Tag: Wildlife

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

 

Zambezi Grande: The Perfect River Escape

Posted on by James

Different wildlife areas in Africa come into their own seasons of popularity over the years. There always seems to be “the hottest new destination around”, and it is difficult for a single lodge to remain in the forefront of people’s minds for year after year.

Well the star of the Lower Zambezi National Park and surrounds in Zambia seems to be shining brighter and brighter each and every year. It has been on the rise for a while now, and set right on the banks of this amazing wilderness area, in a prime location to take full advantage of what the unique landscape has to offer, one finds Zambezi Grande.

Opened in October 2017, Zambezi Grande Private Game Experience is situated on a prime sector of the Zambezi River front, offering visitors an unforgettable personal retreat, with all the sumptuous indulgences a discerning guest would appreciate. The honk of the local hippo pod will be your wake-up call in the morning, the call of the African Fish Eagle high above will sound throughout the day, and the roar of a lion will add to the nighttime symphony as you sit around the campfire, watching the glow of the fading light reflecting off the gently flowing Zambezi River in front of you.

Bringing the heart and soul of the magical Zambezi into one place, the décor of the lodge is a mix of contemporary design and truly authentic African feel. Reflecting the serenity of its surrounds with neutral colours representing life, renewal, nature, and energy, there is an almost seamless transition between the wilds and the lodge itself. With a seamless open-plan, guests can enjoy the majestic views of the river from all areas of the lodge, and as such be exposed to all the activities by of the local wildlife, be it river-borne or strolling past on the bank.

Since welcoming their first guests in October 2017, the lodge has truly encapsulated the vivid environment they call home. Whether relaxing on the pool deck, enjoying a sundowner cruise on the river, or unwinding on the terrace watching the wildlife passing by, there are so many ways to soak in this enchanted corner of Africa.

Zambezi Grande Private Game Experience neighbours the Lower Zambezi National Park, a bountiful 4,092 square kilometres of rich birdlife, indigenous flora and untamed wildlife. Packs of the rare African Wild Dog roam the winterthorn forests, leopards slink from grove to grove, and the elephants are particularly plentiful, flocking down to the river in great numbers at the end of the dry season to feast on Ana tree pods and quench their thirst from the waters of the Zambezi.

The game viewing along this section of the Zambezi Valley is simply out of this world, and the local guides of Zambezi Grande are well-trained to both find and interpret the high-profile sightings that guests seek,

A variety of habitats ranging from forest to open plains, thick bush to palm groves, complement the safari experience here, and guests will never feel like they are on the same excursion twice, be it a fishing trip, a game drive or a bush walk.

Zambezi Grande features five Superior Suites, each with an exclusive veranda on the banks of the Zambezi River. King size beds allow one to wallow in unspeakably comfortable opulence during the hours of slumber, and the river-facing outdoor shower allows you to refresh yourself whilst feeling completely in tune with the African wilds.

Five Luxury rooms offer their own intimate Zambezi Grande experience, being only slightly smaller than the Superior Suites, but being perfect for a family option, having inter-connecting rooms available.

Zambezi Grande offers guests the perfect way to immerse themselves in this unique corner of the world. Ultimate comfort, a superior game viewing experience, and a prime position that lets you switch off from all the trappings of the fast-paced modern world, make this lodge a must-do if Zambia’s safari scene is something on your bucket list.

Saseka: Jewel in the Thornybush Crown

Posted on by James

Saseka Tented Camp is currently running a flash SADC sale not to be missed! 

Location, location, location!

The go-to phrase of any knowledgable real-estate developer. Where something is built is just as important as the building itself.
Fortunately, in the case of the Thornybush collection of lodges, they have Location taken care of!

The Thornybush Private Game Reserve is set in Big 5 Heaven in South Africa’s Lowveld, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. The northern reaches of the Drakensberg mountains lie to the west and are silhouetted at sunset each evening, and all around you the bush is teeming with wildlife.
Saseka Tented Camp – which the Thornybush Collection themselves feel is like the jewel in their crown – is perched overlooking a picturesque riverbed, underneath the shade of ancient riparian trees that for decades have provided refuge for an untold number of animals from the hot African sun for decades.

Saseka is the local word for “beautiful”, and a more appropriate name could not have been chose for this elegantly laid out camp that merges perfectly with the contours of the surrounding bush and the dappled light cast upon it.
Nine luxurious tented suites with stylish interiors, sweeping decks, private pools and uninterrupted views of the seasonal Monwana riverbed provide luxurious oases where guests can savour the joys of the wilderness in comfort.

The wildlife experience of the Thornybush Reserve is one of the best in Africa. Multiple lion prides call this part of the world their home, the resident leopards slink through the undergrowth and are encountered regularly. Elephants march sedately along the riverbed below the camp and birdsong is a constant ambience during the day, whether you are lounging on deck or out on safari.

With the unbeatable SADC special running until mid-December, this is the time to be getting there.

Get in touch with justin@iconicafrica.com or terri@iconicafrica.com for rates and availability, and let’s start planning your safari…

Kanga Camp: the Home of the Armchair Safari

Posted on by James

Most safari lodges have you feeling like you should be out and about, exploring the area, wondering what might be going on around the next bend in the road.
But Kanga Camp, set on a private concession in Mana Pools National Park of Zimbabwe, offers such prolific wildlife viewing from the comfort of an armchair on the camp deck, the only place you’ll feel you need to go is to the charging station to replace your camera battery.

Kanga is a seasonal camp, open between the months of April and November. The wet season when it is closed features surface water everywhere, which means animals aren’t drawn to the Kanga Pan itself, which during the dry months is essentially the only standing water for miles in any direction.
Elephants in particular are an almost constant procession to the valuable drinking water of the pan (the Zambezi River itself is almost 20 kilometres away), and there are few places on earth that you will be able to get as close to these magnificent creatures, at eye level.

Kanga Pan is a photographer’s paradise in particular. The unique, close-up angles you can get of all manner of wildlife coming down to drink at all hours of the day means that both that long lens and wide-angle will get their fair share of use. Meal-times are regularly punctuated by the rumble of breeding elephant herds only a few feet away, and the nocturnal roar of the local lion coalitions forms the most authentic African serenade you can have.

In line with African Bush Camp’s sustainability approach, the camp is solar-powered. It comprises six tents all raised on individual wooden platforms for an elevated view over the Pan and surrounding bush. The Meru-styled tents are elegantly styled, featuring floor-to-ceiling mesh windows that allow for refreshing air flow and make you feel completely immersed in nature, whilst keeping out any bugs that may be buzzing around (although there are very few to be found during the dry season).

All tents are replete with fans, en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet, outdoor shower, hot running water and a secluded veranda. Kanga also has a family tent which boasts a wraparound terrace facing the pan with private seating and dining areas. Children over seven years old are welcome at the camp, although waling safaris are restricted to kids over the age of 16. The camp plunge pool offers respite from the heat during the warm days at the beginning and end of the season.

It’s not all about out the Pan itself though. Experienced rangers take insightful game drives to explore the wider park, including trips down to the Zambezi River itself, which offers a completely different experience to the inland terrain around Kanga. The Ana tree forests of the Zambezi floodplain and the multitude of wildlife it attracts will leave you speechless.

All in all, Kanga offers the same dedication to hospitality that we’ve come to expect from the African Bush Camps portfolio. It is as comfortable as you could wish, the experience is unique, and in the context of a wildlife destination, especially in an area like Mana Pools, there isn’t a much higher accolade than that.

Little Chem Chem: Quintessential Safari in East Africa

Posted on by James

On the shores of Tanzania’s Lake Burunge, set amongst the acacia and baobab trees with the lip of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment sitting as a backdrop, lies Little Chem Chem; a camp where understated luxury is woven into every experience.

Little Chem Chem is the “sunrise camp” of the three Chem Chem lodges – the other two are Chem Chem Lodge itself and Forst Chem Chem – being the furthest east, and as such being situated the closest to Tarangire National Park, with which the concession on which the lodges are found share a contiguous border. With no fences around the park allowing the free movement of wildlife, the entire area shows an abundance of game for the wildlife enthusiast. Lions and elephants are regular visitors and during the migration season the fringes of the great wildebeest herds pass through, providing a glut for the predators.

The bird life is sensational, and the combination of savanna and lake shore habitats will keep the avid bird watcher enthralled for hours with its myriad of species.

The lodge itself is elegance in the true classic safari style.

Six luxury safari tents (including one family tent), each boasting indoor and outdoor showers, overlook an open gladed area that attracts an abundance of wildlife. Stately giraffes stroll by as you sit outside in the shade of your canvas awning, and superb starlings hop about looking for morsels amongst the grasses. The main lodge is spacious and cool (WiFi is available in both the rooms and the main area) and allows for fantastic views into the surrounding bush and open spaces. Being small in size, it retains a completely intimate feel, and is also readily available for exclusive occupancy…

Martial eagles soar above, and the bush sings to you constantly with its soft chirp of cicadas in summer, von der Decken’s hornbills in winter, and at night time the ambient sound is provided by the roar of the lion and the guttural rasp of the leopard slinking in the shadows.

Little Chem Chem has paced itself to the natural rhythm of Africa herself, and you will too upon arrival.

Walk with wildlife, marvel at ancient baobabs, embrace serenity and wellness, sip sundowners overlooking the Rift Valley, and discover the ancient culture of the Maasai people. Chem Chem is where you go to feel something with this ancient continent; belonging.

 

Duke’s Camp: Remote Okavango Tranquility

Posted on by James

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get in touch now to start planning your safari…

Lolebezi: Wild, Remote, Luxurious

Posted on by James

The Zambezi is one of Africa’s largest and most iconic rivers.

Originating in the highlands of Zambia, it sweeps out to the west into Angola, then back south through Zambia before forming the border between Namibia as it turns to the east, then the border with Zimbabwe, and eventually crossing into Mozambique where it continues its path to the Indian Ocean.

Wildlife is to be found all along its almost 3000km length, but one section in particular is a verdant paradise; the 150km downstream from the Chirundu border post between Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is part of the Lower Zambezi Valley, and it is here that you will find some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in one of the most spectacular areas in Africa.
It is here that you find Lolebezi Camp, in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.

Lolebezi is the latest offering in the African Bush Camps portfolio, and is one of the most special. An exclusive kilometre of Zambezi River frontage has guests waking up to one of the continent’s great waterways within a few metres of the deck of their rooms, more often than not with an elephant or two in attendance, and at the very least the local pod of hippos. The river teems with life here, especially in the dry season (July – October), when the inland pans evaporate and animals have to flock to the riverbank to drink.

Elephant herds congregate under the Ana trees to eat the fallen pods, impalas and baboons feed together, both acting as sentries for each other, and where there is a multitude of herbivores, the predators are never far away.
Leopards and lions abound here, and the openness in of the area towards the end of the dry season in particular makes the sightings of these big cats more common.

Large packs of the endangered African Wild Dog have made their home in the park, one of the few areas that provides the space that these enigmatic animals require to operate effectively in the huge home ranges they need, whilst simultaneously allowing for a large enough population to establish itself that ensures healthy genetic flow.

The camp itself is paradise.

Sunsets like no other as the sky and the river itself are bathed in golden, red and purple hues. Fish eagles calling from the trees above and the chatter of monkeys from the tree tops serves as constant reminders that you are not separated from nature here; you are immersed in it.

The contemporary design of Lolebezi seamlessly blends modest elegance with a simplicity that can only be found in the African bush. Designed for both family and romantic escapes, Lolebezi has four superior suites and two double family units. The lodge is fully airconditioned, with a private plunge pool and thatched Sala on the river.

The eco-conscious traveller should look no further, as the camp is powered by an off-the-grid solar farm, and the water supply and wastewater are managed to ensure that no pollution enters the river. Everything is done to minimise the human footprint on the land.

 

Lolebezi is a family friendly lodge, welcoming children of all ages (with the restriction of children over the age of 16 being able to join walking safaris and canoeing).
The small number of suites assures an intimate experience, whether you are travelling as a couple or in a slightly larger group.

The main dining area of Lolebezi is designed out of old railway sleepers, harking back to the long-forgotten days of exploration and giving it a distinctly adventurous atmosphere. The all-day café and pizza bar ensure that you won’t be going hungry whilst on safari here. If you’d rather opt for a more secluded dining experience, you can eat in your own dining room or take advantage of the river-pods for picnics.

Lolebezi is truly a special place. The combination of its immersion in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas as well as its superb accommodation and attention to detail make it one of the best offerings in the region.
A short flight from Lusaka (Zambia’s capital) will set you down at the airstrip just two kilometres from camp, and only a short game drive down the road you will be on the banks of the Zambezi, sipping a G&T while taking in the river and its accompanying escarpment in all their glory.

Get in touch to find out more…

How to Get the Most out of Safari

Posted on by James

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

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

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

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

Stop often

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

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

Keep the pressure off

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

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

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

Remind yourself

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

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

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

Abadi’s Iconic Africa Safaris Go Wild

Posted on by James
Our Co-founder and director Terri Abadi was recently featured in a wonderful article in the Atlanta Jewish Times. 
We have reprinted the article below for you to enjoy:
Article by Marcia Caller Jaffe.

Terri Abadi provides customized safari experiences from glamping to kosher based on her own love of nature and her native country.

Terri Abadi spent her childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city, where she developed a love of wildlife, wild spaces and “her people.” In 2013, she launched Atlanta-based safari tour company Iconic Africa, specializing in planning tours for adventurous and curious travelers. A top choice on most bucket lists, the South Africa safaris elicit remarks such as “life changing” and “intensely spiritual” from Abadi’s travelers.

A young male elephant tests the breeze n Botswana’s Okavango Delta

“I feel the closest to God when I’m in wild places,” the Iconic Africa director told the AJT. “Nature, with its wealth of diversity and unfathomable complexity, is a gift from God and where I feel most spiritual. When I’m out in the African wilds, I often ponder God’s acts of creation and see incomparable genius. Waking up to the sounds of the wild, the vivid colors of the African sunrise, sounds of the coucal at dawn, the roar of a lion reverberating through the night … I breathe in the crisp air and smell the wild sage as we drive out of camp; the cool morning wind on my face makes me count my lucky stars that I get to do this so often.”

Leaving South Africa in the 1990s to be near her brothers in Atlanta, Abadi partnered in 2014 with an old friend, John Holley, who now runs her South Africa office, to turn a traditional travel agency into a superior online travel platform showcasing African destinations representative of her values: most importantly, an authentic commitment to wilderness conservation.

Lion cubs play in a sandy riverbed.

Iconic Africa has teams in South Africa, Kenya and the U.S. staffed by African-born travel experts who are committed to being close at hand on each step of the journey. Beyond sightseeing, the company maintains philanthropic goals focused on facilitating positive change for Africans in Africa, while creating a seamless and unforgettable experience for their clients.

Abadi does not chaperone every trip, but does take three to four tours herself every year, usually with extended family, in June.

“It’s important for agents to know the areas to which they send clients, so I make sure I have experience with every destination included on an itinerary,” she said. “While I do not personally go on each tour, I curate each trip for the particular client from start to finish.”

Each trip is completely customized, from multi-generational family trips, once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons or conservation-driven trips. To make the ordinary truly extraordinary, Abadi probes the desires and expectations of each client ahead of time. Iconic Africa includes boutique elements with customized packages that fit every budget from standard tours to totally private, ultra-luxurious expeditions.

When it comes to safety, Abadi says, “All our tours are completely safe, and we are always in the loop, making sure our travelers’ safety is paramount.”

Yes, kosher accommodations are available. Iconic offers fully Beth Din-approved hotels and lodges. At remote safari lodges and destinations, they offer various solutions, from flying in prepared kosher meals to preparing fresh kosher-friendly food on site, or even arranging private chefs to reside on hand.

Terri Abadi founded Iconic Africa in 2013. She has an unbridled love for her native country and its wildlife.

Being South African, Terri favors the Greater Kruger area, particularly the Sabi Sand Reserve, where game viewing is most incredible. “There are so many wonderful lodges in Africa, each with its own brand of magic,” she recalled. “From panoramas over the Great Rift Valley, to glamping in style in the Botswanan desert, every landscape awakens the soul!”

A female leopard and two cubs get out of the wet grass at Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa following a short rainstorm.

One of Abadi’s unmissable sights is leopard viewing in Londolozi Game Reserve. “The leopard viewing is surreal!” she exclaims. “I have seen more than my fair share of these beautiful cats there over the years and have even watched some grow from tiny cubs to having multiple litters of their own.”

Abadi is a member of Congregation Beth Tefillah and has four children. Her other passions include yoga, reading and photography.

Amanzi: Lower Zambezi’s Living Eden

Posted on by James

If tranquility in an African bush setting is what you are after, with the gentle current of the Zambezi River flowing past your private deck, a cold Zambezi Lager in one hand, a pair of binoculars in the other and a herd of elephants swimming across the river int he distance, Amanzi Luxury Tented Camp is the place for you.

Set far from the madding crowd in the Lower Zambezi National Park – a place swiftly gaining a reputation as one of Africa’s new hotspots for sensational game viewing – Amanzi is the most remote of the camps in the region, as well as being exclusive-use only, meaning you’ll enjoy a far more intimate wildlife experience.

Guided walks, game drives and river excursions offer multiple exciting ways to explore the area, and all offer their own unique way to immerse yourself in of the continent’s most special wildernesses.

Amanzi is a small camp, being comprised of only four classically styled luxury suites.
Two suites are stand-alone and one is a double-bedroom family styled suite, with the two bedrooms being designed in exactly the same way as the stand-alones.
Wooden walkways link the rooms to the lounge and dining area, and move further through the riparian thickets to the pool and teak viewing deck, situated just above the mighty Zambezi River.

More often than not guests don’t even need to leave their suites to view wildlife, as large hippo pods frequent the area and elephants are an almost constant presence around the camp.

Whilst historically areas like Hwange in Zimbabwe, the Okavango in Botswana, and the Kruger National Park and surrounds in South Africa have been at the forefront of the Southern African wildlife scene, Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is fast coming into its own as a premier destination for wildlife viewing.
Leopards abound here, packs of wild dogs dominate the floodplains in the dry season, and the local lion population are frequent hunters of the large buffalo herds.

If it’s up-close wildlife encounters that you are after, in a setting almost tailor-made for photography, look no further. The fact that Amanzi is out beyond all the other camps means that a lot of the time, you are all alone with the animals you are viewing.

With amazing rates currently available for Iconic Africa guests (for both international and SADC visitors), this is a fantastic time to think about a safari into this part of the continent. As the area grows in renown it is likely that more and more visitors will want to head there, but for the moment there is still exclusivity and plenty of space to be found.

Get in touch to start planning your safari…

Somalisa: the Elephant Heart of Zimbabwe

Posted on by James

Hwange National Park in the west of Zimbabwe is a land of contrasts. From dense teak and acacia forest to vast open savannah, which offers visitors an exhibition of raw and diverse Africa.

Somalisa Camp, under the African Bush Camps umbrella, is tucked away within a quiet Acacia grove on a private concession in the heart of Hwange, and offers the ideal intimate base from which to explore the expansive ecosystem and varied ecosystem of which it forms a part.

Hwange is famous for its elephant herds, and Somalisa provides the perfect place from which to view these iconic African animals. The waterhole right in front of camp provides an oasis for them even during the dry winters, and herds flock down to drink daily. It is not uncommon to have multiple herds come to drink during the course of an afternoon, and their rumbles serve as a constant part of the wonderful African ambience filtering in from the open plain.
Game Drives provide access to the greater reserve, in which Africa’s large predators abound. Lions dominate the viewing and their roars can be heard most nights. Up to 700 of these majestic cats roam the Hwange ecosystem, and the area is in constant flux as prides vie for dominance. Wild Dogs are regularly encountered, and even unusual species like Roan antelope and Brown Hyena often form part of the game viewing.
Experienced Somalisa guides know exactly where the best viewing is to be found, so have your camera ready!

Back at camp, seven elegant and spacious sail tents provide simple luxury, and the small number of guests in camp ensures an intimate safari experience.
All tents are replete with a charging station for camera batteries and phones, a wood-burning fireplace (an amazing addition on those cold winter nights), and a private viewing deck from which you can observe any game that happens to come sauntering down for a drink.
The heat of the African day is rendered almost negligible by the carefully designed tents which are optimal for airflow, allowing a cool breeze to be a constant presence as you lounge in opulence.

Somalisa is leading the way in low-impact tourism and was the recipient of the first GOLD Green Tourism Certificate in Zimbabwe. With a full solar farm and water purity system, the camp is able to be off the grid whilst recycling about 80% of its water usage.

Nature and luxury intertwine seamlessly here, and with Hwange National Park being the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe – and also one of the oldest, being established in 1928 – there are few places as good in which to fully immerse yourself in an African wildlife experience.

Hwange’s proximity to Victoria Falls means Somalisa is just a short charter flight from this centre of African adventure, so we strongly recommend including Victoria Falls in your itinerary.

With unbeatable specials currently running, particularly our Best of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Cape Town option, there’s no better time to book…

Rhino Dehorning: the Latest in the War on Poaching

Posted on by James

Over the last decade, over ten thousand rhinos have been lost to poaching across Africa.

With both white and black rhinoceroses already endangered, these catastrophic losses have pushed both species even closer to extinction.

In South Africa alone, 451 rhinos were lost during 2021. Although the general trend over the last few years has been a decrease in numbers lost each year, which looks positive (although 2021 was the first time in 6 years that the number went up again), the harsh reality is that these numbers may just as equally reflect the much lower numbers of rhinos left to poach as they do the increase in anti-poaching efforts across the continent.

With increasing pressure on declining rhino populations that are being squeezed into smaller and smaller areas, the focus of poaching has seen a dramatic spike in private reserves over the last year. Although well-trained, well-armed anti-poaching teams are operational on most private reserves in the region that boast rhino numbers, the staggering and ever-increasing value of rhino horn on the international market has meant that no deterrents seem too great, and rhinos continue to be lost.

More and more lodges and reserves are falling back on the last-resort solution of dehorning their rhinos. By removing the very thing the poachers are after, the hope is that rhinos lives will be spared.
This tactic has proved successful in many areas, although some conservationists hesitate before implementing it as a practical solution because of its potential impact on the rhinos themselves. Although the removal of the horn doesn’t cause the individual rhino any harm (it will grow back after a few years), it is still a functional part of their anatomy, and it is still unsure what long-term repercussions might be felt in dehorned populations with males left without their main weapon that they use to defend territories.

The problem with dehorning in the private reserve sector (or solution, depending on which way you look at it) is that it’s becoming more and more of an all-or-nothing affair, in that every reserve needs to buy in, or none. Since effective conservation is largely a function of space, many operators have dropped fences between them and their neighbours to create larger contiguous ecosystems for wildlife, but the free-roaming nature of rhino populations in reserves like these means that de-horning operations need to be reserve-wide.

If one reserve opts to dehorn their rhinos but its neighbours don’t, the population with horns intact will naturally become the target for poachers; all reserves/lodges therefore need to be in agreement.

The three-reserve system of the Sabi Sand, Sabie Game Reserve and Mala Mala, near the Kruger Park, are the latest high profile group of reserves to dehorn their rhinos, with an extensive period of a 25 days being allotted to the operation.

The entire reserve’s population was dehorned as well as ear-notched, which not only dramatically reduces the poaching threat but through the notching will allow closer monitoring of individual rhinos. The decision to dehorn was not an easy one for the reserves to take, but with over 400% increase in poaching across the protected area in the last two years, reserve management and lodge owners alike felt that it was the best step to take.

Despite the dehorning hopefully buying a reprieve for the area’s beleaguered rhinos, all three reserves continue to increase their security efforts through added technology and inter-reserve communication.

Let us hope that the dehorning initiative will prove as effective in this, one of South Africa’s flagship conservation areas, as it has been in other parts of the country.

SA Resident Specials in Big Cat Paradise

Posted on by James

As April draws to a close and lodges across Africa get busier and busier as travellers return, we are delighted to announce that certain South African safari properties will be upholding their resident rates in the short- to mid-term. Mala Mala Game Reserve, bordering South Africa’s world famous Kruger National Park, will be offering these specials right up until December 2022, so make sure you don’t miss out.

It’s no secret that Mala Mala is one of the best places in Africa to view lions, leopards and cheetahs. And not only view them, but have front row seats to some of the most action-packed game viewing on the continent. Leopards in trees, lions moving new-born cubs between dens… it seems like nothing is out of the question here.
It’s not only the cat density on Mala Mala that is so high (a recent study found the greater area to hold the highest density of Leopards yet recoded in Africa) but the general game too, which means that the predators have an absolute buffet of prey species laid out for them.
Witnessing hunts is common, as the unique Sand River frontage (over 20 kilometre of sandy beaches and reedbeds) provides ultimate concealment opportunities for predators on the prowl.

Mala Mala has been one of the iconic Africa lodges since the early days of photographic safaris, opening its doors in the late 1960s. With over 50 years of  experience in the industry it has continued to refine its offering, but its incredible wildlife population has always meant that little more needs to happen than simply driving out into the bush; something will come along, and more than likely a high profile species!

Mala Mala has three camps on offer; Main, Sable and Rattrays.

Main Camp is the largest of the three with 10 luxury suites, 8 luxury rooms and a luxury single suite. Sable, situated right next door to Main, has 5 luxury suites and the Lion’s Den suite (a two-bedroom interleading suite) and Rattrays, lying a couple of kilometres downstream on the Sand River, offers 8 luxury suites.
Main camp and Sable tend to be for families wanting to enjoy the bush together, whilst Rattrays is for the ardent safari-goers and photographers, restricting the number of guests on a vehicle to four, thereby heightening the intimacy of the game-viewing experience.

Whilst the game-viewing is good year-round, seasonal changes meant that different areas and animals become the focus during different months.

May, when these special resident rates kick off, is the impala rut, when rams are jousting for mating rights and as a consequence falling regular prey to leopards in particular.

June through August are the clear winter months featuring chilly mornings and wonderfully mild days. As the dry season tightens its grip, animals of all shapes and sizes flock to the Sand River to drink, and predator activity along its banks is prolific.

October signals the onset of the rains, and the first green flush of spring. More and more rainfall initiates the impala and wildebeest birthing into November and December, when new life is literally everywhere in the bush. No one time is better than another, they are simply different, and finding out a bit more about the various seasons before you book will help you know what to expect. Our consultants will help you with that!

As travel returns to normality, rates are swiftly returning to what they where pre-Covid, so we urge our South African guests not to miss out on this unique opportunity to visit one of Africa’s great safari destinations at these prices.

Get in touch through enquiries@iconicafrica.com to get the ball rolling…

Jack’s Camp: the True Soul of the Kalahari

Posted on by James

Jack’s camp opened in 1993, and has been the gateway to the Makgadikgadi pans and surrounds ever since.

After decades of setting the standard of the Kalahari safari experience, this unique slice of Africa underwent a refurb in 2021, and if anything, we now love it even more.

Being one of just three camps in a million-hectare wildlife reserve means that space and exclusivity are literally the foundations upon which your safari will be built. The silence of the night here – broken only by the occasional roar of a lion or the plaintive cry of a jackal – is an experience in itself; “humbling” is a word most oft used to describe the uniquely stimulating feeling of isolation that one encounters under the southern stars.

Jack’s Camp features nine guest rooms – seven twin tents featuring two queen-size beds, and two double tents with extra-length king beds. The post-refurb camp features much larger rooms than before, so space is not an issue.
The main area stands alone in Africa with its one-of-a-kind swimming pool pavilion, natural history cabinets and 1820s mess table. Guests will feel part of a bygone era simply by seating themselves in a velvet clad chair and contemplating the seemingly endless space all around them. Unbroken views out over the Kalahari desert stretch the imagination and challenge the mind’s understanding of the word “space”.

Jack’s is very much a year-round destination, but very different seasons mean that guests should identify exactly what it is they are after before deciding when to come.

April through October is the dry season, when the Kalahari in its most pitiless form is bare yet utterly spectacular. Animals flock to the last remaining standing water meaning the wildlife viewing is predictable to a degree, and the cloudless night sky with its uncountable stars instils a sense of wonder each and every evening.The rains usually arrive in November, and until March the area that is normally regarded as a desert comes to life with abundant grasses. This is the cue for Africa’s second largest mammal migration to take place; thousands upon thousands of zebras flock into the area to take advantage of the surplus of fresh grazing.

The normal safari activities like game viewing and bird watching are supplemented by unique activities that really set Jack’s Camp apart. Guests can sleep out on the bare Makgadikgadi salt flats. They can walk with the San people and learn about their history and the intimate ways of the desert. They can lie on the Kalahari sands and have habituated meerkats cralw around and over them. Quad biking expeditions inject some serious adrenaline into what is an already exciting stay.

Jack’s Camp is one of those that sits in a class of its own. Part of the greater safari portfolio of Botswana yet completely unique.

There are currently unbeatable specials running to this utterly wild part of Southern Africa, so get in touch to book a stay…

An African House all of Your Own

Posted on by James

The Royal Portfolio has long been held in high esteem as an industry-leading brand of luxury hotels across South Africa.

From La Residence in Franschoek, the benchmark for opulent accommodation in wine country, to Birkenhead House in Hermanus, from where you can watch breeding pods of migrating Southern Right Whales literally a stone’s throw from your room, the selection of properties in the portfolio truly has something for everyone.

Royal Malewane, adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park, is seen by many as the jewel in the Royal Portfolio crown. This is their wildlife offering, and is viewed by many as the place that sets the guiding standard across the industry.
While the royal and luxury suites at the main lodge do an exceptional job of providing excellent safari options for couples and smaller groups, it is Africa House that is helping break new ground in the exclusive-use department.

Royal Malawane Safari Lodge. Client: The Royal Portfolio. Marketing director: Ross Bowers. Stylist: Nathalie Williams.

More and more we are seeing exclusive-use options popping up across the safari industry, and there is an ever-growing list of world-class lodges that have added this type of stay to their offering.
Camps of this nature are designed for larger groups and families, and being self-contained and with no other guests to worry about, offer complete flexibility when it comes to your personalised safari.
Head out on drive when you want, sleep in, meal-times when you are hungry… and all of this with only your close travelling companions. Although there are certainly hours of the day in which game drives are recommended (based on animal activity, weather and comfort levels), you can essentially do what you want, when you want in an exclusive-use camp.

Africa house offers two rate options; one for slightly smaller groups of 1-8 guests, that will have one guide, tracker and game drive vehicle assigned to them, and another for larger groups of 9-12 that will have two vehicles assigned.

The House itself features six vibrant and eclectic en-suite rooms, each leading onto a central courtyard, and each enjoying its own outside shower and deck.
In front of the villa sits an extensive main deck with a swimming pool, from which guests can enjoy spectacular open-air immersion into the African bush, watching the wildlife passing by and listening to ever-present birdsong from the overhanging woodland trees.

Africa House combines all the best elements of safari; superb wildlife sightings, experienced staff, opulent accommodation and fine dining, but the best part of it is you have it all to yourself, with not a care in the world, no set timetable, and the only decision to be made being how deep into the experience you truly want to go…