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Travel Southern Africa Like a Star

What do Snoop Dogg, Clinton, Lennon, Bruni, Freeman, DeNiro and Ramsay have in common? They’re all famous, right, but not that’s not it! They all travelled in Southern Africa in the most luxurious hotels and lodges you can find. They travelled like stars. From the dynamic city of Cape Town, to the remote wildlife of the Chobe National Park, with a stop at the incredible Victoria Falls, here are the most top-notch accommodations that Africa offers so you can travel Southern Africa in luxury.

The Mount Nelson

Step back in time… luxury and style; you’ve arrived at the Mount Nelson Hotel. Unlike her sister hotel The Westcliff in Johannesburg, the Mount Nelson is right in the middle of the busy life of Cape Town. It is about a 2 minute’s walk from Long Street, where all the night life happens. This iconic hotel remains the most famous of all in the Mother City and has kept its charm and character. Two colours come to my mind when I think of this hotel: pink and green. Their vast garden hosts treasures of nature. The background sets the perfect scenery for a memorable time. What we especially enjoy is their renowned Thursday evening, when all the ladies are cordially invited for a complimentary cosmopolitan. For others, it’s their afternoon tea. I have to say, I sometimes do both! Treat yourself to their Spa and enjoy their swimming pool. Yes, the towels are pink!

The One & Only Cape Town

Cape Town‘s first ultra-luxury hotel in ten years takes opulence to another level! Here, the urban sophisticate can feel at home in the heart of the Waterfront, famous for its sensational views, world-class shopping and entertainment. Even the Hotel’s cuisine is designer, with celebrity chef restaurants Nobu and Reuben on the menu. The vibey Vista Bar is a hot and happening party spot. Personally, I headed straight to the Wine Loft to sample some rare South African vintages!

Sumptuous, spacious and well-serviced describes the hotel’s 131 rooms and suites. You will want for nothing, with a dedicated 24-hour butler, nightly aromatherapy turndown service and pillow selection menu. The contemporary decor has more than a hint of South African flavour with interesting local artworks and dark woods offset against plush fabrics and furnishings in warm earthy African tones. After a hard day shopping, my oversized bath and rain shower were almost as welcome as was the hotel’s fantastic Spa, an idyllic retreat situated on its own island!

Wolwedans Dune Lodge

The Wolwedans Dune Lodge in Namibia is perched on top of a dune plateau, overlooking panoramic vistas in all directions and capturing the beauty of the desert in a most memorable way. The building’s architectural style is a combination of wooden structures and canvas blinds, opening up to the desert beyond. The lodge reflects the ambiance of a tented camp but provides the comfort and protection of a permanent building. Each of the nine spacious chalets with en-suite bathrooms support a private veranda, which connects you to vast stretches of untouched sand. Sleeping with your canvas blinds open is just like sleeping under the stars. The main complex consists of two lounges, a number of sundowner decks, a fireplace, a tea deck, a library, the wine cellar and two dining rooms. The variety of recreational space makes a visit both exciting and relaxing.

Chobe Game Lodge

As the only permanent lodge within the Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge provides guests unrivalled access to all the natural beauty the park has to offer. Situated on the Chobe River, the lodge is as stunning as its surrounds. It spared no expense in ensuring the stay is as comfortable as possible. I found the rooms the perfect combination of African culture and modern luxury, and the views breathtaking, yet tranquil. Recently refurbished, it now offers a wide range of handcrafted decoration and a beautifully coloured venue instead of a simple reception.

With 47 rooms available, the lodge is more than ready to cater to a family of getaway-seekers with a range of activities and facilities to keep everyone entertained. I loved lounging by the river and watching the traditional dancers and, of course, the lazy days spent by the pool. I also will never forget the game viewing, which is undoubtedly the main attraction here due to the abundant wildlife. It can be done in the traditional 4×4 or via a river cruise – both of which are perfect to evoke a deep appreciation for the timeless beauty of nature.

The Royal Livingstone

Being situated on the Zambezi River, just upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls, the roaring waters and rainbow infused mist of this natural phenomenon can be experienced from The Royal Livingstone. But to get a true feel for this famous wonder of the world, there is helicopter and microlite tours, white water rafting (some of the best in the world) and even bungee jumping! Maybe when I work up my courage I will engage in these activities. But in the meantime, I opt for testing the African fusion cuisine of the hotel eight restaurants.

Relaxed, casual, formal, indoor and alfresco dining… Whatever your mood, there is an establishment and menu to suit. Next? The idyllic river-side spa… Decor is all about colonial sophistication and sumptuous luxury. My spacious en-suite room has its own private veranda overlooking the river, and with its cool white linens, elegant furniture and Victorian-style bath, I feel pampered and indulged…just the way I like it!

Vamizi Island

I feel like I’m on the set of Robinson Crusoe: idyllic white sands, turquoise waters, shimmering sunshine, and then I’m introduced to the exotic exclusivity of my villa. Ridiculously romantic with its four-poster bed swathed in undulating muslin drapes, rich wooden floors (over 170m2 of it!), sumptuous day beds, sofas, plush marble bathroom and private deck … this is a rare kind of tropical luxury and privilege. All thirteen villas lie on the shoreline with exquisite views that energise the mind, body and soul. As do those from the thatched open dining room and bar where I ease into a sofa, sundowner at the ready. You’ll find some of the best deep see fishing and dive sites in the world here in Mozambique (along with PADI dive instructors). But for pure relaxation there’s yoga and the spa’s superb energy and body treatments. I’m in a state of natural harmony already…

Singita Pamushana

The Singita Pamushana Lodge is nestled in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe. It combines a life of absolute luxury with the untamed African bushveld and makes for an amazing safari adventure. This 5-star lodge impressed me from the minute we drove up. It’s set against the magnificent Malilangwe dam and is made up of a myriad of beautifully designed thatch-roof buildings. With only six suites, the camp is very exclusive and the perfect spot for couples looking for a unique romantic setting, and don’t mind paying that little extra for the privilege.

Activities at the camp range from the relaxing, like bird watching, Khoisan Art educational trips and game fishing, to the more exciting activities, like game drives, black rhino tracking and more. I personally loved ending my days in the lodge pool, with a cold cocktail in hand and enjoying the magnificent sunset. So, what’s my verdict? This lodge is just amazing and has made a major fan out of me. They will definitely see me again soon.

The Royal Malewane

The Royalty of the ThornyBush Private Game Reserve is where luxury meets the wild and opulence meets nature. It has spacious yet intimate spaces, 5 star and personalised service… all of these words perfectly describe The Royal Malewane. A place where one doesn’t only explore the splendour of the bush but gets to do it in style. Part of the Royal Portfolio, like its sister lodges (La Residence in Franschhoek), no money was spared. The neo-classical style blends well with the bush, the suites boast among their facilities, wooden decks, rim-flow pools and thatched gazebos, perfect to bask in the African sun.

You can choose to go on a game viewing activity with experience guide, or indulge in a spa treatment, while the roaring sounds of African wild and birds keep you entertained. How about indulging in the Chaine des Rotisseurs Blazon Cuisine lodges? Whatever you fancy, the Royal treatment awaits you…

The Palace of the Lost City

Should you like it or not, you can’t have been to the Palace without leaving with a strange feeling of surprise and admiration. When you think twice, remember that there was nothing at all and that this entire extravaganza has been completely created by a very imaginative mind… What makes me want to come again and again besides looking at the baboons from my bedroom window and the incredible breakfast are the details that I keep on discovering whenever I go. As soon as you enter the driveway your eyes have so much to see during your stay that it will make this place one of the greatest on earth.

It’s not a hotel anymore, it’s a resort, it’s an enchanting world that has been recreated for you. I’ve always thought to myself that if you had to go to Sun City, you should stay at the Palace and experience it with luxury and abundance. No wonder most of the stars, actors, singers and musicians have been drawn here… I was curious of what it was all about. And I am sure you are as well…

The Oyster Box

Situated in Durban next to the historical and famous landmark, the Umhlanga lighthouse, The Oyster Box Hotel is one of South Africa’s best-loved and most distinguished hotels. Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s prestigious beachfront, it has an abundance of colonial charm. There are sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, lush landscaped tropical gardens and direct beach access.

The old-world hospitality and gracious elegance are to be enjoyed by the guests. The place incorporates state-of-the-art technology to bring this legend into the 21st century, to satisfy today’s most discerning travellers who visit for business or pleasure. The stylish décor is an elegant combination of natural stones and woods; complemented by soothing, light colours and shades of the hotel’s beautiful surroundings. Guests and visitors will unwind in the distinctive charm of this grand hotel.

Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari, meaning my friend in Shona, is the pinnacle of private game reserve and home to coveted Big 5. Stretching 25 000 hectares, over a malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience. It is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. Shamwari is a place where guests can exist in harmony with nature. The wildlife freely roams the landscape under the relentless African sun. Shamwari incorporates 5 Lodges, 1 villa and 1 explorer camp; each one unique with its own essence. Lodges are designed in harmony with their surroundings where guests can experience nature in sublime comfort.

Now that we’ve provided you with a list of accommodations that stars have been to, you can plan to travel like a celebrity! Which hotel or lodge was your favourite?

By Morgane Chaix & Arsène Lefevre

 

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How to best enjoy the Rivers of Southern Africa

Rich in wildlife, deserts, mountains, waterfalls, fauna and flora kingdoms and unique ecosystems, Southern Africa’s rivers and their surrounding regions offer a wealth of things to do, natural wonders to discover and experiences to try- both on and around the rivers itself.  Here’s a few Southern Africa rivers well worth visiting…

Kafue River- Zambia

Smaller than the well-known Zambezi river, the Kafue River in Zambia is dotted with giant rock formations along it’s banks and unique riparian woodland flanking it.  Experience both land and river based safaris at the riverside and venture through the Kafue National Park to witness wide plains and woodlands home to cheetah, antelope, sable, road, reedbuck and eland. Enjoy boat cruises, fishing, bush walks and game drives within the park.

Okavango River- Namibia and Botswana

This vast river is the fourth largest in southern Africa and runs from Angola (where it’s known as the Kubango River), crosses Namibia’s narrow Caprivi strip to to Botswana’s Kalahari desert in the north before ending in the Okavango Delta swamp. Named after the Okavango ( Kavango) people of Northern Namibia, this river is unnavigable except for smaller boats and craft. With one of the world’s richest and most unique eco-systems you can choose multiple ways to explore this region. Take guided game viewing boats down the river stopping along the way to camp on remote islands, go birding, on photographic safaris and game walks. Each season will bring very different landscapes and wildlife to the river as the floods and rains vary through the dry and wet seasons.  Whether by boat or land, Okavango river experiences will ensure a life-changing trip.

Breede River- South Africa

Only an hour or two away from Cape Town lies the Breede River and its valley rich in opportunities to enjoy the surrounding mountains, local wineries, small country towns as well as fishing, river rafting, canoeing or even house boating on the river itself. Visit the towns of De Doorns, Worchester, Rawsonville and Touwsriver and trail along their wine route, experience farm stays and wide open spaces.

Zambezi River- Zimbabwe, Zambia

While everyone is rushing to this region to just see the Victoria Falls in all its glory, the Zambezi River is something to behold. Find yourself on a cruise at sunset on the Zambezi river and mark that down as a once in a lifetime experience.  There are bigger boats carrying over a 100 people and serves snacks and drinks which also offer exclusive spaces on deck for smaller groups. The Zimbabwean side usually had smaller boats ( between 30-80 people) and gives you the chance to dine on board.  Experience rougher terrain, shallow waters and less accessible places on the river safari boats for breakfast, lunch or sunset and see elephant, hippos and zambezi river birdlife. Off the river on the Zambia side, take a trip back into time aboard the Royal Livingstone Express for dinner through the Zambezi River valley.

Fish River- Namibia

Holding the Fish River in its valleys is the Fish River Canyon, second biggest only to the USA’s Grand Canyon. This region is visited for its hiking trails, Godwana Canyon Park, Quivertree forests, wild horses, rugged scenery and wildlife. Find absolutely solitude , plateaus, granite hills and near barren plains into the private nature reserve of Godwana Canyon Park. Try and spot the Feral horses of Garub who have adapted to life in the dry Namib and stop at the Quivertree forest near Keetmanshoop, a dolerite rock field and a land where Mesosaurus fossils were discovered. Day visitors are not permitted to walk down into the canyon, only hikers with permits may descend to the river bed. But you can still walk along the rim of the Fish River canyon and watch the sun set over this tranquil part of land, try to spot baboons, mountain zebra and grown squirrels or wade in the warm pools of the Ai-Ais Richterfield Transfrontier park.

Orange River- South Africa, Namibia

South Africa’s longest river, the Orange River, is well known of its adventure experiences such as river rafting, paddling and SUPPing( stand-up paddle boarding) but those not keen to be as active will still find its waters and surroundings enchanting. Sit beneath the African sky next to  riverside camp fires, mild weather almost all year road and warm water. This river rises in the Drakensberg range and flows all the way to the cold Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund.

Kunene River, Namibia

An area holding much appeal for remote and wild spot seekers and those keen to tackle the rugged land in a 4×4.  Visit off the grid places such as Hartmann valleys, Marienfluss, Witbooisdrift and Khowarib Schlucht. Swim in a rock pool of the Epupa Falls, one of Africa’s largest waterfalls, track the desert-adapted elephants with a guide, visit a settlement of the semi-nomadic Himba people native to this region and discover the geological wonder of this region.  The area of Kunene is still fairly underdeveloped due to its land’s inability to yield agricultural crops and arid, mountainous landscape. It borders Angola, Cunene Province and the Atlantic ocean.

Which river experience have you enjoyed in Southern Africa?

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