Most luxury lodges lean on hushed tones and reverence for the wilderness. Ulusaba, Richard Branson’s private slice of the Sabi Sand, does all that — but it also has a twinkle in its eye. It’s safari, yes, but safari that knows how to have a little fun.
The property is split between three lodges: Rock Lodge, perched high on a koppie with views that stretch forever, and Safari Lodge, tucked into the riverine forest where rope bridges link treehouse-style rooms. And then there’s the newest kid on the block: Cliff Lodge; just two ultra-private suites carved into the rock, perfect for families or friends who want the whole “this is OUR patch of Africa” feeling. Private pools, epic decks, and views so good you might forget to go on game drive (don’t worry, the rangers will remind you).
All three come with the sort of playful details Branson is famous for — think surprise champagne stops in the bush and the kind of storytelling that turns an ordinary sundowner into a small event.
Wildlife here is the main draw, of course. Ulusaba sits in the heart of the Sabi Sand, one of the best places on Earth to see leopards. Lions, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants make daily appearances, but it’s the frequency and intimacy of big cat sightings that has made this region legendary. The rangers and trackers here are sharp, and they know how to read the land with the kind of confidence that comes only from decades of experience.
Yet what sets Ulusaba apart is its refusal to take itself too seriously. The service is seamless, but never stiff. Staff banter with guests as though you’re part of the family, and evenings often end with laughter rising into the night alongside the distant roar of a lion. If other lodges are symphonies, Ulusaba is more like jazz: polished, but with a streak of improvisation that keeps it fresh.
For all its playfulness, the lodge doesn’t skimp on indulgence. Rock Lodge has a wine cellar and spa treatments with sweeping views. Safari Lodge offers shaded pools and private decks perfect for doing absolutely nothing. And when the day’s game drive is done, you can expect a dinner that balances serious culinary flair with a sense of occasion.
Ulusaba is proof that luxury can be lighthearted. That you can sip fine wine and watch the sunset, but also laugh when the resident vervet monkeys make a grab for your toast at breakfast. Because the best safaris aren’t just about what you see — they’re about how it all makes you feel. And Ulusaba makes you feel alive, in on the joke, and right at home.
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…
Lion Sands Tinga is nestled on the banks of the Sabie River, one of the Kruger Park’s most iconic. The softly burbling water flows under enormous jackalberry and fig trees, and provides some of the most scenic game-viewing habitat imaginable. In winter when water resources are scarce, everything has to drink at the river, so a slow meander along the riparian roads will reveal a myriad of delights.
The lodge consists of nine suites as well as the exclusive two-bedroom Hinkwenu Residence.
Each room, blending vintage style with modern luxury, provides stunning views that make you feel as if the outside reserve is simply an extension of your living quarters, ensuring an intimate connection with Africa’s beauty.
The suites are joined by elevated wooden pathways that wind their way through the lodge, also connecting the spa and main lodge area, where a bar lounge, pool, and boma also feature. Here, you can share a delicious glass of some of South Africa’s finest wines, refelct on the day’s sightings, or simply relax in a quiet moment alone, with only the background ambience of the birds as your company.
The suites all feature their own private plunge pool and deck, providing a personal sanctuary where you can bathe in opulence, spend your time bird watching or check on the hippos in the river below.
The Lion Sands Game Reserve is essentially a combination between their Kruger National Park concession where Tinga is found, and their property in the world-famous Sabi Sands; one of the best places in the world to see leopards. Vehicles are allowed to traverse both sections, ensuring full access to the bast sightings.
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge has tailor-made experiences for children aged 6 to 11, so the lodge ensures that every member of the family has the freedom to explore and have fun.
A dedicated playroom, coordinated by a qualified activity leader, offers a range of engaging activities from sports and crafts to baking sessions with the chef. Family game drives, bush orientation, dung tracking, spoor casting, and nature scavenger hunts are just a few of the adventures that families can enjoy together, making every day a new discovery.
Safari experiences are of course the central reason why people visit, and Lion Sands boasts some of the best. Game drives depart the lodge at dawn and then again in mid-afternoon, facilitated by experienced field guides. These drives aim to capture the essence of an African safari as you go in search of the Big Five. Feel how your senses swiftly become attuned to the slightest rustle in the bush. Walking safaris are another great way to explore the landscape; most are conducted after breakfast, as you set out on foot to enjoy a true bush immersion, with your guide and tracker interpreting event eh faintest signs for you.
If it’s more of a relaxation or a spiritual experience that you are after, the our spa provides treatments featuring Africology products, ethically sourced and inspired by traditional African healing practices.
Additionally, for those dreaming of sleeping under the star-laden African sky, Lion Sands offers optional treehouse sleep-outs, which provide an unforgettable night surrounded by the sounds of the wild (activity is at an additional cost).
Between 4 January and 19 December 2025 & 2026, Lion Sands is offering incredible specials.
Pay for 3, Stay for 4, as well as a 50% rate for Honeymooners.
If you are after amazing game viewing, superb opulence and some of the most scenic terrain in the whole of the Kruger National Park, Lion Sands Tinga might be just what you’re looking for.
Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more…
Londolozi was where it all began for Iconic Africa.
Years ago, around a boma fire, IA directors John Holley and Terri Abadi – ranger and guest – chatted about life, travel, and how through their respective global positions (Johannesburg and Atlanta, Georgia) and experience in the industry, there was an opportunity for a boutique travel company to service both markets simultaneously.
Fast forward just over a decade, and Iconic Africa now has guests from all over the world travelling on luxury safaris throughout the year.
Our team has grown and we now feature an office in Hoedspruit – the heart of the South African safari industry.
We send guests across the continent on incredible itineraries and are currently looking to expand our offering to Asia and Antarctica.
We link guests with top Private Guides to create a seamless safari and create continuity throughout their African experience.
So it was with great excitement that the team assembled at Londolozi’s most newly refurbished camp, Founders.
At Founders Camp, classic meets modern. This Londolozi signature camp is clean and uncomplicated and really comfortable, leaving nothing forgotten. You will get the feeling of all the comforts of a stylish African home that is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view of the secrets of river life. Classy, grounded and timeless – Londolozi’s Founders Camp represents a safari style that is inviting and restful.
Ten bespoke and varied superior chalets repose in the shade of ancient Ebony and Matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River.
Founders Camp honours the early Londolozi staff, many of them larger-than-life characters whose names have gone on to become legend in the wider guiding and travel industries (one even attended the wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle).
Their legacy continues to this day through an unwavering commitment from all staff to provide an incredible guest experience whilst doing everything possible to conserve this landscape in as natural a state as possible.
Our small Iconic team could sadly only stay for two nights, but as usual, Londolozi delivered at every turn.
Although our visit felt like it was over far too quickly (it’ll do so no matter how long you stay for), we packed so much in that we could have been there for a week.
Dinner in the bush, getting stuck in a dry riverbed, constant laughter, and more stunning wildlife than we could ever have hoped for to point our cameras at; we were truly spoilt during our short stay.
We love the safari industry for how varied it is. Africa is an incredible mosaic of destinations and accompanying experiences.
But for a stunning level of consistency across the board – be it food, rooms, guiding standard, wildlife sightings or just simply having an amazing time – we have no hesitation in putting Londolozi right up there on the podium.
If Founders Camp, or any of the other four amazing camps on this reserve, feature on your to-do list, let’s get chatting…
Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning your dream safari…
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):
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:
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:
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.
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…
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…
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.
If you want to truly open your eyes to the wonders of nature, take your kids on safari.
There is a stunning curiosity that is innate in children, but tends to fade as we get older; a curiosity that is wide open to possibility, and a curiosity in all things, whether great or small.
The intricacies of natural ecosystems are dependent on all their inhabitants, not just the big furry things that most of us want to take photos of, and this curiosity of your kids will expose it to you in the most wonderful way.
Whether it be moulding a lion’s track out of plaster of Paris or understanding the egg case of a praying mantis, the unending ways in which kids’ interests are piqued on safari makes sure that it is one of the most stimulating trips they will ever take.
Most lodges in Africa insist upon a minimum age of 6 to bring kids on safari, with some increasing that to 12. If 6 is the number, then for the most part the lodge will also insist that you pay extra for a private vehicle, which, while being slightly more expensive, does ensure that your safari is run at your own pace, and guests not related to your group won’t be impacted in any way, or vice versa.
Private safari villas are on the rise for those for whom privacy and creature comforts are the focus. This means safari villas with their own guides, vehicles, chefs and sometimes spas. These will almost always be separate from, but associated with, a wider lodge. There’s also the possibility of exclusive-use booking of micro-camps. With these setups, it may be possible to flout the minimum age policy.
A game drive with children is likely to be far more inclusive of a wider range of senses. Nibble this delicious wild berry, feel the texture of the bark of this ancient leadwood tree, get down to eye level with this marching ant column… the longer gaps between the sightings of larger game are done away with as everything is explored, and children will find that the natural world is as broad as their imaginations.
Our favourite places to safari with kids are:
Londolozi, South Africa:
With their long-established Cubs Den Program, Londolozi has decades of experience in making young kids feel right at home in the bush. A dedicated
In the words of former Londolozi Ranger (and father of two) Tom Imrie:
A Children’s Safari Program is often set out with the intention of keeping little ones busy while the parents relax. It has a fairly rigid timetable and is usually unchanged from season to season, year to year. A Children’s Philosophy embraces the fact that each child is unique and he or she has a different departure point to fun. Our philosophy therefore promises that while the parents relax we’ll find that departure point for your children and maximize their enjoyment in this exciting environment. This philosophy comes, as you can see, from Londolozi’s nearly 100 year history and experience of five generations in the bush.
Londolozi has long perfected the art of the Family Safari. Family Land Rovers can stop often for kids to jump out and utilize their senses. Touching, feeling, smelling, throwing – it all comes into the mix and we recognize that a four hour game drive can be a long time for a child to sit still. We believe it is essential to get the little ones off the vehicle as often as possible, even if it’s just to identify tracks.
Jack’s Camp, Botswana:
With its open grasslands and seemingly endless salt pans that stretch to the horizon, Jack’s Camp is a place where the imagination can stretch…
Whilst the safari activities here are meant for anyone and everyone, many of them are of special interest to younger minds, who are able to appreciate things in a different way to adults.
Walking with the San Bushmen, sitting with the local meerkat colony as they get foraging into the morning, or cruising on a quad bike across the desert sands (for the slightly older kids on safari); all are slightly out of the normal approach to safaris, but offer such diversity of experience as to make a stay at Jack’s Camp a continual wealth of stimulation.
Kids will end the day in blissful exhaustion after all they’ve seen and done…
The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of Nature’s great spectacles. Singita Serengeti House’s enviable perch in the private Grumeti Reserve provides some of the best seats in the area to watch thousands upon thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other plains game journey in search of better grazing. Not only will you and your family be able to see this natural phenomenon first hand, you’ll also have exclusive use of the luxury house – including private onsite staff, a private safari vehicle and dedicated guide.
The Migration isn’t the only entertainment on the cards. Family bonding can take place over a match of tennis, watching a movie in the media room, or taking a dip in the 25-metre infinity swimming pool. Serengeti House also has a Mini Rangers course that’s sure to delight children of all ages. Young explorers will have the opportunity to learn how to track animals, dabble in some astronomy, upskill in bush survival techniques, put their knowledge to the test in nature quizzes, and participate in a whole host of fun competitions.
Safari doesn’t have to be for the rugged explorer anymore (although there are certainly still places that call for this kind of adventurer). It is becoming a more and more refined experience for the whole family. All-inclusive, interpretive, and deeply fulfilling, it promises to bond people together like few other journeys can or will.
If you are wondering whether or not taking your kids with you on safari is the right move, it almost certainly is.
Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about more amazing safari options at which you can open your children’s eyes to the magic of this wonderful world…
Dotted amongst the myriad of safari offerings out there are a few camps who have truly stood the test of time.
Tracing their roots back to the early days of safari in their particular areas of operation, these gems have refined their offerings to the utmost degree, understanding their environments and their guests’ needs superbly. Some offer luxury, some offer a quaint rustic charm, but all of them are steeped in history and have already left a legacy within their chosen corner.
Here are three of our favourites, from South Africa, Kenya and Botswana…
Londolozi
Family-run Londolozi has been around since 1926, although technically only as a commercial safari operation since the early 70’s.
Bought by the Varty family as a bankrupt cattle farm almost 100 years ago, the land was slowly regenerated and rewilded, until it turned into the thriving ecosystem guests enjoy today, with some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet, the highest density of leopards yet recorded in Africa, and a percentage of repeat guests that most lodges only dream about, so loyal to this unique brand do its visitors become.
With its progressive approach to the safari space, Londolozi has been at the forefront of many innovations in the industry, setting the tone for how the bush can – and should – be so much more than simply a place to view animals. Instead, they have recognized it as a place of healing and connection, and this ethos has tailored their whole safari and lodge offering to reflect that.
Londolozi was the training ground for many big names across the industry. The head of Kruger Park anti-poaching, a world authority on the Okavango Delta, CEOs of big lodge portfolios, award-winning wildlife cameramen, internationally-renowned public speakers… all former rangers at Londolozi who have gone on and continue to go on to shape the industry across the continent.
The legacy of Londolozi has not only been the mark it has left on the many guests who have passed through its gates, but the ripple effect out across African safaris in general…
Cottar’s 1920 Camp
The award-winning Cottar’s 1920s Camp is situated in the 7608-acre private Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Tanzania Serengeti game reserve. Owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa it extends an era of luxury and quality and returns to the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’.
Cottar’s Safari Service was founded in 1919, which means over 100 years of experience in the industry.
The Cottar family was renowned amongst the British administration for being rebellious and anti-establishment, preferring long stints with African tribes in wildest Africa. The Cottars’ were the first to import American vehicles for safaris, the first to reach new areas such as Lake Paradise, the first to obtain never before seen wildlife footage. In this family it was normal to have lions, leopards, wild dogs and chimpanzees as family pets. Mike’s son Glen, with his wife Pat, continued the family business and pioneered hunting and explorations expeditions into remote parts of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Zaire and Botswana.
Having established and run photographic safari camps since their first one erected in Tsavo National Park in the 60s, the Cottars’ legacy has long been established, only furthered by the building of Cottar’s 1920 Lodge in the 1990s by Calvin Cottar, the great-grandson of Charles Cottar, who founded the business all those years ago.
The camp itself provides the romance of safari under cream canvas tents, the style of the bygone era of the twenties, while at the same time supplying the amenities required by today’s modern world travellers. It has two main mess tent areas for fine dining, drinking, reading and relaxing, and an amazing pool and spa where guests can relax after a game drive. Guests can also enjoy a traditional canvas safari bath, a genuinely unique way of bathing specifically set up on the tent’s verandah, with views out over the plains. The location of the camp provides easy access for day and night wildlife drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Olderkesi Conservancy, wildlife walks, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community.
The professional guiding team that will handle your safari rank among the most qualified in Africa.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Nxamaseri Island Lodge is one of the oldest camps in the Okavango Delta. It was established in the early 1980s by PJ and Barney Bestelink. PJ, an experienced guide, spent months exploring the permanent water channels of the delta in search of a perfect location for his home and camp. He favoured the Nxamaseri Channel for its beauty and seclusion, and eventually elected to build his lodge on a large shady island hidden in the Nxamaseri waterways.
The lodge is best summed up in the video below:
These are just three of our favourite picks, each offering their own unique insight into the wild ways of Africa.
Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out about some other gems who have left their indelible mark on the industry…
When Londolozi Ranger John Holley picked up guest Terri Abadi from the Londolozi airstrip to host her and her family for their safari, little did he know that over a decade later they would be business partners in a venture revolving around the ruling passion in both their lives; safari.
Although having moved to Atlanta from Johannesburg in the 90’s, Terri’s love for her home continent of Africa led her to begin her own boutique travel agency in 2013. John, having a solid business pedigree and loving the safari industry himself, was looking to get involved in his own way too, largely with the aim of using travel to help promote and fund conservation initiatives.
John Holley as a young ranger at Londolozi in 2011.
And so in December of 2014, Terri and John joined forces to turn a traditional travel agency into a world-beating online travel platform that showcases the African destinations which best represent Iconic Africa’s values of opulent luxury, world-beating African hospitality, delectable contemporary cuisine and most importantly an authentic commitment to wilderness conservation.
Fast forward ten years, and Iconic Africa has introduced hundreds of guests from across the world to the wonders of Africa.
From the Okavango Delta to Cape Town’s foreshore to the majestic plains of the Serengeti, Iconic has left no stone unturned in their continued search for the best options for their bespoke safaris.
Each guest has a highly experienced travel specialist work through their whole itinerary with them from beginning to end, answering any questions no matter what time of day. Although Iconic works with hundreds of lodges, the preference is and always will be for those that have a heavy focus on community upliftment and conservation initiatives, whilst reducing their environmental impact at the same time through a shift to green energy and systems that reduce their carbon footprint.
Now with an office in the safari town of Hoedspruit, bordering South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Iconic Africa keep their pulse on the latest safari trends, new lodges, flight specials, and anything else that might contribute towards making a guest’s trip that much more memorable.
It’s been an amazing decade of fun, adventure, learning and making safari dreams come true.
(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…
Why not go one better though? Try to count a billion stars, have a lion roaring in the distance as a lullaby, and feel the cool night breeze of Africa on your face as it sussurates through the mosquito net… That’s the way to do it.
More and more safari lodges across Africa are offering a romantic sleep-out as an option, and their stunning treehouses are as opulent as one could desire.
No simple matress-and-sleeping-bag combinations are to be found here; instead guests are greeted by soft mattresses, expansive duvets, the warm glow of kerosene lanterns, and more than likely the subtle accompaniment of nightbirds trilling nearby.
Although the idea of a sleep-out can be intimidating to the inexperienced safari-goer, treehouse locations are as safe as any luxury lodge, and are an incredible way to experience raw nature. You will never sleep as deeply as you will when the night sounds of Africa are your personal bedtime story.
Here then are three of our favourite safari sleep-out offerings:
Wilderness Linkwasha, Zimbabwe
Tucked in the south-east corner of the Hwange National Park, the Linkwasha Concession plays host to four stunning lodges in the Wilderness portfolio: Linkwasha, Davison’s, Maokolo and Little Makololo. The area boasts a stunning variety of wildlife, and is particularly productive in the dry season when animals are entirely dependent on the few remaining surface water points.
It is next to one of these pans – which is kept topped up by the National Park – that the Linkwasha Sleepout platform is situated.
Tucked up against an ancient Leadwood tree, the treehouse enjoys stunning panoramic views over the surrounding plains, with prime viewing over the waterhole and whatever might be coming down to slake its thirst.
In the dry season one can be assured of a constant parade of elephants doen below, whose splashing and gurgling will be a gentle accompaniment to your snores through the night, and the grasslands will almost certainly reverberate to the call of a big cat during the evening.
Open skies all around mean that the star-gazing will be unsurpassed!
Xigera Lodge, Botswana
In the heart of the Okavango Delta – about as close to a wildlife eden as you can get on earth – Xigera Lodge offers unmatched opulence in the safari industry. Stunning architecture in a remote location with some of the best game viewing on the sub-continent really makes this destination hard to beat.
Throw in a treehouse built to resemble one of Africa’s most iconic trees – the baobab – and you have just about one of the most romantic sleep-out venues on the planet.
The sheer imagination used to design such a stunning creation will take your breath away; something like a treehouse standing by itself could be potentially incongruous, but the Xigera offering just fits.
A night out here will be one you will never forget…
Lion Sands, South Africa
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of the best places to view predators in Africa, and Lion Sands ticks this box brilliantly.
Apart from boasting some of the most luxurious lodges and one of the densest leopard populations on the continent, they have three stunning treehouses to choose from if a sleep-out under the stars is what you’re after. Each of the Chalkley, Tinyeleti and Kingston treehouses has their own unique charm, but all have much in common at the same time – comfort, beauty, and a sense of place, almost as if the treehouses were always there.
The feeling you want from an experience like this is one of belonging, as if you are actually part of the environment. And you get that feeling in droves at the Lion Sands treehouses…
As rustic as they may sound, the treehouses on offer at the higher-end lodges are anything but. Bathroom facilities, their own dining experience, 24-hour communication with the lodge via radio, and a whole host of other make them incredibly comfortable, safe, and as user-friendly as one could wish.
A treehouse sleep-out is just about as authentic an experience that one can find in the African bush…
If this is the kind of adventurous night you’d be interested in, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start looking for a treehouse for you…
The collective noun for multiple leopards is actually a Leap, but the alternate term in this post’s title is more than appropriate, given that Londolozi practically pioneered leopard viewing as we know it today.
In the early 1970’s, thanks to progressive land-management practices and a sensitive approach to viewing wildlife, Londolozi started seeing a single female leopard fairly regularly. Carefully observing her habits and getting her used to the game drive vehicles meant that her cubs picked up her relaxed approach to being viewed, which spawned successive generations of habituated leopards. Londolozi is now viewing its 8th generation of leopards descended from that single female; most likely the most documented leopard lineage in existence.
These days Londolozi remains at the epicentre of Leopard viewing. A camera-trap study conducted by the Panthera Organisation concluded that the Sabi Sand Reserve contains the densest population of these spotted cats yet recorded in Africa, with Londolozi and its neighbours (all of whom sit at the core of the Sabi Sands) containing the highest density of them all; approximately 12 leopards per 100 square kilometres.
A combination of ideal habitat and the resulting prey availability, as well as the fact that the reserve is unfenced and open to the 6 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park, has maintained the population as stable and allowed for unrestricted genetic flow.
Experienced rangers and trackers – among the best in the business – understand the behaviour of the cats intimately and are able to find them on game drives repeatedly.
Although leopards steal the show, and are one of the reasons that guests visit Londolozi from all over the world, they are part of a much wider cast of wildlife, including all the Big 5, as well as cheetahs, wild dogs and a plethora of general game species that will your camera’s memory card up more rapidly than you could dare dream.
The camps themselves offer a wonderful diversity of accommodation options, from the slightly larger family camps – Founders and Varty – to the three-roomed Pioneer Camp, which is generally booked in the exclusive-use villa style, you will almost certainly be able to find what you are looking for.
It is the people of Londolozi that truly set the place apart however.
Since the Varty family rebranded the lodge as a stand-alone, family-run affair in 2007, the vibrant culture that permeates into every nook and cranny of the land has become more and more entrenched, and for many repeat guests, it is the friends they have made amongst the staff that sees them returning time and time again.
Some can boast over 50 visits…
Londolozi delivers time and time again, from the bush experience they offer to the food, hospitality, wellness spa and everything in between.
It may be the place to see leopards but it is also the place to feel more alive than you thought you could. Where you can reconnect with ancient energy and connect to yourself all over again…
Get in touch now through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire about rates and availability…
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…
Over the years the ripple effect created by Londolozi’s alumni has spread their ethos far and wide across the African continent, and beyond.
Some are heading up their own portfolio of lodges. Others have been put in charge of the full scope of Kruger National Park anti-poaching units. World-authorities on the Okavango Delta, internationally lauded motivational speakers, heads of lodge design in some of the largest groups on the continent… you name it.
Londolozi Alumni have done it and are still doing it.
Founders Camp honours these wild, early characters – past staff and guests who have contributed to building Londolozi. It is their efforts that have distilled the legacy of the past 50 years into the creation of the essence of safari spirit.
At Founders Camp, classic meets modern. This Londolozi signature camp is clean and uncomplicated and really comfortable, leaving nothing forgotten. You will get the feeling of all the comforts of a stylish African home that is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view of the secrets of river life. Classy, grounded and timeless – Londolozi’s Founders Camp represents a safari style that is inviting and restful.
Reminiscent of the ancient ‘wattle and daub’ methodology of building, this earthy design celebrates the natural raw elements of nature. Rock, fire, wood and earth.
Ten bespoke and varied superior chalets repose in the shade of ancient Ebony and Matumi trees along the banks of the Sand River. Spacious and light, they flow seamlessly from interior to beautiful wooded deck space…
Founders Camp is about simple sophistication with clean lines. The simplicity of layered textures creates depth and a sensory experience wherever you go. This fusion of elemental design is completely soothing to the nervous system, allowing for deep rest and relaxation.
Muted and calming within yet vibrant and alive, with connection to the wilderness, without.
Those who have sat around the boma fire at night and listened to the call of the hyenas out there beyond the fire’s glow, or gazed down in awe at a herd of elephants feeding below the deck, barely more than an arm’s length away, will understand.
Founders has always been one of our favourite camps, and with its latest refurbishment, it just got a whole lot better.
Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your Londolozi safari…
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