Who wouldn’t want to walk with elephants in the morning, dine with world-renowned chefs for lunch, and get pampered at the spa while the sun sets in the distance? Yes, I’m talking about taking a safari throughout eastern and southern Africa. Your camera reel will seem endless leaving you with mental and physical photography to last a lifetime!
By Elisee Browchuk
Packing List: Neutrals and Layers
Luckily, “athlesuire” is trending this season so packing for your walk in the bush (a term used for rural, undeveloped land or country areas) will be a walk in the park. Think basics in neutral colors to mix and match pieces to give you ample number of outfits choices, and to give your friends at home the allusion that you packed the entire LuLuLemon store with you.
Let’s not forget: Layers. The mornings are cool and the wind-chill from the open-air jeep does not make traveling for four hours on a winding road any more comfortable. Pick up a chic windbreaker, a denim vest, or even a light winter coat (ex. BCBGMAXAZARI Fringe Parka) to keep you warm in the early mornings. Cropped leggings or linen joggers (ex. Joie Stuva Linen Pants) are the perfect thing to pair with a tank-top and sweater or a light sweatshirt to compliment your trendy sneakers. When the sun is out, it is harsh and bright, so do not forget to pack your favorites sunnies, a fedora (ex.Rag & Bone Panama Hat), and sunscreen to keep you protected. Finally, pack an generous amount of bug spray (ex. Ben’s 30% DEET) to keep you free of bugs, mosquitos, and ticks.
Joie Stuva Linen Pants
BCBGMAXAZARI Fringe Parka
Rag & Bone Panama Hat
Ben’s 30% DEET
Johannesburg – Saxon Hotel Villa and Spa, South Africa
Start your adventure in the heart and home of a Nobel Peace Prize winner and of Africa’s most influential men: Nelson Mandela. While he wrote about his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela resided at the beautiful and inspiring grounds of the Saxon. The Presidential Suite offers guests a gorgeous king-size bed, walk-in shower, a separate living room, a private balcony with views of the botanical garden, and a butler to cater to any and all special requests. The room is furnished with African décor that immerses guests into the vibrant culture of the continent from the moment the suite door lock blinks green. It is easy to get lost wandering the hotel’s halls as the walls are decorated with celebrities and influential leaders of the world who visited Mandela during his stay. Don’t miss out on the koi pond lounge, state-of-the-art gym, and delicious continental breakfast by the infinity pool.
Saxon Hotel, Villa, and Spa
Presidential Suite
Feature: Botswana -Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge (&Beyond)
Located in the center of Southern Africa in a region of lush flora and fauna, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is home for generations of wild species. The Delta lures tourists every year to search the endless landscapes for beautiful animals on early morning and late afternoon game drives. Spotting antelope, wildebeest, zebra, lion, giraffe, hippopotamus, cheetah, leopard, and buffalo is quite common on the reserve so make sure to have your camera ready.
If you’re thinking about planning a safari trip to Eastern Africa, be sure to book a treetop room at the &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge. Don’t worry if you’re traveling with Abercrombie and Kent, this contemporary gem in the middle of bush is on the itinerary.
The &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge offers guests a naturally modern atmosphere with luxury amenities on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve. Awarded the “World’s Leading Luxury Safari Company” at the World Travel Awards in both 2013 and 2014, &Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a one of a kind oasis. Each room is tucked away into a treetop and equipped with a spa bathroom, fireplace, personalized mini-bar, private plunge pool and an outdoor lounge area with a panorama view of the African sunset. An extravagant continental breakfast including fresh fruit, flakey croissants, and made-to-order omelets await guests every morning before the 7 a.m. game drive. The jeeps are stocked with warm blankets and heating pads to combat the low temperatures and wind-chill, but don’t forget to wear an extra layer just in case. The tour guides are just as eager to show guests the indescribable wonders of wildlife untouched by mankind, as the guests are to capture the perfect snapshot of an animal on the prowl. After a morning expedition, guests are greeted with a delicious lunch and specialty drinks back at the lodge. In the time gap between lunch and late afternoon tea, guests can take advantage of the spa, sunbathe by the pool, fit in a quick workout at the gym or simply gaze out onto the horizon of elephants and giraffes. The 4 p.m. game drive will pick up right where the morning game drive left off, but the sunset will paint the sky with shades of red, orange, and purple creating a picturesque backdrop to enjoy a glass of champagne or local beer. As your memory card fills up and the sun goes down, the game drive ends leaving guests at the lodge for a meet and greet with the chef. From the wine to the Wagyu beef, every course shares a glimpse of authentic South African cuisine triggering your taste buds and making it hard to discuss the day’s finds while simultaneously eating every last bite. A late evening campfire and fully stocked bar brings together guests for an after-dinner drink before calling it a night.
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls Hotel
Check hiking around Victoria Falls off your bucket list and rest your head at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel, the unique Edwardian-style of the hotel sets it apart from the rest of Africa’s lodges. Eat lunch under a vine-covered veranda with views of mist from the Falls rising in the distance or swim laps in the heated pool. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Victoria Falls Hotel prides itself on divine cuisine and outstanding customer service on top of the impeccable British interior design. In need of an adrenaline rush or an adventurous Instagram video? Test your fear and bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge over the winding rapids of the Zambezi river.
Victoria Falls Hotel and Bridge, Zimbabwe
Zambia – Sanctuary Retreats Sussi and Chuma
Your African safari trip will not be complete without seeing the final and most rare “Big Five” game animal: the white rhino. Only found on a conservation reserve in Zambia, the white rhino is teetering on the edge of extinction. Book a room overlooking the Zambezi river at the Santucary Retreats Sussi and Chuma Lodge and wake up to see hippopotamus and crocodile at your doorstep. Don’t worry, the hotel is built on stilts and the animals are just close enough to shoot National Geographic-esque photography without sending you into a panic. Enjoy champagne underneath the sunset and beside the roaring river on a platform dock with bar and two glowing fireplaces to warm your tired toes. Be sure to take advantage of the local village tours that offer guests a glimpse at the community service projects Abercrombie and Kent are running with the help of generous donations from guests and other supporters.
Sanctuary Retreats Sussi and Chuma, Zambia
Victoria Falls rainbow
White Rhino Conservation
Don’t stress out about planning the trip of your lifetime and let Abercrombie and Kent take the reigns on finding the best local guides, luxury lodges, and authentic chefs. Awarded “Best Luxury Tour Operator” by Travel Weekly, Abercrombie and Kent crafts adventurous excursions by prioritizing detail, overseeing handpicked amenities, and focusing on customer satisfaction from a core of luxury and intimacy.
-EB
Photography by Elisee Browchuk
