African Sojourns

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

Please insert amount-minimum R5,00

17/02/2024

Travel with us to the magnificent Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and treat yourself to one of these unique weekend journeys.

Or - just GO - because Bushmans Kloof is beautiful, tranquil and easy to get to! Vast open spaces, breath-taking landscapes, champagne air, no malaria or predators, wonderful walking and biking routes, canoeing and more. All this as well as gorgeous accommodation, wonderful service and sublime cuisine.

Rock Art Exploration with Stephen Townley Basset, renowned artist and rock-art author.
2 Set dates only
An interpretation of some of the reserve's art and an interactive workshop where you make your paints using the same materials as the San people to create your own masterpiece as you explore the meanings behind these treasured works.
(03-04 May & 03-04 September)

Wine weekends with Executive Chef Oliver Coetzee
Delight your palate with a symphony of flavours on one of these weekends where exquisite wines from world-renowned SA producers are expertly paired with glorious gourmet cuisine.
(10-11 May, 31 May- 01st June & 14-15 June)

Contact us for more information – [email protected]

03/01/2024

Time for an epic expedition?

Travel to Chad – the land-locked heart of north-central Africa – and step way off the fabulous, but well, well worn pathways of a traditional African safari and take the opportunity to spend time in one of the most important protected areas in Africa, and one that few will ever have the chance to visit.

Zakouma National Park has been chosen for this epic expedition that will be led by Peter Allison, guide, author, entertaining raconteur who is “all about the wildlife”.

African Parks has recreated a park brimming with wildlife including species brought back from the brink of extinction and unusual species like the tiang antelope and the Kordofan giraffe and on this expedition, guests can explore the park “adventurer-style”, marvel at the wildlife, meet local nomadic people and head home having been where few men have been before!

The details:
Depart: 27 February 2024
Min 6, max 8 people
US$ 16, 700 per person sharing (US$ 250 single supplement in the hotel only)
9 days, 8 nights
1 night in N’djamena at the Hotel La Residence
7 nights in the rustic tented Camp Nomade

Incl: All internal transfers and private light aircraft flights, all meals and selected drinks, park fees, activities.

Excl: Flights to/from N’djamena

T&C apply.

Contact us to enquire further – [email protected]

Images & text courtesy (mostly!) of Natural Selection & African Parks

19/11/2023

Join a women-only safari & expedition to Botswana's Kalahari Desert and explore the intriguing Makgadikgadi Pans.

20 - 25 September 2024

For fabulous women, by fabulous women - bring your girlfriends, travel solo, meet like-minded women and go a little wild!

Hosted by Gaby, Linda and Nadine - strong women who know the value of the sisterhood and have who have years of experience in travel.

Indulge in a glorious celebration of women and nature, adventure, silence, escapism and a lot of fun as you ride quad-bikes, sleep under the stars, walk with the Bushmen and enjoy the wildlife, delight in the meerkats and much, much more.

12 - 14 women (sharing) - space is limited.

US$ 12, 929 - 5 nights

2 nights San Camp
2 nights under the stars
1 night back at San Camp
All meals, activities and selected drinks are included.

T&C apply

Contact us for more information on this unique safari.

[email protected]

27/07/2023

Explore Botswana on a personal, immersive and authentic safari camping safari at a discounted rate.

Due to a cancellation one our favourite overland companies has seats available on their 10 night Great North Road Safari departing Maun on 21 - 31 August 2023

A reduced rate of US$ 5, 100 per person sharing is being offered - a saving of over 20%!

The rate is normally US$ 6600 per person sharing

Maximum 7 guests on this safari
21-31 August 2023 / Maun to Kasane
2 nights Xakanaxa
3 nights Khwai
3 nights Savuti
&
2 nights Chobe (total 10 nights camping)

Includes :
- Scenic flight in a light aircraft Maun to Xakanaxa on the first day
- Mekoro excursion in Khwai
- Chobe Boat Cruise
- All meals
- Selected drinks

Excludes:

Flights to/from Botswana, gratuities etc.

Contact us for more information or to book.

[email protected]

05/06/2023

Be the first to go!

Take time out and take advantage of a wonderful opening special at Samara Plains Camp.

The Great Karoo is exquisite with spellbinding vistas, a timeless landscape of space, stars, silence and champagne air.

Samara Plains Camp - a new era of "slow-safari".

Step back in time to an era of elegant, tented, explorer style safari. Off grid, no WiFi, old-fashioned bucket showers and the opportunity to relax and absorb nature with morning walks, evening drives and sundowners offered.

Launch special:
R 4, 750 per person sharing per night
Stay 3, pay 2
Valid from 15 June to 30 September

T&C apply

Contact us for more information - [email protected]

30/05/2023

Private Island meets winter wonderland Zimbabwe-style!

We invite Southern African residents to take advantage of this exceptional winter special.

Tsowa Safari Island - near Victoria Falls - a pioneer-inspired tented camp on the banks of the river, with stylish accommodation, a variety of land & water activities and unbeatable Zimbabwean hospitality.

US$ 347 p/p sharing
or
US$ 322 p/p sharing if booked within 14 days of travel

Valid: 12 June to 15 July 2023
River view rooms
T&C apply

Contact us for more information on [email protected]

05/04/2023

Have you considered a houseboat on Lake Kariba for your next trip?

Iconic scenery, as much or as little as you wish to do, attentive staff, luxurious cabins and amenities - idyllic!

This really is a wonderful way to relax with friends or family as a stand-alone break or as part of a bigger trip to Zimbabwe.

The MV Matusadona experience is about luxury and style at a level not experienced on other inland live-aboard vessels.

Guests can tailor-make their cruise in ultimate luxury and with infinite choice…

Choose to travel with that special someone or with a party of up to 6 on each private charter of 3, 4 or 5 nights.

You can either self - cater (with a fabulous team at your disposal) OR we will put you in touch with an excellent catering team who will draw up a menu with you and have your preferred meals and drinks stocked as you arrive to board.

Contact us for more details [email protected]

https://youtu.be/wPo_GVNcppo

24/02/2023

Join a safari of a lifetime with Marataba Conservation Camps as they host their third annual Rhino Conservation Week. in June 2023.

Rhino registration and identification is an ongoing project at Marataba and the long-term objective is to have every single rhino at Marataba identified.

Two fixed-arrival, 3-night stays are available during this week and all guests will embark on three full days of interactive rhino conservation, which includes dartings, notchings and DNA collection.

Date 1: 13 - 16 July | 3 nights
Date 2: 16 - 19 July | 3 nights

The 3-night conservation experiences starts from R 48 615 per person sharing for 3 nights.

This rate includes:
3 nights accommodation, meals and selected drinks
The daily Conservation & Community levy
A rhino conservation contribution of R 12 600 per person
ALL interactive rhino conservation activities, including notchings, dartings and DNA collection.

Space is limited!

Contact us on [email protected] to book on this incredible experience in one of the most beautiful reserves in the country.

14/02/2023

As this crazy month of love unfolds, we would like to share our light-hearted take on the legend(s) of St. Valentine’s Day, as stumbled up on “Walks of Italy” and adapted a little by us.

DURING the time of Late Antiquity, Valentine was a common name and there were two Saint Valentines preaching the good word. On the 14th of February 269, one of the Valentines was martyred, giving us the date we now associate with love, cards, flowers and overpriced restaurants!

Turns out the saint’s martyrdom really had nothing at all to do with anything and he would normally have remained a rather anonymous relic.

The myth-maker is actually the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who in turn, had nothing to do with Roman martyrs. He appears to have simply invented the correlation and chalked it up to poetic license. The first written connection between love and Valentine’s Day appears in his poem, Parlement of Foules, written in the late 14th century. The title loosely translates to “Parliament of birds” and is surprisingly comical poem about love and birds and choice being the lady’s!

Shortly after Chaucer mentioned love on Valentine’s Day, it became apparent that real-life lovers began to send each other love poems on February 14th. This means people have been writing valentines to their loved ones for many hundreds of years!

Even if there’s no direct connection to a saint who was murdered horribly by ancient Roman pagans, it’s still part of a serious legacy of love.

Interesting folklore aside……

There is a lot out there on offer for romance in the world and especially in Africa, but here are few picks of our own. Starry nights and sleep-outs really are a wonderful way to be that little bit closer to Africa and each other, year round, all over Africa

And, because children are little romantics in training, we included them too!

Contact us to chat about a bespoke experience on [email protected]

12/01/2023

In South Africa we often use the Afrikaans expression "Local is Lekker" which loosely and rather boringly means "local is nice" . South, southern and actually, all of Africa has local food that takes the expression to "local is absolutely fabulous"!

Meet The Dusty Road Township Experience in the heart of Chinotimba, the oldest township in Victoria Falls - an eclectic and joyous celebration of food, folk and family.

This culinary adventure starts long before the food arrives. A vibrant, eclectic visual feast meets at you enter the restaurant- lush gardens, a farm stall, vegetable and herb patches are framed by colourful and ingeniously up-cycled quirky creations and décor such as metal goats atop an ancient broken down pick-up truck.

Much of the décor, fittings, furnishings, glasses, tables and chairs is made up of artfully repurposed or recycled materials - from bathtubs to flour-bags and a great deal in between!

This is a delightful, intimate, genuinely authentic township-style dining experience blending Vic Falls' vibrant local lifestyle and delicious artisanal food - cooked on open fires ion cast-iron pots, using indigenous ingredients and served with flair.

When you next visit Victoria Falls - Go local with Dusty Road!

Contact us for more information on [email protected]

21/11/2022

Hide - ing out in Botswana!

There are many ways to see wildlife - all of which are special - But being in a sunken hide, face-to-face (or face to foot!) where the animals may literally be within touchable distance adds a thrilling dimension to the bush experience.

From down at ground/water/foot/trunk/grass-root level, Africa is suddenly much closer and much wilder.

So close, you may have to abandon your "real" camera and simply use a smart phone! Or, just sit back and absorb.

There are many lodges with hides, each of which are wonderful, but today we are sharing a few photos from just two hides in Botswana - Natural Selection Khwai and Matebole, Mashatu.

Contact us for further information about these two exceptional hides or to chat about others.

[email protected]

08/11/2022

Sea, sea and sand!

As the northern hemisphere winter takes hold, are you in need of sunshine, warm Indian Ocean waters and relaxed days on beach, afternoon cocktails, glorious sunsets and perhaps a little adventure? Or, of course, really, really fun things to do as a family?

Talk to us about Azura Benguerra, an easy helicopter ride from Vilanculos in Mozambique.

Partner stays free on a 7-night stay between 25 November and the end of March 2023 (excluding 15 December to 06 January).

And there is still space for families in the fabulous Presidential Villa and Villa Amizade for 2022.

Relax, swim, ride, cycle, sail, fish, snorkel, dive, eat.......!

[email protected]

28/10/2022

Africa.

We are African-born and African-raised but that word - Africa - still quickens our heartbeat and makes us catch our breath.

We are fortunate to call this extraordinary place home. We are fortunate, too, to be able to share some of the most wonderful and exceptional places and experiences with you.

Take a look the images and this video clip courtesy of Great Plains. Africa - untamed, unplugged, unmatched.

Unbelievable!

This why you come to Africa!

Edited excerpt: "Much of the material is from mobile phones or amateur cameras, none are taken by any professional photographer"

https://youtu.be/X-2UIKZxgys

Contact us for to plan your trip to our beautiful continent.

[email protected]

19/10/2022

Travel to a magical watery world of lakes and Raphia forests - home of the only fruit-eating vulture in the world. Feel the soft white sand between your toes and the shade of the peaceful forests, listen to the call of the fish eagle and head out to experience the wonder of turtles as they come onto the beach.

Wrap yourselves in warm welcome and attention of wonderful staff and leave this crazy year behind.

Contact us for more details and to book.

[email protected]

11/10/2022

Saddle up and ride off into Christmas as well as into many glorious African sunsets.

If a riding safari appeals to you as the best possible gift, join Ride Zimbabwe for a fabulous week of riding, or a week of fabulous riding.

Top off the adventure with a few nights in Victoria Falls as recommended. The town will be buzzing and there is so much to see and do and a wonderful variety of places at which to stay.

Contact us for ideas and more information.

[email protected]

23/09/2022

Newly named as Samara Karoo Reserve, this magnificent reserve is truly one of South Africa's gems. This is an extraordinary place of vast open spaces, diverse habitats and wildlife and air so pure you can taste it!

The Great Karoo is a vast semi-desert in South Africa's heartland - a landscape of space, stars and silence, of heart-lifting scenery and specially-adapted wildlife, of characteristic culture and of global conservation importance.

Over 25 years the owners have carefully nurtured, restored and preserved this remarkable and soulful landscape and the Samara experience focuses on slow and meaningful safari encounters that inspire a deep connection with the wild spaces of the Great Karoo - from Big Five bush walks and wildlife tracking to sleep-outs and culinary experiences.

Enjoy this beautiful video which we hope will inspire you to visit and share this piece of paradise.

https://youtu.be/sI0iIxlrHZo

[email protected]

03/06/2022

What a privilege it was to organise this trip through the jaw dropping rawness of Namibia where this family were able to experience extreme landscapes and untamed wilderness! 🇳🇦

Thank you for trusting us to make your African dream a reality!

Get in touch with us today and tell us your African dream at https://africansojourns.com 🐾

25/05/2022

Celebrating Africa Day in style with a sundowner over Lake Kariba! 🇿🇼 We can’t wait to share the beauty of our continent with you!

https://africansojourns.com/

24/05/2022

Working with you to plan this whole trip was absolutely wonderful, thank you all so much. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all and really hope to meet you again one day!

Thank you for trusting us to make your African dream a reality!

Get in touch with us today and tell us your African dream at https://africansojourns.com 🐾

29/04/2022

The magic of the Moremi is beckoning - take advantage of a fabulous last minute offer to join a 5 night, fully serviced camping safari to one of nature's great wonderlands.

Days are filled with extraordinary wildlife viewing and adventure and the nights with glorious star-swept skies and the sounds of the wild.

23-28 May - special offer

US$ 2,150 pp sharing (normally US$ 2, 675 pp)
or
US$ 2, 010 pp sharing if 4 or more people

Min 2/max 7

2 nights Xakanaxa, 3 nights Khwai

All meals, selected drinks, light aircraft transfer from Maun to Xakanaxa to start the safari, mekoro excursion in Khwai. Wall-in tents and fabulous beds.

Excludes flight to/from Maun

Contact us on [email protected]

02/03/2022

Find your Zen in the African Bush.... rejuvenate and energise.

13 - 15 MAY 2022

Join this gorgeous weekend retreat in the Pilanesberg with luxury accommodation, delicious, wholesome food, game drives and the sounds of nature combined with beautiful yoga and challenging HIIT workouts and head home feeling like a new person.

Instructors Gabrielle Akal and Melissa Van Straten

R 8, 998 per person sharing + R 260 reserve fees

Includes - accommodation, all meals, all workouts, talks and meditation, tea/coffee, soft drinks and selected beers, wines and spirits as well as 2 daily game activities.

Contact us on [email protected]

08/02/2022

The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosh is a beautiful and moving walk illustrating his artistic journey. Set in 7 hectares of pristine natural garden, it is well worth a visit.

11/01/2022

Give yourself the gift of time and step back into a bygone era of elegance and pampering on the world renown Rovos Rail.

South Africans and residents from neighbouring countries can take advantage of wonderful 2-for-1 rates on several February and March departures.

Pretoria - Cape Town (4 - 7 Feb)
Cape Town - Pretoria ( 7 - 10 Feb)
3 nights from R 13, 250 p/p sharing

Pretoria - Victoria Falls (3 -6 Feb or 24 - 27 Feb)
Victoria Falls - Pretoria (6 - 9 Feb or 27 Feb - 02 Mar or 6 -9 Mar)
3 nights from R 18, 250 p/p sharing

Pretoria - Durban (11 -13 Mar)
Durban - Pretoria (14 - 16 Mar)
From R 18, 150 p/p sharing

Includes accommodation, all meals and selected drinks on board, off-train excursions, room-service and limited laundry.

T&C and single supplements apply

Space is limited, contact us now to secure your suite

[email protected]

29/12/2021

To our clients, past and future, industry colleagues and friends - thank you for standing by us and for your commitment to Africa as a guest or as a guardian.

What a year we have all had, but we are still standing strong!

To all the wonderful, wonderful organisations within the travel industry that are committed to protecting our wildlife and promoting sustainable development through creating opportunities that empower communities located in vulnerable wilderness areas, urban areas.....

You are too many to mention, but thank you, we salute you!

Please click here to enjoy a golden oldie that says exactly what African Sojourns wishes for you and our world – sing along, get out your dancing shoes and give a little love!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGCcPQSA-Zc