Tag: wilderness

Dulini Anabezi – A New Beginning

Posted on by James

Anabezi Camp in the eastern section of the Lower Zambezi National Park, has always ranked among our favourite Zambezi River destinations. Modern comfort and authentic African luxury come together here in one of Africa’s finest game viewing destinations.

Now the camp has been incorporated into the Dulini portfolio, whose camps in the Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa, we also love, so we anticipate a wonderful renewal of our your love affairs with both brands.

You feel wonderfully close to nature in all of the twelves tented suites, which come complete with either king or twin beds, and all of which overlook either the Zambezi River, Zambezi Floodplain or Kulefu Channel. Each tent features an indoor ensuite bathroom with Victorian style soaking bathtub, and an outdoor bathroom complete with outdoor shower.

Cool off in your private plunge pool during the warmer hours of the ay between game drives whilst buffalo, elephants and warthog feed down below and a host of bird species flit amongst the branches of the Albida trees that tower over the camp walkways.

All rooms are connected to the camp’s main areas by a raised wooden boardwalk and designed for maximum privacy, creating a personal haven amidst the Zambian wilderness. The family tent features two connected rooms, one king with en suite bathroom and outdoor bathroom, and one twin room with private bathroom, both of which share the same viewing deck and plunge pool.

Home to Anabezi’s second swimming pool, the Mushika Deck offers a full bar and sweeping views of the Mushika River floodplain. A nearby watering hole attracts wildlife like resident elephants and buffalos, warthogs bathing in the mud, antelope and the Anabezi troop of Baboons, making it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing.

As its namesake implies, the Zambezi Deck provides sweeping views of the Zambezi River and the floodplain, with daily visits from elephants, buffalo, impala, waterbuck and a variety of birds. Watch the wildlife from the swimming pool, while you’re having lunch or from one of the many lounging areas and take in the surrounding landscape. It’s not uncommon to get up close views of elephants drinking, bathing and crossing the Zambezi River to one of its many islands.

Anabezi is situated deep within the Lower Zambezi National Park, which forms part of the Lower Zambezi– Mana Pools Trans Frontier Conservation area, spanning 1,750,000-hectares of wilderness. The area is a big game mecca, an African Eden, and one of the world’s last remaining untouched natural landscapes. Exceptional game viewing is assured – the area is home to a host of high profile wildlife including lion, leopard, hyena as well as an abundance of other indigenous species.

We are supremely confident that the incorporation of Anabezi into the Dulini brand will do nothing to alter the allure of the place.

The rooms will remain just as comfortable, the service just as exceptional and the food just as delicious. And the wildlife will continue living its wildest life, unaware of any branding changes. And that is the main reason we visit destinations in the first place.

If you’d like to know more about Dulini Anabezi or even Dulini Sabi Sand, get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s talk safari…

&Beyond Suyian: The Heart of Black Leopard Country

Posted on by James

The Laikipia district has risen to the fore as a prime safari destination in recent years due to the consistent sightings of the black leopard Giza.
This relaxed female splits her time between two sides of the Ewaso Narok river, and it is on the northern bank where &Beyond have built their stunning new lodge Suyian.

The lodge offers an array of adventures, allowing guests to create their perfect day in this conservation haven. Activities include day and night game drives, walking safaris, camel and horseback safaris, active ranching tours, and fishing. Experience local culture through village visits, or enjoy outdoor yoga, scenic helicopter flights, wellness treatments, and riverside picnics.
Nestled within a 44,000-acre wilderness, the lodge overlooks the Rock Sanctuary, a mesmerising landscape of undulating granite kopjes steeped in history, including ancient rock art. With only 14 rooms, this tranquil retreat ensures exceptional privacy amidst expansive plains and dramatic boulders. Guests enjoy sweeping views towards Mount Kenya.

Home to over 100 types of mammals, plus numerous endangered and non-endangered species, Suyian Conservancy’s variety of compelling landscapes, which includes grassland, savanna, rocky outcrops (or kopjes), dense Vechellia woodland, plus more than 16 km (10 mi) of river frontage, offers unforgettable wilderness views and up-close wildlife sightings. A hidden gem within northern Kenya’s Laikipia region, the conservancy houses one lodge, Suyian Lodge, named after the African wild dog in the local Maa language.

A sculptural structure of architectural brilliance, the lodge draws inspiration from its unique surrounds and its rounded appearance with plant growth atop mimics the region’s ancient Rock Sanctuary and the robust plant life that lives in between the granite edges. A harmonious blend of raw, earthy Africa materials with a contemporary flair, the lodge reflects the Afro Wabi-Sabi sentiment of taking pleasure in the transient nature of earthly things. Subtle cultural touches inspired by the local semi-nomadic Samburu tribe infuse with modest luxury while mottled undertones pay homage to the region’s most cherished wildlife, such as the rare African wild dog and elusive black (melanistic) leopard. Rich textures and colours enhance the lodge’s understated yet sophisticated feel, and the majority of the furniture and finishes are locally sourced and crafted by Kenyan artisans.

The lodge’s guest area echoes the flow of the kopjes across the valley, offering the perfect vantage point for viewing the conservancy’s incredible habitats along with the abundance of wildlife that calls it home. Accessed by a winding stone path, the lodge’s entrance courtyard opens onto a large circular, central bar that showcases breathtaking views of the open plains, while intimate, softly lit areas create cocoon-like spaces for guests to escape.

Each spacious Suite, constructed as if part of the unusual natural rocky formation, blends seamlessly into its surrounds. An outdoor terrace, featuring a private plunge pool and viewing deck, boasts magnificent sunrise views for early risers.

Previously, there were limited options if one wanted to seek out a black leopard, but Suyian now offers a supremely comfortable stay in an area hitherto relatively unexplored by safaris.

With over ten black leopards documented in the area by trail cam, who knows what other delights will soon form the mainstay of Suyian’s game viewing.

Get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com to start planning your trip…

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…

Shipwreck Lodge: Unfettered Wilderness

Posted on by James

The Skeleton Coast National Park is officially the least visited of all of Namibia’s parks. If it is true, unadulterated wilderness you ejoy, then this is the place to find it.
Shipwreck Lodge is located in the Skeleton Coast Central Concession Area, a critically important piece of land for protecting vulnerable wildlife species. The lodge is a joint venture between Natural Selection and local Namibian companies Trip Travel and Journeys Namibia, as well as the local communities that border the park. The future of African conservation lies firmly in fostering community involvement, and Shipwreck Lodge epitomises such an approach.

Uniquely designed around the enigmatic shipwrecks that line the coast, there’s nowhere on the continent quite like Shipwreck Lodge, which is certainly Iconic Africa’s pick of top lodge from which to explore this part of the world.
In fact, there’s nowhere on the continent quite like the Skeleton Coast. It’s a raw, rugged and impossibly remote slice of African wilderness, where towering dunes and wind-swept plains roll as far as the eye can see, buffeted by the icy Atlantic ocean.

But there’s much more to the area than just the isolation factor. Go on game drive in search of desert-dwelling fauna like oryx, springbok, desert-adapted lion and elephants; discover the enchanting desert flora (succulents and lichens); sit atop the dunes as the sun sinks below the horizon; spend the day beach-combing for whale bones and debris from centuries of shipwrecks; and marvel at the geologically-remarkable Clay Castles. This is truly a unique environment!

The words ‘eerie’ and ‘mysterious’ are often bandied around when it comes to describing Africa’s most interesting locations, but the Skeleton Coast has to be one place that truly deserves the metaphors. Shrouded in mist, the jaw-droppingly beautiful National Park begins at the Ugab River and runs roughly 500 kilometres up the Atlantic Coast to the Kunene River, which forms the border between Namibia and Angola for a few hundred kilometres inland.. Described by the San Bushmen as ‘the Land God Made in Anger’, the beaches are strewn with bleached whale bones and the wrecks of over a thousand ships, and the interior is an uninhabited desert of rolling, endless sand. But it’s magical and hauntingly picturesque, and, in our books, that makes it an absolute must-see.

Shipwreck Lodge itself is located in an unrivalled spot in the Skeleton Coast Central Concession Area, a piece of land between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers. The lodge is within the Skeleton Coast National Park and roughly 45 kilometres from Mowe Bay. The area contains irreplaceable and vulnerable wildlife habitat for species of the highest conservation importance, including elephant and the elusive brown hyena. Importantly, it also hosts the only other viable lion population in Namibia outside of Etosha National Park.

The Skeleton Coast is an area known primarily for its extraordinary landscapes and wide open vistas. Wildlife is not densely populated in this arid environment, so when do you spot something, it’s that much more special. Giraffes, mountain zebras, brown hyenas… creatures that just seem to belong and some that seem totally incongruous with this part of the world. Plants and insects survive from the moisture of the cold fog that drifts inland from the ocean, and the ocean itself is brimming with life. The nutrient-rich Atlantic supports a huge population of Cape fur seals, whose colonies dot the shoreline. Birdlife here features a number of special endemics, so make sure your binoculars are packed…

The lodge itself features ten rooms; 8 as twins or doubles and two family rooms. Each features an en suite bathrooms with indoor showers, and hairdryers are available on request. Charging facilities, a laundry service, and all the mod cons one would expect from a quality operation are found here, including wifi in the main area.

The Skeleton Coast stays relatively cool throughout the year, governed by the cool temperatures of the Atlantic, more specifically the Benguela current that comes sweeping up the coast from Antarctica, but venture away from the coast and temperatures can change just like that, going from freezing to boiling in a very short space of time. Always pack a jersey when heading on an excursion!

If you enjoy solitude, deep relaxation and the complete absence of time pressure, then Shipwreck Lodge is the place for you. The lunar landscapes will leave you both breathless and enchanted, and when it comes time to leave, it’ll feel like you’ve been there for both a day and two weeks.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about this unique destination, and the Skeleton Coast in general…

King’s Pool: A River Runs Through It

Posted on by James

Named after Swedish King Carl Gustav XVI, who honeymooned in the Linyanti in the 1970s, King’s Pool sits on a stunning Oxbow lagoon off the Linyanti River in northern Botswana. The area is pristine and remote and particularly known for its impressive elephant and predator numbers. King’s Pool Camp was treated to a major renovation in the first half of 2019 and offers both water and land activities (water-level dependent).

The camp has always had a traditional and elegant style. The level of luxury has increased with every refurbishment but the camp has still retained is the classic safari design and feel.

 
 

The traditional thatching allows the camp to blend seamlessly with the beauty of its surroundings. Huge Jackalberry trees overhang the rooms and lagoon, providing a haven for birds to feed in the branches, and providing shade for antelope and – particularly in the dry season – small herds of elephants that come down to the water to quench their thirst.
The décor takes inspiration from the patterns and restful colours of the local craft of basket-weaving and the dining area’s walls are covered in striking screens with a basketry-influenced black and white graphic. Teal blue and copper tones provide accents of colour and the rebuild has re-employed materials from the old camp, in wooden flooring and reclaimed doors.

The rooms are a blend of stretch canvas walls, set on raised wooden decking. Inside, large four poster beds make for a comfortable night’s sleep after the day’s safari activities, en suite bathrooms with double basins, indoor and outdoor showers make sure you always feel clean and fresh. A ‘mini gym’ of weights and yoga mat is provided.

The main area at King’s Pool Camp is a large open-sided structure that flows out onto viewing decks. The location brings frequent sighting of elephants crossing the Linyanti River, whilst hippos lounge in the shallows and impala and the shy bushbuck feed on shoots and leaves down near the water. The communal areas are extremely well presented with the same earthy colour palette and leather and metal furnishings. There is an infinity pool, library and bar which enjoy beautiful views over the lagoon.

 

The wildlife experience in the Linyanti concession is fantastic; particularly during the dry season from June to October when water resources are limited and everything flocks to the river to drink. This is a mainly land-focused camp although barge trips are available on a fantastic double storey barge when water levels permit (mainly April to August). Buffalo herds can number into the thousands and at its peak the Linyanti Reserve offers some of the best plains game viewing in existence. Leopards slink through the riparian vegetation and the alarm chatter of monkeys is a common indicator of where the spotted cats are moving.
The area falls right in the middle of KAZA (Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) which boasts the largest elephant population in Africa, so you are guaranteed to enjoy many sightings of these magnificent pachyderms.

The underground hide at a small pan only a few minutes drive from camp is an absolute must! During the height of the dry season you can enjoy an almost constant stream of wildlife coming to drink during the heat of the day, including rarer antelope species like Roan and Sable. Seeing an elephant’s trunk and legs within touching distance is an experience of a lifetime and this chance to get up close is particularly exciting from a photography perspective

The Linyanti Concession as a whole (which King’s Pool enjoys full access to) is not just limited to the river front. Guests also have the opportunity to venture down towards the famous Savuti Channel, well-known for its lion population. Exploring this waterway offers a whole new perspective on life out here on the fringes of the Kalahari.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about King’s Pool and the Linyanti region, and let’s start planning your northern Botswana circuit…

Mobile Migration Tanzania: in the Thick of Things

Posted on by James

First off, it’s important to understand what mobile camps actually are in the context of this post. Whilst some mobile camps are packing up and moving almost daily, the ones we are referring to here only change location twice a year, moving between north and south in the Serengeti Ecosystem in order to have front row seats to one of the greatest wildlife displays on earth, the migration of millions of wildebeest between grazing grounds.

The migration essentially follows a clockwise route from the calving grounds in the south around Ndutu Plains, heading up along the western corridor of the Serengeti through April and May and into the Grumeti area.
As more rain falls to the north, the herds continue towards the Mara River – the scene of the famous crossings – and surge through the Lamai wedge into the Mara Triangle of Kenya (this is around July/August), before moving east and then back south again, ending up in the southern end of the Serengeti to calve once more come January.

Now, if you’re a camp specifically in place for guests to be able to enjoy the majesty of the herds streaming past each day, you’re in a bit of a pickle once they’ve moved on and you’re left with… well… nothing.
Thankfully it’s never nothing in this part of the world as there is always a resident population of predators and general game, but given that the main reason so many people visit this part of the world is to witness the migration, it makes good sense to migrate with it.

A number of mobile camps base themselves in the southern Serengeti during the calving season and then shift to the northern Serengeti as the herds are approaching the Mara River and the crossings are in full swing. By moving operations, camps make sure they enjoy the best of both seasons, taking roughly a month to breakdown camps and move to the new locations whilst the herds are on the move.

A camp that can be fully broken down and set up again a few hundred kilometres away in only a few short weeks needs to be minimalistic by necessity, so we are not dealing with full-luxury affairs here. Rather, wonderfully comfortable canvas tents are there to cater for your needs exactly, without any unnecessary extravagance.

The approach for most safaris centred round the migration is that of a full-day affair, with breakfast and lunch eaten out in the bush while waiting for a river crossing or a calving event, so you are spending a minimal amount of time at camp anyway.

The reality though is that when you return, you have a wonderful sense of still very much being a part of the bush. Hearing a zebra chomping on grass only a few meters away through the thin canvas of your tent at night can be just as thrilling as watching a stalking pride of lions closing in on an unsuspecting buffalo!

Don’t expect ultimate bush opulence at a mobile camp. Hair dryers in the rooms and lightning fast wifi are so far from the reason you are there in the first place as to seem sacrilegious.
Instead you are treated to the rawest African experience. Paraffin lanterns and owls hooting overhead, lions roaring not far away as you zip up your tent flaps after dinner… the bleating of the wildebeest herds as they sometimes envelop camps completely.
And ultimately, the feeling that you are right where you should be.

Mobile camps are among the most authentic ways to experience the great migration.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out more about Entara Esirai, &Beyond’s Serengeti Under Canvas, or a number of others that we hold in very high regard…

Wilderness Qorokwe: Delta Action

Posted on by James

Qorokwe camp is in the south-east of the Okavango Delta and has only been open for 7 years. The exclusive concession it’s on was previously unused for more than four years, but now reveals a world of diverse Delta habitats, from scattered acacia woodlands with herds of giraffe, zebra and abundant plains game to pristine floodplains, home to numerous red lechwe and mud-bespattered buffalo bulls. Throw in lions, relaxed leopards and a wild dog pack that currently numbers in the 30s, and you have a recipe for amazing game-viewing.

Qorokwe means ‘The place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water’. A suitable name for a lodge located between two permanent rivers which are visited by buffalo; they love the shallow river channels. And where there are buffalo there are inevitably lion, buffalo being their favourite meal!

Qorokwe Camp consists of eight tented suites and one spacious family tented suite with its own splash pool and large deck. En suite facilities feature a shower with a glass door which slides back to transform it from an indoor to an outdoor shower, double basins and a free standing bath.

The stunning main area at Qorokwe Camp overlooks a productive lagoon which fluctuates in level depending on the season,  and the dining area, lounge, library and bar are built on raised wooden platforms connected by walkways. The camp marries minimalist clean lines and a stylish look aesthetic with its openness really making one feel a connection with the natural world. The rooms and main areas are stylishly modern: flat roofed with wood panels, wrought iron and geometric shapes and large sliding doors that welcome in and frame the magnificent wilderness of the Delta. The scurry of tree squirrels in the branches overhead and the scratching of spurfowl beneath your deck are an ever-present reminder that you are in the wilderness. Peaceful rectangular water features edge the lounge area and frame the view onto the lagoon. The generously sized infinity pool just off the main deck is set slightly lower and adjacent to the firepit.

Qorokwe is in the southern reaches of the Okavango and the landscape really is diverse: game drives will take in Kalahari apple-leaf and acacia woodlands, islands with palm trees, floodplains and seasonal water. The variety of the landscape and the proximity to the Moremi Game Reserve means that the wildlife is excellent and the area is particularly rich in predator sightings. The Qorokwe concession is a private concession shared only with Stanley’s camp, Baines camp and Gomoti Plains camp. However the huge area on which game drives are operating means that the vehicle density is low and it’s very unlikely that you will see a game viewer from any other camp.

Guests will enjoy game drives on open 4×4s to view the wealth of wildlife by day. Night drives produce exciting nocturnal sightings of civet, genet, bat-eared foxes and bushbabies, and owls are regularly seen in the spotlight. Following a leopard as it gets hunting into the evening can be particularly rewarding. Explore the waters by boat or mokoro (water-level dependent) – your guide will reveal the secrets of living in the Delta while you look out for tiny frogs and malachite kingfishers.

Being a relatively new camp and with slightly higher profile options being available in the Wilderness Portfolio, Qorokwe has avoided the limelight until now. But with an incredibly consistent amount of glowing feedback emanating from guests of the camp – particularly relating to the wildlife, Qorokwe is rapidly making a name for itself as a premier game viewing destination.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to find out rates and availability…

Game Drive Essentials You Never Considered

Posted on by James

If you are heading on a safari vacation, you are bound to go on a game drive.
It’s the best way to experience Africa’s beauty up close, sometimes way closer than you bargained for. But, as with any other trip, you should properly prepare for your game drive to ensure you have the best time possible.

Here is a list of some essentials to make sure you have with you, some of which you may not have even conisdered:

A Sense of Humour

This is Africa. Things can change. Plans can get derailed. A rain-squall could roll in. You could get a flat tyre. The animals you are searching for might not co-operate or a dung beetle might fly into you as your guide drives you along.
The unexpected almost certainly will occur at some point during your stay, and it’s important to remember that there are many things out in the bush that re beyond anyone’s control. In remote areas where some of the best safari lodges are located, logistics can be a nightmare. Remember that to get that meal on your plate in a fresh, timely manner most likely involved souring some of the ingredients in another country and then putting them on a truck for a 9-10 hour drive or an aeroplane for three hops out to the nearest landing strip.

In order to really properly appreciate the magnificence of your environment and truly soak up the experience, you need to be able to roll with the changes, adapt, recalibrate, and most importantly, laugh! Laugh a lot!

An Enquiring Mind

The African bush will truly open your eyes to the wonders of nature. The intricacies of ecosystems are truly astounding, but it’s important to remember that healthy, fully-functioning wild habitats are not just dependent on the wellbeing of their flagship species like the elephants and lions. The interconnectedness of nature goes all the way down to the smallest inhabitants, and more often than not, it’s the tinies that are actually propping up the whole thing.

So make sure to dive a bit deeper with your guide. Don’t just ask “what?”, ask “why?”. Strive to gain an appreciation for big and small, and how they fit together. Trust us, you will gain far more from safari this way.

Patience

Animals are on their own timetable.
That lion is not just going to leap into action because you have arrived with your big camera. Nor will the leoapr make a run for an impala if it doesn’t think the odds are in its favour. Only when the conditions are right for their needs will animals do what they have to do.
A good guide will understand animal behaviour to the extent that she or he will be able to predict with a fair degree of confidence what an animal is likely to do next, and a rough timeline upon which this might happen (although there are no guarantees), but in order to see the good stuff, you might have to wait a while.
Get the binoculars out and scan around for birds. Appreciate the finer details of the animal. Ask the guide to tell some stories.

Wet Wipes

You didn’t see this one coming, did you?

Some lodges do provide these; believe us, they are a life-saver when it comes to removing dust or the grease of suncream from your hands. Stopping for a sundowner or early morning coffee usually means indulging in a treat of some sort, and your fingers can feel a little… well… grubby afterwards.

But with wet wipes, those troubles disappear. They are also very handy for wiping camera gear or binoculars down from dust…

The standard things to remember to take on drive like cameras, binoculars, sunscreen etc. we won’t bore you with. Those you should remember anyway.

The biggest thing to remember though, is to have fun…

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…

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…

 

Marataba Special Still Running

Posted on by James

Marakele means “place of sanctuary” in the local Setswana language, and that is exactly what you feel like you are entering when you arrive at Marataba Private Reserve, which forms part of the greater Marakele National Park.

Marataba itself is 21 000ha of mixed thornveld and open woodland, flanked to the east and south by the utterly spectacular Waterberg mountains, which gather every last drop of golden light as the sun starts to sink and reflect it back over an environment brimming with wildlife.

Lion roars reverberate up the valleys from the plains below, whilst from the rocky crags the guttural rasp of a leopard is regularly heard through the hours of darkness. It is in this magnificent setting that the stunning Marataba Mountain Lodge part of the NJ More collection.

Not only is Mountain Lodge one of our favourite South African safari destinations, but it is currently on special at the unbelievable rate of R4995 pppn sharing. This offer is open until the end of September 2024, so do NOT wait to enquire…

Mountain lodge, tucked away in a rocky valley close to the escarpment features only 5 eco-suites. Mountain Lodge is completely solar, so as well as feeling a wonderful sense of isolation in such an intimate setting, guests can be happy in the knowledge that their stay is having the least possible impact on the environment.

For honeymooners and those who want ultimate tranquility and time to themselves, wishing to feel a complete sense of isolation, Mountain lodge should be your pick.

At no time at either camp will you feel anything but fully immersed in the wilderness. The subtle colour tones and layout of every aspect of both lodges has been carefully thought out, designed to feel like a simple extension of the African bush whilst retaining every element of luxury.

Marataba is only a few hours drive from Johannesburg, or easily accessible via a 45 minute charter flight. The area is malaria-free, so if you are travelling with small kids or have even the slightest concerns about malaria (which is extremely rare in South Africa), look no further than Marataba as your destination of choice.

Enquire now if you want to be able to visit Mountain Lodge at an absolute steal. Be sure not to miss out…

Mail us at info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s get the safari ball rolling…

Marataba on Special

Posted on by James

When Marataba, a 23 000ha (56 834ac) privately managed section of unspoilt Africa within Marakele, was discovered by the More Collection, they instantly knew they had found something special.

And now with an incredible offer of R4990 pppn until the end of July, there has never been a better time to visit!

Prepare to be enriched by the sweeping Waterberg Mountain vistas and impressive wildlife diversity, including the Big Five with special sightings of rhino, their signature species.

The two luxury lodges cater to both soulful explorations and active family safaris. With game drives, bush walks and a water safari, you’ll get closer to nature than ever before, and the staff will take care of your every need.

Game drives, in open safari vehicles, head out each day at sunrise and again in the late afternoon to find Marakele’s many fascinating animals. Get within close range of Africa’s most impressive species, with some surprise stops along the way.

Some of Marataba’s most extraordinary sightings occur from the deck of the flat-bottomed river boat, Miss Mara. This unassuming vessel takes guests 2.5 km up the Matlabas River and back, often resulting in unforgettable wildlife encounters. This is the essence of a water safari – a slow, serene journey along the waterway, perfect for birdwatching and relaxed, uninterrupted game viewing.

While you enjoy private time, our dedicated Mack & Madi crew of field guides and childminders will entertain your young ones from 5-11 years old. Our Safari Club Eco Garden is a child’s paradise and all-in-one bush entertainment space! Your children will learn how to track animals, camp in the bush, watch outdoor movies under the stars all while immersing themselves in nature. They will love the sense of freedom and adventure while making new friends.

Marataba offers a genuine safari adventure tailored for families and friends. Their luxury tents ensure comfort while you’re immersed in the wild. Beyond game drives and bush walks, enhanced with unique surprises, there’s ample opportunity for relaxation. Whether it’s pool lounging, an in-room spa session, or simply soaking in the tranquil environment, the choice is yours.

Marataba keep things flexible – from dining to activities – for a seamless family experience. With tehir Mack & Madi Kids’ Adventure Safari Club, children are in for a treat: fun activities, an eco-garden play area, and a dedicated coordinator to guide them. It’s all about creating cherished memories and sparking a lifelong love for nature.

Get in touch with us through info@iconicafrica.com to take advantage of the Marataba special offer…

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…

Daunara Safari Camp: Experiential Okavango

Posted on by James

Exclusive-use is becoming more and more the thing to do in bush circles. Your very own camp in which you determine the activities, the timetable, the meal times, and everything you would do if you owned a home in the bush.

Daunara Safari Camp, one of the newest lodges in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, epitomises everything that is good about the exclusive-use option, and so much more.

Conceptualised by legendary safari guide Matt Copham, and designed and built over a two-year period, Daunara has finally opened its doors, and is redefining what “experiential” means in the broader safari context.

Set on a palm-fringed island adjoining a hippo pool in the South-east of the Delta, Daunara enjoys easy helicopter access from Maun, which is the transfer method most guests opt for. FOr the more adventurous there is a two hour road transfer available as well.

The design of the camp is elegant, contemporary, and sophisticated – distinctly African in its roots. With hand-crafted finishes in timber and canvas, it’s a home, designed with care, boasting a team who deliver sincere and charming service, deeply proud of their Botswana heritage.

Five stand-alone classic, spacious and beautifully appointed tented suites all overlook the delta, two of which are interconnected with a shared sitting room. Elepphants are pretty much daily visitors to the pool in front of the camp, and lechwe, zebras, impalas and cavorting wildebeest abound in the floodplains.
The whole camp is connected via raised wooden walkways, allowing safe movement through the day. All the tented suites are fully air-conditioned in both the bedroom and the bathroom.

Food is clean and uncomplicated with distinct flavours that celebrate the fresh produce we can get from our community garden, itself an amazing initiative based at nearby Daunara Village (from which the camp gets its name). The days and menus are unscripted, for you to enjoy meals at your own pace. Meals are paired with the finest South African wines we have personally selected.

In between game drives and exciting adventure activities, you can find time for a quick workout at the gym or a relaxing massage in our dedicated massage pavilion.

The family suite features two luxury tented suites connected by shared sitting and dining areas. Ideal for parents with younger children or close family who need to be closer together. The second room converts easily into a twin or a king-size bed.

 

Envisioned by a man with over 30 years in the safari business, Daunara is truly one of the most flexible and innovative camps we’ve encountered. Visits to the local elephant orphanage, tracking lions, helicopter flights to go tiger fishing or to nip across to the San cultural heritage site of the Tsodilo hills… all this and more is possible out of Daunara; it simply goes way beyond your standard safari offering.

With all the buzz being generated around it, availability is being snapped up at a rapid rate, so if your own home-away-from-home in in the Okavango Delta appeals to you, get in touch, and let’s start planning your tailor-made safari…