by africagirl | Jul 31, 2009 | Uncategorized
Every year, thousands of travellers from around the world flock to the South African bush, hoping to catch a glimpse and a photograph of any member of the Big Five – or the Big Seven, if you count the recently included denizens of the deep the Great White Shark and the whale.
However, apart from the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhinoceros and the buffalo, there are an equally famous species which visitors to any of South Africa’s luxury lodges are also bound to encounter these days. They are not indigenous to South Africa, but recently, the local lodges and the bush have been teeming with them.
They are called celebrities and for many of them, South Africa’s plentiful luxurious lodges and game reserves have become a favourite getaway destination. Not only do our lodges offer more than affordable prices for world-class luxury – fit for even the most pampered celebrity – but the seclusion and privacy of the bush also offer them the unique experience of being able to escape and unwind far from the glare of the spotlight and paparazzi flashes.
Recent well-known, A-list celebrities who have taken in a spot of wildlife on safari include British singer Lily Allen, actor John Travolta and his actress wife Kelly Preston – who came here to honour the memory of their late son Jett – to name but a few.
You never know, your next safari and lodge stay might just include some complimentary star gazing!
by africagirl | Apr 8, 2009 | Uncategorized
As spring descends upon the Northern Hemisphere, thoughts invariably turn to the long summer holiday looming just around the corner.
With wallets thinning due to the global recession, many families are looking for cost-cutting getaways, preferably without skimping on luxury.
South Africa is a veritable holiday paradise for families with children. And even though Northern Hemisphere summer holidays occur during the Southern Hemisphere winter, the South African winter climate is mostly mild and pleasant.
Most game reserves and lodges offer safe game drives where kids can view wild animals in their natural environment. It is also an ideal gateway to exotic Africa for families who do not want to do without European or North American standards.
According to Stephan Gotta, who works for South African Tourism in Frankfurt, Germany, an increasing number of South African tour operators offer safaris (and other South African activities) tailor-made for families with children.
“Hotels and restauranteurs have reacted to rising demand and geared accommodation and prices to families with children.”
South Africa is an extremely child-friendly destination. Almost all hotels, lodges and restaurants welcome children – children’s beds and highchairs are standard equipment. Self-catering holiday homes are common, and most places have playgrounds. Many lodges and hotels provide a baby-sitting service so that parents can occasionally go out without their offspring without worrying about their well-being.
Now that’s what we call an all-round, ideal family vacation!
