Once in a Lifetime Special – African Bush Camps
African Bush Camps Once in a Lifetime special Experience the best of Zimbabwe and Botswana with African Bush Camps and their “Once in a lifetime Special”! These rates are fantastic, the catch: pay in full by the end of April 2020. African Bush Camps has a growing portfolio of luxurious yet authentic safaris lodges in Botswana and Zimbabwe. African Bush Camps guides are well known for being some of the best in the business. Considering their founder, Beks, started out as a guide in Zim, we are not surprised! Their lodges are in enviable locations. In Botswana Khwai Tented Camp is located in the game rich Khwai concession and Linyanti Bush Camp is in the Chobe Enclave, Linyanti section bordering the Chobe National Park. Flagship Somalisa Camp is in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Further north brand new Nyamatusi Camp shares Mana Pools with Kanga Camp and Bumi Hills has some of the best sunsets in Africa. Here are the details of the Once in a Lifetime special offer: Validity: Valid for travel till the end of December 2020 Minimum Nights: 3 Nights Rates per person sharing for: April –31 December 2020 3+ Nights – US$380 6+ Nights – US$361 9+ Nights – US$342 Terms & Conditions 1. Once in a lifetime special rates apply for any new bookings made and confirmed until the end April for travel within 2020 2. Cannot be combined with other special offers 3. Guests need to book/confirm in April and make FULL payment within 2 weeks of confirming 4. We reserve the right to end this special as and when we want 5. Guests who book on this Once in a lifetime special can postpone their trip (as per our Coronavirus amendment policy), but they will have to pay the difference in price between Once in a lifetime special rates and the standard rate for 2021 Zimbabwe Rediscovered tour offers the full African Bush Camps Zimbabwe Circuit and the Okavango and Chobe Explorer tour is not one to miss in Botswana The African Bush Camps Foundation supports many initiatives, including early childhood development and local health centres in the communities where they operate. Travelling with ABC ensures the continued support of these projects. ...
Mindfulness Retreat in beautiful Cape Town at Tintswalo Atlantic
Looking inwards, being present, and accepting what is. Being mindful during a time of heightened anxiety is incredibly powerful. It allows us to focus on the present, to appreciate the here and now, and it allows us to step back and let go of whatever we can not control. We can practice mindfulness on our own, but to dive deep takes dedicating a period of time to resetting your thoughts and training your mind. We’ve got just the place offering a “mindfulness retreat”, complete with ocean views, sea air, and mountain surroundings… Tintswalo Atlantic‘s Mindfulness Pause Retreat. About the Mindfulness Retreat Using the three Ps of place, perspective, and presence, this presents the opportunity to relax and recharge and radically enhance and shift personal growth and mindfulness practices. This is food for the soul. The Mindfulness Retreat is a four-night/five-day programme held at the luxurious coastal location of Tintswalo Atlantic. There are three separate programmes being held over the following dates in 2020: 28 May to 1 June 30 July to 3 August 13 – 17 August The retreats are hosted by Tracy Winde – renowned Mindful Host – and incorporate various activities designed to encourage creativity and introspection. Calling on the expertise of coaches in various fields of transformation and holistic healing, the retreat is an all-encompassing adventure of body, mind and soul. Each programme is not necessarily the same and might offer different activities and workshops. Activities and workshops Activities include visiting some of Cape Town’s natural wonders and most celebrated scenic locations, such as Table Mountain and Kirstenbosch Gardens. Focused sessions on meditation, silence, sound healing, and breath work is balanced by relaxed socialising opportunities in the beautiful Cape Winelands and of course, at Tintswalo’s magnificent location. Outdoor excursions are designed to connect participants to nature and offer tools to transform negativity into positive energy. Visit the great spekboom labyrinth planted in Stellenbosch in the new decade and use the opportunity to reflect on your own “wholeness”. Some of the expert-led workshops included over the five-day programmes are: Sacred drumming circle Meditations OM chanting Spekboom labyrinth ceremony and planting Insightful talks by Shelley Wyndham Silent dedications Tai Chi Sacred Sound Experience Sacred Water Ceremony Insightful teachings by Leon Lewis About Tintswalo Atlantic Idyllically located on Cape Town’s coast, Tintswalo Atlantic is a luxury hotel that embraces all the elements of the ocean and the rocky shore. Views of the famous Sentinel Peak appear on the other side of Hout Bay Harbour (sunset paradise), Chapman’s Peak winds along the mountain’s edge overhead, and the protected territory of Table Mountain National Park rolls out around it. There are 10...
Set sail, solo: tips for the single safari goer
Welcome to 2020, a time of self-reflection, self-care, and solo travel. More and more people are taking the plunge and seeking out places in the world that will rejuvenate the soul. Alone time in the world is a go! We are in full support of this movement for mindfulness and want to share our ideas for single safari goers. The perks, the pro-tips, and the money-saving moves that will get solo travellers on African safaris more easily. Perks of solo travel in Africa Lack of distraction. Take it all in on your own terms. It’s ultimately about self-care, so you choose what you need without feeling the need to consider what a partner might need. Take a morning to lie-in, alone. Enjoy the luxurious bed linen, take in the bush views through the windows, and listen to the sounds of birds in the morning. Make one cup of coffee. Travelling alone, you generally speak less, pay attention to your surroundings more. In the case of safari that means absorbing the new environment on game drive, choosing to sun-lounge or read a book or siesta in the afternoon. You decide. Enhancing the human experience. As a solo traveller, you’ll find yourself creating more memorable bonds with a guide or fellow guests as you share often first-time experiences. Travelling alone, you engage with people more and the result is often higher impact human connections. Getting one-on-one safari experiences. Many safari activities are offered on a private or personal basis. Private game drives, tracking wildlife on foot, interpretive bush walks, or spending time in a photography hide armed with your longest lens and an expert guide. These activities are a luxury and are likely to come at an additional price. Recharge and reconnect with nature. Take the time out, talk less, absorb more. Many would argue that Africa is the perfect place to disconnect from routine and technology and enjoy being surrounded by wilderness. Early mornings with the sunrise, early nights, full of good food and tired from a day of discovery. Full, happy heart. Activities for solo safari travellers: Mokoro excursions. What was once (and still is) the traditional way to get around waterways of the Okavango Delta in Botswana is today a unique safari activity. Solo travellers can hop aboard the narrow canoe while their personal guide and enjoy the tranquility of a slow cruise through calm channels and lagoons. Horseback riding. Experienced horse riders will find their happy place on the back of a noble steed, cantering through untamed areas inhabited by wildlife. We’ve got a list of incredible horse riding destinations, from Selinda in lush, northern Botswana to...
Uganda Safari highlights and tours
Winston Churchill said it best when he wrote “The kingdom of Uganda is a fairy-tale…For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa.” Gorilla trekking is the biggest drawcard to this beautiful country and offers one of the more memorable and profound moments you can experience in Africa. Gorilla numbers are growing, thanks mainly to the income generated by gorilla trekking which help protects these majestic apes from poachers. Gorilla’s are found in small family groups lead by the large Silverback, consisting of a few females and babies. Each family has a name and many individuals are also named by the local rangers. We have been to Uganda, trekked with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tracked chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and have also enjoyed a traditional safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park! We love Uganda and want to share the magic. Here are some of our experiences and other information that you need to know when booking a Uganda Safari. Uganda Safari highlights and tours Brett & Michelle went to Uganda! Both our MD Brett and our Product Manager Michelle went on safari to Uganda! They returned in awe of their experiences. The highlight were the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. On Brett’s trip he enjoyed both a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a chimpanzee trek in Kibale National Park. Brett did one of the more strenuous climbs in Bwindi and was rewarded with amazing close up encounters of the gorillas and their youngsters playing in the forest on the high slopes of the mountains. When Michelle visited Uganda, gorilla and chimps were the highlights of her trip and she explored Queen Elizabeth National Park and the big game on display there. You can read all about Michelle’s Uganda Safari here. Uganda Safaris for 2020 Uganda is not just about the gorillas and chimps! There are a few national parks that have lots of big game like lions, elephants, large herds of buffalo and Uganda Kob. Uganda is also a twitchers paradise, with hundreds of bird species recorded. Gorilla’s Galore On this short and sweet tour, you will fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for 4 nights. You will enjoy 2 gorilla treks, in the Nkuringo and Buhoma Sectors, while staying in beautiful luxurious accommodation. Your first stop is Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, which has stunning cottages all boasting spectacular views over the forest and the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance. The next stop is the luxurious tented camp of Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp,...
New, romantic safari treehouse in South Africa’s Greater Kruger
Opening just last month, Ngala’s romantic safari treehouse has already set pulses racing. It is not only a honeymooner’s dream destination, it is also eco-friendly and luxurious. This treehouse is an architectural masterpiece offering the perfect combination of adventure and comfort. No rickety ladders or precarious platforms. Rather style and elegance are achieved through careful design and execution. It’s available for guests who are checked in at either Ngala Safari Lodge or Tented Camp and would like to enhance their stay with a night out under the stars. Side note: we love the romance that this treehouse offers, but it can also be the perfect place for an adventurous sleep out with kids in tow. There is a special rate for children and there is enough bed space for four. Get in touch to find out about rates now, or read on to find out more. Location, location, location Located just a few kilometres from the main lodge, Ngala Treehouse is near enough for occupants to receive quick and dedicated service and delivery of whatever they might need. Yet, it is far enough to feel remote and exciting. A little clearing between the trees just a stone’s throw from a wide, sandy riverbed, this safari treehouse rises up on stilts. The Ngala Private Game Reserve is part of the Greater Kruger Park. It borders Timbavati Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park so enjoys some of the best wildlife viewing and species diversity in South Africa. What’s in the box? There are four floors to the structure and the clever use of glass and timber throughout ensures that whichever level you’re on, you’re getting all the views. The ground floor is a small kitchenette complete with mini-fridge (important for keeping champagne cold), a kettle (important for sunrise coffee), cupboards housing thoughtful snacks and breakfast items, and a little kitchen table. The next level up is a full bathroom, complete with outdoor shower. A floor off the ground, this is of course a bathroom with a view. The third level is the bedroom under cover, perfect for when the weather might not be quite right for open-air sleeping. The bedroom is encased in glass, so even if you can’t sleep under the stars, you’re getting the full experience of what’s going on outdoors. Right on top is the sleep-out platform, which of course has a place to sleep soundly under a velvet night sky. It also has a little room for chairs and a viewing deck, because let’s face it, this is the most romantic seat in the house! Is it safe? Surrounding the four-storied safari treehouse is a protective...
Michelle’s amazing Uganda Safari experience.
Our Product Manager Michelle headed off to Uganda for a gorilla and chimpanzee safari. This epic experience took her from the capital to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where she went gorilla trekking. From there she enjoyed a boat safari in the Queen Elizabeth National Park before ending her trip on a chimpanzee trek in the Kibale National Park. We have a tour based on Michelle’s trip, you can view it here. Michelle’s wrote about her amazing Uganda Safari experience: With my bag packed and boots on, I took off from Cape Town with 2 colleagues to Entebbe to start my Uganda Safari! Entebbe is the main airport about 40 minutes from the capital Kampala. A quick overnight stop and we were back at the airport and on an Aerolink Uganda flight south, towards the Kisoro Airstrip. One of the gateways into the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro is a 2h30 drive to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. Our guide and driver for the week met us there and we set off to Bwindi. The roads are poor and a 4×4 is imperative, but the scenery is breathtaking and excitement grows as we start climbing towards the Bwindi forests and towering mountain range. We arrived at Gorilla Safari Lodge, our home for 2 nights. Our cabins were tucked into the rainforest, spacious with a large tub to soak in and the staff brought in charcoal burners at night which warmed the room up nicely. It is chilly in Bwindi, due to the high altitude. We visited the local community and the Batwa Tribe. The Batwa(Pygmy Tribe) live on the outskirts of the forest they once called home and provide a glimpse into their traditional way of living. Early the next morning we were up and enjoying a fortifying breakfast before setting off for the main event: Gorilla Trekking! On arrival in the Rushaga sector briefing area, the warden goes through the do’s and don’ts of trekking with gorillas and assigns us the gorilla family we will trek to find. We meet our head guide and her 2 trackers, hire a porter, grab a walking stick and head off on the trail. Why hire a porter? Uganda is a very poor country; many people are without work. The porters can travel for up to 3 hours to get to Bwindi in the hope of earning for their family. It costs around $20 and your porter is by your side for the day. They will carry your day pack which has your water, your lunch and your camera and they will give you a strong hand to pull or push you if...
Client Feedback : Mapula Lodge in the Okavango Delta
Michelle’s clients stayed at the Mapula Lodge in the Okavango Delta and enjoyed an array of safari activities in Botswana. Michelle weaves together idyllic safari itineraries and has personally visited Botswana on a number of occasions. Located in the far north west of the Okavango Delta, Mapula Lodge is a community based safari lodge that offers a host of activities. The lodge is situated on the cradle of a private lagoon called ‘Hippo Lagoon’, which is a major drawcard for wildlife. Here is the client feedback : Dear Michelle We have now just returned from South Africa and have had time to reflect on our time in Botswana. We were entirely captivated by Mapula, everything about it was just right! Our game ranger was very knowledgeable, friendly, and with a good sense of humour. We saw all the animals we wished to see, in abundance! The mokoro outing was great. The hosts at the camp – two young women and one young man – were exceptionally hospitable and friendly and really made our stay very enjoyable. The game ranger and one of the female hosts joined us every day for breakfast and dinner – the dinner discussions were both memorable and stimulating. The other members of staff were very friendly and hospitable. There food was excellent throughout. What more can we say? Well, we can say this: there may possibly be safari lodges that are as good as Mapula, but there are certainly none better. Thank you for recommending Mapula! We have not had time too sort out our photos yet but when we do so we shall certainly send you some. Could we just ask a favour? We promised to send some photos to the staff at Mapula but cannot find an address. Do you have an email address or even a physical address to the camp and/or its staff? We will also complete the questionnaire and will certainly be in touch with you when we next visit South Africa. Best wishes Kristina and Michael Gough...