ShortSafaris

18/09/2024

And now you might understand why Cooclub won the design award, best hotel in south Africa. One of the most calming and soul nurturing areas in the world. We like to call it soul safaris. And on a stone throw from Capetown. Pm us for reservations and information.

02/12/2021

Now the second One&Only resort in beautiful Rwanda is open. Cushioned in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano Range, wrapped in fragrant Eucalyptus forest, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest makes the magical possible as you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime personal encounter with rare and majestic mountain gorillas, roaming free in their own natural habitat. With exceptional dining and selected beverages included in your stay, plus two signature resort experiences daily, prepare to feel immersed in the rare magic of Virunga.

Guests will receive a traditional Rwandan welcome as vibrant drummers can be heard as they drive through the large wooden gates along the local volcanic stone pathway, revealing the dramatic Eucalyptus forest ahead. A signature rose welcome drink from the resort’s rose garden, or locally produced coffee can be enjoyed from the Main Lodge where fireplaces burn and local African artwork can be discovered, and is the place where everyone gathers after a long day of trekking.

Beautifully designed private sanctuaries seamlessly blend with the location and offer an intimate collection of 21 jungle-chic havens. Featuring 10 Forest King Lodges, four Two-Bedroom Forest Lodges, five Virunga Suites, one Ingagi and Silverback Suite, each space is designed to frame nature, and is surrounded by Eucalyptus trees and strategically positioned on stilts. Private decks and in-room fireplaces provide guests the opportunity to live amongst the endless landscape, inviting the outside in. Pm us for availability and bookings.

24/11/2021

It doesn't happen often - but it DOES happen.

An elephant was born right in the middle of Governors Il Moran Camp three nights ago! The Il Moran security book reports for the evening of 21/11/21:

"Everything went well during the night. The night was noisy and busy from 01:00 until early morning. The elephant gave birth next to tent number five and the rest of the herd made a lot of noise. They caused no problem apart from minor damage to some trees"

The first photo shows mother and baby elephant on the pathway between the tents at Il Moran in the morning. The other photos were taken by like governors guests whic means that the family crossed the Mara River just a couple of days later.

There were elephant births at Governors Camp and Little Governors Camp in the past, proving that you really are in the heart of the action when you choose any of these Mara camps!

03/11/2021

06/10/2021

And the winner is….
For all of the lodges who are in this list..well deserved!

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/kenya-top-resorts?fbclid=IwAR1TsY52GuaVUQtfEJ8Y21hOwFCc2mBziHWQHJUE2jN-UXZCkfkGMblJmpo

Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top resorts in South Africa. Click here for top resorts in the rest of Africa.

22/09/2021

The is not to be missed!

Today guides and guests witnessed one of the biggest crossings of the season so far. This river crossing went for over 45 minutes, with thousands of wildebeest surging across the Mara River back to Tanzania.

An incredible day in the Northern Serengeti.

04/06/2021

You might still think about going on safari this summer. And you are right. There was never a better time to go. Good deals, fantastic wildlife, even better food, service and experiences. Pm us for the best advice, accommodation and bookings.

25/05/2021

Imagine a giant weaver bird's nest: a luxurious bubble, shaded in the branches of a fig tree overlooking an expanse of green plains.You're in your room at Chisa Bushcamp, overlooking the floodplains and watery dambos of Kafue's Busanga Plains. Built in a great location, on a small tree-island close to the centre of the Busanga Plains, Chisa is small, smart and innovative - both in its design and your activities.

The name of the camp comes from its unique architecture, and consists of 4 amazing tree houses built in the shape of birds-nests, that look out over the massive floodplains and dambos, teeming with wildlife and birds.
The Busanga Plains are a hidden gem of Kafue, with a high abundance of antelopes, birds and predators. It is truly one of the most unique wilderness areas Africa has to offer. Watch elephants walking steadily in the early morning mist at sunrise, or a herd of lechwe jumping through the various steams and floodplains.
Chisa Busanga offers both morning and afternoon game drives, along with walking safaris. In addition, the camp features an electric game-drive vehicle, to enable silent safaris. Experience even more game and enjoy the sounds of the bush, without the constant rumble of a diesel-engine.
Each tree house/nest offers complete privacy and a birds-eye view of the plains, both from inside the bedroom and outside on the observation deck.
One tent has a lift and is conveniently located near the main building for those who that don’t have full mobility.
The camps main area has a boma with a plunge pool where you can cool down and relax during the heat of the day.
As the floodplains are mostly inaccessible during the summer, when the rains turn the plains into a massive lake, Chisa Busanga Camp will only be open from June to November each year. Pm us for bookings and info.

19/05/2021

It's hard not to be seduced by the charm of Bilimungwe.
Here, the traditions of the African bushcamp meet elegance and style to create a stunning camp that feels like it has grown organically out of the surrounding landscape. Set beneath a huge mahogany tree, the heart of Bilimungwe is the cool, shady lounge area that looks out over one of the camps three waterholes. Settle down in a cosy armchair with a sundowner and relax as you watch an enviable display of spectacular birds and animals that clearly feel as comfortable here as you do. With the open waters of the Luangwa River also on your doorstep and a nearby plain where leopard prowl, it's clear that this is a nature-lovers paradise, and with Manda Chisanga - Bilimungwe's award-winning resident guide - to lead you, you could not be in better hands.
Pm us for more information and bookings

19/01/2021

You wanting see soemthing new, something classy but funky? There is a new place to stay in Capetown. Nestled in the vibrant city centre surrounded by the cobbled historical area of Church Square, LABOTESSA immerses itself in the elements of the area.

La botessa is the culmination of a love for art, history, luxury, design and uncomplicated sophistication. All Suites represent a fusion between state-of-the-art technology and historical design.

We personally live the area where the hotel is situated, the small, yet significant area of Church Square lies on the corner of Parliament and Spin streets – just south-west of St George’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, Slave Lodge and the Company Gardens – surrounded by an array of architecturally impressive buildings.
When you can start travelling again, this might be your next place to stay when going to Cape Town. Pm us for very good rates.

27/11/2020

Great news from Uganda. A Gorilla permit has reduced to 400$ from 700$ from 1st Dec until March 2021. For the East African community it’s as cheap as 40$.
Let’s go!

30/09/2020

Many of you who have travelled with us in the past start to ask where and when to go next. Look at this image. Isn’t it the most amazing thing to do: watch your favorite movie in your favorite surrounding? Let us organize this for you and make your next holiday unforgettable. Pm us for more information.

18/07/2020

Alfajiri Villas on the Kenyan coast is more than a gem. Its a lodge that cannot be compared to anything else. It’s a collection of villas that can be rented out by couples, families or a group of fiends - connaisseurs of the good life. Have a look and then you know why this should be on your bucketlist for when Kenya opens up again. Pm for more info, specials and bookings.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S8ltuPBUApM

Alfajiri Villas is renowned as Kenya’s most exclusive beach retreat and is wildly lavish, opulent and individual. A complete one off, there is no comparable ...

17/07/2020

One of our oll time favorite lodges is Ol Jogi, Kenya. This masterpiece is the top of service, conservation, wildlife and food. Have a look and let us know when you want to stay here.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MWKDJIQkJ3k&feature=youtu.be

Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy, is a 58,000 acre conservancy located in Laikipia, Kenya. Our core mission is the preservation of nature and wildlife. We repres...

10/06/2020

The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa river runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds.

Designed by Neil Rocher this impressive private house sits gracefully on the edge of a lagoon system frequented by large herds of elephants, impalas, giraffes and countless other species which use the lagoon as a source of water and food throughout the year. All of which is magnificently set off by the back drop of the Chindeni Hills. During the dry season lunch can be had on the raised deck surrounded by up to 80 elephants splashing around and enjoying the cool water.

Luangwa House has been designed to assault the senses from the minute you arrive, a strong castle like structure looms up in front of you, then and as you enter through the enormous pivoting door, light and grace as the entire front of the house is open to wilderness. The four double rooms each subtly but differently decorated to mimic the elements – water, earth, wind and fire encompass the feeling of bringing nature into the house.

This magnificent private house is the ultimate in luxury and the perfect getaway for families (children over seven) or groups of friends seeking an indulgent and private break.

Pm us for information on

22/05/2020

As we like to highlight amazing places in africa and we have another for you. Shiwa Ngandu. An English estate with an incredible history. And..if you take a Zambiaan roadtrip, you can spend am incredible time there. Sir Stewart’s eldest daughter Lorna and her husband John Harvey took over and ran the ailing estate in 1955 until their untimely death in 1992. Lack of funding and difficult country economics saw Shiwa fall almost beyond repair until 1999 when Sir Stewart’s eldest grandson, Charlie his wife Jo and two children Tom & Emma took it over and lovingly restored the farm and house to original grandeur. Today, the house, the library , estate and incredible archives are open for guests to visit.
Shiwa has four comfortable en-suite guest rooms, furnished with most of the original pieces from Gore Browne’s era creating a feeling of by gone times. Simple hardwood fittings with unique paintings and photographs decorate the walls and each one provides a story and memory to be recounted to inquisitive guests during afternoon tea or sundowners on the lake shore.

Meal times are an opportunity to sample the delicious farm produce and sit at the original dining room table that Shiwa Manor House Gore-Browne frequented in full dress whilst entertaining various dignitaries, from Zambian President’s, European Royalty and friends from around the world. At Shiwa House you are guaranteed a warm welcome from the Harvey’s who pride themselves on imparting their knowledge of history and stories surrounding Shiwa and Zambia.

20/05/2020

Whale season in Mozambique is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to plan for 2021! Nuarro lodge is a great destination for whale watching with their enviable position near the continental shelf. Also superb diving on offer in an off the beaten track eco friendly location.

16/05/2020

One of the world’s darkest night skies exists within the Namib Rand Nature Reserve. Here is no light pollution, and the flat expanse of the landscape allows an unblocked view of the Milky Way that seems to shine brighter than ever.

The perfect way to experience this stellar attraction? Up on the open-air starbed at Le Mirage Resort & Spa.
Pm us for more information.