephant’s great size render it the most impressive African mammal, it is the enigmatic nature of the leopard, and the mystery that surrounds it, that most adds to its allure as an animal to see on safari, and captures the essence of the African continent most effectively.

In large portions of Africa – and particularly in areas where human wildlife conflict has been a factor over the years – leopards can be hard to find. They are there, but remain invisible. Although they occupy almost every habitat from the mountains just outside Cape Town to the open deserts of the Sahara way to the north, for the most part they are unobserved creatures of the night.

Yet in a few wildlife reserves, leopards are eminently viewable. The big cats there have long realised that the game viewing vehicles do not represent a threat to them, and so allow them and the guests they contain into their daily lives.
Although there is no such thing as a guaranteed sighting, these are a few places that will give you your best chance of viewing leopards in the wild:

Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa

Long-viewed as the epicentre of wildlife viewing in Southern Africa, a recent camera-trap survey by the Panthera Organisation firmly established this iconic reserve as containing the densest leopard population yet recorded on the African continent.
With a high availability of natural prey species and perfect habitat in which to hunt and raise cubs, the area boasts leopard numbers that around 12 per hundred square kilometres in the centre of the park.


A number of world-class lodges like Londolozi, Singita and Mala Mala have decades of experience showing guests the wonders of the area, and in particular the leopards. Experienced rangers are well versed in the habits and territorial movements of the resident individuals, and so it is in the Sabi Sands that we feel you have THE best chance of viewing leopards in the wild.

South Luangwa, Zambia

Although not as lauded as other contemporary reserves, the South Luangwa National Park has in fact been providing phenomenal game viewing for years. With the Luangwa River delivering a much-needed source of water during the dry season, the area is able to sustain healthy general game populations, and it is these antelope species  – particularly puku and impala – that the local leopard population favours.

Riparian vegetation along the river and its many tributaries provides the perfect habitat for the leopards to slink through, and large evergreen trees provide safe refuges in which to hoist kills to keep them out of reach of hyenas.

Serengeti, Tanzania

Whilst better known for boasting the largest populations of lions and cheetahs in Africa, the Serengeti/Masai Mara ecosystem in East Africa has no shortage of leopards. Although sightings won’t be quite as regular as in other reserves, it is the setting here that creates the appeal around leopard viewing.


Wide open spaces, unimpeded Acacia woodland; wherever you see a leopard – and in particular photograph it – you are likely to get the sense of space that the greater habitat brings. Vistas like you can’t believe, with the seemingly endless plains of Africa stretched out around you. If you happen to be there during the migration, you will also have the background accompaniment of a million snorting wildebeest throughout the day.
Leopard or no leopard though, the East African grasslands are a wildlife experience like no other.

Laikipia, Kenya

Our final recommended leopard-viewing destination is not what one would normally expect to be included in a list like this.
In fact until recently, it wasn’t really on the international radar as a place to see these beautiful cats.
But over the last couple of years, one or two leopards in particular in a small area called Laikipia in central Kenya, have captured the broader imagination of the safari community.
These are the mythical black leopards.

Photographer: Will Burard-Lucas

A rare recessive gene that codes for an excess of melanin – a dark pigment – results in an animal that is much darker than a normal individual. This is the black panther of legend. Black panthers can be any big cat from the Panthera genus – although they are essentially either leopards or jaguars – and contrary to popular belief they are not all black. One can still see the rosettes in their coats if you look closely.
A few individuals have been born recently in the Laikipia district, and although most of them are skittish and very hard to find, one or two individuals that inhabit the area near Laikipia Wilderness Camp have become accustomed to the presence of game drive vehicles, and spectacular photos like the above one by Will Burrard-Lucas are now possible.

Even without the viewing of this most special of leopards, Laikipia is a spectacular area to safari with its high number of unique species.

Leopards capture the idea of safari beautifully. They are on many safari-goers’ bucket lists, but many visitors to Africa entertain little hope of actually seeing them.

If they are an animal which you really to want to see though, we have a number of lodges we recommend highly to give you your best chance.

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

 

The Outpost: Perched on the Rim of the World

Posted on by James

The northern corner of the world-famous Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most breathtaking areas. Elephant herds wander through ageless fever tree forests, hundreds of buffalo spread like oil across the Limpopo floodplain, and through it all runs the Luvhuvu River, the lifeblood of the region.

Perched on a hill high above the Luvhuvu riverbed, with indescribable views of the African bushveld, sits The Outpost, your gateway into one of the most biodiverse regions in Southern Africa.

The Outpost operates within the 26 500ha Makuleke concession, a unique partnership in the Kruger Park in that the land is owned by the Makuleke people, and the lodges within the concession are staffed almost exclusively by the tribe.
Warm smiles greet visitors to this spectacular corner of Africa (which boasts over 80% of the Kruger National Park’s biodiversity), and guests can explore the bush through guided drives conducted by experienced rangers, or – even better – through immersive bush walks. This is truly the best way to experience the magic of the African wild, as one can get a far greater appreciation for the minutiae of the wilderness by fully grounding oneself on foot.

The Outpost accommodates 24 guests in 12 open plan, en-suite luxury spaces cantilevered on a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River. The private, free standing spaces are inter-connected to each other and the central lodge area by 500 metres of Zimbabwean teak walkway. Contemporary architecture makes use of concrete and steel with state-of the-art retractable, remote-controlled screens offering 180º of uninterrupted views.

Ultimately, at The Outpost you are looking at the top lodge in the most spectacular region of South Africa’s most famous national park. The combination is ideal for almost anyone and everyone, from the adventurous to the birders, the walkers or the romantic honeymooners.

There is no one who won’t feel utterly enchanted both with this unique section of South Africa’s greatest wilderness, and this stunning hilltop lodge within it.

Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your safari…

Thanksgiving With the Iconic Africa Foundation

Posted on by Terri

Seeing is just the start.

Iconic Africa creates exclusive luxury African safari and adventure holidays for couples and families alike, in both Southern and East Africa.

Our gorgeous destinations, all handpicked and visited by Iconic directors Terri and John, include: the sophistication of Cape Town, the glorious wine lands of the Franschoek Valley, the bustling Atlantic coastal retreat of Hermanus, the most stylish safaris of the Kruger National Park and adjoining private reserves, the emerald mosaic and epic wildlife of the Okavango Delta and Selinda Game Reserve, the adventure and majesty of the Victoria Falls, the last tropical island refuges floating in the cobalt blue of Mozambique’s Indian Ocean and the urban fascination and history of Johannesburg, the economic hub of Africa.

Iconic Africa regards the continent as a symbol of uBuntu; of how people are because of each other, of how we can be the best versions of ourselves no matter what our background, ethnicity, country of origin or economic status.

Since Iconic Africa launched in 2014, the goal of founders Terri Abadi and John Holley has been to share the wonders of the African continent with visitors who could appreciate and luxuriate in the awe-inspiring surroundings.

And, now, the time is right to launch Iconic Africa Foundation, so that guests become contributors – giving back to wildlife, conservation efforts, and Africa’s people.

The Iconic Africa Foundation provides the chance for visitors to Africa to make an impact through their safari.
Instead of simply viewing the stunning vistas and lush landscapes, guests of Iconic Africa will be making a contribution towards the protection of the wildlife, the land and her people, all of which enrich the travel experience exponentially.
Iconic Africa will be committing a percentage of each safari to wilderness conservation and the investment in community upliftment projects throughout Africa.
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 great wilderness areas and the rural communities who live alongside them.

Late November in the United States is a time for giving thanks for our gifts. What more perfect time to honour Africa as one of the great gifts the world has to offer?
The Iconic Africa Foundation will help ensure that the continent’s incredible natural history will be preserved for posterity.

We have seen the leopards lounging in long grasses, a sight we want to help ensure that our grandchildren will see.

We have watched stately elephants march down to the Sand River to get a sprinkling of fresh water, a procession we know you will find inspiring.

We have heard lions roaring around camp throughout the night and we can imagine the expressions on your faces bathed in the campfire light as you experience the same.

We have laid down after a day on safari, gazing into the starry sky, connecting with the world around us, and we want you to feel connected, too.

Iconic Africa’s founders have spent decades exploring our enchanted continent, and we have used this first-hand knowledge to put together our most loved and splendid African adventures.

Now through the Iconic Africa Foundation we aim to play our part in ensuring that generations to come can connect with these same life-changing experiences we have had.

The timing is prefect this Thanksgiving to launch the Iconic Africa Foundation to give back to Africa and its heritage…

Conserve – the innate beauty and wildness of Africa.

Preserve – memories you make in this timeless landscape.

Reserve – your trip with Iconic Africa.

Zambezi Grande: The Perfect River Escape

Posted on by James

Different wildlife areas in Africa come into their own seasons of popularity over the years. There always seems to be “the hottest new destination around”, and it is difficult for a single lodge to remain in the forefront of people’s minds for year after year.

Well the star of the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounds in Zambia seems to be shining brighter and brighter each and every year. It has been on the rise for a while now, and set right on the banks of this amazing wilderness area, in a prime location to take full advantage of what the unique landscape has to offer, one finds Zambezi Grande.

Opened in October 2017, Zambezi Grande Private Game Experience is situated on a prime sector of the Zambezi River front, offering visitors an unforgettable personal retreat, with all the sumptuous indulgences a discerning guest would appreciate. The honk of the local hippo pod will be your wake-up call in the morning, the call of the African Fish Eagle high above will sound throughout the day, and the roar of a lion will add to the nighttime symphony as you sit around the campfire, watching the glow of the fading light reflecting off the gently flowing Zambezi River in front of you.

Bringing the heart and soul of the magical Zambezi into one place, the décor of the lodge is a mix of contemporary design and truly authentic African feel. Reflecting the serenity of its surrounds with neutral colours representing life, renewal, nature, and energy, there is an almost seamless transition between the wilds and the lodge itself. With a seamless open-plan, guests can enjoy the majestic views of the river from all areas of the lodge, and as such be exposed to all the activities by of the local wildlife, be it river-borne or strolling past on the bank.

Since welcoming their first guests in October 2017, the lodge has truly encapsulated the vivid environment they call home. Whether relaxing on the pool deck, enjoying a sundowner cruise on the river, or unwinding on the terrace watching the wildlife passing by, there are so many ways to soak in this enchanted corner of Africa.

Zambezi Grande Private Game Experience neighbours the Lower Zambezi National Park, a bountiful 4,092 square kilometres of rich birdlife, indigenous flora and untamed wildlife. Packs of the rare African Wild Dog roam the winterthorn forests, leopards slink from grove to grove, and the elephants are particularly plentiful, flocking down to the river in great numbers at the end of the dry season to feast on Ana tree pods and quench their thirst from the waters of the Zambezi.

The game viewing along this section of the Zambezi Valley is simply out of this world, and the local guides of Zambezi Grande are well-trained to both find and interpret the high-profile sightings that guests seek,

A variety of habitats ranging from forest to open plains, thick bush to palm groves, complement the safari experience here, and guests will never feel like they are on the same excursion twice, be it a fishing trip, a game drive or a bush walk.

Zambezi Grande features five Superior Suites, each with an exclusive veranda on the banks of the Zambezi River. King size beds allow one to wallow in unspeakably comfortable opulence during the hours of slumber, and the river-facing outdoor shower allows you to refresh yourself whilst feeling completely in tune with the African wilds.

Five Luxury rooms offer their own intimate Zambezi Grande experience, being only slightly smaller than the Superior Suites, but being perfect for a family option, having inter-connecting rooms available.

Zambezi Grande offers guests the perfect way to immerse themselves in this unique corner of the world. Ultimate comfort, a superior game viewing experience, and a prime position that lets you switch off from all the trappings of the fast-paced modern world, make this lodge a must-do if Zambia’s safari scene is something on your bucket list.

Serondella: at Home in the African Bush

Posted on by James

It’s rare to find a lodge where every luxurious comfort is available to you, yet you feel as completely at ease as though it were your own home. That is the overwhelming feeling you get when staying at Serondella Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve.
It’s the heart of Big 5 country – which is probably completely unlike home – but warm smiles greet you whichever way you turn, all your needs are more than met, and the relaxed atmosphere of the place somehow makes it feel as though you’ve been there for years.

And the game-viewing!

The Thornybush Reserve in which Serondella is situated borders on the world-famous Kruger Park, so there is no shortage of wildlife. Elephants rumble past the lodge at all hours of the day, the roar of a lion is an almost constant serenade from dusk until dawn, and all manner of other creatures abound in this diverse landscape of over 14000 ha.

Open-topped safari vehicles offer visitors an almost unrivalled wildlife-experience, as the animals in the reserve have become completely accustomed to their presence, and go about their business as if the vehicles were not even there.

Serondella is an intimate lodge, providing two private suites and two family suites with lounges, viewing decks & plunge pools. Each suite is air-conditioned and has WiFi, and a convenient Nespresso machine in each will provide you with that early morning caffeine boost needed when the alarm goes off for the dawn game drive.

The lodge is all about families, and the family suites emphasise comfort and convenience for both parents and children. Two bedrooms, a shared living area, a private kitchen, an outside deck, and a plunge pool offer a place for loved ones to feel at home together.

A rim-flow pool sunk into the main viewing deck provides the perfect place from which to view the wildlife drinking at the busy waterhole below camp, whilst a boma and fire pit with their attending bar allow one to enjoy dinner and drinks under the stars, weather-permitting of course…

Willem’s Den is another accommodation option; a self-contained suite for larger families offering space, privacy, and comfort with three bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, lounge, private garden, verandah, boma and plunge pool. This is the perfect place to accommodate different generations in a home-like environment.

Serondella is the perfect lodge for smaller groups or a family on safari.

Get in touch through justin@iconicafrica.com or terri@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your safari…

Saseka: Jewel in the Thornybush Crown

Posted on by James

Saseka Tented Camp is currently running a flash SADC sale not to be missed! 

Location, location, location!

The go-to phrase of any knowledgable real-estate developer. Where something is built is just as important as the building itself.
Fortunately, in the case of the Thornybush collection of lodges, they have Location taken care of!

The Thornybush Private Game Reserve is set in Big 5 Heaven in South Africa’s Lowveld, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The northern reaches of the Drakensberg mountains lie to the west and are silhouetted at sunset each evening, and all around you the bush is teeming with wildlife.
Saseka Tented Camp – which the Thornybush Collection themselves feel is like the jewel in their crown – is perched overlooking a picturesque riverbed, underneath the shade of ancient riparian trees that for decades have provided refuge for an untold number of animals from the hot African sun for decades.

Saseka is the local word for “beautiful”, and a more appropriate name could not have been chose for this elegantly laid out camp that merges perfectly with the contours of the surrounding bush and the dappled light cast upon it.
Nine luxurious tented suites with stylish interiors, sweeping decks, private pools and uninterrupted views of the seasonal Monwana riverbed provide luxurious oases where guests can savour the joys of the wilderness in comfort.

The wildlife experience of the Thornybush Reserve is one of the best in Africa. Multiple lion prides call this part of the world their home, the resident leopards slink through the undergrowth and are encountered regularly. Elephants march sedately along the riverbed below the camp and birdsong is a constant ambience during the day, whether you are lounging on deck or out on safari.

With the unbeatable SADC special running until mid-December, this is the time to be getting there.

Get in touch with justin@iconicafrica.com or terri@iconicafrica.com for rates and availability, and let’s start planning your safari…

Kanga Camp: the Home of the Armchair Safari

Posted on by James

Most safari lodges have you feeling like you should be out and about, exploring the area, wondering what might be going on around the next bend in the road.
But Kanga Camp, set on a private concession in Mana Pools National Park of Zimbabwe, offers such prolific wildlife viewing from the comfort of an armchair on the camp deck, the only place you’ll feel you need to go is to the charging station to replace your camera battery.

Kanga is a seasonal camp, open between the months of April and November. The wet season when it is closed features surface water everywhere, which means animals aren’t drawn to the Kanga Pan itself, which during the dry months is essentially the only standing water for miles in any direction.
Elephants in particular are an almost constant procession to the valuable drinking water of the pan (the Zambezi River itself is almost 20 kilometres away), and there are few places on earth that you will be able to get as close to these magnificent creatures, at eye level.

Kanga Pan is a photographer’s paradise in particular. The unique, close-up angles you can get of all manner of wildlife coming down to drink at all hours of the day means that both that long lens and wide-angle will get their fair share of use. Meal-times are regularly punctuated by the rumble of breeding elephant herds only a few feet away, and the nocturnal roar of the local lion coalitions forms the most authentic African serenade you can have.

In line with African Bush Camp’s sustainability approach, the camp is solar-powered. It comprises six tents all raised on individual wooden platforms for an elevated view over the Pan and surrounding bush. The Meru-styled tents are elegantly styled, featuring floor-to-ceiling mesh windows that allow for refreshing air flow and make you feel completely immersed in nature, whilst keeping out any bugs that may be buzzing around (although there are very few to be found during the dry season).

All tents are replete with fans, en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet, outdoor shower, hot running water and a secluded veranda. Kanga also has a family tent which boasts a wraparound terrace facing the pan with private seating and dining areas. Children over seven years old are welcome at the camp, although waling safaris are restricted to kids over the age of 16. The camp plunge pool offers respite from the heat during the warm days at the beginning and end of the season.

It’s not all about out the Pan itself though. Experienced rangers take insightful game drives to explore the wider park, including trips down to the Zambezi River itself, which offers a completely different experience to the inland terrain around Kanga. The Ana tree forests of the Zambezi floodplain and the multitude of wildlife it attracts will leave you speechless.

All in all, Kanga offers the same dedication to hospitality that we’ve come to expect from the African Bush Camps portfolio. It is as comfortable as you could wish, the experience is unique, and in the context of a wildlife destination, especially in an area like Mana Pools, there isn’t a much higher accolade than that.

Little Chem Chem: Quintessential Safari in East Africa

Posted on by James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Tanda Tula Plains Camp: True Magic in the Timbavati

Posted on by James

“Tanda Tula” means to enjoy the quiet, and if there is a place where serenity lives, Tanda Tula Plains Camp is it.

With spectacular views of the northern reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains to the west, a spectacular open grassland in front of the camp, and wildlife in constant attendance, this is a place where you can disconnect from the rush of modern living and reconnect with yourself and loved ones.

The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is one of a contiguous series of wildlife areas that lie up against the western border of the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s – and indeed one of the world’s – most iconic. The lack of fences between the reserves allows for the free movement of wildlife, and the extended protected area is roughly 6 million hectares in size – larger than some small European countries!

Tanda Tula Safari Camp was previously the centrepiece of the Tanda Tula experience, but with an upgrade in progress to create a more ecologically sensitive camp with a lighter footprint in the wake of 2020 and 2021, Plains Camp has now arisen as the new hottest camp in the area.
With 6 luxury suites for up to 12 guests and 2 family suites which sleep 4 each, air-conditioners and fans in each room, as well as private plunge pools, the camp is well equipped to handle any weather conditions in any season.

Some of the Timbavati’s most experienced guides are based here, who are well versed in the natural history of the area, its cultural significance, wildlife photography, and pretty much anything related to the bush.

The best safari camps have a family feel to them, and Tanda Tula Plains Camp falls firmly into this category. As soon as you arrive you feel as if you are returning to a place that is completely familiar, whether you’ve actually been here or not. The welcoming smiles and warm demeanour of all who work here will make you incredibly sad to leave when that time eventually rolls around.

The Tanda Tula family has a passion for wildlife conservation, for the community of which they are a part, and for creating magical experiences. And a magical experience is what Tanda Tula is.

Game Drives are filled with some of the best wildlife in Southern Africa, and close encounters with the Big 5 almost come standard.

Plains Camp is about so much more than just the wildlife. It’s a true example of a lodge that has got it right. It is a place that understands that safari is about people – both guests and staff -just as much as it is about wildlife.

We are currently running specials to this wonderful little corner of Africa, so get in touch to find out more…

 

Khwai Bush Camp: Finest Botswana Authenticity

Posted on by James

The Okavango Delta ecosystem is far broader than many realise, stretching its tendrils way out to the east and south, before they eventually dry up in the sands of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.

Although it has long been the more centrally-placed concessions in the heart of the Delta that have hogged the limelight, of late those around the periphery have been developing a stellar reputation for game-viewing, but with a lower vehicle density than the more established spots.

Khwai Bush Camp is one such destination, situated to the east of the main Okavango Delta yet delivering just as much of a punch when it comes to its wildlife.

Majestic sable antelopes roam the woodlands here, the distinctive sawing of a leopard is heard far more often than not on evening game drives, and the ubiquitous elephant herds of northern Botswana are in almost constant attendance, particularly during the dry winter months when the Delta’s water levels are up and the game congregates around the river systems and permanent water sources.

Khwai Bush Camp comprises four standard chalets (with fireplace) and two family chalets, all en-suite. Watch the magic of Africa unfold from the sanctuary of your chalet’s cool, thatched interior or the veranda that overlooks the famed Moremi Game Reserve. Battery-charging facilities are available in each guest room as well as fans. The main lodge area also has charging points for your convenience. Enjoy languid afternoons at the sparkling poolside drinking in the serene floodplain surrounds. Share an aperitif around our lively fire circle before tucking into hearty, homespun fare at our family-style feasts. Activities include guided walking safaris, bird watching, river activities, and game drives spotting Africa’s iconic wildlife species – lion, cheetah, leopard, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and giraffe.

If it’s starry skies you are after, with the sound of a lion roaring in the distance (or close at hand), with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon at hand and a roaring fire close by, Khwai Bush Camp ticks all the boxes.
A true safari experience in the style now associated with African Bush Camps (of whose portfolio KBC is a part), this is one not to be missed, and with the specials we are currently running to some of the African Bush Camps’ portfolio, there’s no better time.

Get in touch to find out about rates and availability…

 

 

Azura Benguerra: Paradise Found

Posted on by James

Off the coast of Mozambique lies an archipelago that was surely designed in some make-the-perfect-tropical-getaway kit.

Crystal clear, still waters and extensive white sandbanks fringe the islands on their landward side, while from their eastern edges the warm Indian Ocean stretches away to the horizon. 

The Bazaruto archipelago has long been a place of romance and adventure, and on one of its larger islands, Benguerra, sits a lodge that is perfectly designed to wring every last bit of delight out of this special corner of the world.

Azura Benguerra is appropriately named – we doubt you will ever see a sea as blue as the one you will encounter here.

The days start early; as the sun rises above the ocean to the east, the gently lapping water is too tempting not to walk down into to wake you up in the most refreshing way possible.

Sheltered reefs brimming with tropical fish life wait for you to explore their nooks and crannies by snorkel, while for those looking for a proper underwater experience, the scuba diving in this part of the roof is second to none. Manta rays are often encountered and during the humpback whale migration over the second half of the year, these leviathans’ songs are a constant accompaniment underwater.

Days are spent lounging by the pool or exploring the islands interior, and for those who want to play a part in providing dinner, offshore fishing excursions are offered. Tuna, mackerel and dorado feature regularly on the menu, and fresh-caught sashimi may well be the order of the day.

Evening cocktails on the white sand beach (made up of millions of years of coral erosion) will have you watching a sunset so vividly exquisite, no photograph will do it justice.

Just 20 villas are nestled along a totally unspoilt stretch of beach. Open plan rooms flow so seamlessly with their exteriors that it can be hard to work out where the beach begins and your chalet ends.
This is the enchanting island escape you always imagined. Azura Benguerra, the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique, was hand-built by the local community and is operated in partnership with it.

Although to some international visitors Mozambique may seem like a little off the beaten track, the opposite is the case. Luxury island resorts are well-established on the coast here, and Benguerra in particular is readily accessible; a short flight from Johannesburg to Vilankulos and then a brief helicopter flip across the lagoon will have you there in the space of a morning. From the air you will gaze down over crystal clear waters with the local dhows plying their fishing trade, and if you are really lucky you might catch sight of the rare dugong – a marine mammal that has a stronghold in the Bazaruto archipelago.

Azura Benguerra is perfect for families looking for an exciting coastal adventure as well as couples who want a romantic escape. Its proximity to the prime safari areas of South Africa and its accessibility from the Kruger National Park airport make it an ideal option to tag on to the end of a bush getaway.

Get in touch to find out about the specials we are currently running for South African residents…

Safari in Summer: 5 Things to Know

Posted on by James

A major consideration about going on safari is what time of year to go. Is one season better than another? Is there a best time to visit?

The reality is that things simply change. There is no “best” time to visit the African Bush. It is simply a matter of what you want to see and the type of experience you want to have that should determine you visiting month.
Given that the Southern African summer is almost upon us, we thought we’d discuss five elements of the coming season that will help you prepare better, both in your mind from an expectation level, and in your packing so you don’t bring the wrong things.

Here then, are five key points to know:

It’s Probably Going to Be Warm

This may sound obvious, given that summer equals higher temperatures, but some parts of Africa can get very warm. This isn’t a problem when on safari; lodges shift their game drive and activity times to allow for the changing times of sunrise and rapidly climbing temperatures. The general approach is simply to do what the animals do; get active early while it’s still cool, rest up for the day in the shade (read: in the pool at the lodge with and ice cold G&T in hand) and then get active again in the late afternoon when things get comfortable once more.

Clothing-wise be sure to pack light clothes and most definitely a sun-hat. The sun is high by 8am and you’ll already be wanting to apply the suncream. And remember to drink lots of water.

It May Rain

Despite the heat (it’s not always hot, so don’t worry), summer is also the rainy season. For the most part rain in the Southern African bush falls as spectacular showers that build up in the afternoon, unleash briefly, ands then subside again into a spectacular sunset punctuated with a rainbow and everything looking washed clean and revitalised.
A rain jacket is most certainly a good idea when visiting the bush between October and March. Most lodges will provide ponchos for game drives but bring your own rainwear just in case. It’s usually warm rain at this time of year but you may get a day or two with some extended clouds and showers, so have a warm under-layer just in case.
And remember to take any rainstorm or adverse weather in your stride and treat it with a sense of humour; the bush can be at its most spectacular when the challenging conditions arrive.

It’ll be Green

Water is life, and the plants reflect this, flushing into the most beautiful verdant foliage over the summer. Photographs are vibrant and life seems to be everywhere. Many birds nest during this time of year, migrant species come south to take advantage of the plentiful food, and one can fill an entire game drive of four overs covering only four hundred metres of road, so much is there to see. Impala lambs and wildebeest calves are being born, as well as warthog piglets and monkey infants around the camps, and everywhere you look you feel the sense of reawakening that the rains bring.
The bush is a bit thicker during this time of year though so predators can be harder to spot, but the landscape is at its most beautiful.

Days are Significantly Longer

Bring a book. Or at least be prepared for some downtime. A mentioned in point 1 above, summer days mean an earlier return to camp in order to avoid the heat, as well as a later departure in the afternoon, so you will be able to spend some lovely relaxing time back in camp, swimming in the pool or lounging on your deck or catching up on some of the sleep you missed having woken at 05:00 to be on game drive. Summer in the bush is when you really feel like your on holiday, as that three hour nap which is so hard to come by is just begging you to take it between game drives.

The Bugs aren’t Bad

Many people fear the insect life in summer (a lot of the smaller things come out with the rain), but truth be told, there aren’t that many to worry about. Occasionally a combination of heat and rainfall brings about a termite emergence and there may be quite a few of them buzzing around, but in actual fact this is one of the bush’s most spectacular events. Everything benefits from the termites swarming; eagles, frogs, jackals, leopards… you name it. The feast of protein on offer doesn’t go to waste, and spending time at a colony pouring out its dispersers is a sight to behold.

For many die-hard safari-goers, summer is the time to visit the bush. It is less predictable than winter, but that is the appeal. The lucky dip of life and conditions gives this time of year its own unique X-factor, and we at Iconic can’t recommend a summer visit highly enough.

Get in touch to find out more…