DESTINATIONS — AFRICA
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The position is 24 carat, perched on a hill overlooking twin lakes – African Pride describes the views as “genuinely breathtaking” – and the service is as warm as the roaring stove that heats the lounge on chilly evenings. Days are warm, so until nightfall most guests lounge outdoors on the sunny terrace. Of the 10 ‘bandas’, as the stone-built cottages are called, try to book clients into the two newest and most spacious, Ibiyaga and Ibirunga.
l THE MALARIA- FREE LODGE Picking Tswalu Motse out for
its malaria-free qualities feels rather like damning it with faint praise, but that factor does make this a fabulous top-end option for families. It’s in South Africa’s Kalahari, one of the destination’s least-visited safari areas, on Tswalu, the country’s largest private game reserve. The unusual wildlife – wild dog, black-maned Kalahari lions, meerkats, cheetah and black rhino – is a particular selling point
for safari aficionados. There are just nine thatched suites and one five-bedroom private villa, and in addition to game drives, horseback and walking safaris are on offer. 2by2 Holidays loves the lodge for its high number of guides and butlers, meaning all activities can be scheduled at times to suit individual guests. Special mention should also go to its superb wine cellar, and star-bed for sophisticated sleep-outs.
l THE FLOATING LODGE
The Chobe River is the border
between Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, with both banks packed with wildlife. Many visitors stay on land and take boat trips, but keen cruisers, or those that are tickled by the idea of a safari with a difference, can stay on the 45-metre Zambezi Queen river cruise boat and explore a longer stretch of the river. All 14 suites have balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted game
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viewing, and the cosmopolitan decor is rather Africa-meets- Manhattan. Passengers can disembark for other activities including game drives, safaris on smaller boats and fishing, but the top deck lounge area and plunge pool mean relaxing and wildlife spotting can go hand in hand.
l THE WINE LODGE South Africa is on the money for clients who want
a variety of other experiences as well as safari, and if they’re looking for vines and views then
point them towards Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa. Sitting at the peak of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass which links Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the property is perfectly placed for both of the Cape region’s leading wine districts. The incredibly luxurious 10-lodge property is in a working wine estate owned by diamond-mogul Laurence Graff, and features art from his personal collection. The food and – unsurprisingly – the wine are something to write home about, plus there’s a swanky spa and immaculately manicured botanical and sculpture gardens. TW
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5 March 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 53
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