...Insight
Elemental Africa
by Air, Land & Water
Different perspectives of a magnificent continent with our favourite lodges & camp to suit each element.
Take to the Skies
Leobo - South Africa
Leobo in South Africa’s scenic Waterberg takes safari activities to a whole new level. Booked exclusively, the property is set within a 23,000 acre malaria-free wildlife estate overlooking the lush Palala Valley, which overflows with an abundance of wildlife and rich archaeological history. The Observatory Private Villa is a stylish and flamboyant abode with two huge bedrooms, and a children’s/nanny’s bedroom. For larger groups, further accommodation can be found at Leobo Lodge, also on the reserve, which has 9 cottages with lovely views. If the three-hour road trip from Johannesburg doesn’t appeal, just hop in their very own helicopter and you’ll be dropped off in just under an hour.
Must do
Take turns to be hunter or prey as you depart to the skies in a helicopter, armed with a paintball gun as your human quarry flees from you down below on quad bikes. There’s an array of activities to keep you entertained including game drives, horse-riding, clay pigeon shooting and fly-fishing. Back at the lodge there is a wonderful deck on which to relax and soak in the views and come nightfall, there is a research grade observatory dome for some serious astronomy.
Ol Malo - Kenya
Owned and run by the Francombes, a multi-generational Kenyan family, Ol Malo has a fascinating history and ties to the local Samburu community, making it an incredibly memorable place so visit. Ol Malo House and Lodge are beautifully situated with views out over the dramatic hill and valleys of the Laikipia plateau. Soak in the infinity pool, sip sundowners while admiring the vistas, and enjoy homely hosting in a breathtaking setting where awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets are framed by the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Stay in one of the charmingly appointment cottages, each bursting with individual character or the private house perfect for larger families or groups of friends.
Must do
Aside from game drives, there is a chance to get out on a ‘Nomad Safari’ – travel on foot, camel or horse to regions inaccessible by road. Sleepouts are also highly recommended, whether its by the river under the stars or at the leopard hide down by the much-frequented waterhole below the lodge. An absolute highlight is the opportunity to jump in Andrews helicopter and head through Kenya’s wild and beautiful Northern Frontier where a picnic breakfast up by Lake Turkana is a real treat.
Best for Walking
Mwiba Lodge - Tanzania
Cradled by massive boulders overlooking a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River, this is the Serengeti on a grand and magnificent scale. Awe-inspiring Mwiba Lodge lies in a vast and private Maswa Conservancy adjoining the southern Serengeti – a landscape of ancient coral trees and acacias. Here you can not only can you see the migration pass directly through the reserve, but it’s one of the few places in Tanzania that walking on the endless plains is possible. Immaculately stylish in its design, this intimate lodge features some of the best suites we have ever seen with earthy, muted colours and sprawling views of the African terrain.
Must do
With an emphasis on tailored schedules to suit each guest, the pace at Mwiba is unhurried. From the lodge, you can head out on intrepid fly camping walking safaris, accompanied by armed rangers and guides. The nomadic Hadza tribe are indigenous to the area and are one of the last genuine hunter gatherer societies in the world. The opportunity to walk with them and learn about the environment through their eyes is a life affirming event.
Tena Tena - Zambia
African walking safaris were pioneered in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, and Robin Pope Safaris offer some of the very best walking on the continent. They have three intimate safari camps situated along the Luangwa River, each offering a true wilderness camp experience. Situated in the exclusive Nsefu sector of the national park, Tena Tena Camp, our favourite, is a remote and intimate with six large tents each with viewing deck offering sweeping views of the river. It combines well with sister-camps, Nkwali Camp and Nsefu Camp, or as base before or after an extended walking safari using mobile camps. This is an incredible, immersive and slightly addictive way to see some of the best wildlife in Africa.
Must do
Activities include guided walks, night and day drives, sundowners and bush picnics. Both Tena Tena and Nsefu run private fly-camping walks from one to the other. There is also the option to go totally mobile on a five night trail, covering up to 10km a day on foot following the scenic and game rich Mupamadzi River. Expert guides focus not only on the mighty Big Five, but also on Zambia’s smaller, lesser-known creatures like the aardvark addition to the country’s thriving bird life, such as the African fish eagle.
Drift Along
Little Vumbura - Botswana
Set on an island surrounded by floodplains and clear channels, Little Vumbura sums up all the best things of the Okavango Delta. Sister camp, neighbouring Vumbura Plains may be flagship camp of the concession, but we love Little Vumbura for its intimate, romantic atmosphere and relaxed vibe. Even the arrival by boat to this delightful camp is hard to beat. There are just six luxury tented rooms, connected by wooden walkways and shaded by the canopy of Okavango forest – including a family tent as well as a honeymoon tent. A perfectly placed plunge pool and reading area allows for views over the perennial floodplains where there are regular sightings include lion, leopard, elephant, sable and buffalo.
Must do
There is a perfect combination of water and land-based activities with sightings to match at Little Vumbura. Water-based activities are a focus with mokoros (dug-out canoes) traversing the floodplains under the guidance of experienced polers. Gliding through the Okavango’s silky waterways, flanked by towering reeds and papyrus, is a peaceful way to explore – the silence enables you a chance to drift up close to wildlife as it comes to drink from the banks. They also offer motorboat safaris and traditional game drives too.
Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe
Ruckomechi is a superb lodge in a private concession bordering Mana Pools, one of Africa’s best kept secrets. Set on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River downstream from Lake Kariba, it is perfectly placed for some of the best walking and canoeing in Africa. Hidden in a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees, Ruckomechi’s ten luxurious tents and main camp overlook both the Zambezi and the mountains of the Great Rift Valley beyond the river in Zambia. For those looking for a more intimate setting, sister camp Little Ruckomechi is just a short way downstream with three tents, or four if you book it exclusively. Both lodges are in a wildlife rich area with excellent resident game year-round.
Must do
The perk of Ruckomechi’s location of the edge of the park means that it is able to offer river trips in motorboats and canoes, which are not permitted within park boundaries. The camp comes into its own for river-based game viewing, sundowner cruises and catch-and-release fishing trips. There are specific Mana Pools canoe trails which are longer in duration and involve fly-camping for those who are up for serious adventure.
Insight
Africa in a Week
No jet lag and improved flight routes have opened up countries in Africa which used to be the preserve of much longer trips. Its time to start thinking of Africa as ideal for a week-long holiday or even just for a long weekend.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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