Tag: lux travel

Celebrating 10 Years of Iconic Africa

Posted on by James

When Londolozi Ranger John Holley picked up guest Terri Abadi from the Londolozi airstrip to host her and her family for their safari, little did he know that over a decade later they would be business partners in a venture revolving around the ruling passion in both their lives; safari.

Although having moved to Atlanta from Johannesburg in the 90’s, Terri’s love for her home continent of Africa led her to begin her own boutique travel agency in 2013. John, having a solid business pedigree and loving the safari industry himself, was looking to get involved in his own way too, largely with the aim of using travel to help promote and fund conservation initiatives.

John Holley as a young ranger at Londolozi in 2011.

And so in December of 2014, Terri and John joined forces to turn a traditional travel agency into a world-beating online travel platform that showcases the African destinations which best represent Iconic Africa’s values of opulent luxury, world-beating African hospitality, delectable contemporary cuisine and most importantly an authentic commitment to wilderness conservation.

 

Fast forward ten years, and Iconic Africa has introduced hundreds of guests from across the world to the wonders of Africa.
From the Okavango Delta to Cape Town’s foreshore to the majestic plains of the Serengeti, Iconic has left no stone unturned in their continued search for the best options for their bespoke safaris.
Each guest has a highly experienced travel specialist work through their whole itinerary with them from beginning to end, answering any questions no matter what time of day. Although Iconic works with hundreds of lodges, the preference is and always will be for those that have a heavy focus on community upliftment and conservation initiatives, whilst reducing their environmental impact at the same time through a shift to green energy and systems that reduce their carbon footprint.

Now with an office in the safari town of Hoedspruit, bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Iconic Africa keep their pulse on the latest safari trends, new lodges, flight specials, and anything else that might contribute towards making a guest’s trip that much more memorable.

It’s been an amazing decade of fun, adventure, learning and making safari dreams come true.

Here’s to the next 10…

 

 

Victoria Falls Special

Posted on by James

Victoria Falls isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. From the powerful allure of the Falls to sundowners on the Zambezi, there’s an adventure for every taste. Stanley & Livingstone brings a touch of luxury to the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, home of the Big Five. Set amidst this incredible natural beauty, and just a 15-minute drive from the Falls and the vibrant town, our 16 Suite Boutique Hotel offers a seamless blend of comfort and adventure.
And with a current Iconic Africa special running at up to 55% off until the end of May, there has never been a better time to visit!

Enjoy culinary excellence with wildlife as your backdrop in our 1871 restaurant or watch game from your luxuriously large suite. Our attention to detail ensures you’re not just comfortable, you’ll genuinely feel at home whether in our welcoming lounges or the pool area that extends an invitation to relax and merges effortlessly with our thoughtfully designed gardens. As evening sets, our terrace presents the perfect spot to reflect on the day under the vast African sky.

The team of Africa Travel Specialists are on standby to curate unique experiences, be it a helicopter tour, game drives, a black rhino conservation outing, or even an exhilarating canopy swing. At Stanley & Livingstone, it’s all about creating a personalised African adventure.

At Stanley & Livingstone, the backyard is the vast 4,000ha (9 900ac) Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, the only one of its kind so close to the Falls. There, the Big Five roam freely, side by side with rare creatures and birds aplenty. From open grasslands to dense forests and winding rivers, it is nature’s playground waiting for you to join – and yes, that includes spotting the elusive and critically endangered black rhino.
Enjoy authentic Africa safari adventures with game drives, bush walks and a rhino conservation experience. Your safari starts right at the lodge with a view over an active waterhole.

Victoria Falls is a sight to behold, and the team at S&L know all the best view spots. Their expert guide will lead you on a personalised journey through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, tailoring the experience to your preferences and interests. Whether you wish to admire the breath-taking vistas or learn about the fascinating history and geology of the Falls, the 3-hour tour promises heaps of fantastic photo opportunities.

When you stay at Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, Victoria Falls is yours to explore. Between adventures, you get to enjoy comfort, privacy and natural wonder on your doorstep. Every luxurious Suite, distinct yet uniformly elegant, offers a contemporary take on colonial style, inviting you to feel completely at ease. For families, they feature two sets of interconnected Suites, ensuring everyone has enough room.

Book now to take advantage of the special currently running. Bookings are only available until the end of May, so don’t wait.

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

Disconnect to Reconnect

Posted on by James

An African sunset makes you feel at peace.

There are few things on earth that can bring such a level of contentment into your life in one moment. It doesn’t matter what other stresses might be going on back home; mortgage, bills, business deals, impending board meetings… in that brief period of time, surrounded by beauty, likely with gin and tonic in hand and the sound of the African Bush shifting from day mode to night, everything seems right with the world…

Look around at who you’re with…

Wife, kids, friends… The ranger who you have bonded with so quickly over the course of your safari, he or she almost feels like an extension of your family…
The company is stellar, the view amazing. The fact that you haven’t read an email in hours, even better.

The feeling you have is one that may have been missing for a good long while. It’s the feeling of you as you were meant to be.
The authentic self can most easily be found in nature, far from any screens, wifi, advertising or media of any sort. This is where you can rekindle relationships, be at your most vulnerable and honest, and realise things about yourself that it took removing yourself completely from your normal environment to discover…

At Iconic Africa, we pride ourselves in the experiences we craft for our guests. We tailor-make itineraries that we know will reconnect people with the versions of themselves that they were meant to be. Through immersions in other cultures, deep dives into the ways of the wild and journeys into wildernesses most can only dream of, we seek to reawaken parts of peoples souls that have long lain dormant.
And through disconnecting from the fast-paced world that most of us inhabit, by switching off phones and leaving an ‘out-of-office’ response on our email, we get that much closer to true authenticity.

To quote J.R.R. Tolkein –

The world isn’t in your books or maps… It’s out there…

We’ve been out there in Africa and we’ve seen it. We encourage you with all our hearts to do the same…

 

‘Phones in the Bush: Dos and Don’ts

Posted on by James

(Disclaimer: We know not everyone is on an iPhone specifically, so if we use the term iPhone we are meaning it generically – it can be both iPhone or Android)

Phones rule our lives these days.
From communication to social media to direction finding to taking photographs – you name it, they’ve got it.
But whilst these seemingly indispensable little gadgets can be exceptionally convenient in an urban environment, they have the potential to distract you from the real beauty of your safari, so we thought we’d run through a couple of Do’s and Don’ts that might help you know when or when not to pull your phone out of your pocket..

Do: Have your phone with you

We are torn when it comes to the above, since we are very much in favour of the fully disconnected bush immersion, but given that not everyone will have a mirrorless camera and big lens with them, a phone is a fantastic way of capturing images of your safari, and with camera technology improving almost daily, one can have some stunning photos to take home, but…

Don’t: Have it connected to the network

Rid yourself of messages, emails, newsfeeds or anything that might cause you to be looking needlessly at your screen, at least until you’re back at the lodge. Who knows; that split-second when you glance down to check your inbox might have been when the leopard appeared briefly in your peripheral, but you missed it. Have your phone with you, but leave the signal for after drive.

Do: Take photos

Don’t: Post them straight away

You want the record of your safari. You want to be able tho show people what you saw, what it did, how quickly the leopard climbed the tree, how close the elephants came to your safari vehicle… But there’s no need to post any of the content you capture until you’re back in your room (many safari lodges only provide wifi in the rooms, and not on deck – this encourages guests to be off their phones and present).
Posting takes time; picking the right filter, cropping, editing, maybe selecting a nice song for a reel.. all this serves to do is distract further from the magic of what’s around you. Take the photo, record the video, but once you’ve got it, put the phone away again. Save the posting for later…

Do: Use reference apps.

Don’t: Forget to ask your ranger first.

There is an untold number of apps out there providing detailed information from anything from tree longevity to frog mating calls. Most places in the world have some sot of reference for that particular area.
The Roberts’ Bird App for Southern Africa is amazingly detailed and provides a wealth of information on bird plumage, calls, distribution, mating habits and everything else that go with their life history.
Star apps can help you identify individual constellations at any time of the year. There are many wonderfully useful tools that are highly applicable in the African bush.

However, too-heavy a reliance on these apps does exactly what we’re constantly trying to discourage when out there: screen-time.

Don’t forget that your ranger (and/or tracker) are highly qualified guides into this world, and they are there for a reason. They will know the answer to most questions you might throw at them.
If the whole vehicle is stuck identifying a specific bird, by all means delve into the app, but see how fun it is trying to work it out with your guide to work it out beforehand…

Do: Keep the phone in your pocket

Don’t: Keep it on the seat next to you

We’ll end here so that we don’t end up sounding like we’re completely against the use of phones in the bush, but the best way to not be distracted by something is to limit your exposure to it. Out of sight, out of mind is very applicable in this case, and by simply keeping the phone in your seat pocket or in the pocket of your pants, you won’t be wondering who tried to call you or how many likes your latest post got. You will be left to bask in the magnificence of nature all around you, soaking in every glorious moment.

More and more phones are becoming a part of being in the bush, whether to photograph, reference or (and hopefully not) find your way home.

We’re simply saying to remember why you journeyed there in the first place; it wasn’t to look at a screen…

The Best Treehouses in Africa

Posted on by James

Counting sheep is one way to try and fall asleep.

Why not go one better though? Try to count a billion stars, have a lion roaring in the distance as a lullaby, and feel the cool night breeze of Africa on your face as it sussurates through the mosquito net… That’s the way to do it.

More and more safari lodges across Africa are offering a romantic sleep-out as an option, and their stunning treehouses are as opulent as one could desire.
No simple matress-and-sleeping-bag combinations are to be found here; instead guests are greeted by soft mattresses, expansive duvets, the warm glow of kerosene lanterns, and more than likely the subtle accompaniment of nightbirds trilling nearby.

Although the idea of a sleep-out can be intimidating to the inexperienced safari-goer, treehouse locations are as safe as any luxury lodge, and are an incredible way to experience raw nature. You will never sleep as deeply as you will when the night sounds of Africa are your personal bedtime story.

Here then are three of our favourite safari sleep-out offerings:

Wilderness Linkwasha, Zimbabwe

Tucked in the south-east corner of the Hwange National Park, the Linkwasha Concession plays host to four stunning lodges in the Wilderness portfolio: Linkwasha, Davison’s, Maokolo and Little Makololo. The area boasts a stunning variety of wildlife, and is particularly productive in the dry season when animals are entirely dependent on the few remaining surface water points.

It is next to one of these pans – which is kept topped up by the National Park – that the Linkwasha Sleepout platform is situated.
Tucked up against an ancient Leadwood tree, the treehouse enjoys stunning panoramic views over the surrounding plains, with prime viewing over the waterhole and whatever might be coming down to slake its thirst.
In the dry season one can be assured of a constant parade of elephants doen below, whose splashing and gurgling will be a gentle accompaniment to your snores through the night, and the grasslands will almost certainly reverberate to the call of a big cat during the evening.
Open skies all around mean that the star-gazing will be unsurpassed!

Xigera Lodge, Botswana

In the heart of the Okavango Delta – about as close to a wildlife eden as you can get on earth – Xigera Lodge offers unmatched opulence in the safari industry. Stunning architecture in a remote location with some of the best game viewing on the sub-continent really makes this destination hard to beat.

Throw in a treehouse built to resemble one of Africa’s most iconic trees – the baobab – and you have just about one of the most romantic sleep-out venues on the planet.

The sheer imagination used to design such a stunning creation will take your breath away; something like a treehouse standing by itself could be potentially incongruous, but the Xigera offering just fits.

A night out here will be one you will never forget…

Lion Sands, South Africa

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of the best places to view predators in Africa, and Lion Sands ticks this box brilliantly.
Apart from boasting some of the most luxurious lodges and one of the densest leopard populations on the continent, they have three stunning treehouses to choose from if a sleep-out under the stars is what you’re after. Each of the Chalkley, Tinyeleti and Kingston treehouses has their own unique charm, but all have much in common at the same time – comfort, beauty, and a sense of place, almost as if the treehouses were always there.
The feeling you want from an experience like this is one of belonging, as if you are actually part of the environment. And you get that feeling in droves at the Lion Sands treehouses…

As rustic as they may sound, the treehouses on offer at the higher-end lodges are anything but. Bathroom facilities, their own dining experience, 24-hour communication with the lodge via radio, and a whole host of other make them incredibly comfortable, safe, and as user-friendly as one could wish.

A treehouse sleep-out is just about as authentic an experience that one can find in the African bush…

If this is the kind of adventurous night you’d be interested in, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start looking for a treehouse for you…

 

 

Iconic Africa Wins Another Award

Posted on by James

For the 5th year in a row, Iconic Africa has scooped top spot in a LuxLife Travel Awards category, this year being declared Best Luxury Africa Travel Agent – USA.

We could not be more proud to once again be recognised for the experiences we keep aspiring to deliver for our guests, and the continent we keep aspiring to promote.

To quote the LuxLife Website:

LUXlife Magazine is a premium lifestyle publication which was founded in 2015. Distributed to a circulation of 94,000 globally, LUXlife focuses on a range of topics within the luxury lifestyle industry, featuring articles on fashion, beauty, fine dining, travel, luxury real estate and much more.
The LUXlife awards honour the extraordinary achievements of those shaping the luxury industry. These prestigious awards are a testament to the relentless pursuit of brilliance, recognizing those who are shining with excellence.

The travel and tourism industries have made a strong comeback! After enduring the effects of previous years, 2023 finally brought back a sense of normalcy. It is predicted that 2024 will continue this upwards trend in travel bookings and build upon it. Economic struggles and doubts about industry recovery are now a thing of the past. The travel industry is operating at full capacity and surpassing expectations!

Iconic Africa has been revelling in this upward trend in travel, and we have never been busier. With new sales agents joining our team and new guests from all over the world travelling with us, we continue to refine our offering, seeking out only the best destinations for our bespoke safaris.

A crucial aspect of Iconic Africa’s philosophy is that the destinations we represent must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the conservation of Africa’s last great wilderness areas and the rural people who live around them. Terri Abadi and John Holley, our founders,  have both personally been extensively involved in education and social upliftment in rural Africa.

When you travel with Iconic Africa,  a portion of the money you spend on your life-changing African vacation will be put to wilderness conservation and social enterprise development. Our destinations contribute to the protection of rhino, innovative green energy, valuable ecological research, education, lion conservation and community involvment.

Iconic Africa creates exclusive luxury African safari and adventure holidays for couples and families in southern and East Africa. Our gorgeous destinations are all hand-picked and visited by Terri and John and are as varied as Africa is large; from Cape Town to Kilimanjaro, along the Zambezi River and through the Kruger Park to Mozambique’s tropical coastline and everything in between…

With five years entering the LuxLife Tourism Awards and 5 awards to our name already, we can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring for Iconic Africa, our guests, and the magnificent continent we call home…

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

Leopards of the Lower Zambezi

Posted on by James

The Zambezi is truly one of Africa’s great rivers.

The fourth longest in the continent, it rises in the highlands of western Zambia, before cutting down into Angola, back into Zambia and then acting as a natural border with Namibia, then Zimbabwe before it finally flows into Mozambique, wending its way down to the Indian Ocean.

One specific section of it – the aptly named Zambezi Valley – is between Chirundu and the Mpata Gorge, and is absolutely teeming with wildlife! On the northern, Zambian side of the river, lies the Lower Zambezi National Park, and it is here that we shine our spotlight…

Although the park itself is over 4000 square kilometres, the vast majority of that is scrubby hill-land from the escarpment back away from the river; as a result over 95% of the wildlife viewing takes place down on the valley floor, in the few kilometres between the river itself and the escarpment. It is here that the camps of the Lower Zambezi are to be found, and it is here that you will find some of the best leopard viewing in Africa.

Stunning open forested areas made up of imposing Winterthorn trees provide an incredible backdrop through which the sly cats are consistently to be found moving, as they stalk their predominantly impala prey. The bark of a baboon is often the first indication that there is a leopard on the prowl.

Although in recent years it is the large pack of buffalo-hunting wild dogs in the central Jeki area that has truly put the park on the map, the reality is there is far more to it than a single pack of canids. The lion population is as healthy as ever, general game is prolific, and the elephant herds move their stately way under the Winterthorn canopy in such numbers as to almost be uncountable. The height of the dry season in particular is a spectacular time for a visit as there is scant grass cover and lovely soft light, so you are invariably viewing animals in the open and the photographic opportunities are prolific.

Accommodation-wise one is treated to an almost surfeit of spectacular camps. To the west of the park lie two of our favourites – Zambezi Grande and Time & Tide’s Chongwe House.

With our amazing 35% special currently running on Time & Tide’s camps, Chongwe House would be our obvious recommendation for now, although Zambezi Grande is no less stunning.

Moving east along the riverbank one gets to Chiawa Camp, and it’s sister camp Old Mondoro more centrally located in the park. Both are very similar in design and feel and share similar game viewing opportunities, with Old Mondor being a particular favourite with the elephants, and Chiawa being one of the leopard hotspots in the west of the reserve.

Jeki Airstrip (directly above of Old Mondoro camp on the map) is where most flights to Lower Zambezi will arrive, and is unofficially the centre of the park; it is here that the famous wild dog pack renowned for their buffalo hunting prowess have chosen to den over the past two or three years. Although the pack has split slightly, the larger group and their pups still number roughly 30 individuals, and they still hunt the big bovines in the dry season.

Just east of Jeki, down towards Anabezi Lodge, is the leopard area. For some reason the density here seems to be higher than in the rest of the park, and sightings are frequent. A mother and her two daughters have become regular features in the sightings logs, as well as two small cubs born towards the end of 2023 that are now wll on their way to sub-adulthood.

Anabezi is our favourite camp in the east. It provides superb access to the eastern section of the reserve, is as comfortable as one could wish, and best of all, each visiting party receives their own private vehicle, meaning game drives are yours to do with what you please.

Whilst it is the wild dogs that have taken centre stage over the last few years in the Lower Zambezi, it is the leopards that we believe will keep the park on the map.
Spread throughout the reserve (the wild dogs can disappear into the escarpment), the viewing of them is as consistent and spectacular as one could wish, and with some of the most stunning scenery in Africa on display, there is almost no better place to be viewing these cats in the wild.

The Time & Tide 35% special will be running for the next two months, but there are plenty of options to choose from in this, one of the continent’s most underrated destinations.

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

 

South Africa: The Ultimate Travel Destination

Posted on by James

South Africa literally has it all.

Well. Almost.

It can’t quite compete with the Alps or the Rocky Mountains as a skiing destination, but for the rest, you name it, it’s got it!
Beaches, mountains, forests, deserts, bustling cities, cultural heritage sites, fascinating history, amazing food and wine… the list is seemingly endless.
From the rugged yet stunning west coast through the dry interior to the high peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, and down the other side to the turtle-strewn beaches of Kwazulu/Natal, if you can’t find something here that absolutely blows you away, you’re doing something wrong…

The sheer diversity of experiences on offer is simply staggering, and the fact that the country is linked together by incredibly efficient modern airports in the major city centres, smaller regional hubs, and a road network that runs through the major tourist areas, and you have the perfect recipe for travel.

You could spend a month in the Mother City (Cape Town) and not do it all, and once you get your safari fix for the first time, you’ll be spending the next year planning your return trip, so addictive does it become.
The eastern Lowveld towards Mozambique is the traditional area to safari, and the Garden Route along the south coast offers quaint and magical little escapes where one can luncheon on oysters and champagne then go mountain biking in the forest, but to be honest, there is no corner of South Africa that doesn’t contain its own special offering.

The main tourist areas are just that for a reason – they feature incredibly high densities of amazing things to do – but from the farthest flung desert to the chilliest mountain peak, the country is strewn with thousands off hamlets, homesteads and adventure activities that are just waiting to be discovered. And heading off the beaten track often ensures lower costs and fewer people…

South Africa is about SO much more than just safari. It truly is one of the low-hanging fruit of travel destinations in the world. You will love it. That much we guarantee,

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com if you want to experience some of what this remarkable country has to offer…

 

 

Space & Silence: The Real Luxury

Posted on by James

In this modern age of safari, when there are countless lodges to choose from, often with no more than a few kilometres between them, people are starting to reevaluate what luxury means.
Wifi speeds and thread-counts, wine lists and heated seats in the game viewer… these are certainly things that can optimise your enjoyment of an experience and make it as comfortable as can be desired, but are they things you can’t find anywhere else? Are they things that will leave you breathless and in complete awe?


It is the sensation of feeling somehow so insignificant yet so much a part of something that people are starting to realise they are truly searching for, and that you are unlikely to find in a fairly standard lodge offering, no matter how “luxurious” it may be on the surface.
Those feelings can only be sought in the stillness of great space, where one can look to distant horizons and let the imagination soar as to what might be out there.

The absolute silence of the Makgadikgadi Pans as you gaze out over their endless salt flats will humble you.
A huge bull elephant dwarfed by the vastness of the north Namibian landscape will give you a new appreciation for the fine balance of life in the harsher environments of this world, and the beauty of an Okavango sunset reflected in the still waters will open your mind to colours and beauty you never knew existed.

These are the bespoke trips we love our guests to experience. Discovering the thrill of safari and adventure often comes with the realisation that it’s not only about the wildlife, but about feeling grounded with the earth and unearthing a deep sense of reverence.
Finding places in this world that are hardly affected by man and where you still very much need to respect the elements gives one a respect for nature that won’t dwindle.

Come and travel with us to uncover these worlds.
Where the magnificence of the land before you makes your gin and tonic the sweetest you’ve ever tasted, and where the emotions of being confronted by such grandeur leave you almost drained come the end of the day, so you enjoy the best sleep you’ve ever had, disturbed only y the lion’s roar on the still night air.

Come and journey with Iconic Africa, and discover that the stillness to be found out there can translate into a stillness and peace within you…

Going Green in the Bush: Sustainability as the New Normal

Posted on by James

In a world where trends shift weekly and the only true constant is change, some solace is to be found in that the shift in the safari industry that is rapidly establishing itself as the new normal is the move towards sustainability.

Going green is the buzz phrase, but is far more complex than many visitors seem to realise. It’s not simply a push towards renewable energy, although if your lodge isn’t running primarily on solar power these days, you’re getting left in the dust. Yes, renewables play a key part in the whole complicated microcosm of lodge building and continued functioning, but it is ultimately the mindset behind the sustainability movement that is most important, and which thankfully is becoming ever more entrenched in the industry.

It is a mindset that is centred upon awareness of your own impact upon not just those places and people you encounter, but the rippling out of your personal experience into the greater industry.

Are the vegetables on your plate being sourced locally, thereby reducing their carbon footprint in the form of transportation and packaging?
Is the lodge you are staying at contributing meaningfully to the communities near which they operate? Are they promoting health and education and employment equity?
Are waste disposal measures focused on recycling and are leftovers being made use of to minimise wastage?

These are questions that conscious travellers are asking more and more these days, and what we are increasingly seeing in safari is that if lodges aren’t fulfilling these criteria, travellers won’t book.
Many times of late we have seen the decision of where to stay being reduced to the simple equation of how much the respective lodges are doing in terms of conservation and community development, and those at the forefront of the movement are getting the bookings.

With many of the top lodges almost inseparable in terms of their wildlife, accommodation and culinary offerings, it is their respective shifts towards sustainability that serves to differentiate them.

Londolozi in the Sabi Sands, one of our favourite destinations, has long been leading the charge in terms of their sustainability efforts and community programs.
The Good Work Foundation, a non-prophet dedicated to digital and english literacy in rural areas surrounding game reserves, is one of their brainchilds. They are almost completely off the grid with their state-of-the-art solar farm, they grow their own vegetables on-site to reduce carbon emissions from the transport of fresh produce, and they are constantly looking for new ways to innovate.

The Wilderness Portfolio operate largely in remote, ecologically sensitive regions like the Okavango Delta of Botswana or the Busanga Plains in Zambia. It is imperative for the longevity of the regions they promote and take guests into that their camps are as low-impact as possible, which is a model they have wholeheartedly endorsed. Solar energy, advanced water treatment and waste disposal systems, you name it… the camps set the standard very high.

At Iconic Africa, we are wholeheartedly behind this movement. More and more we find ourselves leaning towards those lodges and safari destinations that are having increasingly positive impacts in the areas in which they operate, and we encourage our guests to ask those same questions…

Its ultimately the accumulative effect of all the little changes that has the biggest impact…

Iconic Africa’s Favourite Escapes #3

Posted on by James

Continuing our series of our travel consultant’s favourite escapes, this month we feature Mary Hensman and her podium of destinations in the safari world. These three lodges are among our favourites and receive consistently amazing reviews and feedback from our guests, so it’s no wonder they are some of Mary’s top picks…

The Outpost 

The Outpost has become one of my personal favourite places to visit to experience the extraordinary biodiversity, scenic splendour and history for which the Pafuri region is renowned.
The lodge is perched high above the Luhvuvu River, and is the perfect place from which to explore this spectacular corner of South Africa. The birdlife is stunning, the baobabs are magnificent, the leopards rasping during the night will send tingles up your spine, and everywhere you look you are simply blown away! 

Elephants have always been a massive part of my life and sensational interactions with them in the bush always hold a special place with me, especially if they come gently into your space.
One of my most incredible experiences with elephant – that left all of us a little awestruck – happened while visiting Lion Sands River Lodge, and that sentimental association means the lodge will always remain dear to my heart.
The game viewing is nothing short of spectacular and the decor of the lodge is amazing!

A dream destination; not anywhere I have been before (the camp is very new) but it’s on my bucket list!
Why? Since having kids there has been a shift in me in which I want to share everything unique in this world with them and to open their eyes to the beauty out there. Tswalu is a completely unique and untouched area that has the potential for wildly different sightings; pangolin, bat eared fox, brown hyena and the majestic Kalahari lion. There is also not one thing that they have not thought of in creating a luxury bespoke experience.
Loapi – “Space under the Clouds” – caters to families or couples, where you have a space and unspoiled views all to yourself. If that isn’t enough, you also have a private chef, butler and guide and tracker team to make your stay completely personal.

 

If these destinations appeal to you – and they should! – get in touch now through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about rates and availability…

 

The New-Look Rattray’s on Mala Mala

Posted on by James

Since the 60’s, Mala Mala has been wowing guests with its game viewing.

The camps have developed somewhat in the last five and a half decades, but the phenomenal wildlife viewing has remained ai its consistent best.

MalaMala Rattray’s Camp offers an intimate glimpse into an era long lost, when travellers from afar married the magic of the African bush with elegance and refinement.

Combining humble opulence and romantic exclusivity with unrivalled game viewing, MalaMala Rattray’s Camp is one of the premier safari destinations for those seeking to experience the wild heart of Africa.

 

Mala Mala’s hashtag #itsallabouthewildlife, says it all; wildlife safaris are their number one priority. A maximum of only four guests per safari vehicle out of Rattrays Camp is the norm and a flexible operation ensures your adventures into the bush will be intimate and unforgettable. An experienced ranger will serve as your guide and host, handling all the minutiae that go into making your trip as seamless as possible, both in camp and out in the bush.

Sumptuous meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations including the boma, the deck, the dining room or in the privacy and comfort of your own suite. And with unobstructed views down into the Sand River, it is more than likely that mealtimes will feature a wildlife show of some sort, be they elephants drinking from the gently flowing water, or a leopard skulking through the reeds.

Rattray’s on Mala Mala features everything you may need to make a slightly longer complete from all angles. A beautifully appointed library containing rare African books and magnificent works of art lets one pass the heat of the day reading of explorers of old, and an historic bar adorned with antique photographs lets one hearken back to the early days of game viewing in the reserve.

Lunches are served on the most phenomenal viewing deck, whilst evening meals will more than likely (although weather permitting) be served under the stars in the boma. Thos who would like to take home some mementos of their visit will find more than they could wish for in the boutique shop, and to ward off the inevitable gains that come with the delicious hearty meals on offer, a fully equipped gym will let you remain active between game drives. WiFi is available in all the rooms.

Rattrays can host 16 guests in eight luxury villas, each of which boasts a private verandah with grand river views and a private heated plunge pool, a private indigenous garden, en-suite bathrooms with double vanity, ball-and-claw bath and double indoor shower and outdoor shower; outdoor and indoor dining area, air-conditioning, heating, overhead fans, hairdryer, minibar, tea and coffee facilities. Satellite television, DVD player and laptop with wireless connectivity are available on request.

The accommodations here are everything you could ever wish for on safari, and with the high likelihood of encountering wildlife roaming through the camp, things couldn’t get any bette

Whether you’re visiting for three days or fifteen, Rattray’s on Mala Mala will make you feel as though your trip was too short, so at home will you feel.

If you want to find out more about staying in this wildlife-intense camp, mail us on info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your Mala Mala safari…

Singita Pamushana: Another World

Posted on by James

Perched high on a sandstone ridge overlooking the shimmering expanse of the Malilangwe Dam, Singita Pamushana Luxury Lodge’s eight elegant suites – all with private plunge pools – draw inspiration from the rich tribal history of ancient Zimbabwe.

Maximising opportunities to be immersed in the restorative power of its incredible wilderness setting, the lodge’s guest experience allows for a safari that’s both soothing and inspiring – with comfort, intuitive ease and a complete sense of freedom underpinning every stay.

Featuring a series of staggered and interlinked platforms, Pamushana’s main lodge area provides a variety of living spaces from which to appreciate the astounding natural beauty of the area. Expansive decks deepen connections with the landscape and a cliff-top fire pit and bar-deli overlooking the dam provides the perfect setting for alfresco dining and fireside storytelling.

Pamushana Luxury Safari Lodge is set in Zimbabwe’s remote southeast, within the 130,000-acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.

Guests have exclusive access to this untouched wilderness and can immerse themselves in nature on twice-daily game drives, bush walks, sundowner boat cruises, excursions to rock art sites and more.

In addition to the benefits for the reserve, it is envisaged that lessons learned here will help to derive best practice protocols that will have application in other conservation initiatives

As custodians of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe, the Malilangwe Trust manages the conservation of this pristine wilderness – which comprises 38 different habitats and ecological zones in 130,000 acres of protected land.

After successfully introducing 28 black and 15 white rhinos to the reserve in 1998, it’s now home to a globally significant population of both and the programme has been so successful that it is a source for restocking rhinos in other reserves on the continent.

The Trust has developed a blueprint for creating harmony between conservation initiatives and community development in villages that neighbour wildlife areas and ensured a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife, including breeding herds of rare antelope species such as sable and roan.

An onsite Environmental Education Centres for school teachers and children allows them to immerse themselves in Outdoor Education and fieldwork, while the Trust’s nutrition programme provides 20,000 children with a fortifying meal before school every day in order to address increasing food insecurity in the region.

In this south-eastern corner of Zimbabwe, Singita Pamushana is really defining  what community-focused conservation should be.

Get in touch with us through info@icocniafrica.com to find out more, and let’s start planning your safrai…

Time & Tide Chinzombo: Gateway to South Luangwa

Posted on by James

South Luangwa National Park is simply breathtaking.

Essentially Zambia’s flagship national park, it boasts a stunning array of wildlife, and although there are a number of accommodation options in and around the park, it still boasts that wilderness feel. At almost 10 000 square kilometres it doesn’t lack for size, and when one considers that only a small portion of this area is touched by tourist roads, you appreciate what a wild and untamed place it really is.

Time & Tide, one of our favourite groups in Zambia, have five different camps to choose from in and around the park. Whereas many camps in the area are seasonal and not open during the rainy season, Time & Tide’s Chinzombo is open the whole year round, providing wonderful access to the park during the green months, when the migrant birds are at their most plentiful and life is everywhere.

Named after a type of tree which grows near camp, Chinzombo’s natural building materials and vintage accents blend modern style with the best of a traditional bush safari camp.

Its six spacious luxury safari tents (including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family tent) rest beneath ancient msikizi trees. Each has a private pool and soaking tub with panoramic views over the river and its abundant wildlife.

Elephants cross the river regularly in front of camp, and the section of the park opposite Chinzombo – known as Wakumba – is one of the hotspots in the whole of South Luangwa to find leopards…

The luxury safari tents’ award-winning design features canvas, timber and reed, accented with leather and raw linen. Each stretches out onto a shaded verandah where you can wile away the afternoon or unwind with an in-room spa treatment.

Down a winding path, the main lodge beckons. Lounge on the riverfront sun deck with a book from the open-air library. Enjoy dinner under the stars, made with produce we grow ourselves. Sip a drink at the bar while browsing through old books and photos or around the fire pit suspended high atop the river bank.

This is one of the most game-rich areas of South Luangwa National Park. Take a boat across the river with our experienced guides for a game drive, safari walk or boat cruise (seasonal) to catch sight of lions, leopards and other predator action.

Chinzombo is right on the doorstep of an area of prolific game viewing, but as mentioned earlier, is only a part of the Time & Tide portfolio in this area.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more, and let’s start planning your Zambian safari…

Linkwasha: Place of Elephants (and More!)

Posted on by James

If you want to be simply blown away by a seemingly endless procession of elephants, Linkwasha in the dry season is for you.

Literally thousands of the world’s largest land mammal are in constant movement to and from the waterholes of Zimbabwe’s Hwange national park as the last rains become a distant memory and water resources become limited. Evenings see them move into the real forests to feed in comfort, but as the sun rises and temperatures rise, it’s back to the water they go

Drinking, wallowing, mud-bathing… you name it; it’s all on display here. And just when you think there couldn’t possible be more elephants around, yet more herds emerge from the bush to join their counterparts.

Hwange is a land of waterholes. With no permanent water sources available apart from the odd natural spring (although these one or two are widely separated), something had to be done to keep animals in the National Park, so a system of pumped waterholes was established by the national parks authority, which are maintained to this day.

The permanent water that they provide help anchor the large herds within the park’s boundaries and help mitigate against the inevitable human-wildlife conflict that would occur should elephants in particular start moving further afield to find a drink. 

This interconnected system of waterholes ensures that the game-viewing in Hwange National Park is exceptional, particularly in the dry season.

In the park’s south east is the exclusive Wilderness Concession, upon which four camps sit; Linkwasha, Davison’s Makololo Plains and Little Makololo.

All are amazing, all come with an attending waterhole out front and all are almost certain to provide an incredible experience.

    

Linkwasha, the most south-eastern of the camps, is the high-end offering. Offering slightly larger rooms and some amenities that aren’t found elsewhere, Linkwasha also lies closer to Ngamo Plains, the easternmost section of the park that offers unbeatable photographic opportunities, particularly for the big cats. The resident Ngamo pride is a mainstay of predator viewing down here, and cheetahs put in a regular appearance. And of course the waterholes attract the elephants!

The camp itself features nine deluxe tents, all widely spaced and facing outwards onto an open plain to maximise the wildlife viewing. Aiconditioning units keep the interiors nice and cool during the heat of the day, but during cooler times of the year one can lounge on your couch or deck with the screen doors open, enjoying the traipsing of the local fauna to and from the camp’s waterhole.

Just as one returns from morning game drive is when the first elephants are starting to move towards the water. The underground viewing hide at the water’s edge provides an amazing spot for close-up, low-angle photographs of everything from elephants to baboons to martial eagles that come to quench their thirst. Equipped with beanbags, comfy stools and it’s own refrigerator, it’s a wonderful option to consider instead of a game drive for an afternoon – you are almost sure to get visitors, and unique shots you wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise.

Hwange is not just about the dry season however. Well-drained Kalahari sands mean the area is navigable during the wetter summer. Migrant birds are everywhere, the bush is teeming with new life, and the verdant greens brought on by the rains indicate a world in full bloom!

All areas of the exclusive Wilderness concession are accessible from all the Wilderness camps, as well as parts of the park beyond the concession itself, so you won’t lack for options of places to explore.

Hwange is one of Zimbabwe’s flagship national parks, and it is a reputation richly deserved. 

Be sure to get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about the camp options in this unique and flourishing ecosystem…