For families or friends travelling together, why not consider booking the IsiGodlo Private Villa at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge.

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge is situated in the 12,000 hectare Amazulu Private Game Reserve, just 3 hours north of Durban. The reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem which includes savanna, mountains and wetlands – making it the ideal home to the Big 5 as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also no less than 400 bird species.

The private villa overlooks the Mkuze River and is perfectly positioned to capture every African sunset in this beautiful Zululand wilderness.

Exclusive and extremely private, the lodge caters for up to 4 guests. The spacious lounge has large leather sofas around a central fireplace, and the en-suite bedrooms all open onto a large wooden viewing deck, giving sweeping views of the valleys and wildlife below. The splash pool provides a cool relief on warm summer days and quality time spent here is the perfect way to relax and take in nature’s peaceful surroundings.

Your own ranger , tracker and private game vehicle will ensure that the game viewing experience is one you will remember for a lifetime – with each guest having their own ‘window’ seat to nature’s showpiece. Your qualified and knowledgeable ranger and tracker can also take you on foot to explore the intricacies of the African bush.

A fare of culinary aromas will heighten your senses with each dining experience being unique. Take in a true South African ‘braai’ , prepared and served by your ranger; or join other guests in the lodge dining room for an a la carte dining experience or for something truly authentic served outside under the open African sky.

For rates and availability, contact Travel Butlers today.

Safari lodges are one of the most popular places for overseas guests to get married in, and these really are ideal for couples wishing to combine romance, luxury and exclusivity with a safari adventure. The African bushveld forms a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding and safari lodges are, in themselves, immensely romantic locations.

A truly wonderful spot to say your vows can be found on the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Sabi Sand Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.

“Fig Tree Crossing” is a dry, sandy river bank next to a huge rock, behind which grows an enormous sycamore fig tree, which during the day spreads its dappled shade across the top of the rock, making it a perfect shady spot. A wedding table is set up in the riverbed, covered in a crisp white linen cloth that contrasts beautifully against the natural colours of the bush, and decorated simply with some driftwood, pods and wild flowers. Champagne is put on ice, and chairs are set for the guests and the priest.

The bride and groom exchange their vows in front of their guests, and their new wedding rings are blessed on a porcupine quill. After the ceremony, the couple move slightly off to have their unforgettable wedding day photos taken around the rock, the tree and on the sandy river bed before celebrating with their family and friends with the now very chilled champagne.

Everyone then travels back to the lodge on an open game viewing vehicle for the wedding breakfast.

On returning to the lodge the festivities kick off with singing and dancing with members from the local Shangaan community. All guests are actively encouraged to participate in the dancing and celebrating. When the evening eventually winds down, the newly weds will retire to their “honeymoon” suite, which will have been decorated with rose petals, candles and champagne – the perfect ending to a perfect day.

The Winchester Mansions Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town, embodies the charm and gracious hospitality of a bygone era. Each of the luxury guest rooms have been exquisitely furnished by one of Cape Town’s leading interior designers. The beautiful courtyard, built in the style of an Italian piazza, is a tranquil oasis from the pace of city life. Encircled by palm trees and water fountains, it makes the perfect setting for relaxing or dinner. Every Sunday is Jazz day, where a magnificent brunch is served to accompany the jazz music.

Last night, the hotel hosted a Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery Evening, where art lovers with a passion for wining and dining enjoyed the finest South African signature wines from De Grendal, paired with an exclusively designed 5 course meal that was designed to complement the wines.

During the course of the evening guests marvelled at art pieces by South African artist, Derrick Bosch from the Patrice Boussekey Eclectic Art Gallery. Derrick studied film make-up in London and now lives and paints in Germany. He is inspired by the film industry thus his work consists of portraits of actors and film sets. He is a realist painter and works with oil-based glazes to obtain the realistic colors of the landscapes.

The evening ended with an auction of gifts donated by De Grendelm and all funds raised through the auction were donated to StreetSmart South Africa, a conduit fundraising initiative that contributes directly towards enabling street children to live a viable life in society.

For guests staying at either Vumbura Plains, Little Vumbura or Duba Plains, they can now enjoy and take part in a village tour from the camps.

The tour involves travelling by helicopter on a 15 minute scenic flight each way to the local village of Gunotsoga, which is a small community village with a population of about 750 people.

The tour will include being met by the chief, seeing the primary school and local clinic and visiting the local ironmonger and see how various implements are forged. The approximate 3 hour trip is designed to enhance guests’ understanding of local Setswana life and culture.

Families who want to enjoy a family safari with their children can now book a tailormade safari adventure at Phinda.

Both educational and fun-filled, this safari includes a private safari vehicle, as well as a dedicated ranger specialised in guiding trips with children.

The ranger will spend time with the family on arrival, helping them to plan each thrilling day according to the children’s ages, their interests and the season. Just some of the exciting adventures on offer include:

• Animal tracking walks during which children make plaster casts of animal tracks

• Insect hunts with ultraviolet lights to learn about nocturnal insects

• Treasure hunts through the bush

• Specially planned game drives during which youngsters are given the opportunity to feel, smell, listen and see their environment

• Making animals out of clay, tree bark rubbings, painting with sand, palm frond weaving and traditional beading

• Basic astronomy

• Canoeing, boating and fishing

The cost for the family safari is currently R6,120 for a maximum of 6 guests, excluding accommodation. In addition to the dedicated family safaris, Phinda will continue to run an exciting programme of children’s activities at their child-friendly lodges.

Azura is Mozambique’s first luxury ‘eco’ boutique retreat. Built entirely by hand by the local community and operated in partnership with them, it has just 14 villas, each with their own infinity pool and designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism. There is also a spa, with 2 double treatment rooms located right on the beach and open to the breezes.

Guests here recently have been lucky enough to enjoy the company of some special visitors … .3 humpback whales are currently residing in the ocean just a short way from the island. Snorkelling and diving trips have meant guests get really close up to these gentle giants of ocean.

Other exciting ocean sightings include the elusive dugongs, baby manta rays, eagle rays and sharks.

Despite being a natural honeymoon destination, Azura is also very popular with families, and they have a new specific kiddies programme to keep the youngsters happy while their parents relax and enjoy the pure white sand and sparkling turquoise seas that Azura is famed for. Click on the link below to read more about what is on offer for families :

Children’s Programme

Finally, as already mentioned, Azura are very active within the local community, and they have just opened the island’s only school which they have built, helped by many guests who have generously contributed to Azura’s Rainbow Fund. Not only do the children have a brand new school building but they will soon be smartly kitted out in school uniform donated by one of the guests.

Guests who choose to stay at Little Kulala, Kulala Desert Lodge and Kulala Wilderness Camp can now enjoy something completely different as an added activity – a camel ride !

3 rides are currently offered – a 10 minute ‘hop on / hop off’ ride literally for those people who want to say ‘been there / done it’ kind of thing; a short Photo Dune Ride and a longer Sundowner Ride.

On the Sundowner Ride, guests ride out to a designated spot, where a table with drinks and snacks have been set up, and after sunset the riders decide whether to go back to the camp on the camels or by vehicle. My only piece of advice … don’t have too many sundowner drinks if you choose the camel option !

Similar to the balloon rides, the camel activity is offered by an independent operator, Camels Namibia, based on the reserve.

Samara Private Game Reserve encompasses 29,000 hectares of malaria-free spectacular Karoo wilderness. The reserve offers a tremendous game experience for those hoping to see cheetah (there is an excellent wild cheetah breeding programme in operation here), mountain zebra, the once-endangered white rhino, big herds of plains game such as kudu, eland, black wildebeest and beautiful birds, such as the rare blue crane.

The reserve is only a 2.5 hour drive from Port Elizabeth, making it an ideal end to any family holiday that takes in some of the Garden Route too.

For any bookings made between now and the 1st November, Samara are offering these fantastic deals for families :

• Pay for 2 nights and receive the 3rd night completely free

• Children under 14 years of age will only pay 50% if sharing with an adult – and children under 8 stay for free

• During a 3 night stay, one adult will receive a complimentary shoulder / back / neck massage – I would imagine this will appeal to all mothers !!

• Baby sitting services are provided free of charge

• Children get a specialised kiddies menu

• Because children under the age of 8 may not accompany their parents on game drives, they can enjoy a whole host of kiddy-friendly activities, such as their own shortened game drives (with popcorn and snacks), face painting, baking with the chef, orienteering courses, sketch your own Bushman paintings, star-naming, making animals from natural products, puzzles, crafting with African beads, insect and bug appreciation – plus all children receive a free gift on arrival

• All families will get a treasure hunt walk in the bush with their ranger

• Family picnics can also be arranged

For a stay here if booked with Travel Butlers, we are offering the following rates :

August : Adults pay R2,845 per person sharing per night
September : Adults pay R3,535 per person sharing per night
October : Adults pay R3,730 per person sharing per night

Children rates as quoted above.

The rate includes all meals, tea and coffee, 2 game drives daily for the adults, local house wines and soft beverages. PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks are NOT included.

Stay for 4 nights, only pay for 3 at Mateya Safari Lodge, situated in the spectacular 76,000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve.

As well as elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo, the Reserve is also home to wild dog, cheetah, plains game including gemsbok, springbok, zebra and giraffe, and over 340 species of birds. Experienced game rangers and trackers will be on hand to take you on game drives and guided walking safaris.

Each of the 5 suites is adorned with original African artworks and hand-crafted mahogany furnishings that reflect the very essence of the reserve. Your en-sutie bathroom is complete with a secluded open-air shower. Whether your are looking out at the game by the waterhole, relaxing in front of your custom designed fireplace, lying under the shade of your window sala, or immersing in the cool water of your rim-flow pool, each and every feature of your suite provides total privacy and comfort.

Valid for travel between 1st October 2010 and 15th December 2010 … so don’t delay … BOOK TODAY !!!!!

Savanna is situated near the Newington Gate entrance, in the famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and offers the ambience of a romantic bygone era. The luxury tented suites combine the romance of a tented roof and draped inner ceiling, and ensure the utmost privacy.

With only 14 guests, the staff have the time and dedication to attend to your every need. In addition, the excellent food and world class Big 5 game viewing with knowledgeable and enthusiastic rangers, will make your stay here totally memorable.

There is an attractive outdoor swimming pool, ideal for cooling off after your morning game drive, and a comfortable upstairs lounge and library area, all overlooking the waterhole, which is floodlit at night, and where some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife comes down to drink.

And if this hasn’t persuaded you … maybe these pictures will ….