Shamwari Game Reserve, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape in South Africa, is at the forefront of family-friendly safaris using Shamwari Riverdene Lodge as its base.  Upon arrival at Riverdene Lodge, the children’s safari co-ordinator will discuss activities taking the children’s ages into consideration. As well as game drives, children, and their parents, enjoy an exclusive visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre where activities focus on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

They can also visit the Shamwari Wildlife Hospital where different types of wild animals or raptors are being cared for, under special supervision by the Shamwari veterinarian team, for release back into the wild.  Nearby is the Shamwari Film Studio where  kids can learn about how wildlife documentaries are filmed.

A new development is that families can now take home their very own high quality Shamwari safari DVD filmed by professional wildlife photographers. It would be like starring in your very own wildlife documentary!

This is an extra cost and needs to be arranged ahead of time by us.  You have your own private ranger and vehicle for the filming at Shamwari and a cameraman travels with you covering all of your safari and ranger experiences as well as the visit to the Born Free Foundation, the Animal Hospital & Themba the elephant. A radio microphone on your ranger ensures high quality audio of his commentary. The final result is a 15- 30 minute professionally edited DVD of your safari. It has received rav reviews from families and couples who’ve opted for this.

One of our preferred safari partners, Londolozi Game Reserve, in the Sabi Sands of South Africa, has always been at the forefront of developing the African safari experience and their innovation continues. Their latest endeavour, specialist photographic safaris using adapted landrovers, combine ancient wisdom and nature with the latest in modern technology. Through sight and sound these vehicles promise to magnify the African safari experience by simulating the experiences of the great African wildlife documentaries of National Geographic and such like.

The standard Landrover has been modified with comfortable adjustable seats that can swivel 180 degrees allowing up to four people the maximum flexibility to get those unusual camera angles and create exceptional images. Equipment for your use includes a stills and video camera, night vision goggles, individual ultra-violet torches, an e-reference book (loaded with reference books on birds, trees, mammals & stars), a star laser pointer for an informed understanding of the African skies and ‘sound safari’ equipment designed to amplify the sounds of the African bush.

“Imagine sitting in the dark with a pride of lion hunting adjacent to the Land Rover. The lights are off but you are seeing and hearing just like the lions.”

Vital to the success of this photographic safari is the quality and experience of your ranger and tracker. To guide a Specialised Photographic Safari at Londolozi Game Reserve the rangers will have a minimum of 5 years guiding experience, and a deep knowledge of all the latest digital, sound, editing and photographic equipment. The specialist ranger will be both a game ranger and photographic instructor and his objective is to deliver an enjoyable safari adventure that challenges his guests to take great wildlife pictures.

Your specialist tracker is an important member of the team and brings with him a deep ancestry connected to the wildlife of the area. Seemingly built into his DNA are all the skills needed to seek out the elusive cats and get you into position to make that heroic shot. The tracker’s role is to read the language of the land and guided you to the action. He is a vital link in achieving a successful photographic safari.

Londolozi and the Sabi Sands, in the Greater Kruger National Park, is known across the world as a destination which offers remarkable photographic wildlife opportunities and so it is fitting that this is the setting for a new frontier in wildlife specialist photography.

I am always a sucker for train travel and so I was very happy to hear about the launch of Premier Classe’s luxury train service from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit adjacent to the Kruger National Park. It will make a great alternative to flying from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit and is also very affordable at R850 per person one way (current price). As it’s an overnight train journey you can compare it with staying overnight at a Johannesburg hotel.

Facilities on the Premier Classe trains include two dining cars seating up to 38 people each offering a full dinner service, a lounge car offering the ultimate after-dinner place to relax with complimentary tea and coffee, or drinks from the bar. The cabins are spacious, with a selection of cabins accommodating from one to four guests.  The train will also be fitted with spa and wellness facilities run by Amani African Spas, which operate spas at a variety of the private Kruger game lodges. Treatments range from full body massages, facials and body treatments to manicures and pedicures.

From Hoedspruit, you have easy access by road (between 30 and 60 minutes) to all the private game lodges in the Thornybush Game Reserve such as Thornybush Main Lodge, Timbavati Game Reserve such as Simbavati River Lodge and Kings Camp, Kapama as well as the game lodges in the northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve such as Arathusa Game Lodge and Elephant Plains Game Lodge.

Initially the train is only running once a week, but they have plans to increase the service to three times a week. For international visitors arriving at OR Tambo International (Johannesburg Airport) in the afternoon, you can head off immediately on your safari experience, saving a night’s accommodation in Johannesburg and getting your holiday under way immediately…

We can book this train journey for you alongside your safari accommodation.

I spent some time at Isandlwana Lodge in the Battlefields region of Zululand recently. It was a very enjoyable and educational experience to say the least. Isandlwana Lodge is situated on the iNyoni Rock that overlooks the battlefield of Islandwana. You will have the same vantage point as the Zulu Commander on that fateful day, as this was the very spot from which he directed the attack on the British Camp. The only difference between staying at Islandlwana Lodge and the battle itself is that you will be washing down the dust of Zululand with a Gin & Tonic on the luxurious deck, instead of washing your spears in the blood of the British invaders.

Each one of the rooms and the dining area has a magnificent view of the valley below. The rooms are all very comfortable and have all the amenities needed. It is important to note that the rooms all have only a shower and no baths, but the showers are very impressive and I don’t think it detracts in any way from the quality of the accommodation.  Given the number of steps at the lodge, I would say it may not be a good option for people who are disabled or have great difficulty in walking.

The lunch on the day of my arrival was very good but I was slightly disappointed in the dinner. I must mention that the baked puddings for both lunch and dinner were superb; especially the Malva pudding and I don’t even have a sweet tooth!

The best aspect of Islandwana Lodge is its staff. The service is very good and the personal attention from the owner Pat Stubbs and her staff was noticable.

Islandwana Lodge is the perfect destination for history buffs, especially those interested in the Zulu Wars. And this is where Rob Gerard and his intricate knowledge of the events at Islandwana, Fugitives Drift and Rorkes Drift will keep you on the edge of your seat. Rob also undertakes tours to the other famous battlefields in the area like Blood River, Spioenkop and others, but these need to be arranged with him and are subject to availability.

Islandwana lodge will appeal both to people who have a keen interest in history especially the Zulu Wars, but because of the quality of the story-telling, even those with no particular interest will find themselves moved by the accounts. By Conrad Jacobs

It’s everyone’s dream. A journey on Rovos Rail - billed as the ‘most luxurious train in the world’. I was so excited about this trip that I didn’t think twice to leave my children with friends even though they were in the middle of school exams!  But this was a once in a lifetime experience that I wasn’t about to miss out on!

My husband and I checked in at Cape Town Station 10am and were greeted with very friendly and helpful Rovos staff who offered us drinks and snacks while we relaxed in their beautiful lounge.  We was entertained with a live violin and guitar ensemble after which the Train Manager, Peter Winterbottom welcomed us and gave us a short run through of the journey. Rovos does many trips in South Africa but their most popular ones are the journey from Cape Town to Pretoria and vice versa

We were escorted to our air-conditioned Deluxe Suite with lounge area and en-suite bathroom with shower. I was surprised by how spacious the suite was, equipped with a bar fridge in the room that is frequently refilled with drinks of your choice.

We left Cape Town Station around 11am with views of Table Mountain and headed to Worcester with beautiful scenery along the way of the vineyards and mountains.  Around 6pm we arrived at Matjiesfontein where we visited their impressive museum, the Lord Milner Hotel and an amazing car museum with cars dating back as far as 1932.

We looked forward to dinner each night which was  a formal experience. I had managed to persuade my usually fairly casual husband to dress up. This, of course, was no problem for me! Needless to say the food was exceptional…

The following day we visited Kimberley and were taken on a very informative visit to The Big Hole which is very impressive.  On arrival back at the railway station we were greeted by the staff and offered drinks and snacks before we reboarded the train.  In the lounge area coffee and delicious chocolate cake awaited us. The whole experience is very sociable with time to relax alone in your compartment and time to chat to fellow travellers in the observation car or at the beautifully appointed bar.

On our last day we arrived at Capital Park Station around 12 noon. Again we were greeted with snacks and drinks in their beautiful lounge and then bade farewell to all the friends we made on this journey.

Why fly from Cape Town to Johannesburg (or vice versa) if you can have an unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime trip with Rovos?  It will take you through the various provinces of South Africa while you relax in the comfort of your luxury suite or in the lounge with your favourite drink in your hand and make friends from all over the world.

This was by far the most amazing journey that I have undertaken and I will recommend  Rovos Rail to anyone that would just like to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of South Africa.