Romantic Gataways

1.Blue Train bliss


Incorporating The Blue Train into a honeymoon on its route between Pretoria and Cape Town gives a  couple 31 hours of cocooning in luxury with a butler service, brunch, high tea, dinner and breakfast, an off-train excursion and accommodation in a plush compartment with en-suite bathroom.

2.Night skies the star of the show


Romance is found at a number of Sanctuary Retreats properties, among them Sanctuary Baines’ Camp bordering the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. Here honeymooners can bathe under the stars and then go on to sleep in the open, under cover of night.

3.Safari and spa accent at Summerfields


Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa, near Hazyview and 10km from the Kruger National Park’s Phabeni Gate, is offering honeymooners a four-night package with one night free and a number of complimentary inclusions.

4.Secluded beaches in Mozambique


The dunes behind Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique provide an opportunity to take a romantic walk on the beach to a new level.

5.Sabi Sands intimacy


With only 10 comfortable chalets, the four-star Idube Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands is an intimate location for a honeymoon.

Augrabies - Remarkable Sight

Few sights are as awesome or a sound as deafening as water thundering down the 56m Augrabies Waterfall when the Orange River is in full flood.

 The Khoi people called it ‘Aukoerebis’, or place of Great Noise, as this powerful flow of water is unleashed from rocky surroundings characterised by the 18km abyss of the Orange River Gorge. 

Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region. Klipspringer and kokerboom (quiver trees) stand in stark silhouette against the African sky, silent sentinels in a strangely unique environment where only those that are able to adapt ultimately survive. 

The 55 383 hectares on both the northern and southern sides of the Orange River provide sanctuary to a diversity of species, from the very smallest succulents, birds and reptiles to Hartmann's mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok and giraffe. 

These foreboding black hills are another distinct landmark in Augrabies. Quartz-poor, these igneous rocks seem to form a natural border between the harsh environment of the gorge area and a more fertile area on the other side. The contrast between the two landscapes can best be seen from the top of Swart Rante.

Footsteps Across the Delta

 

If you're keen to do some walking in Botswana, then Footsteps Across the Delta should be at the top of your wish list! These are opportunities to explore the environment and wildlife with an expert guide.

 

Footsteps is a very simple and rustic camp, currently located on the edge of a beautiful hippo-filled lagoon (the camp is fully portable and tends to be moved to a new location every couple of years). The tents are set up in the shade of a lovely forested area. 

The main area at Footsteps is a simple open-sided canvas tent which has a nice view over the lagoon. As well as a dining table, There is also a mini-library.

Each evening, a fire is lit in front of the main tent, and everyone sits round to discuss the day's sightings and events. There is even a small viewing mound with a couple of comfortable chairs, also overlooking the lagoon.

A few nights' stay here will give you an authentic taste of the bush – the area is notable for the diversity of wildlife present. Both wild dog and lion are often seen in the area and also a variety of plains game including kudu, tsessebe, zebra, giraffe and impala. If you wish, you can also go on game drives, and mokoro, depending on water levels.

For more information please contact us at

 res@botswana-reservations.com

 www.botswana-reservations.com

Jao Camp in the Heart of the Okavango

 

Providing the ultimate Delta water experience in the heart of the Okavango, luxurious Jao Camp is set in an area where islands fringed with riverine forests meet vast productive floodplains. Shaded by a canopy of trees, the nine spacious and beautifully-designed tents offer en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers. Expansive views from the private sala at each tent make for a sumptuous setting for afternoon siestas.

In addition to the main lounge and dining area, there are two plunge pools and a boma for dining under the stars, complemented by wines from an excellent wine cellar. Jao Camp also has a spa where a wide range of massage therapies are offered and a gym for the more active. The camp itself perfectly mirrors the beauty of the Delta and allows an effortless entry into the wonders of this pristine wetland paradise.

Jao Camp is the epitome of luxury in the most remote, scenically splendid setting, Frequently visited by wildlife, including a gregarious family of mongoose that has made Jao its home.

Jao’s Camp position, amongst waterways and lagoons, yet close to dry Kalahari woodland, means you can enjoy both water and land experiences, depending on the time of year.

For more information please contact us at

res@botswana-reservation.com
www.botswana-reservations.com

Maramba River Lodge - Zambia

Maramba River Lodge provides a most attractive all-year-round accommodation base in a shaded woodland setting. The Lodge is situated on a bluff overlooking the Maramba River. They are often visited by the resident wildlife with elephant wandering through the grounds at certain times of the year. Ideally located just 4km from the Victoria Falls and just outside of Livingstone, Zambia.

Accommodation

Luxury Tents  

Each tent is individually decorated to a theme with our own handcrafted furniture. The en-suite bathroom is tiled throughout with a shower open to the African sky.

Chalets 

 Maramba’s private chalets are spacious and airy and nestle under mopane and mahogany trees.

Safari Tents  

 The Safari Tents offer en-suite bathrooms and mosquito nets all under thatch. These small yet well appointed tents offer the perfect compromise between budget and room facilities.

Dome Tents 

 Our Dome tent area named ‘The River Camp’ is set on the bank of the Maramba River They add a great variety to our other accommodation.

Activities

 

Bungee jumping
Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Railway Bridge
 

Zambezi white water rafting
Zambezi white water rafting, acclaimed as the wildest one-day white-water run in the world.

Victoria Falls tours
Victoria Falls tours allow you to get up close to the Falls, feel the spray of the smoke that thunders, be sure to take an umbrella.

Helicopter flights
Helicopter flights over the Falls allow visitors to see the raw, powerful beauty of the Victoria Falls from the best possible angle – above.

For more information please contact us at 

res@zambia-reservations.com
www.zambia-reservations.com

The Lion Park in South Africa

GUARANTEED SUPER CLOSE-UP VIEWS

Nowhere can you get closer to a pride of Lions and other animals and still be completely safe. See the animals up close in all the activities that the Lion Park offers, whether you go on a self-drive tour, guided tour or in the new electric silent vehicle – They guarantee that you will get super close to the animals, not to mention special tours like the amazing cheetah walk and the exclusive mesmerizing lion tour guided by world renowned animal behaviorist, Alex Larenty. Amazing photo opportunities await around every corner in the park, share your memories with friends and family by having your photos taken professionally by their photographers. 

Feeding

 

Experience the natural interaction of a feeding lion pride up close. The mighty roars and sounds of lion festivity fill the game vehicle while the guides share interesting facts with you on the night drives. Watch lions feeding from your own vehicle on Saturdays and Sundays.

Wild Side Accommodation

 

Experience an overnight stay in one of our large semi-luxury, 5-sleeper air-conditioned safari tents. The Wild Side Tented Camp consists of four safari tents overlooking the Lion Park plains game area. Enjoy a sun downer watching the peaceful scene of springbuck, blesbuck and others grazing on your doorstep. Fall asleep with the mighty roars from the lion camps that will make your stay a delight with true African sounds in the background. 

 

Restaurant

 

The Lion Park offers a selection of meals at the large outdoor family restaurant, kiosk and bar.

For more information please contact us at
 info@southern-africa-travel.com
www.southern-africa-travel.com

Adventure in Harare

 Domboshava Rocks

Domboshava Rocks is located approximately thirty five kilometers north east of Harare.  It is an easy and interesting drive as you pass through a village with lots of stalls and produce on sale.

 

 

Domboshava Rocks is located approximately thirty five kilometres north east of Harare.  It is an easy and interesting drive as you pass through a village with lots of stalls and produce on sale.  Proceeding through the village you will start to see massive granite formations of rock which is the popular Domboshava rocks that attracts many locals and tourists alike, it is a natural history site.It is a great outing for the whole family, either take a picnic breakfast or snacks up for sunset and enjoy a sundowner while admiring the spectacular three hundred and sixty degree surrounding views.
 

Harare Gardens

The Harare Gardens is the main garden in the City. The gardens are very beautiful and they are an ideal place for  leisure. There is a restaurant where people are offered take away and seated service, and can enjoy the surrounding view while eating their meal. Harare Gardens has a stage for performances such as musical and dramatics, every year the Harare International Festival of Arts is held there and attracts many visitors to this popular event.

Mukuvisi Woodlands

Mukuvisi Woodlands is situated in Harare making it a very convenient place to visit for a day, look at the animals, go for a bird walk or a walking safari with a guide, horseback safaris  or alternatively go for a bike ride or walk without a guide.There is beautiful scenery, giving you the out of town feel and perfect choice of a Sunday morning walk, animals you can expect to see include a variety of buck, giraffe, zebra and an amazing diversity of bird life.

Island Holiday

Quirimbas Island- Mozambique

 

The Quirimbas Archipelago is the perfect Mozambique holiday destination with various island resorts and beach lodges to choose from.It is the ‘undiscovered’ nature of the Quirimbas Archipelago that make it so special. This is a place in the world where there are no cars, no roads, few hotels. For anyone looking for a very special Africa location and romantic holiday destination, the Quirimbas Archipelago is it!

Guludo Eco Beach Lodge

 

Guludo is a tropical, barefoot beach paradise; 12km of deserted powder-white sand nestled between the dazzling azure Indian Ocean and wild African Bush, in the Quirimbas National Park, Mozambique.

 

Flamingo Bay Water Lodge 

 

 The magical Flamingo Bay Water Lodge is located in a beautiful tropical tidal estuary along the Inhambane coast. This uniquely designed resort lies 485km north of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. It has become synonymous with honeymooners and couples looking for an eco-chic retreat and the perfect getaway.

 

Barra Beach Lodge 

 

Barra caters mainly for families with children and divers who have come to experience Mozambiques unique Manta Coast diving. The Lodge is geared towards fun and activities for the whole family.

Activities

 
Time is spent drifting over magnificent coral reefs, visiting islands and mingling in the local village. Sunset Sails, Whale watching, Beach Archery, Village football, Beauty on the Beach, Pangane Beach and visiting community projects.

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

Coolest beach cottages in South Africa

Amidst South Africa's natural wonders are a series of beaches with striking turquoise waters and sparkling white sandy shores. The beaches span 4 distinct areas, each with its own personality.

1.The Beach Hut
Paternoster, Cape West Coast
This is exactly the kind of white-washed and nautical-themed spot that springs to mind when you think of a waterfront holiday. The shore itself isn’t the barefoot- friendly type – broken mussel shells make up the bulk of the sand – but that shouldn’t stop you from going for a swim.
 

2.Sea Scape
Langebaan, Cape West Coast
Solid wood tables, a chaise longue, rich leather couches and stainless steel and marble nishes replace the thatch roofs, wicker chairs, shells and driftwood so typical of beach cottages. It’s a double-storey mansion within a few metres of the sand and calm turquoise waters of Langebaan Lagoon.

3.West of the Moon
Churchhaven, Cape West Coast
The whitewashed, rustic beach feel with weathered furniture alongside modern finishes can so easily become clichéd, but West of the Moon in West Coast National Park has the authentic vintage look down pat. There’s nothing modern about the place – everything from the brass light switches and old-fashioned furniture to a blue kettle and kitsch containers is dated and rather delightful.
 

4.The Lighthouse
Yzerfontein, Cape West Coast
The ‘no shoes’ sign at the front door sets the tone for the clean, white interior of this laid-back retreat. Although it’s really big, the wooden floors, worn cupboards, picture frames and an old turquoise display cabinet give it a sense of cosiness. When the wind’s howling and the deck loungers won’t do, the large fireplace is the heart of the home. Whip up hot chocolate in the open-plan kitchen, put your feet up, set your mug on the eccentric coffee table, and take in the salty air and foamy shore.

5.High Rocks Beach House
Umkomaas, KZN South Coast
Very few places offer the feel of a luxury coastal holiday at the price of a budget break, but this converted fisherman’s hut on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast pulls it off in style. Screed floors, high ceilings, Nguni rugs, abstract art, leather headboards, ornate lamps and bright paintings add glamour to the otherwise stark white sea-facing suites and the four-bunk and double rooms that open onto a big lawn.

For more information please contact us at 

info@southern-africa-travel.com

southern-africa-travel.com

Grassland Bushman Lodge

Grassland Bushman Lodge (Central Kalahari, Botswana) is a little world of wonders… As our name suggests, our main activity is based on our cultural activities with our local San people. Guests get the opportunity to meet our local San people and to spend some time with them. This is truly an amazing experience and likewise, this gives the San people a feeling of appreciation as their culture is on the verge of extinction. A wide variety of Kalahari animals and bird species can also be seen on 4WD game drives or on horseback, or guests can simply gaze out at the numerous species attracted to our own floodlit waterhole, a mere 50 yards away in front of the lodge.

Accommodation:

At Grassland, you will be amazed by the comfortable chalets, dining facilities, and hospitable staff. Grassland has eight extremely well furnished chalets, each with their own en-suite bathrooms, beds, closets, safe and dressing table.

Each facility has constant hot water and your laundry is done daily at no extra cost. They can accommodate up to 16 guests and have a family suite as well.

Camp Site

All four camp sites are well shaded, have running water, a fire pit and a braaier (BBQ grill). At the camp site they also have two ablution facilities; with running water and a “Donkey boiler” for warm
water (wood for the Donkey boiler is supplied by Grassland Bushman Lodge).

Activities

Guests are free to take life at their own pace and soak up the unique atmosphere of the lodge, but you’ll always find there’s something different to do. Because of the lodge’s unusual location, many of the activities offered are either exclusively available at Grassland or will be sufficiently different from anywhere else, to make the experience
truly memorable.

 

1.Cultural activities with the local Bushman – Their main activity…
2.Predator Protection Project
3.Horse Riding & Horse Safaris
4.Game Viewing  

 There’s never a dull moment at Grassland Bushman Lodge!

For more information please contact us at 

info@botswana-reservations.com

www.botswana-reservations.com

The Nata Sanctuary

The Nata Sanctuary is part of the Makgadikgadi Pans Important Bird Area (IBA), and as such is one of Botswana’s premier birding destinations. After good rains, hundreds of thousands of globally threatened Lesser Flamingos, along with Greater Flamingos, Chestnut-banded Plovers, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, and a host of other waterbirds converge on the nutrient-rich waters of the pans. As the pan dries out, the Sanctuary hosts the largest congregation of Lesser Flamingos in Southern Africa – a flamboyant spectacle and a must for any bird enthusiast.

How to get to the Sanctuary

The Nata Sanctuary is situated 170km northwest of Francistown, on the northeastern tip of the great Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The Makgadikgadi was once the site of the largest inland lake in southern Africa, which dried up between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. Today remnants of this great lake exist in the form of two large salt pans, Ntwetwe Pan in the west and Sua Pan in the east, that flood only temporarily in the wet season.

Facilities and activities for birders

Camping

The Nata Sanctuary provides affordable camping in the Mophane woodland near the entrance of the park. Enjoy a private campsite complete with braai place and table. Ablutions consist of hot showers and flush toilets. Luxury tents are under construction at present.

Birdwatching

 

Nata Sanctuary is a birdwatchers’ paradise but varies greatly throughout the year. In order to see the birds at their best, it is advisable to enquire from staff about conditions within the Sanctuary.

Viewing platform/hide

 
A viewing platform/hide provides panoramic views of the pan and sunsets.

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com