African Sojourns

31/12/2024

So long 2024, it's been quite a ride....!

From our green, green hills of KwaZulu Natal to all our wonderful clients, friends and travel partners -

Thank you so much
Sawubona kakhulu
Asante sana
Kea leboha

Here's to 2025, let's make it a year of new memories and "the best holidays ever!"

Team Af-Soj.

www.africansojourns.com

18/12/2024

An island paradise is reborn!

After a long hiatus the much-loved Marlin Lodge on Benguerra Island, Mozambique, is reopening its doors in 2025.

Renamed, refreshed, revitalised and looking absolutely gorgeous this sublime little retreat offers a blend of barefoot luxury, authentic experiences, and Mozambican heritage.

With beautifully designed villas, bespoke activities, uninterrupted ocean views, a seamless blend of relaxation and adventure and honest-to-goodness Mozambican hospitality, Azura Marlin Beach promises to be the perfect beach destination to kick back and relax be it after a southern African safari or a stand-alone beach holiday.

Rates are from US$ 750 p/p sharing per night depending on room type.

There are fabulous opening offers available if you book & confirm by the end of February 2025 (valid for stays until 15 December 2025).

Stay 5 nights or more and pay half the return helicopter fare.

Book your honeymoon now, also for 5 nights or more and one partner pays half price on the helicopter flights, accommodation, spa treatments and additional activities.

T&C apply

Contact us for more information on [email protected]

04/12/2024

Calling mature, proficient horse-riders who are passionate about nature and wildlife, who have always wanted to go on a riding safari, love the idea of riding in Hwange but for whom the cost has seemed a little daunting….

Then NOW is the time and this is for you - be a guestateer (a guest/volunteer crossbred!) with Ride Zimbabwe on one of their limited unique, limited, long-stay programmed based in Hwange.

There are only a few departures each year, but Ride Zimbabwe has just opened up new dates: 03 – 17 January 2025.

You have all the benefits of being a guest, apart from drinks and park fees, at a hugely discounted rate and the trade-off is to pay your way by participating in the programme which is based around horses in Africa, with plenty of riding as well as conservation and community components.

This is a fantastic opportunity to live in the bush and you can still work as there is Wi-Fi in the common areas.

US$ 375 per person per night (no single supplement!)
Min 2, maximum 6 guests
Geared towards riders aged 30 and older.

You will have your own camp, your own private guide and host - Horsewoman Kerri DuPreez.
Accommodation in Meru-style tents with en suite bucket showers and bush-loos.

This is a wonderful operation with a great team and superb horses, we have ridden with them and know them well!

T&C apply

Contact us for further details on [email protected]

29/11/2024

Join other cyclists on the ride of your life! Have fun, ride hard, meet fabulous new people and do good for conservation.

The mission: to raise 1 Million P**a for anti-poaching in the region.

The dates: 06 - 12 JUNE 2025

Mashatu Game Reserve in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is home to this aptly named annual "Land of Giants Cycle Event" - an exhilarating multi-day cycling safari through the reserve.

Cycle through untouched and untamed landscapes, spanning 120-180km over three days as you traverse this extraordinary reserve, sharing trails with Africa's iconic wildlife, including elephants, cats, antelope and more.

Riders will be in teams of max 8, with a seasoned lead cycling guide. Riders are transported to the start each day and each team is followed by game drive vehicles, with a guide and tracker as they will be riding through areas alive with wildlife.

Bring the family - spectators hop on board the game drive vehicles and follow the riders.

The entire reserve has been closed off for this event and riders have a choice of lodge at which to stay.

More details- https://mashatu.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6dbf5723435f598cdbc6080a3&id=0f7f23cfd7&e=8c06e1c190

Contact us to learn more about this unique area - we were there very recently - Mashatu is home to an astonishing variety and amount of wildlife, wonderful people and diverse accommodation options.

[email protected]

21/11/2024

“To understand the South Africa of today, you have to understand the South Africa of the past.”

I believe it was Simon Blackburn, owner of Three Tree Hill Lodge who said this, and it has always resonated deeply with us.

Three Tree Hill Lodge is a firm favourite of ours for many, many reasons – it’s setting amidst the rolling hills of KwaZulu Natal against the dramatic backdrop of the Drakensberg and facing Spioenkop Hill; the relaxed, open-armed hospitality; glorious farm-style country food that stays abreast of changes (they are now also officially vegan certified!), how much there is to see and do on site and within easy reach; their deep love for Africa’s people, history, culture and wildlife – the list goes on. It’s a wonderful place to simply “be”.

But, back to the history – Three Tree Hill Lodge specialises in the history of the 2nd Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1902), also known as the South African War, when one of the smallest countries in the world declared war on the world’s greatest empires of the time resulting in the longest, costliest, bloodiest and the most humiliating war that Britain fought in between 1815 and 1914.

The lodge’s focal point is the Battle of Spioenkop with insightful, holistic and evocative tours.

January 2025 heralds the 125 since the Battle of Spioenkop and the lodge is offering a commemorative package from 22 - 25 January.

Combine immersive historical experiences with the beauty of the northern Drakensberg, a wreath-laying ceremony on the 24th and tea with His Worship the Mayor of Okhahlamba on the summit of Spioenkop.

For more details - https://www.threetreehill.co.za/offers/commemorative-battlefield-package/

For those who cannot be there but are intrigued by the history, you can relive the story through – "The Spioenkop Campaign", by Robert Davidson, which Simon feels is the best book ever written about Spioenkop.

Further details on the book - https://www.threetreehill.co.za/offers/spioenkop-campaign-book/

Contact us for further information or to book a stay at another time – this is powerful history, we know, we have been there.

[email protected]

22/09/2024

A few months ago we posted a ladies-only guided hike up Kilimanjaro.

If this appealed to you before, but there was possibly no time to plan, there are 2 set departures in 2025!

So, ladies - pack your sense of adventure and lace up those hiking boots — it's time to conquer Africa's tallest peak together with other adventure-loving women!

Push your limits, forge lifelong friendships with strong, like-minded women and soak in the majestic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dates: 08 February / 04 October 2025
Route: 5-Night Machame Trail - Ladies only climb

• First & last night in Moshi to be added to the stay.

This link will give you an outline of the trip - https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/eccf9ef0-141f-47de-bc9b-34b05a693bf8

The Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes, taking in both the western and southern face of the mountain. The climb takes you past the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower before descending down to Barranco where you may enjoy views of the Kibo Glaciers before the final steep push to the summit.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a total newbie, expert guides are with you every step of the way on your epic journey to the top.

Contact us for further details and costs on [email protected]

06/09/2024

Follow in the footsteps of desert-adapted black rhinos.

Desert Rhino Camp -DRC - a desert sanctuary, a refuge for rhinos an escape for explorers.

Discover a wild, desert landscape unlike anywhere on Earth that is home to Namibia’s last remaining black rhinos and a camp with profound purpose. The rugged Palmwag Concession is home to some of the country’s most resilient wildlife and at this unique safari destination the critically endangered desert-adapted rhinos are at the centre of the experience.

The concession breathtaking with diverse terrains, including moonlike landscapes, wind-sculpted cliffs, and seasonal riverbeds that come alive after good rainfall. It is also rich in cultural history, featuring ancient rock art and the heritage of Namibia’s oldest communities. Supported by strong conservation efforts DRC, in partnership with local community conservancies and Save the Rhino Trust, Namibia, plays a vital role in helping preserve these iconic desert-adapted icons.

The lodge has been totally rebuilt and is an elegant oasis in this rugged landscape, boasting stretch-canvas roofs, soft interior tones and leather finishes. (It really is quite gorgeous!).

Explore with this short video: https://youtu.be/i6HXELdAwiY

If the idea of exploring a “different” Africa, losing, and maybe finding, yourself in this vast land of endless dunes, infinite skies and extraordinary creatures and plants, then this is a place and an experience that you might want to put on your bucket-list.

Contact us for more information – [email protected]

Photos, video & text inspiration courtesy of Wilderness Safaris.

29/08/2024

Remember the distressing story in 2023 about John Hume, his Platinum Rhino Project and about 2000 captive southern white rhino that were facing a very uncertain future due to funds running out to maintain this massive operation?

First, he could raise no funding from donors or attract partners, then there was the likelihood of auctioning the animals, with the worrying possibility of an even more uncertain future for them. People all over the world weighed in on this, but by the end of August 2023, things were looking very bleak. Not one interested party.

Enter African Parks, quite literally, at the 11th hour.

On 4th September the world renown, and quite extraordinary, non-profit conservation organisation moved to purchase the entire operation with the plan to rewild all 2000 animals according to a framework developed by independent experts - with the intention of translocating about 300 rhinos every year.

This first 40 rhinos, went to their new home in May 2024.

Click here to read a little from African Parks -
https://www.africanparks.org/campaign/rewilding-2000-rhino

Simon Epsley, CEO of Africa Geographic attended the pioneer stage of this visionary project. We quote:

“It’s time to give you a rare glimpse behind the scenes of African Parks' outrageously audacious plan to rewild 2,000 farmed white rhinos.

It’s no secret that their plan is well underway and that several hundred of these chubby unicorns are now thriving in the bushveld. Press releases by African Parks have provided the details, but no one that I know of has provided a personal account of the capture and release process. Until now.

My story below describes an incredible journey I took a few months back. Amongst other contextual information, I also explore why southern white rhino populations dropped below 100 in the first place. Spoiler alert: it was not due to poaching to supply rhino horn to the Far East markets”

Below is the link to Simon's story (27 August).
https://africageographic.com/stories/rhino-rewild-is-this-the-most-critical-wildlife-conservation-undertaking-of-our-time/

Images courtesy of African Parks, Rifumo & Michael Dexter – thank you!

28/08/2024

Last-minute.com for next week in the Waterberg!

Between 06th and 13th September

SADC guests only, book by Friday 30th August

Accommodation is rustic, to be sure, but the rooms all have air-con, there is a pool and you will be fabulously well taken care of in true Ant Africa style, but…. Bushwillow is all about what is outside!

And - at a fan-TASTIC rate.

R 2, 910 p/p sharing per night (only through African Sojourns)

Includes: all meals, sundowners & all in-house activities -horse-riding for all levels, game drives and bush walks and conservation fees.

Bushwillow Camp was recently bought by the Baber family, legends in the greater Waterberg region and very much custodians of the wild spaces and wild animals of the region. It is now a “mini” Ant’s Nest or Ant’s Hill experience, complete with its own herd of horses and a wide variety of wildlife.

3 stand-a-alone cottages and a 2-bedroom cottage that would suit a family or two couples who to know each other well as the bathroom is shared.

Contact us right away to book - [email protected]

19/08/2024

This December and January holiday season, take advantage of the most wonderful family safari offers at Mashatu Game Reserve and create extraordinary memories, and micro-mini rangers too.

Whether travelling as an immediate family or an extended one, and across all ages, Mashatu has great offers designed to make your dream safari and year-end family getaway more accessible and memorable than ever.

On these specials, families can enjoy activities that are not usually open to children, and at a discounted rate, such as short periods in the hide, an age-appropriate walk and more.

Bring the littlies, bring the oldies, bring the tweens and the teens, bring everyone! And have a fantastic family safari holiday.

Mashatu Lodge & Tuli Safari Lodge:
Children under 16 stay for free when sharing with parents (up to 2 children/room)
OR
Children under 16 have their own room at half the child rate

Tent Camp:
Children 12 – 16 pay half price in their own room, the tents cannot accommodate extra beds.

OR
Exclusive-use homes (up to 8 people)
Pay for 2 nights, stay for 3.

These exclusive-use homes offer all the comforts of a fully equipped home-away-from-home in the heart of the bush. With 4 bedrooms, spacious living areas, tranquil outdoor spaces, private pools and fabulous wilderness views, they are perfect for family down-time.

Valid 01 December – 31 January
T&C apply

Contact us for more details – [email protected]

Photos courtesy of Mashatu - thank you!

13/08/2024

Journey with Peter Allison to a place very few will ever have the chance to visit!

Zakouma, Chad - 3000 square kilometres of untamed wilderness, considered to be one of the last strongholds of plains game in the Sudano-Shahelian zone.

Numbers are limited, but there is still space on these amazing safaris.

2025 dates: 19 - 26 February
2026 dates: 18 - 25 February

Quick recap:

Cost:
From US$ 16, 000 per person

Overview of itinerary can be seen on this link:
https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/30bd92a2-040c-4760-ac6a-7260526261ac

07/08/2024

The great wildebeest migration is in full swing, with epic river crossings and plenty of action in the Serengeti!

Due to a last-minute cancellation we can offer space on this guaranteed small-group safari (max 7 guests) taking in all the highlights of the northern safari circuit.

07 September 2024
7 days, 6 nights

Discover elephant-rich Tarangire, a hidden gem brimming with birdlife and ancient baobab trees.

Add the bucket-list Ngorongoro Crater, a stunning natural wonder with diverse wildlife, including the Big Five.

Then it's on to the Serengeti, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebras brave treacherous waters, while crocodiles and lions lie in wait.

US$ 4, 667 per person sharing for 6 nights
2 nights Tarangire
1 night Crater
1 night Serengeti Wilderness Camp (Seronera)
2 nights Serengeti North Wilderness Camp

Includes: All meals, game viewing, transfers, guide and customised safari vehicle, related park fees, selected drinks at the Wilderness Camps, flight to Arusha on the last day.

Excludes: Accommodation in Arusha (06 Sept), international flights etc.

T&C apply

Single supplement and SADC rates on request.

Contact us on [email protected]

Full itinerary can be seen here
https://wetu.com/ItineraryOutputs/Discovery/38ebf3a4-fc99-4053-bd1e-1e230a4ffc19

06/08/2024

If you are an adventurous, fit , possibly a little bit mad, adrenaline ju**ie and wildlife enthusiast who has always dreamed of trail-riding in Botswana? To boldly go where few men, or women (!) have gone before – to cycle on old migration and elephant paths deep into some of the most pristine places on earth?

Then this adventure is perfect for you.

Several years of planning, blood, sweat and yes, gears have gone into crafting these cycle-tours and hundreds, maybe thousands, of kilometres have been cycled (and bikes carried!) through savannah grasslands, baobab forests, Okavango floodplains and waterways mapping ancient elephant paths, and finding new routes, to create unparalleled biking safaris to the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi and the Okavango Delta.

With expert teams of professional cycling safari guides, back-up vehicles, mechanical support crew and stays at a mix of luxury lodges and fully serviced mobile camps along the way, each cycle safari is a guaranteed “ride on the wild side”.

There are lodge to lodge, camping or combo safaris and the safaris can easily be tailored to suit you. We can certainly arrange for non-cycling friends and family to join you for part of the way, depending on the route that you choose to do.

Currently 4 and 6 night trips are available to both areas. Rates are on request, also according to the type of trip and are on a sliding scale starting from 2 riders.

Without doubt, the best way to do this is to get together a group of 6 cycling friends and take a private trip. This will give you great flexibility and will be so much fun!

There are many questions to be answered regarding logistics and details, and we will gladly answer them.

But for now - Imagine, just imagine……….

Contact us on [email protected]

Photos and some text courtesy of Natural Selection. Thank you!

08/05/2024

Take your next safari with real-life film-stars! Same location, same film-stars, simply going about their everyday lives.

It’s not quite Maverick, but you’ll be among true heroes - the kings of sleuth, camouflage and power, who only fight when necessary, will kill for a cause or lay down their lives for their families.

Travel with us to Mokolwane – a little jewel in one of the largest private concessions in the Okavango Delta, accessed only by helicopter, teeming wildlife and home to the third-highest density of leopard recorded in Africa.

There is so much action in this area that NatGeo and Netflix filmmaker Brad Bestelink has chosen to base himself there.

Catch “Living with Leopards” on Netflix from 10 May
(link to preview - https://youtu.be/c2pzKahGGtA )
And the next season of “Big Cat Diaries” on BBC airing in September, all filmed by Brad in the Mokolwane area.

And then GO! …. with African Sojourns to live among those stars, and under a billion more, on one of two specials –

3 night stay – with a complimentary inbound helicopter flight from Maun or anywhere in the Delta or Linyanti area.

OR

Stay 6/pay 4 in a combination of Mokolwane and either Hyena Pan or Meno a Kwena to expand on the experience. (excl. 01 July – 31 August).

- Priced from US$ 995 p/p/n sharing (International)
- Rates exclude daily conservation fee.
- T&C Apply

Contact us for more details - [email protected]

Photos and inspiration courtesy of Natural Selection

03/05/2024

Ladies, ladies…… (Yes, ladies only - sorry guys!)…. are you ready to conquer that mountain!

Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak.

Travel with us on an epic journey to the top, walking alongside like-minded women - push yourself, make new friends and revel in the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Machame climb offers a thrilling challenge along one of the most popular and scenic routes up Kili. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to hiking, experienced guides will ensure you're supported every step of the way.

Any reasonably fit person who enjoys walking can reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, but it is not for the faint-hearted. It will test you to your limits, mentally as well as physically. By ensuring that you are fully prepared and having exceptional guides with you on the mountain, you can do this!

14 September – 7 nights in total
• First & last nights in Moshi
• 5 nights on the mountain

This link will give you a detailed overview -
https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/eccf9ef0-141f-47de-bc9b-34b05a693bf8

Contact us for further details & costs
[email protected]

And, just for fun and a little inspiration, maybe a trip down memory lane, listen to this - https://youtu.be/uRDj9OEHmic

23/04/2024

Calling all horse-riders!

We have a last-minute offer for up to 3 riders to join a lodge-based safari to Zimbabwe next week.

Spend 3 nights at Iganyana Wild, on the fringes of Hwange National Park, and ride out daily on the concession. This is prime elephant country with herds and individuals all around the camp as well as a variety of plains game and predators.

Great riding, wonderful, wonderful horses, tented accommodation where you will want for nothing (except to stay longer!) and superb, relaxed hospitality.

US$ 280 p/p p/night – Southern African Resident rate – all meals and all riding included. Drinks are extra.
No single supplement
(International resident rates on request)

You will need to get to Victoria Falls, ideally on the 30th April and transfer to the camp, but we can take care of those arrangements for you.

Game drives into the Hwange National Park can be arranged once there. Costs to be settled directly.

Contact us on [email protected]

27/02/2024

Are you ever nostalgic for the halcyon days of the African safari? That golden era when travel was slow, wild and raw, when your pre-dawn coffee bubbled gently over a wood fire and you somehow felt safe and cradled but with all your senses dancing to the rhythm of Africa – SO exquisitely alive you could burst?

The world is changing, as are personal requirements and there is a need and a place for luxury safaris, Wi-Fi, A/con and Nespresso machines.

But if you want to step back into the Africa of yore, granted, with some mod-cons (!), there are little gems out there that will feel like coming home.

We know, and love, many such wonderful camps in equally wonderful parts of Africa.
Why not get in touch on [email protected]

Here is Shinde Footsteps a gorgeous little camp and one of those gems.

Timeless, charming, intimate (6 guests).
Walking, game drives, seasonal mekoros and boating
Perfect for exclusive use for a small group or a family

https://youtu.be/AH11BXUhbNo

22/02/2024

Local Ultra Marathon runner, Matt Dove, will be running 330km over 3 days from this Friday, 23rd February, as a fund-raising run for Hospice.

This is also to "test-run" a walking route that will soon be launched and promoted by Hospice, also as a fund-raiser. African Sojourns has been involved in planning this - so watch this space too!

330kms over 3 days!
Right through our area - please look out for Matt, support him and support Hospice:

Friday 23rd - departing 04h00 (!)
Howick - Lions River- Karkloof (around 08h00)- Curry's Post, Nottingham Road, Rosetta- Kamberg.

Saturday 24th
Kamberg Nature Reserve - Notties - Fort Nottingham - iNhlosane

Sunday 25th
Dargle - Petrusstroom - Mpophomeni - Hilton - Wessa (Howick), some time in the afternoon!

If you would like to donate, that would be wonderful - here is the link:
MATT DOVE RUN 330 FOR HOSPICE

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