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 ….

The warm Indian Ocean waters play at the feet of the exquisite Views Boutique Hotel & Spa. An idyllic paradise from which to unlock the secrets of South Africa’s famed Garden Route, and a mere 20 minutes from George Airport, this luxury hotel perches high over the spectacular coastline.

The expansive Wilderness Beach is reason enough to visit Views. Here it really does seem as though time has stood still with kilometers of safe, secluded and uninterrupted beach waiting to be discovered at the bottom of the boardwalk. The coast is constantly patrolled by dolphins, often seen exuberantly surfing the break. In calving season Southern Right whales use this area as a nursery sometimes coming close inshore, allowing a privileged sighting.

Views Boutique Hotel & Spa has 18 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites designed for absolute comfort. Modern, eclectic and fresh, all have private en-suite bathrooms that are sure to delight. Natural light floods through frameless glass windows, bringing the outdoors in – offering spectacular Indian Ocean views to the south and the Outeniqua Mountains to the north.

So rather than rush a stay here … why not stay for longer AND take advantage of these Special Offers we are running from now until December 2011 :

Stay 4 Nights, Only Pay for 3
Stay 5 Nights, Only pay for 4
Stay 7 Nights, Only pay for 5

Contact us now to enquire about availability and to make a booking !

For anyone thinking of finalising their safari plans this weekend, why not consider a 3 nights stay at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge – because if you book before the 15th August for a safari here between now and the end of September, the 3rd night will be completely free !

Boasting 12,000 hectares, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem. This diversity includes savanna, mountains and wetlands which makes 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.

Early morning and late afternoon guided walks and game drives lead you into the African bush to observe the animals and their fascinating behaviour. Qualified game rangers introduce the unique role each animal plays on the massive stage within the African Kingdom.

For those who prefer to relax at camp, there is a library, swimming pool, game viewing deck and an outdoor lounge overlooking the flowing Mkuze River. Each suite boasts a separate air-conditioned bedroom and lounge with fully stocked mini bar and tea / coffee making facilities.

Contact us now to check availability and book this wonderful safari !

Our 2nd folklore story !

Why Lion Hunt Buffalo

In the Beginning, the Buffalo used to hunt and eat meat, and was the King of the Bush. All the other animals, including the Lion, feared Buffalo.

One day, Lion was sleeping under a tree when Buffalo walked past. Buffalo was just about to charge Lion, when Lion awoke and begged for mercy.

“Please do not kill me,” said Lion. “If you save my life, I will forever be indebted to you.”

Buffalo was quite a lazy animal, and he could see a way to use Lion.

“Fine,” said Buffalo. “Every day you must catch me something to eat. Today I would like a tasty young Impala.”

So Lion went off and killed a young Impala, and brought it back to Buffalo, who devoured it hungrily.

The next day, Buffalo ordered Lion to kill a Zebra. Again, Lion went off and found a Zebra, and watched the Buffalo eat the kill.

Every day, Buffalo ordered Lion to catch something. Soon, Buffalo’s appetite began to grow, and he wanted more and more food, so Lion was kept very busy.

Because Lion was out hunting for Buffalo all day, Lion’s family were growing very hungry and weak. Lion was very worried, and one day asked Buffalo to let him go and hunt for food for his family instead.

Buffalo was annoyed. “No you cannot,” he replied. “You are indebted to me. Now go off and today I want you to kill one of every animal in the bush for me.”

Lion was angry at the selfish, greedy Buffalo. “If that is your wish, then I will kill one of every animal – but starting with YOU!” Lion killed Buffalo, and his family feasted for days on the fat carcass.

To this day, Buffalo have never eaten meat again, and also live in herds so that they can protect each other from the hungry Lion and his family.

Tala Private Game Reserve is a wildlife conservancy hidden in the hills of a quiet farming community not far from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. Spanning nearly 3,000 hectares, the reserve is home to well over 300 bird species, with big game that includes buffalo, rhino, kudu, hippo, giraffe and the rare sable antelope.

Game drives are held throughout the day with experienced guides, or guided horseback rides for the more experienced riders along the water’s edge gives a close proximity to the animals, and bush walks along the many trails are an exciting way to explore the reserve.

For anyone staying at at the reserve at Leadwood Lodge until the end of December, if there are 2 of you, the second person goes completely FREE. This means a cost of just R5,000 per room per night, inclusive of all your meals.

Leadwood Lodge combines exceptional architecture, towering thatch and resplendent finishes against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. The 6 spacious luxury cottages are appointed with the finest hardwood furniture and fine linen, romantically tucked away in the bush in complete privacy.

Contact us here to check availability and make a booking !

During August and September 2010, you can stay for 4 nights at the exclusive Ellerman House in Bantry Bay, and only pay for 3 nights.

Click here for further details and to ask us to check availability for you !

Southern Africa has a long history of people and wild animals living side-by-side, and folklore plays an important part in all the major cultures of the region. Over the course of the next couple of months, we will be publishing a different one every week and we hope they will be of interest to those of you who have either an interest in animals or who appreciate the folklore of other countries.

Here is the first one !

When the Cheetah Cried

One day, a hunter left his village to go and find food for his family. He passed a small clearing, and noticed a young Impala who had strayed away from the main herd. While the hunter was working out the best way to catch the Impala, he noticed a mother Cheetah in the long grass near the Impala.

Suddenly, the Cheetah leapt out of the grass and with great speed bore down and caught the Impala before it had a chance to run away.

The hunter marvelled at the Cheetah’s hunting ability, and wished that he could have a Cheetah to train to catch food for him. Suddenly, he noticed her 3 young cubs sitting nearby in the shade of a tree, watching their mother kill the Impala for their dinner.

“This could be the answer,” thought the hunter. “Why don’t I steal one of the cubs and take it back to the village with me, so that I can train it to hunt for me instead.” Quick as a flash, the hunter ran over to the cubs, and picked up the nearest one. “Why not take all 3,” he then thought. “That way, I’ll be able to catch 3 times as much food for my family.” The hunter scooped all 3 cubs into his bag, and ran off.

The mother Cheetah dragged her kill back to where she had left her cubs, and was distraught to see that they had gone. She cried and cried for hours, and the tears made a dark stain down her cheeks.

An old man passed by and asked what was wrong. When he heard that the cubs were missing, he realised that the 3 cubs that had been brought into his village that morning by the hunter must belong to the mother Cheetah. He promised to return the cubs to her immediately, and went to the village.

The old man scolded the hunter for not only stealing the cubs, but for dishonouring the tribe’s hunting traditions of using their own abilities and skills.

When the cubs were returned to their mother, she was very grateful, but the hours of crying meant that her face was permanently stained with the dark stripes.

Chief’s Camp, situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta, has been awarded a “World’s Best” coveted award from Travel + Leisure.

From a survey by the readers of Travel + Leisure, the camp has been rated as one of the top resorts and camps in Africa and the number one safari lodge in Botswana.

Chief’s Camp lies on Chief’s Island, one of the many islands created by the seasonal floodwaters of the Okavango Delta. The camp is tucked away in the exclusive Mombo Concession, part of the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve. This is the predator capital of Africa and the game viewing is awe-inspiring …lions, leopard, cheetah, hyena and jackals abound, as do elephants, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala. Chief’s Camp is particularly famous for its wild dog population. The concession is also a paradise for ornithologists, boasting over 500 species of birds.

Twelve secluded, luxury bush pavilions are designed for ultimate privacy and comfort, and to offer you a front row seat for this rich and rewarding African adventure. Each pavilion features a thatched roof, spacious seating area, en-suite facilities with indoor and outdoor shower as well as a private game viewing deck with hammock and deck chairs.

The main lodge area houses the dining area, curio shop, library and reception area. There is also an exquisite swimming pool and a range of spa treatments are offered by the beauty therapist in a poolside treatment sala (high season only).

For those looking for some peace and tranquility, a 3 night stay at Bushmans Kloof may just be the answer… and between 1st September and 12th December, you can also take advantage of some superb rates for a stay of this length.

Just 270 km scenic drive from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is a privately owned wilderness reserve and is world renowned for its 130 rock art sites. In recognition of its rich cultural, historical and environmental significance, Bushmans Kloof has been declared a South African Natural Heritage site.

One of the highlights of a day at Bushmans Kloof is the sunset game drive in open game viewing vehicles, with drinks and snacks served at one of the many vantage points in the reserve. Knowledgeable rangers lead the game drives where guests can view at close range a variety of game, both large and small, and enjoy the ever-changing vistas and vegetation.

Early morning rock art tours provide the visitor with an insight into an ancient culture that has been lost forever. Botanical walks, mountain hikes and bird watching are also available. Mountain biking down one of the many rocky slopes offers a challenge to the very adventurous.

There is a range of luxury accommodation to choose from, and for the ultimate relaxation, there is also a Spa facility.

Contact us now to book a stay at this wonderful place !

Unfortunately, the pool at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town will be closed for its annual maintenance from 01 August to 31 August 2010 inclusive.