Tag: lux travel

&Beyond Tengile: Beyond Sensational

Posted on by James

The Sabi Sands is renowned as being one of the best wildlife destinations in the Africa. The Big 5 and many more abound here, and the reserve has officially been established by the Panthera Organisation as having the densest population yet recorded anywhere in the world.

The reserve gets its name from the two major rivers that flow through the park – the Sabi and the Sand – and river frontage plays a major role in determine how good the game viewing is likely to be; the dry season in particular draws an abundance of wildlife to the water.

The Sand River flows right through the heart of the reserve, and in a prominent bend in the river’s southern reaches, one finds one of the newer camps in this wildlife heaven – &Beyond Tengile.

An extension of the original Kirkman’s Kamp (named after Harry Kirkman – the reserve’s first warden) Tengile overlooks a beautiful open stretch of Sand River that almost always seems to have a breeding herd of elephants traipsing across it. Leopards skulk through the reedbeds and along the banks, their presence often being betrayed by the warning bark of a bushbuck, and the eerie wail of a hyena is regularly heard through the hours of darkness.

Wildlife viewing here is simply superb, and the fact that &Beyond boasts one of the finest ranger training schools on the continent means that your guides will be some of Africa’s finest.

This magnificent lodge features nine large, air-conditioned, intimate suites, secreted in the dappled shade of the riparian woodland, each with broad Sand River views. In addition to a master bedroom, bathroom and outdoor shower, there is a lounge, dining area, fully-stocked bar, coffee station and outdoor seating and dining area that are quite simply sensational.
A private lap pool on your spacious deck comes complete with sunken outdoor lounge looking out onto the wilderness.
For families, two of the lodge’s suites are joined by a covered walkway to create an extended family suite.

The lodge’s guest area offers a mixed selection of open, interactive and private places. The viewing deck is a wonderful addition and the library is a treasury of fascinating curated objects and interesting books. Bespoke furniture, lights and unique décor pieces have been created from skilled local artists and striking fabrics have been masterfully hand-painted. A massage and gym area offers guests a space of well-being and tranquillity and a Safari Shop is stocked with beautiful handcrafted item.

Tengile really is a jewel in the &Beyond crown; get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about rates and availability in this bushveld paradise…

Iconic Africa’ Team Bucket Lists: Jess Craig

Posted on by James

Jess Craig recently joined the Iconic Africa sales team. Her love of the bush started when she was tiny, and she has been visiting the South African Lowveld since before she could walk. A career in hospitality in some of the finest lodges in Southern Africa have made her a true connoisseur of the guest experience, so when she handpicks a lodge for our clients, they can be sure it’s something pretty special.

Here are a few of her favourites…

Each of these 3 properties has a piece of my heart.  Apart from being incredible in terms of the experiences they offer and their magnificent locations, they have all played a significant role in the journey and direction of my life.

Phinda Forest Lodge

It is here that I met the love of my life. While working as the Hospitality Manager at Phinda Forest Lodge, my husband walked into my life and it has been one of my greatest gifts. The Sand Forest will forever be the guardian of my greatest love story.

Dulini Moya

Dulini was the catalyst that sparked my career in hospitality.  It was the first safari lodge I ever worked at, and it was certainly not the last.  It led to 12 years of managing some of the most beautiful and unique camps throughout South Africa. I will be eternally grateful to Dulini Moya for igniting this passion in me.

Londolozi Founders Camp

On the afternoon of my 27th birthday, while working at Founders Camp, I was mistakenly left out in the wild. It was this extraordinary experience that enticed me to become a safari guide: one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.

My 3 bucket-list properties that I hope to visit some day:

Pel’s Post

For my unwavering love of elephants and Baobab Trees.

Tswalu Tarkuni

With my family – for endless horizons, aardvarks, ochre sand, star-studded skies and family togetherness

Wilderness Damaraland

For untamed wilderness, desert elephants by moonlight and ancient geology…

The Mara Conservancies: a Conservation Framework

Posted on by James

It might seem strange to head out on game drive, spend some time viewing a lion pride sleeping int he shade, then drive round the corner and bump into a Maasai herdsman out walking with his cattle.
Yet that is the reality in much of rural Africa – the co-existence of wildlife and people. And if it is to be a peaceful and productive one, conservancies are an excellent way to maintain it.

The last thirty years in Africa have seen the evolution of the conservancy concept, which has spread fast.
Conservancies in Kenya in particular are regarded as a way of involving local communities with wildlife conservation. The purpose of a conservancy is not the same as a nationally protected reserve like a park, and they do not replace these area, instead they complement them.

Conservancies provide a range of local values, including clarifying and firming up local land tenure over pasture and grazing areas, improving security – both for wildlife and land-owners – through networks of community scouts and communications infrastructure and law enforcement bodies, and “providing a legal structure for communities to enter into third-party joint ventures with tourism investors in order to generate revenue from wildlife”.

Conservancies in Kenya are represented by Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association “who work with landowners and communities to sustainably conserve and manage wildlife and their habitat outside formal protected areas to perpetuate Kenya’s heritage.”

Whereas historically wildlife has been seen as a nuisance by both pastoralists and farmers (livestock gets killed by predators and elephants raid crops), and the establishment of restricted wildlife areas as prohibiting access to good grazing grounds, the establishment of conservancies essentially sees local landowners and local communities benefitting from tourism dollars whilst still maintaining many land-use rights, and ultimately coming to see wildlife as a positive.

Kicheche Wildlife Camps, who operate in three conservancies that border the Maasai Mara (Naboisho, Olare Matorogi and Mara North) have this to say about their trust in the conservcancy system:

Keeping with the commitment of The Long Run’s 4Cs – Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce – we collaborate with the local community via the Kicheche Community Trust to support traditional and sustainable ways of living that are in harmony with wildlife and the environment.

All guest donations and bednight contributions to the Kicheche Community Trust are channelled into projects impacting its conservancy communities. These then have a significant impact on women’s empowerment in particular.  The Trust’s efforts and passion evolve around four pillars: Education, Health and Family Care Community Empowerment, Environment and Conservation.

With an ever expanding number of conservancies across Kenya that provide safe havens for wildlife as well as invaluable corridors for its free movement between established protected areas, the system seems to be the way forward in areas where it can be implemented…

 

 

 

Bush Legends Dinner for Endangered Wildlife Trust

Posted on by James

July 20th saw an incredible fund-raising event take place at Katy’s Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In honour of their tenth anniversary, the Jocks of the Bushveld – a bush-loving group of friends – hosted a dinner in collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust – who were celebrating their 50th anniversary – to raise money for the EWT and the work that they do.

The dinner featured a number of Bush Legends, for once dressed up in black tie instead of khaki, who shared their stories and strategies for protecting Africa’s natural history and wildlife heritage.

180 people attended, with tickets sales contributing significantly towards the money being raised, as well as an auction of prizes donated by various lodges, travel companies (including Iconic Africa) and wildlife photographers.

A total of R800 000 (around $43 000) was raised over the course of the evening.

The real power of evenings like this however, lies in their ability to connect people. Those from outside the conservation circles have the power to affect massive change by donating their expertise and experience to a rapidly-changing world in which technology, education and leadership are what will be saving Africa’s wild spaces. It is no longer enough to simply be passionate about the preservation of wilderness areas; if one does not have the financial clout and the links to those who can see the bigger picture from a different perspective, the same problems will refuse to be solved.

Brett Horley, Founder of Brett Horley Safaris and the safari guide who has hosted the Jocks of the Bushveld on many a sojourn into Africa’s wildernesses – had this to say at the end of his speech:

“We need solutions, we need to support those on the frontline who do the actual protecting in the middle of the day and the middle of the night. The field rangers putting their lives on the frontline; the regional and section rangers; the organisations helping and assisting; EWT, GKEPF, SAWC – we need collaboration, we need passion, and we need leadership. We need evenings like this to help, to inspire, to remind, and to instil in us the desire to take action. That is how we got here, and that is why we are here.”

A huge thank you to all those who helped organise and host the event, and especially to those who contributed so generously towards the funds being raised.

Iconic Africa is incredibly proud to have been involved in such an initiative, and to have played our own small role in making the evening the success it was.

If anyone would like to donate to the EWT and further their cause in Africa, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com…

Singita Faru Faru: Serengeti Delight

Posted on by James

Set in front of a busy waterhole alongside the Grumeti River in the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti, Singita Faru Faru Lodge invites continuous connections with its breathtaking surrounds.

A relaxed approach to luxury forms a golden thread throughout this contemporary African lodge and allows guests to experience the deeply restorative power of nature. Décor & design includes airy bedroom suites, where every creature comfort is catered for with intuitive ease and oversized windows welcome the wilderness inside.

Expansive outdoor decks and multiple airy enclaves allow for intimate dining and drinks, while the café-style bar at the heart of the lodge hums with a subtle sparkle – spilling over to the pool area and firepit, and making for magical evenings under starlit skies, with satellites skimming by miles overhead.

Faru Faru is a mix of contemporary, organic style and the quirky practicality of a traditional botanist’s camp. With seven one-bedroom suites, one family suite, and one two-bedroom suite with a private pool, Faru Faru is able to cater to couples as well as large groups and families. Unlimited natural light and the rich, layered colours of the landscape flow into the living spaces and suites, captured in a pale-on-pale palette offset by hues of winter grasses and pink river clay.

Catering for every creature comfort, the relaxed luxury of Faru Faru’s large bedroom suites is subtly emphasised with cool, clean aesthetics and wide, oversized windows that open up to welcome the restorative natural surrounds inside. You’re going to love the outdoor showers and privacy offered by the thoughtful design of each accommodation. The outdoor seating area connected to each suite is also a huge bonus; it makes for the perfect space to read in between game drives.

The Singita wellness philosophy creates an environment for their urban-weary guests to reconnect to nature, revive their senses, restore their bodies and minds, and explore their African culture. The spa journey can be performed in the tranquility of the spa, out on a private deck or in the comfort of guest suites. The products used are carefully selected for the positive impact that they have on the guests and the environment

Set within Singita’s 350,000-acre private reserve in northern Tanzania, Faru Faru embodies a fresh take on African bush appeal and ushers in a new era of luxury wilderness safaris.

Singita Grumeti, situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the home of the Great Migration.

The reserve was created by the Tanzanian government in 1994 in order to protect the path of the annual wildebeest migration and the indigenous biodiversity of this vast and important ecosystem.

In 2002, the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund (now known as the Grumeti Fund), a not-for-profit organisation, was granted the right to manage and conserve these 350,000 acres, for the benefit of Tanzania, Africa and the world. Four years later, Singita took over the management of the property to enhance low impact, luxury tourism, at the request of the concessionaire.

  • Guests have the opportunity to visit the Anti-Poaching Observation Post that situated atop a hill with an incredible sunset view over the vast grassy plains below. The experience for Singita guests includes meeting the Singita Grumeti Fund game scouts and seeing how they live and work.
  • If you’re eager to get in a run, chat with the team to see if game scouts are available to accompany you on a jog in the bush…it’s truly an epic way to exercise in the Serengeti and something the Singita team is uniquely trained to execute.

   

Whilst the great migration steals the limelight in the Serengeti ecosystem, the game viewing is phenomenal year round, with prides of lions roaming the plains, leopards skulking through woodlands, and the ever-present elephant herds constantly delighting visitors with their antics.

Faru Faru is yet another amazing lodge in the Singita portfolio that we simply love sending our guests to, so readily do we trust their brand and service levels.

If you want to enquire more about availability and pricing, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your safari…

Lion Sands River Lodge

Posted on by James

It’s hard to say enough good things about Lion Sands.
For years one of our favourite lodges in the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Lion Sands has been wowing guests from all over the world with their incredible wildlife sightings and close attention to detail on the guest service front. The sheer amount of repeat business speaks for itself.

Lion Sands River Lodge is, as the name suggests, situated on beautiful river frontage. The Sabi River separates the reserve from the Kruger National Park, but being unfenced, still allows for free movement of wildlife. Elephants wade across the current, leopards leap between the rocks, and in the winter months the water levels are generally low enough to allow most creatures to cross without too much trouble.
The life-giving water attracts creatures great and small during the winter months in particular, when surface water is scarce across the reserve, and the density of game along the river banks is as high as could be wished for.

And then there’s the lodge itself…

The lodge’s style has a wonderful sense of brightness and space, yet remains understated. Wooden walkways lead off to a spa, gym and pool, and back to the main lodge, where the deck’s connected water features give the impression of floating on the river. Whether you enjoy your time together socially or quietly, the running theme here is simple and natural luxury living.

The lodge’s eight Luxury Rooms, six Superior Luxury Rooms and four River Suites are spaced along a path to reveal splendid river views and make for a very personal stay while on a luxury African safari stay. This is where couples, families and friends come together to reconnect with one another and Mother Nature.

The River Suites, each fronted by a plunge pool and set further away from the main lodge, are the most spacious and private – and also include a Family Suite for a relaxed family safari. It’s for you to choose which accommodation best suits you – but the extraordinary view comes standard. Relax at the guest pool or in the spa, get active in the gym, or browse the MORE Gallery. Turn your wildlife photography into artful souvenirs in the Creative Lab.

Bright, airy and contemporary are the three words that immediately hit you as you arrive at the lodge, and the feeling of deep well-being remains with you as you head out on safari to track down a leopard or to sit with a magnificent herd of elephants.

Lion Sands is in high demand amongst our guests from both Africa and overseas, so if you are interested in a stay, don’t wait to get in touch.

Mail us on info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your safari…

Cheetah Plains: Eco-Excellence

Posted on by James

Home of the exclusive-use luxury safari experience in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand Reserve, Cheetah Plains is the epitome of a sophisticated, innovative eco-luxury safari experience for the modern age, indulging you in a refined, personalised and private sustainable safari experience of a lifetime.

Set in the north-east corner of the reserve, close to the border of the enormous Kruger National Park (there are no fences to restrict the free flow of wildlife), Cheetah plains enjoys access to the densest leopard population yet recorded in Africa. Numbering up to 12 animals per 100 square kilometres, this is literally the best place on earth to view these magnificent cats.

Each exquisitely appointed Cheetah Plains villa accommodates up to eight guests and boasts a formal lounge, living and dining room areas, expansive swimming pool deck, entertainment lounge, wine gallery, curated art collection, chef’s kitchen and four sumptuous private guest bush suites.

A complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, culinary team, spa therapist as well as expert field guide and tracker team are dedicated to your villa for the duration of your stay. Together, this talented group of professionals deliver a luxury safari experience of the highest standard, tailored to your individual preferences.

 

For the most immersive safari experience, guests are invited to embark on guided, interpretive bush walks. Accompanied by certified and experienced walking-trails field guide, the opportunity to explore certain parts of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on foot is one not to be missed.

The duration of walks are easily customised to your requirements, taking number of guests, fitness levels, ages, weather conditions and your preferred game drive schedules into account. There is no more tangible way than this to surround yourself with nature.

Cheetah Plains welcomes families and children of all ages. Their highly qualified field guides and trackers are eager to share their bush lore with young, inquisitive minds. Bush bumbles (game drives of age-appropriate duration) and interpretive walks in their indigenous gardens facilitate a child’s connection with Africa’s wilderness and love of nature.

Cheetah Plains are one of the front runners in an industry that is constantly refining the most eco-friendly practices possible. With their increasing use of electric vehicles to conduct game drives, a shift to solar and a focus on reducing their footprint across all lodge operations, Cheetah Plains are set to remain on the cutting edge of what it means to be a world-class, non-impactful lodge…

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more and to start planning your safari…

 

Jao: Awestruck in the Okavango

Posted on by James

In the heart of the Okavango, on a remote island, Jao invites you to discover one of the richest experiences Botswana has to offer.

Where Earth meets river meets wetland, lies Jao. Surrounded by riverine forests and open floodplains teeming with game, Jao is the archetypal Okavango Delta camp, and a lush haven for wildlife. Boat in when the waters rise or travel by game drive vehicle when summer warms the land. At Jao, the endlessly dynamic waters provide a continuous element of surprise and all manner of experiences to explore this Botswana paradise.

Jao is a sculptural marvel of natural and recycled materials, of steel, wood, and glass, of towering, spacious interiors that embrace the light, the bush. Feel your senses come alive at this quintessentially Delta safari camp.

Striking design elements impress at every turn. Marvel at the gallery and museum, relax in the library, or simply just be in Jao’s elaborate main area, surrounded by the trees and bird song of the Delta. Choose between five expansive safari suites or two sublime villas with private plunge pools and their own private butlers, chefs, guides, and vehicles. The perfect Okavango hideaway.

The food experience at Jao is a journey in itself. To reduce their foodprint, strengthen their ties with the community, and create a healthier, more harmonious environment for all of us, the camp uses locally grown ingredients in traditional recipes. Feel indulged as you discover Botswana at its best through touch, smell, and taste.

At Jao you are invited into a world where nature and architecture merge seamlessly. Built into the tall trees, the unique bird’s nest-styled pool gazebo on the edge of the water provides the perfect place to rest. The extravagant wine cellar calls for a pre-dinner drink, while the award-winning spa with gym alongside, beckons you to experience the highest standards of safari luxury.

Keep your ears open for a hundred different bird calls. Spy a tiny painted reed frog, or elephants padding silently past camp. Follow lions across the floodplains. You’ll soon discover why the staff work tirelessly to protect the unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. Jao is a place dedicated to the conservation of the waters and the dry land, and the plants, birds, and wildlife that call Botswana home.

If this sounds like paradise to you, or you would like to know about more options within the amazing Okavango ecosystem, mail us on info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your safari…

Bisate Gorilla Trekking

Posted on by James

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; coming face to face with one of the great apes is one of the most surreal, life-changing experiences one can have.

To look into the eyes of a wild animal and recognise in it a fellow sentient being. To know unequivocally that the creature is examining you just as readily as you are examining it, will totally realign your concepts of your own humanity and indeed our place as a species on this planet.

The mountain gorillas of East and Central Africa are right up at the top of many ardent safari goers’ bucket lists, and so they should be. Until not too long ago however they were hard to reach, with only a few rudimentary lodges and fly-by-night trekking operations allowing access to the thick equatorial forests in which they make their homes.
Yet the last couple of decades have seen a number of superb lodges being built in prime positions along the mountain ranges the gorillas occur in.

Bisate Lodge in Rwanda, part of the Wilderness Safaris portfolio, is one of our favourites in the region; the six forest villas perched like birds nests in the Volcanoes National Park are simply breath-taking. And arguably the finest base in Africa from which to trek to see the famous mountain gorillas of the Virungas Mountains.

Since opening in 2017, Bisate has racked up 34 awards and continues to inspire; a wine cellar, library, spa, restaurant, and tree nursery, woven through with warm hospitality complete this natural wonder and make the place feel as though it is simply an extension of the environment.
Bisate’s eco-friendly approach ensures minimal impact on its surroundings, places a heavy emphasis on community upliftment, and contributes significantly to the safe-guarding of the local gorilla population and their environment.

For the rest of 2023, Rwanda is offering a massive reduction in the price of gorilla trekking permits for African residents, so if you want to experience something that will truly touch your soul, the time is now.

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

Thanksgiving With the Iconic Africa Foundation

Posted on by Terri

Seeing is just the start.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conserve – the innate beauty and wildness of Africa.

Preserve – memories you make in this timeless landscape.

Reserve – your trip with Iconic Africa.

Tanda Tula Plains Camp: True Magic in the Timbavati

Posted on by James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Khwai Bush Camp: Finest Botswana Authenticity

Posted on by James

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get in touch to find out about rates and availability…

 

 

Duke’s Camp: Remote Okavango Tranquility

Posted on by James

We are currently running unbeatable specials to Duke’s Camp in northern Botswana, one of the most exciting new offerings on our itineraries.

One of the newest camps in the Okavango Delta, Duke’s Camp is part of the Natural Selection portfolio, and is modelled on the style of its well known cousin, Jack’s Camp, on the edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans.

But whilst Jack’s has its unique desert feel, Duke’s reflects its water-based location. Crystal clear channels wind like serpents around the camp’s location, providing a stunning aquatic habitat for the best of what the Okavango has to offer. Kgao island – where the camp is situated – lies in a stunning concession next to the famous Vumbura Plains and Duba Plains camps, and those familiar with these latter two will know just how wildlife-rich the area is.

It’s hard to describe what it feels like to watch an elephant herd wade chest-deep across a water course at eye-level only metres away from the your boat. Or to have a leopard wander past the deck of your safari tent whilst the monkeys chatter at it from the boughs of the stately ebony trees above.
The Okavango is a place in which the safari element is not reserved for the times when you are out on the game drive vehicle; it literally follows you back to your camp. Hippos honk from the permanent lagoon in front of the lodge, hyenas whoop as the sun begins to set, and the roar of a lion is a constant background accompaniment during dinner.

Only open since June of this year, the camp opened with eight rooms, with a further four due to be added in March of 2023.
The safari tents are plush and full of character. Hand-carved four poster beds, brass fittings and beautiful African and natural history memorabilia complement the Persian rugs and wooden floors to create a nostalgic feel, a throwback to yesteryear in which you feel you are participating in a dramatic exploration of sorts. But in infinitely superior comfort to anything David Livingstone had to endure.

The exclusivity of Duke’s leads to its flexibility as well. Game Drive times are not set in stone; bush walks can be woven into the day whenever your heart desires, and the location of the concession means that Duke’s is one of the only camps in the area with access to a hot air balloon site, an incredible way to experience the Delta.

Our specials are only running until the 15th of December 2022, so be sure not to miss out.

Get in touch now to start planning your safari…

White Pearl: an Idyllic Mozambique Beach Getaway

Posted on by James

While it’s the more famous Indian Ocean islands like the Seychelles, Maldives and Mauritius that have traditionally stolen the limelight, it is the white sand beaches along Mozambique’s southern coast that are shooting to prominence in the international travel space.
Long revered by South African vacationers as the perfect beach getaway, Mozambique has caught the attention of the overseas market, and offers a bit of something for everyone craving a getaway by the sea.
Whether it’s surfing, scuba diving or simply lounging on the white sand that you’re after, there is something for you, and White Pearl at Ponta Mamoli offers the perfect space in which to immerse yourself into the best of what this magical country has to offer.

Built in 2011, White Pearl is best described as laid-back beachside chic.
Set on stilts and nestled in the lush vegetation of the coastal dunes, the resort is tucked away in a sheltered bay, mere metres from the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean.
The beaches here are untouched, and the waters offshore abound with life. Coral reefs play host to a stunning array of tropical marine life, and dolphins are regularly viewed from the deck of the lodge. During the Humpback whale migration from July to November, it is almost impossible to look seawards without seeing at least one of these behemoths of the deep breaching in a spectacular display.

The resort itself features 22 luxurious suites which have been sensitively designed to take advantage of their beautiful natural setting. Subtly blending into their bush surroundings, the chalets all feature magnificent views of the ocean, whose lapping waves serve as a constant background accompaniment.
Your very own plunge cool provides a wonderful place to cool off and rinse the salt of the ocean away before heading down to a sumptuous dinner, much of it delicious seafood, sustainably sourced of course.
Your personal butler will take care of your every need, and if you need to feel even more relaxed than you are pretty much guaranteed to be at White Pearl, massage therapists are standing by to offer massages as well as a variety of other spa treatments.

For those looking for an eco-adventure, the Maputo Special Reserve is only a short distance away, and morning excursions to this magnificent park will give one a broader exposure to and understanding of the unique bush-beach habitat merging to be found in the area. The elephants that populate the park may also put in an appearance, as experienced rangers know the spots they frequent at different times of the year.

Mozambique offers a superb beach holiday option, particularly for those who want to add it to the tail end of a safari. With major safari destinations being so close in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, the beach-bush combo is the perfect getaway for a family, and more particularly a honeymoon couple.

Get in touch to find out more about White Pearl, or other amazing beach holiday getaways…

How to Get the Most out of Safari

Posted on by James

With the world having opened up once more, and PCR tests a thing of the past, I wonder how people feel to be returning to the bush and safari. For some – for many in fact – it’s been a long wait.

I remember chatting about it to other guides: would returning guests be so thrilled to be outdoors, traveling, immersed in nature, that just the whisper of the wind in the grass will be enough to keep them content, or will it be the opposite? Or would there an almost overwhelming need to race around and take in as much as possible as quickly as possible, like a starving person being confronted with an overload buffet?

Don’t race around.
Stop, breathe, listen. Appreciate how magic it is that we can travel again.
Although we’re sure you want to leave with an absolute surfeit of memories and experiences (which you will almost certainly get), the best way to achieve this is actually to slow down.

Stopping to look at birds will help you find the big cats, because with the vehicle engine off you will hear alarm calls that much more easily, or even the calls of the predator themselves. But given that many people have had to defer their safari trips for so long thanks to the pandemic, we thought we’d reiterate some of the golden rules we’ve picked up during our years in the industry…

Stop often

It’s not only about the listening mentioned above when the engine is off. Stopping for the small stuff gives everyone’s eyes on the vehicle a chance to wander, not just those of the ranger and tracker.
Movement is one of the biggest giveaways of an animal’s position, pretty much rendering camouflage moot, but if you’re driving most of the time, it’s hard to spot movement against what is essentially already a moving background. Coming to a standstill and taking the time to scan is far more likely to reveal results.
A tracker I once worked with spotted a leopard at 820m distance because of a brief flicker of movement in a tree, but he almost certainly wouldn’t have been able to do so if the vehicle had been moving.

Sitting still gives you a time to appreciate things more, it gives the tracker a better chance to examine the road ahead for signs of animals that have passed by, and unless you really need to be covering ground, there is very little to be said against stopping. We’re not advocating a regular ten-minute break, but don’t be afraid to have the engine off.
You’ll end up seeing more. Trust us.

Keep the pressure off

The rangers and trackers are well aware of their guests’ expectations. The team conducting your safari also have their own expectations of what they should be seeing in the bush. They want to see the spectacular, just as much as guests. They do their job because they love the environment and the thrill of viewing wildlife. They want the best sightings possible, and are going to do everything in their power to get you into the right position to see nature at its finest.

But, quite often, they need time to be able to do this. The time to analyse tracks, the time to make well thought-out decisions based on the evidence of the bush, their knowledge of animal movements, the weather, where other guides and trackers are working at the same time, and a myriad of other factors that all combine to make them decide to turn left or right at the next road junction.
The more the pressure mounts to see something epic, the more the possibility creeps in that that pressure might influence the decisions being made. Granted, by far the most pressure ranger and tracker teams receive is from themselves, but the less pressure from outside, the more the experience can proceed at the leisurely pace that will ultimately reveal the most.

Tracking in particular takes patience and concentration, and a ranger constantly radioing in and asking for updates is only a distraction. If a tracker or ranger has an update, they’ll give it. Many of most revered trackers are notorious for turning their radio off when on foot. They will radio you only when they find the animal, not before. Frustrating at times for the ranger(s) working with them, but they know what they was doing, and don’t want the distraction.

Remind yourself

We should regularly pinch ourselves when out the bush. “I can’t believe I’m seeing”, should play on loop in your head. Make sure to actively remind yourself just how special it all is. It’s human nature to become used to something, but the last couple of years have been a wake-up for many to not take anything for granted.
Even if it’s something seemingly mundane like a turtle dove hopping around in front of your chalet, take a moment to truly observe it and think about its role in the greater scheme of things. It’s also trying to survive, with a life every bit as dramatic – at least for it – as a leopard’s, and just as fraught with danger as that of an impala constantly sniffing the wind for the scent of a lion.

During the most restricted days of the pandemic, we often pictured international travel opening up again being like the shop doors opening at a Black Friday sale. It wasn’t quite that hectic, but the comparison that can still be made is the anticipation while waiting; excitement and the prospect of something spectacular and imminent. And given the crazy boom in travel we’re currently seeing, that metaphor wasn’t all that wide of the mark…

There the comparison ends, as in the bush, instead of having to rush around madly trying to fill your shopping trolley, you’ll find that if you just take a leisurely stroll down the aisle, the trolley fills up all on its own, and can hold far more than you possibly imagined…