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Fun Travels in Africa

AFRICA

News Cape Town Constantia Kenya Kichwa Tembo Krysna South Africa Swakopmund, Namibia Tanzania

NEWS (Cities & Towns Follow After The News)

Kenya's Angama Mara and Segera Retreat's Expert-Hosted Birding Safari

Adventurewomen Offers Insider's Journey to Tanzania For Female Travelers

Canadian Winemaker Norman Hardie Leads Epicurean Journey to South African Homeland

The House of Waine in Kenya Celebrated Its 10th Anniversary

Check Out What's Happening in Kenya -- Including Places to Stay, Running Races & More

Singita Announces the Reimagined Singita Boulders Lodge

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Spa Takes Luxurious Villas to the Sky in Cape Town

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

Little Garonga --- A Very Private Safari in the Heart of South Africa

The Delta Gets an Upgrade

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) has opened two new luxury camps in Botswana's famed Okavango Delta: Xudum Delta Lodge and Xaranna Tented Camp (pronounced Kudum and Karanna). Built on a 120,000-acre private concession, both properties are surrounded by permanent waterways, ensuring an unparalleled Delta experience.

Xudum Delta Lodge design notes: features playfully crafted suites in masculine shades of chocolate and ebony, each offering a rooftop sleep-out and private plunge pool. The lodge's interactive kitchen allows guests to watch each decadent meal and treat being prepared. The main lodge and each room have rooftop decks so guests can view the wildlife that regularly crosses the waterways in front of the lodge. 

Xaranna Tented Camp design notes: is lighter and more airy, a nod to its gentler surroundings, an island between permanent canals. The organic safari tents are made of a combination of canvas and bleached timber and are decked out in shades of Khaki, lily pink and green. The private plunge pools and salas offer mesmerizing Delta views. The lounge area is a multi-level paradise of sitting areas, a dining deck, Boma and boat dock - all great spots to view the resident bull elephant who makes regular appearances. 

The safari experience consists of morning, early evening and night game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, boating and mekoro adventures in the Delta and guided walks. The concession offers some of the world's best birdwatching and some of the finest game viewing in Africa, including sightings of rare roan antelope, lechwe, tsessebe, elephant, lion, hyena and cheetah.

Xudum Delta Lodge and Xaranna Tented Camp add to CC Africa's existing lodges in Botswana, including Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp and Sandibe Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta, as well as Savute Under Canvas and Chobe Under Canvas. CC Africa's new and improved 10-day Botswana Explorer Expedition also made its debut in June this year, featuring new ensuite tents and flush toilets (a first for the mobile safari industry). The Explorer Expedition offers an exhilarating itinerary camping in the most beautiful wilderness regions of Botswana.

About CC Africa: CC Africa owns and operates more than 45 safari lodges and camps throughout Southern and East Africa as well as lodges in India in cooperation with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. As Africa's leading responsible luxury tourism company, it is dedicated to conserving the wildlife surrounding its properties and to contributing to the local communities while simultaneously creating a luxurious and memorable experience for travelers.

For more information please visit www.ccafrica.com

Everyone Is Going Nuts for Tongabezi's NutHouse

Nutty for Africa? In honor of the large variety of nuts and pods which bring nourishment to the people of Zambia, Tongabezi Lodge introduces the Nuthouse. The Nuthouse is the first house with four walls and perfect for the traveler who prefers more privacy.  Built high up on top of a cliff and surrounded by spectacular views of the Zambezi River, the Nuthouse is ideal for honeymooners, couples, and anyone who longs for some privacy.

Although the house is not built out of wall nuts (bummer we know) it is a splendid oasis in the trees with the sun beaming through every wall. Even the back wall is interspersed by glass tiles which reflect the sunrise in African patterns onto the wood and stones.  Guests will be swept away with the enchanting atmosphere of African rustic décor with a splash of art deco. The folding floors open into the private garden and plunge pool, all offering incredible views of the river from the elevated position on the river bank.

Featuring such extras as oversized windows for enjoying the untamed, spectacular beauty of Zambia, outside cascading showers and lovely private in- room dining next to a candlelit pool, the Nuthouse is ideal for a romantic filled vacation.

Low season is November 1 through May 31st and High Season is June 1st through October 31st. For reservations, contact Tongabezi Lodge at web site www.Tongabezi.com, by telephone at +260 99 312766, or by email at reservations@tongabezi.com.

St. James Hotel Added to the Mantis Collection

The Mantis Collection has announced the addition of the St. James Hotel as a new member to The Last Word, a group of small luxury boutique hotels in the Western Cape of South Africa. The St. James is located along the False Bay Coastline of Cape Town, South Africa, offering incredible views of the coastline and an ideal location for whale and dolphin watching.

The property is a grand and spacious Tudor home, built over 100 years ago, with spectacular rooms and in-house chauffer. The two suites and three superior doubles are equipped with five-star amenities, ideal for families or couples looking to experience a more personalized vacation. A large swimming pool with surrounding sun deck is available for guests to soak up the South African sun, while breathing in the fresh Indian Ocean air. The interior of the St. James consists of wood paneling throughout the hotel that originated from an old shipwreck, giving it that summer cottage feeling.

The St. James is just minutes away from a cosmopolitan harbor side village that offers excellent seafood restaurants, antique and boutique specialty shopping.  Also near by are Simonstown and Boulders Beach with penguin watching, magnificent fishing at Kalk Bay, and much more. Walking and hiking trails located behind the St. James are available and spa treatments may also be arranged en-suite. This hotel has become the fifth property in the Last Word portfolio of retreats to join
the Mantis Collection, including the Long Beach, the Constantia, the Franschhoek and the Bishops‚ Court. Rates at St. James include a full gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner, all beverages including premium spirits and bespoke wines, in-room mini-bar fridges; internet and e-mail access, secretarial services; 24 hour security; and personalized concierge services.

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Spa Takes Luxurious Villas to the Sky

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Spa recently opened two luxury rooftop villas with exclusive accommodations not found anywhere else in Cape Town. The elegant two and three-bedroom penthouse villas are located on the 9th floor and provide stunning 270-degree mountain and ocean views.

Both two-story villas include en-suite bedrooms, chic designer furniture, a 24-hour personal butler and large spacious living and dining areas. Complete with water features and a barbeque area, the gorgeous private pool and terrace overlook the Atlantic Ocean and V&A waterfront, making it the optimal selection for discerning travelers that seek seclusion, stunning surroundings and impeccable service.

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of Cape Town and offers high-end luxury accommodations, services and cuisine. For more information please visit www.caperoyale.co.za or contact Gabriella Ribeiro Truman at +1 561 452 4915 or email info@trumarketing.com

Cape Town & Best of the Bush

Get a taste of South African history and experience its lush beauty with this tour of the Western Cape and Limpopo provinces. The jourey begins at Cape Town's Commodore Hotel, with its ideal location on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Get a glimpse of South Africa's past with a short ferry ride to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner during apartheid. Explore Cape Town during the day and watch it come alive at night before heading to Johannesburg for an overnight stay at the five-star Michelangelo Hotel, Travel to Jackaberry Lodge, located in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve for a safari adventure. In addition to the impressive Drakenberg Mountains, Jackalberry boasts a thrilling variety of bird and animal species. Enjoy an unforgettable African journey for a phenomenal price . . . .11 days, 8 nights from $2,999.

For full package details, call 1-888-722-4872 or check web site VisitSAonAA.com.

Three Days in South Africa's Wilderness

A Holistic Experience at Shamwari Where Conservation Comes First

No vehicles are allowed. No permanent structures or human interference is permitted. All trails require minimum impact camping. These are the requirements of an official wilderness area, according to the World Wilderness Congress. This conservation-oriented association has declared 7,500 acres of the Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa as Africa's first bona fide Wilderness Area. The acreage represents 16% of the reserve, and it adheres strictly to the internationally accepted wilderness ethic.

Shamwari, known for its extraordinary conservation program, offers guests who desire a wilderness experience a backpacking journey in the Wilderness Area for three days and two nights, accompanied by a qualified trails guide. This is a holistic nature experience that will not be easily forgotten. With the serenity and beauty of nature all around, participants are able to understand the inter-connectedness of all things including humans, animals and plants and the sacredness of the life that supports it. The trail is conducted at a leisurely pace for a minimum of four adults and a maximum of eight on weekends. To be qualified, a participant must be at least 16 years of age. If over 60, a medical certificate is needed to approve this activity.

Each guest carries a backpack with personal items, which weigh approximately 30 lbs. Camping is kept simple in an open bush. Guests help set up and break down camp, collect wood and drinking water, assist with meal preparation, and participate at night for watch duty around the campfire. Camps are broken up every day in order to minimize the impact on vegetation in one area.  Shamwari provides back packs, sleeping bags, catering equipment and trail food while participants bring a minimum amount of clothing for the three days. No alcohol, drugs, cellular phones, radios, deodorants or extra food are allowed. Cameras, binoculars, notebook and pencil, and flashlights are allowed. 

The rate for the Wilderness Trail ranges from $85 to $140 per person per night sharing, depending upon the season. It includes general camping equipment and meals.

For reservations or information, email reservations@shamwari.com or check web site www.shamwari.com 

Steenberg Hotel and Winery

The Steenberg Hotel and Winery, one of South Africa's most elegant and historic properties, has enhanced their look with some new upgrades. Included are new flat screen plasma screens in the suites, along with updating the suites to a more modern and understated décor. Guests who eat at Catharina's -- Steenberg's five-star restaurant-- will now have a bird's eye view of award-winning chef Garth Almazan as he creates his dishes, via a framed glass window. The hotel's gardens include the addition of contemporary sculptures by Eduardo Villa, one of the country's leading abstract sculptors. Graham Beck, owner of the Steenberg Hotel, has contributed a large collection of art that creates a bold contrast between the lush evergreen landscapes of the winery and the bright colors of the sculptures.
Guests no longer have to fear a possible power outage which is common in South Africa's countryside, because general manager Gaby Gramm, has purchased a 400 kw Volvo Penta Diesel engine generator that's sure to keep everyone in the light!
Meetings and conferences are held here, and guests can take advantage of a Wi-Fi System that was recently installed, and which is available in all public places of the hotel, including Catharin's Restaurant.

For more information on the Steenberg Hotel and Winery, call 27-21-713-2222, contact web site www.steenberghotel.com; or email to info@steenberghotel.com.

The Heritage Suites at Steenberg Hotel

Steenberg Hotel & Winery has added a new distinction to its fascinating history -- introducing three extraordinary suites that celebrate its National Monument status. Blending period antiques with sophisticated technology, the suites exceed the expectations of even the most seasoned travelers.

Gaby Gramm, general manager of the Steenberg, said: "We find that discerning travelers are asking more often for facilities that are a home away from home. So rather than expanding in number of suites, we felt we would serve our market better by having fewer suites that are more luxurious, spacious, and private."

Among the original buildings of the Steenberg, established in 1682, is the Jonkershuis which had contained nine suites. Most of the Cape estates had these "young man houses." The suites have been combined to create three extra-large Heritage Suites - the Cape Colonial, the Khoi Khoi, and the Dutch East India Suite.

The one-bedroom duplex Cape Colonial Suite covers 1,786 sq. ft and will be designed in a traditional Cape Dutch style. The two-bedroom duplex Khoi Khoi Suite covers 1,753 sq. ft. and will contain artifacts and original illustrations depicting the Khoi-Khoi tribe‚s marvelous animal paintings found on rocks and cave walls throughout South Africa. The one bedroom duplex, 1,248 sq. ft. Dutch East India Suite celebrates the diverse cultural roots that developed into the Cape Town of today.

Each of the Suites will offer the following: butler service, in-room complimentary refreshment bar, complimentary laundry service, complimentary wi-fi and internet service, and an audio entertainment system. There will be working fireplaces for nippy Cape nights, big thirsty bathrobes, indulgent sleeping on Egyptian cotton sheets and a soft duvet, flat screen TV in bedroom, I-pod station, large work desk, extra-length King-Size beds, professional hair-dryer, original art work, separate bedroom, living room and dining room. The bathrooms hold a walk-in shower, large separate tub, mini TV and mist-free mirrors. All Heritage Suites feature an entrance lobby and underfloor heating throughout.

The rate for the Cape Colonial Suite is $1,780* per night, two persons sharing. The Khoi Khoi Suite is $1,500* per night, two persons sharing, and the Dutch East India Suite is $1,070* per night, two persons sharing.

Because the Steenberg is a National Monument, no alterations may be made to the original Jonkershuis. During alterations, an original brick wall was uncovered, proving the building was built mid 18th century.

For more information about the new Heritage Suites at the Steenberg, visit the web site www.steenberghotel.com/ E-mail is info@steenberghotel.com and the telephone is 011-27-21-713-2251.

* Based on the exchange rate between the US dollar and the South African Rand

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) Makes A Difference With Web Site

Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa), Africa's leading ecotourism safari company, launched a new web site -- www.responsiblesafaris.com this week. The web site highlights CC Africa's ecotourism practices in both the African communities surrounding CC Africa' s lodges and the reserves in which they are located.

The site provides information on: the Africa Foundation, involved in educational, health, water provision and rural development projects; the ongoing protection and expansion of green frontiers throughout South, Southern and East Africa; CC Africa's Positive Health program "a unique initiative launched to encourage positive action in dealing with current health challenges."

The ultimate goal is to include other like-minded ecotourism operators who realise that the long-term success of conservation is only possible with the support of the local communities, and it is therefore crucial that they benefit from tourism in a meaningful and sustainable way. As South Africa's iconic past president, Nelson Mandela, said "ultimately conservation is about people."

CC Africa owns and operates more than 40 exceptional safari lodges and camps in the wilderness highspots of South, Southern and East Africa, Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, Zululand, Great Fish River, Madikwe Game Reserve, Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Okavango Delta, Namib Desert, Victoria Falls and Zanzibar. CC Africa employs 2,500 people, the majority coming from rural communities where they support an average of 10 family members each. CC Africa also operates Walking and Specialist Safaris, and Africa Under Canvas (luxury camping safaris), as well as customized travel services in 14 African countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar.

To learn more about CC Africa, check web site www.responsiblesafaris.com or www.ccafrica.com>www.ccafrica.com

Lodge Open in South Africa's Kwandwe Private Game Reserve

Melton Manor, Conservation Corporation Africa's (CC Africa's) newest addition to the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve opened in April 2007. This is a contemporary, exclusive-use lodge, available for rental only to groups or families. Melton Manor is presently under construction on the site of the original Melton Manor homestead.

After the success of Kwandwe's other exclusive-use lodge, the Uplands Homestead, Melton Manor is expected to be a major hit. Overlooking the Great Fish River and surrounding forests, the lodge will feature four ensuite bedrooms, innovative 'butler hatches' for discreet room service, interactive kitchens, striking photography, comfortable furnishings and traditional Nguni rugs. A large swimming pool and central courtyard are in the works and will provide plenty of activities for families.

Kwandwe, which means 'Place of the Blue Crane' in Xhosa, is a member of Relais & Chateaux. The camp, located in South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape, is currently home to three luxury safari lodges. Kwandwe is built on 62,000 acres of former farmland that was restored and restocked with wildlife, evidence of CC Africa's commitment to conservation. As a result, today thousands of animals such as cheetah, lion and elephant are in abundance.

CC Africa owns and operates more than 40 safari lodges and camps throughout Southern and East Africa, and is now branching out to India in cooperation with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. As Africa's leading Ecotourism Company, it is dedicated to conserving the surrounding wildlife of its properties and contributing to the local communities, while simultaneously creating a memorable experience for travelers.

For more information about CC Africa, check web site www.ccafrica.com.

Pezula Launches Maruwa Signature Spa Therapy Range From Indigenous South African Fynbos

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is launching its own Spa Therapy Range: the Maruwa Collection. The Shona word for "flowers,"the Maruwa Collection contains extracts from the indigenous Fynbos bushes that grow solely on South Africa's Eastern Cape.

Fynbos bushes make up the smallest "and richest" of the world's six floral kingdoms. The Cape Floral Kingdom is also the only one that falls within the boundaries of one country. Home to more species of plants than the entire British Isles or New Zealand, 70% of them do not occur anywhere else on the planet.

The Maruwa Collection, developed by South African Lisa Smit from L.S. Enterprises, includes body oils, aromatherapy oils, Shea body butters, exfoliators, lotions, body washes, mud packs and burner oils. Smit‚s idea was to create an exclusive African range for the Pezula Spa that would reflect the Fynbos of the surrounding area and could be used in treatments to exfoliate, detox, relax, replenish and hydrate.

"The range was developed and manufactured locally to extremely high standards. I love it because it is uniquely African draws inspiration from the sea, the forests and the Fynbos which are synonymous with Pezula. The products have a fresh forest smell and velvety textures," explains Smit.

The Maruwa collection is used in Pezula's signature spa treatments such as the Matombo Massage Treatment, a complete body exfoliation using Fynbos body salts to eliminate dead surface cells and impurities. The Maruwa collection is also featured in each guest suite and is available in the retail section of the spa.

About Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa:

Nestled on South Africa's lush eastern shore, straddling the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is home 78 luxury suites designed in African style, private homes and private residence club, the most luxurious spa on the continent, delicious cuisine, superb wines, a private jet and helicopter and a sport facility unlike any other.

For more information check web site www.pezularesorthotel.com

What's New? Plenty

Newest Member of Bush and Beyond – Lentorre Lodge

Bush and Beyond are pleased to announce the availability of their brand new property, Lentorre Lodge. Located among the foothills of the Nguruman Escarpment, in the heart of the South Rift Valley, lies one of Kenya's most picturesque getaways. The property is large and very accommodating, however it really is the magnificent views that sets this place apart from the rest. You will sit high above the untouched Kenyan wilderness, able to see for miles into the beautiful distance. This, along with many different activities, including game drives and canoeing will allow the traveler to a once-in-a-lifetime stay.

For more information please contact the Kenya Tourism Board at 310-649-7718.

New Luxury Camp Opens in the Mara

Located in Aitong Plains in Lemek Conservancy, Losokwan Camp recently opened on the edge of the famous Maasai Mara game reserve. Ideal for guests seeking a true wilderness experience with a luxurious touch, Losokwan Camp features six spacious safari tents, equipped with en-suite bathrooms and other amenities. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, village visits, and hot air ballooning. Rates begin at $440 USD per person per night including park fees during the low season.

For more information please contact the Kenya Tourism Board at 310-649-7718

Mahali Mzuri and Mara Toto Camps

Kenya is home to two new camps, Mahali Mzuri and Mara Toto Camp, who have been named in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s exclusive “It List,” which honors the best new hotels around the world. Each year, Travel + Leisure editors sift through hundreds of new hotels around the globe to select the top 70 properties for their annual list.

Mahali Mzuri is Richard Branson’s first property in Kenya. Located in the Mara in the Motorogi Conservancy, the camp features 12 luxury tented suites overlooking sweeping plains. Also located in the Mara, Mara Toto Camp is the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and intimacy. Featuring five custom-designed tents and a range of exclusive activities for guests, it’s clear why the camp made the “It List.”

Saruni Samburu

Located in the heart of the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, about 4.5 miles from the border of Samburu National Park and surrounded by 240,000 acres of private wildlife conservancy, Saruni Samburu offers guests the ideal relaxing environment. The lodge features six beautifully designed villas, a lounge, dining room, and large swimming pool overlooking an elephant watering hole. On-site, guests can enjoy game drives, bush lunches, sundowners, bird watching and more. The lodge is also renowned for its personalized and exclusive service offered to guests.  

Water for Elephants

There's an elephant bonanza in Mathews Mountain Range. A juvenile elephant was seen taking a morning dip in the Ngeng River of the expansive forest. Splishing and splashing about, legs pawing the air, he blissfully ignored the safari-goers nearby. Guests of Kitich Camp were delighted to capture the moment during their walking safari and shared their playful sighting

Attention Running Enthusiasts!

Looking for the training experience of a lifetime? Kenya's high-altitude training camps in the Great Rift Valley and Central Kenya are fertile ground for developing world-class athletes and are perfect for running clubs, school track teams, and small groups of active adventurers. Frequented by renowned Kenyan athletes and Olympians, these camps also attract runners from across the world, to discover the source of Kenya's athletic prowess.

This sample trip from Junction Africa includes four days training at the High Altitude Training Center located in the Kenya highlands, with a six-night safari to two of Kenya's most popular game parks; Amboseli and the Masai Mara. Package starts from $4955 per person from New York and includes international air. Contact Junction Africa for more information at 877-659-4653 or visit their website  

New Safarilink Flights: Mara and Laikipia

Safarilink announced two new flights: the long-awaited reverse service from the Maasai Mara to Laikipia and an afternoon service from Laikipia to Wilson. These two new services will operate from three airstrips in the Maasai Mara to Nanyuki, Samburu, Loisaba and Lewa Downs. For details on pricing and to book your next flight visit www.flysafarilink.com

Schedule at time of posting:
Masai Mara - Laikipia: Depart 2:00 p.m. - Arrive 3:45 p.m.
Laikipia - Wilson: Depart 3:45 p.m. - Arrive 5:15 p.m.

Kichwa Tembo's Luxury Bateleur Camp Expands

Conservation Corporation Africa's (CC Africa's) award-winning Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo has expanded to include a second exclusive and intimate luxury tented camp. The new camp features nine tented suites and are totally self-contained with separate access and guest areas. The first three tented suites and guest areas opened on December 7, and the remaining six opened January 15, 2007.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo was designed by Chris Browne, the Creative Director responsible for all CC Africa's luxury lodges. The camp's tented suites evoke the classic safaris of the 20s and 30s. Each is serviced by a personal butler and equipped with a private deck overlooking the sweeping Masai Mara plains, and ensuite bathrooms with glass-walled showers. Relaxing guest areas are adorned with antique African adornments.

The epitome of tented luxury, the accommodation at Bateleur Camp is certainly noteworthy (mentioned in the 2004 and 2006 Condé Nast Traveler‚s Gold List), but it is the surrounding natural environment that is the main attraction. The camp overlooks the massive Masai Mara plains, where lion, elephant and giraffe roam freely. During the Great Migration guests can witness the passing throngs of animals, including zebra and wildebeest. Though not completely predictable, this annual phenomenon takes place in the Masai Mara from approximately June to October. Wildlife can be viewed up close on open-vehicle game drives each morning and evening, and guided bush walks led by experienced Maasai naturalists are also available.

Kichwa Tembo's Tented Camp has added twelve new Hemingway-style tents which are considerably more spacious, with ensuite bathrooms featuring showers and private w.c. A huge new infinity pool with breathtaking views has also been added the only place in the Mara to watch the migration whilst cooling off!

Meaning head of the elephant in KiSwahili, Kichwa Tembo is located on a private concession leased from Maasai landlords in the exclusive western Mara, demonstrating CC Africa's ongoing commitment to sustainable ecotourism.

CC Africa owns and operates more than 40 safari lodges and camps throughout Southern and East Africa, and is now branching out to India in cooperation with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. As Africa's leading ecotourism company, it provides travelers with a memorable experience while simultaneously contributing to the nearby communities and biodiversity conservation.

For more information about CC Africa, check web site www.ccafrica.com.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa

Are you a mom-to-be? If so, the Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Knysna, South Africa, offers an idyllic setting in which mothers-to-be can enjoy a luxurious massage, and to learn about the benefits and techniques of baby massage. Pezula's experienced spa professionals conduct regular workshops on infant massage. A favorite among local and visitors alike, the mother- to-be package (700 Rand - about $120) includes:

Mother-to-be Bliss massage
Deluxe Pedicure
Infant baby massage workshop

The 45 minute massage uses specifically selected oils and a gentle light pressured massage for expectant mothers, designed both to relax and maintain suppleness.

The infant baby massage workshop can involve the father-to-be as well; the therapist demonstrates baby massage movements to the expecting parents, who also receive a step by step pack with the procedure.

What's the hotel and spa like? Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa - considered Africa's most luxurious resort - is the ideal place to take it easy, be romantic, get in touch with nature, eat healthy organic food, pampering, light exercise (swimming, walking, bird watching, canoeing, and drinking non-alcoholic daiquiris by the pool.

For more information or reservations, call: +27 (0)44 302 3410; FAX: +27 (0)44 302 3413; or e-mail to reservations@pezula.com

MAURITIUS

SOUTH AFRICA

Singita Announces the Reimagined Singita Boulders Lodge

Seventeen years after opening, Singita Boulders Lodge in the Sabi Sand has been reinvented to reveal its essential character. Located on the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, the original inspiration for the lodge came from the geometry of these ancient, weathered boulders and the natural curve of the riverbed. This time around, designers Cécile & Boyd and architect Sally Tsiliyiannis of GAPP Architects & Urban Designers have taken further cues from nature, incorporating the colors, textures and elements of the surrounding landscape.

The 12 privately spaced suites, two of which are designed exclusively for families, blending sensual Africa with high design to instill a sense of tranquility and ease guests into the rhythm of safari life. The very soul of Singita Boulders Lodge has been fine-tuned and stripped back down to the basics, freeing up guests to experience and explore nature like never before.

Guest areas have been brought closer to the river, allowing full engagement below the ebony and weeping boer bean trees. Open to the elements or separated from the outdoors by glass walls, the lodge provides a continuous connection with the prolific wildlife and birdlife that are found within the Sabi Sand. Cleverly designed communal spaces, such as the new sociable Copper Bar serving freshly pressed fruit juices, espressos and cocktails, provide more opportunities for guests to connect with their surroundings and with each other.

The new outdoor dining pavilion provides one of the most spectacular vantage points above the Sand River. Raw timber decks of varying sizes are suspended above the ground, creating intimate spaces for private dining and relaxation close to the pool. Light comes from clusters of nest-shaped woven lampshades, a central fireplace creates an inviting, focal point and cascading water adds a reflective, cooling quality.

Throughout the lodge, pared-down interiors in a palette of charcoal, chalk, bone, rust, copper and ochre bring out the original colors of Singita Boulders, and reflect the four elements of earth, fire, air and water. Dramatic sculptural shapes, abstract art, and carefully curated from nature and other found objects show a deeper connection with the wild and creating a sense that everything has been derived from the earth. Rustic and worn furnishings include iconic pieces fashioned from fossilized tree stumps, slabs of solid stone, artisanal wrought iron and leather, each element designed to reveal its intrinsic beauty.

ABOUT SINGITA

In an age where the accelerating destruction of pristine wilderness is beyond repair, Singita is making a profound difference in many parts of Africa. Orchestrating an interdependent relationship between communities, wildlife and tourism that ensures true sustainability, Singita is blazing a trail which is seldom achieved on this scale anywhere else on the continent.

Focused on eco-conscious hospitality, sustainable conservation and evolving local communities, Singita's vision is to share a unique part of the world while respecting the natural environment and challenging today's notion of luxury. Recognized internationally for providing the best safari experience in Africa, Singita includes 12 iconic, low-impact, luxury lodges and camps in five African destinations: Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand in South Africa, Grumeti Reserves and Lamai in Tanzania and Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe.

Inquiries and reservations can be made through Singita, Tel: +27 21 683 3424,
Email: enquiries@singita.com, or web site www.singita.com

Canadian Winemaker Norman Hardie Leads Epicurean Journey to South African Homeland

Epic wilderness, distinctly South African food and drink, and inspiring cultures unite during the new 12-day tour. For the first time ever one of Canada’s most celebrated winemakers, Norman Hardie, will lead an exclusive food and wine journey through his South African homeland, this coming March. Epicurean South Africa with Norman Hardie is a brand new, gourmet experience curated by Quench Trip Design, Toronto’s most discerning destination experts, specializing in tailor-made travel. Over twelve-days, South African-born Hardie will lead his travelling gourmand and wine loving guests away from the tourist trail to explore his favourite wineries and eateries, from a winemaker’s perspective.

Hardie’s welcoming friends and pioneering colleagues – who happen to be the country’s best winemakers – will open their cellars to Quench guests, allowing them access to explore the many layers of the wine industry, like no other. For example, along the Swartland Wine Route, travellers are treated to a special tasting of winemaker Christa von la Chevallerie’s exquisite sparkling, Filia. Travellers will experience both boutique family producers like AA Badenhorst Family Wines and famous estates including Klein Constantia.

As much a celebration of food as wine, travellers will eat in South Africa’s top restaurants, like The Greenhouse, featuring Peter Tempelhoff, Cape Town’s first Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef, and The Foodbarn, headed up by Chef Franck Dangereux. Sample regional dishes like Perlemoen Sosatie, the South African name for an abalone, prepared on a skewer, and Kabeljou, a succulent local fish. In De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of Hardie’s favourite spots in the South African wilderness, travellers will dine around a traditional African starlit boma. De Hoop is a magnificent coastal reserve featuring deserted beaches, interesting rock pools, beautiful fynbos (uniquely diverse shrublands), a wetland with more than 200 bird species, and a number of small game. It also offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.

The journey has been crafted with a mix of seaside cottages, historic luxury retreats and family-run farm stays, all distinctly South African. Guests will also have time to explore South Africa’s dramatic scenery from Cape Town, the rugged Western Cape and Cape Winelands rolling farmlands, Chapman’s Peak and the Cape of Good Hope.
Epicurean South Africa with Norman Hardie is the newest addition to the 2016 Exclusively Quench collection, a series of fully-guided, small-group journeys hosted by some of Canada's most talented artists & winemakers and creative Quench guides. This is Hardie’s first trip with Quench Trip Design.

Rates are $6,975 CAD, based on double occupancy, and include:

11 nights’ accommodation in luxury boutique hotels including breakfast, 4 dinners and 7 lunches with wine and tips included
Guided half-day tour in Cape Town
Full-day driving tour of Chapman’s Peak and Cape of Good Hope
Wine tastings at hand-picked wine estates in Constantia, Walker Bay, Cape Winelands, Swartland, and Elgin Valley, as noted in the itinerary
The expert guidance of trip host Norman Hardie
A full-time dedicated Quench Guide
Luxury group vehicle and driver throughout the trip
Return airport transfer to Cape Town International airport

For more information about Epicurean South Africa with Norman Hardie, visit quenchtravel.com or call (416) 366-2777.

About Norman Hardie

Norman Hardie is one of a select few winemakers who has mastered the art of tasting, growing and making wine in both hemispheres and in six wine regions around the world. In his early twenties he received his sommelier certification from the esteemed wine program at the University of Dijon in Burgundy and put his skills to work as a sommelier for Four Seasons Hotels for six years. His insatiable thirst to master the art of winemaking led him on a six-year journey apprenticing for the very best producers/winemakers of cool climate varieties in Burgundy, South Africa, Oregon, New Zealand and California. Located in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Norman Hardie Winery has established itself as one of Canada's premier wineries. It now has 25 acres of land under vine in Prince Edward County and continues to work with the most dedicated growers on some of the best sites in the Niagara Peninsula. His wines have received numerous accolades in both the local and international market

About Quench Trip Design

With 30 years experience roaming the world and a lifetime of travel stories, Quench is your global destination expert. Specializing in tailor-made travel programs for individuals, families and small groups, Quench turns dream trips into a reality. From private guides, boutique hoteliers, art historians, chefs, winemakers and more, Quench’s black book of personally cultivated relationships and local experiences covering the globe means that travellers get access to hidden gems and unique journeys that no travel agent or booking website could ever organize. The Exclusively Quench collection is a rotating series of fully-guided, small-group journeys curated by Quench and hosted by some of Canada's most talented artists & winemakers and creative guides. Their Quench Express itineraries offer travellers a diverse selection of predesigned journeys that are no less carefully conceived and are every bit as inspiring as their individually tailored trips. For more information, visit QuenchTravel.com

Little Garonga --- A Very Private Safari in the Heart of South Africa

Garonga Safari Camp, situated west of Kruger National Park, in South Africa's Northern Province, has just expanded and opened Little Garonga, an "exclusive use" camp encompassing the camp's current Hambleden Suite and two new suites – the Buckingham and Chiltern Suites.

The Hambleden Suite will now offer 2 luxury bedrooms with an adjoining room, ideal for children. A wooden pathway links the three suites which become a private lodge ideal for a family – 6 adults and 2 children, age 6 and older – or a group of friends who want a very private, exclusive safari experience. To feel even more pampered, Little Garonga comes complete with a private guide and vehicle for guest's exclusive use, as well as a personal chef – the food and wine are extraordinary – and a private host to choreograph each day.

Little Garonga boasts two private pools and the private camp is complete with centralized indoor and outdoor lounges, an elegantly-furnished dining area, a viewing deck for those stunning day and evening vistas, and a built in BBQ area near the pool that promises succulent meals and evenings packed with laughter and memories.

Wildlife adventures in the pristine wilderness abound at Little Garonga. The proximity to the Kruger National Park promises an in-depth experience for bush-lovers seeking more than the classic "Big Five" encounter. Guests will go on open vehicle game drives, guided bush walks, animal tracking excursions, and will be invited to "sleep-out" under the night sky and experience stargazing and the joys of bush dining.

Little Garonga prides itself on offering an unhurried and intimate wildlife encounter, a time to reflect and find inspiration in nature . There is something for everyone – close encounters with extraordinary wildlife, educational walks that both children and adults will delight in, soothing aromatherapy and reflexology sessions, sumptuous picnics in the bush, and even a lovely hammock to swing in while you eye ball a nearby grazing impala.

For More Information please contact Sandy Cunningham at Uncharted Outposts & Travel Company at andy@unchartedoutposts.com or check web site www.unchartedoutposts.com; phone Local: 505-795-7710 or Toll-free: 888-995-0909

SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA

Until a few months ago, Namibia was one of the world’s best kept secrets.  Now it has become a preferred tourism destination as travelers discover its wide open spaces, dramatic geography, pristine environment, cultural diversity, good service and an excellent infrastructure.  Abenteuer Afrika, the largest destination management company in Namibia, that orchestrated the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt ground arrangements on their recent stay, offers a number of tours for individuals and groups that showcase the very best of Namibia.  .

Owned and operated by Dianne Orban and Hilmar Tonnemacher, Namibian nationalists with a hospitality industry background, Abenteuer Afrika operates tours throughout the country.  That includes the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world; Sossusvlei with the highest sand dunes in the world; Etosha National Park, one of the largest game parks in Africa, the Skeleton Coast with its tempestuous coastline; Windhoek, the capital city full of cultural and historical attractions; and much more. Their specialty is to customize a Namibia journey to the client’s specifications.

Some examples of tours include: 

“Southern Delight,” a three day/two night air round trip charter to Sossusvlei.  Fly over spectacular landscapes and the Atlantic coastline to the Sossusvlei Lodge, a luxurious desert resort for two nights.  Enjoy an early morning drive and picnic breakfast in the Sossusvlei exploring the dunes and the extraordinary life of the desert before returning to Swakopmund or Windhoek.  Rates for the package range from $775*, per person with two people traveling together, depending on the season.

“Fabulously Namibia” includes a seven day/six night fully inclusive experience.  The first stop on the charter flight is one night in the luxurious villas of Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, in the eerily beautiful Namib Desert.  The second night is spent at The Stiltz, a lodge built on stilts at the edge of the Swakop River mouth.  The following two nights are at the Okonjima Lodge in African-style chalets.  The lodge is in a reserve run by the AfriCat Foundation so there is the possibility of  tracking leopards and cheetahs.  The final stop is Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier wildlife area where you will stay for two nights at Ongava Lodge, luxurious chalets at the edge of the park and overlooking a very busy water hole, where wildlife comes to drink.  The final day, you return to Windhoek by your chartered flight.  All inclusive rates (including the charter) range from $4,450*, per person with two people traveling together, depending on the season.

The “Desert Express Rail Experience & Coastal Thrills” is a train journey like no other.  The Desert Express departs in the early afternoon in Windhoek.  Later, the train stops at a private reserve while passengers go on a game drive.  A gourmet dinner is served on board as the train moves during the night into the desert and stops at a quiet siding overnight.  Awakening in the morning, travelers see the desert at its best – as a mystical place.  The next stop on the train is Swakopmund, a charming town with a number of activities. 

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