Category: News

With the pandemic in our rear-view mirrors, it’s time to fire up your global travel plans again. Borders are re-opening, and as long as you’ve had your vaccinations, there’s no reason not to dust off your passport, set your sights on that dream vacation, and experience the magic of traveling to unexplored places again. Get up to speed with these 10 travel trends for a post-pandemic planet…

Living through lockdowns, adjusting to working from home, socializing via Zoom calls, and generally making sense of a global pandemic took its toll on everyone. For those of us who love traveling, cabin fever was a real struggle, and our wanderlust took a hammering. Fortunately, we can always rely on a bit of humor to get us through trying times and, post-Covid life, the world has responded with 10 new slang words to add to your travel trend lexicon…

1. Quarantini

   The sundowner of choice for anyone stuck in lockdown, the Quarantini is still the perfect cocktail to whip up and sip down while you reset your sights on that dream vacation Covid got in the way of.

   

   Add a little liquid inspiration to your travel plans – all you need is vodka, lemon juice, honey syrup, and, of course, a Martini glass. Here’s the recipe and here’s to your next adventure. Cheers!

2. Zoombombing

   This probably happened to anyone working from home at least once. One minute you’re on a Zoom call, the next your cat/husband/children show up in the background. While Zoombombing was almost inevitable, now you can do it with a difference. Imagine having a Zoom call from the deck of your safari lodge and being Zoombombed by a giraffe! It’s just one of the unexpected (and far less embarrassing) perks of being on a workcation in Africa.

3. Gramping

   Get a break from the kids after all that home-schooling and let the grandparents take them on an unforgettable vacation. Everybody wins! It’s perfect for those long school holidays and allows for some precious bonding time between the generations. Get Gramps inspired with our list of kid-friendly safaris in Africa.

4. Always OOO

   One thing the pandemic proved is that there’s almost no need to suffer the daily grind of commuting to an office or even be at the office at all. A good WiFi connection and some self-discipline are all that’s needed to keep your boss happy.

   

   Forget WFH, now you can work from anywhere. Take on the life of a digital nomad and flaunt your ‘always OOO’ (out-of-office) status while crushing those deadlines.

5. Schoolcation

   Sometimes there’s not much to beat a change of scenery, especially after being cooped up at home during the pandemic. The schoolcation is like the workcation, just for kids, allowing parents as well as children the chance to stay connected to their work and school demands, but from a fresh perspective. Remote learning gives kids the flexibility to balance outdoor fun with the screen time needed to finish projects and attend Zoom classes. Just mix WiFi with adventure – it’s a win-win!

6. Revenge Travel

   The pandemic robbed travelers of dream trips and the best-laid plans. It’s time to get your own back with Revenge Travel! You’ve had the time to save up, plan harder and set your sights on new adventures – now it’s time to splurge on an even better vacation than you first had in mind. Let your cooped-up wanderlust take you further than you initially imagined and splash out on those perks you might have skipped during your first round of planning. You’ve only got one life – there’s never been a better time to make the most of it!

7. Friendcation

   This one’s simple. A friendcation is simply gathering your best friends, getting out there, and exploring exotic destinations together. Get your jabs, pick a place and share those experiences the pandemic got in the way of!

   

   If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, there’s always the option of booking private accommodation, transfers, and activities. The wide open plains of Africa mean guaranteed social distancing anyway. You could even take a safari to a malaria-free destination.

8. Vaccication

   So you’ve had your jabs and you’re safe to travel. Now’s the time to take your vaccication – that all-out, long-overdue, no-expenses-spared dream holiday! While you’ll still have to wear a mask, sanitize regularly, and practice social distancing, the good news is that many holiday hotspots are still quiet. This means you’ll probably have exotic destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Masai Mara almost all to yourself.

9. Solomoon

   Being cramped together for almost two years during the pandemic was trying for even the strongest couples. Now it’s time for some healthy time alone – or a solomoon. Pick a destination and spoil yourself with all the frills of a honeymoon! There’s a lot to be said for soaking up some much-deserved solitude, and, after all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Have a look at our list of the best honeymoons in Africa and get inspired to take yourself on a journey you’ll never forget.

10. Quarantine 15

    Lockdown lingo delivered the term ‘fattening the curve’ and it’s no surprise that regular exercise regimens and gym visits were disrupted by the pandemic. Most of us came out of the covid crisis with a little extra padding – the Quarantine 15 – but that’s nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, it’s a perfectly valid excuse to indulge a little more before getting back to your ideal weight. Wish yourself a happy holiday by sampling the sumptuous cuisine offered at your safari lodge and raise a toast to yourself – you made it through the coronavirus!

After many years of offering globetrotters luxury accommodations like remote safari lodges, lavish tented camps, and idyllic bush retreats, Discover Africa now offers the more discerning traveler a tasteful range of opulent African villas ideal for groups of friends or multi-generational family safaris. These exclusive-use properties provide the perfect getaway destinations, far from the crowds but close to Mother Nature. Get a closer look at some of the private villa safaris on the Discover Africa list.

1. Villa Verte – South Africa

Villa Verte is situated in the Future Found Sanctuary, Africa’s first and only 5-star regenerative travel destination. Nestled on the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain, this four-room villa boasts expansive grounds, a timeless aesthetic, spectacular views, and a holistic approach to wellness.

Every aspect of the villa has been carefully considered to promote a sense of wellbeing, with a yoga studio, gym, healing garden, natural plunge pool, indigenous forest, sound healing studio, outside entertainment area, and fireplace for the cooler months.

2. Morukuru Farm House – South Africa

Morukuru Farm House is set on a malaria-free private concession within the Madikwe Game Reserve. This contemporary five-bedroom African homestead comfortably sleeps 10 people, making it ideal for a multi-generational family or group of friends celebrating a special occasion.

This destination’s hospitality team includes a private guide, tracker, hostess, chef, butler, and housekeepers, all dedicated to ensuring an unforgettable stay. Soak up some sun next to the private pool, lounge with a cocktail in hand in your outdoor bathtub, or head out on a safari in a private vehicle – Morukuru offers guests the ultimate exclusive escape.

3. Tswalu Tarkuni – South Africa

Tucked away in a remote, secluded valley at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains, Tswalu Tarkuni is a private, exclusive-use homestead consisting of five luxury suites that can accommodate ten people, all under one roof. While staying here, guests can enjoy access to a host, personal chef, private safari vehicle, guide, and tracker.

Shaded outdoor living and dining spaces, exquisite cuisine, an eco-smart plunge pool, and a sundowner firepit all add to the charm of this opulent destination. Exclusive experiences here include indoor spa treatments, horse riding, sleeping under the stars, visiting a meerkat colony, touring rock art sites, and photographic safaris.

4. Santorini Villa da Praia – Mozambique

A luxury 3-bedroom villa that sleeps up to six people, Santorini Villa da Praia is set against the exquisite backdrop of Vilanculos. Thanks to its elevated position, this villa boasts incredible sea views that inspire relaxation – imagine a little piece of Greece in Africa.

During your stay you’ll be attended to by a dedicated host and private chef who will indulge your every whim. Exclusive activities range from island excursions, scenic helicopter flights, and horseback safaris to scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, yoga, and treatments at Spa Na Colina. After a day soaking up the sun, guests can look forward to extraordinary culinary experiences.

5. Victoria Falls River Lodge Rapids View Villa – Zimbabwe

In the wilds of Zambezi National Park along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Rapids View Villa offers travelers 5-star luxury close to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Two luxury family suites accommodate four adults and up to six children, making this idyllic destination perfect for small groups and families.

Guests can enjoy the services of a private butler and cool off on private decks with plunge pools overlooking the river. The villa offers a range of on-site activities as well as activities offered by nearby partners. Indulge in anything from a Chobe day trip and Victoria Falls helicopter flight to Zambezi river cruises and canopy tours.

6. Safari House by Natural Selection – Namibia

Located in the Etosha Heights Private Reserve, Safari House by Natural Selection is a traditional Namibian farmhouse featuring three ensuite bedrooms sleeping up to six guests, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and sitting area. Outside, lush green gardens surround a swimming pool, wraparound veranda, and two barbeque areas.

Available on an exclusive-use basis, Safari House is a great choice for a getaway with friends or family, with a private guide, safari vehicle, and chef to make your stay comfortable. Enjoy private night and day game drives, spot wildlife at the waterhole, or put your photography skills to the test in the double-tiered photography hide. This area of Namibia has a healthy population of rhinos, and Safari House donates a portion of its booking fees to the Rhino Protection Project, which combats poaching in the reserve.

7. Chongwe House – Zambia

Chongwe House is ideally situated on a peaceful stretch of the Chongwe River. This two-storey, four-bedroom house comfortably sleeps four to eight people and features private open-air bathtubs, waterfall showers, a large pool, and spacious indoor and outdoor lounges that will suit families and small groups down to the ground.

Guests can look forward to fine dining featuring local and seasonal ingredients, spotting elephants wading across the river, and simply relaxing in the midst of the untamed wilderness. A range of activities are on offer at Chongwe House, from private day and night game drives and walking safaris to canoeing safaris, boat cruises, and tiger fishing. All the while you’ll be looked after by a dedicated staff and guiding team.

8. Sirikoi House in Lewa – Kenya

Surrounded by 68,000 acres of pure wilderness in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi House offers travelers three ensuite bedrooms – a master suite and separate bedroom cottage – in a spellbinding African location. In addition to a spacious central living and dining cottage, guests can look forward to private meals and sundowners at the fire pit deck overlooking the wetland. This unique destination also features your own private safari vehicle, guide, and dedicated team of staff.

While you’ll be tempted to just relax at the house, there are a range of activities available to make the most of your Kenya ranch living holiday. Take a morning, evening, or night game drive to encounter the abundant wildlife in the conservancy, embark on a guided bush walk, go horse riding, take a helicopter trip, or indulge in some armchair game-viewing at the busy waterhole right in front of the deck.

9. Jabali Private House – Tanzania

Perfect for friends or families, Jabali Private House is an intimate exclusive-use property surrounded by ancient baobabs in Ruaha National Park. The house features three bedrooms, a lounge, dining area, and a private pool overlooking the dense forest. A dedicated team comprising a private chef, guide, and safari vehicle are on hand to tend to your every need. The park itself is famous for its healthy herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as its bold lions, which have been known to hunt giraffes and even elephants.

Activities at Jabali Private House include day and night game drives, bush brunches, immersive walking safaris with experienced guides and local trackers, and photographic safaris in specially modified photographic vehicles. Safari vehicles are open-sided six-seaters with removable canvas roof and sides, maximizing the sense of being out in the wilderness. When you’re done exploring, head over to the Asilia Spa at Jabali Ridge for a rejuvenating massage and treatment.

10. Thanda Island

Situated on an uninhabited, 8-hectare tropical island in the Shungi Mbili Marine Reserve, Thanda Island has repeatedly been voted by the World Travel Awards as the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island. This single-key villa has five air-conditioned suites that open directly onto the beach and can comfortably sleep 10 adults, with additional beds for children. The island also features two traditional, open-air Tanzanian bandas – think spacious beach chalets.

During your stay, which includes your own chef, hostess, housekeeper, activities guide, and boatman, you’ll have access to the villa’s 36-foot adventure yacht, 28-foot deep-sea fishing cat, and 34-foot motor cruiser, all run by the highly experienced captain and crew. Guests have a choice of thrilling activities, including sailing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and island tennis. After all the action, indulge in a spa treatment and massage.

This new collection of private villa experiences offered by Discover Africa offer families and groups of friends the very best of luxury holiday living. Whether you’re after a tropical island escape or a Big Five safari, a Discover Africa safari expert can help make your dreams of a private villa experience come true.

Enquire now

Boasting over 20 years of safari guiding experience, Discover Africa had the priviledge of chatting to Singita‘s acting head guide, Chantelle Venter, who is currently plying her trade in the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park.

When is the best time to visit the Kruger National Park?

The Kruger National Park is an excellent all-year round safari destination, however, travelling in certain periods of the year does offer certain perks and opportunities. The best game viewing can be done during the winter months of May to September. This is also known as the dry season, as Kruger will receive very little rain during this time.

What makes the game viewing superb is the lack of vegetation, making the wildlife much easier to spot. Also, the wildlife within the Kruger National Park will congregate around water holes, making them easier to find. Summer is the wet season for visitors travelling to the Kruger National Park. The park will receive lots of rain, and one can witness the birth of newborn wildlife, while predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah look to take advantage of the vulnerable young animals.

 

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What wildlife can I see at the Kruger National Park?

The Kruger National Park is home to all the Big Five species. All of Africa’s big cats can be found here, and there are plenty of buffalo, elephant and buck. Giraffe meander along gracefully and you might even be lucky enough to spot a pack of African wild dogs. Other rare species include the pangolin, black and white rhino, golden mole and riverine rabbit. Look out for the African black-footed wild cat; a small but highly effective nocturnal predator. Birdwatching is also excellent here, in fact the Kruger is home to 500 bird species; more than half of the birds recorded in South Africa. Chinspot Batis by Warwick Tarboton from his book Guide to Birds of the Kruger National Park

Keep up-to-date with the happenings in Kruger by following these handy Facebook accounts:

• Singita
• Kruger Sightings
• Kruger Park Magazine

Include a trip to Kruger National Park in a thrilling safari in South Africa.

Find out more here.