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

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. 

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

 www.kinondo-kwetu.com.

NEW SARUNI MARA VILLA OPTIONS WITH A TWIST

Family Villa Opens Doors and Refurbishment Results in Themed Villas

This July, Saruni Mara, a luxury safari lodge located in Kenya’s Masai Mara, opened the doors of a brand new family villa and completed the refurbishment of its existing villa’s in to six beautifully designed, themed rooms.

The stylish new villa has two en-suite bedrooms and a large lounge complete with dining area and comfortable sofa’s sounding the welcoming fireplace. There is also an impressive large veranda overlooking the magnificent scenery of the Masai Mara.

The remaining villas have been refurbished to incorporate themes that will engage with a guest’s passions whether that is art, astronomy, photography, literature, natural history or simply romance.

All furniture, carpets, lamps and bedding was either sourced locally in Nairobi or designed by Kenyan interior decorator Larissa Hoops and then made by local craftsmen.

The Art room will inspire creative guests with an easel and paint as well as a desk with drawing materials.

For star gazers, the Astronomy room has a vintage brass telescope, moon map and selection of interesting material on all things cosmic.

Book worms and budding writers will enjoy staying in the Literature room with its vintage typewriter, leather reading chairs, desk with brass reading lamp, quill pen and leather blotter. There is also a selection of classic and African literature.

For clients that prefer to view life through the lens, the Photography room has an old box browning camera, antique photographic equipment catalogue and stunning prints adorn the walls.

The Family villa also doubles as the Natural History room and is decorated with a selection of antique and vintage prints. There is also relevant reading material such a books on mammals, reptiles, tree’s and birds.

The Honeymoon room has been simply designed for a relaxing romantic break with comfy furniture and beautiful antiques.

Saruni Mara is owned and run by Italian author Riccardo Orizio. This resort is the Masai Mara’s smallest permanent lodge and guests enjoy an exclusive experience with their own private vehicle and guide. Evenings can be spent relaxing in the common area enjoying fine cuisine influenced by Riccardo’s Italian family heritage. Guests can also enjoy bush breakfasts and dinners in breathtaking settings such as in the middle of an acacia forest.

Saruni Mara is extremely active in local community and conservation projects and works very closely with the local Masai communities. The lodge is the proud recipient on the Silver rating by Ecotourism Kenya.

Rooms at Saruni Mara start from US$390 a night. Prices are based on two people sharing on full board including all house drinks, park fees, game drives and airport transfers.

For more information visit www.thecpportfolio.com.

THE AMERICAN WHO STARTED AFRICA’S FIRST SAFARI OUTFITTERS

Four Generations Have Led to Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp

Cottar’s_1920s_Safari_Camp in the Masai Mara is known for recreating the traditional safari, with a modern luxury twist. After all, the camp is part of a Cottar family legacy that created Africa’s first safari outfitters and has been passed down the Cottar family for four generations – starting with an American from Iowa.

For 93 years, the Cottar name has been in the safari business, from hunting and guiding to running safari camps, always staying true to the era when Charles Cottar started it all.

The general plot: It’s 1909. An American from Iowa reads about Roosevelt’s hunting exploits in East Africa. The man decides to experience the wild himself and arrives in Kenya in 1910. After visiting year after year, Charles Cottar brought his family to Kenya and registered a company in 1919 to guide safaris. Charles recognized that sportsmen from all over the world would come to Africa to hunt for the best trophy they could get, and needed the expertise of people who live in the country and understand the animals.

Charles gained inspiration from Roosevelt’s stories, but quickly began sharing stories of his own – articles and movies that were shared in the states. He had more than his fair share of scuffles with the Big Five, his life ending with a rhino charge. So much was Africa a part of him that when his son tried to give him shade for his last moments, he refused – wanting to see the African sky.

As the first established safari outfitters in Africa, the Cottars seem to have always been ahead of the game. They were among the first to import safari cars to Kenya, and the father of the current owner established the first fixed camps in the country.

Today, Calvin Cottar, Charles’ great grandson, runs Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp, a veteran luxury property in the Masai Mara with some of the best guides in Kenya. (Three of the guides are now Gold Level KPGSA qualified, which is the highest concentrations of Gold level guides out of any property in East Africa – 15 total in Kenya.)

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp transports a traveler to the original spirit and essence of the safari. Tents are authentic white canvas, spacious and luxuriously furnished. And, perhaps more significantly, the tents incorporate many of the Cottar family pieces from the 1920s. To top it all off, dinner is a candlelight affair with silver service and waiters dressed in cotton kanzus – regalia from Kenya’s colonial era.

There are 10 tents, four of which are family tented suites, and the option to stay in Cottar’s Private House that 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, bush meals, sundowners, day and night drives, ½ hour complimentary massage, transfers to cultural visits a range of drinks and laundry. Game drives can be taken in either state of the art Land Cruisers or authentic vintage wooden cars (for fun and atmosphere). The camp is one of the 14 prestigious eco-tourism lodges in the C&P Portfolio.

For more information, visit www.thecpportfolio.com.