Friday, December 21, 2012

LIVE ALOFT IN TONGABEZI’S NEWLY REBUILT ECO-LUXE TREE HOUSE



LIVINGSTONE, Zambia- Tongabezi Lodge, a romantic, five-star eco-friendly lodge on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, has rebuilt its renowned Tree House. Constructed around the branches of a riverine Ebony tree, the elevated Tree House spreads out over a sustainable pine deck offering spectacular views of the Zambezi River, the river after which Zambia is named. Part of the house is suspended over the water, giving the sensation of floating.

“We think this is the perfect hideaway for honeymooners or privacy-seekers,” says managing director Ben Parker. The secluded sanctuary, set against a basalt rock bed, lies at the end of a hidden path that winds along the cliff face. A whimsical sign “Maybe Later” serves as the door and advises visitors the Tree House is closed, come back later.

The king-sized bed with an air conditioned canopy is swathed in filmy mosquito netting. A perfectly–positioned, claw-footed bath affords views of the river while bathing, and beauty not viewed directly, can easily be imagined – the Anatolian carpets, Asian chests and West African artwork all evoke dreams of the exotic. The extensive space can be used for private dining and lounging.

A whole host of activities are included in the rates: canoeing on the Zambezi, an Island lunch, a candlelit dinner on a floating Sampan, a visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; sunrise and sunset boating; visiting Victoria Falls, guided bush walks, tour of the Livingstone Museum; fishing, game drives and shopping at the local market to buy wonderful bracelets, fabrics or artifacts. (Please note: park and museum entrance fees are extra.)

Fully-inclusive rates from $620 (depending on exchange rate) per person per night. For more information contact: www.tongabezi.com

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

VAMIZI ISLAND ANNOUNCES DIVING PACKAGE AT ONE OF WORLD’S BEST DIVE DESTINATIONS


Vamizi Island, an eco-active African island in the Indian Ocean waters of Mozambique, with 15 extraordinary dive sites, announces a vacation for divers that offers beginners, intermediate and advanced divers eight fully-guided dives with a seven-night stay throughout 2013.  Rates start at $4190 per person and go up to $5870 per person depending on the time of year.

The package includes seven nights’ accommodations in an ocean-facing villa; all meals; soft drinks, local beer, wine, basic spirits, bottled water, daily laundry serve and guided activities including shore-based snorkeling, sea kayaking, birding, walking trails, beach picnics, dhow sailing and Hobie Cat sailing.

Opened in 2005 and located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, the Lodge is already known for its diversified dives, especially Neptune’s Arm, voted one of the world’s top ten dive sites.  Many diving experts have deemed it the best dive they have ever experienced.  A short boat ride from the Lodge, this underwater island envelops spectacular scenery with a canyon plunging more than 200m deep with steep cliffs and filled with colorful marine life.

While there are now 15 dive sites, more are being discovered all the time, including sites for all diving abilities.  The island boasts a pristine coral reef, deemed one of the healthiest coral reef eco-systems in the world, abounding with what ecologists call “indicator species” – species so sensitive to changes in the marine climate that they serve as the proverbial “canary in the coal mine.” The reefs – a seascape of mountains, valleys, plateaus and cliffs – teem- with an array of whales, dolphins, turtles and reef sharks to Gregorian corals and giant clams. A survey carried out on the waters of Vamizi identified 46 genera of coral species and more than 400 species of fish. This kaleidescope of colorful sea creatures is a must for any serious diver. But the sheer beauty of Vamizi and its surrounding crystal-clear waters appeals to anyone who loves island living.

Vamizi is located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago and is only seven and a half miles long by about a mile wide.  Vamizi Island Resort is the only resort on the island, a conservation project in partnership with WWF and funded through carefully considered low impact, high-end tourism.  Each of the 13 one and two bedroom villas was constructed of local building materials and by the local community to blend into the landscape.  The island has one of the longest turtle conservation operations in East Africa and fishing is sustainable.  The integration of local knowledge and traditions with world-class scientific understanding benefits everyone:  the community, wildlife, and visitors.

For complete itinerary, rates for specific dates and transfers to the island, call +44 1285 762218 or visit:  www.vamizi.com

For reservations:  reservations@vamizi.com

Monday, December 3, 2012

SAXON BOUTIQUE HOTEL, VILLAS AND SPA OFFERS JET-SETTING LOVEBIRDS A “SUITE VALENTINE’S PACKAGE”


This February, the award-winning Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa is offering a Valentine’s Package designed to have jet-setters swooning. The package includes one night’s accommodations for two in an elegant Egoli Suite, a full English breakfast for two, a “Rain of the Gods” spa treatment for both, candle-lit dinner at a Saxon dining location of guests choosing (up to value of $ 285*), a rose petal and chocolate truffle turndown, and a welcome gift comprising a bottle of sparkling wine and vase of roses. The package is available for the price of $1,083.29* and includes complimentary use of the plunge pool, floatation pool, steam room and Jacuzzi.

Located in the exclusive Sandton suburb of Johannesburg, the Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa provides glorious respite from the hustle, bustle and excitement of Johannesburg. Lovers can get lost in the ten acres of lush landscaped gardens, admiring the intricate Amalie von Maltitz sculptures along their way.

The full-service spa offers therapies and treatments fit for royalty, utilizing the finest beauty products and state of the art equipment. The “Rain of the Gods” treatment included in the package involves a welcome ritual, a full-body exfoliation, and a revitalizing Olive & Shea Butter Massage.

To further luxuriate, couples can lounge on the pool terrace, enjoy cocktails at the Olive Bar, or linger over lunch in the dining gazebo. In fact, there are a number of dining options for lovebirds to choose from, including private dining and two signature restaurants, all of which have been thoughtfully conceptualized by the renowned South African Chef, David Higgs.

For more availability and reservations, email reservations@thesaxon.co.za.

Monday, November 26, 2012

STANLEY SAFARI LODGE SOLE AFRICAN PROPERTY TO WIN WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARD 2012


Competing among some 1000 nominees, Stanley Safari Lodge, an exclusive safari property near Victoria Falls in Zambia, has won Best Luxury Bush Lodge in Africa from World Luxury Hotel Awards (WLHA) 2012. It is the only property in Africa this year to win a WLHA award. The awards, presented at the 2012 WLHA Gala Ceremony held on October 13 in Kuala Lumpur, are conferred on some of the world’s most sought-after hotels, lodges, resorts and private islands.

“We are delighted to have won such a prestigious award, especially considering the star-studded field of entrants and because it reflects highly on our level of service,” said Reinout de Gruijter, owner. 

Only luxury venues operating in a luxury niche market are able to participate in WLHA.  The main criterion to be successfully nominated and included in the official voting process is overall service excellence. “We can always learn from one another and be inspired to greater levels of excellence, meaning exceeding customer’s expectations and paying attention to detail,” said Marinique de Wet, Director of the WLHA.

Stanley Safari Lodge, only 1.8 miles from legendary Victoria Falls, is set on a hill bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and overlooks unspoiled bush. The views are splendid: the spray of the Falls in the distance, the mighty Zambezi river and, on top of that, yet another beautiful African sunset. From the main garden, infinity pool or privacy of a guestroom, views are superlative.

The open-sided Main House has been designed with space and vistas in mind and has a truly African feel. Guests can enjoy sundowners in the African-style lounge, a three-course dinner in the dining room or spend quiet time in the library or upper deck discovering the secrets of the continent.

The atmosphere at Stanley Safari Lodge is tranquil and intimate, and, with only 10 private cottages or suites, the level of personalized service is superb.

Each and every cottage is individually designed. But what makes Stanley Safari Lodge really special is the open design of many of the rooms: the optimal way to experience the real Africa, just like Stanley must have done centuries ago. 

For more information visit www.stanleysafaris.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

NORMAN CARR SAFARIS FROM A RUSTIC WALKING SAFARI TO SOPHISTICATED LUXURY, GUESTS HAVE IT ALL


In the 1950’s, Norman Carr, a tireless and visionary conservationist,  pioneered walking safaris in Zambia’s Luangwa National Park – a concept that today has been embraced in other countries, though the best is still found here.  His legacy continues with Norman Carr Safaris (NCS), comprising a main lodge, Kapani; an innovative and exciting new luxury camp, Chinzonbo; and four Bush Camps, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja.  Together, they combine sophisticated luxury and the simple rustic life of the bush.

Kapani, which means “place of mopane trees,” was built by Carr in 1986, and was his home until his death in 1997. It is located on an ox-bow lagoon and houses 18 guests in eight luxury suites, each with its own lounge and en-suite bathroom.  The lagoon house has spacious rooms, elegant furnishings and private views. Kapani is ideal for families and those interested in engaging with NCS local community and conservation projects.

Recently, NCS has welcomed a new investor to the family – Thierry Dalais. The visionary behind North Island – Seychelles, Dalais was captivated by the Luangwa Valley and everything this truly wild place has to offer adventurous travelers. A thrilling new development is well underway with the creation of Chinzombo Camp, a cutting edge safari experience infused with Norman Carr’s history and legacy. The camp is something completely new for Zambia incorporating unique and innovative concepts in design and green technology. Five spacious villas, each more than 1776 square feet, will be equipped with Wi-Fi and cooled sleeping areas. Each villa has its own 10’ by 20’ pool. The sixth villa, at 3013 square feet, is designed for families, and has two bedrooms – one double and one triple – each with its own en suite bathrooms as well as a large swimming pool.

The NCS bush camps have all benefitted from upgrades in soft furnishings, infrastructure and new vehicles. All of the renovations have kept the rustic charm everyone loves, while making the camps more high-end and luxurious.

Norman Carr knew that to go on foot on a safari meant that one instantly becomes part of the surroundings as all five senses come into play.  There is a special exhilaration to being in an area with no roads or people – just wilderness.

The four Norman Carr Safari Camps have been set up so that a walk from one to the next is conducted at a non-strenuous pace with a fully qualified guide and an armed game scout. The camps are rustic and situated in remote areas but they are extremely comfortable and great for those who want to truly “get back to nature.”  Guests may also opt to stay at one camp only.

Luwi Camp is made up of four grass and thatched en suite bamboo chalets close to a hippo- and croc-filled lagoon.  Deep within the Luangwa wilderness, wildlife is instantly visible from the camp and the area is completely exclusive.  Meals are served al fresco with lunch under a shady tree and dinner under the stars. 

Nsolo Camp is a very romantic camp next to a watering hole under the shade of a large grove of trees.  Just three hours walk from Luwi; four spacious en suite rooms are set on a raised wooden platform with thatched roofs and private verandas.  Meals are served in the open or in the shade of the camp’s thatched dining area and are accompanied by the sight of wild life drinking at the waterhole. 

At the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers lies Kakuli Camp with its four traditional Mehru style safari tents with en suite bathrooms.  A chitenge, an open-sided thatched area with wide views of the river, houses the bar and dining area and is a great place to relax and watch the immense herds of hippo.  Deep in the bush on an elevated stretch of river bank overlooking a wide grazing lawn, there is always the feeling that something exciting is about to happen.  And most of the time it does.  The views here are spectacular.

Mchenja is Zambia’s premier bushcamp and takes luxury to a level not usually found in the Bush.  Set beneath a magnificent grove of ebony trees (Mchenja means “ebony tree”), five stylishly designed tents have thatched roofs, en-suite shower and bathroom facilities. The camp overlooks a huge sweeping bend in the Luangwa. There is a small pool alongside the bar within the main chitenje which is built around one of the fallen Mchenja trees.  Guests seek cool refuge here during the heat of the day.

Thierry Dalais and his family are also part owners of Chongwe Safaris in the Lower Zambezi. These two legendary companies are now working closely together to offer exclusive, wild and authentic safaris for the most discerning of adventurers.

Rates begin at $ 275 for Kapani Lodge, $ 450 at Kakuli Camp, $ 535 at Luwi and Nsolo Camp, $ 585 at Mchenja Camp, and $ 575 at Chinzombo. Rates include local transfers; all game viewing activities; soft drinks, local beer, spirits and house wines; laundry and National Park entry fees.  

Norman Carr Safaris will also arrange safari packages from seven to ten days which can include stays in Livingstone. For additional information or reservations, email kapani@normancarrsafaris.com, telephone 011-260-6-246015 or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

CHRISTMAS IN PATAGONIA: CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS OFFERS DEALS FOR THE SEASON


While there won’t be reindeer, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to a Christmas with Santa Claus and penguins this winter. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis conveys peace on earth with the natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. A big bonus for families looking for quality time together: kids cruise free.

These two four-night expedition cruises depart December 21, 2012 and December 22, 2012 with your choice of Ushuaia to Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Either way, the route involves Patagonia’s signature wildlife and environment: fjords, canals and glaciers.

While on board, revel in the season as you pass by the raised Christmas tree, enjoy a special Christmas dinner and meet with Santa who will make an appearance with gifts for the children.

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $2,187 per adult for these departures, and children 15 and under will sail free (one child per adult).

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

GORILLAS UP; PRICES DOWN: TIME TO GO TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST/UGANDA


According to the just-released 2011 Census by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the critically-endangered mountain gorilla population in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is confirmed at 400. The prior census in 2006 put the number at 302.  Part of the increase is due to improved census methods and conservation through daily ranger monitoring, but it is also due to actual population growth.  Aiding in the rising numbers is veterinary care provided by Gorilla Doctors. Their Uganda field team, led by Dr. Fred Nizeyimana, regularly monitors all of the habituated gorillas in the Park for health problems and performs medical interventions when it is determined that an individual has a life-threatening disease or illness.

Those travelers who have placed on their bucket list seeing the mountain gorillas should plan a trip to Uganda now.  The Uganda Wildlife Authority, in celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence next year, is cutting gorilla fees in April and May 2013 by $150, thus putting gorilla fees in Uganda during those two months at $350.  Beyond that, Ugandan gorilla fees, usually $500, are substantially below those of Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo – now at $750.

There are other reasons to go, too.  Marasa Africa, one of the largest diversified private-sector investors in Uganda, is offering a special fly-in three-day package to track the gorillas in the Park at $2,156 per person sharing.  The rain-forest is spectacular with a heavily vegetated and dense landscape and spending time with the shy and peaceful gorillas is an unforgettable experience.

Marasa’s fly-in four-day package at $2,693 per person sharing includes everything on the three-day package and an additional day on an escorted trek with the Batwa, the pygmies who live just outside the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  The Batwa guides will discuss how they hunt and the medicinal plants they use.  They will also share a traditional meal and relate ancient legends and traditional songs.   It is a cultural experience like no other.

Accommodations for both packages are in the recently purchased and refurbished Silverback Lodge, part of the Marasa portfolio of quality tourism products in East Africa.  Silverback is situated in the Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO site home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.  In Bwindi that includes 36 family groups and 16 lone males. Ten family groups totaling 168 gorillas are habituated to human presence for tourism. The 124-square-mile Bwindi is also inhabited by non-habituated chimpanzees, more than 100 other species of mammals, 346 species of birds, and 163 species of trees.

The rates includes accommodation with meals while on safari, domestic scheduled flights and ground transfers in custom built safari vehicles with English speaking guides, gorilla permits, all park fees, and government taxes.

There are many other reasons to go to Uganda, including a safari on the Nile River.  More internal flights are being offered there than ever before.  Premier Safaris is ready to assist.  Please contact:  operations@premiersafaris.com for itinerary suggestions and quote.

Monday, November 5, 2012

CLIFF-TOP WEDDINGS ABOVE THE AMALFI COAST AT MONASTERO SANTA ROSA


Perched high atop a cliff on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa practically floats over the sparkling Gulf of Salerno below. The former monastery features a variety of unique venues to make for a dream-like wedding or reception. From small, intimate fetes to large, festive affairs, weddings may be held anywhere on the property, day or evening.

The gardens comprise four levels of lush landscape and terraced walkways – any of which can be easily transformed into an aisle for an al fresco “I do”. The lower lawn and infinity pool deck, hovering over the Gulf of Salerno, make a perfect location for a reception. Guests can gather to toast to forever while they watch the sky transform as the sun sets.

The Sunset Terrace, located on the highest level of the hotel, features a full panorama overlooking the coast with views stretching from Amalfi to Positano. The expansive terrace has a number of individual seating areas as well as retractable canopies for shade.

For an indoor event, Monastero Santa Rosa has several of spacious indoor suites, luxuriously decorated in contemporary Italian style, all with windows overlooking the sea and many with their own private outdoor terraces.   

Those interested in religious ceremonies will delight in the choice of four local chapels in the charming town of Conca dei Marini. The helpful Monastero Santa Rosa staff is able to take care of all the church arrangements. 

As for dining, Monastero Santa Rosa’s Michelin-starred chef and his culinary team will create a custom-designed wedding menu. Whether it’s Mediterranean cuisine like homemade pasta and freshly caught seafood or personal dishes that convey individual tastes, the team will whip up a multi-course meal comprised of the highest quality ingredients.

After the festivities, the couple can retire to the comforts of one of the suites. The Sea View Premium Terrace Suite, in particular, has been dubbed as the most romantic. The bedroom features a king-sized bed swathed in fine Italian linens while the extraordinary stone bathroom features a walk-in shower and a double-wide tub. The living and dining room are adorned with one-of-a-kind antiques and the enormous outdoor terrace comes complete with a dining table, lounge chairs, lemon trees and a retractable canopy for shade.

The entire property – all guest rooms and suites, restaurant, and spa – may be privately reserved, turning the hotel into a fully equipped Italian villa.

Monastero Santa Rosa’s Special Events Concierge is available to provide guidance and inspiration for all aspects of planning. All arrangements may be left to the dedicated team of staff who will immaculately execute every tailor-made detail for the ceremony, interior and exterior decorations, floral arrangements, photographic and video services, tailor-made dining, guest accommodation, exclusive hire of the spa, childcare and babysitting, limousine and car hire, musical accompaniment for the ceremony and reception as well as make-up application and hair styling. 

Rates at Monastero Santa Rosa start at $480* per room per night and include breakfast. To rent the entire 20 rooms and suites in the low season (April 18 – May 20, October 7 – November 4) the net total daily rate will be $ 28,801* plus VAT & city tax. During the high season (May 21 – October 6), the net total daily rate will be $ 37,762* plus VAT and city tax.

The above mentioned rates are inclusive of full breakfast daily, complimentary daily use of the Thermal Spa Suite (including the Stone Sauna, Domed Herbal Steam Room, Hydrotherapy Pool, Experience Shower, Crushed Ice Fountain and Tepidarium), complimentary use of the fitness facilities, free Wi-Fi internet throughout the hotel, and free shuttle service to Amalfi. Spa treatment packages can be arranged upon request as can meal plans and special menus. 

For further information on getting married or honeymooning at Monastero Santa Rosa visit www.monasterosantarosa.com

*Based on the exchange rates on 11/20/12


Thursday, November 1, 2012

FULLY-STAFFED PRIVATE VILLA OFFERED IN FAVORED NEW DESTINATION, MALAWI GREAT GETAWAY FOR FAMILY OR GROUP OF FRIENDS


Kaya Mawa, an eco-luxe beach resort on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, offers Ndomo Point House, a private villa for those travelers desirous of total seclusion and personal service, but who don’t want to relinquish the benefits of being at a lodge. A magical getaway for a family or a group of friends, Ndomo Point House comprises four en suite bedrooms, a sitting room, family kitchen, pool, courtyard, five terraces and decks all set on a private beach with uninterrupted views across Lake Malawi. The house is fully staffed with a nanny, a cook, a housekeeper, ground staff and watchmen.

Rates start at $460 per person per night with a three-night minimum and a minimum of four and maximum of eight adults.  Rate includes:  All meals, accommodations, transfer to and from Likoma Aerodrome to Kaya Mawa, mountain bikes, walks, kayaking, snorkeling and sailing.

The dream of owners James and Suzie Lightfoot, Ndomo Point House was originally planned as a two-bedroom beach “shack.”  Over three years the shack evolved into a character-filled villa containing elements derived from the couple’s journeys in Zambia, Zanzibar, Malawi and Lamu, Kenya’s oldest continually inhabited town and a World Heritage Site.

All the facilities of Kaya Mawa Lodge are just six-tenths of a mile away:  a PADI dive school, the Lake's only kite-boarding school, plus kayaks and quad bikes are there for the taking. Guests are invited to spend as much time as they like at the lodge, and even take their meals there, should they wish.  A boat and vehicles are just a radio call away.

Ndomo Point House is located on the Southwestern corner of Likoma Island with views across to the neighboring island, Chizimulu, and on to mainland Malawi. A year-round sunset is a secret surprise!

For more information, contact:  James@kayamawa.com

Monday, October 29, 2012

CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS: LOISABA INVITES GUESTS TO JOIN THEM IN THEIR CONSERVATION OF KENYA’S BIG CATS


Loisaba, a member of the esteemed C&P Portfolio of eco-luxe safari camps and lodges, has long been a proponent of responsible tourism. In their continuous effort to support and protect their local community and environment, they now offer guests the chance to get in on the conservation action too – by tracking and monitoring the area’s leopards and lions.  

Loisaba has partnered with the Laikipia Predator Project, a local program that aims to protect the area’s large cats by studying their behaviors, monitoring their response to conservation actions and improving livestock practices (to diffuse human-wildlife conflict). Guests are able to become involved in the Laikipia Predator Project’s conservation efforts by using receivers and antennae to monitor the movements of Loisaba’s leopards and lions.

Marc Napao, the Laikipia Predator Project’s key researcher, is based at Loisaba and has developed an online database which allows guests to report their predator sightings after each game drive. They can upload pictures and even provide their own reports on what they saw. It’s a fun, hands-on activity for families or couples, and it adds a more personal element to the standard game drive.  

The assorted accommodations at Loisaba gives guests the choice to have a private safari experience, at the House or Cottage (their own exclusive home-away-from-home), or to mix with others, at Loisaba Lodge or the Star beds.

Rates at Loisaba Lodge and Star Beds start at $ 520 per person per night during mid-season. Rates at the House begin at $ 3,060 for a family or group of four people per night and at $ 2,200 for a family or group of four people per night at the Cottage. Package includes full board, an assortment of drinks and spirits, day and night game drives, guided bush walks, transfers to cultural visits, bush breakfasts and sundowners, airstrip transfers, river rafting and fishing, horse riding, camel riding, quad biking, limited laundry and of course, lion tracking.

For more information about Loisaba or the Laikipia Predator Project, please contact info@chelipeacock.co.ke.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

FULL MOON CHIAWA ISLAND DINNER: A SURPRISE ZAMBIAN TREAT


Once a month, Chiawa Camp, offers the Full Moon Chiawa Island Dinner in a romantic location under the full moon. The surprise is when the event will take place, a decision the managers make depending on the weather and moon. So, if your timing is right, enjoy an authentic African menu in a magical setting on an island in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

The ambiance is nothing short of romantic as you take in 360 degree views of the Zambezi River, the glow from the moonlight dancing on the water. Dinner itself is lit with hurricane lamps and a blazing campfire, firing up an appetite for a sumptuous meal. The menu is a very African one in honor of the setting and location. Chiawa Camp offers a braai (BBQ) with popular entrees including pepper crusted fillet steak, chicken and vegetable kebabs, boerewors (South African spicy beef sausage) and Chiawa’s famous “lion stick bread” from the grill. Of course there’s a story behind the lion stick bread, named for a close encounter with a roaring lion as a stick was sharpened for placement in the delicious dough – so ask a guide to dish out the details.

From the campfire and cooked in traditional three-legged pots comes a selection of satisfying Zambian dishes. This includes maize meal (like grits), pumpkin or sweet potato (helped along the way with cinnamon), “kariri” – a tomato and onion sauce that perfectly enhances the maize meal and boerewors, kapenta (deep fried “whitebait” fish from Lake Kariba) and a three bean mix. Alongside this already succulent meal are beer bread, baked on the fire in the pot with Zambia’s infamous Mosi beer as a chief ingredient, and malva pudding – also cooked on the fire. Malva pudding is a sponge bake with syrup, served with crème anglaise.

The meal is accompanied with fine South African wines, the harmonic tones of the Chiawa Camp choir and, of course, the distant roars of lions often drowned out by the not-so-distant hippos.

As one of Africa’s premier safari camps, Chiawa Camp offers attentive yet unpretentious personalized service, wonderful cuisine and nine fantastic “tents” with spectacular views of the Zambezi River and its resident wildlife. While you are able to leisurely take in the scenery, you will also be able to partake in game drives, canoeing, boating and angling.

The Full Moon Chiawa Island Dinner is included in the accommodations. Nightly rates start at $565, depending on the season. Even if your timing doesn’t coincide with the Full Moon Chiawa Island Dinner, all guests will experience a floating lunch on the Zambezi, and some will be able to relish a bush BBQ that occurs once a week.

For more information, e-mail info@chiawa.com or visit the website at www.chiawa.com.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS COMMEMORATES WHALE CONSERVATION WITH SPECIAL DEPARTURES


This year marks the 30th anniversary of the vote to end whaling. To show future generations the importance of the conservation of whales and dolphins, cruise specialist, Cruceros Australis, invites travelers to come to Patagonia and join one of four special departures that will take place early 2013. With Zodiac excursions and complementary lectures, Cruceros Australis displays both the beauty and history of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego at the bottom of the world.

These four-night expedition cruises include special programs that incorporate the observation of humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan to effectively demonstrate that education is part of conservation. Guests are taken to Francisco Coloane Park, Chile’s first marine park. In this protected area, they will be on the lookout for humpback whales and will be able to speak with a leading scientist while surrounded by the typical landscape encountered in Patagonia: fjords, canals and glaciers.

The newest ship, Stella Australis, will host the first departure on January 12, 2013. The Via Australis will then take over for February 4, February 20 and March 8, 2013 departures.

Day 1: Departure from Punta Arenas, Chile
Day 2: Humpback whale watching around Carlos III Island
Day 3: Disembarkation at the bays of Garibaldi and Pia Glaciers
Day 4: Disembarkation on Hornos Island and Wulaia Bay
Day 5: Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina. Check-out is 8am
(Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed due to their natural habits and constant movement.)

A cruise with Cruceros Australis is an all-inclusive experience including sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. Passengers will also enjoy local Chilean and Argentinean wines. The menu combines international cuisine and local recipes to highlight the delicious and varied regional fare. Rates start at $1,989 for these departures.

For more information, visit www.australis.com.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

BATH IN THE BUSH: ROMANTIC RETREAT WITH KENYA CANVAS BATH


An outdoor bath that overlooks the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains while in a canvas bathtub is just one of scintillating activities couples can choose from at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. Renowned for reaching back to its American roots (the Cottar Safari business is in its fifth generation), the camp utilizes authentic safari pastimes and decoration with luxurious modern twists.

Honeymooners can request the canvas bathtubs to be set up by the canopied verandah of a private tent, or in the middle of the open savannah – a true safari experience. Hear the sounds of the bush, watch a giraffe or dyk dyk pass by and sip on sparkling wine or champagne. Insider’s tip: a bath at sunset is ideal for anyone wishing for a swoon-worthy mood. The bath is lit by hurricane lamps as the sky changes color over the Mara and a sense of nature and wellbeing becomes the ambiance.

Without question, the honeymoon tent is the most romantic of all accommodations at the camp. An added perk is the fire pit just outside, a nighttime setting for a private dinner for two. With the tent not too far from the new swimming pool (one of the only small luxury properties in the Masai Mara with a pool), everything is at your fingertips. Game viewing is superb at all times of the year, especially during the Great Migration (July through November). A game drive with millions of wildebeest and zebra, as well as dramatic river crossings, is something everyone must have on the bucket list.

There are 10 tents and the option to stay in Cottar’s Private House which can accommodate 10 guests in five large en suite bedrooms. The house is given for exclusive use with its own living areas, staff and vehicles – completely separate from the rest of the camp.

Rates start at $490 per person sharing, depending on the season, and include guided bush walks, candlelit bush dinners, sundowners, day and night game drives, ½ hour complimentary massage per tent, transfers to cultural visits, a range of drinks and laundry. Game drives can be taken in either state of the art Land Cruisers or in an authentic vintage wooden car (for fun and atmosphere).

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is one of the prestigious eco-tourism lodges in The C&P Portfolio. For more information, visit www.cottars.com or www.thecpportfolio.com.

Monday, October 8, 2012

THE KASANKA BAT MIGRATION – ONE OF WORLD’S HIGHEST-RATED WILDLIFE SPECTACLES


Robin Pope Safaris (RPS), a classic safari company known for its innovative safaris, invites wildlife lovers on a unique and exotic excursion – the annual Bat Migration to Kasanka, Zambia’s smallest national park.

The Kasanka Bat safari package starts at US$4243 per person sharing, and comprises three nights at RPS’ Nkwali Camp, three nights in Kasanka National Park and one night in Lusaka. Included: round-trip internal flights to and from Lusaka; all safari costs.  Excluded: international airfares, Visa and airport departure taxes.

Set departures:  November 23, 2012; November 22, 2013. Alternative dates can be booked for late November, early December, but rates will vary.

In the center of Kasanka National Park in Zambia’s north lies 100-acre Fibwe Forest, host to an extraordinary phenomenon – the annual visitation of some 10 million, “straw-colored fruit bats.” When in full swing, the bats of Kasanka form the highest mammal concentration in Africa, and most likely the world. Each bat weighs 8.82 ounces.  As numbers reach up to 10 million, the skies are weighed down with 5,505,267 pounds of fruitbats!  As RPS’ Emily Haynes mused, “This is equivalent to 700 elephants flying around.  All I can say is, ‘Poor trees,’ as the bats all come to roost.”

Of the Kasanka Bat Safari, trailblazer and veteran safari-goer Jo Pope said, “I have spent three hours with half a million King Penguins on South Georgia, so my wildlife bar is high, but the bats impressed, inspired and left me awestruck!”

The bats take off from their roosts at dusk and fill the skies, turning the sunset almost black, as they disappear for a night of foraging in the ripening fruit trees. They return again at dawn, and take up their cozy spots next to each other high up in the trees, covering the trunks like thick icing, as branches buckle under their weight. Best time to witness the phenomenon is pre-dawn. Standing in a 60-foot tree-top hide watching the roosting bats and the raptors hunting them is a sensory phenomenon like no other, not only for its visual effect, but for the sound of pulsating life. 

Kasanka National Park is also regarded as one of the country’s best birding destinations, inhabited by no fewer than 457 different species.  It’s home, too, to elephants, sitatungas (swamp-dwelling antelopes), hippos, bush pigs and blue monkeys.

For more information visit  www.robinpopesafaris.net

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

STEENBERG HOTEL’S WORLD OF WINE & FOOD JUST GOT “FUNNER”


In keeping with culinary trends, Steenberg Hotel & Winery, one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa’s Western Cape and winner of numerous awards and accolades, is changing its food and wine direction from the formal to the fun.  Now, Steenberg offers so many options that guests can dine the whole day through.  And, with 80 staff and only 50 guests, the fun is sublimely served up.

Catharina’s Restaurant

“We believe people want a more casual ambiance and lighter fare,” says Gaby Gramm, General Manager of the hotel.  “Beginning now, we’re turning Catharina’s from a fine dining establishment to a more casual, light-hearted restaurant, with fresh summer feasts.” (Summer in South Africa is mid-October to mid-February.)

Catharina’s courses are pared down to two or three and matched with the winery’s award-winning wines such as Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2010 and Steenberg Red Blend 2009Local produce is brought from the farm to the table under the deft hand of “celebrity chef” Garth Almazan.  Sample menu:

Starter:  Pear and Courgette Soup
Main:  Snoek fishcakes with sweet pickles; Apricot relish; Salad of soft greens and snap peas
Dessert:  Steamed custard or Farm yogurt, roasted quince, star anise compote with toasted pistachios
Plus Steenberg wines to match.
Family platters will feature such items as free-range baby chicken stuffed with herbed sausage; sides of roast potatoes; farm green beans and baby carrots; salad of sliced tomato and onion with tarragon vinegar.

Gorgeous by Graham Beck

The first brand-exclusive bubbly bar in South Africa is contiguous with Catharina’s and is being integrated more closely with the restaurant.  Gorgeous offers a full selection of Graham Beck Wines’ award-winning bubbly (called Méthode Cap Classique) along with tasty canapés prepared exclusively for Gorgeous by Executive Chef Almazan. The canapés – one is a decadent dessert – have been created to complement the Graham Beck sparkling wines, available either by the bottle or the glass. Prices start at $4.50* per flute and $22.50* per bottle.
Bistro Sixteen82

Named after the year in which Steenberg was first established, the 70-seater cellar door eatery under the direction of Chef Brad Ball serves classic bistro fare, incorporating the rustic style of Provencal food, and Steenberg wines. Sumptuous breakfasts are available in the morning, snack platters from the Raw Food Bar throughout the day, and Tapas in the late-afternoon and at sunset.

Picnics

Picnics come in wine boxes, a small feast of charcuterie and other goodies plus the choice of a bottle of red or white Steenberg wine.  Picnickers can opt to take their repast on the Steenberg Estate or travel out to Cape Point and savor it there.

Interactive Dining

When his schedule permits, Chef Almazan will involve guests in cooking demonstrations and discussions of the why behind his famous dishes.

*Based on exchange rate 10/08/2012

For more information visit www.steenberghotel.com

Thursday, September 20, 2012

VILLA LIFE AT VAMIZI: PRIVATE VILLA COLLECTION IN MOZAMBIQUE DESIGNED FOR AFRICAN ISLAND LIFESTYLE


Vamizi Island, a singularly beautiful, eco-active African island in the Quirimbas Archipelago of Mozambique, has three villas available for rental, each sleeping up to 12 people.  Villas in Vamizi’s Private Collection are designed to serve as homes away from home for families, friends, business associates or any groups looking for the ultimate in privacy. 

Britain’s Tatler Magazine has compared Vamizi to “a mini-Mustique…a tiny, far-flung isle that’s all barefoot fabulousness and impossibly smart villas.”

Vamizi’s Private Villa Collection has been designed by award-winning South African architects, renowned for their commitment to creative design, sustainable development and responsible tourism, creating a unique style of architecture that draws on the multi-cultural influences of Mozambique.

The designs were chosen in order to integrate with the existing landscape, such as wrapping around the larger trees. Locally sourced, high-quality building materials have been used, and traditional construction methods adopted where possible.

Each villa is uniquely designed in its own elegant style with bespoke floor plans, and includes en-suite bedrooms, spectacular drawing and dining rooms, and peaceful lounging spaces around plunge pools or beach, where the options for eating, drinking or just relaxing are endless.

The private chef and personal hospitality team will ensure that all needs are met, from tailor-made menus to organizing fishing and diving trips, a range of holistic spa treatments and dhow sailing trips.

At seven-and-a-half miles long and a half-mile wide, Vamizi is a small island, but it is located in a felicitous spot – along an immense coral reef pulsing with life and seductive to myriad sea creatures, making it one of the great saltwater diving spots on the planet.  Beyond diving there is deep-sea fishing, kayaking, nature walks and yoga.

Rental rates start at $32,400 for a six-night package based on a minimum of eight people, with additional costs beyond eight.

For more information visit: www.vamizi.com

Saturday, September 15, 2012

COMBINE THE CHARM OF OLD AFRICA WITH THE AMENITIES OF MODERN LIVING FOR THE ULTIMATE SAFARI ADVENTURE


Chiawa Camp, a lauded safari camp on Zambia’s Lower Zambezi (the river after which Zambia is named) announces two “Best of Both Worlds” packages, valid May 1 to October 31, 2013.  The first package entitles those staying five nights at a combination of Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro, to get five nights for the price of four. The second package entitles those staying seven nights to pay for the price of five nights. Both Chiawa and Old Mondoro are located inside the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park.


Rates for Package 1* -- Five nights for the price of four
May, 2013:  $2180 plus $425 park fees and conservation collection
June & October, 2013:  $2720 plus $425 park fees and conservation collection
July/August/September, 2013: $3520 plus $425 park fees and conservation collection

*Rates are quoted per person, RACK all-inclusive for any five-night Chiawa Camp/Old Mondoro combination. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other Chiawa Camp/Old Mondoro discounted rates.

Rates for Package 2* -- Seven nights for the price of five
May, 2013:  $2725 plus $595 park fees and conservation collection
June, 2013:  $3400 plus $595 park fees and conservation collection
July/August/September/October, 2013:  $4400 plus $595 park fees and conservation collection

*Rates are quoted per person, RACK all-inclusive for any seven-night Chiawa Camp/Old Mondoro combination. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other Chiawa Camp/Old Mondoro discounted rates.

Award-winning Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro are renowned for the attentive yet unpretentious and personalized hospitality of the Cumings family, a family totally committed to conservation of the land and of its resident wildlife. Chiawa is known for its fabulous “tents” offering spectacular views of the Zambezi. While Chiawa Camp is luxurious and bush-sophisticated, Old Mondoro is imbued with a “back to the bush” atmosphere and is a destination in its own right, offering some of the most prolific leopard sightings to be had in Africa.


Activities range from game drives, walking, canoeing, boating and angling (especially for the African tiger fish) in the company of Africa’s finest guides. 

For more information visit www.chiawa.com or www.oldmondoro.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

VAMIZI ISLAND: A FAR-FLUNG ISLAND IN UNIQUE MOZAMBIQUE

Miles away from almost everything, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Vamizi Island beckons those who seek the barefoot luxury and adventure that only an African Island can bring.  Even though it is one of the largest islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Vamizi is just seven and a half miles long and about half a mile wide.  Thirteen timber-villas of one or two bedrooms are strung along pure white sand beaches, 230 feet apart, to provide real privacy.  It is the only Lodge on the island, enhancing its remoteness.  A pristine coral reef, a phenomenon almost unheard of in today’s world, keeps the surrounding waters of the island crystal clear. 

As a partner of the prestigious WWF, Vamizi Island is a conservation project funded through carefully considered low impact, high-end tourism.  Each villa was constructed of local building materials and by the local community to blend into the landscape.  Vamizi has one of the longest turtle conservation operations in East Africa and fishing is sustainable.  The integration of local knowledge and traditions with world-class scientific understanding benefits everyone:  the community, wildlife and visitors.

Opened in 2005, the Lodge is already known for its diversified dives, especially Neptune’s Arm, voted one of the world’s top ten dive sites.  A short boat ride from the Lodge, this underwater island envelops a canyon with steep, deep cliffs, filled with colorful sea life - a “must” for serious divers everywhere.  Other activities include exceptional blue water game fishing, humpback whale sightings in season, snorkeling, sailing, lagoon kayaking, nature walks with the resident WWF guide to learn about the conservation program, face and body treatments and yoga.  Or one can simply do nothing but drink in views of the sky, sea and beach.

In the spacious villas, billowing white muslins drape enormous beds.  Deep sofas, colonial style chairs and day beds accented with cushions provide a homey feel.  Each villa is set 98 feet from the beach with a vast deck overlooking the beach and a gazebo on the edge of the beach.  Air conditioning is not needed so gentle sea breezes whisper through latticed windows.  It’s the ultimate Robinson Crusoe house with more comfort.

Vamizi Island Lodge also features three private villas of five bedrooms each, ideal for friends traveling together or families looking for a true barefoot experience.  These villas, named for local birds, are even more secluded than the Lodge.  Designed by a well-known South African architect, they are stylish and inviting with the smartest of African motif, though still very laid-back.  Bliss here is instant beach access, plunge pools and a dedicated hospitality team to tend to every need.

Cuisine at Vamizi Island is deliciously created from Mozambique-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs and surf-fresh seafood, highlighted with premium wines from South Africa.  Dinners are lantern lit in the main thatched-roof open dining room or sumptuous grills on the beach.  For lunch, guests have a choice of the main dining room or a relaxed buffet in the ‘castaway’ restaurant on the south side of the island.  Guests may also opt for a ‘shipwrecked’ picnic on a remote, secluded beach.

The whole island of Vamizi could be called a spa, nurturing both above and below the water. Beauty therapies are uniquely Vamizi, using natural recipes from the local ladies as well as a few oceanic inventions - minerals ground from Vamizi roots, local seaweed masks and sea salt scrubs. A full range of massage therapies include bespoke yoga massage, reflexology and heated herbal stone massage as well as Indian head massage, deep tissue, Swedish and aromatherapy massages. Vamizi retreats are held regularly, encompassing professional yoga instruction and sublime food. The next retreats will be November 11 - 17, 2012, and January 20 - 26, 2013.

For an enchanting combination of simplicity and indulgence, the Tusitiri dhow, based at Vamizi can accommodate up to 10 people and is available for overnight safaris. (Dhows are traditional wooden vessels originally used for carrying textile and spices in the Indian Ocean.) Nights are spent under the stars on comfy bedrolls laid out on the deck and delectable meals are taken al fresco. Half and full day excursions are also available. Meticulously restored Tusitiri is one of the finest examples of dhows in East Africa today.

Rates at Vamizi Island Lodge start at $590 per person sharing per night in the Lodge low season and $490 per person sharing per night in the Private Villas low season, based on eight persons sharing for six nights.  Guests going to Vamizi may fly Vamizi’s scheduled plane roundtrip Dar Es Salaam or Pemba, starting at $525 roundtrip from Pemba and $750 roundtrip from Dar Es Salaam. Private charters are also available.

For additional information, visit www.vamizi.com.

ALLURE OF TREE HOUSES

EXPERT AFRICA'S TOP PICKS

The magical setting of a tree house you may have escaped to as a kid is now a trend-setting place you can escape to for vacation. Expert Africa, one of the leading designers and operators of personalized tours to Southern and East Africa, has highlighted its top picks for tree house accommodations in Africa. Chris McIntyre, managing director, Expert Africa, points out, “The wide variety of tree houses in Southern Africa gives travelers a real choice. Some offer a unique romantic atmosphere with candlelight playing on the surrounding branches. Others feel more adventurous: a night in the African bush with rustic surrounds, perhaps with the adrenaline rush of dangerous animals below. All give the guest a one-off way of seeing Africa from a new angle with stunning views.” Check out these tree houses with overnight stays:

1.     Moja, Mbili, Tatu, Nne, Tano and Saba: Tanzania
The epitome of a tree house in an exotic land is one of the six eco-friendly tree houses at Chole Mjini Lodge on Tanzania’s tropical Chole Island, just off the coast of Mafia Island. Each of these tree houses is set in a huge ancient baobab tree, and waves lap at the roots of some of them (yes, really, tell your botanist friends). Open to the elements on all four sides, all offer breathtaking views - mangroves, the sea, the ocean – with a soft breeze easing through. With sand at your feet, climb up closer to the skies filled with fireflies to the tree house built by the skilled craftsmen of Chole. If you look closely, you will see the natural materials used, including mangrove wood.

2.     Elephant Hide: Zambia
The Elephant Hide of Kaingo Camp in the South Luangwa is a must for the adventurous traveler. This tree house is on a wooden platform nestled between an Ebony tree and a Sausage tree high above a centuries old elephant highway through the Luangwa River. You can comfortably sleep two here and enjoy the simple ambience while your senses take in the thrill of the African bush, as well as the frequent elephant crossings.

3.     Dove’s Nest: Zimbabwe
There’s no place like home while staying in this multi-level tree house known as the Dove’s Nest, which offers a unique way to spend the night. As part of the Zimbabwe lodge, The Hide, this tree house is positioned in a leadwood tree which stands in a plain within Hwange National Park; and, while it may feel like home with tiered rooms, the Dove’s Nest has the added perk of a middle floor viewing platform and an even higher level bedroom containing a double-bed reached by wooden stairway and trap door. All in all it’s an offbeat house where travelers can keep an eye out for any of the 100 plus mammal species that live in this park.

4.     Tarangire Treetops: Tanzania
All accommodations at Tarangire Treetops are tree houses (20 total), and are perfect for a relaxed and pampered stay. These rooms are 8 – 10m off the ground in Tarangire National Park and are reached by spiral staircase. As one of the most luxurious lodges in the area, Tarangire Treetops offers comfort with the fantastic view that comes with literally being in the tree tops. Each tree house boasts one of the largest bedrooms to be found in any camp or lodge in East Africa with an expansive but private balcony to take in the Masai land and the dense vegetation of the park.

5.     Bush Night: Tanzania
Coming soon: Beho Beho’s fly-camping experience – what they call their Bush nights – is going to relocate so people will spend their night in the trees above on a platform. Chris McIntyre adds, “Without doubt, it will be highly original, luxurious and slightly quirky in the best of ways.” Located in the Selous Game Reserve (Africa’s largest game reserve), this way of camping will have you experience several tree houses in one stay.

6.     The Tree House: Zambia
Recently rebuilt, Tongabezi Lodge’s Tree House has to be one of the most romantic tree houses in Southern Africa. Constructed around the branches of a riverine Ebony tree, the secluded house spreads over a pine deck with views of the Zambezi River, just upstream of Victoria Falls. Part of the house is suspended over the water, giving the sensation of floating. And, with the claw-footed bath affording views of the river while bathing - as well as the king-sized bed - honeymooners will be scrambling to book their stay.

7.     Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: Tanzania
One of only two lodges inside Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is in the trees, rather than really up in the trees – ideal for anyone afraid of heights. The rooms are only raised slightly off the ground, and once inside, you enter spacious rooms, lounge area, en-suite bathroom and a vast outside deck. Tucked away in the park within a forest of mahogany, wild mango and fig trees, it’s far from the busy main park gate.

8.     Onguma Tree Top: Namibia
Onguma Tree Top Camp offers peace and tranquillity in Namibia’s mystical Etosha National Park. Raised on stilts above the bush and among the trees that give the camp its name, Onguma lies just outside the park - an endless pan of silvery-white sand upon with mirages that blur the horizon. Only eight guests (including the guide) can be accommodated in the four thatched rooms at this camp – perfect for friends and families.

Contact Chris McIntyre, managing director, Expert Africa for customized itineraries that will hit one or more of these places. Email info@expertafrica.com, call 1-800-242-2434 or visit www.expertafrica.com for more information on each of these extraordinary tree houses.

A BEACH ESCAPE FOR TWO AT KINONDO KWETU


KENYA – Kinondo Kwetu is nestled on the secluded shores of the Indian Ocean in southern Kenya. The small, all-inclusive luxury resort is the only hotel on all of Galu Beach, located at the end of a dirt road and distanced from neighbors by rocky cliffs and endless beach. For honeymooners looking for some relaxation and romance after the wedding, Kinondo Kwetu is a beach haven of style and serenity. 

The various forms of accommodation at Kinondo Kwetu were all designed with discretion in mind - surrounded by shady, green gardens and with selected parts available for exclusive use.

The Mama Taa Villa is comprised of seven suites, all of which are dramatically decorated with rich African antiques and a subtle Swedish flare (thanks to the Swedish couple who runs the place!). The gorgeous Honeymoon Suite is located within the Mama Taa Villa Suites and features an exquisitely large bed and multiple balconies.

There are five cottages, three of which are doubles featuring king sized beds swathed in filmy nets , one with a double bedroom and one dubbed the Ubani “beachhouse” that features two stories and can be sold together or separately.

There are plenty of quiet and romantic spots outside for couples to retreat to. The water towers offer spectacular views of the mountains and are the ideal place for a romantic sunset.  Private moonlit dinners for two may also be arranged upon request.  

In addition to enjoying the sun and swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, there’s also an impressive selection of activities offered at Kinondo Kwetu.  Couples can get active with water sports like kite surfing and scuba diving or land activities such as game driving through the nearby Shimba Hills, horseback riding, yoga, tennis or golf – to name a few.

Kninondo Kwetu is only a one and a half hour drive from Mombasa and a fifteen-minute drive from the Ukunda airstrip. Mid season rates start at $460 per person sharing, including all drinks, yoga and gym equipment, tennis, excursions to Kinondo Kwetu community projects in Kinondo village, wood fired sauna, canoeing, snorkeling equipment, one PADI diving lesson in the pool, airstrip transfers, WIFI and limited laundry.

For more information visit www.thecpportfolio.com or