Africa Safari Holiday Blog

Mara Cheetahs

The average temperatures for the month of November were 28 degress celcius with an increasing amount of rainstorms from mid month onwards.  At the end of the month there was a heavy storm which destroyed a large number of African Green Heart trees.

The fauna and flora has flourished as a result of the rains with a flush of green growth and some beautiful wild flowers like the orange Lions Ear and Fireball Lily.

There have also been a large number of migrating bird species with sightings of black winged stilts, common green and red shanks.

Herds have continued to calve throughout the month.  Topi, Coke’s hartebeest, Cape buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, warthog piglets, silver-backed jackals with pups and elephant families have been spotted grazing on the grasslands.  The fruit from the African Green heart trees have drawn large numbers of Olive Baboons from the forest fringes.

On the adjacent grasslands there have been spottings of Masai Giraffe, common zebras and wildebees and Serval cats and a pride of lions have been seen hunting at the Musiara Marsh area.  The cheetahs are also hunting successfully.

At the camp the flowering bushes on the banks of the Mara River have attracted many colourful butterflies such as the Grass Yellow, the Scarlett Tip and the Green-Patch Swallowtail.

Picture perfect moments in the Mara

Temperatures in the Mara throughout October/November has averaged 28 degrees celsius.  The migrating herds of wildebeest and zebras have grazed the plains grass right down over the last four months.  The herds started to head south in October and with their departure came the long awaited rains which brought a flush of new green growth.  The Mara wildflowers have also blossomed, bringing a sweet scent and fresh colour to the plains. 

The shorter grass also resulted in the usually shy Bohors Reedbuck being more easily spotted.  Lots of topi claves were born and many more are expected over the next few months.  A breeding herd of Defassa waterbuck and families of giraffe and elephant are all moving into the Riverine woodland in search of food.

Lion, cheetah, hyena and leopard have also been spotted hunting in the rocky, short grass plains.

Tags: africa, Kenya, Masai Mara, travel, wildlife

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  Wild dog pups

  The white tip at the end of the wild dogs tail acts like a flag and keeps the dogs in contact with each other when hunting

• Wild dogs have four toes unlike other members of the dog family

• Wild dogs are more efficient hunters than lions with a very high success rate

• Unlike lions there is little strife when feeding and the older members of the pack let the pups feed first

• Unlike other predators the wild dogs hunt during the day being most active at dusk and dawn

• When catching prey the wild dogs can reach running speeds of up to 60km per hour and can sustain these speeds for up to several kilometres

• Wild dogs are fast eaters and 100kgs of meat from an adult kudu can be eaten by nine dogs in 15 minutes

Tags: africa, safari, travel, wildlife

Sunset in Botswana

There are two new Kwando Camps opening in Botswana in 2009,  both of which are situated in remote areas that were previously not open to the general public. This is great news for all the wildlife enthusiasts out there who will now have the opportunity to experience these unspoilt areas of African wilderness.  Here is an outline of what to expect from each of the camps.

Tau Pan

Opening 1 March 2009

Tau Pan camp is situated inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve on the edge of the Tau Pan.

The Kalahari means “great thirst” and has vast areas of red sand without water.  It is the largest sand basin in the world but unlike typical desert habitats it does receive annual rainfall and the vegetation that does grow is mainly grass and low bushes.

The camp consists of eight tents that overlook the Pan and the highlights of a stay at the camp include the wonderful game viewing opportunities, especially during the migration seasons, the spectacular cloud formations and lightning storms and the fascinating reptiles and insects. 

The activities are focussed on game viewing and you will be able to enjoy game drives and guided walks where you will view the migratory animals in their thousands such as springbok, zebra and wildebeest.  Predators are plentiful - especially the Kalahari black maned lion, leopard, jackals, brown hyenas and wild dog.  Other regular visitors include antelope, eland, springbok, steenbok, gemsbok, hartebeest, kudu, duiker, honey badgers, grand squirrels and meerkat.

Nxai Pan

Opening 1 February 2009

Nxai Pan is situated in the Nxai Pan National Park that lies just north of the Maun - Nata road, adjoining the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its northern border.

The Nxai Pans were once part of the great lake that covered central Botswana.  David Livingstone passed here during the middle of the 19th century and in 1861 Thomas Baines arrived to paint an unusual group of baobab trees.  The Pan is a fossilised lake bed measuring 40 square kilometres in size.

The camp consists of eight tents and a family tent which sleeps four people.

Activities include game drives and historical tours to Baines Baobabs and cattle trail walking.  There is a great diversity of wildlife in the area which includes springbok, gemsbok, elephant and zebras.  Large herds of giraffe and wildebeest are also found in the area with the ever present predators - lion, cheetah, jackal, hyenas, wild dog and leopard.

Rhinos have also been sighted and the birdlife is prolific.

Children are welcome at Nxai Pan and Tau Pan but as in most camps a private vehicle must be booked for guests with children under the age of twelve years.

These two camps are a welcome addition to the Botswana safari circuit and will offer a new experience to seasoned safari travellers.  It is also the perfect introduction to those who are experiencing Botswana for the first time.

And remember it is essential to book your holiday with an experienced and fully bonded tour operator to ensure that your holiday in Africa runs smoothly.

Tags: african safari, botswana, luxury safari, safari, travel, wildlife

Whilst staying at Lagoon camp, Linyanti, Botswana….

Ross Cambray, Safari Designer

We had seen a couple of Wild Dogs on our evening drive, and returned to the same spot the next morning to try and find them again – and we found a pack of 14! They led us a on merry chase for the next hour and a half, off-road, through rivers, hurtling after Impala (but never succeeding in catching one), and occasionally stopping again for a rest and photo opportunities! At one point 7 or 8 of them had stopped and were pausing or lying down within metres of a baby Impala, who was frozen to the ground in fear… Despite their proximity the dogs didn’t see or smell the Impala, and then shot off again when the saw the rest of the pack restart their chase, dashing past within just a few feet of the baby, again without noticing it. We returned shortly to the same spot and the baby was still alive, just shaking with fear, and obviously waiting for its absent mother to return….

Tags: africa, botswana, luxury safari vacation, safari, travel

The Cape Grace nestled at the foot of Table Mountain

Namibia and South Africa are a great combination for a perfect luxury African vacation.  The game viewing is superb and the cultural experiences unforgettable.   The accommodation is of a very high standard, competing comfortably with the best hotels in the world.  Whether you are planning a luxury African honeymoon, an intimate wedding anniversary, a once in a lifetime family holiday or just a bit of relaxation and pampering far away from the crowds; a personalised African travel itinerary, designed specifically with your interest in mind, is the perfect way to get the best out of your vacation.

The first known musicians of the sub Saharan region were the San people whose language is fille dwith the click sounds and who produced a variety of musical instruments.  As the Western cultures settled in the area, different types of music were mixed to create what is the sounds of Afica today. The original music was not lost as it was passed down from one generation to the next and each ‘tribe’ in Africa still has its own unique musical sounds and history.

Namibia - The Himba People

Namibia has a diverse cultural heritage and is home to one of the most distinct African tribes - the Himba - a group of semi-nomads who live in the Kunene region.  The women are easily recognised with their intricate hairstyles and traditional accessories.  They also rub their skin with a blend of red ochre and fat which keeps their skin soft and protects it from the harsh desert climate. 

One of their most notable rituals is the ‘okoruwo’ or fire ritual.  Their belief is that the fire is a method of contacting the dead and it is kept burning until the death of a headman.  When he passes his hut and the fire is destroyed and his family dance through the night in mourning.  The following day a mopane tree is lit from the emebers of the old fire, and so the cycle of life continues.

The Serra Cafema Camp is a remote and luxurious camp that sits on the banks of the Kunene River and is often visited by the local Ovahimba tribes.  It is the perfect location for those looking to combine a safari and cultural holiday as you will have the opportunity to gain a unique insight into the fauna and flora of the area as you are guided on your activities with an expert guide.  You will also be able learn about the Himba peoplestraditional culture and way of life.

South Africa

Kwazulu Natal - Zulu music and culture

There are two distinctive styles of Zulu music.  The Makanda - “the Zulu blues” - music of a man walking the long miles to court a bride or to meet with his chief. Music about real life experiences, the joys and sorrows of life and the world around him.

The beautiful music of Isicathamiya which gained international acclaim through the highly talented Ladsmith Black Mambazo’ collaboration with Paul Simon.  This form of music takes the form of a call and response with a choir led by a main singer who is usually the composer of the songs. 

Thanda Private Game Reserve is a luxury Lodge in Northern Zululand that focusses on giving you an authentic Zulu cultural experience. The highlight of which is the Impi dancing.  It is a form of dance that is performed pre an dpost battle - a tradition that has been passed down from King Shaka Zulu.

Cape Town - Cape Minstrels’ Carnival - 2 January

The annual Kaapse Klopse (Cape Minstrels Carnival)  is an annual New Years festival that celebrates the history of the Cape slaves and marks the one day in the year that the slaves were given off by their masters.  It is a colourful and flambouyant parade with live music and entertainment. Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with a diverse and interesting mix of cultures and architecture and there is plenty to delight even the most seasoned of travellers throughout the year.  The luxurious Cape Grace Hotel on the waterfront is the perfect base from which to explore this vibrant city and its beautiful winelands.

Mpumalanga

The Shangaans live in areas between the Kruger National Park and the Drakensberg Mountains.  Their culture is celebrated at the shangana Cultural Village, a village between the southern Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon.  The Shangaan people love music and have developed many musical instruments.  A visit to this friendly village is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Shangaans culture and way of life.  A night in Mpumalanga is perfect after a great safari experience at Londolozi in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve.

Tags: africa, Family Safari, honeymoon, luxury vacation, Namibia, safari, South Africa, travel

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  Zebras

  Zebras belong to the genus equus species - the same as horses

• Zebras sleep standing and will only sleep when neighbours are around to warn them of predators.  If there are no neighbours one member of the zebra family will stay awake while the others sleep

• Zebras can run up to 40 miles per hour

• The average lifespan of a zebra is 30 years

• Zebra foals are born brown and white

• Zebras can see in colour

Tags: africa, kuxury safari, travel, zebra

Bitten catfish

We caused local local excitement by bringing a two-metre croc alongside the fishing boat after being dragged around the Zambezi for fifteen minutes. It then let go of the 7.5lb catfish, which was originally on the line.  It was Derek the fishing guide whose superb boat handling got the croc where we could see it.  We were all quite happy to see the croc swim away!  The catfish with several large bite marks was also released a bit the worse for its experience. 

Thank you for yet another wonderful holiday.  Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi reserve in Zambia is as good as it gets.  Their wide choice of activities throughout the day and evening are outstanding. As a family we have used Africa Exclusive since 1992 this being our sixth holiday.  We have had some wonderful times and great memories.  Thank you to all the team.

Phil and Katherine Collins

Tags: africa, safari, travel, Zambia

Leopard relaxing at Londolozi

CONFIRMED ITNERARY

Day 1

Depart at 1920 from London’s Heathrow Airport on the British Airways flight BA255 travelling in Business Class to Lusaka.

Days 2 and 3

Arrive at 0630 and connect with a scheduled flight departing at 0800 to Livingstone.  On arrival at 0900 you will be met and transferred to the Royal Livingstone Hotel where you stay for two nights (bed and breakfast).

The Royal Livingstone, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to this world-famous region.  This comfortable modern, well equipped hotel is an excellent base from which to see the waterfall and enjoy the many activities on the river and around the Falls.

The bedrooms are two-storey clusters inspired by the grand estate houses of a bygone era. Each cluster comprises ten en-suite air-conditioned rooms with private balconies and terraces that offer spectacular views of the Zambezi river and beyond.

Each room offers a quiet retreat from the ruggedness of Africa, with large shaded verandas and open spaces cooled by swirling fans and tall shutters. The travellers bar and lounge is a place where guests can relax under thatched shade, decorated in greens, creams and ebony.  There is a large pool and the restaurants are very good, serving international cuisine.

While you are at Victoria Falls, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, including flights across the waterfall by helicopter and light aircraft, white water rafting, canoeing, sundowner cruises and safaris.  Guests can also walk to the mile wide waterfall, which can be viewed from several vantage points along the network of pathways.

Days 4 to 6

In the late morning you will be returned to Livingstone Airport where you board a scheduled flight departing at 1300 to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.  Arrive at 1440 and connect with a further scheduled flight departing at 1600 to Cape Town’s International Airport.  On arrival at 1810 you will be met and transferred to the Cape Grace Hotel where you stay for three nights in a luxury double room (bed and breakfast).

The Cape Grace is quite simply one of the finest hotels in Africa, set in a superb private position on Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with views towards the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the immense flat-topped expanse of Table Mountain to the other. The atmosphere at the hotel combines genuine warmth and friendliness with a very high standard of service and efficiency and while you are here the hotel will be pleased to arrange any excursions in and around Cape Town, either on a private or shared basis. Surrounding the hotel is the Cape Waterfront complex with entertainment, shops and attractive restaurants in an area which is safe to wander around during the day and in the evening.

The Cape Grace is privately owned and not part of a large chain and this is reflected in the comfortable elegance of the furnishings and décor of the rooms, suites and public areas. There are eighty one spacious luxury rooms, ten superior rooms which have balconies with fine views, and eighteen luxury loft rooms which are a located on the top floor, each with terrace and access to their own private lounge facilities. In addition, there are ten suites and two penthouses.

The hotel has a library and lounge, two restaurants and a bar, and on the top floor a fully equipped spa and heated swimming pool. Guests also have complimentary access to a conveniently located health club.

In 1652, Jan van Riebeeck sailed into Table Bay on the north Cape Peninsula and laid the foundations of South Africa’s oldest settlement, Cape Town.  Three hundred and fifty years of history have been preserved in much of Cape Town’s architecture, which combines attractively with the more functional demands of the 21st century. 

The Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, Museum and Planetarium are all within ambling distance of elegant shopping malls and colourful markets, which entice shoppers to browse and buy everything from souvenirs to African art, gems and antiques.  In the last ten years, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront dockland area evokes images of 19th century seafaring activities and provides a superb setting for an array of cafes, restaurants and bars.  From here, you can take boat trips round the harbour and out across Table Bay.

Dominating the city’s skyline and flanked by Devils Peak is the looming mass of Table Mountain, and visitors should not miss the opportunity to ascend Table Mountain by cable car.  The view of the City and the south Atlantic from the summit is quite magnificent.

There is a wide range of excursions and activities in and around Cape Town including visits to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, visits to Townships where you can enjoy lunch and exposure to Africa’s vibrant urban culture.  To the south lies the scenic Peninsula with its attractive sandy bays and pretty little towns.  There are remote penguin colonies which can be visited by boat and canoe, and from July to November you can set off further afield in search of southern right whales.  The more adventurous can even go looking for sharks in special “caged diving” facilities.

An hour’s drive to the east of Cape Town lie the Cape Winelands where you find beautiful undulating scenery covered in ancient vineyards and fruit orchards.  There are literally dozens of ancient wineries, many of which are open for tastings and lunch and which have magnificent estate houses.  For the golfer there are several beautifully maintained championship golf courses, and the attractive little towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are each worth a visit.

Days 7 to 10

In the morning you will be returned to Cape Town’s International Airport where you board a scheduled flight departing at 1000 to Kruger’s Mpumalanga Airport.  On arrival at 1235 you will be met and transferred twenty minutes by light aircraft to Londolozi’s Founders Camp where you stay for four nights (inclusive of meals and activities).

Londolozi Founders Camp is one of South Africa’s finest safari lodges, situated on the prime Sabi Sands Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park.  On this reserve the open savannah, woodland and riverine bush supports an amazing range of wildlife. There are large herds of elephants, buffalo and giraffe, many types of antelope ranging from timid impala to great kudu with their great majestic curved horns.  Prehistoric looking rhinoceros can be found, while in the rivers there are hippopotamus and crocodiles.  Londolozi is also an excellent place for spotting predators - lion, leopard and cheetah are all regularly seen.

Founders Camp comprises just five chalets and one suite, set in thickly forested bush overlooking the Sand River.  Each of the chalets is beautifully designed and air conditioned with large beds, elegant furniture and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and twin hand basins, while outside is a large viewing deck.

The guides at Londolozi are among the best in South Africa with great knowledge and love of this exciting reserve.  They will take you game viewing by open vehicle, during the day and at night, when you might spot nocturnal creatures such as aardvark, civit and leopard, with a spot light and they will also take you on walks where the guide will be armed, demonstrating his amazing tracking skills and give you an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of feeling Africa under your feet, learning a huge amount about the bush as you go.

Founders Camp has a good sized swimming pool and there is a covered lounge area.  You will find the standard of cuisine and management excellent.

Day 11

In the morning you will be returned by light aircraft to Kruger’s Mpumalanga Airport where you board a scheduled flight departing at 1425 to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.  On arrival at 1530 you will be met and transferred to the Safari Club where you stay for one night (bed and breakfast).

An oasis of calm just four minutes from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, the Safari Club offers superior accommodation and warm hospitality. Opened on the 1st November 2007, with seventeen luxury en-suite rooms for the safari traditionalist, designed for both the foreign and local traveller in Southern Africa.

The Safari Club is privately owned and run by renowned hotelier Emile Muller, offering his guests a true African experience on the doorstep of Southern Africa’s gateway.

Every room has been carefully decorated to a specific area eg. Kalahari room, Etosha room, Okavango room etc. There are a number of lounges for relaxation as well as a bar, breakfast room and a newly installed swimming pool for those hot summer days. The bar theme has been dedicated to the famous Nguni cattle and covered with beautiful memorabilia.

Days 12 to 15

In the morning you will be met and returned to the airport where you board flight BA6399 departing at 0900 to Mauritius.  On arrival at 1510 you will be met and transferred to Le Telfair where you stay for four nights (half board). 

Le Telfair is a superb five-star property located on the south west corner of Mauritius, occupying a beautiful site with a 2km beach frontage and luxurious tropical gardens. The hotel is adjacent to its own 3500-acre nature reserve where you find birds and small mammals including deer.

Le Telfair accommodates guests in twenty very spacious two-storey plantation style villas, each having between six and eight rooms and suites, all of which are constructed and furnished in light shades of wood to a very high standard and with attractive light-coloured décor. The hotel has a very large pool and a separate children’s pool, an 18-hole championship standard golf course, floodlit tennis court and a spa.

The 2km long beach leads to a large turquoise lagoon and you can enjoy the full range of watersports including waterskiing, wind surfing, sailing, fishing, snorkelling and many more. The property has five restaurants including one at the golf club, another beside the pool and another in an attractive 18^th century ‘chateaux’ which is a five minute buggy ride away from the hotel and where you can enjoy fine dining.

The hotel’s rooms are elegantly furnished with dark timber floors, cream-coloured walls and mahogany furniture and floor-to-ceiling French windows open wide onto a veranda, which in the case of most rooms face the sea. All rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, safe, tea & coffee making facilities and satellite TV. The superior rooms are 54m² with a 12m² balcony. There are eight senior suites, which have a bedroom and a separate private dining room and lounge area, a DVD/CD player and an area of 81m² with a 23m² terrace.

Day 16

In the morning you will be returned to the airport where you board flight BA122 departing at 0915 travelling in Business Class to London’s Heathrow Airport, arriving at 1805 (local time).

What our client said about their tailor made itinerary:

“Zambia: The hotel was fabulous with great staff and lovely food. The location of the hotel was perfect for the Falls with great views over the Zambezi River allowing us great opportunity to photograph the great wildlife.

Cape Town: A refreshing, world class hotel perfectly positioned for the Waterfront and sightseeing, close to Table Mountain with amazing views. This hotel was perfect. The staff were spot on, first class, the whole experience at The Cape Grace was really lovely, would recommend this hotel to anyone. We took a tour with Lionel and he was great, he took us on a tour of the Cape, he was very friendly and so interesting, he had lived in Cape Town his whole life and just knew so much, it was such a lovely tour, we saw so much and had a great time.  A really lovely man. All in all a great time had in Cape Town, would definitely go back again.

The Safari: WOW!!!! This left us speechless!! I don’t know what to say. Hotel and staff exceeded expectations. Food and activities were amazing, and I don’t think there are words to describe the Game Drives!!! We had the best guide, Jules and a great Tracker, Like; one guy on our jeep summed them up by saying “Jules would not only find a needle in a haystack, he would get you the best angle to photograph it!!!” We saw every animal you could think of including Leopards, Wild Dogs, Cheetahs and a pack of Lions with their cubs!! Everyday just got better and better, I would recommend Londolozi to anyone, it was worth every penny!! Thank you for choosing such an amazing game reserve.

The hotel in Johannesburg was perfect for the airport transfer with pleasant staff and very clean rooms.

Mauritius: This was a good hotel and perfect for relaxation after such an exciting and active holiday with very pleasant beaches and once again fabulous food. Again the airport transfer staff from White Sands were really nice. The weather was pretty good too!

All in all a truly amazing experience, definitely a holiday of a lifetime. Thank you again for all your hard work in organising it all, it really did show!

:Kindest Regards

:Faye and Fred Cleary, UK”

Other client feedback

Tags: luxury safari, mauritius, South Africa, travel, vacation, Zambia

Tags: beho beho, luxury african safari, tanzania, travel, wildlife