The spaces at Outpost Camp were AMAZING.  A wonderful retreat. We really enjoyed our time here, — it is so remote you truly are the only people around for miles.  And the staff were amazing and the food was amazing.

The animal sightings were not the best.  If that had been our only safari, we would have been disappointed. But it is great for views and walking! The birding was amazing, but we didn’t see much big game. 

Honeyguide Outpost makes a good combination with a lodge in the southern Kruger so that you get the best possible animal viewing.

Here is a recent client’s travel review of their trip to Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge :

The Namibia portion of our trip was so remarkable and vivid that Rich and I still talk about it like we were there yesterday.  CC Africa Safaris is a first-class operation.  We felt like VIP’s - with the care and individual attention we received getting to and from and during our flights. 

The Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge was a fantasy resort.  The main dining room, pool area and all of the perfectly air-conditioned cottages overlooked the desert, a large red sand dune, and watering hole which attracted oryx, springbok and other wildlife visitors.  The setting was dreamlike - and delicately-lit for day and night scenery-gazing. 

The staff could not have done more to inform us or cater to our every need.  Beyond the excellent food and attention to our personal preferences (great for vegetarians!), the servers and chef became like members of a large extended family.  And Diana, the resident astronomer, had just the right touch, communicating her passion for the stars and sky in a way that intrigued even novices like us. 

The trip to the dunes by air-conditioned car was much appreciated (since we were there at such a hot time), but the flight over the dunes and the old mining camp out to the coast with Scenic Air was something we’ll never forget.  We encourage your clients to choose that option over the balloon ride which is nice but can be done in other locations.

Are you going on Safari in South Africa? Then you should consider Singita Private Game Reserve. They have just been placed on the Forbes “Most expensive hotels in the world” list for 2006 - so don’t expect to get by on a shoe string. But if you are out to impress a girlfriend or scrape together browney points with the wife, then Singita will do just fine!!

Indaba 2006 - Grumeti Reserves have announced that they have invited Singita, the world renowned eco-tourism and leisure operation, to partner with them in the further development of Grumeti Reserves, the 340,000 acre (140,000 Hectare) safari destination bordering the Serengeti National Park.

Three exceptional lodges have been constructed in Grumeti Reserves: Sasakwa Hill Lodge, Sabora Plains Tented Camp and the Faru Faru River Lodge.

With a mild, temperate climate, quintessential savannah scenery and only 3 lodges on an area almost the size of the Mara National Park, Grumeti Reserves is an absolutely unique and exclusive destination. In addition to exceptional game drives and walks, other activities offered at the lodges include; archery, tennis, hot-air ballooning, horseback game viewing, billiards, a fully equipped spa and gym, mountain biking and a jogging track.

We are excited to partner with Singita, one of the world’s top eco-tourism and hospitality operations,’ said Paul Jones, owner of Grumeti Reserves. Mr. Jones added, ‘We feel confident that the distinctive location, size and beauty of Grumeti Reserves will provide visitors with a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, complementing Singita’s unparalleled collection of locations and allowing us to increase tourism to the Grumeti Reserves and Serengeti region.’

Unique in its iconic location, exceptional game viewing, unparalleled amenities and genuine commitment to redefine eco-tourism, Grumeti Reserves is one of the most ambitious and finest eco-tourism projects I have ever seen’, said Luke Bailes, owner of Singita. Mr. Bailes added, ‘Singita will work diligently to continue to foster Grumeti’s relationship with the Grumeti community, the Tanzanian Government, the Grumeti Fund and our clients.’

About Singita

Formed 13 years ago by financier Luke Bailes, Singita is a world-class eco-tourism and leisure operation offering award-winning safari adventures coupled with specialized and sophisticated hotel experiences. Singita currently operates 5 distinctive lodges of varying sizes in and around the Kruger National Park. Notably, Singita was named the ‘Best Hotel in the World’ by Conde Nast Traveler (USA Edition) in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Conde Nast Traveller (UK Edition) named Singita the ‘Best Hotel in the World’ 2004. Travel and Leisure named Singita the ‘World’s Best Hotel’ for 2004 and number 1 in its ‘World’s Best Service Awards’ in June 2005. Harpers Hideaway named Singita ‘Best Resort in the World for 2004.’

Best Safari Lodges for Honeymoon Vacations (according to discovery.com)
1. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
The Safari Lodge at the Ulusaba provides unmatched luxury and breathtaking views of Africa’s natural world. Lovebirds can escape to one of the resort’s River Suites, accessible only by swing bridge, or stay in one of the main chalets. Animal viewing occurs all day long as wildlife crosses in front of the lodge’s large windows. Lion safari, vultures, leopards and elephant are some of the animals that are possible to see on daily game rides or walking tours. Couples can unwind in the aromatherapy and reflexology wellness center or with a workout at the reserve’s gym and tennis courts.

Honeymoon beach destinations
When we think of romantic holidays and honeymoons, we invariably think beach. Beaches signify seclusion, intimacy and love and this is never more true than for the deserted beaches of Southern Africa.

Topping the list of honeymoon favourites are the beaches of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago off Vilanculos has the easiest access with daily flights from Johannesburg. Pemba in the northern part of Mozambique is also beautiful and popular and had thrice weekly flights connecting to Johannesburg.
 

Because Mozambique is such a niche destinations, there are only a few lodges in each area, which pushes up prices. There is also the fact that it is impossible to buy any food or supplies in Mozambique and lodges have to import anything. So while Mozambique isn’t a cheap holiday option, it is pristine and exciting and will enhance any honeymoon
If your pockets aren’t quite deep enough for Mozambique, then fear not. KwaZulu Natal is fast growing in popularity with beach lovers and there are a couple of fantastic lodges that rival the Mozambique hotels. Prices are more affordable and you won’t be compromising on quality.
 

I have visited a number of lodges in Mozambique and KwaZulu Natal, so to make your choice easier, my thoughts on each is listed below:

Mozambique
Benguerra Lodge
If you want barefoot luxury of the very best kind, then look no further than Benguerra Lodge. This lodge is at the top of its game and offers a fantastic beach experience.  The tidal differences in Mozambique can be large, but because Benguerra is built on a main inlet, this doesn’t affect the lodge. This means that you can enjoy lovely wide beaches and swimming all day long.
 

Mealtimes are taken on the beach when possible and the food is superb (think seafood curries and prawn stirfry!).
 

The standard chalets are positioned just back from the beach under the trees in order to keep them cool. The rooms don’t have air-con, but because the windows and doors are without glass, there is a breeze cooling it all down. There are 2 honeymoon suites set apart from the other rooms as well as a 2 bedroomed luxury suite with air-con, in a secluded spot.
 

Marlin Lodge
Happy, cheerful people and lots of activities are what sets Marlin Lodge apart from the other lodges in the area. This is the perfect destination for people wanting  high standard accommodation, good food and some interaction with other people. This is a friendly lodge where people have a drink together in the bar before dinner.
 

There are a number of different room types at Marlin Lodge, and the rooms are rustic chic. All of the rooms have direct access to the beach, but some are more secluded than others. All rooms have air-con!
 

Activities at the lodge range from island drives and picnic’s to diving and snorkelling. There is always someone on hand to help you get your kayak down to the water or to put bait on your fishing rod.
 

Dugong Lodge
Dugong Lodge is situated to the South of Vilanculos on an archipelago. The lodge is situated on a tidal channel, so at low tide the beach is lovely and wide, but at low tide the beach disappears completely. The pool area overlooks the sea and is the perfect place to spend the day.
 

The rooms at Dugong are large and have sea views and direct access to the beach. Each room has a private outside shower for those romantic showers under the stars!
If activities are your game, then you will not enjoy Dugong. This is a destination for people that want to sit at the pool and read, or walk along the beach.
 

Vilanculos Beach Lodge
If you really want to honeymoon in Mozambique but don’t quite have the budget for one of the luxury lodges, there is still hope. Vilanculos Beach Lodge, situated on the outskirts of Vilanculos, is a small lodge run by a very welcoming South African family. The beach outside the lodge is not as pristine and deserted as those on the islands, but it is long and white and has picturesque dhow sailboats bobbing around during the day. The tide does go quite far out, so swimming is not great at low tide, but there is a pool for those times.
 

The lodge offers canoeing and if you want to dive or snorkel they are happy to arrange a day trip for you. So while the activites aren’t right under your nose, they are accessible and close by.
 

The brand new rooms at Vilanculos Beach Lodge are beautiful, they are made of wood and reeds and are the ultimate in beach chic. These rooms have views of the sea below and feel very private and secluded. The older rooms are more rustic, but I loved the fact that I felt like I was in Africa at the beach.
 

KwaZulu Natal
Rocktail Bay
As one of the oldest lodges in the area, Rocktail Bay is well established in the community and you can feel the friendly vibes coming from the locals.
 

Rocktail Bay is set in a lush coastal forested area with resident Vervet monkeys, bush babies, red bellied coast squirrels and loads of birdlife. The lodge is completely hidden from sight and unobtrusively built. Being in a hot and humid area, the lodge is set back from the beach, under a forested sand dune. A short walk will land you on a deserted beach that stretches as far as the eye can see in both directions.
 

Accommodation is in A frame chalets that have an “under canvas” feel. The chalets, while a bit old, are well kept in beachy colours and have a lovely outside shower.
There is no end to the activities offered at the lodge. Try your hand at diving, snorkeling, kayaking, body boarding or horse riding. In season, large emphasis placed on turtle project & turtle conservation and guests can enjoy spectacular turtle sightings.
This lodge offers a laid-back, unhurried, return to nature experience
 

Thonga Beach Lodge
Situated in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal, Thonga Beach Lodge is romance personified. Thonga is of modern design and the main areas are minimalistically decorated. The main areas include a lounge area, a library and a bar. The pool is close to the beach, nicely shaded from the wind.
 

The chalets are set back from the beach, in the trees. Some have full or partial sea views and some forest views. The rooms are decorated with crisp white linens and thin silk linings and earth colours to ooze romance. The bathtub is big enough for two and the outside shower looks straight into the trees.
 

Walk straight onto the wide beach and you will feel completely humbled by the expanse and beauty. The lodge offers diving and massages at extra cost. Sundowners to Lake Sibaya or on the beach, walks in the forest, canoeing, snorkelling, swimming, walking on the beach, turtles in season (Dec – March), horse riding
 

If you were hoping to go to Benguerra Lodge but can’t manage the cost, then Thonga beach lodge will offer you a very similar experience.

Romantic Honeymoon

Lion Sands, winner of the acclaimed Tatler magazine UK 101 Best Hotels in the World for 2006, recently clinched further recognition at Indaba as a Bronze Category StandWinner, nominated again as „Best Safari in South Africa“ - World Travel Awards 2006 and was awarded the AA Gold Achiever 2006 award in May.
 

Hot News from the Lodge:-

Lion Sands continues to improve, enhance and reinvest in its own guest experience with the following refurbishments & improvements:-

Lion Sands River Lodge:- River Island Deck:- A new wooden deck and bar will be built right on the banks of the Sabie River. The River Island Deck will allow guests to relax under the cool shade of the Jackalberry trees and view the incredible array of wildlife and birds which are attracted to the Sabi Sabi River especially during the winter months. The deck will be completed by the end of September 2006.Lion Sands Lalamuka Health Spa & Gym:- The existing spa facilities will be extended and a new larger complex will house the Lalamuka Health Spa & Gym, offering guests staying at both Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge a wider variety of treatments and exercise options. Due for completion by the end of winter 2006. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge:- Public Lounge Area:- An extension will be added to the current lounge area, to include a larger deck extending in front of the conference room. This will offer guests with a more comfortable outdoor lounge and dining experience. The extension is due for completion by the end of 2006.

Honeymoon vacations are another priority and the Lalamuka Health Spa - and soon to be gym - overlooking the Sabie River, offers wellness treatments to satisfy the most stressed body and soul.
 

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