GONDWANA GAME RESERVE OPENS A BUSH SPA
In keeping with the growing traveller’s concerns with health and wellness, the 5-star Gondwana Game Reserve has opened a new bush spa. Guests can now indulge in a Wellness in the Wilderness break, combining a traditional safari experience with therapeutic African spa treatments. Picturesquely sit
BOTSWANA’S NEW DUBA EXPEDITION CAMP OPEN
The brand new Duba Expedition Camp has opened, sitting in the heart of classic Okavango Delta habitat. A matrix of palm-dotted islands, flood plains and woodland, the 77,000-acre private concession typifies the region’s unique landscape. Located here, exclusively, is the six tent Duba Expeditio
MY STAY AT JAO CAMP
During my Botswana trip last December, I had a great “water-safari” experience in the Okavango Delta. I say “water-safari”; because when you sail in a mokoro -the traditional dug-out canoe- you see lots of animals -hippos, crocs, ellies and hundreds of colorful birds- and you have a differen
RHINOS ARE BACK TO ZAMBIA
Forty years ago, Zambia had the third largest black rhino population in Africa: around 12,000, with 4,000 of them in the Luangwa Valley. Twenty years later there were none. They were declared extinct in Zambia in 1998. They had been poached out of existence in the 1970s and 1980s to meet illegal com
TOP 15 AFRICAN STAR-BEDS
It was the most memorable part of my Botswana safari last year. I slept outside of my tent, in a luxurious “star-bed”, in the Central Kalahari Desert. It was not easy for me. I was all by myself, under the sacred skies, trying to fall asleep with the noises of the bush and the desert. […]
MY STAY AT KING’S POOL CAMP
Bordering Chobe National Park, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is one of the best spots in Africa where you can see big elephant herds taking bath in the river. I stayed two nights at wonderful Kings Pool Camp and I can say I had the time of my Botswana safari here! The camp’s nine luxurious tent
MY STAY AT KALAHARI PLAINS CAMP
Last December, I spent 2 days at Kalahari Plains Camp in Botswana. Set in Central Kalahari Game Reserve, this classic camp comprises 10 en-suite canvas units with a sleep-out above each from which to enjoy moonlit or star-studded nights. The main area consists of a lounge and dining area with a swi
SWIMMING LIONS OF THE OKAVANGO DELTA
Lions don’t like water. But sometimes the lions of the Okavango Delta have to swim to cross the water. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a very large inland delta formed where the Okavango River reaches a tectonic trough in the central part of the Kalahari Desert. It’s a very unique e
COLLECTION: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC UNIQUE LODGES OF THE WORLD
The National Geographic Society announced its newest foray in world-class travel experiences: National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a collection of boutique hotels in extraordinary places around the world with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability, authenticity and excellence. Select
GIRAFFES UNDER THREAT
One of the world’s most beautiful animals is quickly disappearing. Fifteen years ago about 140.000 giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) roamed the plains and forests of Africa. Today that number has plummeted by more than 40 percent, according to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF). As with so
THE MOST EXPENSIVE SAFARI CAMP
Great Plains Conservation’s Zarafa Camp debuted its solar-powered Dhow Suites in the heart of northern Botswana’s Selinda Reserve. Comprised of two one-bedroom suites, the tented accommodation (from $7440 per night) is Africa’s largest, with expansive living quarters, a swimming pool and a ded
10 SAFARI SAFETY TIPS
Safety during a safari is of extreme importance. A safari can be very exciting but coming in close contact with animals in the African bush can be dangerous. Some animals like giraffes and elephants may look cute but beware. You must watch out especially for elephants, lions, buffalos, hippos and cr
NEW: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF, JOHANNESBURG
Expected to be opened on the 1st of December 2014, the new Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, is a stylish urban resort. Elevated on a hillside with panoramic views across the Johannesburg Zoo and the prestigious neighbourhoods of The Parks, the Hotel is still conveniently close to busi
ZAMBIA: FULL THROTTLE
‘Safari is not only about looking,’ says my award-winner guide Abraham. ‘It is also about listening. You must try to understand who is where by listening to the sounds the animals are making.’ I don’t understand! He goes into further detail. ‘Animals make alarm sounds. For instance, you
