african safari

Luxury Safari Lodge Opening In Kenya

The Safari Collection of lodges and camps has announced that its latest property will be open for guests as of August 1. Solio Lodge is located on the Solio Game Reserve between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya. The new property has been built by Tanya and Mikey Carr-Hartley, the owners and operators of the three Tamimi properties, Giraffe Manor, Sasaab and Sala's Camp. Solio Lodge has just six rooms. The design incorporates both modern and traditional elements with both thatch roofs and plate glass windows. Each room has a large sitting area with an open fire. The Solio Reserve is the most successful private rhinoceros breeding reserve in all of Kenya, and home to over 74 Black Rhinos and 155 White Rhinos. Other wildlife and birdlife are also in residence and the Solio Lodge offers horseback riding, trout fishing, and helicopter flights. Rates start at $570 per person, per night.

Tags: african safari, african travel, kenya, safari, solio game reserve

Extraordinary Journeys Offers Luxury African Safaris

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

If it doesn't involve J. Peterman or a Hemingway novel, "safari" is probably not a word you're all that interested in hearing about. Mother-daughter team – and pilots – Marcia and Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys would like to have a few words with you before you banish that term for good. Working in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, Extraordinary Journeys doesn't sell you a trip, it plans a safari specifically for you.

They have organized more than 300 African excursions for weddings, honeymoons, getaways and just-becauses, and like the proverbial snowflakes none of them have been the same. Because the excursions aren't fixed, the Gordons can combine camps, lodges, villas, private planes, 4x4s, tribal visits, elephants, horses and specific game sightseeing tours in any way you wish. They even arrange personal shoppers when you're navigating the wilds of Cape Town, you know, so you won't get stuck in line at the register behind all those penguins – they take forever at checkout...

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Tags: africa, african safari, african travel, botswana, extraordinary journeys, kenya, namibia, safari

The Zambezi Queen: Green Luxury Meets African River Safari

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing, Green

The Zambezi Queen recently set sail for its debut voyage in Botswana and made history in the process as Africa's first luxury river safari and first eco-friendly floating luxury hotel. The Zambezi Queen takes two and three night voyages down the great Chobe river, where its sleek contemporary design contrasts with the lush and wild African landscape. The ship features 14 suites with private balconies for enjoying the view, a dining room overseen by top South African chef Pete Goff-Wood, a library filled with documentaries on African history and wildlife, internet access, a bar with a stylish lounge area and wood-burning fireplace, a shaded deck, and an outdoor pool. To promote conservation and sustainable tourism state-of-the-art technology was used to make the ship as eco-friendly as possible, including a special jet-propulsion system that reduces damage to the river bed and a low-emission power system for on-board electricity needs like lighting and refrigeration.

Safaris have always seemed a bit scary but this seems like a relatively safe way to experience the African wilderness -- from the luxurious viewpoint of a floating private balcony. Rates vary depending on season.

Gallery: The Zambezi Queen

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Tags: africa, african safari, eco-friendly, eco-friendly travel, safari, vacation, zambezi queen, ZambeziQueen

Family Safari to Kenya with Abercrombie & Kent: An Experience of a Lifetime

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

For families with a thirst for adventure, a safari trip to Africa may be the ideal cure to the winter blues. Leave the planning to Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company that's been at it for half a century, now nominated for a Readers' Choice Award in the Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation category.

Founded in 1962 by a British family living in East Africa, Abercrombie & Kent offers an unparalleled family safari in Kenya. The 11-day itinerary starts with a flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and cultural, economic and political hub of East Africa. Once there, you'll start your journey with a visit to Daphne Sheldrick's Baby Elephant Orphanage, where keepers sometimes sleep with lonely animals at night. Proceed to the Giraffe Center, where you'll feed long-necked beauties from the palm of your hand.

Next, you'll head out into the wilds with a drive to the Sweetwaters Reserve, one of the best places to spot a rare chimpanzee or black rhino. Then delve deep into bush country with a trip to the Samburu game reserve, rife with buffalo, lion, leopard among others; meet with members of the nomadic Samburu tribe and track game, catch butterflies, or even ride a camel.

The next day, you'll spend the first of three days on the Masai Mara Game reserve, sleeping in tents near the Talek River and witnessing the vast expanse of the African savannah. Travel to a nearby village to learn about tribal culture and discover the proper way to throw a spear or light a fire with sticks. For amateur aviators, consider the optional hot air balloon safari before heading home.

Abercrombie & Kent's Kenya Family Safari is the experience of a lifetime, but these kind of memories don't come cheaply. The cost, based on double occupancy, is $5,825 per person plus airfare. For those who can afford it, there are few alternatives that can compare.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

Gallery: More from Abercrombie & Kent