Tag: Iconic Africa

Lion Sands Tinga: Private Kruger Park

Posted on by James

Lion Sands Tinga is nestled on the banks of the Sabie River,  one of the Kruger Park’s most iconic. The softly burbling water flows under enormous jackalberry and fig trees, and provides some of the most scenic game-viewing habitat imaginable. In winter when water resources are scarce, everything has to drink at the river, so a slow meander along the riparian roads will reveal a myriad of delights.

The lodge consists of nine suites as well as the exclusive two-bedroom Hinkwenu Residence.
Each room, blending vintage style with modern luxury, provides stunning views that make you feel as if the outside reserve is simply an extension of your living quarters, ensuring an intimate connection with Africa’s beauty.

The suites are joined by elevated wooden pathways that wind their way through the lodge, also connecting the spa and main lodge area, where a bar lounge, pool, and boma also feature. Here, you can share a delicious glass of some of South Africa’s finest wines, refelct on the day’s sightings, or simply relax in a quiet moment alone, with only the background ambience of the birds as your company.
The suites all feature their own private plunge pool and deck, providing a personal sanctuary where you can bathe in opulence, spend your time bird watching or check on the hippos in the river below.

The Lion Sands Game Reserve is essentially a combination between their Kruger National Park concession where Tinga is found, and their property in the world-famous Sabi Sands; one of the best places in the world to see leopards. Vehicles are allowed to traverse both sections, ensuring full access to the bast sightings.

Lion Sands Tinga Lodge has tailor-made experiences for children aged 6 to 11, so the lodge ensures that every member of the family has the freedom to explore and have fun.
A dedicated playroom, coordinated by a qualified activity leader, offers a range of engaging activities from sports and crafts to baking sessions with the chef. Family game drives, bush orientation, dung tracking, spoor casting, and nature scavenger hunts are just a few of the adventures that families can enjoy together, making every day a new discovery.

 

Safari experiences are of course the central reason why people visit, and Lion Sands boasts some of the best. Game drives depart the lodge at dawn and then again in mid-afternoon, facilitated by experienced field guides. These drives aim to capture the essence of an African safari as you go in search of the Big Five. Feel how your senses swiftly become attuned to the slightest rustle in the bush. Walking safaris are another great way to explore the landscape; most are conducted after breakfast, as you set out on foot to enjoy a true bush immersion, with your guide and tracker interpreting event eh faintest signs for you.

If it’s more of a relaxation or a spiritual experience that you are after, the our spa provides treatments featuring Africology products, ethically sourced and inspired by traditional African healing practices.
Additionally, for those dreaming of sleeping under the star-laden African sky, Lion Sands offers optional treehouse sleep-outs, which provide an unforgettable night surrounded by the sounds of the wild (activity is at an additional cost).

 

Between 4 January and 19 December 2025 & 2026, Lion Sands is offering incredible specials.

Pay for 3, Stay for 4, as well as a 50% rate for Honeymooners.

If you are after amazing game viewing, superb opulence and some of the most scenic terrain in the whole of the Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Tinga might be just what you’re looking for.

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

 

Chitabe Reimagined

Posted on by James

For almost thirty years, Wilderness Chitabe has earned a reputation as one of the Okavango Delta’s most incredible safari destinations. Set on a wildlife-rich peninsula in the eastern sector of this tranquil eden, its diverse landscapes and patchwork of habitats draw an unparalleled abundance of game year-round. But beyond the remarkable sightings, Chitabe is a place where guests feel at home – a camp shaped by a team whose deep-rooted connection creates a rare and timeless magic.
And now, with a fresh, sustainable design, rebuilt Chitabe remains true to its roots while embracing the future.

Chitabe’s impressive mix of micro-ecosystems makes it one of Botswana’s most rewarding wildlife destinations. The convergence of the Gomoti and Santantadibe channels create almost an island, which supports a rich, year-round game viewing paradise. Here, prides of lions, packs of wild dogs, and the Okavango’s most consistent and viewable cheetah population hunt the plains. There have also been no fewer than 50 leopards recorded at Chitabe.

The Chitabe guest suites offer a blend of comfort and design, perfectly suited to the temperature swings of the Delta (summer can get very hot, winter nights can see the temperature drop to sub-zero).
Crafted to enhance the experience, the suites feature insulated canvas walls and roofs, creating an environment that maintains a light, airy feel. Spacious high ceilings, large insect-proof mesh openings, and private shaded decks open to horizon-wide views of the Delta.

The eight spacious luxury safari-style tents at are built on elevated wooden decks amongst the stunning trees of the Okavango.
Each tent has en-suite facilities that include an indoor and outdoor shower, mosquito nets, standing fans and double sliding doors opening to the shady deck with comfortable seating – a perfect breakfast nook from which to soak up the bush.
Elevated walkways connect the tents to the central camp facilities made up of a thatched raised dining and lounge area leading onto open decking with views across the waterways and floodplains. There is an evening campfire, a small curio shop and a plunge pool providing a cool sanctuary for those warm hours. Or nestle yourself in the library with a view and read a little more about the wildlife and natural history of the area; although the staff, rangers and trackers of Chitabe Camp would be more than happy to tell you all about as well.

Supreme opulence and some of the most consistent wild dog viewing in the Okavango (the local pack dens on the concession almost every year) have ensured a high level of repeat business at Chitabe. Guests fall in love and don’t want to go anywhere else.

If this sounds like the place for you, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your Okavango itinerary…

Best Malaria-Free Safaris

Posted on by James
The risks of malaria are lower than they’ve ever been for safari travellers, what with the advancements in prophylactics, the ubiquity of mosquito repellants, mosquito nets and other preventative measures. The fact that it is still out there however, can be a deterrent for some travellers, especially pregnant women or families with young children.
Thankfully, there are some wonderful options for safari in malaria-free areas where the game viewing is plentiful, the accommodation is luxurious, and the safari experience is as good as you’ll find it anywhere on the continent.
Here are four of our favourite malaria-free destinations:

Kwandwe Game Reserve

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Renowned for quality guiding, authentic and diverse experiences, and the thousands of animals and wildlife that call the reserve home, Kwandwe offers a range of meaningful activities and accommodation options to create lifelong memories.

With only 26 rooms spread across the succulent-studded landscape, Kwandwe has one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa. With both intimate, tranquil lodges and exclusive-use villas, there’s an option to suit families, couples, groups of friends and solo travellers.

Couples can enjoy the tranquility that Great Fish River Lodge and Ecca Lodge offer, where stand-alone suites are privately located away from each other as well as central guest areas.

Families of up to four will love the flexibility that a Family Suite at Ecca Lodge offers, complete with a private safari vehicle.

Kwandwe’s three sole-use safari villas – Fort House, Uplands Homestead and Melton Manor – are ideal for families or small groups of friends looking to enjoy an entirely intimate and exclusive safari experience.

Tswalu Private Reserve

Northern Cape, South Africa

Tswalu is the largest private reserve in South Africa, covering 1200 square kilometres (over 460 square miles). Located on the edge of the southern Kalahari, this vast and remote reserve is a destination in itself, offering the only safari of its kind in an ecologically significant and unique landscape rich in biodiversity.  Their luxury safari camps provide the backdrop to privately guided encounters with diverse wildlife in one of Africa’s last remaining semi-arid wildernesses.

Tswalu’s story is one of restoration, regeneration and hope. Protecting biodiversity and securing habitat for wildlife to thrive has been at the core of this ambitious conservation project for over 25 years. Our mission has always been to restore the Kalahari to itself. Every night a guest spends with them helps to offset the cost of conservation in a privately protected area while positively impacting those who call the Kalahari home.

Madikwe Private Game Reserve

Norhtern Cape, South Africa

Situated on the border with Botswana close to the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa. As one of the lesser-known reserves, this hidden gem is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers visitors a Big 5 safari experience over 750km².

Roughly a 4.5 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Madikwe offers a number of luxurious lodges as well as community lodges in a malaria- free zone.

The Big 5 are represented in the reserve and you are likely to spot lion, leopard, elephant, rhino or buffalo. During your visit you will also have the rare privilege of possibly seeing highly endangered African wild dog.

In 1994, a small group of six wild dogs were introduced into Madikwe. This founding group has seen a challenging time with rabies outbreaks, territorial clashes and encounters with lions.

Despite the odds, Madikwe now has a thriving wild dog population with three hunting packs roaming the area. They are somewhat accustomed to safari vehicles, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. Madikwe Game Reserve’s conservation efforts to protect the ‘painted dog’ are in place to help conserve this majestic species.

Marataba

Limpopo Province, South Africa

Prepare to be enriched by the sweeping Waterberg Mountain vistas and impressive wildlife diversity, including the Big Five with special sightings of rhino, our signature species.

Maratab’s two luxury lodges cater to both soulful explorations and active family safaris. With game drives, bush walks and a water safari, you’ll get closer to nature than ever before, and our people will take care of your every need.

Game drives, in open safari vehicles, head out each day at sunrise and again in the late afternoon to find Marakele’s many fascinating animals. Get within close range of Africa’s most impressive species, with some surprise stops along the way.

If you have a love for nature, history and culture, you’ll feel right at home at Marataba. Our special retreat lies within a private section of the Marakele Contractual National Park – meaning ‘Place of Sanctuary’ in the local Setswana language – which protects abundant wildlife, San rock art and Iron Age sites. The park itself falls within the greater UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and is the only savannah biosphere in the world. You’re literally staying in a piece of profound natural and historical importance – we told you it was special!

This is just a small insight into some of our favourite malaria-free destinations, but there are plenty more to choose from, and not just in South Africa.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com if you are looking for a malaria-free safari, as we can tailor-make the perfect itinerary for you.

How to Get the Shot in Wildlife Photography

Posted on by James

Wildlife photography is frustrating at the best of times. You might be looking away when an animal suddenly moves, the weather might not be playing ball, or a fly might be buzzing around your head and annoying you as your eye eches from looking through the view finder, waiting for that opportune moment to push the shutter button.
But the frustration is what results in the reward. When you nail the shot, you get a sense of elation akin to completing your first marathon or your favourite sports team winning!

Anticipation is a crucial element in wildlife photography, involving predicting and preparing for an animal’s next move or behaviour.. This skill requires understanding animal behaviour patterns, observing subtle cues, and setting your camera to be ready for those fleeting moments. By anticipating what an animal might do, you can be in the right place at the right time to capture that shot you dreamed of!

We understand that for first-time safari-goers, a familiarity with the animals might be lacking; this is why it is so important to bring your guide into the loop. Telling him or her about exactly what type of shot you have envisioned will go a long way towards helping them anticipate your needs, as well as the animals’ behaviour.

 

The more time you spend observing animals in their natural habitat, the better you’ll become at anticipating what they’ll do next.

We thought we’d run through a couple of images and describe what happened, and how we positioned – or at least got ready for – the shot.

Lion Crossing Water, Duba Plains, Botswana.

Duba Plains is right up north in the Okavango Delta, and as such has quite a bit of water year-round. The lions there are adapted to criss-crossing the various channels, particularly in the months of the annual inundation. They know the shallowest crossing points well, and fortunately these often coincide with the best vehicle crossing spots.
In this sighting, another lioness (the one in the photo’s sister), had killed a large warthog the day before, and the photographed individual was responding to her roars, as they were looking to reunite.
Knowing the direction the lioness would (most likely) take, we crossed a small channel and waited for her on the opposite side of the shallow section. Zooming out slightly to allow for her reflection, our hearts were in our mouths as she approached.
Fortunately, she crossed exactly where we had anticipated, and the above shot was the result.
Falling Impala, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
A female leopard had killed and hoisted a young impala, and led her two cubs back to it early one morning. A large part of a young leopard’s learning is in pretending to kill an animal its mother has already brought down, and when one of the cubs began roughly moving the impala carcass in the fork of the tree, we anticipated her dropping it and it falling to the ground>
Justy like in the lion photo, we zoomed out slightly to allow some space for the impala to fall into if it happened, and as the kill began to slip,, we were ready with our fingers on shutter buttons and high frame rates set.
The second cub below was unprepared for the kill almost dropping straight onto it!

Leopard Cubs Playing, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa

This was actually from the same sighting as the falling impala above, but from when the mother was leading her cubs to the kill.
Having seen how boisterous the young leopards were being, we had our ISOs cranked up high on our cameras to make sure we were getting high enough shutter speeds in the low light conditions (the sun was still low and the leopards were moving through shade).
Mother leopards will often prefer to lead their cubs through thicker vegetation so that they remain concealed; any gaps or roads to be crossed become like gold to a photographer in a sighting like that, as you have a brief few moments without vegetation in the way.
In this instance, with our camera settings already dialled in, we anticipated the spot where the mother leopard would reach the road with her cubs and waited there.
We were lucky as the continual games of pounce-and-chase from the young leoaprds reached a creescendo just as they got to the road, and the above photo was the result.

Hyena Dragging Impala, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa

During the rut, impala males will lock horns, sometimes fighting to the death, and their battles are often to the complete exclusion of any kind of self-preservation. Lowered awareness and a complete focus on the fight at hand makes them vulnerable, and this female hyena had brought down this rutting male impala, devouring half of it with a clan-mate.

After eating her fill, she picked up the remains and started to drag them down the road. We know there was a den not too far away, and we presumed she was going to take the meat back to her growing cubs.
It was still early morning and the light was not good, so we decided to roll the dice and capture a shot that emphasised the movement of the hyena. With low ISOs and slow shutter speeds ready, we parked next to the road ahead of where the hyena was dragging at pace, and as she passed us we panned with her, shooting continuously, and the above shot is the result. The slight blur in the background implies a sense of urgency in the hyena’s movement and tells a far better story than a simple freeze-frame.

If wildlife hobby is your passion or something you’d like to get into, feel free to get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com with any questions you might have.

If you have any requests for subjects of future photographic posts, let us know!

Daunara Safari Special

Posted on by James

Pay for 3 nights, stay for 4.

That’s a good deal no matter where you’re talking about, but in the Okavango Delta, it sounds almost too good to be true.

Daunara Safari Camp, one of the newest offerings in the Delta, is running this incredible special for 2025, but with enquiries already starting to flood in, we would advise not to wait if a trip to Botswana’s own version of Eden is something you’d be interested in.

This lovely camp is in the south-east of the Delta, a short scenic helicopter flight from Maun, which is a pioneering safari town in the north of Botswana on the edge of the Thamalakane River.
The Camp is perched on the edge of a permanent water body, perfectly situated for days full of adventure and activity or for you to take time to escape from the world and reconnect with life as it ought to be lived.

At Daunara, your days are tailor-made, from the staff’s heartfelt hospitality to the camp’s thoughtful design, your stay is a constant adventure in nature with walking, fishing, game drives, community visits, mekoro (plural of mokoro – the traditional dugout canoe of the Okavango) and so much more. All in your own time at your own pace, with guides who immerse you in the heart of the Delta experience.

They want you to experience a welcome so warm in a home so comfortable that you don’t want to leave. And it works!

The camp comprises five spacious tented suites, each offering panoramic views of the wild. The layout, dictated by the positioning of prominent trees, allows for both privacy and shared communal experiences, with three standalone suites and two interconnected family suites.

A raised wooden walkway, mirroring the winding Delta waterways, connects the tents, ensuring guests remain immersed in the natural environment as they move about the camp. The central camp area includes a family-friendly house kitchen, an intimate sitting room, a fully stocked bar, and a stand-alone wine cellar, alongside outdoor spaces like shaded verandas, a sunken firepit, and a  lap pool.

Other noteworthy features include a state-of-the-art gym and a massage tent overlooking a second waterhole often frequented by huge zebra herds.

The boma, a modern reinterpretation of a traditional African outdoor gathering space, is a standout feature consisting of three interconnected separate circular forms for dining, lounging, and outdoor cooking, all centered around an enormous fire bowl. This playful yet functional design offers a unique guest experience.

For those looking to attach something out of the ordinary and extra special to their trip, a visit to Elephant Havens, a nearby elephant orphanage, is a must.
The orphanage has a herd of young calves that have been rescued from the wild, and in the fully immersive experience, guests get to help the caretakers feed the little ones as well as give them milk during their twice-daily walks out in the bush.

It’s a unique and magical way to get up close to these magical creatures!

Owner-run, Danaura provides the attention to detail that Iconic Africa looks for in the high-end camps we like to send our guests to, and with this current special running, there’s not better time for a visit.

Get hold of one of our agents through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your trip…

GweGwe Beach Lodge: the Wildest Coast

Posted on by James

If your idea of paradise involves unspoiled landscapes, pristine coastlines, and a symphony of nature’s wonders, then pack your bags and set your compass to GweGwe Beach Lodge in the Mkambati Nature Reserve. A hidden gem along South Africa’s Wild Coast, this is where luxury and adventure merge into an amazing fusion of beach activities and opulent lodge. There are not many places in the world you can watch wildlife on land and offshore at the same time.

You’ll feel miles from civilisation, yet have comforts like as wood-burning fires and South Africa’s top wines waiting after a day of epic adventures like paddleboarding to hidden waterfalls and rock scrambling through gorges.

The main lounge has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a roaring fire illuminates a huge mural representing a timeline of the area from the last hundred millenia. The ambient sound is the constant wash of waves on the shoreline. Whales breach out in the bay and dolphins explore close to the backline of the breakers. Guests gather for an evening under the stars as the sun dips slowly down in the west.

GweGwe Lodge is the ultimate combination of wilderness and luxury. Activities are almost endless: swim, hike, cycle, snorkel, kayak, SUP, spa, hot tub, game watch. It will be almost impossible to fit it all in during your stay.

Nine spacious rooms all have front-row views of the ocean. Rooms are so close to the water you can feel the mist of waves as you sit reading in your hammock. At low tide, one can walk a few hundred feet down to the tide pools.

The reed-like ceiling, sea foam green and turquoise bedding, and rammed earth-inspired walls channel a chic beach retreat. The shower heads in both the indoor and outdoor shower areas provide a truly luxurious shower. Rooms one and two are closest to the main lodge and access to the beach, but the others aren’t farther than a 10-minute walk from the pristine sands.

 

The lodge has an impressive wine cellar exclusively devoted to local vineyards. Meals are wonderfully varied; one lunch might be a picnic of grilled chicken wraps and beef skewers, the nexxt a buffet of  mini grilled sliders, roasted pumpkin and avocado salad, and pizzas cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven (a hit with kids). Teatime is full of delicacies but more often than not you’ll find yourself out on some adventure or another. Dinners on outdoor tables facing the ocean are superb (weather permitting). Rooms are well stocked with drinks and snacks, and it’s a simple matter to get a bottle of wine sent down..

Mkambati is an unspoiled natural wonderland of diverse ecosystems ranging from coastal forests and grasslands to mangroves. It’s found in the heart of the Maputaland-Pondoland region, one of South Africa’s three biodiversity hotspots. Because there is no dangerous game in the reserve, guests can hike, trail run or mountain bike without a guide and spot zebra or eland grazing. The reserve fronts a marine protected area world-renowned for its sardine run each June and July, and the surrounding beaches are riddled with tidal pools full of weird and fascinating sea creatures. The waterfalls are some of the most dramatic on the planet – some of them flow right into the sea – and adventurous guests can explore them up close via a kayak or paddleboard.

The ecosystem is so tailor-made for exploration that jumping in a vehicle is almost the last thing guests will want to do.
The excellent guides are wonderful at encouraging all manner of activities that involve self-locomotion, like kayaking, snorkelling or nature walks, and for those who seek a bit of additional fitness after or between activities, there is a fantastic gym on site.

For couples, those who seek adventure or families with kids who like to roam, GweGwe Beach Lodge is absolutely ideal.

This stretch of coastline that is as untamed as it is beautiful; between the dramatic cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, pockets of dense swamp forest and crystal-clear waters, there’s so much to see and do that at the end of each day you will be fast asleep within seconds of your head hitting the pillow, lulled to sleep by the soft wash of the Indian Ocean.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more, and especially how to combine GweGwe Lodge with your broader safari itinerary…

A Londolozi Revisit

Posted on by James

Londolozi was where it all began for Iconic Africa.

Years ago, around a boma fire, IA directors John Holley and Terri Abadi – ranger and guest – chatted about life, travel, and how through their respective global positions (Johannesburg and Atlanta, Georgia) and experience in the industry, there was an opportunity for a boutique travel company to service both markets simultaneously.

Fast forward just over a decade, and Iconic Africa now has guests from all over the world travelling on luxury safaris throughout the year.


Our team has grown and we now feature an office in Hoedspruit –  the heart of the South African safari industry.

We send guests across the continent on incredible itineraries and are currently looking to expand our offering to Asia and Antarctica.

We link guests with top Private Guides to create a seamless safari and create continuity throughout their African experience.

So it was with great excitement that the team assembled at Londolozi’s most newly refurbished camp, Founders.

At Founders Camp, classic meets modern. This Londolozi signature camp is clean and uncomplicated and really comfortable, leaving nothing forgotten. You will get the feeling of all the comforts of a stylish African home that is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view of the secrets of river life. Classy, grounded and timeless – Londolozi’s Founders Camp represents a safari style that is inviting and restful.

Ten bespoke and varied superior chalets repose in the shade of ancient Ebony and Matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River.

Founders Camp honours the early Londolozi staff, many of them larger-than-life characters whose names have gone on to become legend in the wider guiding and travel industries (one even attended the wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle).
Their legacy continues to this day through an unwavering commitment from all staff to provide an incredible guest experience whilst doing everything possible to conserve this landscape in as natural a state as possible.

Our small Iconic team could sadly only stay for two nights, but as usual, Londolozi delivered at every turn.

Although our visit felt like it was over far too quickly (it’ll do so no matter how long you stay for), we packed so much in that we could have been there for a week.

Dinner in the bush, getting stuck in a dry riverbed, constant laughter, and more stunning wildlife than we could ever have hoped for to point our cameras at; we were truly spoilt during our short stay.


We love the safari industry for how varied it is. Africa is an incredible mosaic of destinations and accompanying experiences.

But for a stunning level of consistency across the board – be it food, rooms, guiding standard, wildlife sightings or just simply having an amazing time – we have no hesitation in putting Londolozi right up there on the podium.

If Founders Camp, or any of the other four amazing camps on this reserve, feature on your to-do list, let’s get chatting…

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

Mbamba Lodge – Okavango Reimagined

Posted on by James

Mbamba is set to be the latest addition to the Natural Selection portfolio, a charming explorer-style camp found in the north-western Okavango’s NG12 concession. With a mix of open grasslands, floodplains, forested islands and lagoons, Mbamba will offer a variety of diverse landscapes with ecosystem variations to support an incredible range of the Okavango’s wildlife.

Set to open in April 2025, Mbamba will be the new sister camp to Natural Selections Duke’s, Duke’s East and North Island, also located in the same NG12 concession, which borders that of Vumbura Plains and Duba Plains to the south.

The camp features twelve canvas tented rooms including two family units each with an ensuite bathroom, indoor shower, standing fan, overbed cooling system and private veranda. A simple, tasteful main area equipped with two lounges, a small library, pool and fire-pit completes the camp, providing a comfortable authentic safari feel at good value.

The camp lies in a beautifully open area where the Okavango River begins to spread out, creating the world’s largest inland delta. An impressive range of mammals, birds, and reptiles, can be spotted. Both lion and wild dog are in the area, and the seldom-sighted sable antelope is common. The endangered wattled crane and the highly sought Pel’s fishing owl are Okavango bird specialties that are often found here, along with a full diversity of birdlife.

Activities at Mbamba are designed to explore this wonderfully varied and beautiful area – game drives during the day and night as well as boating and mokoro safaris when water levels allow.

In line with Natural Selection’s focus on beautiful, characterful camps and safari experiences, Mbamba is set to  become a popular camp, offering a rich Okavango experience at very good value.

Designed in the iconic Kalahari safari style like the famous Jack’s and San Camps – also well known Natural Selection offerings, Mbamba sits on slightly raised wooden decks and revel in the much-loved safari aesthetic of plush fabrics, mahogany sideboards, Persian rugs and romantic four-poster beds, all infused with a yesteryear charm. 

The camp is in a superb setting where you’ll instantly be immersed into the Okavango Delta’s true wonder.  With some of the best safari guides in the business, and a variety of land and water-based activities,  you can look forward to a rewarding wildlife experience in this game-rich private concession. In-between action filled game viewing activities, relax around the camp pool or take a siesta in the comfort of your air-conditioned tent. This is an ideal camp for those seeking a deeper understanding of the natural world in a very relaxed environment.

The main mess area at Mbamba is a delight with its draped fabric and collections of ancient artefacts. Relax in the two lounges where you can spend your time perusing the cabinets or grabbing a drink from the well-stocked drinks cabinet, read a book from the small library or relaxing around the camp swimming pool. Meals are served family-style at the long table. Dine under the stars or under canvas, followed by stargazing around the firepit before saying goodnight.

With Duke’s and North Island already running on full occupancies, we predict Mbamba to do something similar, so don’t wait to enquire.
Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com if you’d like to be among the first to explore this relatively untouched part of the Okavango.

Adventure awaits…

Xigera – Best of the West

Posted on by James

“West” is probably pushing it a little bit, as Xigera is in fact dead centre in the Okavango – truly in the heart of it, one might say.

One of the most luxurious lodges in the Okavango Delta, the camp is set in a beautiful location on a private concession within the Moremi Game Reserve. Having reopened under new ownership (Red Carnation Hotel Group) in December 2020, Xigera reset the bar when it comes to luxurious safaris in Botswana – offering the ultimate flexibility for guests to shape the experience exactly as they desire, the philosophy at this stylish lodge says it all “anything, any time”.

Xigera (pronounced “kee-jera”, meaning pied kingfisher) has been on the Okavango safari scene for many years but the rebuild  really transformed the lodge. The new design was unrecognisable from the old, apart from the beautiful location. The style at Xigera is bold, yet wonderfully in keeping with the feel of Okavango Wilderness. You can expect a slick safari experience here. A lodge for those looking for the ultimate luxury set amidst stunning landscapes and top class game viewing.

Xigera Safari Lodge guests will not be restricted by the standard safari timetable. Instead, total flexibility is the order of the day, and a completely bespoke approach to activities with no set times dominates. Morning, afternoon and evening game drives are offered, as are private walking safaris, photographic workshops, private yoga, mokoro and glass-bottomed mokoro excursions and motorboat trips as well as fishing in season. Note that water activities are seasonal, usually from May/June to September. Dining al fresco is another highlight, with bush picnics, lunches or breakfasts also available.

During the flood season, from around May to September, Xigera is transformed into a stunning wetland landscape, which makes it the perfect water and land safari camp.

The lodge sits on stilts under a canopy of large trees and enjoys superb views of the floodplains. Elevated walkways connect the different areas of camp, offering a treehouse feel and wonderful elevated views. Xigera Safari Lodge has been constructed with undulating rooflines and scorched timber cladding. The suites have views onto the lily-covered lagoons: the lily is the camp’s emblem and a lily-inspired pavilion will provide shade overlooking the water’s edge. The sunken lounge has a huge copper lily-design centrally suspended fireplace.

The lodge’s interiors are spectacular. Every piece in the lodge’s collection of furniture, sculpture and ceramics is a work of art in itself and has been specially commissioned and made for the lodge over a period of 18 months. The pieces include works by more than 30 leading African artists and craftspeople.

Xigera Safari Lodge has twelve suites, and one family suite suitable for two couples or a family. The suites all have air-conditioning and feature separate lounge, bedroom and dressing room and private deck, daybed with gazebo and each can accommodate indoor and outdoor private dining for up to four people. The large bathrooms also feature outdoor showers. The suites are extraordinarily spacious for a wilderness lodge.

Red Carnation properties, who own Xigera Safari Lodge, are known for their attention to detail and personal touches and service. With an impressive ratio of four staff to every guest you can expect incredibly attentive and personalised service . The African inspired menus are served by an interactive kitchen and the cellar serves wine from the award-winning vineyard, Bouchard Finlayson, as well as other top wines. After dinner, the boma has a totemic firepit sculpture around which to sit, enjoy a digestif and stargaze.

To work up an appetite for all the fabulous meals there is a state of the art gym as well as a stunning pool. This swimming pool’s dark water is rest for the eyes by comparison with the usual stark brilliant blue; the views from the pool over the river give the sense that you are immersed in the Delta’s natural waterways.

For something more cerebral the library, an air conditioned haven of peace, features occasional talks from specialists.
Wellness is a real feature of the camp; two spa rooms will provide a wide range of treatments and treatments can also be given in the suites. Guest practitioners will create a programme based on wellness, mindfulness and holistic healing with the perfect backdrop of the pristine natural Delta environment.

Predator sightings are particularly impressive at Xigera – there is a large presence of lion, leopard, hyena on the islands. Buffalo are found in good numbers too.  General game sightings include red lechwe, lion, spotted hyena and leopard, and the highest density of the rare sitatunga antelope found in the Delta. Birding in Xigera is very good, with opportunities to see the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Lesser Jacana and plenty of eagles, vultures, raptors and kingfishers.

The environmental credentials are impressive and central to the philosophy of the lodge which ultimately aim to be diesel free and entirely solar powered and will use a 400kW Tesla plant incorporating lithium iron batteries and Tesla invertors. The solar farm will end up as the largest in the Delta.

Xigera can be reached by a 25 minute light aircraft connection from Maun airport to the Xigera airstrip, or around an hour and 20 minutes from Kasane airport. A 10-minute drive in a game drive vehicle will then bring you to Xigera itself.

Children aged twelve and over are welcome and charged at a full adult rate.

Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about Xigera and the wold-class safari experience that it offers…

 

Photography Tips & Tricks: Make Your Photos Come Alive

Posted on by James

Patience is a virtue, and especially when it comes to wildlife photography.

But it can be far simpler than waiting hours for a lion pride to get up and go hunting, or a leopard leaping up into a tree. It can be as easy as just waiting a few moments for the appropriate head tilt, or for a cloud to move away from the sun. What can add immeasurable value to a photo of an animal – particularly a close-up – is eye-glint. That little sparkle in the eye of a predator can change what would be an otherwise mundane photo into one that leaps off the screen at you (I still find it weird saying “off the screen” instead of ‘off the page”…aaah the digital age).

Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing some more useful tips like this to incorporate in your wildlife photography, but today we’ll simply be concentrating on eye-glint.

Have a look at the following two cheetah photos…

Cheetah Cubs

In the above photo, I absolutely love the position the sleeping cheetah has taken on its sibling’s forelegs. As cheetah photos go, it’s relatively unique, yet looking at it in the context of this post, I’m very aware that something is lost because of the lack of sparkle in the awake cheetah’s eyes. Cheetahs in general are tough to photograph with good eye-sparkle; their extended brows over their eyes which reduce glare, also hinder photographers trying to catch that elusive glint. The sun needs to be low, the cheetah needs to be looking up, or even a flash needs to be employed.
The photo below is nothing special as far as cheetah photos go (it’s actually of one of the same siblings in the picture above), but the right eye has a sparkle in it, so – for me at least – it is immediately more appealing. The photo was taken just before sunset, so the low light made it much easier to capture the eye-glint.

Cheetah Termite Mound

Exactly the same thing applies in the two elephant photos below. The top photo for me is far more appealing. I prefer the colour scheme in the second, and the isolation of the eye in the focal plane, but it doesn’t have the glint in it, so it’s missing that extra something.

A close-up of an Elephant’s Eye - Eye glint. Tick.

Elephant Eye Jt - No real eye-glint. Not good.

No real eye-glint. Not good.

Leopards and lions are far easier subjects in which to capture that elusive sparkle. Both species look up regularly. Lions scan the skies to follow vultures flying (as do leopards to a lesser extent), and leopards look up into the trees they are thinking of climbing.
All it takes is a bit of patience and ideally a basic understanding of animal behaviour, and you will recognise the moment when it comes.

Professional wildlife photographers will discard photos without eye-glint immediately, almost every time. I’m talking mainly about close-ups here, or at least medium-shots. Obviously one can’t hope for eye-glint in an entire herd of impalas.

Just sit tight; don’t be tempted to push the shutter button because the lion has its head up. Wait a few seconds or minutes, and it will invariably raise its eyes above the horizontal.

That’s your chance.

Erebero Hills – The Best of Bwindi

Posted on by James

The considered design of Erebero Hills – meaning “a place where you can see far” – takes creative inspiration from the surrounding landscape of rolling hills. Sweeping views across the forest will be on offer from all guest suites, or from the hillside swimming pool on warm afternoons. Combining sustainable luxury with the thrill of observing one of the world’s most endangered species in their natural habitat, Erebero Hills will provide a unique and rewarding safari experience.

Located on the northern edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Erebero Hills holds an enviable position offering both privacy and convenient access to a preferred gorilla trekking location.

An AMAZING SPECIAL OFFER is currently on the go; due to high demand, Asilia are extending their exclusive opening special to offer ONE FREE GORILLA PERMIT PER PERSON for all new bookings confirmed by 28th February 2025.

Book now, and be one of the first to stay in what will likely prove to be a groundbreaking new lodge in this discreet corner of Uganda.

Driving an ambitious reforestation project, Asilia aims to create a forest buffer zone within the 45 acres surrounding the lodge. A long-term project, this will eventually deliver an accessible forest for the Batwa people who are no longer allowed in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and will create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities both now during the planting phase, and for many years to come.

Imagine yourself in a rare moment, crouched on the forest floor, respectfully avoiding eye contact while observing some of the last remaining eastern and mountain gorillas up close.

These majestic creatures are found only in three countries – Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – and live in four national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. Asilia’s gorilla trekking tours offer an exclusive opportunity, a privilege, to witness them in their natural habitat.

Erebero Hills is set to provide the service and attention to detail that Asilia is well-renowned for, alongside a meaningful and empowering positive impact commitment.

Eight forest-view suites tucked into the hillside – each with a private viewing deck and uninterrupted views of the forest across the valley – have been designed for style and luxury. The spacious, glass fronted interiors are filled with natural light, with a king-sized bed and both indoor and outdoor seating options designed to maximise the expansive views. A boot-room at the entrance to each suite offers a thoughtful design element, while the en suite bathroom applies the finishing touches with a free-standing bathtub and both an indoor and outdoor shower, all with breathtaking views of the forest. The main lounge and swimming pool offer additional areas for relaxation, while spa treatments can be enjoyed in-room to ease tired muscles.

In addition to housing more than half the world’s remaining population of mountain gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest plays home to staggeringly rich array of biodiversity. Over 350 species of bird, more than 200 species of butterfly, and more than 100 mammal species, of which 10 are primates. With convenient flights from Kenya, Erebero Hills combines easily with Asilia’s Kenya portfolio, allowing for an incredible East Africa adventure.

Gorillas live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male and are majestic, highly intelligent, and social creatures. They communicate through a repertoire of up to 25 distinct sounds. They share strong family bonds and are known to create and use tools. It’s fascinating to see them building nests on the ground or in trees using branches and leaves, which they use both during the day and at night. Sadly, they are critically endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. 

If you would like to be one of the vanguard to stay in what may prove to be Asilia’s flagship lodge, we’d just like to remind you about the special offer, with a free gorilla trekking permit for every booking confirmed before 28th February. That amounts to a saving of $600 per person.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire…

&Beyond Suyian: The Heart of Black Leopard Country

Posted on by James

The Laikipia district has risen to the fore as a prime safari destination in recent years due to the consistent sightings of the black leopard Giza.
This relaxed female splits her time between two sides of the Ewaso Narok river, and it is on the northern bank where &Beyond have built their stunning new lodge Suyian.

The lodge offers an array of adventures, allowing guests to create their perfect day in this conservation haven. Activities include day and night game drives, walking safaris, camel and horseback safaris, active ranching tours, and fishing. Experience local culture through village visits, or enjoy outdoor yoga, scenic helicopter flights, wellness treatments, and riverside picnics.
Nestled within a 44,000-acre wilderness, the lodge overlooks the Rock Sanctuary, a mesmerising landscape of undulating granite kopjes steeped in history, including ancient rock art. With only 14 rooms, this tranquil retreat ensures exceptional privacy amidst expansive plains and dramatic boulders. Guests enjoy sweeping views towards Mount Kenya.

Home to over 100 types of mammals, plus numerous endangered and non-endangered species, Suyian Conservancy’s variety of compelling landscapes, which includes grassland, savanna, rocky outcrops (or kopjes), dense Vechellia woodland, plus more than 16 km (10 mi) of river frontage, offers unforgettable wilderness views and up-close wildlife sightings. A hidden gem within northern Kenya’s Laikipia region, the conservancy houses one lodge, Suyian Lodge, named after the African wild dog in the local Maa language.

A sculptural structure of architectural brilliance, the lodge draws inspiration from its unique surrounds and its rounded appearance with plant growth atop mimics the region’s ancient Rock Sanctuary and the robust plant life that lives in between the granite edges. A harmonious blend of raw, earthy Africa materials with a contemporary flair, the lodge reflects the Afro Wabi-Sabi sentiment of taking pleasure in the transient nature of earthly things. Subtle cultural touches inspired by the local semi-nomadic Samburu tribe infuse with modest luxury while mottled undertones pay homage to the region’s most cherished wildlife, such as the rare African wild dog and elusive black (melanistic) leopard. Rich textures and colours enhance the lodge’s understated yet sophisticated feel, and the majority of the furniture and finishes are locally sourced and crafted by Kenyan artisans.

The lodge’s guest area echoes the flow of the kopjes across the valley, offering the perfect vantage point for viewing the conservancy’s incredible habitats along with the abundance of wildlife that calls it home. Accessed by a winding stone path, the lodge’s entrance courtyard opens onto a large circular, central bar that showcases breathtaking views of the open plains, while intimate, softly lit areas create cocoon-like spaces for guests to escape.

Each spacious Suite, constructed as if part of the unusual natural rocky formation, blends seamlessly into its surrounds. An outdoor terrace, featuring a private plunge pool and viewing deck, boasts magnificent sunrise views for early risers.

Previously, there were limited options if one wanted to seek out a black leopard, but Suyian now offers a supremely comfortable stay in an area hitherto relatively unexplored by safaris.

With over ten black leopards documented in the area by trail cam, who knows what other delights will soon form the mainstay of Suyian’s game viewing.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your trip…

Photography Tips & Tricks: What to Look for When Photographing Predators

Posted on by James

Paw, Tail, Ears, Eyes.

That’s it. The Magic Formula.

When photographing big cats – but not just them, not by any means – there are a few boxes to tick to really make the photo pop. We’re thinking broad picture now, zooming out and looking at the whole animal, and more specifically as it’s walking.

That is the key word here: “walking”. Some of these pointers apply in other situations, but all four are only really applicable when the animal is walking and its full body is visible.

Now, I only learnt this whole quadfecta (whats one up from a trifecta?) late in the game, but it makes so much more sense now why some photos are more eye-catching than others.

Have a look at this picture of a lioness seemingly approaching the vehicle (she had seen an antelope in the thicket on the far side):

Ntsevu Lioness Stalk

Her expression is fairly intent, and it’s hard to tear your eyes away. But WHY is it an appealing photo?
Let’s go through it according to the formula:

Eyes: Both open. Pupils Visible. Eye glint.
Ears: Both pointed forward. Crucial.
Paw: Raised, implying movement and therefore heightening the sense of anticipation in the photo.
Tail: Visible, ideally in mid-flick or movement.

It’s tricky to get all four lined up at the same time, but that’s exactly why it’s so much harder to capture a truly eye-catching image.
The following photo of lionesses walking down a road illustrates it nicely:

Ntsevu Lion Pride

The first lioness ticks the boxes, in almost exactly the same way as the first photo, she’s just looking to the side a bit more rather than at the camera.

As one goes back down the line however, the lionesses don’t quite make the cut. The second one is almost there, but her right ear is twisted slightly backwards, so we have to be brutal and disqualify her.
The third female has her ears back, her eyes closed and her tail isn’t visible, so she’s a massive sub-par for the course.

It’s the same for this leopard photo:

Mashaba Leopard

Ear twisted, tail hidden and paws still on the ground (pretty much). Plus she was close to the vehicle and the photograph was necessarily taken at a downward angle, which reduces the impact of the picture. It’s still a photo of a leopard, which is always lovely to capture, but it’s a long way from being anything great.

Nkoveni Leopard Grass

Technological advancements like big lenses and remote triggers can help massively when it comes to wildlife photography, as in the case of the photo of the a female leopar above, but there’s always a fair amount of luck involved. She too has her tail out, ears forward, eyes open and paw raised in this photo, but it was the only one of about 30 rapid-fire pics that made the cut. In the rest she was either blinking, swivelling an ear, hiding her tail or a combination of the above.

We can’t make an animal do what we want, but just remember the above four things to look for when photographing wildlife on the move; put your camera on high frame-rate and take a few more pictures and hope for the best.
And when browsing through your images in Lightroom after the event, you’ll now know which ones to look for…

Mana Sands: the Zambezi at its Best

Posted on by James

Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe has long been associated with wild adventure.
It is a place where Africa still feels like its is moving at the same pace it did thousands of years ago, and the rhythm of nature is uninterrupted by human presence.
The epicentre of walking safaris in Southern Africa, Mana Pools is where you can literally go on foot to join a pack of wild dogs as they get on the hunt, or you can stand mere metres from a giant bull elephant as he stands on his back legs to retrieve seedpods from the upper branches.
It feels like anything is possible in this spectacular wilderness of the Zambezi Valley, and with the construction of Mana Sands, a new luxury lodge on the western side of the park, the envelope of what a true bush experience is, is about to be pushed even further…

Mana Sands represents the realisation of a dream; the owners all share a deep love of nature and in particular of this stretch of the Zambezi River, where they all spent holidays as children. The development of the lodge represents a way for them to find a way back to those simple times of wonder, and to be able to pass on a similar feeling to their own children.

That is ultimately what the lodge is aiming to create for those who visit; a way back to a time before emails and traffic and bills and the complications of day to day life. A visit here will get you in touch with the essence of what it is to feel human. Mana Sands will give guests a rare opportunity to be part of a world where natureʼs raw beauty and untamed spirit come alive in the most extraordinary way.

Mana Sands is in fact two lodges; Mana Sands Main Camp, featuring six private ensuite tents each with an expansive private deck and plunge pool, whilst Little Mana, just downstream, boasts four private ensuite tents, each with a private deck, as well as two extended family units allowing space for up to two extra beds to be added for children.

Both camps offer a full range of bush adventures, from guided walks to tiger fishing excursions, birding-focused expeditions and everything in between. All are facilitated through highly competent, professional local guides.

Little delights surprise you at every turn, from gin and tonic stops on the riverbank to stargazing under the brilliance of the southern skies.

Whilst Mana Pools has been on our radar for some years now, it has been a while since we were as excited about this iconic destination; Mana Sands certainly looks like being our top new lodge of 2025.
Although they are still in the final stages of the lodge build, they will be opening for bookings come the new year, so don’t wait to enquire if the archetypal safari adventure is what you are after.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about 2025’s most exciting new offering…

Is the Sabi Sands THAT Good? Yes!

Posted on by James

The Sabi Sand Reserve, adjoining the Kruger National Park, is essentially where the private photographic safari industry started in South Africa.
With Mala Mala (now its own separate entity, but generally referenced as part of the greater reserve) opening its doors in the late 60s, and Londolozi following suit shortly afterwards, the stage was set for the growth of one of the best places in the world to view the Big 5.

Old hunting farms (formerly bankrupt cattle farms) saw the value in converting to an ecotourism model that promoted conservation and shooting wildlife with a camera instead of a gun, and momentum started to build, until by the late 90s the entire area was under wildlife; no hunting of any kind was allowed, and the sensitive approach to game viewing meant that animals – in particular the formerly secretive leopards – relaxed completely in the presence of vehicles.
These days, after multiple generations of peaceful co-habitation between man and beast, incredibly intimate encounters are possible, with whole lion prides strolling past your vehicle as if you were not even there, elephant herds not batting an eyelid whilst their calves frolic in the grass nearby, and all manner of creatures great and small providing an endless stream of fascinating photographic subjects and talking points. Safaris here are not simply a rinse-and-repeat; each drive or walk is a well thought out and superbly curated adventure orchestrated by highly trained professional guides.

Being private land, one can off-road during game drive, which is especially important to maximise viewing potential. If an animal walks through a thicket and out of sight, you can follow…

And the lodges. Oh, the lodges…
One is absolutely spoilt for choice in this department, from one or two very reasonably priced self catering options to the internationally renowned and award-winning household names like Singita and Londolozi.
The thing to remember about the reserve is that lodges aside, the wildlife is ubiquitous; you WILL get great sightings wherever you happen to go. Some lodges do allow for an extended time spent in high profile sightings due to the lower vehicle density in their traversing area, so get in touch with us if that is something you are after. This is pertinent information if you are a photographer…

Supreme comfort is the order of the day in the Sabi Sands when it comes to accommodation. Lodges are crafted to blend into their surroundings, and feel like an extension of their environment, rather than incongruous constructions on the landscape. Elegantly appointed rooms, stunning views – most of which feature regular sightings of big game walking past – and neutral tones subtly maintain an immersive feel long after one has returned from game drive.
Delicious food, extensive wine lists, service of a Michelin star standard… all this and more has long been a hallmark of one of the longest established private game reserves in Africa. Some lodges have been honing their offering for over half a century, and it is evident in the experience they deliver.

We could go on ad nauseam about why the Sabi Sands is amongst the best out there, but we’ll try to summarise it with a few key points:

  • – Big 5 in abundance.
  • – Amongst the best leopard viewing in Africa.
  • – Incredible lodges, and a wide selection thereof.
  • – Some of the best food you’ll ever eat on safari.
  • – Private land means ability to off-road and stay out long after dark if needs be.
  • – Open to Kruger Park means free-flowing wildlife population.
  • – Highly trained, professional guides.
  • – Easy access through charter flights.

There are many superb safari options out there. Some are seasonal. Some are hard to get to. Some are hit-or-miss when it comes to wildlife.

But if you are looking for a destination that ticks pretty much every box when planning the ultimate safari, the Sabi Sands will consistently be on the podium as one of the best on offer.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com if the wildest encounters, best lodges and most delicious food is a safari combination you’d be interested in…