CONNOISSEUR SAFARI PORTFOLIO - Southern Africa Highlights

Expert tips:

Meaning “tranquil” in the local Tsonga language, andBeyond Tengile River Lodge is situated in a serene setting, on a bend of the Sand River. Here, elegant interiors are complimented by exquisite modern finishes, and inviting, intimate spaces encourage a sense of solitude whilst pockets of open space are designed for group gatherings. Built with an extremely light footprint, Tengile features nine suites that are raised above ground level to give the impression that they are floating over the riverbed, providing exceptional views from the dappled shade of a cool riverine forest. The spacious suites offers sunken lounges, elegant bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms (with indoor and al fresco showers) that open out into the forest, creating private spaces in the open air.

Following the curve of the river bank, each area of the lodge offers magnificent river views. A beautiful massage and gym area offer a haven of tranquillity where guests can spend the entire day relaxing in between game drives. Sustainability lies at the heart of the new lodge’s form and function. Environmentally friendly construction materials have been selected with durability in mind. Automation is being put into place to reduce the use of electricity and the use of solar power has been combined with various procedures designed to increase efficiency both during the build phase and after. Activities include early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives, interpretive bush walks led by expert guides, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT TENGILE RIVER LODGE

• Traverse through 10 500 hectares (26 000 acres) of pristine wilderness on twice-daily game drives

• Spend your downtime indulging in a soothing massage or, for the actively inclined, head to the well-equipped gym.

Included:

Your stay includes accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, tea and coffee, refreshments on game drives, laundry, scheduled safari activities, emergency medical evacuation insurance as well as transfers to and from the airstrip.

Included activities:

• One Hour Nature Walk

• Game Drives

Expert tips:

Offering a unique combination of rich wildlife viewing and scenic Victoria Falls experiences, Matetsi Victoria Falls is set on a massive concession that boasts 15km (9 miles) of private Zambezi River frontage. The broad Zambezi River runs deep alongside two intimate camps, with nine river-facing suites each. Clad in an intricate woven pattern that calls to mind the country’s rich heritage, the cool and spacious suites boast contemporary interiors embellished with natural finishes, and decorated with abstract pieces of art created by a renowned local artist. Each suite features a lovely bathroom and private veranda with exceptional views of the river. Set in the deep shade of riverside trees, each camp has a dedicated guest area.

Mouth-watering flavours are created in an interactive kitchen and served indoors or beneath a canopy of mangosteen and waterberry trees. Al fresco dining takes place next to the quiet murmur of the Zambezi’s running waters, punctuated by a choir of frogs and the throaty chuckling of hippos, while fresh, African mornings are accented by the stirring cry of fish eagles. As the sun slips beneath the water, guests gather in the cosy bar area to swap stories of the day’s adventures. Leisure hours can be spent in the shared guest area and, for the more actively inclined, a well-equipped fitness centre or in the 23 metre (76 foot) pool. Revel in fascinating morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, canoeing, boat excursions and fishing.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT MATETSI VICTORIA FALLS

• Soak in the exceptional views of the Zambezi River from the comfort of your suite

• Taste the wide selection of fine wines in the extensive wine cellar

• Indulge in a relaxing massage in the tranquillity of a massage sala

Included:

Your stay includes all meals, the house selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, refreshments on game drives, laundry, safari activities, scheduled Luxury return transfer to/from Matetsi from/to within the Victoria Falls area, i.e. VF town, VF Airport & VF borders with Botswana/Zambia and emergency medical evacuation insurance.

Included activities:

• Bird Watching

• Fishing

• Game Drive

• Tour of the Falls

• A Cruise on the Zambezi River

• Canoeing

• Nature Walks

Expert tips:

andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is located on the edge of the Okavango Delta in a 7 000 hectare exclusive wildlife concession bordering Moremi Game Reserve. The Camp is known for its elegant tented accommodation with breathtaking views of the ever-changing Okavango Delta. It is a skillful combination of luxury and integration with the environment. Nine exclusive tented suites on raised wooden platforms nestle under a canopy of African ebony trees, featuring ensuite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the reeded molapo (floodplain).The guest areas, made from the local timber, reed and thatch, include indoor and outdoor dining, a Safari Shop and a swimming pool with expansive deck. From this springboard of comfort, guests are able to appreciate the exquisite beauty of the Okavango Delta. Private bush dinners, breakfasts in bed, lamplit cocktails on a river island, or a walking safari with al fresco picnic are provided with pleasure by Nxabega’s warm and friendly staff.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT ANDBEYOND NXABEGA OKAVANGO TENTED CAMP

• Surprise the poling tracker on your mokoro trip by grabbing a water lily and squeezing the end at him — it shoots like a water pistol.

• Challenge your loved one to a game of Scrabble on the pool deck and when that is done have a bird watching competition without leaving the comfort of your chair.

• At dinnertime, ask Nxabega’s Sing for Life choir to perform one of their beautiful African anthems.

Included:

Your stay includes three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits, beers, refreshments on game drives, scheduled safari activities, emergency medical evacuation insurance, laundry as well as transfers to and from the airstrip.

Included activities:

• Mokoro Excursion (Seasonal activity)

• Motorised Boat Cruise (Seasonal activity)

• Game Drives

Recommended activities (at additional cost):

• Scenic Helicopter Flight

Expert tips:

The Silo is a magical space towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo hs 28 rooms, including a spectacular penthouse. Each room has been individually designed and decorated by the stylish wand of Liz Biden. Colourful and eclectic pieces juxtapose the modern, industrial architecture. The 6 room categories are based on the room size and the views. The rooms are more spacious vertically than horizontally due to the unique architecture of The Silo and in particular the ingenious design of the pillowed window bays which are one of the key architectural features.

The building has been designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Principal of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which will bulge outward as if gently inflated. By night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern or beacon in the harbour.

Included:

Your stay includes breakfast, limited mini bar, access to gym and spa facilities and wi-fi.

Recommended activities (at additional cost):

• City Tour

• Cape Point and Winelands Tour

• Table Mountain Tour