We are thrilled to announce that Our Savor South Africa Gourmet Adventure has been won by Judy Donahue of Riverside, CT. Judy’s flair with words and passion for travel were exactly what we were looking for when we designed the contest. We received over 1400 entries including rhymes, videos, photos and prose. Here are some that we really enjoyed:

• Norman I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.
• In quest of natural wonders and culinary delight…the mystique of South Africa has it just right
• Off to South Africa, soaring above the sea, eyes wide and searching, oh how tall will the giraffe actually be?
• My African dream, culinary delights, safari adventures, unparalleled sights.
• With a spoonful of warm malva pudding in one hand and a glass of Constantia in the other, I told the little tail waggin’ fella to go play with the children…that’s what they’re here for after all
• If I See…(Video Animation)
• The Secret … (Video)
  

And the Winner Is …
Judy won our hearts with her rhyme:

“Adventures in Africa now lie before us — A safari that’s worthy of old Epicurus –Tintswalo Atlantic, Safari, and Waterfall — this dream of a trip begins with your call!“.

Judy received our call yesterday and we were so delighted with her reaction – “I’ve been to Africa four times as a disaster relief nurse for AmeriCares and I always wanted to go back with my husband and explore this beautiful country as a tourist. This will be quite a change from what I’ve experienced in Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Congo. I am so thrilled – this is fantastic!”. And here she is this morning receiving the official prize from Diane, the owner of African Portfolio.

Judy said she plans to take the “dream trip” with her husband in the Fall. The Donahues will begin their Savor South Africa adventure at the intimate Tintswalo at Waterfall hotel outside of Johannesburg. Next day, they fly to Tintswalo Safari Lodge, an exclusive six-suite lodge in the Manyeleti Game Reserve bordering Kruger National Park. The four days at the lodge will include safari drives, walks with the ranger and gourmet dinners every night. The couple will finish their trip by flying to Cape Town where they will spend three nights at the Tintswalo Atlantic, a magnificent lodge situated in the Table Mountain Nature Reserve at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and one of the most dramatic locations in South Africa. The lodge’s chef-manager will give the pair an insider’s view to the local markets, vineyards, and award-winning restaurants.

Check back here to get a full trip report and photos! If you like the sound of this gourmet adventure, we have three culinary safaris that will whet your appetite: Savor South Africa – Afficionado; Savor South Africa – Connoisseur; and Savor South Africa – Epicure.