Splendor in the Bush - South Africa

My recent visit back to South Africa took me to a fantastic safari lodge: Royal Malewane.

Royal Malewane is a safari lodge fit for a princess. Indeed, it has been host to royalty from around the world since its opening.  This luxury lodge is located on a private game reserve adjacent to the greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Game-viewing is excellent here and you will most likely be able to check the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo and Rhinoceros) off your list in one day. I love the cats and was thrilled to have sightings of lions, leopards AND a cheetah during my stay.

Post game drive you can luxuriate in your plush suite. Persian carpets, fireplaces, private decks with plunge pools - the individual suites are magnificent and not what you generally picture when thinking of a stay "in the bush". The two-bedroom suites offer expansive living and dining areas, in addition to two completely separate and private bedroom areas with ensuite baths.

The safari spa is centered around a serene lap pool. They offer a myriad of specialty massages and body treatments to indulge in after a long morning game drive. Feeling energetic? You can burn off some calories in the well-equipped fitness center. You may want to do this after sampling the delicious cuisine served at Royal Malewane. It was really hard to pass up the warm chocolate pudding cake, so the thought of the gym made it all a guilt-free experience. OK, honestly, I never made it to the gym. 

Your experience at Royal Malewane safari lodge can be whatever you make it. The staff is extremely accommodating and I don't think that you will hear the word "no" here. For fantastic game-viewing and magnificent lodging, Royal Malewane provides an over-the-top luxury safari getaway.

Ready to book your South Africa safari? Contact the Travel Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel.


Email: travel@beekalt.com
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/beekalt

Safari in South Africa

No visit to South Africa would be complete without a safari. Renee and I continued our journey to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve near Kruger National Park. A two hour flight from Cape Town brought us within driving distance to our next stop, Singita Boulders.

If you have an aversion to high thread-count sheets, gourmet dining and fine wine, keep driving. We, on the other hand, enjoyed every bit of luxury that Singita dished up! Beautiful suites with walls of natural stone and glass have views looking out onto the grasslands and passing wildlife. After settling into our suite, we grabbed a quick snack and were ready to go out on our first game drive. We were introduced to our Ranger, Brett, and Tracker, Solomon, who expertly guided us through the bush.

During our stay at Singita, we saw four of the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant along with Zebra, Impala, Wildebeest, Giraffe and too many other to mention. Renee and I toasted our successful game drive with a traditional sundowner - a cocktail hour in the bush! I've written more about Singita in a previous post from May 2010, and I still feel that this is one of the most luxurious safari experiences out there. The Singita Ebony Lodge has just completed a renovation, refreshed, but still maintaining the colonial feel and decor.


After our two night stay at Singita Boulders, we moved on to check out neighboring Leopard Hills Lodge. Singita is a hard act to follow, but Leopard Hills did a fine job of keeping up. This small lodge has eight suites, built into the hillside, each with its own private deck and plunge pool. We particularly enjoyed the "Boma" dinner that night - an outdoor dinner served under the night sky - lovely.

Our driver guide at Leopard Hills was Dangerous Dave. We thought perhaps it was a misnomer because with his red hair and wide smile, Dave didn't look all that dangerous. We soon learned how he got his name as we tracked a pack of endangered African Wild Dogs to their den site. We sped along in our open-air 4 wheel drive vehicle, on the road, then off the road, bumping over the rocky terrain and through the thick brush. We found our dogs though, and we could hear the yelping of newly born pups in the den.

The next morning, Dave was determined to find the Buffalo for us, so we would be able to complete our Big Five game-viewing for this trip. We drove and drove with the crisp morning air whipping our faces - did I mention that morning game drives start at 6:00am? I was about ready to give up, when we suddenly came upon them: a whole herd of hundreds of buffalo! What an exciting way to finish our safari!

Are you ready to book YOUR African safari adventure?
Call the safari experts at Bee Kalt Travel today!
Phone: 248-288-9600 or toll-free 1-800-284-5258
http://www.beekalt.com/
email: travel@beekalt.com

Cape Winelands

In less than an hour's drive from Cape Town, you will find the Cape Winelands. This is the largest wine producing region in South Africa. It is stunningly beautiful, with sprawling mountains dotted with vineyards and fields of lavender. There are over 400 wine farms in the region, most offering tastings. This is a dream destination for foodies and wine aficionados.

Renee and I spent two days here, enjoying all the region has to offer. Our chosen lodging was the charming and luxurious Le Quartier Francais. This boutique property has just 21 rooms and is conveniently located in the center of the town of Franschhoek. The rooms are individually decorated and make for the perfect romantic getaway. Le Quartier is also home to the award-winning restaurant, The Tasting Room, repeatedly on the list of the Top 50 restaurants in the world. In my opinion, it should not be considered a restaurant as much as an experience in gastronomy.

We spent one day visiting various wine farms, tasting the local wines (the pinotage was a favorite!), olive oil and chocolate. There are many gourmet eateries to choose from along the way, where you can stop and have lunch in between tastings. It was a relaxing way to spend the day and tour the area. We enjoyed passing through the quaint University town of Stellenbosch.

Our next day started with a cooking class, arranged by Le Quartier Francais. We had so much fun learning how to prepare some typical South African dishes. We tried not to eat too much today because we had reservations at The Tasting Room that night! It was hard to do, and we had to resist when we visited the Moreson wine farm, with it's renowned Bread and Wine restaurant. Home baked breads, selections of soups, salads and house made charcuterie make for another adventure in dining.

Finally, it was time for our much anticipated dinner. The decor of The Tasting Room is understated, with the emphasis on the cuisine. We perused the menu, deciding between the five course choice menu, or the nine course "surprise" menu. The idea of the surprise menu is to have diners experience things that perhaps they may not usually order. We opted for the surprise menu and got our tastebuds ready! We also went with the wine pairing, which gave us a different taste of wine with each course. The meal was heavenly and we enjoyed course after course, each artfully and dramatically presented. Each wine was poured and served with an explanation or description. Both Renee and I agreed it was one of the best meals we have ever had.

Ready for your gastronomic experience?  We would be happy to arrange accommodations, private drivers, and secure restaurant reservations at the most exclusive places.
Call the travel specialists at Bee Kalt Travel today!
Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
email: travel@beekalt.com
http://www.beekalt.com/

 

Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa

Bee Kalt Travel General Manager, Renee Weiss, and I recently flew on South African Airways direct to Johannesburg, with an onward flight to Cape Town. The food and service on the plane were excellent and they offer a good variety of in-seat entertainment to help pass the time. Unlike most domestic U.S. carriers, SAA even includes meals on their short haul flights within South Africa!

Upon our arrival in Cape Town, we were met by a representative of the Ellerman House, and driven to our home for the next three nights. The Ellerman House is a charming, boutique hotel perched high on a cliff in the Bantry Bay area of Cape Town. The location affords spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and one can hear the sounds of the crashing waves below.  This beautiful former residence houses just 11 luxurious rooms and suites. There is also an exclusive Villa which can be reserved for a more private stay. The Ellerman House has a dazzling art collection, showcasing the most important South African artists, past and present.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, with personal service and unique touches and amenities not usually included in similar fine city hotels. Here, the room rates include airport transfers, fully-stocked in room bar, complimentary laundry service, shuttle to the Waterfront, and delicious made-to-order breakfast. They even offer a pantry where guests can help themselves to a snack during the day. The rooms are beautifully decorated in soothing colors and have elegant marble baths. The Ellerman House was the perfect, tranquil place to return to after a long day of sightseeing or shopping!

Book your next stay at the Ellerman House with us and receive these exclusive amenities: Upgrade upon arrival subject to availability, a personalized Art Tour, and a bottle of French champagne! 

Bee Kalt Travel
Phone: 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
Email: travel@beekalt.com


Stay tuned for more reports from our adventures in South Africa! Coming up: the Winelands

New Non-Stop Service to South Africa

South African Airways is inaugurating new non-stop service, roundtrip from New York to Johannesburg, South Africa! This reduces the previous flying time by 90 minutes and allows for easy connections to over 40 destinations on the African continent.

To celebrate the new service starting May 1, SAA is offering a fare sale from just $1329 plus taxes and fees for travel during the month of May. Take advantage of this great rate and visit the beautiful country of South Africa!

If you caught the last season of The Bachelor, you would have seen gorgeous views of Cape Town and gone on safari with Brad the Bachelor in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. They stayed at Lion Sands, where I was fortunate enough to have stayed too! The accommodations are in individual thatched cottages, comfortably furnished and decorated in beige and white. Fabulous game-viewing, gourmet cuisine, bush walks, massages, wildlife and astronomy lectures all round out the experience. 

Call our safari experts to book your adventure to Africa today!!

Bee Kalt Travel

Telephone: 248-288-9600 or toll free: 1-800-284-5258

email: travel@beekalt.com

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a fabulous city that some people compare to San Francisco. It has an exciting waterfront, temperate climate and the imposing backdrop of Table Mountain. There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend a week or more here. We recommend at least three or four nights in order to get the most out of your visit. A visit to Cape Town can be easily combined with a safari, either before or after your city stay. Where to stay? There are several luxurious hotels we recommend.

The Mount Nelson hotel is the grande dame of the city. She has been host to the likes of Winston Churchill and Leonardo DiCaprio since her opening in 1899. The pool and gardens are a lovely place to enjoy on a sunny day.

The Cape Grace hotel is located at the V and A Waterfront. This is a spectacular location if you like to be close to the hustle and bustle of the harbour and shopping area. It's soothing lobby is a welcome oasis after a day of touring or shopping.

If you like the idea of a resort hotel in the middle of the city, then the One and Only Cape Town is the one for you. Palm trees and a lagoon surround the tranquil pool area. The rooms are the largest in Cape Town, starting at 678 square feet, all appointed with the latest in high tech gadgetry.

Book any of these hotels with us and receive exclusive amenities such as complimentary breakfast daily, upgrade upon arrival and more!

Call the travel specialists at Bee Kalt Travel to book your next Africa vacation!
tel: 248-288-9600 or email: travel@beekalt.com

Londolozi, South Africa

My journey continued with a charter flight out to "the bush", where it is not advisable to reach out and pet the kitties. Federal Air provides flights from its own private terminal at the Johannesburg airport. It's a pleasure to check in with their friendly staff, and wait in the comfortable lounge or the outdoor garden patio before flight time. They have a nice selection of complimentary snacks and a lovely gift shop to help pass the time.

I landed at the Londolozi airstrip in less than an hour, where I was met by my Ranger and taken on a short drive to my home for the next two nights. Londolozi is a private game lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park. Londolozi welcomes couples and families and is run efficiently and enthusiastically by the Varty family, who have owned the property since 1926.
There are five different camps to choose from, each with varying degrees of luxury and intimacy, depending on the individual needs and desires of the guest.

I stayed in Varty camp where my suite had an elegant, rustic feel to it. I loved the dark wood wrap-around deck with private plunge pool. I also liked how the entire length of the suite was fitted with glass or door walls. Even the huge indoor shower had a wall of glass, looking out onto the wilderness. It brings the outdoors indoors - but you are cautioned to keep your doors latched or a curious baboon might find his way in!

Johannesburg, South Africa

I traveled to South Africa recently with the deluxe tour company, Swain Tours. They planned a seamless trip, with timely meet and greet services upon arrival and pleasant, knowledgeable guides throughout. My itinerary included Johannesburg, a safari and Cape Town. I stayed at my favorite hotel in Jo'burg, The Westcliff. Beautiful accommodations, excellent service and delicious food are hallmarks of this resort-like hotel in the city.

I enjoyed a new tour offered called "Walking with the Lions". I must admit to being skeptical when first hearing of the tour. I do not support activities that exploit animals, or animal interactions that exist solely for the purpose of entertaining tourists. This was not the case at Cullinan. The farm we visited, run by Colin McCrae and his family, is working toward the conservation and re-population of the African lion. I was surprised to hear of the dramatic decline in numbers of lions, from a quarter million to only 20,000 left in the wild. Through his program, visitors are allowed unprecedented access to these beautiful creatures. The goal of his breeding program is to have a genetically diverse group of cats, and to create conditions where the lions' instincts will take over so they will be able to be released into the wild. You are only allowed to walk with lions under one year of age. I felt very safe, with many handlers accompanying us on the walk. My favorite part of the day was when we were able to hold and feed 3 week old baby lions! They were so cuddly and cute - it was an amazing experience!

Phinda Game Reserve - KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

This 56,800 acre private game reserve is managed by andBeyond, formerly known as CCAfrica. This company runs luxury safari camps and lodges all over East and Southern Africa. Phinda is an hour and 45 minute flight from Johannesburg. It can also be accessed by road from Durban, or the smaller Richard's Bay airport or seaport.

There are four lodges and two private use homes located on the Phinda reserve. Each has its own personality to appeal to different people and tastes. Vlei lodge is perfect for couples or honeymooners. Only six individual romantic suites comprise this property, each with its own private plunge pool and views of the open grasslands. You can watch the Nyala and Kudu grazing in the fields from the privacy and comfort of your own verandah.

I loved my chalet at the Forest lodge. At first glance, these rooms reminded me of the cabins I stay in at a family camp in Northern Michigan. All similarities stopped as soon as I climbed the steps to the porch, complete with lovely outdoor seating area. Sliding glass doors lead to a newly renovated suite, in calming colors of cream and beige. Comfy sofas, fluffy comforters, terracotta-colored tiled baths with free standing tub and separate shower all made for a wonderfully luxurious haven to retire to. The room was equipped with everything you could possibly need in, or out of, the bush: I-pod docking station, plugs to charge your batteries and cell phone (if you're so inclined), air conditioning, safe, fully-stocked minibar (included), robes and slippers.

The location of Forest lodge, in a tree-filled sand forest, was a very different environment than that of the Mountain lodge. The family-friendly Mountain lodge is perched high atop a hill with sweeping views of the entire reserve. The beautifully renovated rooms and suites are scattered throughout the property, connected by stone pathways that meander between waterfalls and lush vegetation. Each suite has a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, spacious living areas and ensuite baths. I was impressed by the included bath amenities: in addition to the usual soaps and shampoos, Phinda also provides a wonderful body scrub (perfect after a dusty game drive!) and citronella oil. Luckily, I didn't need the latter item because I never saw a mosquito! The main lodge is centered around a peaceful courtyard and houses the dining room, bar, gift shop and internet lounge.

My favorite choice for families or a group of friends traveling together would be to stay at the Homestead. This stylish, private safari villa has a dedicated team of staff, including a private ranger, tracker, butler and chef. All this to cater just to you and your guests! This is the perfect place for someone looking for very personal service in an intimate atmosphere.

To book your next adventure to Phinda Game Reserve, call the African Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel!
Phone 248-288-9600 or Toll-free 1-800-284-5258
www.beekalt.com
email: shari@beekalt.com

Tip: During the South African Winter months of May - August, it can get very cold in the early morning and evening, especially when driving in an open-air vehicle. We recommend dressing in layers, and include a warm hat, scarf and gloves in your packing list! In the afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky, it's warm enough to swim, so toss in that bathing suit too!

Singita Sabi Sand

My African adventure continues! I left the eco-lodges behind to head for the bush in South Africa, specifically, to the ultimate in safari lodges, Singita. The Singita name is synonymous with unsurpassed luxury. Wine cellars, gourmet five-course tasting menus, fitness center and spa, expansive suites with private plunge pools. If you can tear yourself away from your suite, they offer fabulous game drives each day.

If you prefer a little pampering while on safari, Singita is the perfect choice. I flew to the Sabi Sand game reserve on a Federal Air charter direct to the Singita airstrip. I left Johannesburg, and in less than an hour, I was greeted by the charming Marc, my guide for the next two days. Upon arrival at Singita Ebony, I was welcomed with a cold towel and drink, and taken to my suite. The decor is Colonial in style with dark woods and rich-colored fabrics. I had a cozy sitting area with fireplace, gorgeous four poster bed, indoor/outdoor showers, deep-soaking tub, dressing area and a huge deck with my own private pool. The room had a wall of windows facing the grasslands, through which I could watch the passing wildlife.

No time to relax before the afternoon game drive! A lovely tea is set out prior to the drive, this one included mini hamburgers and bite-size stuffed potatoes. Off to the bush with Marc expertly driving, and Mishack, tracking from his perch on the front of the safari vehicle. I had a fantastic game-viewing experience while at Singita. I saw the Big 5: Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino, in addition to giraffe, warthogs, zebra, impala and more. I learn something new every time. On this particular game drive, I learned that a group of rhino is called a "crash" of rhino. Do you know what a group of giraffe is called? (see answer below)

Sundowners are a tradition while on safari in Africa. You take a break from your drive, usually as the sun is going down, and enjoy a cool drink. Again, Singita proves to take these moments very seriously. No beer and pretzels here, I was served a selection of pates and dips to go along with my favorite safari drink, the classic Gin and Tonic.

More surprises awaited, as we drove up to a candlelit dinner set up under the stars for all of the guests at the lodge. A decadent five-course meal with wine pairings was the perfect finish to this perfect day!

Our clients receive VIP amenities of a Spa or Gift shop voucher and an exclusive gift only when booking with us. If you would like to know more about Singita or African Safaris, call me today!
Bee Kalt Travel 248-288-9600
http://www.beekalt.com/

(answer: a journey of giraffe!)