Tuesday, 16 May 2023

South Africa: Bundox River Lodge - Your Stylish Riverside Retreat in the Balule

NEW: Bundox River Lodge from R6750,00

Your Stylish Riverside Retreat in the Balule

The secret’s out…the stylish Bundox River Lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve has joined the Sun Destinations portfolio! We look forward to many years of success with this elegant addition to our portfolio.

With its superior architecture and exquisite furnishings, this well-appointed lodge adds an elevated sense of comfort. Bundox’s position on the banks of the burgeoning Olifants River is a huge selling point. Coupled with its spacious Meru style tented accommodation, Bundox has certainly set a new standard for mid-range safari lodges.

Bundox River Lodge is different from other Kruger Camps. It has an iconic Okavango Delta camp atmosphere and feel. Maybe it’s the river, the tents, or the presence of the wildlife on the banks - but that feeling of “Okavango Delta” is always there.

With a rate of R6750,00 per night, luxury has never been this attainable.

Here are 5 FAST FACTS about Bundox River Lodge

- Right on the banks of the perennial Olifants River

- Located in the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve

- Two daily game drives on a 5000 hectare traverse with 8 km of riverfront

- 5 spacious rooms on raised wooden platforms

- Pool and wooden deck area

Bundox River Lodge is ideally located on the banks of the burgeoning Olifants River in the northern reaches of the Balule Nature Reserve. Bundox sets a new standard of luxury with its glamorous river facing Meru style tents, each built on raised wooden platforms overlooking the bend in the river below.

Bundox River Lodge's pride of place on the water's edge combined with its luxury canvas suites, exudes that iconic Okavango Delta camp atmosphere, making it unique to the Kruger. In keeping with the understated sophistication of the Bundox brand, this camp marries light wood with classic canvas to create a lodge in harmony with its environment. Only the finest linen, textiles and fixtures are used throughout.

The 5 tented suites are spacious and designed perfectly to let in streams of natural light. The beautifully appointed tents each have en-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers, private viewing decks, King size beds and standing fans. Interiors are plush and modern, with bushveld hues and accents of colour scattered throughout. Expect oversized scatters, explorer style furniture and curated pieces designed to reflect the bushveld beyond.

The main area offers a tranquil hideaway beneath a canopy of trees. A sprawling relaxation area elevated above the flowing waters offers a lounge area with oversized couches, dining and bar area, and swimming pool with deck. The boma area and small viewing decks also provide a perfect place to connect.

There's a true sense of flow to this lodge, with one space effortlessly flowing into the next. The winding wooden walkways from the main lodge to the suites mirror the curve of the river, ensuring a sense of interrelation between the lodge and its wild surroundings. Activities include two game drives per day that take place in 5000 hectares of exclusive wilderness that includes and 8 kilometre stretch of the Olifants River.

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Wednesday, 10 May 2023

South Africa: Walkers Plains Camp joins the Inspirational Places

Walkers Plains Camp, Greater Kruger joins the Inspirational Places Portfolio

Inspirational Places is thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our portfolio, the eight room, family-run and owned safari camp in Timbavati, Walkers Plains Camp.

Opening on 25 June 2023, this camp promises to offer an unparalleled game experience.

The lodge is managed jointly by the much respected and experienced twin brothers, Steve Walker as general manager, and James Walker as operations manager, both of whom are qualified guides. They are committed to ensuring that every guest has a unique and unforgettable experience during their stay at the camp.

Located in the heart of the Timbavati, alongside the world-famous Kruger National Park, the camp is perfectly positioned for easy access.

With a strong focus on conservation and the protection of endangered species in those areas, your experience is a holistic one.

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Friday, 5 May 2023

Namibia: Etosha Heights Private Reserve - An Exceptional Wildlife Experience

Natural Selection

An Exceptional Wildlife Experience... Without the Crowds

If Etosha is on your Namibia wish list, then we suggest you make a beeline for Etosha Heights Private Reserve. The reserve shares a 65-kilometre boundary with the famous Etosha National Park and, at 60 000 hectares in size, it is one of the largest private reserves in Namibia.

Over the past 7 years this reserve has transitioned from an agricultural and hunting area to what is now a conservation success story. The result has been a significant increase in both variety and density of wildlife to the point where the wildlife populations are now an extension to the adjacent Etosha National Park and the game watching opportunities for visitors are exceptional.

This thriving wildlife area, already famous for both black and white rhino, now also has healthy populations of other threatened or endangered species including over 150 elephant (elephant previously did not use this reserve), 200 locally endemic black-faced impala, 60 sable antelope and over 30 lions. Etosha Heights also provides an important roost and bathing area for 2 of Namibia’s vulnerable vulture species; the white-backed and lappet-faced vulture. Being at the intersection of desert animals and savannah species, visitors can expect to encounter leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, oryx, wildebeest, eland, as well as some smaller species of jackal, bat-eared fox, the elusive honey badger and so much more.

The game viewing experience in this private reserve is further enhanced by our expert safari guides, a two-storey photographic hide overlooking a large natural waterhole for close-up encounters, and the absence of crowds at wildlife encounters. The reserve is a hotspot for bird lovers too, enjoy action packed moments like falcons hunting quelea at the waterholes.

To enjoy this remarkable Namibia experience, come and stay at Safarihoek, Safari House or Etosha Mountain Lodge. In typical Natural Selection fashion we’ve put comfort at the forefront of this safari experience and on top of the exceptional wildlife, you’ll discover that the hospitality is off the charts too. 

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Thursday, 4 May 2023

Botswana: Footsteps in Africa - Oddballs’ Enclave Exclusive Use Special

Footsteps in Africa

Exclusivity At Its Best

Oddballs’ Enclave Exclusive Use Special

When booking 6 or more people at Oddballs’ Enclave guests can enjoy exclusive use of the entire camp.

Take advantage of this special by booking early. Subject to availability at the time of booking. Valid until 31st December 2023.

Situated on the south-western edge of Chiefs Island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, on the western boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. The Enclave specializes in walking safari and every two people have their own private guide. With exclusive use guests will have at least three guides, depending on the size of the party, and they will be with the guests during their entire visit.

The Okavango will come to life with the care of their dedicated guides and they will be able to focus on their special interests and plan their time as they wish. The Enclave experience is an intimate one. The camp is a small, comfortably appointed place. It accommodates a maximum of 8 guests, in four twin or double bedded mini-Meru tents, making it a comfortable, classic camp that is ideal for friends and small or multi-generational family groups travelling together. The tents are on elevated wooden decks, each with a semi-detached private bathroom with an al fresco bucket shower, and hot and cold running water.

The guest areas have a variety of comfortable seating arrangements and a raised viewing deck overlooks the sweep of the Delta – the perfect place to watch the sun or moon rise and view whatever wildlife may be visiting. The molapo that extends beyond the camp is, depending on the time of year, covered with water or entirely dry. Either way it is often filled with breeding herds of elephant, buffalo or a small family of kudu that is local to the island. Meals are enjoyed on the deck with spectacular views across the floodplains to the distant island forests and a canopy of stars every evening.

FLOOD UPDATE

It’s the time of year when we begin to share flood updates with you so that you can manage expectations for your guests visiting our Lodges of Botswana properties.

We would like to offer a little bit of background to help put things in context. The rains that fall on the Angolan Highlands take as long as six months to flow the length of the Okavango River system and to wet the furthest reaches of its inland desert delta. Each year a number of variables, definable and unpredictable, affect the outcome of the flood. Because of this, we never really know how the flood was until we can look back on it in hindsight.

This year the rains came late to the Okavango and while we did reach our average rainfall, slightly above in some areas, the delta remains dry in most areas. That is to say that the flood waters will not be coming in on top of standing water and so they will have to fill the breadth of the region alone.

We believe that we should have water in front of the Lodges of Botswana properties by mid-May and be able to begin mokoro activities at that point. We do not know how long the water will last, but will keep you updated through the course of the season. The good news is that the river is still rising in Rundu so we may get a second peak.

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Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Kenya: Sanctuary Tambarare Private Villa

Privacy in the Heart of the Bush

Following the successful opening of Sanctuary Tambarare in Ol Pejeta Conservancy last year, we're delighted to announce the opening of a brand new two-bedroom Private Villa at this exceptional camp in July 2023.

Sanctuary Tambarare is located in a secluded spot in the wildlife rich 90,000 acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy where the Big Five roam including the last two northern white rhino. With an abundance of wildlife on the camp's doorstep, Sanctuary Tambarare delivers the perfect balance of adventure and serenity.

Contemporary style meets characterful interiors in the villa's two en-suite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor lounge and dining area, bar, private deck and boma.

The sophisticated free-flowing space contains two bedrooms, each fully ensuite and decorated in a boutique-meets-bush design, updated with contemporary style, from teak floors to unique touches that reflect the local culture. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling cinematic views of the landscape from the super king beds.

Inside the spacious and beautifully appointed private lounge and dining area, inviting sofas and chairs encourage you to relax. With indoor and outdoor space, immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape and experience a strong connection of place. Meals are prepared by a private chef and can be served in the tented dining area or al fresco under the vast African sky.

The villa’s colours are inspired by nature, from ‘sun-bleached’ wood and wicker lampshades to intense bursts of colour in the exuberant fabrics, like wildflowers dotted around the landscape. After adventurous days tracking lions, riding horses with rhinos or spotting the Big Five from your private game drive vehicle, retire to the villa to enjoy sundowners straight from your personal, fully stocked bar.

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Thursday, 27 April 2023

Lesotho: discovery of biggest ever pink diamond

Storm Mountain Diamonds (SMD) has recovered the biggest ever pink diamond by far from its Kao mine, in Lesotho.

The 108.39-carat Type IIa fancy intense pink stone is more than twice the weight of the 47.81-carat Pink Eternity, which was recovered last year and sold for an undisclosed price.

Mohlomi Moleko, Lesotho's minister of natural resources, described the newly-recovered gem as "one of the most significant diamonds found to date in Lesotho".

The same mine yielded the Pink Dawn (25.97 carat) and Pink Palesa (21.68 carat) in 2021, and the Rose of Kao (29.59 carat) in 2018.

The Kao kimberlite was discovered in 1956 and is the largest in Lesotho and the fourth largest in Southern Africa.

For many years it was mined by artisans and organized cooperatives. It was bought from the Lesotho government in 2006 by Kao Diamond Mines in 2006 and then by current owners SMD (jointly owned by Namakwa Diamonds Limited and the Lesotho Government) in 2010.

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Sunday, 23 April 2023

Namibia: a bid to discover underground water

Water for locomotives and a bid to discover underground water in Namibia

The construction of the OMEG railway line from Swakopmund to Tsumeb had begun in October 1903. It had been completed in less than three years, despite even the major delays and logistical complications caused by the Herero uprising January - August 1904.

The first train ran to Tsumeb during August 1906. 

Now that the railway line was completed, the next challenge had been to find ways of constantly supplying huge amounts of water for the operation of the steam locomotives.

The German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II had shown personal interest in the ancient art of "dowsing" - finding subterranean water streams or aquifers by means of walking with a "dowsing rod".

He had happened to befriend a man who had a strong belief in his skills to find water. That is how this man got sent to German South-West Africa to assist the governor Friedrich von Lindequist with developing water projects in the colony.

Count José Rafael Perfecto Antonio von Uslar was born on 18 April 1853 in Mexico City, where his father had been the German Consul General. He hailed from an old Hanoverian noble lineage from the Uslar / Goslar area near Göttingen in Germany.

The mother of the child had been Vincenta Ferrer Evarista Rafaela Louisa de Jimenoy Planer, a Mexican lady of Spanish descent. 

When the boy was 5 years old, the family returned to Germany, where he attended school. Later he sold his father's estate and bought a farm of 180 ha in the Sonderborg area, which is now part of Denmark.  

By 1906 none other than the German emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II had recommended sending this illustrious character to German South-West Africa.  

He traveled through the Cape colony first, and then helped find groundwater in the deep south of what now is Namibia. Von Uslar found small amounts of water at Lüderitz. The strong aquifer of Garub along the southern railway line was developed after von Uslar's dowsing rod had indicated an abundance of water. This was during 1906.

Von Uslar was moved to the central and northern areas of the territory, where he was part of a fast moving team "alongside Hauptmann Victor Franke, three corporals, three carts .... six natives, and four horses. They would often travel 50 or 60 km per day, von Uslar would do his sessions "in the mystical and inexplicable world of water dowsing", on the run, so to say.  Soon he indicated the position for boreholes along the OMEG railway line, most notably at Usakos and at Karibib. The boreholes had supplied the iconic water tower at Usakos with precious water for the steam locomotives for many decades.

Usakos had previously been a spot with good vegetation and a bit of water. Herero chief Manasse Tjiseseta of Omaruru had sold this tract of 1600 hectare of land to the Boer settler Jacobus Janssen in 1894 already. During 1903 the OMEG engineers had again bought this farm from the Janssen brothers.

Another strong borehole was developed at Karibib. A fairly large cement reservoir was built, with a watering trough for cattle and horses. This still bears the name "Kaiserbrunnen" or "von Uslar Brunnen".

Count von Uslar returned to Germany in 1908. He died at Detmold in 1931.  

Kaiser Wilhelm had to face being ridiculed in parliament sessions for believing in "witchcraft at the taxpayers' expense".

Fact remains that von Uslar had indicated over 800 spots for boreholes in Namibia. The government drilling team had drilled for water at over 200 of his sites before the 1st World War had broken out. According to statistics from that era, at least 173 boreholes delivered sufficient water. That means an 80% success rate at least.  

The National Archives in Windhoek had kept 8.5 m length of bookshelf: all documentation regarding the "Von Uslar water drilling campaign".

Large scale settlement, or agricultural development of the arid land would not have been possible without the ancient art of "water dowsing". Not many steam locomotives would ever have run without accessing strong water sources.

The historical water tower at Usakos was completed in 1907. An 'automatic water softening plant' was connected to the water storage tank to make the brackish ground water suitable for use in steam combustion engines.

The weather vane on top of the conical roof reads "1907"; the year that the iconic structure was taken into use.

Member of an ancient Prussian family of noble folk, water dowser and personal friend of Kaiser Wilhelm II was instrumental in locating subterranean water arteries in Namibia.

Very few people are aware of the national monument in Karibib: The "Kaiserbrunnen" well and reservoir, also often referred to as "von Uslar Brunnen", it is located about 300m east of the Rhenish Mission Church.

The original borehole is at the front right corner if you face "Kaiserbrunnen". It is not really visible due to the tall grass. The borehole is no longer used since the 1930s. There used to be a wind pump directly above the borehole. For many decades the borehole had now been dry. It would be interesting to see if the ground water table had been replenished during the current good rain season.

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Friday, 21 April 2023

Botswana: new Atzaro Okavango Camp in the Delta

INTRODUCING ATZARO OKAVANGO CAMP: SUSTAINABLE LUXURY IN THE HEART OF THE DELTA

Welcome to Atzaro Okavango Camp, a premier safari destination that offers sustainable luxury in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Surrounded by lush palm islands and vibrant delta vegetation, our eco-friendly oasis is nestled within the breath-taking landscape of this World Heritage wilderness. At Atzaro Okavango Camp, we provide an unparalleled combination of “savanna meets delta” adventures and unforgettable wildlife encounters, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Okavango Delta.

As a guest at our state-of-the-art safari camp, you’ll be able to experience year-round sightings of iconic African wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, lechwe, and hippo. Our premier destination is ideal for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a private and exclusive experience, irrespective of the number of people you’re traveling with.

At Atzaro Okavango Camp, we take pride in our harmonious integration with the stunning natural environment and incorporation of the diverse culture of the local people. Our camp is powered entirely by solar energy, offering the perfect balance of sustainable living and opulent comfort. Indulge in our on-site wellness spa, maintain your fitness routine in our fully equipped gym, or take a refreshing dip in our expansive 20 m pool. Each luxurious tent comes with air-conditioning, private plunge pools, and Wi-Fi, ensuring that you never have to compromise on modern amenities while enjoying the serenity of the African wilderness.

This remote location is easily accessible by fixed-wing flights, road, boat (seasonal), or even a thrilling helicopter ride, making it more accessible than you might think. When you visit Atzaro Okavango Camp, you’ll immerse yourself in a uniquely curated safari experience created out of the vision and dream of Atzaro and African Bush Camps, a strong partnership in global luxury travel.

Experience the pinnacle of sustainable luxury, where eco-consciousness and indulgence meet, and discover the ultimate iconic safari experience at Atzaro Okavango Camp.

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Wednesday, 19 April 2023

Namibia: Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Reimagined

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, Reimagined

Immersed in the great wilderness of Kaokoland, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge has reopened its doors following an extensive refurbishment.

With seven suites, a two bedroom private villa and a spectacular infinity pool, this extraordinary lodge may be one of the most unique places you will ever visit. Located in a remote, untouched region of Namibia, few visitors will have witnessed the surreal vistas that await you with rugged mountains, shifting sand dunes and curious rock formations.

This oasis is rendered in an organic architectural style that echoes the topography of the desertscape, with a striking dome reflecting the indigenous Himba culture. The open plan, main areas dazzle guests with stunning views of the vast mountainous landscape.

Watch the sun rise over the glistening turquoise infinity pool above the rising hills beyond. With 360 degree views of the breathtaking landscape, take a moment to soak in the stillness.

The expansive and numerous social spaces offer panoramic views of the untouched wilderness. With open sides allowing the outside in, immerse yourself in the otherworldly landscape and experience a strong connection of place. After an action packed day in one of the world's oldest desert landscapes, unwind in comfort on the shaded patio.

Welcoming communal spaces blend chic style with relaxed open-air living. In the main lounge, chunky recessed shelves are dressed with white, clay amphorae, curios and inspiring books.

Each of the seven spacious suites and the two bedroom private villa has been designed as a sanctuary from the harsh desert environment with soothing tones to inspire relaxation. Find solace on the private shaded terrace and keep an eye on the horizon to spot giraffe, springbok and ostrich strolling by.

The serene ambience continues to the en-suite bathrooms where an indoor shower is rendered in bleached-white plaster. In the private villa, large free-standing baths encourage rest and relaxation after a day in the desert.

Learn the ancient history of the unique landscapes and discover cultural tales of the indigenous people from our expert staff, 90% of whom are employed from the local village.

This is a most serene base for your adventures, which include scenic drives with expert Himba guides to track desert elephants, giraffe and plentiful gemsbok and springbok. Another extraordinary activity is a visit to an authentic Himba village, where you’ll meet the indigenous people and learn how they have adapted to desert life.

For those searching for history, take a trip to the phenomenal clay castles of the Hoarusib River valley or visit a Skeleton Coast view point. The mystery doesn't end there – spot the Lone Men of Kaokoland while on scenic drives. These postured rock sculptures blend seamlessly with their surroundings, adding to the extraordinary atmosphere. At the end of a day's adventure, stop to sip a sundowner as the sun sets over the majestic dunes.

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