Africa, with its wonderful diversity of wildlife and landscape and holiday destination, is surely synonymous with the word ‘safari’, and surely none more so than…
Incomparable Kenya
Probably best known of all Kenya’s famous destinations is the Masai Mara National Reserve where you can witness the migration of thousands of wildebeest (predators in hot pursuit!) as they make the dangerous crossing of the Mara River every year, from July to October. Over 400 bird species have been recorded in the Reserve.
At Lake Nakuru, one of the Rift Valley’s soda lakes, thousands, sometimes even millions of flamingos nesting along its shore create a shimmering pink carpet of color. Amboseli National Park, with towering snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro dominating its landscape, is known for its large variety of wildlife, in particular large elephant herds that can be viewed up close. Hot air balloon safaris offer a fantastic way of viewing the landscape and animals. All of these destinations offer superb accommodation either in luxury camps or lodges and their facilities include spa treatments ranging from massages, body wraps, manicure, pedicures and facials to mention just a few. And for the truly energetic, a personal trainer will put you through your paces in well-equipped gyms!
Unique Namibia
Named after the Namib Desert, Namibia offers amazing variety to its visitors, ranging from the German colonial buildings of its capital Windhoek, to the bare-bones red dunes of Sossusvlei, to the Etosha National Park with its abundant wildlife. Namibia is also home to a significant cheetah population.
The accommodation Namibia offers to its visitors is just as diverse, ranging from desert camps, safari lodges, and fine hotels with no shortage of luxury and fine dining. Le Mirage Resort & Spa is a good example of this. Situated right in the desert and looking rather like a medieval castle, it will pamper you with a range of body treatments in its Mystique Spa, and you can even arrange to have a massage next to the swimming pool!
Arrange to spend the night under the stars on special stargazing sleeping platforms on top of each room at Little Kulula Luxury Safari Camp in the heart of the Namib. Or take a balloon safari to appreciate the unique landscape even better. Indulge yourself with a luxury five day safari to the Etosha National Park where you can plan your itinerary as you choose and have your own private car with driver and guide. Or simply relax at a lodge with a drink in your own private ‘sala’ (open air pavilion), furnished with its own mini-bar and seating area.
Marvellous Malawi
Although small, Malawi, situated on the Great Rift Valley and known as the ‘warm heart of Africa’ due to the friendliness of its people, offers the visitor great natural beauty and diversity. Grasslands, forests, mountains, wildlife parks and Africa’s third largest lake, Lake Malawi, famous for its great diversity of cichlids, many of them found only here. Lake Malawi is located in Lake Malawi National Park, which is a World Heritage site. Cape Maclear is well-known for its beach resorts set along pristine white beaches.
Malawi offers equally diverse safari options that are structured around the animals that you are most interested in seeing, be that rhinos, lions, hippo, elephants or buffaloes. Walking safaris are also on offer and though these are obviously for the fitter amongst us, they are considered as one of the best wilderness experiences that one can have. Robin Pope offers a five day walking safari that follows the course of the Mupamadzi River. A fully ‘mobile’ camp ensures that the walkers sleep comfortably at night in walk-in tents and are well fed and happy.
Lake Malawi also offers wonderful opportunities for diving and snorkeling, as well as windsurfing and sailing. In Majete, at Thawale Lodge, situated around a waterhole that is regularly visited by animals and is flood-lit at night, you can have a truly unique experience. Enjoy having your bath in the open air in a bathroom that has been built among the rocks whilst viewing the flood-lit waterhole!
Truly memorable spa experiences can be enjoyed at resorts like the Makokola Retreat that has been described as ‘a renewing experience that honors ancient traditions, while commemorating African nature’. Apart from massages, manicures, and pedicures, Madidi Lodge also offers reiki and crystal healing.
But surely the ultimate African safari and luxury spa experience is to be had at…
Tantalizing Thanda
Set in the heart of the KwaZulu bushveld, Thanda Safari offers an unforgettable safari and spa experience. It presents not only an authentic South African wildlife experience, but it combines that with sincere commitment to and respect for the Zulu culture. It adheres to a passionate ethos of conservation of wildlife and the environment.
But in the midst of the excitement of thriving wildlife and verdant nature, Thanda offers the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation with the facilities offered in its two unique spas. Their treatments combine a unique blend of western techniques and ancient Zulu holistic practices that soothe and heal both mind and body. The wide range of treatments on offer includes soothing facials, body treatments and massages. Apart from waxes, manicures and pedicures, reflexology and hydrotherapy treatments all combine to create a truly unforgettable and indeed quite magical experience as it transports you on a journey of both physical and mental healing and restoration!
