This is an update for those of you champing at the bit to get back on safari in Southern Africa.We are passionate about these countries and want to keep you updated on the Covid – 19 travel requirements. What do you need to travel? – General Requirements. Covid-19 PCR Certificate – You are required to have a negative Covid –[…]
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Great news! After a long period of isolation, most of our favourite destinations in Africa are open for tourism again.Visitors are starting to trickle back to Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa and the reports we’ve been receiving are very encouraging indeed. Safari Covid safe The efforts made by our partners on the ground to ensure that all[…]
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It’s been several months since we were able to travel freely and, like me, you are probably itching to get back out on safari. But which countries can you visit? The short answer is ‘not many’. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) currently advises against all international travel, apart from designated safe corridors. There are no African countries that[…]
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With international travel all but at a standstill and no clear end to the restrictions in sight, most of us have had to rethink the safari travel plans we had booked for 2020.Some of you may have decided that there is no point making plans for your travel until the pandemic has passed and countries have opened up again but[…]
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Sani Pass The Sani Pass is one of those iconic South African locations that sits on so many people’s wish list but so often remains a wish unfulfilled.It provides the only road link between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and is the only road crossing the summit of the high Drakensberg.Originally a mule track, it is still a tortuous, hair-raising road today.[…]
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When the first African Wild Dog appeared, trotting around the bend towards us, we had no idea of the adventure that was about to unfold. But, within moments, three more dogs followed the first one into view and Neil, our guide, knew straight away, “They’re hunting.” Up to that point, our game drive had been quite sedate. We’d seen a[…]
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I know it is a terrible admission but, by and large, I find lions very boring. Sure they are the top predator in Africa, but they spend so much of their time just lying around sleeping that too often, after the initial thrill of sighting them, not much happens. I get far more excited about other cats, especially the spotted[…]
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What kind of safari can you get for US$4,000? A short while ago we were contacted by some professional photographers from the USA. They wanted to go on safari in Africa, in particular they wanted to witness the great wildebeest migration, but their budget was tight; the cost must not exceed US$4,000 per person. Now, I can hear some of[…]
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Camps & Lodges with the WOW! factor Someone just asked me “What is your favourite camp in Africa?” How do I pick just one? I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in so many amazing places. Faced with this challenge and a few idle hours over the festive season I thought I’d try and at least narrow it down to a short-list.[…]
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With lions and leopards proving elusive, we went in search of something easier to find and likely to be more active. Hyaenas.
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Motswari Private Game Lodge has been a long time favourite of mine. Located in the Umbabat reserve, and with traversing rights into Timbavati which lies immediately to the south it has given me some exceptional game viewing over the years. I’ve always enjoyed great success with leopards at Motswari and often recommend it as THE place to go if you[…]
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Family Safaris in Africa It’s 2016 and January is already half gone. Can’t decide where to go for this year’s annual family holiday? Have you thought about taking them on safari in Africa? If you’re looking for a holiday that is active and interactive, where every day brings with something new to keep both adults and children happy then a safari[…]
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Olympus Stylus 1 – It’s a dream to use and the photos I’ve taken with it are consistently bright and sharp.
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Conservation requires cooperation, not conflict Success in conservation cannot be forced; it relies on the commitment and participation of all stakeholders. Everyone must understand what is in it for them; both those on the ground and directly involved and those who donate funds from thousands of miles away. Yet, at times, there seems to be a marked reluctance amongst ‘conservationists’[…]
Read moreDay 4 One of the recurring themes of our trail was Matt telling us of his insomnia. What he did not mention is that when he can’t sleep he talks. He talks to whomever happens to be on watch and if he is on watch he talks to himself or into his voice recorder. We always knew when Matt was asleep[…]
Read moreDaylight on Day 3 showed us a river that looked very different from the night before. The rhino photo above was taken early evening on Day 2 This was the same stretch of river early morning on day 3 I had a few minutes to spare while the others got ready to leave and so I took the chance to[…]
Read moreThe night seemed to be an endless succession of tossing and turning. No matter how comfortable my sleeping position seemed, that comfort would only last a short time before the rocky ground began to dig into my back or my hips. So it came as quite a surprise to find that I was actually asleep when I got woken for[…]
Read moreWhat have I let myself in for? In May 2015 I was invited to join a small group of friends on a 5 day / 4 night hiking trail in South Africa’s iMfolozi National Park. Without giving any real thought to what such a trail might involve I said ‘Yes’. I love being out in the wilderness and sleeping under[…]
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