Sanctuary Zebra Plains — Zambia

On June 2, Sanctuary Zebra Plains opened for business in South Luangwa, Zambia. Zebra Plains promises the ultimate bush expedition for adventure seekers—a walking safari combined with fine dining and high-end tented accommodations.

Respected guide Garth Hovell leads two walks each day at Sanctuary Zebra Plains and it’s common for guests to see hippos, hundreds of species of birds, zebra, elephant, antelope, buffalo, puku, lion, leopard, and wild dog. In addition to Hovell, safari-goers are accompanied by armed game scouts and a tea bearer. Departures are set on Monday and Thursday, with a three-night stay minimum.

The intimacy of this safari experience is maintained with just four tents—two doubles and two twins. Each tent has a bed, comfortable furniture, mosquito nets, en suite facilities and a flush toilet. Water for al fresco showers is mixed to your preferred temperature by a tent attendant. Meals are taken in the main mess tent with a full dining area, library, and bar.

This seasonal camp is open from June to October each year and is designed to leave the lowest possible carbon footprint. In fact, in between seasons the camp is packed up leaving no trace…as if it were never there.

Zebra Plains is offering an opening special: book a stay for two at Zebra Plains and the second guest’s stay is half price (a savings up to $825). This deal is valid for new bookings for travel that takes place between June 1 and October 31, 2011.

Consider combining the walking safari with a stay at Sanctuary’s permanent lodges in South Luangwa: Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp and Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, where they are currently offering three nights for the price of two.

For more information, contact your travel agent or Sanctuary Retreats.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Resorts

According to Sanctuary, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently revised its yellow fever vaccination recommendations for the continent. As a result, the South African Department of Health issued a statement that all travelers from South Africa to Zambia and travelers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of a yellow fever vaccination. This was not previously required.

All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Consult your doctor about this change or find a physician specializing in travel medicine at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene or the International Society of Travel Medicine. Also, don’t miss the CDC’s Health Information for Travelers to Zambia.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Here’s some good news: the Uganda Wildlife Authority recently dropped the price of gorilla permits to $350 during low season, which spans March, April, May and October and November. With seven gorilla families in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, Uganda is a compelling safari destination.

The following travel companies offer treks to see the gorillas of Uganda:

Abercrombie & Kent—Untamed Uganda (13 days)

Abercrombie & Kent—Uganda Extension (5 days)

Sanctuary Retreats—Game Viewing & Gorillas (7 nights)

Sanctuary Retreats—Gorilla Tracking Adventure (3 nights)

Volcanoes Safaris—Gorillas in Bwindi (4 days)

Volcanoes Safaris—Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi (8 days)

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Emerging Destinations

NEWS FROM SANCTUARY CHICHELE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE, ZAMBIA

The opening ceremony was also attended by other dignitaries including former First Lady and now Deputy Minister of Tourism Vera Tembo, The Honourable Minister of Eastern Province Isaac Banda, His Royal Highness Chief Makumbi and Timothy Mushibwe, Chairman of the Zambian Tourism Board, along with members of the local media.

During his speech, former president Dr. Kaunda thanked Sanctuary Retreats for the significant investment made in Zambia and the role they are playing in promoting tourism in the country. He emphasised that tourism is critical for the development of the local economy in Zambia as it provides employment for local people and assists in the fight against HIV and Aids.

His Excellency also had time for a game drive in the valley where he spotted plenty of wildlife including the notorious Chichele pride of lions on a buffalo kill with their three small cubs, before ending the day with celebratory sundowner drinks on the magnificent Chichele Hill.

His Excellency stayed over at Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge and left the next morning with these kind words: “How wonderful to come back here to Chichele. The reception was as outstanding as always with wonderful and meaningful smiles.”

For more information about Sanctuary Chichele Presidential Lodge, talk with your travel agent or contact Sanctuary Retreats.

Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Retreats

You may have heard about Gorongosa when reporter Scott Pelley featured the national park on 60 Minutes in a segment called “Saving a Global Treasure.” View the video clip of Gorongosa on 60 Minutes.

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

Abercrombie & Kent is now offering private travel aboard the new luxury dahabieh, Zein Nile Chateau. This ship is part of A&K’s Tailor Made Private Travel program. These intimate boats are perfect for small groups. And, since dahabiehs are smaller and more agile than traditional Nile River boats, they can visit more areas than their competitors.

Zein Nile Chateau was purpose-built for the luxury market with two expansive suites and four staterooms. Unlike other dahabiehs, the cabins on this sailboat are air-conditioned. Public areas include the dining room with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, cigar lounge, library, sun deck, oasis pool, and outdoor lounge designed for stargazing.

Travelers may charter Zein Nile Chateau. Seven-night itineraries start at $29,600 for up to 12 people. An experienced Egyptologist travels with all Abercrombie & Kent Nile River tours and with just 12 travelers on this ship, you’re sure to enjoy a personalized journey down the Nile.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact Abercrombie & Kent at 1-(800) 554‑7094.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of A&K Egypt — Sarah El Akkad

Sanctuary Chief’s Camp

Views from the boma now feature the inspirational flood plain and the bar and gift shop have also been refurbished.

The flood waters of the Okavango Delta have already reached Sanctuary Chief’s Camp for the season and guests are enjoying the popular mokoro excursion.

If you’ve been dying to try this camp, now may be the time to do so as it’s are offering a “Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3″ special. Travel dates are May 1–June 30, 2010.

For more information, contact your travel agent or Sanctuary Retreats.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Retreats

Just about everyone is concerned about environmental sustainability these days and nowhere is the push toward eco-friendly hotel practices more apparent than in the Maldives. This chain of breathtakingly beautiful atolls in the Indian Ocean is dotted with world-class resorts like Taj Exotica Resort & Spa on Emboodhu Finolhu island.

In recent years, Taj Exotica has challenged itself to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining the highest level of comfort for guests. The resort started the process by accessing its energy efficiency, water management, air quality, and handling of chemicals. Then, the hard work of improving infrastructure began.

New highlights include…

• a hot water system that reduces the use of both electricity and diesel fuel. In fact, Taj Exotica reports that it expects to save 109,500 litres of diesel every year
• a rain water harvesting system that collects 896,000 litres per year
• the planting of only endemic tree species like Jade Tree, Sea Hibiscus, and Malikuruva Rose so no additional watering is needed (this saves 10,000 litres of water per day)
• increased recycling of metal and other materials

Many travelers are drawn to Taj Exotica for its gorgeous beach and the fact that the resort sits on one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. It’s a short 15-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport and the resort, with just 62 luxury villas, never feels crowded. Its world-class Jiva Grande Spa is a private island sanctuary that specializes in Indian wellness treatments.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Taj Exotica’s website.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxurySafariExperts.com

Photo courtesy of Taj Exotica

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