Experience the Milky Way star bed at Samara Private Game Reserve

Samara Private Game Reserve near Graaff-Reinet will be launching the Milky Way Star Bed Experience at the end of February 2017, providing guests with a romantic wilderness experience that will take their breath away.

Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop in a secluded location, the platform comprises a bespoke four-poster bed with draped mosquito net. A seating area looks out over the river where wildlife descends to drink. A canvas roof provides shelter in case of inclement weather. Creature comforts are taken care of with luxurious sheets, mohair blankets, dressing gowns and bathroom facilities. A truly ‘Karoo’ luxury sleep-out experience – lit by the twinkling stars overhead.

The award-winning Samara Private Game Reserve Award is located on 70,000 acres of wilderness in the Great Karoo, offering breathtaking views over the Plains of Camdeboo. It boasts over 60 mammal species, including aardvark, cheetah, Cape mountain zebra, giraffe, black and white rhino, buffalo, eland and gemsbok to name but a few.

Visit  www.samara.co.za   or email reservations@samara.co.za
Follow on Twitter @samarakaroo

Source: littleblackbookpr.co.za

Overnight Walking Safari Experience at Tanda Tula Safari Camp

  Tanda Tula is proud to be the first in the Timbavati to offer a remarkable once-in-a-lifetime experience: the overnight walking safari.

 

An opportunity for nature lovers and adventure seekers to experience the beautiful African wildlife on foot and up close, and to sleep under the stars, exactly as the early explorers did. This experience is ideal for guests who love to hike, enjoy bird watching, flora and fauna and game tracking on foot. Tanda Tula Safari Camp is situated in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Consisting of 12 luxurious tents, Tanda Tula Safari Camp exudes elegance and combines comfort and style with African roots. The open plan lodge, which is completely unfenced, merges luxury with the natural environment.

Each Walking Safari itinerary is individually tailored to suit guests' requirements.

 

Every safari expedition is led by one of our highly qualified ranger and tracker teams. Guests will kick-start the day with an early-morning outdoor shower, steaming hot coffee and homemade rusks, before venturing out on a game walk. The group walks for between ten and twelve kilometers per day, tracking wildlife and bird watching and stopping to take in the magnificent scenery and biodiversity of the reserve.

After a day spent exploring the great outdoors, guests return to the secluded Machaton Hide located high up on a platform on the banks of the Machaton River and overlooking a popular watering hole. Here, they are treated to a hearty dinner cooked over a fire in the traditional 'bush kitchen' style. The Hide is rustic yet fully equipped with all the necessary creature comforts of camp beds, linen, mosquito nets, oil lanterns, bush showers and a loo. Memories are made and stories are shared around the campfire before guests retire with nothing but a mosquito net between them, the wilderness and the big night sky.

An intimate group of a maximum of four people per walking safari can be accommodated, making the experience ideal for families, friends and couples travelling together. This is an exclusive experience and guests are guaranteed that their group will be the only group on each walking safari experience.

Map Paradise And Earn R100 000 Exploring A Tropical Island

 

TomTom is searching for explorers to map five tropical paradise islands. 

 

 A once-in-a life-time opportunity for 5 families or groups of friends to spend 2 weeks on a tropical island and earn R100 000. The Map Paradise Project will help create five new navigable maps for: 

Fiji, St. Lucia, Mauritius, Cape Verde, and the Seychelles.

To apply simply fill in this form telling TomTom why you are the perfect group to map paradise. At least one from the group must be able to drive. Successful applicants can take up to four family members or friends with them to help map a paradise island. In total, 5 groups will be sent on all-expenses-paid mapping assignments and each group will earn R100 000. No mapping experience is needed, but TomTom is looking for people who enjoy exploring beautiful places, don't mind great weather and who have a decent sense of direction.

Those selected for the Map Paradise Project will simply need to drive around the island in a specially equipped mapping car. This is the very first step in TomTom's map making process. This mapping field work will take anything from a day to two weeks depending on how much time is spent sunbathing, swimming or exploring.

“The very first step in creating an accurate map is proper field work, and that is where the Map Paradise Project comes in,” said Daan Henderickx, Country Manager for TomTom South Africa. “This project will not only create five new navigable maps, it will also give people a unique insight into how our maps are made. And where better to start mapping, than on a beautiful paradise island.”

The competition is open to residents in the UK, US, Canada, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Ireland and South Africa. For full information visit Map Paradise Project.

About TomTom

Founded in 1991, TomTom  is the world’s leading supplier of in-car  location and navigation products and services focused on providing all drivers with the world’s best navigation experience. Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries.

Our products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including the award winning TomTom HD Traffic. For the world’s most up-to-date route planner, including live traffic information.

St. Regis Mauritius

The highly-anticipated St. Regis Mauritius Resort opened on September 15, 2012. Situated on the South-West coast of the island, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the resort is set on the pristine white natural beaches of Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bordered by a spectacular turquoise lagoon.

Offering guests a new dimension of bespoke luxury, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will feature 172 elegant guestrooms and suites featuring lavishly expansive terraces, of which an extravagant St. Regis beachfront villa, offering breathtaking ocean views. Situated on the peninsula, nestled amongst the beautiful landscapes of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain and spectacular turquoise lagoon, the St. Regis villa will feature a private entrance, spacious bedrooms, stylish entertainment and dining areas, a private bar and spa, as well as two pools.

“We are thrilled to unveil The St. Regis Mauritius Resort as the first St. Regis hotel in the Indian Ocean region and we look forward to offering our guests the unparalleled luxury and exquisite culinary experiences that the brand is renowned for.” said Bernard de Villèle, General Manager, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will also feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the signature St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to global travellers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

Featuring six distinct culinary experiences offering epicureans a myriad of gastronomic influences ranging from French-inspired and traditional Mauritian cuisine, to the exotic dishes of India and South-East Asia and fine Japanese selections. Led by Executive Head Chef Dominique Blais, the resort will also feature Inspiration which will offer up to sixteen diners the exclusive and intimate experience to enjoy specially prepared dishes according to their individual tastes and preferences. Following in the tradition of St. Regis brand’s legendary New York hotel, the resort will feature an iconic bar; The 1904 Bar.

Extensive state-of-the-art meeting and event space as well as more than 2,000 square metres of ultra-modern health club facilities including the region’s first Iridium Spa featuring seven spa suites and twelve treatment rooms, a full-service salon, relaxation lounge, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a special Men’s Grooming Salon. Situated at the heart of resort will be the exclusive Manor House which will include seven luxurious suites, a cinema, library and pool, offering guests the ultimate in luxury and opulence.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will feature an extensive array of leisure activities including the opportunity to experience the exhilarating sport of kite surfing. Located at the “One Eye” at Le Morne, it is one of the world’s most renowned locations for kite surfing and also plays host to the annual World Cup Kite Surfing competition.

Currently accepting tour operator reservations on line reservations are available on the hotel’s website. Please visit St. Regis Mauritius Resort  for more information.
More on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. For the privilege of residential ownership, please visit www.stregis.com/residences.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, the St. Regis brand of hotels and residences is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance in the best destinations worldwide.

Plans for the brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis hotels and resorts in Buenos Aires, Asia, New Delhi and Zhuhai. In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the brand will expand in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo and Doha. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention to detail through signature St. Regis Butler Service, coveted locations and luxurious design.

A New African Edition: Beach Tomato

Launched online today Beach Tomato has since its inception on March 2011, been the travel, fashion and beauty website based  around everything beach – from where to go when, to the chicest places to stay, to what to wear and how to wear it. Extending to all four corners of the globe and now Africa has it's very own edition.

The people behind Beach Tomato are the creators of the award winning travel brand Black Tomato and a team of leading fashion and lifestyle experts. (To see the BT team just click here).Whilst perusing the site you'll find a range of great travel writing as well as us exploring the latest on coast culture – top trends, fresh destinations, emerging designers, as well as new looks and fashion from around the world.

All sourced and served-up by a network of global correspondents. And if all that whets your appetite, we're also equipped to get you there with our Beach Tomato travel experts on-hand to arrange your trip.

"Africa gives a little bit of everything and has something for everybody. Start off-the-beaten-track as we discover the secret beaches that are off the tourist trail. No easy feat given the vast size of Africa, but visit these and you are sure to get something rather special. " says the Editor, Kirsty Hathaway. 

Some other articles to look forward to 5 ways to get Wet and Wild African-style. From safari to tribal trends and animal prints heading up all things fashion and last but by no means least  the best all time African models that have stormed down catwalks leaving the rest of the world in their phenomenal wake. Beach lover's unite!

Azura at Quilalea Private Island

Private island retreat Azura is adding a second Mozambique location to its repertoire. After a six-month, $2.5 million renovation of the former Quilalea lodge, Azura at Quilalea Private Island opened November 1. Situated in a protected marine sanctuary in the Indian Ocean, the 86 pristine acres are about 932 miles north of Azura’s other property, Benguerra Island, and offer nine refurbished beachside villas and a new PADI-certified dive and water sports center.

Managed by the same award winning team, with that unmistakable, chic Azura style. This stunning island is back on the map as one of the country’s top beach destinations. The nine luxury villas beautifully revamped in that subtle yet stunning Azura way, with spacious bathrooms, natural furnishings and pure African elegance.

There are three categories for guests to choose from; Sunrise Villa’s with stunning sea views, Sunset Villas with a beachside sala and refreshing outside shower and Villa Quilalea – an exceptional property on the cliff top with alluring plunge pool and breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean .   www.azura-retreats.com

Luxury Travel Africa is on the Up

Luxury holiday operator, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Africa brochure for 2012, featuring escorted group tours, private journeys and many new suggestions for tailor-made itineraries throughout Africa.

2011 has seen Cox & Kings’ passenger numbers to Africa increase by 25% compared to 2010 and tailor-made holidays Africa now account for 55% of all Africa bookings, which has risen from 30% in 2007. Cox & Kings’ Africa product manager, Louise Stanion, explains: “People are feeling more confident about devising their own itineraries in Africa with input from our experts, and tend to have a greater knowledge of the destinations they want to visit. Clients still want our recommendations and value our feedback and input but are increasingly venturing away from the traditional tourist trails to see lesser-known sights.”

South Africa: Both Cox & Kings’ group tours have increases on 2010 passenger numbers, showing that demand for tours to South Africa is returning to pre-World Cup levels. For 2012, Cox & Kings has introduced luxury departures on both Taste of South Africa and Splendours of South Africa, which upgrades accommodation to some of the country’s finest hotels.

Taste of South Africa is a 10-day / 7-night escorted tour with a luxury option, which includes flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily. Clients can also choose to take the tour with private guides and transfers, or as a self-drive.

As more clients are booking itineraries off-the-beaten track, Cox & Kings has introduced two new private itineraries in the 2012 brochure. The Three Kingdoms is a 14-day / 11-night private journey that combines the highlights of the mountain kingdoms of Lesotho, Swaziland and Zululand with their fascinating history and beautiful mountain scenery. South African Safari is a 15-day / 12-night itinerary showcasing the great diversity of South African wildlife on a safari to three of the country’s best wildlife parks while staying in small owner-run lodges.

Ethiopia has established itself as the bestselling group tour in the Africa brochure with a 50% increase in passenger numbers since 2010. Stanion says, “Clients want to experience authentic destinations with culture and history. As the only African country never to have been colonised, Ethiopia has a rich heritage with fascinating rock churches, endemic wildlife and stunning scenery” The brochure includes two new private tours. Ethiopia’s Tribal Kingdom visits the fascinating and colourful tribes in the Omo Valley a 13-day tour. The Road to Lalibela uses the newly tarmacked roads in the north of the country to explore some of Ethiopia’s most spectacular scenery with a private driver / guide for 14 days.

New for the group tour is a visit to the lesser known rock-churches of Wukro Cherkos and Abraha Atsbeha near Mekelle in the north of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Odyssey a 14-day tour and includes flights from London with Ethiopian Airlines, transfers, excursions and full board accommodation. Several of the departures have been adapted to coincide with the most celebrated of Ethiopia’s festivals: Timkat, Meskal and Tsion Mariam.

Madagascar: The Madagascar Adventure group tour has seen a 30% increase in passenger numbers compared to 2010 and due to high demand, the tour is now four days longer but at a similar price. Madagascar Adventure is now a 14-day / 11-night tour including flights, transfers, excursions and full board accommodation. There are also two new suggested itineraries: Marvels of Madagascar explores national parks known for superb lemur sightings and Island Hopping explores some of Madagascar’s tropical islands.

The group tour to Namibia, The Untouched Wilderness, has seen a steady increase in passenger numbers compared to 2010 and the 13-day / 10-night tour. A new private tour for 2012, Namibia’s Natural Wonders, travels overland with a private driver/guide throughout, which allows clients to travel at their own pace and explore Namibia’s magnificent dune fields, lunar landscapes, salt pans and wildlife.

Please see our website for the full programme to Africa, which also includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Mauritius and the Seychelles.