Part of the villa – Motse Lodge , Tswalu
Tswalu Kalahari – Motse Lodge
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Part of the villa – Motse Lodge , Tswalu
Tag Archives: Family Safari
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!!
My transfer to Tswalu- awesome
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
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.
Recipes from the Road
Recipes from the Road
Pan Fried Kabeljou
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!
I feel like I have a PHD in Safari planning!
As you have been reading, I recently completed a phenomenal 16 day Educational with Africa Inscribed, hosted by their Directors Dylan Harriss and Gavin Ford
Properties we either saw or *stayed in were:
*1. Saxon Hotel – Johannesburg 10+
*2. Jack’s Camp- Salt Pans on the edge of the Kalahari Desert Botswana 9
3. Camp Kalahari- Kalahari Desert Botswana 5
*4. Wilderness – Vumbura Plains – Okavango Delta Botswana 10+
5. Wilderness – Little Vumbura_ Okavango Delta Botswana 8+
6. Duma Tau- Linyanti Reserve Botswana 9
*7. Savuti- Linyanti Reserve Botswana 9
8. Victoria Falls Hotel- Vic Falls Zimbabwe 10
*9. Singita – Pamushana- Pamushana Reserve Zimbabwe 10+
*10. Royal Malewane- Thornybush Preserve South Africa 10++
*11. & Beyond – Exeter Leadwood- Sabi Sands South Africa 9+
12. Dulini- Sabi Sands South Africa 8(under renovation)
13. & Beyond – Exeter River Lodge – Sabi Sands South Africa 9
14. Singita Ebony- Sabi San Reserve South Africa 10+
15. Singita Boulders- Sabi Sand Reserve South Africa 10+
16. Lion Sands – 1933- Sabi Sands 9+
17. Lion Sands – Ivory- Sabi Sands 10
18. Lion Sands – River Lodge- Sabi Sands 8+
*19. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve 10+
20. Selati Camp – Sabi Sabi – Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve 9
21. Little Bush Lodge- Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve 8
*22. Singita Sweni – Kruger National Park 10+
23. Singita Lebombo _ Kruger National Park 10+
*24. Molori- Madikwe Game Reserve ( Malaria Free) South Africa 10 but expensive
25. Lion Sands – Madikwe Lodge – Madikwe 9
26. Mateya – Madikwe 10
27. Jaci’s Safari Lodge 5 and Jaci’s Tree Lodge- Madikwe 7
*28. JNB Intercontinental – Johannesburg Airport South Africa 9
The numbers after the resort names are the ratings I personally gave them -10 being the highest.
It really depends on the client but these were my personal impressions.
I totally defer to Dylan on resort choices. He is really picky.
When I say educational I really mean educational. At the beginning of the EDU we were given a manual which included all predeparture information for every country in Africa. We also received a map covering the destinations AI favor. We actually had a map session one afternoon, locating preferred camps in Botswana, SA and Zimbabwe on the map. We went over zones that were malaria free and those that were not. We went over destinations near beaches, marshes, plains, mountains, best game viewing, and best locations for particular game. Best locations for families, honeymooners, groups, couples, photographers or special interest groups.
Each day we learned about birds, mammals(predators and grazers), birds, insects, trees, birds, grasses, seeds and the environmental impact on the climate on each area, did I mention birds? We also learned about animal conservation, land conservation, water and the impact on the reserve we happened to be traveling in. We learned about resort management, land management, and safari planning down to details as to why one wants a private game vehicle- and the enviromental impact too many cars can have on the resort. I feel like we have a PHD in Safari planning.
We traveled in style, Dylan chartered a Pilatus PC12NG ( the largest Pilatus). And we learned what a luxury having a less pressured schedule can be.
The biggest take away for me was the tremendous knowledge, creativeness, and passion Dylan and Gavin have as a DMC. Their excitement was contagious. We were on a high from the moment we landed to the moment we left. And it was so much fun!
We had the best group- we laughed all the time, and never stayed still for long. So we were the best exhausted group.
If there was a glitch, we never knew it. Dylan and Gavin travel to camps and resorts 200 days a year, so they REALLY know what they are talking about. We looked at high end, medium and low end camps. All came with value for the right client. They are very selective.
It was a privilege to participate in this EDU with Africa Inscribed. I can’t wait to book Africa with them
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
Incredibly soothing.
Entrance to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – buried in the Hillside
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Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
One 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
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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Recipes from the Road- Amazing Iced Coffee from Leadwood
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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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Bath – Exeter Leadwood Lodge
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Rooms Exeter Leadwood Lodge – Sabi Sands
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Exeter Leadwood Lodge -Sabi Sands South Africa
WIlliam and Andrew- Best rangers!
Moving on the Sabi Sands Preserve near Kruger National Park, we we delighted to discover Exeter Leadwood Lodge. Along with the Lodge we encountered our favorite ranger/ game drivers. Their passion and humor was the highlight of our trip. I told Africa Inscribed that they should hire them as guides becasue they were completely professional and the most outstanding rangers we met. The could be a traveling comedy act; they were hilarious. We hated to leave them.
Dinner – Royal Malewane
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Bath – Royal Malewane
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Royal Suite at Royal Malewane
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Dispatches from the Road 