Tag: safari moments

The Best Places to View Elephants in Africa

Posted on by James

Although Elephants are prevalent in many of the more famous game reserves across Africa, they are seldom the reason to visit a specific park or area. The spotlight is generally reserved for the big cats or some other nuanced factor like a rare species or specific behaviour that occurs there.
A lot of the time, as spectacular as they are, the presence of elephants can almost get taken for granted by visitors to Africa, and the viewing of them seen as a guaranteed byproduct of a safari.
Yet there is a tremendous amount of variability in elephant populations across the continent. In some areas they are scarce and nervous of vehicles, in others they are massively overpopulated, sometimes their presence is seasonal, and they are hardly to be found during certain months of the year…

If it is elephants that you want to see, it is imperative that you know where the best places are, and what to expect once you are there.

Here a few of our favourite places to view elephants in Africa…

MANA POOLS

As unique an elephant experience as you’ll get, if you visit between June and October. The local elephant population congregates along the Zambezi River to take advantage of the availability of water at the height of the dry season, and to feed on the pods of the Ana Trees that fall to the ground during this time of year.

The true magic of Mana Pools lies in the freedom guests have to go on foot whenever they wish (although the uninitiated should only do so when accompanied by a professional guide). Mana Pools is the only National Park that allows its visitors to alight from their vehicles and approach wildlife whilst walking.

As a result, the local animals have grown used to seeing humans on foot, and as long as respectful distances are maintained, accept people’s presence. 

Being 40 metres from a large African Elephant bull when on foot is just as if not more exciting than having one brush right past your safari vehicle.

With amazing accommodation options on some of the more exclusive concessions on the east and west sides of the park, as well as a couple right in the heart of it, Mana Pools is there to explore…

AMBOSELI, KENYA

The true Giants of Africa live here. Famous super tuskers like Craig and Tim – old bulls carrying some of the biggest ivory in Africa – call this ecosystem their home, and what could be more iconic than an enormous elephant bull with a backdrop of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro?

There are few images that are as quintessentially Africa as this.

Photo Credit: Jeff Wendorff

Between the Amboseli and neighbouring Tsavo ecosystems there are a number of super tuskers (elephants classified as carrying tusks of over 100 pounds) with even more so-called emerging tuskers – younger individuals who are on track to carry enormous ivory – so one’s chances of seeing a truly spectacular elephant are high.

Alongside the rest of the resident wildlife like lions, cheetahs and a whole assortment of the weird and wonderful, the Amboseli and Tsavo regions provide some of the best elephant viewing on the continent.

SABI SAND, SOUTH AFRICA

Plenty of relaxed elephants, plenty of lodge options.. The Sabi Sands is one of Africa’s best places to view wildlife. Known particularly for its leopards – the reserve boasts the densest population yet recorded in Africa – this is one place where elephants almost are a by-product of looking for big cats.
Non-impactful viewing practices over the last fifty years have resulted in local wildlife populations that are completely relaxed in the presence of a vehicle, and close-up sightings of elephants are commonplace. Being completely surrounded by a herd is not at all unlikely, and an experience like this will quite simply take your breath away.

With a wide variety of accommodation options catering for a range of budgets and needs, the Sabi Sands is an excellent place in which to get cloe to elephants, and at the same time enjoy some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing on the planet…

NAMIBIA

Namibia is one of the most unique places you can see elephants, and one small population in particular.

In the far north-western corner of Namibia lie the Kaokaveld and Damaraland regions, which are home to the fabled desert elephants. These animals have adapted to survive in the harshest environment, sometimes walking round trips of 70km in their search for water.

The lunar landscape is the last place one would normally expect to view elephants, and it is the setting itself that makes sightings that much more spectacular.
There are a few isolated yet luxurious camps tucked discreetly away in this desert wilderness, the guides of which know exactly where to find the herds at different times of year, so despite the elephants being few in number and the wilderness so vast, encountering them is still a likelihood.

Ultimately, elephant viewing in Africa is as diverse as the continent itself, and our feeling is that it almost doesn’t count as a safari unless elephants are part of it. Almost…

Get hold of our safari consultants through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your elephant safari…

Thanksgiving With the Iconic Africa Foundation

Posted on by Terri

Seeing is just the start.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conserve – the innate beauty and wildness of Africa.

Preserve – memories you make in this timeless landscape.

Reserve – your trip with Iconic Africa.

The Wildest of Wild Dogs

Posted on by James

We recently ran a post on one of the best offerings in the Zambezi River Valley; Zambezi Grande on the Zambian side. This luxury lodge provides amazing access to the Lower Zambezi National Park and its incredible wildlife.

Safari Guide Robbie Ball was recently on a trip to Zambezi Grande, and tells us here of one of the wildest things he’s ever seen in the bush:

We’d heard stories of the huge pack of African Wild Dogs that were resident in the Lower Zambezi Park and asked our guide if we could try and find them one morning.

Zambezi Grande is literally on the water’s edge, and water activities form a huge part of the offering here, so in true Zambezi River style, we set off downstream before dawn in one of the lodge’s boats whilst our ranger drove the vehicle round to meet us in the area the dogs had been seen the day before.
We enjoyed a spectacular sunrise from the boat, passing fish eagles, pods of hippos and elephants ambling along the bank.

It was about a 45 minute boat ride to where we disembarked, and shortly after linking up with the vehicle, we were guided to where the pack of wild dogs were sleeping by the tell-tale signs of vultures in the trees nearby.

The pack numbered 46 at the time, which must surely make them one of the largest packs in Africa!

After sitting with them for 30 minutes or so, we noticed a large dust cloud billowing up from the winterthorn forest nearby, which signalled the approach of a herd of buffalo. We could hear their bellowing from a long way off, which meant the dogs could hear them too, but they pack stayed snoozing.


The buffalo came into view and still the dogs did nothing, when suddenly, with the herd only about 200 metres away, the dogs leapt up and raced towards them. There had been no signal that we could see, not greeting ritual that usually precedes a hunt, no sign whatsoever; they were just up and racing in as a pack.

We tried to keep up with them but the bush was too thick where they led us and the herd had fled to. By the time we caught up a few minutes later the pack had already grabbed hold of a buffalo cow and were in the process of bringing her down.

The rest of the herd was still bellowing nearby but they didn’t come to the aid of the old female.
Wild dog kills tend to be quite gory, but are usually mercifully quick when they involve small game. With a large buffalo cow, despite the number of dogs involved, things were drawn out and difficult to watch.

Eventually the buffalo cow had died from a combination of shock and bloodloss, and whilst the pack gorged themselves, one of the adults trotted back to where they had been resting, to call the pups – who don’t get involved in the hunt – to come and feed.

We were there for maybe an hour and a half, and it was certainly one of the craziest wildlife sightings I will probably ever have in my lifetime!

Visit our Facebook or instagram pages (@iconicafrica) to see some video footage of this sighting…

The Zambezi Grande offers fantastic access – both by river and land – to the wildlife of the Zambezi Valley and Lower Zambezi National Park. Although sightings like the one Robbie witnessed are certainly not the norm, this particular pack has become renowned for taking down adult buffalo.

If a wildlife adventure like this is something you would be interested in, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com

 

Thorntree River Lodge: Victoria Falls in Style

Posted on by James

Imagine a picnic in the middle of the Zambezi River on your own private island.

But this island is barely 40 feet across.

Elephants browse on the riverbank in the distance, hippos cavort in a shallow pool just upstream, and the call of the African fish eagle sounds from high above. In the distance to the east, the constant cloud of spray that hangs over Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the smoke that thunders” – serves as a constant reminder that Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is just downstream, and the real reason you are visiting this magical corner of the continent.

This is what awaits you at Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia.

African Bush Camp’s Thorntree River Lodge sits as a haven of serenity overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, right in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia’s smallest but by no means least impactful national park. Wildlife abounds here, even so close to the town of Livingstone – the gateway to this part of the world – and buffalo, giraffes and elephants are a constant presence around the lodge. The park has many historical implications as well. The Old Drift site is where wagons were floated across the Zambezi in the early days of exploration, and the local guides have endless stories to tell about the forgotten days of the area.

The lodge is therefore perfectly positioned not only from a nature point of view but especially for those who want to enjoy the splendour of the Victoria Falls themselves, which is 90% of the reason people journey to this part of the world in the first place.
The falls themselves – the largest curtain of falling water on the planet –  are simply mind-blowing. Although the strength of the cascade varies seasonally and is linked to rainfall in the Zambian highlands, the setting of the waterfall itself and the subsequent descent of the river into the Batoka gorge is simply mind-blowing.

There are a myriad activities to enjoy from Thorntree as a base. White water rafting, bungee jumping, game drives, casting a line for the fearsome tiger fish on an idyllic afternoon boat sojourn… Thorntree River Lodge truly offers it all. Guests will inevitably feel like they should have stayed longer, there is so much to do in such a small area.

The lodge showcases incredible river panoramas from its unique vantage point, tucked between lush riparian vegetation.
The communal areas flow seamlessly together, and the fluid design of the lodge and its integration into its environment make guests feel like they are one with the Zambezi ecosystem. For those wanting to check the occasional email or post a quick reel to their Instagram feed, the library hosts WIFI connectivity. The health conscious can spend time in the gym or spa; definitely a good option when considers how amazing the cuisine and wine are in this stunning setting.

Only ten rooms and two family units ensure an intimate camp experience, and being evenly spaced along the riverbank ensures each has its own private view out onto the Zambezi. Kids are welcome at the lodge, and the Ngwana Club hosts a wide range of activities for youngsters of all ages, ensuring they will be constantly entertained.

Thorntree River Lodge is a perfect place to start off a safari trip. Its easy access to airports both on the Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) side makes it readily accessible from major airports, and it gives you more than enough of an authentic African experience to have the bug bite properly.

Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire further, or to start planning your safari…