Rare Encounters

06/06/2023

2 months ago, I was both surprised and excited to be in the 5 shortlisted travel agents for the 'Intrepid Sustainable Travel Champion of the Year' award by TTG but here we are now, and I have been shortlisted for another award!
This time, I am in the top 3 finalists for the 'Sustainability achievement of the year (small agencies)' category of the Agent achievement award 2023! 🎉

If I had to summarise what sustainability means to me in two words, it would be: THINK & CARE. Then I believe that a lot of choices with positive and long lasting impacts would naturally be made. And it can be applied to everything we do in life, certainly to our jobs, habits, relationships... 💚

I am so grateful once again and hope to continue this dream job alongside my charity for a very long time, surrounded by the beautiful people, nature and wildlife here in South Africa. 🦒

16/05/2023

🐾 Sustainability and African safari can really go hand in hand without you even realising it! This is because in Africa, you can find the most beautiful and elegant lodges giving you a 5 star service, while a lot of work is going towards preserving the environment, the wildlife and its local communities. Like the stunning Thornybush Game Lodge, located in the Big 5 private reserve that shares a fences border with the Kruger National Park.

💚 The lodge had a recent facelift giving it a fresh look and classic safari charm. 16 luxurious suites fan out from the main area with riverbed views offering all the comfort you expect from a 5 star luxury lodge. Kamara House, the new luxury safari villa is perfect for families and small groups who want an exclusive-use option. Kamara House, the new Spa and Gym open in May 2023.

🌿 Their sustainable actions are really to applaud: solar panels, which powers the lodge during the day, plastic free zone, the ‘ Thousand Herbs and Vegetable Garden’ community project, which oversees the growth, supply and distribution of fresh vegetables and herbs to surrounding communities and luxury safari lodges in the Greater Kruger area, and the ‘Kids in Conservation’ project, where local children can achieve their Scouts conservation badges.

💛 If you feel inspired by the photos and information, contact me to include Thornybush Game Lodge in your South African itinerary. (Link in bio)

Source and photos credit: https://www.thornybush.com/lodge/thornybush-game-lodge/

03/04/2023

I am really honoured to be in the top 5 agencies that have been shortlisted for the Intrepid Sustainable Travel Champion of the Year award by TTG! 💚

So much can be done to minimise our impact on the planet from the way we choose to fly, the accommodations we stay at to respecting the environment, but also to optimise it by supporting local communities (school, education, job), wildlife conservation and everything related to contributing to the sustainability of the home country we visit. 🌍

Wish me luck but one thing is sure, whatever the outcome, I'm overwhelmed by this news and grateful for my amazing clients past, present and future 🌿

Geraldine x

06/02/2023

Here's a funny thing... I've been living in South Africa for nearly 5 months now and I still haven't see wild dogs in the Kruger National Park.

They are difficult to see for sure, but I hear about them being spotted often enough in an area I usually drive around every week, and worst: I even hear about people who just saw them - no later than yesterday!-, but I always miss them. No problem I tell myself, my time will come... I can't complain as I have incredible sightings and feel very blessed to be here. I find the wild dogs fascinating, stunning and yet, not really on the top of 'want to see' animals in the wild.

Did you know that they are only about 6,600 individuals, or 700 breeding pairs in Africa, primarily threatened by habitat fragmentation. African wild dogs are the second most endangered carnivore in Africa after the Ethiopian wolf.

What's the animal you always want to see in the wild?

01/02/2023

Just added new packages for 2023, I love them all! Check on www.rareencounters.co.uk.
There are safaris only and safari/beach combo, a couple special for future honeymooners in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana.

Of course, you can ask for other dates or may want to change some parts of the itinerary, I usually do tailor made safari as each of you have your own wishes and expectations and I thrive to make it exactly what you want, and more if possible.

Contact me for your next African holidays now: [email protected]. Thank you

18/01/2023

They're arriving soon! Very excited for clients who are about to arrive to Kirurumu Serengeti South Camp in Tanzania, after a few days in one of my favourite camp in the Karatu area called Rhotia Tented Valley Lodge. Such a variety of activities are planned for them from cycling through villages, to bush walks, museum visits, game drives and more.

Kirurumu Serengeti South Camp is a luxury mobile camp, moved seasonally to take best advantage of the vast Serengeti. Right now, the seven tented camp then is located in the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area - it moves there from late December to the end of March when the wildebeests are carving around mid February to early March. The lakes over essential water brings the game in from the surrounding plains for excellent wildlife viewing. The area is also very good for lion, cheetah, and excellent plains game along with the migration.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the most requested destinations this month so far have been Tanzania and South Africa. Are you planning to go on an African safari this year?

Get in touch to discuss your wishes and expectations so I can tailor made the perfect itinerary for you.
Link in bio.

Geraldine x

15/05/2022

Kruger Shalati, opened in December 2020, arguably the worst year in recent history to open a hotel, but they are still here and welcoming guests!
The Train on the Bridge sits suspended over the Sabie River in the Kruger National Park.

Permanently stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River, the train celebrates where the first visits to the iconic park were allowed in the early 1920s and where the train would park overnight in the exact spot where Kruger Shalati is positioned.

Kruger Shalati is now permanently stationed on the historically-rich Selati Bridge above the Sabie River. It offers 31 rooms, consisting of 24 carriage rooms and 7 Bridge House rooms. The glass-walled, large train rooms allow for infinite views along the length of the majestic Sabie River while the style of the train is a celebration of African design in collaboration with local art and crafting skills. High above the riverbanks, aligned with the floor level of the train, lies a bespoke deck with pool, offering a swimming experience unlike any other – with crocodile, hippos, buffalos and elephants greeting guests meters below – a vista unlike any other!

Kruger Shalati has been featured in many a Best-of lists by some of the prestigious lists.

Would you stay there?

Source: https://www.krugershalati.com/

11/05/2022

You may remember Super tusker elephant Tim who died 2 years ago in Amboseli National Park from natural cause at the age of 50 years old. You can see this impressive elephant if you scroll down…

On the 27th March 2022, another tusker called Ulysses died from what is believed to be natural cause aged 43 in the same National park.

The sad news don’t stop here and Tim’s uncle, the magnificent super tusker Tolstoy (photo), sadly passed six weeks after being treated for a spear wound in Amboseli ecosystem aged 51 on the 27th April 2022.

It is estimated that perhaps only 20 super tuskers remain alive today, spread between the Tsavo-Amboseli eco-system in South East Kenya. Very few populations still carry the genes for such huge tusks, and the individuals that do grow them are extremely vulnerable to poaching for their ivory.
A big tusker or super tusker is an elephant with tusks that weigh over 45kg each.

The Big Life Foundation protects over 1.6 million acres of wilderness in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem of East Africa.
We shall thank them and the Kenyan Wildlife Services for protecting these gentle giants, despite sadly sometimes them falling prey to human-conflicts, which is another issue address.

Photo credit: https://www.reddit.com/user/WildestSightings/

04/05/2022

I’ve just updated the website with new offers in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana including activities as varied as hiking, boat cruise, Rovos train experience, flying in Helicopter over the Victoria Falls, beach holidays, of course game drives, and more.

The photos of this post are from Camp Kuzuma, which is included in a Chobe & Victoria Falls itinerary, where you would do and see so much! This camp borders the Chobe National Park of Botswana and the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and has a huge concentration of wildlife, especially with 200 000 elephants that roam in this busy corridor. 🐘

Click on the link in bio to see all the latest offers on the website, and if you have any question, don’t hesitate to contact me!

Geraldine

28/04/2022

I'm so pleased to announce the Rare Encounters presentation video now online on Youtube!

This video was made in South Africa where I lived for 3 months earlier this year. I really hope that it will inspire to go on an African safari soon. Much more than a holiday, it is an experience that will touch your soul, amaze your eyes and leave indelible memories in your heart.

Let me know what you think and share widely!

Thank you very much,
Geraldine

Also available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/W4dNE2W-gzQ

Video content, edit and production made by Thomas Deschamps Photography: www.thomas-deschamps-photography.com

19/04/2022

I'm back from 3 months in South Africa and back from a week Kenya too... This is a short video of an experience I had, there will be more to follow...

Stuck in a river in the Masai Mara 😬. We were in leopards's territory and needed to cross a river, which we had done before with very steep road down and up, so this looked easy. But the back wheel got stuck on the big rock and the vehicle wouldnt move.
My guide Patrick was simply amazing at dealing with it with smiles and laughs, asking me if I was worried. I wasn't at all, no one second. But I felt so bad that I couldn't help more.
In the end, we stayed one hour there until help eventually came. I was just looking around for animals that could potentially be a problem. I'm glad that we didn't disturb them at all (at least that we can see) and we were soon on our way to drive in this incredible reserve.
Patrick told me that guides have a golden rule: to ALWAYS help someone stuck, always. It was so nice and humbling to experience this.

05/04/2022

New luxury lodge opening in the Masai Mara in 2023!

Marriott International announced on the 22nd March an agreement with Baraka Lodges LTD. to enter the safari segment in Africa.

Overlooking the famed banks of the River Talek and on the edge of the reserve, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge’s prime location will offer guests a distinctively elevated camp from which to discover the Masai Mara National Reserve, its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains. Plans for the new-build lodge feature 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, ideal for families, each with a private terrace overlooking the river. Shared spaces will include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and a large outdoor terrace with fire pits that will play host to traditional Masai dance performances in the evening.

Conservation of the land and its inhabitants will be at the heart of JW Marriott Masai Mara. The safari lodge aims to employ up to 50 locals from the Masai community, and will offer robust learning opportunities for guests looking to immersive themselves in the destination.

Will this be in your bucket list?

Source & Photo credits: Marriott International

03/04/2022

Kenya, I'm coming back! This time next week I will be on the flight to Nairobi as I'm going to spend a week on safari. It'll be short and sweet but without a doubt a trip of many wonders as Kenya always offers.

I will be going to Ol Pejeta conservancy, Lake Naivasha for a boat trip and a walking safari and of course, the unmissable Masai Mara.
I am aware that April is not a time I would normally recommend to clients as it is the rainy season, but I love experiencing all seasons so that I can talk from experience. Rain doesn't bother me when the wilderness is calling, the bush should look amazing and with my camera in hand, any weather gives an opportunity.

27/03/2022

I’m really looking forward to the 1st April for my stay at Simbavati River Lodge - no joke ;-)

This stunning lodge enjoys a unique setting on the banks of the Kruger Park’s Nhlaralumi River in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.
The Timbavati’s game viewing is well known and very promising as it includes all the Big Five, most notably leopard, and also wild dogs.

One of the lodge’s winning charms is the popular waterhole right below the dining deck, much loved by elephant. I can’t wait to see it!

This lodge has a broad appeal, with a traditional safari ambience but with a relaxed contemporary twist in terms of décor. You have a choice of tented or chalet accommodation, which are both shown in the images. It can be perfect for couples and honeymooners with a safari spa and is fully equipped fitness centre. Whilst its two-bedroom chalets and Cubs Club kids centre are popular with families.

Is this a lodge that appeals to you?

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25/03/2022

~It was wildest, untouched Africa, and it was magic. ~ Jane Goodall

True words from the very inspirational primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, and the reason why I love creating tailor made itineraries to clients.

Get in touch if you'd like me to organise your next safari. 🧡

🧡🧡🧡

18/03/2022

With the pandemic stopping tourists to visit South Africa for (too) long, it’s fair to say that not many would have heard or been to Saseka Tented Camp, the latest addition of The Thornybush Collection, which opened back in March 2019.

The camp offers luxury safari lodge accommodation within the Big 5 Thornybush Nature reserve situated in the greater Kruger National Park.
Saseka features 8 luxury tents, each with their own private deck, outdoor shower and pool, accommodate two guests each. The Leadwood Villa can host groups or families with a central lounge and dining area, shared deck and pool, as well as a private safari vehicle.

There are a few combination of holidays where this camp can be included, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you have an inquiry. 🙂

📸: https://www.thornybush.com/lodge/saseka-tented-camp/

16/03/2022

Dreaming of seeing gorillas in the wild? 🦍

Those who did do it including myself can testify that this is an experience that will stay with you forever for the emotions you feel are unique. ❤

While there were strict regulations to observe these magnificent animals before Covid-19, some have been revisited. As gorillas share 98 percent of our DNA, they are susceptible to human respiratory viruses and respiratory illness is the second leading cause of death in wild, human-habituated populations.

Here are a few points to be aware of (and to check for updates prior to your trip):
* Distance between you and the gorilla has increased to 10 m
* You need to test Covid-19 negative
* You have to to wash or sanitize hands before the trek
* You need to wear masks at all times
* You are not allowed to go if you present any signs of illness
* Children under 15 years old are not allowed on the trek.

Also note that the permit to see mountain Gorillas in Uganda cost $700 per person, $1500 in Rwanda while in the Democratic Republic of Congo it is at $400.

I hope that you’ll think of me when planning your trip to see Mountain Gorillas in the wild.

12/03/2022

Have you heard?

The latest edition to the Machaba Safaris collection, Kiri Camp in the Okavango Delta is due to open in June 2022.
The camp is situated on a private concession, which allows you to experience night drives and walking safaris with a superb and exclusive game viewing experience.
The proximity to the floodplain means that you can also enjoy a relaxing meander down the river in a mokoro or motorboat.
Kiri camp has two family tents, and eight double tents raised on elevated, wooden decks, so you can feel the openness with vast sweeping views of the Okavango Delta and the calm tranquillity of the African bush.

I’d recommend 3 nights in this camp coupled with another beautiful location in Botswana, perhaps even an extension a border country? Contact me if you’re interested in including this camp in your itinerary. Link in bio :-)

10/03/2022

Is the lion walking next to the male with the big mane a lionness or a young male?

After all, it doesn’t have a mane and is smaller than the larger male…
If you look carefully, you can see that the smaller lion has light spots on the legs, which indicates that it is still young. It also has a small, mohawk mane. This is a sub-adult male lion at the onset of sexual maturity, probably around 2 years old.
He will soon leave or be kicked out of the pride led by the large male to find females and create his own pride.

03/03/2022

Today is World Wildlife Day!
While all wild animal lovers are sharing photos of our precious wildlife to raise awareness, I thought that I'd show you some lodges in Africa where you can see wildlife at waterholes from the comfort of your chair. This non active activity even has a name: armchair safari!

There are many more of course, including those along riverbanks so this is only a small selection. I've been very fortunate to visit some of them myself and can testify that waking up to hippos or elephants in front of your tent never gets boring!

Africa certainly has a lot to offer if you'd like to see those iconic animals, but sometimes it helps to know where to go. I'm here to guide organise your dream safari to Africa.

Lodges in order of the caroussel:
Kanga Camp - Zimbabwe
The Hide Camp - Zimbabwe
Jamala Lodge - South Africa
Enasoit Camp - Kenya
Tau lodge - South Africa
Chitwa Chitwa - South Africa
Arathusa - South Africa
Sirikoi - Kenya
The Ark - Kenya

01/03/2022

Let your heart see Africa 🧡

📸: Credit to national-parks.org/zimbabwe/mana-pools

24/02/2022

Stunning Namibia!
While the latest safaris have mainly been itineraries to Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, I am very excited to work on Namibia again.
I’m not looking at luxury camps for this itinerary, but Quiver Desert Camp is really wonderful.

This camp is located a mere 5km from the entrance gate to Sossusvlei, the inspiring scenery characterised by granite outcrops, spectacular views and roaming wildlife will captivate your senses.
It is a modern self-catering accommodation with comfort and style offers in the 24 different units. Onsite facilities include a fully stocked bar with a big screen television, a sparkling swimming pool and 2 communal boma-areas which are perfect to cater for groups travelling together.

Are you also dreaming of this type of get away for your next holidays?

21/02/2022

Curiosity, we have in it ourselves from the youngest age.
This is definitely a common point between wild animals and children...and probably the reason why young animals touch us so much as we recognise this human trait? When in our lives do we loose this desire to explore more?

Travelling with children shouldn't be a burden, it should be seen as an amazing opportunity to let them explore something new. 💚

19/02/2022

Thinking of going on an African safari? 🦁

✨ Here are 9 questions that you can ask yourself and will help to design your perfect itinerary. I could come up with more questions, but let’s say that this is a very good start. ✨

https://rareencountersafrica.blogspot.com/2022/02/9-questions-to-ask-yourself-before.html

Of course, don’t worry if you can’t answer all those questions, I will help you. Send me a message: [email protected] and we’ll discuss how to make your dream African holidays come true!

Geraldine

07/02/2022

✨This is where I will be in 6 days! ✨

I’m so excited to go back to Karongwe Portfolio, this amazing big 5 game reserve in South Africa, which was the very last one I visited when the pandemic exploded in March 2020 and I was forced to get back to the UK earlier than planned.

Even though living in South Africa sometimes feels like a holiday, I still have a routine with work, my son’s online schooling, house keeping etc, but this week, we are actually taking a real break and going to explore a bit more. I’ve made a great itinerary that will be suitable for my son, but also my partner and I who are both annoying wildlife photographers (apparently).

I will be sharing stories and more when I am there, but in the meantime, look at their luxury suite and wonderful kids activities they offer.

Sounds like the type of lodge you’d like to stay?

Let me know as this is a beautiful lodge that can be included within a whole week to 10 days of safari, nearby ‘must see’ sight seeings and other activities in South Africa.

📸: Karongwe Portfolio

01/02/2022

I am blessed with wildlife surrounding me where I currently live in South Africa. With plain games such as zebras, giraffes, warthogs, many antelopes and birds, it makes the Hoedspruit wildlife estate very safe for children to see them on foot. 💚
📸: .deschamps.photography 🙏

21/01/2022

Hello, I'm currently in South Africa where I plan to share my experiences and inspire you to travel to this safe and beautiful country. Do not hesitate to ask any question you may have about South Africa or any other African safari destinations, and I will gladly answer to you. I am also here to help you plan your dream holidays.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!

Geraldine

Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp: +447815553834
Instagram:

23/12/2021

With my last post of the year comes my last blog post to tell you a little bit of this year in travel, both for my wonderful clients and my plans for next year after a somewhat rollercoaster of a year... 🌍

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New year 2022!🎄

Geraldine

Dear fellow travellers and adventurers, I haven’t exactly bombarded you with blog posts in 2021 and I apologise for this, especially as it h...

07/12/2021

These tusks! 😍
This is Big Craig, an impressive tusker living in the wild in Kenya.

Amazing photo by 🙏

16/11/2021

I haven't disappeared nor closed down business! Quite the contrary, I have been so busy the past couple of months, I just thought that I pop in to say that I am still here 😊.

Not actually drinking from an empty bath 😅 like I was doing at the beautiful Kuname House but since the world reopened, there are lot of inquiries for safaris from as early as December until end of next year.

There is a clear trend to book 'last minute', and this is why I have been working mostly behind the Instagram scene.

The most requested destination is Tanzania but I am blessed to have a variety of other destinations including South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Uganda. There also seems to be a good reason to celebrate an anniversary, a big birthday, a honeymoon, a 'I-can-finally-travel' or 'I-only-live-once', and each of you is filling me with pure joy to do what I love.

So whatever your reason is, I can design a tailored-made itinerary for you that meets your expectations. Contact me, [email protected], if you need any help planning your next dream holiday to Africa. Thank you! 🦁

26/09/2021

🏆 Not only did Mahali Mzuri won the prestigious award of being the #1 Hotel in the World by Travel+Leisure, this lodge also won the #1 safari lodge in Africa!

⛺️Mahali Mzuri is Sir Richard Branson’s 12-tented luxury safari camp in the Kenyan Bush. At Mahali Mzuri you’ll have a front row seat, not just to the migration, but also to the abundant game you can see all year round. The camp is situated in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem.

✈️As Kenya was taken out of the red list earlier this month, there is now no hotel quarantine required upon return for UK travellers. Kenya had opened its border and has received many tourists from other countries, but this is just getting better.

❤️If you have been waiting to book a special holidays, you should consider Mahali Mzuri in the Masai Mara to be included in your itinerary.

📧Contact me, [email protected], to design and book your net safari to Kenya and beyond.

22/09/2021

🦏 Today, World Rhino Day is celebrating its 10th anniversary! 🦏

The increasing awareness and campaigns to save rhinos from extinction have had an impact. One very important one is the global rhino population has held steady, despite the immense threats of poaching, habitat loss and Covid-19.

Yet, there are still devastating news about poaching continuing to occur and dangerously pushing this gentle giant to extinction.

We cannot and must not stop this fight to save these critically endangered animals. Visit the website of organisations such as Save The Rhino International to understand how you can help, and if you have the opportunity, travel for a chance to perhaps see them in the wild. Indeed, it is often by falling in love and experiencing a memorable moment with wild animals that we feel the need to protect them.

More facts on