Tag: photography

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.

 

 

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…

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…

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…

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.

Singita Kilima – the Hill of Plenty

Posted on by James

This exceptional exclusive-use property is uniquely situated on Sasakwa Hill in the 350,000 acre Grumeti Reserve, in Northern Tanzania. Grumeti is known for exceptional game viewing and is part of the ancient footpaths of the annual wildebeest 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.

With a surplus of big cats year-round, elephant and buffalo herds, and of course the spectacle of a million wildebeest moving through the area during June-September, the Grumeti Region provides some of the best game viewing in Tanzania.

Now with Singita Kilima added to the already stunning Singita portfolio in the region, one is spoiled for choice…

Offering meticulous service and effortless luxury, Kilima is ideal for shared experiences among groups of friends or extended family gatherings. Game drives in your own private vehicle and personalised wilderness adventures add moments of anticipation and exhilaration to the soft and steady pace of your day.

Kilima offers seclusion and privacy. Here, easing into tranquility and lightness-of-being comes naturally.

When not out on game drives or bush walks, guests can unwind in the various living spaces, watch movies in the media room, enjoy a wellness treatment or stay active in the fitness space.

Mealtimes are a relaxed affair, there are well-stocked ‘bar-delis’ with fresh and healthy snacks on offer throughout the day. Wine-tastings offer the opportunity to discover a fantastic selection of wines and your personal chef will provide delicious meals on request – with ingredients sourced locally and often with a definitive East African flair.

Each tailormade exploration with your personal Field Guide celebrates the freedom to spend unfiltered time in wide-open spaces and while no two Singita game drives are ever the same, you are bound to be enchanted by vivid encounters with Africa’s most iconic wildlife – which flourish and thrive through the tireless efforts of Singita’s non-profit conservation Funds & Trusts.

Embrace the quiet pace of an ancient landscape, far from the noise of the modern world.

An infinity swimming pool anchors the spacious outdoor areas, complimented by private heated pools in two of the suites. A range of wellness experiences are designed to align guests with the restorative power of nature, fostering a sense of harmony with the extraordinary landscape surrounding them.

The property accommodates a maximum of ten people in five suites that vary in décor, size and colour palette. A mix of indoor and outdoor areas create an easy sense of comfort while every aspect of the property celebrates the views of the magnificent grasslands below.

If you are interested in exploring this part of Africa, where the horizons seem infinite and you feel as if you are truly living the quintessential safari experience, get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your Serengeti adventure…

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

Posted on by James

Paw, Tail, Ears, Eyes.

That’s it. The Magic Formula.

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

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

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

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

Ntsevu Lioness Stalk

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

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

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

Ntsevu Lion Pride

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

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

It’s the same for this leopard photo:

Mashaba Leopard

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

Nkoveni Leopard Grass

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

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

Is the Sabi Sands THAT Good? Yes!

Posted on by James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilderness Mokete: Africa’s Wildest Wildlife Experience?

Posted on by James

The Mababe Depression to the east of the Okavango Delta was long-considered a no-go for photographic tourism, mainly because the Okavango itself and the Chobe and Moremi Reserves next door were so unbelievably productive.
Yet a few intrepid souls who had ventured into the Mopane woodlands of the Mababe area were keeping a secret; a secret about place so spectacular in its wildlife numbers and action that BB and Netflix wildlife cinematographers have referred to it as the rawest wildlife experience they have had in Africa.

And now that the new Wilderness Mokete luxury tented camp has opened there, you yourself can experience an unparalleled safari experience in Botswana. Spanning over 50,000 hectares of private concession land, the Wilderness area in Mababe teems with game, and is a haven for serious safari enthusiasts seeking once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Africa’s wild.

“Mababe is a prime wildlife destination in Botswana, offering uncharted territory that remains a sanctuary of natural splendour. We are extremely proud to be launching this pioneering new camp that is solely accessible through Wilderness. Designed by reMORPHED Arch & Design architects, and with interiors by Michele Throssell Interiors, it represents a captivating fusion of architectural innovation and environmental respect. In keeping with our ethos, the considered approach is truly immersive and intentionally minimalist, ensuring the lightest possible footprint”, noted Joe Matome, Wilderness Botswana Caretaker Managing Director.

Mokete features nine en-suite canvas tents and a communal tented lounge area, linked by wooden walkways at ground level. Luxurious interiors and modern amenities, including inverter air conditioning systems and Wi-Fi in all bedrooms, complete the experience and ensure guests want for nothing during their stay.

One of the standout features of Mokete’s tented suites is the retractable roof in the bedrooms, allowing guests to stargaze at night. Imagine drifting off to sleep with the splendour of the Milky Way above you and the resident lion coalition serenading you with their roars nearby

Mababe is an area of tremendous ecological significance, made up of three key habitats: grassland, wetlands and mopane woodland. The major feature is a marsh which fills in the summer season, creating a wetland of some 2,600 hectares, serving as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife in search of water, and vital habitat for numerous bird species. Herds of buffalo in the thousands – the largest gathering in Africa, with herds sometimes in circumference of 8km –  alongside abundant predators and massive elephant herds occasionally accompanied by migrating zebras, all converge on the Mababe Marsh. Aptly named “Mokete” (meaning “feast”), the camp embodies an abundance of wildlife, varied landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Mokete guests will encounter truly remarkable vistas, more so than any other wilderness areas in northern Botswana.

Forget conventional safari times. Mokete will pack you a bush lunch to enjoy with zebras and elephants, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action. In camp, sip on a sundowner overlooking the uninterrupted grassland, the curvature of the Earth discernible on the distant horizon. Or sit suspended under the stars for an alfresco dining experience, reminiscing over the marsh owls you spotted earlier.

Lions are seen throughout the day, while a high density of hyenas constantly compete with other predators: cheetah, wild dog, bat-eared fox, jackal, African wild cat and serval. The mopane belt to the east of the great plains is home to leopard and numerous woodland species, while the edges of the marsh have prolific bird life. It’s a thrilling, non-stop show, and a photographer’s dream.

Forget fine dining, Egyptian cotton and wifi speeds. Forget everything you know about what spectacular wildlife means. Mokete is the new “it”.

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

Entara: Tanzania Like You’ve Never Seen it Before

Posted on by James

We’ll be going a little deeper into each offering in the Entara portfolio – one of our new favourites – in the coming months, but for now we’ll simply present a brief overview of what to expect from one of Tanzania’s most underrated safari offerings.
In terms of exceeding expectations, Entara does it in spades…

The group was formed by a group of like-minded souls that found a common ground.

Artists and safari guides, hoteliers, chefs and entrepreneurs – an eclectic tribe bound together by bonds of deep passion and commitment to Africa’s wilderness and its people. They learned through years of hands-on safari operation that the safari experience means nothing without that unbridled and raw connection to wildlife and wilderness. The soul of the safari experience can’t be conveyed through fancy décor and glass sealed rooms. It lives through a sense of adventure and a rekindled sense of wonder, through shared experiences and new friendships. The whole team endeavours to convey this sense of wonder, passion and deep connection to wilderness and wildlife.

Their five intimate lodges and camps are settled within the natural wonders of each region without sacrificing comfort and service.

The elegant Katambuga House with lush gardens and a pool in Arusha is an oasis of tropical tranquility and a destination in its own right.

Not every flight into or out of Tanzania is at a convenient time to connect to the safari landscape; sometimes an overnight just to get your feet on the ground or decompress before heading home is necessary, and Katmbuga House, only a few minutes drive from Arusha airport, fills this role wonderfully. Simple and intimate, it is the perfect jump-off point for safari, only a few hours drive from Ngorongoro, Tarangire National Park and some of the Rift Valley Lakes…

Olmara Camp, home of the cheetah and a wildlife photography dream location, is in the remote Ngare Nayuki River Valley and provides a base of luxury tented suites that merge seamlessly into the environment of acacia groves, grasslands and rocky outcrops.

Some of the best big cat viewing to be found in the world is right here, as the short-grass plains provide perfect hunting conditions, and rocky outcrops are a photographers dream, providing wonderful vantage points for predators to perch atop of.
Being a more remote concession, this camp affords guests an exclusivity to sightings that is hard to come by anywhere else in the Serengeti.

Kisima Ngeda Camp, nestled in a fever tree forest with its palm-thatched tents, offers a further wilderness adventure through the overnight Ombako Private Fly Camp that is set up on the eastern shore of Lake Eyasi for a night under the stars.

This camp provides a remarkable opportunity for a cultural deep-dive, as from the fly camp one can join local tribesmen on a traditional hunting expedition. The Hadza are one of the only tribes on earth that still pursue a hunter/gatherer lifestyle, and Kisima Ngeda offers guests a rare window into their world.

The Esirai Camp is luxuriously light and moves alongside the grazing Wildebeest as they make their epic 600km crossing of the vast Serengeti plains, offering an unrivalled African safari adventure.

The camp shifts between northern and southern locations depending on the season, with the southern camp allowing guests access to the wildebeest calving towards the Ndut Plains area, and the northern camp presenting the opportunity to see one of the famed crossings of the Mara River.

Finally, Olkeri Camp is home to great Elephant herds, and replete with views of woodlands, rocky hills, and shaded by gnarled old-growth Baobab and Acacia, offering the ultimate freedom to explore day and night.

This elegantly simple camp is set in the Randalin Wildlife Conservancy, contiguous with the Tarangire National Park. Predators abound here and the birdlife is sensational. Enjoy bush-walks from the camp or an evening sipping cockktails under one of the hundreds of  baoba trees that dot the landscape.

The protection of African wildlife and their habitat is at the core of Entara Lodge’s ethos and operations. The camps and lodges are to be found in some of the most bio-diverse areas on the African continent and Entara recognises the importance and sensitivity that goes with this custodianship within the regions.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about Entara and the diversity of experiences they offer…

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge: Quietening the Soul

Posted on by James

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is set in a veritable ocean of tranquility; a vast 12,715 hectare (31,419 acre) expanse deep in the Namib , the world’s oldest living desert.

Tucked discreetly against a rocky outcrop amidst a seemingly endless sea of red dunes and gravel plains, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. The night skies are heavenly, with the concession bordering the International Dark Sky Reserve (recently declared one of the two quietest places on earth) of the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature.

Sustainability and uncompromised luxury go hand in hand at Sossusvlei; 10 beautifully appointed stone and glass suites, spread out along the curve of the escarpment, open onto ever-changing outlooks. Each spacious air conditioned suite offers a secluded, shaded veranda complete with private plunge pool, a living room with a fireplace, a large retractable skylight above the bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower offering 180º desert views. The two-bedroomed Star Dune Suite is an ideal option for families or groups of friends.

The split-level guest area is an inspired masterpiece of glass, rock and steel. Large glass panels fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. Inviting amenities include a central-island bar, comfortable sitting room, walk-in cellar, interactive kitchen and rim-flow pool. Other signature features include numerous shaded, private spaces; a sunrise-view gym and sunset-facing wellness centre which offers both a treatment room with a private spa-bath, and a separate wet-room spa. The lodge’s Signature Shop showcases Namibia’s finest craft offerings.

Immerse yourself in the ultimate safe travel bubble as you enjoy an array of private experiences, delectable dining, myriad adventures and spectacular accommodation. Among these vast ancient vistas, a thousand tiny miracles play out each day, as fascinating desert animals and plants make dozens of unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in this arid environment. Natural beauty on a grand scale stretches beneath impossibly blue African skies. Stripped down to barest simplicity, the desert playground of Sossusvlei is the ideal place to reawaken your soul.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about rates and availability, and to explore more about a potential Namibian itinerary…

 

Sabi Sabi Fly-In: Ultimate Big 5 Convenience

Posted on by James

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated in the Sabie Game Reserve in the South-Western section of the Greater Kruger National Park, is a wildlife oasis where you can observe at close quarters the age-old natural relationship between predator and prey.

The accommodation at Sabi Sabi is quite simply stunning. Four completely different lodges dotted about the reserve provide accommodation types for everyone’s taste. Earth Lodge is completely modern; cutting edge architecture merges it with the landscape in an almost subterranean design. It is a breathtakingly original approach to safari lodge design, but those who prefer a throwback to the early days of safari may prefer the other three offerings of Bush Lodge, Little Bush Lodge or Selati Lodge.

Safari at a destination like Sabi Sabi will always go far beyond your expectations. Whilst all visitors arrive in the anticipation of stunning wildlife encounters, delicious meals in a beautiful setting and a comfortable night’s sleep, it is the in-between experiences that ultimately end up as the most trip-defining and memorable.

The shot of Amarula with your coffee, sipped on whilst overlooking an elephant herd at a waterhole. The hyena which comes slinking past while you enjoy a drinks stop under the African stars, or the choir in full foot-stomping harmony around the fire, inviting you to come and dance with them.

These are the moments that settle into your soul, and will stay with you long after safari is over. They are far more than any brochure or website could ever fully capture, and have to be lived to be understood…

Whilst Sabi Sabi is among the best South Africa can offer in terms of safari options, it is the special they are currently offering in conjunction with Federal Air (the local safari carrier) that is really making them a no-brainer for safari vistors, especially those coming in from overseas and looking to have safari as their first stop.

16 hours in the air coupled with hours spent waiting at the airport before you even take off is often met with sighs of despair. When jetlagged, hungry and probably in need of a shower, the last thing you want is to wait even longer before you arrive at your destination.
Jumping on a Federal Air Flight from OR Tambo International (South Africa’s main airport hub) can see you on the ground in the South African bush in less than an hour.
A few minutes road transfer from the international terminal to the private FedAir Lounge sees you waiting in comfort for your Sabi Sabi connection. Then it’s onto the ‘plane, 50 minutes flight, quite possibly some elephants from the air as you come in to land, and straight into your Game Viewer for the short safari drive to the lodge, with the very high probability of encountering wildlife on the way.

Three packages are on offer:

  • Return flights from Johannesburg to Sabi Sabi and a three-night stay
  • One-way flights either to SS from Johannesburg or the other way round, with a three night stay.
  • Flights to Sabi Sabi from Johannesburg and then out of Sabi Sabi to Nelspruit (a great jump-off point for a Mozambique beach adventure) or the other way around (Nelspruit – SS – JHB). This also includes three nights on Safari.

Rates vary depending on which Sabi Sabi Lodge you elect to stay at, so get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire about availability and the costs of the respective lodges.

This fly-in rate is on offer until February 2025.

Tuludi Camp – the Luxury of Space

Posted on by James

If you’ve been forever dreaming of an iconic Okavango Delta experience, then end your search with Tuludi. The camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve, over 200,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and the landscape is fit for a fairy tale: floodplains stretch as far as the eye can see and the glistening waterways and emerald forests attract all the stars of the safari show.

At Tuludi itself, they capture the magic of being enfolded in nature and the serenity and space that comes with it. Picture seven, tree-house style rooms, shaded by the boughs of cool leadwood trees, sophisticated interiors that mix the contemporary with the traditional, and airy spaces, dotted with intriguing maps, botanicals and treasures from around the area.
The result? An exclusive oasis that you’ll be delighted to return to after a day exploring the extraordinary ecosystem.

  • Sophisticated, intimate and with every detail attended to, Tuludi offers an iconic Delta experience in the most refined of surroundings.
  • Enjoy the space and serenity of an exclusive private reserve on the fringes of the Okavango Delta with only a handful of camps in over 200,000 hectares.
  • No day will be the same at Tuludi, and with game drives, walking safaris and fantastic water-based game viewing on offer, you’ll discover the best of the Delta.
  • Turn your safari into a real holiday and spend some time relaxing in camp. With a large swimming pool at the main area, a plunge pool at your room and a treehouse library, there are plenty of places for a spot of chill out time.
  • Be part of conservation in action: the Khwai Private Reserve is a private concession from which proceeds go straight back into the eco-tourism initiatives of the area and to the surrounding communities.

Tuludi was built to reflect the space and freedom of the surroundings and the high, pitched canvas roofs of the bedrooms create light and airy spaces to retreat to at the end of a busy day in Khwai. The fact that each tented room is a wonderful 60 square metres in size also helps!
Wooden boardwalks wind through the leadwood trees to connect the seven ‘treehouse-style’ tents and each is kept cool by the shady boughs. Inside, the earthy palette is sophisticated and warm and you’ll find separate dressing and sleeping areas, an ensuite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, and splashy bathtubs. If that wasn’t enough space to relax, there’s also a sunken seating area and a private plunge pool on the outside veranda (a further 44 sq metres of space), both overlooking those enormous floodplains.

Back at the main area, the lofty space is raised on decks and strewn with cushions, sofas and armchairs to flop into for an afternoon of view-gazing and wildlife-watching. Handily, it’s positioned in the perfect spot to watch the sunset so if you choose to stay in camp for an evening, you won’t be disappointed. Next door is the dining area and just in front is a firepit, meaning you won’t have far to wander for a post-dinner drink and campfire chatter. There’s also a large swimming pool to cool off in the heat of the day, a treehouse library, elevated four metres in the boughs of the trees, and plenty of trinkets and treasures that tell the story of both the camp and the extraordinary ecosystem.

King’s Camp – the Heart of the Timbavati

Posted on by James
Set in the northern corner of the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, adjacent and open to the Kruger National Park sits Kings Camp.

This luxury lodge offers the absolute in sophisticated safari experiences promising spectacular wildlife sightings and exceptional African hospitality. The camp boasts breathtaking views over the open savannah and onto an ever active waterhole where you can soak up the sights, sounds and ambiance of the African bush veld.

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At Kings Camp you will enjoy splendid colonial-style, luxury living, where your comfort always comes first. The camp has eight generous Colonial Suites and two magnificent Honeymoon Suites, all equipped with antique Victorian ball-and-claw baths, indoor and outdoor double showers, a well-stocked mini fridge and your own private veranda with a relaxing hammock. These colonial interiors will transport you to a bygone era as you drift away on your king size bed, draped delicately with cascading mosquito nets.

Your Kings Camp memories will most likely be built around some incredible African safari sightings. The crack of dawn welcomes a hive of activity – this is the best time for game viewing. Don’t worry, after your early morning wake-up call you will be treated with some tea, coffee and snacks before you head out on your African adventure in search of untold treasures.

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Your afternoon game drive shall leave after the heat of the day has passed and after some incredible game viewing you will pause for majestic sunset drinks and canapés. As night falls you will slowly start your return to camp and may even get the opportunity to see some of Africa’s most secretive nocturnal animals.

The Timbavati is the home to a wide variety of wildlife: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo are among the plethora of mammals on show. There is also an abundance of beautiful birdlife, interesting insects (see if you can count all of the Little Five), reptiles and amphibians. Iconic Africa recommends a guided bush walk, which is especially fascinating for those interested in the flora of the Timbavati. If these do tickle your fancy then allow your expert guide to point out the grasses and trees of the bush, even taking you through the fascinating original traditional and medicinal uses.

Kings Camp boasts a plentiful library, Wellness Centre and Spa in which you can submerge yourself and completely unwind! Or for those more active try the spacious air-conditioned gym, jump on a Helicopter flip or even arrange to fit in a quick 18 holes of golf.

Kings Camp is perfect for family and honeymooners alike! For those chasing the romance of Africa, the Honeymoon Suites have their own private pools with spectacular views and ensure uninterrupted privacy. Families can enjoy the thatched viewing deck overlooking the waterhole, take a refreshing dip in the pool, sip on a cold refreshment and relax through the heat of the day.

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For supreme exclusivity – The Waterbuck Private Camp at Kings Camp is a luxury 4-bedroom villa positioned on the banks of the dry Nhlaralumi River amongst high arching riverine trees. The private villa offers the ultimate exclusive safari retreat: with its breathtaking views, own vehicle and professional game ranger, as well as a private chef and personal butler. This villa is the crescendo in luxurious experiences and is truly fit for Kings!

Kings Camp is just over a five-hour drive from Johannesburg airport. However, Iconic Africa recommends an easy flight to Hoedspruit Airport, connecting you easily to both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Kings Camp also has its own private airstrip for guests who wish to fly directly to the camp. Your visit to Kings Camp will be perfectly complimented with a tour of the glorious Cape Winelands and cosmopolitan Cape Town, or even a voyage to a tropical Mozambican island.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com for rates and availability…

‘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…