Nxai Pan, Botswana is a secret gem in the Kalahari. Almost completely avoided by tourists (compared to other places) this wildlife haven is full of life and beauty. In the rainy season thousands of Zebras, Springboks and Gemsbok migrate to the area which becomes a carpet of emerald green grass, perfect for feeding while other animals like the resident Elephants and Lions choose to stay there all year. Bains Baobabs is also a must-see in the area but be very careful about when you decide to visit this sanctuary. The rainy season can be very tough on your car, tyres and not to mention yourself. But for a truly unforgettable experience unlike most other havens in Botswana, plan a trip to this special place and you won’t be dissapointed. Visit my site, www.kerrydebruyn.com for more.
The 18-room Mfuwe Lodge, which overlooks two lagoons that are abundant with wildlife, has a large reception area particularly suited to wandering elephants. They see no reason why they shouldn’t walk straight through, eat their fill and walk out again. They can be seen approaching, so guests and staff move out of the way behind railings and stay still while the herd troops through. Sometimes the elephants stop and investigate the people or sniff things on the desk, but have never threatened anyone. After all lunch is waiting!
Elephants march through Mfuwe Lodge
The herd, led by a matriarch who currently has two calves under a year old, roam the South Luangwa National Park for most of the year, but when the mangos are ripening they can smell it from afar and appear like magic to raid the fruit. They favour the Mfuwe Lodge mango trees, although there are plenty in the South Luangwa.
Experience South Africa in style; take the train. There are some excellent companies offering the most exclusive luxury tailor-made train trips. You can relax in a 5 star environment, eat only gourmet meals, and indulge in the finest wines whilst watching the breathtaking landscape roll by.
Orient-Express Safaris promises to deliver a unique travel experience in and around South Africa. They have varied packages tailor-made to your individual needs. Whether you decide to stay at one of their five luxury Southern African safari camps and hotels, or travel to other areas within this magnificent region, they offer a professional service to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
One of their trips include a stayover at Cape Town’s legendary Mount Nelson Hotel and Johannesburg’s stylish Westcliff Hotel, with South Africa’s premier rail experience, The Blue Train, and the magnificent nature-lovers paradise, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
Rovos Rail has built a reputation as one of the most luxurious trains in the world today.
Step aboard the wood panelled coaches - classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition - and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most beautiful scenery unfolds beyond the windows. You can recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced magical Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion.
The rebuilt sleeper coaches contain the most spacious train suites in the world, offering every modern convenience and comfort; the epitome of luxury, with handsome wood panelling and period Edwardian features. The use of traditional furnishings and period décor ensure an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars.Rovos Rail offers a variety of different tours all across Southern Africa such as their scenic Garden Route tour. It is a 550-kilometre, 24-hour, trip that runs between Cape Town and George during the summer months.
During stopovers you can enjoy wine and brandy tastings at some of the finest wine farms as well as the KWV Brandy distillery.
Another 48-hour journey travels between Pretoria and Cape Town. This 1600-kilometre journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. You will travel from the grasslands of the gold rich Highveld to the haunting barrenness of the Great Karoo and trundle through the spectacular mountain ranges and scenic winelands of the Cape.
If you have more time on your hands you can venture all the way into Namibia, Zimbabwe and even Dar Es Salaam.
