With FIFA’s 2010 World Cup soccer championships going on now, many eyes are turned toward South Africa. If you haven’t yet visited one of the country’s many luxury safari lodges, you are missing out. Hidden away in the bush, these opulent lodges rival the best European hotels in terms of service, food and wine, and sometimes even spa treatments. Of course, the real draw of any safari is the chance to get close to the “Big Five:” elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, leopard, and black rhinoceros. In most of South Africa’s game reserves, you’ll see those species as well as many others

If the World Cup has piqued your interest in South Africa, consider these luxury lodges:

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Leopard Hills
Aptly named, you often won’t have to leave camp to see leopards. The resident female is frequently seen drinking from guest plunge pools and lounging on lodge decks. She has even left her cub on property while she went off hunting. If you don’t spot a leopard at the lodge, you almost certainly will during a game drive. Leopard Hills rangers and trackers regularly lead guests to sightings of lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, giraffe, wild dogs, and occasionally even cheetahs. This intimate lodge features eight air-conditioned glass-fronted suites—each with a private plunge pool and gorgeous views of the bushveld. The spacious bathroom features a standalone tub, his and her sinks, and both an indoor and outdoor shower. The main lodge offers a spa and small gym, library, dining room and bar, deck overlooking a watering hole, and swimming pool. Per person rates are approximately $1,000/night.

Kruger National Park

Singita Sweni Lodge
Singita is one of the most recognized names when it comes to luxury safari lodges. Here at Kruger National Park, Singita—a Relais & Chateaux property—offers two options: Sweni and Lebombo lodges. (over at Sabi Sands you’ll find Singita Ebony, Boulders, and Castelton Camps). Sweni Lodge, situated next to the Sweni River, intrigues many guests since it’s built on stilts—affording you a giraffe’s-eye view of the area. There are six open-concept suites, all with the obligatory outdoor shower. The big draw is the fact that you can sleep out under the stars on the day bed on your viewing deck. Per person rates are approximately $1,450/night.

Jock Safari Lodge
If you’re traveling to South Africa with children, Jock Safari Lodge should be at the top of your list. The lodge allows children over 7 to join the daily game drives (although kids need to be over 16 to go on a walking safari). If you need several rooms for your family anyway, consider booking “Little Jock.” This trio of suites come with a chef, waitress, and ranger. This level of privacy and flexibility is appreciated by families who may need to adjust the times of daily game drives to coincide with their children’s sleep and wake schedules. Per person rates are approximately $650/night. (Children 7–11 charged 50% of nightly rate. Children 12 and older require a separate room and are charged full price.)

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Kings Camp
Kings Camp is one of the only places in the world where you have a chance to catch a glimpse of white lions in the wild. You may assume that white lions are a subspecies of Panthera leo, but they are not. These animals actually carry a recessive gene that acts as a color inhibitor that’s responsible for pure white coats instead of the usual tawny ones. Residents of the Timbavati area have told stories of these lions over the centuries. A pride of white lions is currently traversing the area near Kings Camp, so it’s definitely worth a visit. The rangers at Kings Camp also understand all aspects of wildlife photography and are fantastic when it comes to maneuvering the game drive vehicle so you’ll get the best shot of the animals being viewed. Per person rates are approximately $560/night.

Kapama Game Reserve

Camp Jabulani
For something completely different, look no further than Camp Jabulani (another Relais & Chateaux member). Not only is this one of Africa’s most opulent game lodges, it also offers elephant-back safaris. Here you’ll be granted one-on-one encounters with a herd of trained elephants, including six babies. (Many of these elephants were rescued from Zimbabwe, where they had been tagged for slaughter.) Now these animals live a privileged life at Camp Jabulani and guests are thrilled to make their acquaintance. The accommodations are no less exhilarating. During the day, the walls of your suite can be rolled back so you are one with the great outdoors. On chilly evenings, you’re sure to use the in-suite fireplace. There’s also an on-site spa that offers a variety of massage and skin care treatments. Per person rates are approximately $1,000/night.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Safari Lodge
For those who are a bit nervous about safari vacations in the first place, a good first step is a trip to Madikwe Private Game Reserve, because it’s located in a malaria-free region. No special health precautions are required to visit this area of South Africa. &Beyond’s Madikwe Safari Lodge is one of the best accommodations in Madikwe. At twenty suites, this is a larger lodge than those mentioned above but the rooms are distributed across three separate camps so you’ll still get the “out in the bush” vibe. Animal sightings have been very good recently and often include cheetah and wild dog in addition to the Big Five. Per person rates are approximately $400/night.

To further research safari getaways in South Africa, visit South African Tourism.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Camp Jabulani

Ellerman House in Cape Town, South Africa

Reputable tour packager Kensington Tours is offering a new 8-night luxury vacation to South Africa. Dubbed “Sophisticated South Africa,” the package is privately guided so there’s no set departure dates. Go when your schedule dictates, not someone else’s.

You’ll spend four nights at Ellerman House in Cape Town. This chic hotel is know for its personalized service, and celebrities like Oprah, Sting, and Bono have all stayed here while traveling in South Africa.

The first part of your journey in Cape Town will take you to Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Simons Town, Boulders Beach (for some playtime with the penguins), and nearby vineyards.

Next you’ll fly to Johannesburg and then connect to Kruger National Park, where you’ll make yourself at home at either Singita Lebombo Lodge or Sweni Lodge. Eight game drives are included, along with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on safari.

Pricing for Sophisticated South Africa has been reduced for departures between January 15–May 31, 2010 and August 1–December 15, 2010. The package is approximately $8,995 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or Kensington Tours.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

South African Airways is offering a good deal for economy roundtrip travel from U.S. gateways to Johannesburg. From now through April 30, 2010, you can fly roundtrip from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) for $950 per person. (Of course, you’ll also pay approximately $140 for the required governmental taxes, departure fees, and the September 11 security fee.)

Similar low fares are also available from other U.S. cities.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

What Else Will You Do During the World Cup?

Are you heading to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? You’re going to enjoy a few games and maybe go on safari, but have you thought about doing some service work while you’re there?

Elevate Destinations has put together a few customized community tours in South Africa that will show travelers some of the challenges facing communities in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. Special tours can be organized for a minimum of one to two days.

Suggested Tours in South Africa

• Johannesburg—Visit community projects in Soweto with former soccer players such as Andre Arendse and Linda Buthelezi.
• Cape Town—Tour three different city community empowerment projects on a one-day tour.
• Durban—Head to the Indigo Skate Park in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a rural area in Durban where skate boarding has brought hope to this community.

Download Elevate Destination’s World Cup Community Touring pdf.

For more information, visit Elevated Destinations or call (617) 661-0203.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Okay, British Airways won’t take you to Africa for free, but with a new promotion they’ve announced with partner credit card Chase Visa, they will give you 100,000 bonus miles that can be used to travel to many amazing African  gateways, including:

Egypt (Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm el Sheikh)
Kenya (Nairobi)
Mauritius
Morocco (Marrakech)
Namibia (Windhoek)
South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth)
Tanzania (Dar Es Salaam)
Uganda (Entebbe)
Zambia (Livingstone, Lusaka)
Zimbabwe (Harare)

So how do you get this practically free trip to Africa? By signing up for an unprecedented bonus mile deal: earn 100,000 miles with a new British Airways Visa Signature Card from Chase.

Card Benefits

• receive 50,000 miles after your first purchase
• spend $2,000 within three months of opening your card and receive an additional 50,000 miles
• earn 1.25 miles for each $1 spent
• earn 2.5 miles for money spent on BA purchases
• spend $30,000 in a calendar year and you’ll receive a 2-for-1 companion award certificate
• $50 off a British Airways flight if booked before December 31, 2009 (for travel before the end of 2010)

This promo is especially enticing since British Airways offers what they call “Household Accounts.” This means you can combine miles with anyone living at the same address. That makes managing miles SO much easier! You’ll retain your own Executive Club membership but your mileage balances will be combined.

You may use British Airways miles on any OneWorld airline, including:

American Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Finnair
Iberia
Japan Airlines
LAN
Malev
Quantas
Royal Jordanian

Other British Airways partners also include:

Aer Lingus
Alaskan Airlines
Brussels Airlines
Caribbean Airlines
Mexicana

This British Airways/Chase Visa promo is definitely something to look into, especially if you’ll be traveling to Africa in the coming years. I know that’s how I’ll spend my miles! Apply for the card now.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

South African Airways

South African Airways is running a promo for roundtrip economy air from New York or Washington, D.C., from November 1–December 9, 2009 and January 7–April 30, 2010. The roundtrip price is $930 per person. Similar fares are available from other U.S. gateways.

Here’s the fine print: Fare is for travel in economy class and inclusive of fuel surcharges. Valid for travel November 1 to December 9, 2009 and January 7 to April 30, 2010. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Travel taxes are additional. Cancellations before departure are subject to a $250 penalty and no shows are non-refundable. After departure, tickets are non-refundable. Changes prior to departure are not permitted. Changes after departure are subject to a $250 fee. Ticketing must be completed within 48 hours after reservations are made. Maximum stay is 12 months. Fare does not include (a) Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 USD depending upon the itinerary chosen (b) Federal Segment Fee of $3.60 USD per flight segment (flight segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing) (c) September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 USD per flight segment that originates at a U.S. point (d) international government taxes and fees of up to $200 varying by destination and currency exchange rates at the time of purchase. Additional baggage charges may apply.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of South African Airways

Twenty-nine animal conservationists who have dedicated their lives to saving the Earth’s endangered species have been nominated to receive the biennial Indianapolis Prize. The nominees’ work spans the globe, representing a range of species from insects to mammals, and includes amphibians, elephants, bats, wolves and sharks, among many others. The Nominating Committee will review the applications and select the six finalists, who will be announced in the spring of 2010. The Prize Jury will then determine the winner who will be announced in mid-2010 and honored at the next Indianapolis Prize Gala, to be held September 25, 2010, in Indianapolis.

In addition to receiving the $100,000 Prize, the recipient is also awarded the Lilly Medal, an original work of art that signifies the winner’s contributions to conserving some of the world’s most threatened animals.

The 2008 Indianapolis Prize was awarded to legendary field biologist George Schaller, Ph.D. Schaller’s accomplishments span decades and continents, bringing fresh focus to the plight of several endangered species—from tigers in India to gorillas in Rwanda—and inspiring others to join the crusade.

“Following in Schaller’s footsteps will not be easy, but the current nominees are exceptional,” said Michael Crowther, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo, the organization responsible for initiating the conservation award. “These conservationists are all living their own unique and fascinating adventures that battle the odds, but achieve great victories.”

The nominees for the 2010 Indianapolis Prize include many individuals working to conserve the diverse wildlife of Africa:

Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Ph.D.: (Save the Elephants) Founded Save the Elephants; devotes his life to the cause of elephant conservation—from testifying before Congress to leading anti-poaching aid programs in Africa.

Jack Hanna: (Columbus Zoo and Aquarium) For more than 30 years, Hanna has been the public face of zoos, bringing the conservation message to millions of people worldwide; passionately dedicated to Rwanda’s endangered animals and its people.

Lisa Hywood: (Tikki Hywood Trust) Works tirelessly to preserve Zimbabwe’s wildlife—including captive breeding, management and monitored release of endangered species and conservation education in under-privileged, rural areas.

Laurie Marker, D.Phil.: (Cheetah Conservation Fund) Founded the Cheetah Conservation Fund; led a conservation program from humble beginnings in rural Namibia to an unparalleled model for predator conservation.

Gregory Rasmussen, Ph.D.: (Painted Dog Conservation) Diligent advocate of the critically endangered African wild dogs; founder of the Painted Dog Conservation, which strives to increase the range and numbers of wild dogs in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa.

Lente Lidia Roode: (Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre) Established the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, a nonprofit organization that provides a safe haven for orphaned and sick animals, complete with an education center, rescue unit and breeding program.

Additional nominees working outside of Africa:

Karen Eckert, Ph.D.: (WIDECAST: Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network) Dedicated to research, multilateral marine resource management and the international conservation policies for sea turtles for more than three decades.

Gerardo Ceballos, Ph.D.: (Instituto de Ecologia, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico) Leader in designing conservation strategies for endangered species and threatened ecosystems; conducted the first geographically explicit analysis of patterns of population and species extinction in a major taxonomic group (mammals).

Nigel Collar, Ph.D.: (BirdLife International) Researched and compiled a unique and comprehensive dataset on globally threatened bird species that was published in groundbreaking regional Red Data Books worldwide.

Ruth M. Elsey, M.D.: (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries) Fostered programs to enhance the survivability and sustainability of the American alligator, in addition to parallel efforts for other crocodilians.

George Fenwick, Ph.D.: (American Bird Conservancy) Founded American Bird Conservancy; dedicated to creating and sustaining globally significant biodiversity reserves, tackling policy-based threats to birds and generating funding resources for the biodiversity community.

Rodney Fox: (Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions/Fox Shark Research Foundation) Miracle survivor of one of the world’s worst shark attacks; regarded as a world authority on Great White Shark research, observation and conservation.

Birute Mary Galdikas, Ph.D.: (Orangutan Foundation International) More than 35 years of advancing research on wild orangutan ecology and behavior; established rehabilitation and release programs and saved millions of acres of tropical rain forest in Kalimantan.

Paul Garber, Ph.D.: (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) More than 30 years of dedication and commitment to research, conservation and educational programs involving the monkeys of Latin America.

Maurice Hornocker, Ph.D.: (Selway Institute; Professor Emeritus, University of Idaho) Devoted his career to understanding the ecological role of wild cats and advocating for the conservation of large carnivores, including the first-ever field investigation of cougars.

Rick Hudson: (Fort Worth Zoo; International Iguana Foundation; IUCN Turtle Survival Alliance) Dedicated advocate for reptile conservation, including groundbreaking work with the Jamaican iguana and the coordination of the largest turtle rescue event in history.

Rodney Jackson, Ph.D.: (Snow Leopard Conservancy) Conducted an in-depth radio-tracking study of snow leopards in the 1980s; dedicated to building local communities’ capacity as key players in conserving the species.

Jana Johnson, M.S., Ph.D.: (Moorpark College, The Butterfly Project) Founded The Butterfly Project, a center for endangered butterfly propagation and research; helped the Palos Verdes blue butterfly population, once presumed extinct, grow from 200 to 10,000.

James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D.: (National Wild Turkey Federation) Devoted leader in wild turkey research, scientific wildlife management and forging cooperative conservation partnerships to grow the wild turkey population from 1.3 million to 7 million in less than 30 years.

Thomas H. Kunz, Ph.D.: (Boston University) For more than 50 years, has significantly and instrumentally contributed to the conservation and teaching of bat ecology, physiology and behavior.

Amanda Lollar: (Bat World Sanctuary) Established Bat World Sanctuary, the largest rehabilitation facility in the world dedicated exclusively to bats; created the first nutritionally sound diet for debilitated bats.

Edward Louis Jr., Ph.D., DVM: (Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo) Tireless conservation advocate of island biogeography, including the discovery of 30 percent of known lemurs to date.

Stephen McCulloch: (Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution) Created legislation to fund several ongoing marine mammal research and conservation programs while working to construct the first teaching marine mammal hospital, science and education center.

Rodrigo Medellin, Ph.D.: (University of Mexico) Galvanized bat research throughout Latin America by using a multipronged approach including research, education, population biology, molecular ecology and community involvement.

Patrick T. Redig, DVM, Ph.D.: (The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota) Dedicated more than 35 years to protecting raptor populations though extensive field work, bench research, clinical work, professional teaching and community service.

Patrick Rose: (Save the Manatee Club) Worked to help educate opponents, build coalitions and focus on specific protection goals for manatees, including protecting the manatee’s habitat and advocating for strong growth management laws.

Carl Safina, Ph.D.: (Blue Ocean Institute) Brought ocean conservation into the environmental mainstream by using science, art and literature to inspire “sea ethic.”

Simon Stuart, Ph.D.: (IUCN-World Conservation Union) Developed the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, which assesses the extinction risk for species.

Amanda Vincent, Ph.D.: (The University of British Columbia) First person to study seahorses underwater, document extensive commercial trade, and initiate a seahorse conservation project, Project Seahorse.

The biennial $100,000 Indianapolis Prize represents the largest individual monetary award for animal conservation in the world and is given as an unrestricted gift to the chosen honoree.

The Indianapolis Prize was initiated by the Indianapolis Zoo as a significant component of its mission to inspire local and global communities and to celebrate, protect and preserve our natural world through conservation, education and research. This award brings the world’s attention to the cause of animal conservation and the brave, talented and dedicated men and women who spend their lives saving the Earth’s endangered animal species. It was first awarded in 2006 to Dr. George Archibald, the co-founder of the International Crane Foundation and one of the world’s great field biologists.

In 2008, the Indianapolis Prize went to Dr. George Schaller, the world’s preeminent field biologist and vice president of science and exploration for the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation has provided funding for the Indianapolis Prize since 2006.

Africa Adventure Consultant’s president Kent Redding is seeing an uptick in bookings for the period surrounding the World Cup. “Now is certainly the time for soccer fans to make World Cup Africa travel plans, as we’re already seeing limited availability at some hotels throughout South Africa. With the recent news from London regarding bogus tickets, it’s also important to purchase your travel packages from reputable operators.”

In addition to World Cup Africa travel, Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia.

For more information, visit Africa Aventure Consultants or call 1-(866) 778-1089.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Thornybush Private Game Lodge

Today is the first day guests will check in to the new sole-use safari villa, The Homestead, at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KswaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

If you’ve got a family of eight or a group of friends, this four suite villa—with its dedicated staff, including a private ranger, tracker, butler, and private chef—may be the perfect spot to mix elegant accommodations and high-quality game drives.

You’ll have exclusive use of an open 4×4 safari vehicle and that means you can go on game drives whenever you wish—day or night. When you’re not out in the bush, you’ll enjoy lounging by the infinity pool, exercising in the gym, or relaxing in the beautiful public areas of The Homestead.

Rates during low season are approximately $3,300 per night for up to four guests or $4,700 per night for five to eight guests. Rates rise in high season.

&Beyond, formerly CC Africa, owns and operates 46 luxury lodges and camps and creates personalized travel experiences in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, and India.

For more information, visit &Beyond or call 1-(888) 882-3742.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of &Beyond

South African Airways Business Class Seats

If you were already planning on purchasing business class seats for an upcoming South African Airways flight, this is a deal that will save you a bundle. Through SAA’s “Treat Yourself and Your Sweetie” promotion, you’ll receive a free companion business class ticket (plus taxes and fuel surcharges) with the purchase one business class ticket for $9,750 from New York or Washington, D.C. to Johannesburg, Cape Town, East London, or Port Elizabeth. Slightly higher fares are available to other parts of Africa.

Seats are limited. Companion must travel with ticket purchaser on the same dates and flights. Minimum stay of five days. Travel must be completed by June 15, 2009.

Call 1-(800) 722-9675 to book tickets.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of South African Airways