Whilst we still dream of safaris and the next time we can take a deep breath of African sunshine, we wanted to share some news, a few snippets to make you smile and a couple of videos to bring safari sights and sounds right to you.
Fynbos Family House, Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands
Babylonstoren – South Africa
We are passionate about Babylonstoren and know that many of you share this love of the Farm. If you can, please do vote and show your support for Dalene and the team for the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2021. The poll is now open on both UK and US websites, with Babylonstoren listed under the ‘Hotels & Resorts’ section. A direct link to the voting page can be found here – you simply need to type in Babylonstoren and it will appear within the drop-down menu. Voting ends on 31st May 2021, and the results will be published in the November issue.
Have you added the Fynbos Family House to your website or portfolio? A beautiful private villa nestled at the foot of the mountains with extraordinary views of the valley and farm below, it offers family and friends a shared space to relax, plan adventures or simply enjoy this secluded spot. The House sleeps up to 10 and has its own crystal pool fed by a shallow channel.
Canoeing with the elephants @ Bomani, Hwange NP
Imvelo Safari Lodges – Zimbabwe
Hwange has experienced exceptional rains over the last months which is something to celebrate in itself and good news for the wildlife and communities. We loved this video of the elephant enjoying the water and the sounds whisked us to Hwange for a short time.
It is not only the elephants enjoying all the water, Imvelo have also introduced a brand new green season activity – canoeing! Subject to water levels from January to March and included in the rates at Bomani, slip gently through the lotus water lilies and drift past the bird and wildlife, complete tranquility or a unique angle for photographs.
The vaccination programme is steaming ahead and we are pleased to hear that the tourism communities are being prioritised in both Victoria Falls as well as in the rural communities where many of the Imvelo staff have been first in line, from guides to chefs, and with the biggest smiles behind the masks, they are waiting for you.
High waters @ Tafika, South Luangwa
Remote Africa Safaris- Zambia
More exceptional rains – John, Jen and Nick made a quick visit up to the Luangwa Valley to check on water levels a few weeks ago and are currently packing everything to move up for the season. The river has now subsided but the levels were some of the highest John can recall. What a difference it makes. We have enjoyed looking at some of the videos they took whilst exploring this powerful waterway, John tells a few stories and mind your head through the ebony forest. Once they have settled in, it will be interesting to see how the river looks now – a dramatic change, no doubt.
A quick reminder about Takwela – their newest camp addition and something to consider for those staying longer in Zambia and for those that would like to really escape the crowds. Takwela sits on the confluence of the Mwaleshi and Luangwa rivers in North Luangwa, with an open ‘wafwa’ in front of Camp from which to view plenty of hippo, birds and wildlife. They have found a huge natural spring which can be seen as part of a game drives and all to be discovered with no other tourists in the vicinity.
