Camping like age-old explorers in wildest Botswana

Who has never wanted to play explorers, to cut all ties from daily routine to relax for a week in the middle of wild Africa? My partner and I, real nature-lovers, decided to live this authentic experience. We went to the Explorers Camp Selinda, in Botswana, which is probably the wildest camp in Southern Africa. The camp, located in the heart of the Selinda Reserve, is made up of only four tents, each of which can accommodate up to two people, making the atmosphere even more intimate and authentic.

Upon our arrival at the camp our hosts welcomed us with a drink in the main tent, decorated with recycled wooden furniture, beautifully detailed Persian rugs and crystal decanters. Everything is designed to make us feel in harmony with the style of the early explorers.

We then headed to our tent which overlooked the canal of the Selinda Reserve. I discovered that our bathroom, although closed on the sides, was open air. Of course, there’s no talk of having running water. The hot water and cold water for the bucket shower are brought to our tent on request, in copper pans. The philosophy of exploration is at its peak!

After settling in, we enjoyed the quiet of the bush on the roomy hammocks placed on our private veranda. The sun set slowly, creating different colours over the breathtaking landscape.

Tonight we will dine under the stars. We enjoyed a cooked meal over an open fire and listened to our ranger telling us stories of the bush. Selinda Reserve is home to immense herds of elephant and buffalo, but it is also a great place to see lion and antelope.

That is why tomorrow at sunrise we will continue our quest for exploration through a hike in the bush, followed by a canoe trip. Now this is wildest Botswana, at its best…

By Candice Chapel

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Singita: Child-friendly Lodges perfect for family travel

You love travelling and discovering new destinations? Are you curious about exploration and love nature and the wilderness? Welcome to Southern Africa. The only glitch to your travel plans is that you have children and many  top range accommodations do not accept them.  No need to worry, the combination of a wonderful trip with your entire family is now possible. We decided to select the Singita group, which is represented everywhere in South Africa, in Zimbabwe and in Tanzania.and warmly welcomes families with a wealth of original activities.

For parents travelling with their children, Singita Boulders and Ebony Lodges (South Africa) along with Singita Pamushana Lodge (Zimbabwe) is ideal. Activities at the lodges are specifically tailored to the interests of each family. Here you can find some of the most interesting ideas in the world, which are based on their originality, their educative and informative goal.

Baking with the lodge chefs

What do you think about cooking with a chef? This activity, called The Cookie-cutter Program, is proposed in Ebony Lodges and Sweni Lodges. Children make their own cookie with the help of one of the lodge chefs. It is a way to learn a new skill that will earn them bragging rights with their friends!

Mini Rangers’ Course

This activity is a real chance for kids to discover the huge and complicated nature they are taking part of. Accompanied with a guide, these races cover tracking animals; frogging; butterfly capture and release; astronomy; bush survival techniques; flower-pressing; game-spotting competitions; nature quizzes and a guide’s test.

Community Projects: Early Childhood Development

Finally, we want to present you an initiative that is really important to Singita. The group is involved in the community development of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.  They created a partnership with the READ Educational Trust, a long-standing, non-profit organisation that recognised child development leader, to enhance the quality of early childhood education offered by the preschools. For instance, they organised formal training courses for teachers. For example, through the Growing to Read” program, Singita has chosen to focus on the literacy of children.

You can meet the children in these schools and learn more about this program and its benefits. Through this initiative, it is also a way to support children’s future, and one more time, the family concept in general.

By Elise Langlois

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Khwai Private Reserve: Where the wild things are…

Positioned within Botswana’s Okavango Delta, adjacent to Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, Khwai Private Reserve is truly where the wild things are, with up to 50 different species being sighted on particularly productive game drives, but that hasn’t always been the case…

KPR (as it’s affectionately known by those whose hearts it has captured) was once a hunting concession. It’ll come as no surprise to learn that animals in such an area tend to be somewhat wary of human activity and thus are difficult to get a really good look at. Being a solely photographic operation, we don’t need the thrill of the chase, we prefer happy, relaxed wildlife that our guests can spend time watching, so we immediately set about habituating the wildlife when we became involved with the reserve.

We spent an entire year tracking animals and gradually getting them used to the presence of our vehicles, and within two to three years of hunting stopping the wildlife sightings increased dramatically.

Predators are always a major safari highlight of course, and there’s no shortage of them in Khwai. Families of lions laze in the hot sun, and leopards give away treetop locations with the flick of a tail. Cheetahs can be seen stalking through the long grass whilst African wild dogs whip one another up into a hunting frenzy.

Large herds of elephants parade through the concession, and buffalos barrel determinedly across the plains. Baboons shout and whoop to each other, as a variety of antelopes including sable and roan graze quietly, with twitching ears always aware of others around them.

It would be easy to assume that a reserve which extends to 495,000 acres and boasts abundant wildlife might be full of camps, but that’s certainly not the case at KPR. On the contrary, we operate only three camps here: Sable Alley, Hyena Pan and Skybeds, whilst photographers rave about Khwai Pangolin which is also in the concession.

We like to think that we’ve been rather clever with our placement of the camps by positioning them next to water. At Sable Alley for example, the sound of hippos snorting provides an ambient soundtrack to camp life, and it’s not unusual to have elephants brushing past the canvas of your room as you lie in bed reflecting on the day. Hyena Pan meanwhile is becoming iconic for the plethora of elephants who visit, often approaching the camp’s decks to get a better look at the guests and staff – we’ve even installed a wildlife viewing hide to allow guests to get even closer to these giant characters.

Skybeds is an innovative setup that’s completely open to the sights and sounds of the bush, and throngs of elephants often wind their way around the platforms, with the occasional hyena being sighted from the viewpoints the beds offer as well.

The wildlife in Khwai Private Reserve may not have been historically strong, but this rather special area is going from strength to strength, and the animals seem to like visiting just as much as our guests do!

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Joburg: an Urban Stroll Through City Markets

This month, I’m writing you from Johannesburg where I discovered some markets that are definitely worth a visit.
Joburg is full of surprising places, original and offbeat concepts. Follow me on my urban ​​stroll…

BRYANSTON ORGANIC MARKET

On Thursday, I asked the receptionist of my hotel to recommend a nice and pleasant place for brunch. His answer was clear-cut: The Bryanston Organic Market. If you are looking for a green setting in the city center, this market is for you. The organic food was delicious and we found so many things: jewellery, flowers, sculptures, vintage clothes, souvenirs, crafts, and toys. We even found activities for kids! This change of scene is enjoyable, especially when we know we are in downtown Johannesburg.

JOZI FOOD MARKET

Are you a nature lover? Then do not hesitate to make a stop at the Jozi Food Market if you are passing through the Pirates Sports Clubs. This market supports the local craftspeople; you can buy many wonderful souvenirs here. This allows you to discover typical products from the region while also supporting local businesses. So you enjoy fresh local produce, original recipes and the outdoors, this is the spot for you. Enjoy the sun and savour a cup of Rooibos comfortably seated on the lawn and a band will be there for some live entertainment.

ROSEBANK ROOFTOP MARKET

If you are looking for a key and trendy market, you have to go to the Rosebank Rooftop Market. When I arrived, a band was there to liven things up while the locals and tourists talked together and savoured African specialties. There were lots of stalls with handmade souvenirs (here they call it a Craft Market) this is a must see in Johannesburg. Therefore, it is not surprising that this Joburg treasure won its 11th award as the First market in Johannesburg.

MARKET ON MAIN

Now, if you’re seeking the trendiest spot in town, the place that brings artists of all kinds and the best in terms of design together, head on over to the Market on Main. It is the place to be. Every Sunday morning this market, located in the Maboneng Precinct (the artists’ area), makes it possible to dive into vibrant Joburg. Offering second hand clothes, designers, organic food, and music makes Market on Main the complete creative urban cocktail.

Obviously, Gauteng is full of attractive small markets, whether it be food markets, craft markets, flea markets and even markets dedicated to traditional healing, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for in Johannesburg. If you come to this beautiful part of the country you will never forget it.

 

By Aurélie Jammes

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Meet & Greet Gugu

Welcome back to our XO series ‘Meet & Greet’ where you get to know the staff member you’ve chatted to or the one who’s been at end five month long email conversation. This episode we meet our wonderful Content Designer, Gugulethu Ntombela.

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Places to Visit in Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Bays like Sodwana, Kosi, Rocktail and St. Lucia Town have always beckoned me. I’m not sure if it’s their seclusion, their wild beauty or the burgeoning eco systems of this land that held such appeal for me but when I finally got to visit with Vaughan and my son Caleb, I couldn’t be more excited. Road tripping through the region, staying a different place every night we saw so much. But here are the spaces and parts of the trip I loved the most and the ones I suggest you visit ( and yes they all involve water)

1. Lake Sibaya

Within the 32 000Km which make up the iSimangaliso Wetlands, lies the alluring Lake Sibaya. One of the best parts about this Lake is actually the journey it takes to get there. Our guide Gugu from Rocktail Bay Camp took us through dense forest, golden savannah with grazing Nguni cattle and past sparse Mabibi homesteads. Time of day is everything and judging from the way the sunset glow cast a warm glow on this light blue lake, I would say don’t go at any time other than this. I trudged through swampy ground, felt the moist moss beneath my feet and even dipped my toes into the fresh water with a family of hippos far in the distance.

Travel Tip:

While this blue lake beckons you to dive in, don’t be tempted as crocodiles, hippos and much more call this lake home. I would advise you not to go near the water without a guide present who knows the area and can spot the wildlife quickly. Go at sunset time and take a camera, you don’t want to miss golden hour here.

2. Lala Nek

Photo source: Darren Glanville

It could be my childhood nickname ‘Lala’ or the fact that it means ‘place of rest’ in Zulu but after a Land Rover drive along a sandy lane through a dense dune forest, I arrived at what appeared to be paradise. Shards of light peaked through the white pear and milkwood trees and we parked in this portion of the Isimangaliso Wetlands which allows a maximum of four vehicles. Beach towels and toddler in arms, we made our way through a tunnel of woody hedges with only a deserted beach in view. Other than one couple, we had the beach all to ourselves for sunning, swimming and snorkeling.

Travel Tip:

There is no shade on this beach so take an umbrella, sunblock, beach towel, swimming costume. Snorkelling is great here so bring a snorkel and goggles to take advantage of the rich world here. Try not to swim alone as there are no lifeguards on duty and don’t go too far out especially if you don’t know about the currents here. Please take your litter home with you.

3. Hippo Cruising in St. Lucia

I’ve done many incredible things first thing in the morning, but this was the first time I was able to sip coffee, watch hippos playing the water and eat croissants at the same time. It was a splendid way to start the day. Aboard a Shakabarker Tour boat, we chatted about the multiple eco systems around this river, the natural sun protection of hippos and their ability to breathe beneath the water. We saw a crocodile, hippo paths up the hills and babies peeking above the estuary’s surface.

Travel Tip:

When going on a boat tour in the morning, take a warm top as the wind can pick up and it can get quite chilly early in the morning. Whilst we went with Caleb who was crawling at the time, it may not be the best for toddlers who are walking/running as there are areas of the boat which are not tightly closed. And just means parents will have to keep them on a ‘tight leash’ to avoid any accidents. To book your Hippo cruise, visit Shakabarker Tours.

4. Houseboating on Lake Jozini

This was my first house boating experience and it was pretty unbeatable. Think cruising between the Lebombo mountains ever closer to the horizon at the end of Lake Jozini, whilst sitting in a jacuzzi or fishing on deck. You have everything you’d ever need on board like couches, a cosy cabin, dining area, bar, jacuzzi and the tutorage of Captain Bransom when it comes to tiger fishing. I was able to bag a tiger fish one morning just after stepping out of our cabin which is often the goal of most people staying on the Shayamanzi. My absolute has to be watching fire flies in the night sky from the bed in my cabin.

Travel Tip:

It’s hot aboard the boat in the day and gets cooler in the evening so bring something to wear in different conditions including a swimming costume for the jacuzzi. Don’t miss out on the fishing, even if it’s not your thing. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how fun it really is. Also be sure to look outside at night to see the fireflies. To stay and cruise aboard the Shayamanzi I, visit Shayamanzi houseboats

5. Lake Jozini

Lake Jozini is the third largest lake in South Africa and is the southernmost home of the tiger fish. Also, known as Pongolapoort dam. It is approximately 30km long and 5km wide. The mountains form the Eastern shore. The lake wall is in a 5km gorge in these mountains. The lake is surrounded by reserves on all sides, and is abundant in wild life, such as elephants, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, giraffe, buffalo and various other game. When full, the lake covers approximately 16000 hectares. The department of Water Affairs monitors the lake and keeps the level between 70% and 80% full.

Photo source: Bernard DUPONT

Lake Jozini is a very productive lake, being home to a few other species including: Sharptooth Catfish, Threespot Barb, Bowstripe Barb, Imber, Carp, River Goby, Purple Labeo, Rednose Labeo, Silver Robber, Mozambique Tilapia, Silver Catfish, Redbreast Tilapia and a variety of other smaller species. After the heavy rains brought by Cyclone Demoina, fish (including the Largemouth Bass) from the farm dams upstream swam into the dam. Tiger fishing on Lake Jozini became popular in the mid 1990’s. Marketing of the area has increased the number of anglers visiting the lake. It has proven to become a wonderful alternative to tiger fishing in neighbouring countries, although the average size tiger fish is a little smaller than those caught up north.

Travel Tip:

Stay at the Pongola Game Reserve on the shores of Lake Jozini and enjoy rhino tracking, guided walks, boat trips, tiger fishing and more.

6. Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Set in the heart of Zululand this is the oldest game reserve in Africa, where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws. Today, Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros) stalk the flourishing savannah. Game viewing is the principal attraction in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes enabling one to observe the wildlife at close range.

The hilly Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is also known for its wilderness trails which originated in Umfolozi in the 1950s and its renowned Game Capture unit upgraded into the Centenary Capture Centre, a bench mark for animal capture and sustainable utilisation throughout Africa.The Park covers some 96 000 hectares and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora.

Apart from game viewing drives there are self guided auto trails which provide information on both the management and natural history of the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve. Guided walks can be especially rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon.

There is a 40 seater boat on Hluhluwe dam which takes visitors on guided trips twice a day. The trips are conducted by an experienced community guide and visitors can see an excellent range of birds and animals within the park while the Zulu culture is covered in the community areas outside.

Travel Tip:

Take a day trip into the park or stay within the reserve at one of the lodges and resorts. Self-drive or go on a game drive with a game ranger.

by Lauren McShane

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Our Trip to Zeitz MOCAA

As XOnians, we took a trip to Zeitz MOCAA and had a blast. Zeitz MOCAA is located in Green Point, Cape Town and is a public not-for-profit contemporary art museum which collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits twenty-first century art from Africa and its Diaspora. We wandered through the halls of the museum, overwhelmed by the beauty and intricacies of all of the pieces on display. We ended the night off with a lovely dinner and dessert, and ate while a live band played upbeat World music.

When we got there, the line to the entrance was so long. A lot of people were ready to explore and experience the art inside. Great treasures lay beyond these glass doors. All of the featured artists who created the artworks inside the museum are from Africa and the Diaspora.

Athi-Patra Ruga

One of the first pieces in the exhibits that caught my eye was the work of Athi-Patra Ruga. The piece is entitled Umesiyakazi in Waiting. Athi-Patra Ruga was born in Umtata, South Africa. Ruga’s imagery draws from a range of cultural references that are not bound by a specific biology, ancestral origin or geographical location.

Umesiyakazi in Waiting (2015)

Roger Ballen

Roger Ballen was born in New York in 1950 and has been living in Johannesburg since the 1970s. His artwork gave me the chills and creeps in the most intriguing  way. During the late 60s and early 70s, he attended the University of California, Berkeley. This is where he was exposed to the anti-psychiatry movement led by R.D. Laing, the theatre of the absurd, and the work of colourfield artists like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman.

Snagged (2013)

Kudzanai Chiurai

This piece by Kudzanai Chiurai in collaboration with fashion designer Marianne Fassier resonated with me deeply. It elegantly portrays the pain and violence that women as mothers and healers endure. The excerpt on the wall behind the piece states that “She is suspended between dying and presence. She is soaked in violence. In a pool of blood, she sits unafraid, absorbing the pain that touches us all.” It is a sight to behold.

Untitled (Dress from Moyo) (2013)

Mouna Harray

The images in this collection struck me as a breathtaking display of isolation and confinement. Mouna Harray was born in Sfax, Tunisia. The figure wrapped in a white sheet that occupies space in arid and volatile landscapes can be seen throughout the exhibition. The fact that we can see the pressure points of the limbs gives the impression of struggle. The figure represents the isolation, confinement and claustrophobic condition of the residents of southern Tunisia, a region once rich in minerals.

34°21’53.0”N 8°25’41.0”E (2012-2015)

Richard Mudariki

Richard Mudariki’s The Passover reminded me of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. I recognised the political and religious leaders at once and was immediately drawn to it. I found the piece to be delectably funny. This is satire at work. The fact that it reminded me of da Vinci’s famous mural was not a coincidence. Richard Mudariki was born in Seke, Zimbabwe, and currently lives and works in Cape Town, South Africa. His artwork provides commentary on the socio-political environment of Zimbabwe and beyond.

The Passover (2011)

Our trip to Zeitz MOCAA was a blast! We contemplated all of the messages we received from the various artists’ work. I learned that Africa and the Diaspora is teeming with talent and skill. I would definitely recommend the Zeitz MOCAA to any art enthusiast, and even for any curious soul.

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Mira’s Insider Guide to McGregor

Mira Weiner, founder of Hot Oven Marketing, lives as a passionate foodie, wine lover and travel enthusiast.  She loves people and their stories; for her it’s these stories that are the heart and soul of a travel destination and it’s these stories behind a destination that really allow you to connect, discover and explore a place. She grew up in a small town called McGregor in the Western Cape and loves exploring the hidden gems of her country, especially those off the beaten track.  She aims to inspire South Africans to be a tourist in their own country by supporting local is lekker.  Job employment and skills development are key factors that are created through the tourism industry and can be an incredible tool used for transformational growth.

5 things I love most about McGregor

  1. The peace and quiet,
  2. The magic of the dusty roads,
  3. The only traffic being cows roaming free and that people and dogs have right of way over cars,
  4. The close community,
  5. Knowing your neighbours – sometimes a good thing and sometimes a bad thing haha!

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about

You’re not supposed to swim in the lei water dam but all the locals have for years. Each week night a different restaurant is open and sometimes it is just a local making soup and fresh bread rolls in the main road. There is a local Facebook page for notices and also used for errands/lifts. So if you have forgotten to buy something at the shops you can see if anyone is going through. Every afternoon in McGregor has an activity including swimming, bridge club, Scottish dancing, tennis, yoga classes and the list goes on!

The least touristy thing to do in McGregor

Fetch eggs from a local farmer, go buy olive oil on tap, have homemade meals delivered to your door, swim in the dam or walk your dog around the dam, swap plants with your neighbour, go to Quiz night at Tebaldi’s and get your hair done at a ridiculous small town fee!

Best place in Hilton to enjoy…

The water: the local lei water dam

The mountains/countryside: Take your feet, mountain bike, motorbike or car for a drive on the Road to Nowhere, you can even stop off for some wine tasting at the award winning family owned farm, Lord’s Wines.

The outdoors: Take a stroll in the Krans Nature Reserve, ride your bike around the village streets or on the outskirts through olive orchards and vineyards, walk through the labyrinth at Temenos Gardens.

The food: On Mondays experience a trip around the world for dinner at 51 (each Monday has a different theme from a different country). On Tuesdays  pop down to the local ice cream shop for a bowl of soup and freshly baked rolls by local chef, Robert Sibitz. On Wednesdays catch up with friends at Open Kitchen with a weekly special. Every last Thursday of the month is Quiz night at Tebaldi’s Restaurant with R10 entrance fee going to a local charity.

On Fridays enjoy a R100 one pot wonder including a glass of wine at Green Gables Dining Room. On Saturdays stock up with fresh produce, home-made pastries, olive oil, cheese, prepared meals, plants, second hand books and even dog treats at the Saturday Morning Market by the church.  It lasts about an hour, so blink and you miss it! Then head down to 51 or How Bazaar for a great cup of coffee and a treat. On Sundays head up to Lady Grey Restaurant at Lord’s Guest Lodge for incredible mountain views and a great Sunday lunch spot!

 

The general vibe or nightlife: Pop into Grape de Vine for pre-dinner drinks and a good selection of local wines, ciders and craft beers

Good coffee/tea/wine: 51, How Bazaar and Tebaldi’s have great coffee and yummy treats. For something different try fresh mint from the garden with a dash of grated ginger at Tebaldi’s Restaurant. The best wine tasting spots are at the local garagiste, Bemind Wyne where you can meet the winemaker and owner, Ilse Schutte for a tasting or a grappa and eau de vie tasting with distiller and owner Robert Rosenbach at Tanagra Boutique Distillery.

Meet locals: the best spots for meeting locals are either on an early evening stroll around the village, at the local wine bar Grape de Vine, the vibey Saturday Morning Market or at a local theatre production show (live music concerts, poetry readings, films, etc) at Wahnfried.

What makes a city/town special for me

Personally, it is all about the people, their food and their stories!

My favourite small town in South Africa and why

My soul lives in McGregor and it will always be my favourite small town. I have yet to discover anything like it!

If I were to do a 10 day road trip through South Africa, these are the stops I’d make:

I would start with the West Coast for 3 days and then head out onto Route62 for 4 days and end off with 3 days on the Garden Route!Three of my favourite regions in SA…

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA

I haven’t done many but have heard great things about De Hoop, Grootbos, Gondwana and Thula Thula

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa ( Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)

I have never been to another Africa country and it is definitely on my bucket list but being well connected to an incredible industry of travel writers I would definitely ask Dawn Jorgensen from the Incidental Tourist, Di Brown from Roaming Giraffe, Lauren and Vaughan McShane from The Travel Manuel and Allison Foat from Cape Town Diva for advice.

My best beach/island experience in Southern Africa

I spent most of my school holidays in Plettenberg Bay so I love the beaches at Nature’s Valley, Keurboom and Robberg as well as the surrounding areas of Knysna, Wilderness and Sedgefield.

The most magical place in South Africa and why

The most magical place in South Africa for me is in the mountains where I live – the Langeberg Mountains surround the special towns of McGregor, Robertson, Bonnievale and Montagu.  An incredible place to reconnect with your soul!

The best places to visit in South Africa for…

  1. Solo travellers: I personally love going on retreats and workshops, I often find that they are geared for solo travelers and you get to be on your own but also meet like-minded people and have company sometimes too. I recently attended a brilliant cheese making course by talented food consultant and cookbook author, Annelien Pienaar at the African Relish cooking school in Prince Albert.
  2. Couples: small town romantic getaways on the West Coast, Stanford, Greyton, Prince Albert, Montagu and McGregor.
  3. Families: Even though I am classified as a “Millennial” I feel like an old soul and I remember growing up in a time without technology so I am of the firm belief that kids should disconnect with their tech and reconnect with nature. Great family vacations should be spent in the outdoors (farms, nature reserves, small towns) or near the sea and even better without signal.  The West Coast, Route62 and Garden Route are all lovely regions for family trips.
  4. Luxury travellers: The tourism industry and offerings in South Africa are so diverse and offer a wide variety of accommodation establishments to suit all traveler budgets. Many small towns even have backpackers to 5 star boutique hotels. For travelers looking for high-end luxury packages I would highly recommend getting in touch with travel designers who can curate amazing travel experiences.
  5. Those seeking off-the-grid spots: On the outskirts of most small towns are incredible gems like Faraway Cottage at Tanagra Guest Farm just outside McGregor or the mountain cottages on the Road to Nowhere at Boesmanskloof die Galg and Onverwacht. I like to read local travel blogs to see where the best spots are, always best to chat to people who have experienced these establishments themselves and you can get first hand advice from them.

Mira, founder of Hot Oven Marketing, feels very blessed to love what she does. Working with the wide and diverse media landscape in South Africa has been a wonderful opportunity and she has met incredible people in the industry that continue to inspire her on a daily basis.  When she is not working, she loves spending time with her family and friends, exploring markets and cooking up a storm! You can find more travel inspiration from her Facebook page.

 

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Safari Plains in the Waterberg joins the Extraordinary Collection

Extraordinary is delighted to announce the addition of Safari Plains in the Waterberg region to the already impressive Extraordinary Collection. Set in a Malaria free area against the backdrop of the magnificent Waterberg Mountain Range in the Limpopo Province, this 5 star Tented Lodge will proudly welcome guests from December, 2018.

Safari Plains will not only offer guests an extraordinary safari experience on 12 000 ha, an extension of the Greater Mabula Game Reserve, but one that is strongly focused on ensuring guests are astounded with the best the bush can offer.

Set along the winding sand pathways, each of the 20 breath-taking tented suites commands a stunning space within the natural, indigenous bushveld. These safari-style tents offer utmost comfort and an opulent ambience with private timber wrap–around decks. The six luxury tents offer a larger main area and come complete with a private sala, which is perfect for lounging on a lazy afternoon. All tented suites are tastefully appointed with sunken baths, separate showers and private facilities. The hospitality armoire offers a fully–stocked mini bar fridge, with tea and coffee facilities. Air conditioning throughout the space ensures that guests can enjoy year-round temperature controlled tented accommodation. Proudly family-friendly, the ‘family style’ luxury tents offer a second bedroom with two twin beds. You never have to leave the opulent comfort of your tent, but we suggest you do.

Furnished with simplicity yet elegance, the main lodge area provides an aura of romance through plush furnishings symbolic of African ‘chic’. The Safari Plains team is there to attend to your every whim, from delectable a la carte menus to a bountiful wine cellar – this is the perfect accompaniment to a romantic candlelit bush dinner.

Weddings can be hosted in the heart of the reserve with every attention to detail taken care of, from fairy lights softly twinkling in the night sky to vibrant African entertainment. Our wedding packages are completely personalised and tailored to suit your every need. The lodge can accommodate up to 60 guests and weather permitting, the ceremony can be held in the untamed bush or on the large wooden deck of the main lodge that boasts magnificent vistas; followed by a luxurious reception in the sumptuous dining room.

Enjoy genuine hospitality as well as guided bush walks, horse trails, eco adventure trails (quad bikes), morning and afternoon safaris on expertly-guided safaris. Guests will be able to view a range of wildlife including buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, brown hyena, cheetah and more. There are also a host of additional activities nearby including hot air balloon safaris and golf.

 

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Meet & Greet Zayaan

Welcome back to our XO series ‘Meet & Greet’ where you get to know the staff member you’ve chatted to or the one who’s been at end five month long email conversation. This episode we meet our amazing Finance expert, Zayaan Khan.

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