Tanzania, from Arusha to Zanzibar - Part One

Tanzania is a land of contrasts: the lush, green foliage of the mountains gives way to the dry, arid plains of the Serengeti. You can see the Masai people in their traditional dress, living in mud and stick huts, and there are large urban areas with population in the millions. This East African nation made for a perfect first-time safari for an exclusive group of Bee Kalt Travel adventurers.

Our journey began with a night in Arusha at the Arusha Coffee Lodge. They have lovely accommodations in individual cottages. Our stay here was all too brief as we left early in the morning to catch our charter flight to the Serengeti. A short flight brought us to the Kogatende airstrip where our drivers were waiting to meet us. They would be our guides for the next 8 days and nights.

Our first stop was a semi-permanent tented camp called Lemala Serengeti Camp. The canvas tents had wooden plank floors and en-suite baths. Well, showers. Bush showers to be exact. The tent "butler" would fill up the bag with hot water when you were ready to take a shower. They had flush toilets too, which is my minimum requirement for camping. I admit, I'm much more of a glamper than a camper. Our afternoon game drive was exciting, and we spent a bit of time watching a pod of hippos playing and fighting in the river.
In the evening, we sat around the campfire with pre-dinner drinks, enjoyed a wonderful meal and retired early, listening to the sounds of the bush at night.

The next morning, we packed up and left in pursuit of the Great Migration. This is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Millions of wildebeest and zebra follow the rains and grasses moving in a circular pattern from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The herds were a bit ahead of schedule this year, but we managed to catch them in the Northern Serengeti. It was a spectacle indeed! We sat in our vehicle in the midst of the animals, listening to the cacophony of mooing and braying. We stayed for a while, and then drove on to our next camp, in the central Serengeti.

Serengeti is the Masai word for endless plain. The plains are so vast, they seem to stretch on forever. We arrived in the late afternoon at our next stop, a luxury tented camp called Mbuzi Mawe. Things were looking up: fixed canvas tents with four poster beds, running water and real showers. We had to be careful to zip up our tents and keep things put away because a naughty baboon has learned to unzip the doorway and help himself to whatever he can find inside. Apparently he has a fondness for Colgate toothpaste, and he ate one person's snacks and immodium! From this location, we enjoyed a fantastic experience of hot-air ballooning, taking off in the light of the early morning sunrise. We floated above the trees, passing over lions, gazelles, hippos and more.

Our journey continued with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. The crater is the largest intact caldera in the world. It has one of the largest concentrations of animals in all of Africa. We spent a thrilling day on a game drive in the crater, spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, flamingos, pelicans, and of course, wildebeest and zebras. Our home here was the Serena Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched on the Crater's edge with fantastic views of the crater below.

After all of this driving and game-viewing, we took a day off and landed at a very luxurious retreat called The Manor.  It has just 20 rooms in Cape Dutch style cottages, located in the highlands with beautiful views of the coffee plantation and surrounding hills. Here we relaxed, and took advantage of some of their offerings: spa treatments, horseback riding, walking or biking through the coffee plantation. Dinner was very elegant, in a cozy dining room with upholstered chairs and cloth covered tables. Not what you would normally picture when on safari!

Enough of taking it easy, time to move on to our last safari stop: Tarangire National Park. This park is known for its elephants and baobab trees. The baobab is a huge tree that looks almost prehistoric, and many are hundreds if not thousands of years old. The gnarley branches reach out in all directions toward the sky. We were greeted with a glass of baobab fruit juice at our next lodge.

We stayed at Tarangire Treetops, a fabulous lodge with tents built on platforms among the ancient trees. You can see the star-studded night sky through the mesh walls of the tent. The lodge has a swimming pool for the guests and a watering hole for the resident game. Here, we enjoyed a dinner in the boma, an outdoor fenced in dining area, where we sampled a variety of local dishes and a selection of grilled meats. They also had a performance of Masai dancers and invited some of us to join in!

Our last evening together was concluded with a special "Sundowner" atop Sunset hill. A toast to a splendid safari while watching a perfect African sunset.


Good to know: U.S. Citizens require a valid passport and a visa to enter Tanzania. A visa can be easily purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport for $100.00.


If you would like to plan your perfect African safari, Call the Safari Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel!

Tel: 248-288-9600 or Toll free 1-800-284-5258
email: travel@beekalt.com
http://www.beekalt.com/

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

An Oasis in the Desert, Cabo

Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico is aptly named, for it truly is a Window to Paradise! A short drive from the airport through the dry, desert landscape brings you to this beautiful Rosewood resort. You are greeted by name upon arrival, introduced to your personal butler/concierge, and ushered to your spacious suite where a very civilized check-in is performed.

All junior suites have lovely patios, most face the ocean, and some even have private roof top terraces for lounging in the sun. If you stay in a deluxe suite, you will receive a "sheet menu" where you can choose which type of linens you prefer on your bed. I'd go for the silk!

The level of service is incomparable and shows in the well-trained staff. Complimentary cool refreshments, such as house made popsicles or frozen grapes are served by the pool throughout the day. I enjoyed the ice cold water and Evian mist delivered by the beach and pool attendants. The help-yourself jar of jelly-bellys was a hit with the guests as well.

The food is outstanding with a variety of fresh fish and other specialties prepared in a Baja-Mediterranean style. There is an excellent, well-equipped fitness center and fabulous spa to round out the offerings.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway or a laid-back vacation with the family.

Book your next stay with us and receive these VIP amenities: complimentary breakfast daily, an upgrade upon arrival based upon availability and a complimentary margarita and ceviche tasting! 

Contact the travel specialists at Bee Kalt Travel today:
Telephone: 248-288-9600 or 1-800-284-5258
email: travel@beekalt.com

    

Oceania Marina Debut

The latest buzz in the cruise industry is all about the newest ship in the Oceania cruise fleet, the beautiful Oceania Marina. Several Bee Kalt Travel Advisors were among the first to see and tour this elegant ship.

The 1,250 passenger Marina has luxurious suites and all stateroom categories have spacious marble bathrooms. The ship is dedicated to culinary experiences, having the only cooking school at sea with a demonstration kitchen and hands-on instruction. "The dining options are among the best I've seen on any ship", said Lynn Sands, Cruise Department Manager at Bee Kalt Travel. These options include immersing yourself in Asian cuisine at Red Ginger, or delighting in French bistro fare at Jacques, named for the legendary executive chef, Jacques Pepin.

After you've sampled all of the dining venues, you may want to work off a few calories in the Canyon Ranch Spa Club. This award-winning spa brings their healthy lifestyle and fitness experts to the sea on the entire Oceania fleet.

Sail aboard the Marina on many exciting itineraries in Europe this summer and fall!

Call the Cruise Specialists at Bee Kalt Travel to book your next cruise today!

Bee Kalt Travel phone: 248-288-9600

email: Lynn@beekalt.com