Botswana Leopard-
Samburu Guide – Kenya
Images of my some of my favorite past travel adventures. An adventure to Africa is life changing.
Dreaming of the Road Less Traveled
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Category Archives: African Safari
Past Travel Adventures
Dreaming of the road less traveled. Dying to get back.
Seabourn Cruising- off the coast of Italy
Kruger Lion
Past Travel Adventures
Dreaming of the road past traveled. Can’t wait to get back
Kenya Sunset
Tanzanian Hippo
Past Travel Adventures
Dreaming of the road I have traveled. Can’t wait to continue
Olonanna Tent, Kenya
Wine country South Africa
Royal Malewane Chettah
Past Travel Adventures
Dreaming of the road past traveled. Can’t wait to return.
Zambian Sunset
Victoria Falls
Cape Town 12Apostles
Travel Wishes
Back to Africa soon- we hope!
Looking to getting back on the road!
Amazing, Unique, Magical Giraffe Manor
5PM visit from the giraffes
Breakfast!
Probably the most unique hotel in the world, Giraffe Manor was created by Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville. They were very interested in animal conservation, and bought the faux Scottish hunting lodge, in 1974. That year, the amiable giraffes, who kept poking their heads interestedly through the first-floor bedroom window were about to be dispossessed, their habitat lost to farmland development and their lives threatened.
Betty persuaded her husband to allow the giraffes to live on their 15-acre estate, and the couple began the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, based in Kenya and Maryland, which later bought an additional 105 acres for the giraffes. They adopted Daisy, one of the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffes—which can be as tall as 20 feet, making them the tallest of the species. Daisy’s descendants have since proliferated, and the Leslie – Melvilles added the Giraffe Center, open to the public, on the southern part of the property.
Angama Mara- New Glamour on the Masai Mara
Fire pit overlooking the magnificent Masai Mara
Dramatically set on the ridge overlooking the Masai Mara, Angama Mara brings glamour and extraordinary comfort to the vast Park. The Camp is within walking distance to the burial place of Denys Finch Hatton, a fittingly romantic overtone to one’s sense of Out of Africa.
Here you can live it.
The Staff is well prepared to welcome us and tries to accomplish our every request.
Meals and drinks on the vast deck is just sublime. Rooms are huge with glass windows- floor to ceiling -to capture that dramatic view.
Comfortable large rooms that give you a sense of Out of Africa
On the deck the view goes on forever
Dawn view from my tent
East Africa – Ultimate Experience for Kids
Chyulu Hills Kenya
Waking up to a kind voice saying Jambo and bringing hot chocolate, African sunrises and sunsets in that unlimited sky, rain storms rolling across the plains, almost running over a sleeping lion in the tall grass, learning about animal alarm calls when a predator is near, smells of a night fire, adopting orphan elephants, feeding Giraffe from your hand, learning polite words in Swahili, making bows and arrows with a Masai warrior, learning to build a fire from dung, visiting a Masai village, seeing the joy on children’s faces when giving mosquito nets to a school, visiting Karen Blixen’s home, sundowners, hearing the sounds of thousands of wildebeest in the migration, experiencing new food and tastes, the list can go on for days.
Learning and understanding wildlife in their habitat, watching them up closely in their daily activities is the ultimate thrill. There is so much the children expeiienced that cannot be listed. The enrichment was immense and incredibly satisfying to experience. A window in time that will never be recaptured. Traveling with children is priceless.
Wildlife along the way in Kenya
Wildlife sightings were amazing!
Heaven on Earth- Sirikoi, Lewa Downs Conservancy Kenya
Sirikoi Lodge- Heaven on Earth – Lewa Downs Conservancy, Kenya
Sirikoi Lodge -Lewa Conservancy , Kenya
Learning how to play croquet – Sirikoi
View from the tent- lots of elllies.
Beautifully managed by Tom and Nikki Hartley, Sirikoi aims to please. We think it is our favorite Camp. The staff is so warm and welcoming, food is amazing, and the setting is unforgettable. Main dining area is off the Lodge right next to a water hole. So there is always action right in front of your eyes. Decor is impeccable with an organic garden that rivals anything we have seen. All food comes directly from the garden. Sirikoi is a hard place to leave.
Main Lodge, Sirikoi
View from the blind -Ol Donyo Was
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Ol Donyo Was – Chyulu Hills Kenya- Amazing!
Both Relais & Chateaux and Virtuoso, Ol Donyo Was is an amazing Lodge in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya. One of the few Lodges with it’s own blind, Ol Donyo affords spectacular safe viewing of wildlife, up close and personal. Suites have huge glass doors open up to the plains and unforgettable views. The staff is highly trained and delightful. Our guide Elijah taught the children how to make bows and arrows out of tree branches. He was amazingly good with the kids. They hated to say goodbye. Perfect place for children on Safari, activities include horseback riding. The day of riding was a huge highlight.
Migration! Wow!
Migration!
What a thrill!!
We found ourselves smack dab in the middle of the migration on the Grumeti plains.
We saw thousands of wildebeest, and zebras. I did not realize there was a such a sound factor to the migration- all those animals talking at the same time. We very lucky to see river crossings, and lots of interaction between the masses of animals.
Singita Sasakwa- Holy Cow!
Singita Sasakwa – Holy Cow! Pride of Tanzania
Situated in the Grumeti concession, Singita’s Sasakwa is uniquely outstanding. With a highly trained staff, along with the most wow decor I have ever seen in a Tanzanian Lodge- Sasakwa is probably one of the top 2 resorts in all of Africa.
Tanzania – Surprising Arusha Lodge, Legendary Lodge
Superb staff, warm welcome, the place was an old homestead, and it feels like a charming home.
Upon arrival, they offered a fabulous dinner on their verandah overlooking a lovely garden.
I had duck breast, and the children had crispy prawns. We had a connecting suites as big as the house. Snuggling down between Egyptian sheets, with the africology amenities smelling of Africa, we feel immediately to sleep.
Belmond La Residencia- Palma de Mallorca
Belmond La Residencia- Mallorca
Belmond La Residencia, Mallorca. Low key glamour.
On a island full of star hotels, Belmond’s La Residencia is the brightest.
Located in Deia, in the northwest mountainous area of Mallorca, Belmond la Residencia is the ultimate low key luxury destination. With leadership from Ulisses Marrieros, the resort spins like a top. With four restaurant choices, and the village of Deia a walk away, the hotel offers tempting options for all foodies.
Glamorous, classic, Belmond is the ultimate stop on Mallorca.
Sunset La Residence Mallorca
Highlights of ILTM Africa
Image courtesy Camp Kuzuma – Botswana
Image courtesy of Camp Kuzuma Botswana
Highlights from ILTM Africa
We found some fab new vendors and renewed friendships with our favorite suppliers that are clearly a cut above. Here are some of our favorites:
In Residence – Cape Town New villa concept. Pieter Brundyn is the founder.
Camp Kuzuma, Botswana – delightful husband and wife team running the beautiful camp.
Royal Portfolio properties :
The new Silo Hotel -Cape Town,La Residencia – Franschhoek , Royal Malewane Camp – Thornybush, and Birkenhead House -Hermanus
Delaire Graff estate near Stellenbosch
Makani Game Lodge South Africa
Mara Engai Lodge Kenya
Elewana Collection – so many great properties in the Elewana Collection
Chitwa Chitwa Camp
Cape Grace -Cape Town
Ellerman House – Cape Town
Groot Bos Lodge
Some of the great Elewana properties:
Tarangire Treetops -Tanzania, Loisaba -Kenya, Arusha Coffee Lodge among others
Image courtesy of Elewana Collection Arusha Coffee Lodge -Tanzania
Image courtesy of Elewana Collection. Loisaba
ILTM Africa – Small but Mighty
Cape Point South Africa
ILTM Africa – Small But Mighty
Vendors and Buyers alike agree that ILTM Africa is a hugely successful show. It a small show and because of the size, we as buyers can really get to know our prospective suppliers. The quality of the vendors is top notch. The show is carefully vetted, and we know we are talking to tour operators, camps, lodges, resorts, intra country airlines, helicopters and villa companies that can do a top quality, reliable job. For travel advisors focusing on Africa, it is a must see.
Villa 1 Nettleton Road, In Residence Cape Town South Africa
Staircase Villa 1 Nettleton Road Cape Town- it also has an elevator
Villa 1 is more intime: 4 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, a study, kitchen, dining area, and pool. 9000 square feet. On 4 floors, upstairs bedroom views are as stunning as Villa 5 Nettleton Road.
Master bedroom Corner suite – Villa One , In Residence
Kitchen Villa 1 , In Residence Cape Town
One of the two living rooms, In Residence Villa One Cape Town
Impressive New Villa Concept in Cape Town – In Residence
Villa 5 -In Residence, Cape Town
I had the pleasure of experiencing a new Villa Concept in Cape Town- In Residence. It is a group of extreme luxury villas that change the game.
Pieter Brundyn, founder of In Residence, is offering a complete concierge service – a support system for their guests. From transfers, to arranging touring, to helping with dinner reservations, chef, majordomo, butlers, security – you name it.
They offer an inhouse service to cover their guests every need.
We experienced Villa 5, a 5 bedroom villa, and Villa 1 ( pictures are coming in the next writing).
Spacious is not the word: Villa 5 is 14,000 square feet on 4 levels, serviced by elevator.
Villa 1 is 9,000 SF on 4 levels. Both Villas have pools.
It is the last word in privacy and elegant space.
In Residence – Villa 5
Sunset View In Residence with infinity edge pool – Villa 5
And the villas decor and comfort are off the charts! Located in Clifton, a Cape Town suburb- on the waters edge, the views are jaw dropping.
For guests interested in over the top decor, service, ultimate security and privacy, In Residence is your best best.
Views of the new Silo Hotel, Cape Town
More views of the fab new Silo Hotel, Cape Town
View from the Silo Roof
Rooftop Bar Silo
Rooftop Pool Silo
Gift Shop -Silo Hotel
Reflection of the Suite’s Chandelier
Silo Hotel Cape Town – Simply Spectacular!
Room 801 Silo Hotel
Finally open, Royal Portfolio’s latest property, the Silo Hotel Capetown is simply spectacular
We knew it would be impressive, but the Silo surpassed all expectations.
It is impeccably decorated in bright colors, and incredible African art. Liz Biden searched the world over, and came back with an smashing collection of art, mirrors, lighting and furnishings.
The ever changing waterfront scene can be viewed from the rooftop bar and floor to ceiling windows in the rooms and throughout the hotel.
Bright, happy, elegant and absolutely the place to be in Cape Town.
Views from Shambala Zulu Camp
Lodge Zulu Camp
Lion Zulu Camp
Zulu Giraffe
Shambala Zulu Camp South Africa
Shambala Zulu Lodge is owned by the same family that has the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg.
Lodge Zulu Camp
Shambala is a Tibetan word meaning “peace on earth”. The Camp is built in Zulu Style- undaluting thatched huts. Huts that are very specious and comfortable with tall ceilings, and beautiful bathrooms. Attention to detail, down to crisp linen sheets, is delightful. It is a small place – 9 chalets. It welcomes a lot of heads of states and security is top notch. We can helicopter from Johannesburg or take a two and half hour drive up into the Waterberg Mountains- north of Johannesburg. A Malaria free zone, Shambala las 12,000 acres of private game reserve.
I found the staff to be completely warm and welcoming. My butler, Norman, anticipated every wish. I never had to repeat a request. Always there with a smile. The food was outstanding, by chef Tshepo. Probably the most inventive, beautifully presented and just great tasting meals I have ever experienced on Safari. I will dream about his homemade bread. Teamed with his wife, Elizabeth, the manager, the operation of the camp spins like a top.
Saxon Hotel
Superb attention to detail. Saxon Hotel
Saxon Hotel – Top Choice in Johannesburg
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The Saxon Hotel- Top Choice in Johannesburg.
The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg never fails to please. Impeccable service and an a superb decor- tastefully furnished with African artifacts throughout the hotel.
Lobby of the Saxon Hotel.
Guests experience a great sense of place. Located in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, within minutes of Johannesburg’s world-class shopping and business hub, the Saxon the Saxon treats you to personalised, discreet service and unparalleled South African hospitality. Room categories are all suites, either in the hotel or in the adjacent villas. Butler service is provided for all.
The Saxon is a luxurious private retreat, set on ten acres of landscaped gardens. The Saxon entrance exudes an air of quiet majesty with its sweeping feature staircase and spectacular ostrich egg chandelier. The neutral shades of the interior reflect the tones and textures of Africa. Nelson Mandela wrote much of his memoir at the Saxon.
Grumeti Sunrise and Sunset
Thank you, Africa Inscribed : Dylan and Gavin
Another perfect adventure. What a privilege! Great group of first time safari explorers, such fun. 6 Shuttle flights, 8 Camps, unlimited laughter.
Thank you Dylan Harriss and Gavin Ford for another perfectly planned and executed experience.
My first welcome card from May at &beyond Manyara Tree Lodge says it all: welcome to the ancient drama of Africa. The hidden secret of Lake Manyara: the jungle and magic in the bush. Feel the rhythm of its soul and share the beauty of it’s land. Thanks for sharing this special moment of your lifetime with us. 
Lamu 2010
Grumeti Cats
Ending with a high note: Singita Serengeti House and Singita Explorer
Singita Serengeti House- 4 bedroom Villa next to Sasakwa.
Bathroom -Singita Sasakwa
Singita’s collection of properties : Sasakwa, Sabora(stationary tented camp), Faru Faru, Serengeti House and Explora( mobile tented camp) are probably the finest group of properties in Tanzania, if not all of Africa. Singita has a well established conservation plan, and philanthropy. One of the most successful ongoing community development projects at Singita Grumeti is the Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society (GHOMACOS), supplying the lodge kitchens with a constant flow of high-quality, freshly harvested, locally grown vegetables, herbs and fruits. Lodge guests are often surprised at the freshness and diversity of the juices, salads, vegetables, desserts and sorbets on the menus at Singita Grumeti, given the remote location of the five lodges and camps. Many guests are also appreciative of the fact that the food they’re enjoying is locally grown, benefits small-scale producers, and hasn’t clocked up unnecessary transport miles.
Every detail is perfect, the decor is to die for. All unique, all 5 Star in every way. Singita Saskwa also has the most comprehensive and beautifully equipped Equestrian Centre in Africa. 
My favorite SIngita Sabora
&Beyond Grumeti River Camp
&Beyond Grumeti River Camp provides a private Serengeti experience with exclusive game viewing in some of the most secluded parts of Africa’s most famous game reserve. The Grumeti Reserve is located in the remote Western Corridor of the Serengeti. Its rustic yet sophisticated safari tents are tucked into the shade of an evergreen forest on the banks of a tributary of the famous Grumeti River. The staff was superb: very warm and welcoming. Food again was outstanding We had some of the best wines selections there. 
Welcome song from Grumeti River camp.
Wake up calls come with a Cheerie “Jambo” and tray of coffee with biscuits.
Big Sky Serengeti
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Magnificent Serengeti Game
It is easy to become caught up in the complexity of Africa: the history, the people, the camps, the tribes. To me, the magic of the continent is the interaction of the animals. Everyday is a new discovery.
Lemala Kuria Hills Camp
Taking a short flight further into the Serengeti, we visited Lemala’s Kuria Hills Camp.
No bucket showers here! Gorgeous bathtubs, blow driers, bright lighting, a completely different tented camp experience. The terrain was rocky with giant boulders, reminding me of Zimbabwe. Beautiful location. 
Fond Farewell to Serengeti Under Canvas
It is a basic mobile tented camp designed to follow the migration. Bucket Showers, and minimum services. But the staff made it a first rate experience. The food – out of a really basic kitchen -was some of the best we had. The staff was friendly, engaged, and welcoming. I will remember this camp fondly, and plan to return.
&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas Camp- following the Migration
Limited to Tanzania and Kenya, the Great Migration is a movement of millions of Serengeti’s wildebeest, accompanied by smaller numbers of Zebra, grant’s and Thompson gazelles, Eiland, and Impala. They move in an annual pattern constantly following the rains, seeking fresh grazing. This November, the migration was near the &beyond Serengeti Under Canvas Camp. Because they are mobile, the camp can move with the migration.
Tracking the Migration in the Serengeti
Coffee and Amarula- yum!
&beyond Serengeti Under Canvas Camp
We have flown to the Serengeti to see a different terrain, and to follow the migration. Serengeti Under Canvas is a true mobile camp- everything is folded up, packed and moved when needed and one would never know it had been there. No fooprint!
Top hotel in Ngorongoro Crater- hands down is AndBeyond Crater Lodge
Champagne welcome AndBeyond Crater Lodge
Cozy main Lounge AndBeyond Crater Lodge
North Lodge bathroom seen thru a cut hole
I rarely add picture of interiors of resorts or lodges, but this lodge is so stunning and completely unique, I felt I had to share it. A visit should be on anyone’s bucket list.
Ngorngoro Crater Tanzania -one of the wonders of the world!
Ngorngoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world, about 30 kilometers across. An estimated 25000 large mammals are resident in the crater, including a population of approximately 6000 resident wildebeest,zebra, giraffe, and around 70 lions. Visiting it should be a must on everyone’s list. 
Lions in the tree!
Lake Manyara Tree Lion
A new experience to watch a lion leap into the tree
Lake Manyara Tree House- a most pleasant surprise
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We had the pleasure of staying at Lake Manyara Tree House, an And Beyond property. Rooms were spacious, luxurious, 5 star in every way. The exceptional staff made us feel so welcome. A complete pleasure and I hope to return.
Lake Manyara Tanzania
Known for it’s lions resting in trees to escape the dreaded Tsetse fly, and the glorius flamingos on the lake, Manyara was a delightful surprise. The national park has some of the most lush jungle vegetation I have ever seen. We visited a Massai village, always a warm experience. 
Lake Manyara Tanzania
Leopard tucked away nicely
Return to Tanzania
I am checking out some new camps in Tanzania. First stop is Lake Manyara about 25minutes flight from Arusha. Lush green jungle. Beautiful landscapes, on the edge of the great rift.
Lake Manyara Lion
Dispatches from the Road 
