Camp Updates

7/1/2009

After a six-week closure, North Island (Seychelles) has re-opened to reveal a new level of "barefoot luxury." Further augmenting the North Island wellness experience, cutting-edge gym equipment has been added to a completely revamped gym facility and Thai massage decks have been placed in each spa villa. Guests are pampered with private beach dinners under the stars, picnic lunches, private sunset cruises, water activities and lessons, interaction with turtles (in season), diving and fishing.

The travel warning for American citizens to Zimbabwe has recently been lifted by the US government. This is as a result of the current coalition government that has seen Morgan Tsvangirai instituted as Prime Minister, and which has brought new optimism to the country. It has also brought renewed interest in Zimbabwe as a safari destination and now is the perfect time to take advantage of this exciting game-rich part of Africa. Some of our favorite safari destinations in Zimbabwe include Little Makalolo Plains Camp and Ruckomechi Camp.

Zarafa Camp, Linyanti Reserve, Botswana, is one of Conde Nast Traveller's 'hottest' new places on its Hot List 2009. Conde Nast reports: "Real low-impact luxury is tricky to achieve but the owners of the new four-suite Zarafa ... have pulled it off. ... Run entirely on solar power, Zarafa has emerged as the greenest, most luxurious tented camp in Botswana ... The friendly, mostly local staff, combine a passion for the reserve with flawless service."

 An easy 45-minute flight from Johannesburg, the 187,500 acre Madikwe Game Reserve is characterized by extensive plains which slope towards the Marico River, dotted with huge rocky hills or inselbergs. The reserve is home to 28 different mammal species which were released into the park through a relocation process called Operation Phoenix which was completed in 1997 (the largest game translocation exercise in the world). Madikwe is also a bird watcher's paradise, with over 350 bird species recorded in the reserve. Places to stay include:

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is situated on a hill in the heart of the reserve, artistically arranged amongst boulders and age-old Tamboti trees. Main Lodge with nine suites, and a private camp, Little Madikwe Hills with three suites. All suites have fireplaces and under-floor heating. A Spa and gym are available.

Mateya Safari Lodge consists of 10 luxurious suites, each with a private, rim-flow pool deck and natural window sala overlooking the water hole and plains. The lodge has one of the finest collections of African art in southern Africa, from majestic oils to life-size bronze sculptures.

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