Tip of my hat to Dylan Harriss – Africa Inscrbed

Safari Planner Extraordinaire

Safari Planner Extraordinaire

A Safari has a thousand moving parts.
Planning a seamless safari requires extraordinary knowledge, passion, experience, ability to anticipate all possible problems, patience, good taste, a sense of humor, a touch of supernatural forecasting, and a lot of love. Dylan and his partner- private label guide extraordinaire, Gavin Ford are constantly on the move checking camps, hotels and resorts. Staff and service are observed with an eagle eye, nothing is missed.
Details like which tent or room is best for a birdwatching client, or where a giraffe might be drinking out of a plunge pool are carefully noted.
Based in South Africa, they cover Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in their search for the best possible choice for a guest. Our guests!
He loves sharing his continent.
When presented with an inquiry, Dylan usually returns with a first quote and proposal within 24-48 hours. He asks for as much information about the client as we can supply. These safaris are completely tailor made. He usually follows up with a conference call between the client and consultant to gage the best options and give the client important information. Such a win, win.
I had a blissful recent experience with his travel planning – all absolutely amazing.
As a guest or mostly as a travel consultant that wants the very best, he is the greatest.
He makes us, Brownell consultants look like stars.
Thank you Dylan.

&Beyond Phinda – South African Private Game Reserve

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View from the deck of &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Vlei cottage Phinda Vlei cottage
&Beyond Phinda’s private game reserve measures 56,800 acres. It has 7 different habitats, and 6 vastly different lodges: Vlei, Forest, and Homestead on the upper part of the property and Zuka, Rock and Mountain in the more mountainous, western part of the reserve Phinda is know for it’s abundant wildlife- especially their pride of Lion and coalition of Cheetah.
What I recognized immediately was the heartfelt care of the staff. Katherine, Grateful, Happiness, Madu, Baby Jake, Mr M, France, and Essence embody what makes African service unforgettable. They mean it from their heart.

Phinda Lion

Phinda Lion

Travel is more than a destination in mind…

It is discovering a place in your heart you’ve never been before.
Anon.
Giraffe at Phinda

Four Seasons Westcliff – Johannesburg South Africa

Brand new pool at the Four Seasons Joberg

Brand new pool at the Four Seasons Joberg

Fabulous new rooftop bar.

Fabulous new rooftop bar.

Four Seasons fans will not be disappointed with the newly renovated Four Seasons Johannesburg, formerly the Orient Express Westcliff. 20-30 minutes from OR Tambo international airport, the Four Seasons displayed it’s usual outstanding service. I can attest to that personally. After coming off safari with “safari” hair, I emailed to see if I could get a simple wash and blow dry. The Spa manager, Julanda Marais responded by arranging for a beautician to come to my room! That was with one day’s notice!
Offering a spectacular new spa, five outstanding new restaurants, bars and lounges – the View restaurant opening with 1 Michelin star- the Four Seasons has a fun and lively buzz.

Usual Four Seasons Fab Flowers

Usual Four Seasons Fab Flowers

Tswalu Kalahari -South Africa

Top notch guide Warren and out tracker, Jackson

Top notch guide Warren and our tracker, Jackson

A few of the details that make Tswalu Kalahari so special are the shuttle flights: private jets like the Pilatus PC-12, the lounge for your transfer -Fireblade – is in a class all it’s own with day rooms a massage therapist, and private chef on call. Offering a small number of cottages on property, the resort suits both families and honeymooners. Most especially the best offering is the private vehicle , guide and tracker for each set of guests. If you booked singly or came with 4 friends, you get you own land rover, guide and tracker. That is the height of luxury on safari! They dedicate up to 9 vehicles, guides and trackers for their guests. The reserve is so large, you never seem to see more than one other vehicle when one is out on a game drive. Our guide, Warren, knew that reserve like the back of his hand. He even found a pack of wild dogs in a impossible to find location!! Wild dogs!! What a thrill!!! My first sighting in all my years of safari tracking.
Guides and trackers focus on what a guest wants to see, ie birds or predators- or both!! You see it all!!!

ultimate  luxury - private vehicle, guide and tracker

ultimate luxury – private vehicle, guide and tracker

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Tswalu Kalahari – Motse Lodge

Part of the villa - Motse Lodge , Tswalu

Part of the villa – Motse Lodge , Tswalu

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Tswalu Kalahari – Malaria Free Zone

Lodge image courtesy of Tswalu Kalahari

My first safari experience this trip was to Tswalu Kalahari. The Kalahari is a desert, so I was amazed at the lush greeness of the preserve. The property encompasses 250,000 acres, yes I said 250,000 acres. The largest property I have ever seen, and vistas are stunning. Chosen as a National Geographic Unique safari lodge, Tswalu’s capacity is 30 people. Prime game viewing is black mane lion, meerkats, wild dog, giraffe, sable, oryx, giraffe. Owned by the Oppenheimer family, Tsawlu is dedicated to conservation. They use their own private planes so the experience starts with a bang. They offer the usual car and driver and also horseback. Formerly a Relais & Chateau the food is a cut above.

Unspoiled luxury!!

Unspoiled luxury!!

My transfer to Tswalu- awesome

My transfer to Tswalu- awesome

The Iconic Mount Nelson Hotel- Cape Town

The iconic Mount Nelson Hotel- Cape Town


I stayed in the Mount Nelson and the Cape Grace, both fabulous properties where personal service is top notch.

ILTM Africa – a huge success!

Cape Town

Cape Town

Table Mountain   -Cape Town South Africa

Table Mountain -Cape Town South Africa


I visited Cape Town to attend the International Luxury Travel Market. Meeting with suppliers from the best hotels, safari camps, African resorts, tour companies, ground operators, flight companies from all over Africa gave me the opportunity to establish continued connections and find out about new exciting properties. Some of the highlights for me were Mount Rochelle, recently opened by Richard Branson near Franschoek (the wine lands), Grand Dedale- another beautiful bed & breakfast in the wine lands, Residence in Zanzibar, African Elite properties ( privately owned villas that are a cut above), Residence on the Rocks in the Seycelles. The most exciting new camp is Angama Mara, a new safari lodge being built on the edge of Africa’s Rift Valley and overlooking Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Set to open in a few months, this camp will be a must experience! Can’t wait to go!!
Another exciting opening is Royal Portfolio’s fabulous new hotel in Cape Town : the Silo. A completely new build. The Silo hotel will occupy an old Silo on the waterfront. The lower floors will house the new African Contemporary Art museum. The mock ups of the rooms and public areas are spectacular. All glass, the views will be unforgettable.

Another Incredible Virtuoso Travel Week

4000 talented travel consultants, suppliers and press converge in Las Vegas one week each year to connect, learn and enhance their clients’ travel experience. The energy and passion for this travel connection is immense. Classes are offered by the top travel experts in the business- highlighted by Helen Nodland, and the always delightful Ann Scully. An active network called VAST offers an all day exposition to better learn about the latest and greatest offerings in the active travel industry.
We meet hotel General Managers, heads of hotel marketing, destination management companies, tour operators, safari operators, airline representatives, destination wedding suppliers, and sales directors from all over the world – 396 meetings over a four day period. We meet before the general meetings, at specialized luncheons, cocktail parties and dinners, in addition to the 396 presentations. By the time the week is over, I can say I am thoroughly ensconced in travel information. I came home energized, inspired, armed with the best information and fabulous new connections to enable me to make my clients dreams come true.

My Onsite Dinner Hosts – IC Bellagio

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Recipes from the Road

Tart MoloriPeacan Treacle Tart

Recipes from the Road

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Pan Fried Kabeljou

Pan Fried Kabeljou

I have so many divine recipes from recent visits, I have to post some of the best ones! This one is from Wynand Van Der Watt at the incredible Molori Safari Lodge on Madikwe Game Preserve, South Africa.
Wynand, from Port Elizabeth South Africa, is the Head chef at Molori Safari Lodge. Previous duties were Head Chef at Sabi Selati Lodge, Sabi Sabi Private Game reserve, Sabi Bush Lodge to name a few. He sent me two recipes and here they are!

A Pleasant Surprise- the Intercontinental at OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg South Africa

Steps from Baggage Claim. You can just push the trolley with all your bags right to it. Rooms are large, bright and very nicely done!
What a convenient choice if you have a layover in Johannesburg.
Service is outstanding, the welcome is warm after a long flight, and the restaurant is wonderful! Delighted to discover such a classy airport hotel.

Molori – Madikwe Reserve, South Africa

Fabulous, glamorous Molori in Malaria Free Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
Image courtesy of Molori

Ending with a bang! MOLORI, Madikwe (Malaria free) Reserve, South Africa

Stunning Lodge!!

Protea – National Flower of South Africa

Seen in an arrangement at Molori, Madikwe South Africa

Gorgeous Cheetah- Madikwe Reserve, South Africa

Yes the clay is really that color!

Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park

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Pool – Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park

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Bar- Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park

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Ahhhhh- visiting Singita Sweni and Lebombo, Kruger National Park

 

Located in the most famous game rich preserve in the world, Singita Sweni and Lebombo live up to all their hype. Considered as one of the top resorts in Africa, they work hard to make sure their guests are comfortable and happy.  Trackers, Rangers, Chefs and hotel staff are all top of the heap. The Wine Cellar is enormous!!  And the gift shop is one of the most comprehensive and beautiful I have seen. 
Sweni is situated on the river and more intime. Lebombo is on a ridge with vistas over the thickets with gorgeous public spaces. One can experience both properties when staying at either Sweni or Lebombo.  Rooms are similar- just a different view. 
I think Sweni is one of my personal favorites and I hope to return very soon. Anyone want to go? I’m ready!

One of my favorites: Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park

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A member of the Selati Pride – not sure if this is in Sabi Sands or Kruger National Park

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Find the Owl in this picture- Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park

Image courtesy of Gavin Ford

Bath with plunge pool and outdoor shower – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands

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What’s in the fab gift shop – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands

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Lobby – Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands South Africa

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Singita Boulders

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Singita Boulders – Sabi Sands South Africa

Singita Ebony is done in a more traditional style, warm colors and lots of English Safari antiques and decorative accessories. Singita Boulders is more contemporary, walls are stacked boulders, and the color palate is soothing blues, taupes and greens. Both have an appeal and the staff in each is above par.

Lobby Singita Ebony

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Family Villa Singita Ebony – Sabi Sands South Africa

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Bedroom -Singita Ebony, Sabi Sands South Africa

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Singita Sabi Sands: Singita Boulders and Ebony

Next stops were the fabulous Singita Sabi Sands : Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders.
Singita Resorts and Lodges are always at the top of any Safari Lodge rating. They are in a class by themselves. The best rooms, staff, decoration, and amazing attention to detail. Like Royal Malewane, Singita employs impeccable staff and educates them well. They are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, passionate, and extremely welcoming. No request is too difficult; one feels like you are in a private home. Care of their guests is extremely well thought out, down to a warm bubble bath waiting for you after an afternoon game drive- with a bucket of chilled champagne sitting on the tub!! Food selection is top notch – innovative, gourmet standard and the wine cellars are eminently well filled with thousands of bottles from all over the world to choose from. All part of their incredible service.

Chilled champagne set by my hot bubble bath – awaiting me on my return from an afternoon game drive- Singita Sweni

How were they able to keep the bubbles and the water hot????

Lobby – Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, South Africa

SA,BOTSWANA, ZIM 885

Incredibly soothing.

Entrance to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – buried in the Hillside

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SA,BOTSWANA, ZIM 883

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

SA,BOTSWANA, ZIM 889One of the most beautiful and interesting Lodges we stayed in was Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is a sanctuary symbolising a new era in luxury South African safari lodges. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, the lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.
It is home to 13 ultra-luxurious suites including the Amber Presidential Suite. The lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. Each of the suites features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. The natural wooden sculptures by renowned South African artist Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic. Other facilities include an outdoor boma which walls are sculpted from tree roots and piled up piece by piece, an indoor/outdoor dining area overlooking a waterhole and unending bushveld, a secluded library, art gallery, meditation garden, Amani spa and an underground wine cellar with a collection of over 6000 bottles of rare wines.

Recipes from the Road- Royal Malewane’s Apple Tart

Royal Malewane's Apple Tart

YUM! It was delicious!
Courtesy of Executive Chef Nathan Macke.
More to come! Thanks Nathan

Recipes from the Road- Pumpkin Soup from Leadwood Lodge

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Pumpkin Soup SABI SANDS

Recipes from the Road- Amazing Iced Coffee from Leadwood

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Iced coffee

Birds are a bonus at Sabi Sands Reserve

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Leopard Sabi Sand Reserve

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Sabi Sands South Africa

The world renowned KRUGER NATIONAL PARK has a number of private nature reserves that were created fifty years ago along-side it’s western boundary. These private reserves are now part of the Greater Kruger, and are no longer separated from this iconic wildlife conservation area by fences or any barrier at all. area. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one such area and Leadwood and Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge are landmark destination lodges within this incredible wildlife sanctuary.
The Reserve is famed for its intimate wildlife encounters, particularly leopard viewing. Home to a host of wildlife, including the Big Five, the Sabi Sand is part of a conservation area that covers over two million hectares (almost five million acres), an area equivalent to the state of New Jersey and larger than some independent countries. Game drives traverse an area of 10 000 hectares (24 700 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sighting ensure the exclusivity of your game viewing experience. Offroad driving ensures that you have the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and rangers are constantly in touch with each other to keep track of animal movements.

Private plunge pool – Exeter Leadwood Lodge, Sabi Sands South Africa

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