Yvette and Victoria are heading off on adventures through South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. It’s a tough job, but someone has to make sure the lodges are looking their best, the guides are on top of their game, and the wildlife is behaving (although we can’t make any promises on that last one!).
Behind all the fun is a very important mission: exploring, inspecting and experiencing everything firsthand so we can continue planning exceptional African adventures for our clients.
Yvette – South Africa and Botswana
There will be no rest for the wicked as I begin with a wonderful week in Stellenbosch, catching up with family and friends and a mix of new experiences and old favorites. I look forward to walking along the beautiful Stellenbosch Art Mile, stepping back in time at Soetmelksvlei by Babylonstoren, and enjoying an open-fire dining experience at VUUR Restaurant. I will likely revisit favorite local spots, including the lively Blaauwklippen Family Market with its laid-back vibe, and join the younger ones for a taste of Halloween at the Stellenbosch Museum. It will be a perfect blend of family time, good food, fun, and everything else I love about my City of Oaks.
One of many highlights will be Singita Lebombo Lodge in the exclusive 33,000-acre private concession along the remote eastern boundary of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, on the border of Mozambique. This spectacular setting and dramatic landscape have long been a firm favorite among my clients, and at the top of my wish list. Not far behind will be the iconic Singita Ebony Lodge – the eldest of the family pioneering the brand’s signature blend of luxury ecotourism and environmental conservation since it opened in Sabi Sand Game reserve in 1993.
In Botswana, I can’t wait to visit the mesmerizing meerkats at Jack’s Camp and suit up for a quad bike ride across the salt-crusted pans. At Jao Camp, I will likely be trying my hand at poling my own mokoro (although that did not go well the last time…) and keeping my eyes peeled for those graceful Red Lechwe among the papyrus and reeds. A final highlight will be one of the most drastic transformations of any lodge in our time: Xigera, which, since my last visit, has morphed from a modest, cosy safari camp into a five-star, sustainably designed showcase of African art and design — still within a private 15,000-acre Okavango Delta concession, for an exclusive, unscripted five-star safari experience.
Click here for the full itinerary and wish me well!
Victoria – Heading to Namibia
I am thrilled to be returning to the wondrous and ethereal landscapes of Namibia this year. Instead of beginning in Windhoek, the capital where I will end my journey, I’ll be starting on the coast at Swakopmund, a seaside town, whose wide avenues and colonial architecture reminds guests of its German influence. This is Nambia’s adventure center, and can be an enjoyable stop for clients! I’ll be meeting the rest of my travel companions as we enjoy the first evening at the Strand.
Our journey will be overland – an incredible way to get a sense of the scale and perfect for a small group, traveling with a private guide.
I’m delighted to be visiting new (to me) properties – first at Shipwreck Lodge, who’s unique architecture mimics the wrecks for whom it is name. It has a unique location on the wild Skeleton Coast and I’m ready to try my hand at sand boarding, just one of the activities we’ll enjoy! Then it is on to Hoanib Valley Camp, where I am looking forward to a visit with the local Himba community. This area is also home to desert adapted wildlife (elephant, giraffe, antelope such as oryx, and even lion and cheetah) – it’s fascinating to me how the wildlife has altered their habits and adjusted to raw, harsh desert climate.
Another spot I’m looking forward to seeing is Twyfelfontein, home to some of the world’s oldest San rock art paintings. I’m splitting my time in this region between two wildly unique camps, Mowani Mountain Camp and Onduli Ridge. Both are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscapes. We’ll have more opportunity to spot the desert adapted elephant and perhaps even rhino (an activity offered to guests on a 3 night stay at Onduli)
Our last stop (before Windhoek) is all about the wildlife – no trip to Africa for me would be complete without a classic safari experience, which we will enjoy during our stay at Onguma Fort – both on the Onguma reserve, as well as Etosha National park.
As I begin my journey home, I’ll enjoy a final night in Windhoek and am going to explore the city on my final day, learning about its history and culture, and perhaps some shopping!
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