Travelsmith Safaris & Tours

01/12/2021

https://www.travelsmith.co.za/journal/tanzanian-safari

Bucket List Great Migration! Explore the Serengeti and end off on the sandy beaches of Zanzibar!

25/11/2021

Black Friday with Beachcomber! Selected dates in December! Contact me to book...

19/10/2021

If overlanding in Africa is your dream, Out There Overland Travel might be for you. Living his dream, John Gale is planning and leading 4x4 tours throughout Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, as well as Mozambique, Malawi and further afield when time and travel permits! Personally, the thought of setting off into the wonderland of Africa is a little daunting - in some areas there are no roads and certainly no sign posts. But the soul-deep call of Africa is still there, and what better way to immerse yourself in the wilderness than a vehicle and a rooftop tent - with John in the next vehicle making sure the camp sites are booked (just about an impossible task on its own) and the sandy route is the right one to get there!

Contact me to find out more about John's planned (self-drive) tours for 2022:

Botswana from 12 July and from 1 September, 2 tours that will include Kubu Island, Maun, Moremi, Savuti, Linyanti and Khwai.
Zimbabwe in June 2022
Namibia in October 2022

Tours are planned to have no more than 6 vehicles and approximately 12 guests. Tours can be tailored to your needs and dates. Book soon to guarantee camp site availability.

14/10/2021

Did you know?

South Africa is now the only country in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket and Rugby World Cup!

Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world and one of the planet’s 12 main energy centres, radiating magnetic, electric or spiritual energy.

The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the world’s six floral kingdoms – and the only one which is wholly contained within a single country.

Some countries have deserts; some have subtropical forests, right? South Africa has: deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains and escarpments.

South Africa’s drinking water is rated 3rd best in the world for being “safe and ready to drink”.
Water is not all there is to drink in this thirsty country! South Africa’s Cape Winelands have around 560 wineries and 4 400 primary producers. Included in the Cape Winelands region is Route 62, considered the longest wine route in the world. That alone is good reason to visit South Africa if you haven’t yet been!
What about beer? South African brewery SABMiller ranks – by volume – as the largest brewing company in the world. Saffers love their beer…but the real reason the brewery is so big? SABMiller also supplies up to 50% of China’s beer.

South Africa is the only country in the entire world that has voluntarily abandoned its nuclear weapons programme.

The world’s largest themed resort hotel in the world – The Palace of the Lost City – is found in South Africa. Surrounding the Palace is a 25 hectare manmade botanical jungle with almost 2 million plants, trees and shrubs.

South Africa is extremely rich in mining and minerals and considered the world’s leader with nearly 90% of all the platinum metals on earth and around 41% of all the world’s Gold!

South Africa is home to the oldest meteor scar in the world – the Vredefort Dome in a town called Parys. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The South African Rovos Rail is considered the most luxurious train in the world.

South Africa is home to the highest commercial bungi jump in the world at 710 feet.

General Motors South Africa is the only place outside of the USA to build the Hummer H3!

Despite the country’s status as a democratic republic, the Province of KwaZulu-Natal has a monarchy, specially provided for by the Constitution. Misuzulu Zulu kaZwelithini is the King of the Zulu Nation, and lives, literally, like a King!

There are more than 2000 shipwrecks off the South African coast, most dating back at least 500 years.

The oldest remains of modern humans were found in South Africa and are well over 160,000 years old.

The Karoo region in the Western Cape is home to some of the best fossils of early dinosaurs. In fact, it is estimated that some 80% of the mammalian fossils found to date were found in the Karoo.

SA has three capital cities: Pretoria is the Executive Capital, Cape Town the Legislative Capital and Bloemfontein the judicial Capital.

Can you think of any other place in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived on the same street? Both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu had houses on Vilakazi Street in Soweto.

Thank you ImpactSA, and others for sharing.

South Africa is now the only country in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket and Rugby World Cup! Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world and one of the planet’s 12 main energy centres, radiating magnetic, electric or spiritual energy. The Cap...

12/10/2021

Bookings are coming in fast and furiously! Accommodation is going to be limited over the summer holidays as international and local visitors break free of travel bans… book early!

All you need to know before travelling to South Africa.

11/10/2021

I am delighted to introduce Rhino River Lodge. Located in the 23000ha Manyoni Private Game Reserve, in the heart of Zululand, this lodge is ideal for families. Choose between 2 sole-use villas or a family chalet with loft sleeping two children. Enjoy the traditional thatched roof and log cabin-style accommodation, with romantic netting swathed around the beds. Game drives are offered morning and afternoon, with a knowledgeable ranger sharing his secrets of the bush and spotting a variety of game. We were lucky enough to see a brown hyena (first ever!) as well as spotted hyena, and also a shy, shuffling anteater, while in the reserve. End your day in the boma, under a star-spangled night sky, as you share stories of your drives with other guests over a delicious dinner. What’s not to love?!

07/10/2021

We can’t wait to welcome our friends from the UK 🇬🇧 Our king… your Queen ❤️🇿🇦🍾🇬🇧

06/10/2021

I can’t understand why I have waited so long to visit Sodwana! I guess growing up with a granny living on the South Coast, we were lucky to have beach holidays with her, rather than going too far afield. But now that I have “discovered” the bay, I know that I will be drawn to it over and over again.

Sodwana’s bay is surrounded by golden beaches and backed by dunes and coastal bush. Unusual game such as dainty red duiker and olive-green samango monkeys inhabit the sand forest, but of course it’s the marine wildlife that is the biggest drawcard here.

This is the fabled Sodwana Bay, one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Every day you’ll see various operators taking boat after boat of keen divers to one of the reefs off-shore, from beginners to those more experienced all with similar levels of anticipation.

The Isimangaliso Wetland Park (operated by KZN Ezemvelo Parks) has 20 wooden chalets, and extensive camp sites. All access to the beach is from within the park. We enjoyed our stay in one of their 2-bedroom, well-appointed stilted chalets within the coastal bush. Only a couple of the cabins offer a sea view, and we were glad to be able to watch the constantly rolling waves to the far side of the bay, where dunes fade into the hazy distance.

At one edge of, and separate from, the campsite is Mseni Beach Lodge. This is a collection of self-catering chalets (and a 10-bed house) set in semi-tropical gardens, with a beachy-themed restaurant, and a pool. The lodge is set at the summit of the hill with sea views. A path leads down to the beach which seems deserted in every direction. The swimming beach is a walk away along the sand, or you can drive your car down to the official car park.

Coral Divers is a well-known dive camp located in another separate part of the camping grounds. They have more basic accommodation in small wooden bungalows, mostly with shared ablutions. They offer shuttles to the beach and for their dives. Theory is taught on-site and then put into practice on sea dives – and what a privilege to enjoy your PADI course in one of the premier dive sites world-wide.

I would encourage visitors to experience for yourselves the beauty of Sodwana – from snorkelling to free diving, to body boarding with your children – the warm, clear waters will surely appeal to you too, to visit time and again.

16/09/2021

Luxury train special offer! Rovos Rail once-off departure 18th February 2022, from R25 530.00 per person sharing (fly-in for 4 nights).

This safari between Pretoria and Durban includes game drives, a battlefield tale with a world-class historian and a look at unusual African ceramics. Experience the Nambiti Conservancy – a Big Five private retreat set on 20 000 acres of malaria-free bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal. It has an incredible biodiversity including savannah, grasslands, thornveld and tall acacia trees. Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge – which adjoins an 11 000-acre nature reserve – is the perfect base for exploring the mountains, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Ardmore Ceramics is a story about the Zulu people whose sense of rhythm, colour, dance and song, as well as the spirit of the African imagination, is exerting its influence on the other continents of the world. Visit this charming centre in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands before travelling the Valley of a Thousand Hills to Durban. On arrival transfer to the iconic Oyster Box Hotel for 2 nights, a gracious match to the train. The Oyster Box is located on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with the sea stretching almost from your balcony to the far horizon. Enjoy a Durban speciality at the renowned curry buffet and finish off an evening in the lavish Lighthouse Bar.

13/09/2021

Recently I have had reviews from friends and family visiting various game lodges around the country, and I would love to share these reserves with you too. With vaccination programmes around the world gathering momentum, international visitors will soon return to our shores and that might mean the end of the SADC specials currently on offer at many properties.

In KZN, friends have loved their stay inland at Ndaka at Nambiti. The attentive staff blew them away with their service, and the kids raved about the food. Game viewing was excellent with a brilliant guide. The tented lodge has a beautiful outlook, and families can share two-roomed accommodation.

In Zululand, friends celebrated their anniversary at Leopard Mountain in the private Manyoni Game Reserve. The service and attention to detail were next level, including a private picnic set in a sandy river bed, and a surprise champagne stop in the bush during a game drive. What a romantic celebration – and a private plunge pool on your deck is the cherry on the top!

Further afield, guests were spoilt at Singita Sweni Lodge which is on a private concession in the Kruger National Park. This is one of Singita’s absolutely luxurious lodges and is set in an awe-inspiring location on the edge of a river. Roads have been built by Singita in this untouched wilderness, offering a private experience like no other. Leopard sightings in the greater Kruger National Park are an absolute magnet, being far more likely than the timid leopard of Kwa Zulu Natal. So if that is on your bucket list, contact me for more!

26/08/2021

Spring safari... many of the KZN lodges have just extended their special rates until the end of September. They range from R1895.00 per person sharing per night, including meals, accommodation and two game drives per night booked, in Big 5 private game reserves. They range in price, offering up to 35% off their usual rates. Contact me on [email protected] to book.

20/08/2021

Mauritius, baby! I feel like we are all straining against the ropes that tether us to our locked-down status, with no end in sight...

Well... here is the perfect way to break free!

TODAY ONLY! Book this Mauritius special offer for December (valid til 19th) and receive 40% off accommodation.

I have just obtained a quote for myself (!) on the Mauricia resort (4 star, near Grand Baie) as follows:

- return flights on Air Mauritius including taxes
- return airport transfers
- 7 nights on a FULLY INCLUSIVE basis in a standard beachfront double room

R26 675.00 per person sharing
Fully inclusive:
- all meals
- local branded beers, alcohol, wines, cool drinks, teas & coffees
- baguettes at the bar from 10-4pm
- pancakes from 4-6pm

Contact me to book!
* fully refundable, and valid for travel til October 2022
* subject to availability and peak season rates apply over certain dates
* [email protected]

16/08/2021

Here is a gorgeous, owner-curated boutique guesthouse for your next stay in Cape Town! Pineapple House is located in Sea Point, at the foot of Lion's Head and a short walk from the Sea Point promenade.

The colourful interiors match the unusual and colourful name, and remind me of the vibrant Malay Quarter nearby. Each of the 9 rooms is individually decorated and super stylish. The villa can also be booked on a sole-use basis, ideal for a group of friends or an extended family vacation.

Pineapple House is offering great value rates to SA residents in September & October - low season rates in the beginning of high season, from R1400 per room per night. Take advantage if you can.

13/08/2021

Luxury Linen by Travelsmith...

Take the holiday home, when you order luxury hotel quality bed and bath linen tailored to your home. Design your own style and embroider to match. Beautiful as a gift (think wedding or baby) for a very special someone. Contact me for bespoke quotes.

02/08/2021

The Oysterbox Hotel in Umhlanga is an iconic landmark, overlooking the Indian Ocean. There really is no better place to stay if you're looking for a luxurious hotel with panoramic sea views.

After staying at The Oysterbox last week, I highly recommend the personalised service and absolute comfort of this hotel. Whether for an extended beach stay, or a romantic overnight "get away from real life" experience, this is a perfect option.

Be sure to enjoy the views over the sea at dusk - whether from your private balcony, the rooftop Lighthouse Bar, or even from your lounger poolside.

Rooms are well-appointed and oh so comfortable - and nothing beats hearing the ocean waves crashing on the nearby rocks. Leave your shutters ajar to experience the reassuring blink of the lighthouse in front of the hotel.

The curry buffet is a well-known speciality of the hotel, although the wide offering on the menu appeals to all tastes. For a special experience, one can book to eat in the beautiful wine cellar. We chose to sit outside overlooking the sea for the most incredible breakfast... from a pancake and waffle station, to a hot and continental buffet with just-baked pastries and scones, to an a la carte menu... it really is difficult to do justice to this meal! And did I mention the complimentary bubbly?

A fabulous stay - I just wish I had longer to soak up the sun and pop in to the spa!

22/06/2021

Guests of mine recently stayed at The Springbok Lodge in KZN, and said it was "fantastic", and that they enjoyed "the variety of game", as well as "the local knowledge of their friendly game ranger". The lodge has just advised me that they have limited availability during July, as well as the long weekend in August. Please contact me for more information as well as special rates, on [email protected]. They will fill up quickly!
Images courtesy of the lodge.

01/06/2021

Warm up these wintery days with a Red Hotel special, before borders open once more and these SA residents' rates become a thing of the past!

Berg - Beach - Bush.....

Cathedral Peak Hotel, Drakensberg
4 nights on a full board basis, from R5200 per person sharing*
Enjoy walking and biking trails, horse riding, tennis and beach volleyball...

Fordoun, Natal Midlands
2 nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, from R3130 per person sharing

The Table Bay, Cape Town
2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, from R3000 per person sharing

The Last Word, Franschhoek
2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, from R2620 per person sharing (selected drinks included)

The Plettenberg
3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, from R6195 per person sharing (sea view room, minibar included)

The Oyster Box
2 nights in a sea facing classic room, from R4900 per person sharing (includes breakfast with fresh oysters and sparkling wine, and a curry buffet dinner per stay)

Amakhosi Private Game Reserve, near Pongola
2 nights on a full board basis, including game drives, from R5775 per person sharing

14/05/2021

I am super-excited to be handling travel arrangements and queries for Breathe Conservation's fund-raising big swim on 5 June, World Ocean Day. Breathe aims to eliminate plastic in the oceans, and is a fantastic cause to support! Swimmers will be coming from all over South Africa to show their support and participate. Contact me to book flights and accommodation, or for further information, on [email protected]

17/04/2021

South Africa is blessed with idyllic warm autumn days - and what better way to enjoy them than exploring the remote Wild Coast on horseback... after being cooped up for so long, the idea of racing free on the beaches is just too tantalising!

25/03/2021

The April holidays are almost upon us, and what better time to escape to the bush! Various lodges are offering SA residents' specials and still have availability. From Elephant Rock in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve (from R1895 per person sharing per night), to Amakhosi Safari Lodge near Pongola (from R2886 per person sharing per night), to andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge (from R3905 per person sharing per night, 4 guests sharing a family cottage).

Kwa Zulu Natal offers so much more than safaris - why not take advantage of the current rate of R2600 per person sharing per night (save R3000 pppn) at Fugitive's Drift Lodge in the beautiful Battlefields area. Flyfishing is available on the Buffalo River, explore the private game reserve on foot, and spot some of the 300 bird species. (Self catering cottage available from R970 pps based on 6 guests)

Explore a working farm set in the foothills of the Drakensberg, in the Champagne Valley, visiting Ardmore Ceramics, picking up fresh baked goods or a picnic from Valley Bakery, and tasting wines harvested on a nearby farm. Stay at Glenside Farmhouse in elegant and cosy surrounds (from R3500 per night, perfect for an extended family or group of friends).

Contact me for more: [email protected]
Ts and Cs apply

05/02/2021

Bush or beach - what will it be?

Escape to the wilderness...
Africamps at White Elephant (Pongola area)
2 night stay in a boutique tent: R1 684.00 per person sharing
Activities on offer include land and water based safaris (including horse riding as an option), tiger fishing, guided walks...

Umzolozolo Private Game Lodge (Nambiti)
R2500 per person sharing per night (full board incl game drives)

Kosi Forest Lodge
2 night stay: R4 056 per person sharing
Includes full board; activities on offer include turtle tracking, lake and forest excursions

andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
R4 460 per person sharing per night (includes full board as well as local drinks, game drives and walks)

Beach Bums.... now that we can!

The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay (Cape Town)
3 night stay in a premier sea view room: R2 840.00 per person sharing (includes breakfast and a spa voucher of R600pp)

Canelands Beach Club & Spa (Salt Rock)
2 night stay in a standard upstairs room: R3 424.00 per person sharing (includes breakfast and a neck & shoulder massage pp)

The Oyster Box (Umhlanga)
3 night stay in a classic room: R4 785.00 per person sharing
(book and pay by 15 February) (1 child under 12 years stays free)

*Ask about special offers at your favourite hideaways

02/02/2021

"I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;" *

So many of us feel this call to the ocean, and we should celebrate now that we can heed it!

Why not book a weekend at Umzumbe, with a Blue Flag beach and golden sand. Add to the experience by taking your mountain bikes and enjoying guided trails, or a lesson in water colours for those who prefer a less active weekend. See below for a possible itinerary. Contact me to book your weekend getaway, and to tailor the time for your particular group.

* Sea-fever, by John Masefield

SCHEDULE
Arrival on a Friday before 4pm – (gentle) evening warm up ride of about 22km – Evening braai and reasonably early night.

Early ride on Saturday starting at 7am and arriving back at the lodge at about 11am for a hearty brunch. About 35 to 40km

Saturday afternoon at leisure and the Blue Flag beach is a short walk from the lodge. Should the weather not be conducive for beach going, Grant Wood will do a watercolour demonstration in the adjoining studio for those that are interested!
Saturday evening meal included .

Sunday – light DIY breakfast at 7 before we head out at 8am on another +-40km ride.

Lunch between 12pm and 2pm before you head on back to your homes in the afternoon.

07/01/2021

08/12/2020

School's ALMOST out – make the most of it with your family and BOOK a BIG 5 Safari at Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps (Mpumalanga). Save BIG with these deals... contact me to book on [email protected].

30/11/2020

Calling mountain bikers!
Are you tough enough?
Mashatu Private Game Reserve is offering an unbelievable special offer to SA residents, of R7500* per person, for a 3 night long weekend cycling safari.
Mashatu is a vast expanse of privately owned land across the border in the famous Tuli area. It is truly the Land of Giants... enormous baobab trees, magnificent lions and numerous stately elephant.
Cycle in the well-trodden paths of these gentle beasts, enjoying an intimate experience of the wilderness. You will also have the opportunity of an afternoon game drive, when getting closer to the big cats might be less daunting! Sleep under the stars, listening to the sounds of the night around you...
* until end Feb 2021
Email me for more information: [email protected]

25/11/2020

Ocean Explorer!
On Saturday, I did my first ocean swim. It was exhilarating - the water temperature was 23'C, visibility was excellent, and diving deep we could even hear the faraway song of whales.

Sarah Ferguson (endurance swimmer and world record holder) and Sarah Houston (swim coach and support for Sarah F) have pooled their resources to offer a confidence-boosting and really immersive ocean clinic. I am beyond excited that they have agreed to collaborate with me on offering guests some fabulous ocean experiences.

Guests will meet over coffee to discuss their goals, and then have a pool assessment. The two Sarah's have a wealth of seasonal ideas and contacts to give the most meaningful ocean exploration - ocean swimming clinic, free diving, surfing, snorkelling with sharks, boat based dolphin and whale watching, sardine run swimming, body boarding, coastal walking, micro-lighting, scuba.... the ocean is your oyster, so to speak!

Contact me to book your tailor-made ocean adventure now.
[email protected]

23/11/2020

Kruger 101!
All you have ever wanted to know as a first time visitor to this world renowned safari destination. Please email me to receive my top tips for how to get there, what to take, where to stay....
[email protected]

03/11/2020

The crackle of the fire during a lull in conversation... a hyena's whooping call not far away... a lion's grunt through the darkness... the luminescence of the stars across a velvety night sky...

The experience of dinner in the boma is as integral a part of the safari magic as the sunset drinks or an African dawn. andBeyond has years of experience in understanding what creates memorable moments on safari.

These South African residents' rates are an ideal opportunity for you to return to the bush and steep your soul in restorative nature.

Contact me for full details and to make a reservation:

andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge from R4460 per person sharing per night (ask about special family rates)

andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge: R 4900 per person sharing per night

andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp: R7000 per person sharing per night

andBeyond Tengile River Lodge: from R7500 per person sharing per night*

These rates include luxurious accommodation, all meals, 2 interpret game drives daily, house wines, locally branded spirits, beers and soft drinks.

Terms and conditions apply: 2 nights minimum stay, valid til 31 Jan 2021. Excl park fees and levies. * Peak season premium.
Images used with permission of andBeyond.

18/10/2020

Umhlanga romance:
In 1968, Constantin Vladykin celebrated his lifelong love affair with his wife, by building a beautiful beach home in the secluded village of Umhlanga. Constantin had fled the Russian Revolution as a child, and in a nod to his heritage the home was named Teremok, "little hideaway" in his native language.

Today Teremok is a stylish boutique hotel and spa, owner-run and managed by 3 equally stylish and dynamic ladies. Make it your "little hideaway" from the global chaos which surrounds us, and take advantage of the current very special rates, from R1250.00 per person sharing per night. Contact me for details of further offers.

10/10/2020

Bucket-list safari icon, MalaMala Game Reserve is offering 65% off to SA residents... a once in a life time opportunity. I'd love to make your booking...

MalaMala was the original photographic safari destination, with private land first bought in 1927. It now covers an incredible 33000 acres, and is managed together with local community owners. Adjacent to the Kruger National Park, it has unfenced boundaries and enjoys river frontage on the prime Sand River - a magnet for diverse wildlife. Animals are habituated to the safari vehicles which makes for relaxed viewing and unparalleled photographic opportunities.

Having just been in the Kruger on a self-drive holiday, the up-close and uninterrupted viewing of game at a private lodge is really what makes it so worth-while.

Have a look at my photo of a leopard vs the view at MalaMala!