Tag: lux travel

Cape Town’s Culinary Delights

Posted on by James

It came as no surprise to us that the readers of Condé Naste Traveller voted for Cape Town as the Best City for Food in the World.

We have long felt confident that the culinary offerings from this most magnificent of destinations right down near Africa’s southern end would measure up to anywhere else on the globe, through an unbeatable combination of pure quality, variety and location, location, location!

From the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean in summer to a warm fireside in the Franschoek Valley when there’s snow on the mountains in the depths of winter, the sheer range of overall experiences here mean you could try something new 365 days a year and never run out of options.

There’s certainly far more to Cape Town than its dining opportunities, but at Iconic Africa we certainly feel that a visit to this Iconic destination should certainly feature as much variety as possible when it comes to mealtimes, so that end we’ve picked four of our favourites:

Wine Farm Luncheon:

With close to 600 wine farms within 100km of South Africa’s Mother City, you’re spoiled for choice right from the get go.
Thankfully you barely have to go even ten kilometres to be right in amongst some of the best that the country has to offer, with the Constantia area – only about a 20 minute drive from the City centre – featuring many of the vineyards that have become household names; Constantia Glen, Groot Constantia and Steenberg to name a few.
Moving east towards Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the choices only multiply, and you can sip on a Pinot Noir from Starke-Conde vineyards in Jonkershoek Valley whilst feeling like you might be in a remote hamlet in the Swiss Alps.

For those on a day-trip from Cape Town, we recommend enjoying a lunch out in the Stellenbosch/Franschhoek winelands so as allow enough time for the drive home.

Seaside Dining Overlooking the Atlantic

Again; spoilt for choice.

From fresh oysters at Tintswalo Atlantic to the incredible menu at The Nines in a high-rise in Sea Point, the view out over the ocean from anywhere along Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard will immediately elevate your enjoyment of your meal by 15%.
Whether it’s humpback whales breaching in Springtime or simply an impressive cargo ship approaching the port, there’s always some sort of drama to be seen out on the sea.

Pizzas in Town

Whether it’s Italian, Thai, Asian Fusion, traditional South African or of course seafood, there’s something for you in Cape Town.
There has been a recent surge in boutique pizza houses, with three that immediately come to mind as our front-runners; Pizza Shed in Bree Street, Lievita near the Waterfront and Novo in Little Mowbray.
All three feature the latest pizza trend in South Africa; puffy-crusted Neapolitan-style variety, with easily identifiable leopard-spot blisters. The original flavours and combinations of toppings at all three restaurants are superb (the pepperoni and hot honey at Pizza Shed is one of our favourites!), and when we are in town we’re always torn between which spot to choose if it’s pizza we feel like!

Anywhere in Nature

The beauty of Cape Town is you never feel too far from being in the wild.
Whether you’re on top of Table Mountain or settling down to a beach picnic within a kilometre of the CBD, you will still feel removed from the hustle and bustle normally associated with a major city.

Cape Farmhouse Beer Garden is just a stone’s throw from Cape Point Nature Reserve. The restaurant at the Upper Cable Station will feed you after either a hike up Platteklip Gorge or a stunning Cablecar ride. Or African Lynx tours – who we make use of for many of our clients – will provide a sumptuous spread wherever you happen to be spending the day out and about.
Dining outside is the real way to enjoy the Cape Town culinary experience – weather dependent of course – and we’ll try to ensure that all of our guests get to enjoy something of Cape Town’s majesty during at least one of their meals.

There are literally thousands – thousands – of dining options for Cape Town visitors, so the choice can be overwhelming. Small local restaurants compete with the more established household names, and we like to think we know about both.
So if you’re booking with us and travelling to Cape Town, let us know what type of cuisine interests you the most, and we’ll take care of the rest…

 

Mpala Jena: Zambezi Luxury

Posted on by James

When you combine the feel of a Mozambican beach side lodge with a classic safari camp, and throw in Africa’s mightiest waterfall just downstream, that’s Mpala Jena.

Part of the Great Plains portfolio, Mpala Jena is the epitome of Victoria Falls luxury accommodation and is an intimate safari lodge positioned along the beautiful tree-laden banks of the Zambezi River.

Zambezi National Park, in which the lodge is nestled, is little known, despite its proximity to the world famous Victoria Falls. Split off from the Victoria Falls National Park in 1979, the 56,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and wildlife habitat has been a National Park in its own right ever since.

It is home to a wide range of wildlife that can be enjoyed on safari drives, seen from the Zambezi River when on a boat cruise or the unique Dhow, walking trails or even while sipping cocktails from the camp’s swing chairs. Higher concentrations of buffalo and elephants are typical from June to October. There are more lions per km² here than in any other park in Zimbabwe.

In August 2025, two new, 3-bedroom Mpala Jena Private Villas will open. These two unique villas will be located five kilometres upstream from the current Mpala Jena.

the location of both camps allows easy access to Victoria Falls town by an exciting 40-minute boat or road transfer. Mpala Jena also offers guided tours of the Victoria Falls.

The sand floor in the main camp’s bar area and the adjacent swimming pool set the scene for guests to kick off their shoes and relax after their morning safari drive or river cruise. The pool lounge makes you feel that you are right on the river. Mpala Jena is highly sought after for those wanting the best Victoria Falls luxury accommodation.

Guests have a choice of three large double or twin bed configuration suites, plus two 2-bedroom family suites; are all under sand-coloured, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and open (yet netted) views of the river frontage.

Each suite has a shaded, private veranda area and en-suite bathroom facilities, including an indoor shower, separate loo, and double basins. The highlight of the suites is the outdoor bathrooms with a beautiful bathtub and outdoor shower. Decking in front of the tent leads to views of the Zambezi River’s calming and peaceful flowing waters.

Mpala Jena has a strong sustainability ethos. It is powered entirely by a solar plant and battery. Building materials and design elements were specified and sourced with a clear vision of minimising embodied energy and transportation miles.

Although there are plenty of fantastic accommodation options in and around Victoria Falls town itself, it can be nice to escape to somewhere a bit more sheltered, that moves at its own pace, away from the hustle closer to the falls.
The barefoot luxury of Mpala Jena ticks this box perfectly, where safari and rest combine into a magical sense of contentment.

 

 

Angama Amboseli: Elephant Heaven

Posted on by James

With Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak – serving as its backdrop, Angama Amboseli creates an intimate and laid-back atmosphere in the heart of Kenya’s first community-owned conservancy; Kimana. Set within a forest of fever trees, Angama boasts some of the best guides in the region, as well as exclusive traversing rights on this private reserve – where some of Africa’s last super tuskers roam; elephants with tusks so large they drag along the ground as they walk.
This is truly Africa at its most quintessentially majestic.

With only ten Guest Suites in this private wildlife conservancy, Angama Amboseli is truly a respite from the world, and Amboseli National Park is only a 45-minute drive from the lodge to the gate, and is home to over 400 bird species and an array of wildlife.

Another contemporary take on African design with nods to the giants of this landscape — including concrete mixed with elephant dung for the unique exterior texture — each of the ten Suites is a mix of canvas, concrete and stone accented by woven rattan and grass, all in earthy, neutral colours. Each suite is orientated so that Kilimanjaro can be seen from nearly every corner — from the bed to the shower — while floor-to-ceiling screened doors are all that lies between you and the mountain.

The main Guest Area offers flexible indoor-outdoor dining with a baraza to wind down the days by the fire, telling stories with a drink in hand or marshmallows for roasting. The nearby Studios house a Safari Shop, Games Room, Art Gallery, Weaving Studio and a Photographic Studio, perfect for capturing Amboseli’s iconic scenes.

Kimana Sanctuary is the first community conservancy established in Kenya, and is owned by 844 Maasai family members. Thanks to its perennial water availability (fed by the snows of Kilimanjaro itself), the Sanctuary boasts the greatest habitat diversity and wildlife density in the area, with scores of eland, reedbuck, warthogs in their hundreds, as well with giraffe, zebra and wildebeest. Big cats are also regularly encountered.

Elephants are the real stars here as large breeding herds move in procession through the Sanctuary. There’s also a good chance you’ll see one of the famed Super Tuskers — elephants whose tusks weigh more than 100lbs each. Some of the last remaining Tuskers in Africa love to feed on the lush vegetation around the lodge.

Derived from the Maasai word for ‘salty dust’, Amboseli National Park is just a 45-minute drive from the lodge which guests can enjoy as a half- or full-day excursion with a picnic lunch at a private Angama spot. This is one of the best places in Africa to see huge herds of elephants marching single file across dusty pans or having a bath in the dry lake beds. In the savanna and woodlands, you may spot lion or cheetah, while in the wetlands, hippo, flamingo and an array of other local wildlife can be encountered.

Wake up to the sun illuminating Kili and after an early breakfast, depart for a full-day safari in Amboseli National Park. As you leave, visit the ‘pinch point’ — the smallest segment of a critical wildlife corridor.  Spend the day exploring the Park’s famous marshlands and dry lake bed looking for Super Tuskers. After a picnic lunch at a private Angama site, return to the lodge in time for a visit to the Studios. Dinner is served on the private patio of your Guest Suite as the moon rises slowly over Kili.

Your Butler gently wakes you with coffee before first light to catch your sunrise hot-air balloon flight. Float along with Kili, admiring the views below before touching down for a champagne breakfast. A much-needed siesta and lunch are followed by an afternoon with our conservation partner, Big Life Foundation — visit HQ for control room and camera-trap monitoring or go out with ranger patrols and canine tracking units. Enjoy your final evening sharing stories over a delicious dinner in the Guest Area.

Access to this magnificent lodge is very straightforward; there are daily scheduled flights with Safarilink landing at Kimana Airfield in the Sanctuary, as well as Amboseli National Park, about a 1h drive. Private charters are always welcome at the Sanctuary’s airfield, whether to or from the Mara or Nairobi.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about this unique safari which combines Africa’s giants; it’s highest mountain and its largest inhabitants, the elephants.

 

 

Wilderness Magashi: Thrilling Rwanda

Posted on by James

Witness the abundance of Akagera National Park from Wilderness Magashi.
Akagera is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. Home once more to an abundance of apex predators and their prey after highly successful reintroduction efforts, the park is again a place where one can marvel at lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephant roaming its hills and savannahs.

Wilderness Magashi provides the quintessential East African safari adventure and the perfect complement to your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda.

The eight spacious tents of the lodge are perched on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga. You can watch elephants submerge themselves in the lake’s still waters from the deck of your room, while you are experiencing a wonderful sense of intimacy as the next tent is far enough away that you hardly know that it is there. All the rooms are linked by a raised boardwalk which runs to the main area, where you will find a luxury lounge, the dining space and bar, a swimming pool and an expansive viewing deck that takes in further sweeping views of the lake. The fire pit provides the perfect setting to enjoy a chilled cocktail after sunset.

The camp is the only exclusive-use area in Akagera, which means guests are the only ones who will be on game drives and wildlife viewing activities in the area. Rhinos, giraffes and lions roam the seemingly endless savannah. The elusive sitatunga skulks in the reedbeds, watching as you try your hand at catch-and-release fishing. Leopards sightings here are very much on the rise, thanks to a sensitive and consistent effort by trackers and guides alike to habituate the spotted cats.

It is the way this camp is integrated into its surroundings that makes it so special. Influences of Rwandan culture are balanced with the wilderness that surrounds. There are no fences, so the wildlife is uninterrupted, making their home a shared space with the camp.

Private. Peaceful. Participatory; these are the overwhelming feelings you get from your stay here. Akagera National Park is a story of survival and regeneration, and now Wilderness Magashi is very much a part of that story too…

You don’t have to journey to another country to add safari to your Gorilla trekking (which is one of Rwanda’s main drawcards). Akagera National Park and Magashi are only a short distance from Kigali, the capital. It’s 100km kilometres by road to the park entrance or a short flight.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to chat about Magashi, Akagera, Gorillas, Rwanda in general, or whatever type of safari you may be interested in…

Night Drives: What to Expect

Posted on by James

A lot goes on after dark.

But sometimes there’s nothing.

The reality of a night drive is that there are so many variables that go into one, it’s almost impossible to prepare guests for what they will be like or what they will probably see. It’s dependant on area, length of drive, type of spotlight, whether it’s a national park or private reserve, the season, the phase of the moon, etc, etc….

Night drives can be epic. And sometimes they’re not.

Ask the right questions of your guide beforehand so your expectations can be managed, but here are a few things to remember:

Night Drives are about the search

Just being out after dark in the African wilderness is a treat. The Milky Way above you (dependent on cloud cover) and the calls of the nightbirds and crickets mean you’re already enjoying a special experience. If you encounter something, so much the better, but it’s a bonus, not something you should necessarily expect.
Some areas tend to be more productive than others in the matter of small creatures, so make sure you are well informed before setting out.

It’s often better to start with an animal

Just driving round hoping to bump into something can be unproductive.
Your field of view is dramatically reduced from the daytime when you have 360 degrees of lighting, to the night when you have the headlights of the vehicle and the spotlight. Granted, these do provide some advantages like enabling you to spot the eye-shine of some nocturnal creatures, but you certainly can’t see as much, and may drive round for a couple of hours and encounter nothing.
In Private reserves where off-roading is allowed, it’s often better to sit with a leopard or lion as darkness begins to settle, and as they get moving into the night, you follow and see what they get up to.
The phrase “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” probably wasn’t coined on safari, but it was never more appropriate…

Photography is going to be tricky

On a night drive, it’s usually better to put the camera away.
Unless you have really great gear and know exactly how to adjust your settings to adjust for very low light and the likely single beam of the spotlight, chances are you will be hacking around with your camera, getting frustrated while you try to work out why the shutter speed is so low and you’re getting such blurry images.
Far better to put the camera down and just enjoy…

There may be bugs in summer

The rainy season and its warmth and moisture can create conditions in which an insect or two might come buzzing along. Termites fly our of their mounds to start new colonies and dung beetles fly by on their merry way, navigating by the stars. You might get a bump or even a winged termite down the shirt. Nothing will happen, trust us! A small fright, maybe, but that’s the extent of it. Go out there knowing that there might be a close encounter of the tiny, winged, six-legged variety, and you’ll be fine.

Night drives are a wonderful extension of your safari experience. But just like in the daytime version, there are many things outside of the guide’s control, so go out there with a sense of adventure, a sense of humour, and the simple excitement of what you might encounter, and we guarantee you’ll get the most out of the experience…

3 Rules for Wildlife Photography Composition

Posted on by James

Wildlife photography can be tricky.
Animals are just that – wild – and don’t always do what you expect. Branches get in your way and if the light goes, it goes. No studio dimmer switch is going to change that.

But by simply sticking to a couple of composition principles you can make sure that at least most of your shots from your safari are usable, even if they aren’t award winning.

Here are three to bear in mind.

1. Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is an effective way to frame the elements in your scene so that the final image is more visually captivating. Like most other so-called “rules,” it’s not really a rule at all — more of a guideline.

But if you stick to it with wildlife, more often than not it will leave you with a photograph that’s mor pleasing to the eye.

Put very simply, you want your subject either moving or looking from one third of the photo into the remaining two thirds. If it’s looking left, place it on the right looking into the left hand two thirds of the picture. If it’s looking right, place it on the left, looking into the right hand two thirds.

Have a look at this elephant picture:

The elephant closer tot he camera (the subject) has its head (which is the main point of interest) roughly a third of the way into the frame, moving into the further two thirds. You always want an animal moving or looking into space, and not butting up against the edge of the frame. If we divide the image up into thirds using vertical lines, we get the following:

You can see how it’s not an exact science, but by using these approximate measurements, we get an image that tells more of a story.

The same proportions were used in the following image of a wild dog, but this time, both vertical and horizontal thirds were used:

The four points where the horizontal and vertical gridlines intersect are known as power points, and the more you can place the main subjec tof your image on one of these power points, the ro visually appealing it will be.

2. Central Framing With Symmetry

When an animal is looking straight at you, especially in close up/portrait, go for the central placement:

The rule of thirds doesn’t necessarily apply here as the straight-on image creates a connection and intensity.
Remember, these are guidelines, not rules. If we refer back to the wild dog image above, it’s also looking straight at the camera yet it was placed off to one side. This was mainly to compensate for the body being visible out to the right.

Because the lion in the above image has an even balance of mane on both sides, the symmetrical central framing works.

3. Use Foreground to Create Depth

Photography is ultimately about storytelling, and by simply having a foreground element in frame (which doesn’t have to be in focus), one can give far more context to an image.
Take a look at the following two photographs:

Both were taken to deliberately have people in frame in the foreground, which shows us that the animal/s is/are being viewed in a game drive setting.
There is far more story than a simple picture of two elephants or a leopard walking.

In wildlife photography as in many things, rules are there to be broken, but by keeping the above concepts in mind when on your next safari, we’ll be willing to bet that the percentage of your shots that you really like will be significantly higher.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com for more photography tips and tricks…

San Camp: Kalahari Skies

Posted on by James

Billowing white tents on the edge of the endless Makgadikgadi Pans. Desert palms cast their shade here, and you are surrounded by a thousand acres of shimmering, nothingness.
San Camp, a quintessentially romantic, seven-bedroom camp on the edge of the Nwetwe Pan in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi, is something straight out of Arabian Nights. The allure lies in the minimalism here, both within the camp itself and in the broader desert horizons.

Meerkats emerge from their desert burrows, if you’re lucky an Aardvark might emerge at sunset, and you’ll see red hartebeest, springbok and gemsbok scurrying between them. But San Camp isn’t just about wildlife-watching – it’s about the atmosphere and the ethereal surroundings. Disappear into a remote world, a million miles from glowing screens and fruit-themed devices, where the 360-degree panoramas are so vast, you can see the curvature of the earth.

The enormous salt pans are like something off the moon. They are the home of a host of unique desert animals which are for the most part completely different to those encountered to the north-west in the Okavango.Combining the two areas into a single itinerary is highly recommended.
Species to tick include the famed black-maned Kalahari lion as well as cheetah, plains game like wildebeest and zebra, elephant and brown hyaena almost exclusive to this region. The bird list here is extensive and highly localised within the habitat, and of course your trip would not be complete without an immersive interaction with one of the habituated troops meerkats that have delighted guests for years.

The safari experience here is truly remarkable. The stark setting is complemented by the minimalist camp design, and the ever-present Kalahari silence creates an ambience of peace.
The main canvas covered central area is open and wonderfully unencumbered by clutter, inviting you into a stylish dining room where delicious food makes sure you are never hungry.
Dark mahogany furniture and Persian carpets complement each other well and the bedouin feel simply adds to the elegance and romanticism…

The name of the game here is adventure.
Walk with the San Bushmen or go horse-riding across the plains. Take quad bikes out onto the salt flats or charter a helicopter down to see the ethereal and ancient Kubu Island, one of the most remarkable places on earth…
Wildlife aside, this is a safari experience like no other.

If you want to find out more about this incredible destination, and how best to include it into an itinerary, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start a safari conversation…

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.

Mara Plains: Big Cat Heaven

Posted on by James

SPECIAL OFFER

Enjoy some extra time at Mara Plains Camp free of charge! You will get one night for free when booking a three night safari at Mara Plains. This special offer is applicable for new bookings for arrivals between 11 January and 14 June 2025, and between 1 November and 19 December 2025. This special offer may not be combined with any other special offers.

Mara Plains Camp is a one-of-a-kind luxury Kenya safari camp. Located in the private 13,300-hectare Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s northern boundary, you are immersed in one of the most iconic wildlife destinations on the planet.

The community-owned conservancies set a new standard for game viewing on the world-famous East African grasslands. Vehicle regulations mean far more intimate sightings, and you are not surrounded by throngs of day visitors as you might be in other parts of the ecosystem. This part of the world offers some of the best big cat viewing we have ever experienced.

Mara Plains Camp is ideal for those seeking a luxury Kenya safari, as this intimate Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection safari camp offers you the finest in wildlife viewing paired with the absolute best in safari hospitality and wildlife guiding.

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy hugs the northern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve and is known for its high concentration of wildlife and for the fact it only allows five safari camps to operate within its borders. Mara Pains camp lies hidden among the lush green forested banks of the Ntiakitiak River. This tiny camp in the wild is unforgettably luxurious and inviting. It allows its guests to get remarkably close to nature without sacrificing comfort.

Staying at one of the Masai Mara conservancies has countless benefits, not just to you the safari traveller… but also to the local Maasai community, the lands and local wildlife. The arrival of each safari travel, which is limited to a small number at any given time, contributes to programs benefiting the Maasai people. It also contributes to the conservation of the area and to the employment of Maasai staff, guides and trackers. By staying at Mara Plains Camp you are in fact helping to better the lives of the Maasai who have lived on these lands for generations and contributing to the conservation of the lands and the wildlife roaming them.

Mara Plains Camp is a member of Great Plain Conservation. This initiative is dedicated to protecting endangered species and supports Kenyan initiatives such as the Maasai Olympics. Great Plains Conservation also supports conservation education by investing in kids’ camps and supports local female-owned businesses through sale of their handiwork in the camp’s bush boutique. The conservation program has also planted more than 2000 trees in the Masai Mara. This was done in an effort to help regenerate the ecosystem and bring back indigenous trees to the Mara Landscape

As you near the camp you will see the first safari tents appear amidst a thick forest along the Ntiakitiak Riverbend. After crossing a bridge across the river and climbing a few broad steps, you’ll look out over an endless horizon speckled by flat-topped acacia. The camp’s décor and design pay homage to the look and feel of Eastern Africa. A touch of Swahili heritage can be found in the lodge’s large wooden doors originally from the island of Lamu. There are also occasional splashes of red in the décor which are reminiscent of the great Maasai chiefs and warriors. The rich leathers, brass and copper used in the campaign-style furniture give the camp a very lavish, yet warm and comfortable atmosphere. During your stay you’ll be treated to delicious home-cooked cuisine, lovely fine wines and tasty cocktails. The camp is made up of a total of seven safari tents and can accommodate a maximum of up to fourteen guests at any given time.

Each of the seven traditional safari-style tents are raised on decks and feature marquis ceilings. Their muted tones make them blend into the countryside beautifully and each tent enjoys sweeping views of the savanna in the distance. The safari tents feature a comfortable king-sized bed or two twin beds, a sitting area, rough hewn wood floors, thick Lamu wood doors, en-suite bathrooms with lovely deep copper freestanding tubs and walk-in showers, a writing desk, safe and complimentary WiFi. You will also find one pair of Swarovski HD binoculars and a professional Canon camera body and lens kit for complimentary use. Families with children 6 years and older are also welcome at the camp and are welcome in the designated family suite. These tented suites feature two bedrooms, one with a king-sized bed and the other with a twin bed. The family suites have a common lounge area and a private verandah overlooking the savannah.

 

Activities at Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp has a very comprehensive set of activities for you to choose from during your stay. For starters, every safari drive (during prime sunrise and sunset hours) or bush walk will be a memorable one thanks to the camp’s professional Maasai guides that will be there to accompany you. The camp will also offer you the opportunity to enjoy lovely gourmet bush breakfasts or lunch in a scenic location in the wild to make your day extra special. Thanks to the wide variety of bird species in the area (over 300!), you’ll also have plenty of opportunity for birdwatching either during a bush walk or while relaxing at camp. Another great way to relax when back at camp is to enjoy one of the camp spa’s relaxing massages. To get a taste of local culture and traditions you’ll have an opportunity to meet the Maasai during a visit to a local manyatta (Maasai village). For a very high-flying safari adventure you can also choose to go on a hot-air balloon safari flight at an extra cost.

 

Mara Plains Camp stay 4 pay 3 special offer

 

 

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…

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.