A Luxury Travel Blog

Africa is a wonderful holiday destination for families and a great way for children to see animals of all kinds in beautiful natural environments.  On a safari you and your family will be taken to the very heart of Africa, staying at the most luxurious camps and lodges.  On your activities you will be accompanied by highly experienced guides who will take you on the most amazing adventures – entertaining your kids whilst teaching them all about the animals, birds and plants that inhabit the area.

African safaris are best suited for children age 5 and up.  Each one is specially designed to suit each family’s interests and preferences and the camps will happily accommodate special dietary requirements.  Your safari experience will be very private and you will be kept well away from the crowds and minibuses that you see in the busier reserves that cater for cheaper package tours.  Africa is a year round safari destination and there are always good game viewing opportunities – whether you are visiting over Christmas, Easter, the summer holiday or one of the half term breaks.

South Africa and Kenya are the obvious family safari destinations but Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia also offer some excellent family accommodation.  South Africa is popular because it offers malaria free safaris and Kenya is popular for its easy access from the UK and Europe as well as its wonderful variety of activities and cultural interaction. A Botswana safari and a Zambia safari are well suited for active families with teenagers who enjoy traditional game viewing activities like walking safaris and game drives.

A luxury family safari in Africa combines well with a Robinson Crusoe style beach holiday in Mozambique, Mauritius or Zanzibar where the whole family can enjoy a variety of water sports.  If you are planning a malaria free South Africa safari, then you should definitely spend a few days in Cape Town – exploring the city and the Cape Winelands.

A few family safari camps and lodges:

Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp lies on the banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the Kwando River.  The camp consists of 6 tents and is the perfect place for families who are very into wildlife.  The activities are focussed on the game viewing experience and include canoeing safaris, boating safaris, walking safaris and traditional game drives as well as tiger fishing – a popular activity for boys of all ages.

Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba is situated in the Chitabe Concession, neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve.  It is just south f the Okavango Delta and features a seasonal landscape that changes from brown scrub in the dry season to a lush green oasis in the wet season.  Chitabe is a small camp that consists of five tented suites that have been built on raised teak platforms.  Some of the tents are inter leading – making it a great choice for family groups.  The wildlife is prolific and activities include walking safaris, game drives and sleep outs in the hides.

Sabuk Lodge

Sabuk Lodge is situated in the northern frontier district and is perched on a cliff that overlooks the Ewaso River.  The camp has far reaching views over the Laikipia plains and offers the very best in family accommodation.  Activities are adventurous and include camel safaris, walking safaris, game drives, bush craft, fire lighting, animal tracking and cultural interaction with the Samburu guides who will teach your kids about their traditional way of life.

Vamizi Island Lodge

Vamizi Island Lodge is a Robinson Crusoe style beach lodge on the northern coast of Mozambique.  It offers private accommodation that is surrounded by miles and miles of white powdery sand and crystal clear and warm Indian Ocean waters.  Activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, game walks and picnic to the neighbouring islands.

Impodimo

Impodimo is situated in the malaria free Madikwe reserve. At Impodimo, staff go out of their way to welcome children of all ages.  All children are given a good y bag on arrival and activities are designed to be fun and informative.  They include bush baking, bush crafts, animal tracking, paper mask making, swimming and guided nature walks around the camp.  Impodimo also offers a baby sitting service so parents can enjoy a much needed rest.

Kiba Point

Kiba Point is a beautiful Tanzania safari lodge situated in the Northern Selous.  It offers one of the best family safari experiences in Tanzania and is suited for children of all ages.  The camp has been built in a lovely quiet spot on the banks of the Rufiji River and consists of four spacious and well appointed cottages with private plunge pools.  You will also have a private vehicle and guide who will accompany you on all your bush activities.  Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boating safaris and fishing.

Cape Grace

Although the Cape Grace is not a safari camp it has great family accommodation choices and is worth a stay if you are visiting Cape Town.  The Cape Grace is situated on the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – in the shadow of Table Mountain.  The accommodation is spacious and very luxurious and it is the ideal base from which to explore the city.  The hotel is very welcoming to families and even offers a baby sitting service.  Children are given a welcome pack on arrival and are invited to enjoy bedtime stories in the library every evening.  The hotel also has a luxury yacht that is available for exclusive use.

Rebecca Sparrow is Marketing Manager at Safari.co.uk.

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Africa is home to the finest safaris in the world, and this is reflected in the quality of the resorts on offer. A safari holiday can be done on a budget, but for the ultimate in indulgence, you should stay in some of the best resorts Africa has to offer. This is a list showing 3 of the finest, and it may provide food for thought if you thought an African safari was about staying in tents in the wilderness.

3. Chief’s Island in the Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana

Botswana is uniquely situated in Africa between the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta, positioning it perfectly for a vast array of wildlife and culture. Botswana offers some of the most luxurious safari experiences available, and there are a good number of luxury retreats across the country. Chief’s Island is home to some of the nicest private lodges you will find. With spacious living areas and beautiful bedrooms, you will have a tranquil and comfortable base while you aren’t exploring the reserves. The hotel is situated in the Moremi Game Reserve which is known to be the ‘predator capital’ of Africa, so is perfectly suited for a high end safari holiday. The lodge also offers a swimming pool and a range of spa treatments if you want to really treat yourself.

2. Manda Bay – Lamu

Taking a safari in Lamu is a quieter affair than to some of the better known African countries, but this doesn’t mean they can’t provide luxury. Manda Bay is a fabulous private resort offering 10 cottages with en-suite facilities. Situated among coral gardens and woodland, Manda Bay feels secluded, which is exactly what you want when you are resting in the cool of the tamarind and coconut trees. The resort offers plenty for all the family, including private boat trips, deep sea fishing and of course safari excursions. Manda Bay is graced by white, unspoilt beaches and a pure blue sea where you can dine under the stars and enjoy the finer things life has to offer.

1. Funzi Keys – Kenya

Funzi Keys offers pure, unadulterated luxury on the Coast of Kenya. The resort offers unparalelled hospitality and gardens of paradise surrounding its remote location. The idyllic beachfront private cabins come complete with king-size four poster beds, jacuzzis, and of course a picturesque view. The heart of the resort has a restaurant and bar offering the finest in local food and freshly caught fish. The onsite concierges can arrange water sports or excursions at your convenience, so you can enjoy a private safari. Kenya is known for having the most diverse array of wildlife in Africa, and this place proves that Kenya can also be all about luxury.

If a week or two doesn’t seem long enough, Funzi Keys even has a private island for sale; if you’d like to indulge yourself in paradise all year round.

Peter Richards is a Digital Marketing Manager at Tropical Sky.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Whether you dream of a romantic hideaway, an unforgettable ski experience, an African safari, an escape to your own tropical paradise or a scuba diving adventure, there are plenty of fantastic destinations that can make that dream a reality. Here are some of the best the world has to offer.

Nestled in the coral-rich turquoise waters of the South Pacific, Fiji’s Turtle Island is a romantic couples-only hideaway. This secluded, intimate resort and its welcoming staff cater to your every whim. You will stay in a beautiful, traditional thatched cottage, steps away from the island’s pristine white sand beach. One of the original ecotourism destinations, this Garden of Eden is committed to environmentally sound, sustainable practices. Guests are treated to fresh fruit and vegetables from one of the South Pacific’s most amazing organic gardens, picked only minutes before it arrives at the table. A private, romantic candlelit dinner for two on the resort’s floating dock is the stuff dreams are made of.

If you prefer to frolic on snow covered mountains, you’ll find that the Whistler Resort Village on Canada’s beautiful west coast is a dream come true for skiers and snowboarders. Nestled between two mountains, the village of Whistler offers something for everyone; from world-class skiing on some of the steepest and longest vertical runs in North America, to snowboarding on its renowned terrain parks, not to mention the après ski nightlife, exceptional dining opportunities and superb spa facilities. The village offers accommodations to suit every taste, many of which are ski-in, ski-out, from the five-star luxury of hotels like The Fairmont Chateau Whistler to private chalets and condos.

If you dream of getting up-close to nature on an African safari, then the Governors Camp in Kenya is the place for you. This is where Prince William proposed to Kate. The Camp is located on the banks of the Mara River in the Masai Mara National Wildlife Preserve. You’ll stay in a luxury tent complete with an en-suite bathroom. In fact, the entire camp is under canvas. You can view a stunning array of wildlife from the camp’s fleet of four wheel drive vehicles or from a hot air balloon high above the sweeping plains.

For those who have dreamed of having a tropical paradise for your exclusive use alone, The Rania Experience provides the ultimate fantasy island vacation. On this tiny private atoll, hidden away in the Indian Ocean’s Maldives chain of islands, you will stay in a luxurious villa, with an eighty-six foot yacht at your disposal. A discreet butler will be your contact to the island’s staff of twenty-five, including chefs, spa therapists, scuba instructors and a yacht crew, whose only purpose is to see that your every wish is met.

Located on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island is a paradise for scuba divers, with over twenty different diving sites and family holiday parks. The island is surrounded by stunning coral gardens and a kaleidoscope of remarkable sea-life. Its pristine beaches offer exceptional swimming and snorkeling and are home to green turtles and a huge variety of birds. At the Heron Island Resort you have the unique opportunity to stay and play in one of The Seven Wonders of the World.

These are but a few of the fantastic dream destinations that you can experience. But with a little research you can find amazing vacation spots that will fulfill any dream you may have.

Fraiser Edwards is Founder of holiday365.

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So, you’re thinking of a Kenyan safari? Forget bumping along interminable red dusty roads for hours in a minibus convoy. Leave behind the herd of striped vans gathered around a bored lion. Don’t even think about staying in a three star hotel in the Masai Mara. Instead hop into a small plane with a bush pilot and soar like a martial eagle over sparkling rift valley lakes to luxurious Loisaba Lodge.

Loisaba is an example of a new exclusive breed of safari lodge springing up in the spectacular remote wilds of Africa’s original safari country. Vast areas of land owned by local tribal communities and farmland have been merged to create the Laikipia private reserve now dedicated to its animal inhabitants. Dotted around Laikipia are some of Kenya’s most exclusive safari lodges, each treating a handful of guests to a true luxury safari adventure.

From its elevated vantage point Loisaba has views across literally a thousand of square miles of golden savannah, forest and rugged hill country. Estimates put the thriving elephant population of Laikipia at around 8,000 and everywhere you go these unique social creatures roam. Long tusked old bulls wave their heads and trumpet piercingly as you pass. Breeding herds of females gently nurture their young, passing down centuries of accumulated understanding of the landscape and water sources. Add to this another 50 species of mammals as diverse as rhinoceros, giraffe, baboon and leopard and you have the makings of an incredible safari.

What sets Loisaba apart isn’t just the stupendous wildlife, it’s also the sheer variety of ways in which you can enjoy the experience. Of course, the expert guides take you game viewing in open four wheel drive vehicles. Yet if you ride you can canter on a thoroughbred alongside herds of gracefully bounding antelope. You can head off in search of hyena on a quadbike, cycle past a group of giraffe on a mountain bike, and drift silently over a herd of buffalo in a hot air balloon. After all that activity your thoughts may turn to the cosy little spa for a treatment before tucking in to a delicious four course dinner that would grace the table of a decent London restaurant.

This alluring mix of comfort and real adventure can be taken up another notch by taking a walk across the reserve with a group of scarlet clad masai warriors who own the land. As you chat with them your luggage, food and essentials follow on camels, until after a couple of hours you reach the Ewaso Nyiro river. There, cantilevered over the river you find your home for the night. The starbeds! A big teak deck a bush bathroom and beds on wheels which can be rolled from under the thatched awning so you can sleep under a vast star filled African sky. News, phone, diary all fade into a refreshingly distant perspective in this unspoilt landscape that’s the same as it was a thousand years ago.

Wake to birdsong and wildlife moving to the river below, as a brilliant yellow sun emerges from the horizon to begin another unique day on your Kenya safari.

Rebecca Sparrow is Marketing Manager at Safari.co.uk.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Are you tired of the predictable kind of getaway where each moment is a copy of somewhere else and truly forgettable? Are you aching for a “once in a lifetime” experience that stays with you for years? Then stop looking at brochures for Bermuda or some Greek isle, and consider something on the adventurous side for a change. Why not try a luxury African safari for a week, and then relax with your favorite cocktail beverage on some beachside resort of your choosing. The experience will ignite your senses and give you a new appreciation for why so many love the continent of Africa.

Depending upon your personal tastes and definition of “luxury”, there are basically three ways to go on this outing. The most adventurous among us will most likely desire a true “tented” safari in the wilds of Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania. These trips can be tailored to your liking and involve living in the wild, pitching tents each day at a new site, and roaming about viewing the local “inhabitants” in all their glory. For a tamer version, select a travel package to Kenya on the Masai Mara plain. Balloon over the Great Migration and go on picture-taking journeys, before and after wining and dining at your central lodging location. However, both of these journeys require special shots and malaria pill regimens, including mosquito netting protective gear.

For less hassle and medical concerns, fly the extra mile to South Africa and the Kruger National Park. No pills or shots required, and a side trip to Cape Town and the nearby wine country would be an excellent way to finish the trip. [Editor's note: this is not correct!  Please note that whilst many South African parks are malaria free, two of them are not - these are Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park.  Thank you to @WildernessEnc for pointing this out.] There are a plethora of resorts that will compete for your patronage, but the standout for many has been the MalaMala Game Reserve. Noted as a “blueprint” for all safari providers, the enormous reserve offers a photographic opportunity unlike any other to observe the “Big Five” (Lion, Elephant, Water Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinoceros) and capture them on film for a lifetime.

A typical journey begins with landing on an isolated airstrip, while the local Kudus and Springboks welcome your arrival with gazing stares from a distance. Next stop is your luxury lodge and individual sleeping cottages. After a welcoming cocktail and hors d’oeuvres, it is off to the wild for your first ride in the bush. You and four of your compatriots will sit in an open-top rover while the driver and tracker drive over hill and dale in search of anything that moves. Your eyes will soon adjust to picking up any movement hundreds of yards away, although at first, you will be astounded by the tracker’s ability to spot clearly camouflaged animals a mile away.

The intensity of these daily journeys, morning, noon, and night, will heighten your senses to an amazing level that can only breathe life into memory cells long forgotten to exist. With each return to home base, you will dine and drink away the hours discussing what “miracles” you have witnessed – a pride of lions eating their kill, a cheetah chasing down its prey, or a herd of elephants crashing through the brush, all within a few feet of your rover.

The animals have become accustomed to the presence of rovers, but do not stand up or exit the vehicle. If you break the “silhouette”, then you will get their attention. Leaving the security of your vehicle is not a good idea, so stay in the rover!

Beaches are nice, but a safari will stir the passions of your soul. Start planning now!

Tom Cleveland is a Senior Editor at Forex Traders.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Celebrated wildlife portrait pro Martin Aveling has joined forces with luxury travel consultancy Africa House Safaris for a one-off artists’ safari in Kenya this summer.

The 12-day holiday will be a welcome return to Africa for Martin, who lived on the continent during many of his childhood years. It was there that his love of drawing and painting wildlife began – an interest which has led to a shining reputation for Martin as an animal portraitist.

The artist will be present throughout this summer’s special safari to offer creative guidance to guests as they capitalise on the stunning wildlife and landscapes which they will encounter. He will also organise informal tutorials to demonstrate techniques like drawing animal features such as fur, feathers or eyes.

Martin is keen for the guest artists to feel free to explore their own ideas while capturing the sights on paper or canvas. And there will be plenty of subjects to capture the visitors’ interest, from lions, elephants and zebras to giraffes, buffaloes and a multitude of birdlife. Landscape views will include classic African savannah and iconic mountainous backdrops such as that offered by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

An extraordinary feature of the safari will be the opportunity to wander on foot to seek out vantage points. This is due to the service an armed guard who will be on hand to ensure the guests’ safety.

The accommodation laid on will be typified by the luxurious standards on which organisers Africa House Safaris have built their reputation. Both Lion’s Bluff in Tsavo National Park and the El Karama Ranch in Laikipia have earned widespread affection on the grounds of style, location and comfort.

Limited places are still available for this one-off art safari, taking place from 23rd June to 5th July 2011.

Situated in the heart of the Kenyan bush you’ll discover the unique hotel of Giraffe Manor. Surrounded by 140 square acres of indigenous bush, Giraffe Manor may seem a little out of the way but in reality it’s only a 20 kilometres drive from Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.

The Manor – which was built in the 1930s – has maintained its glorious periodic charm; it was modelled on a Scottish stately home by European royals and nobility at the beginning of the Twentieth Century for them to spend their summers out in the beauty of the African bush hunting large game animals.

Nowadays the stately home is a luxurious holiday retreat with a wildlife twist; the grounds have been a sanctuary for a herd of giraffe for over 20 years. First set up by the AFEW (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) the grounds were used to nurture a specific giraffe subspecies (The Rothschild or ‘Baringo’ Giraffe) whose numbers were rapidly dwindling.

No longer are the Rothschild Giraffes numbers falling: in fact they have been thriving throughout the entire African continent for over a decade. The giraffes have grown rather fond of their habitat. The chances of them venturing off into the wilderness seem very slim as they adore the constant petting and attention they get from the hotel’s guest and staff!

The manor offers an exquisite opportunity for the discerning guest. The rooms are authentically furnished to suit the nobles for whom they were originally intended, so expect comfort beyond belief: four-poster beds, grand antique wardrobes, game animal-rugs, hunting trophies, and spa-inspired en-suite bathrooms. This is all wrapped up within the cosy wood and stone grandeur which exudes from every corner of the wonderful manor house.

Dining is a different experience in itself. Be it afternoon tea in the drawing room or a candlelit dinner in the majestic grand hall, you should always be ready to greet a stranger; the giraffes frequently pop their heads through the window to join in at meal times. Some of the adult giraffes are even able to reach to the sills of the top accommodations, so expect little privacy from the surrounding wildlife.

This factor makes Giraffe Manor unique to any other hotel in the world and the perfect accommodation to live out that safari holiday dream. The wildlife isn’t just on your doorstep, it’s coming through your window!

Peter Richards is a Digital Marketing Manager at Tropical Sky.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Andrew Dunn is the Founder of Scott Dunn which he started as a luxury ski company in 1986 and which has since become a tailor-made tour operator of luxury holidays around the world.

What is it that you do exactly?

If I’m not going to our London office, I’m up by 6.45am and drive my children to school. I’m usually in the office for 8.30am to look at emails and catch up with my PA to run through the appointments for the week ahead, answer letters and sign off any paperwork. I tend to travel a lot, developing our relationships with overseas suppliers. We are presently developing more Scott Dunn Children’s Clubs and OurSpace (a complete management solution for five star resorts who value professional childcare). Another aspect of my work is meeting with key suppliers such as British Airways and hotel groups. I also handle all key relationships with partners such as Mercedes Benz and Laurent-Perrier. At the end of day, I review the days’ sales figures, then after supper clear down emails and plan for the following day.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Overseeing the entire Scott Dunn experience and product offering. I’ve always been passionate about the details and ensuring our guests have the very best holiday. I’m now spending time looking after our loyalty programmes as our repeat business is phenomenal.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

I love skiing and I have wonderful holidays in Chalet Artemis in St Anton – the wellness area there is to die for. Africa is my second passion and the tranquillity and endless plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti never ceases to amaze me. With a planet of six billion people it is just astounding how alone we can feel in Africa; there is something magical and godly about the place. I recently visited the Maldives for the first time and it is the consummate bucket and spade experience of the very highest order and truly sublime.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

I’ve been lucky to have eaten at a few chefs tables over time but the most memorable was sharing a joint 40th with friends at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze; however, we did walk out of there after countless delicious courses feeling twice the size.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

The answer is yes, but the one thing you should know about Scott Dunn is that we never talk about our guests.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

Peru is very high up on the wishlist. I’ve yet to see Machu Picchu – which is incredible given the length of time we’ve had a Latin America programme.

Thank you for taking part in our interview series, Andrew, and well done for not ‘tripping up’ with the penultimate question!

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Following the announcement of the Royal engagement between Kate Middleton and Prince William, the spotlight has very much been on Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The private reserve, in the Laikipia region of the East African nation, served as the perfect romantic retreat for the future King of England to propose to his long term girlfriend. For me, there can be few experiences more intimate and idealistic than whiling away the hours with a loved one in an exclusive African lodge. There is something so special about this mysterious place, something enrapturing, hypnotizing even, and as anyone who has visited the continent will testify, utterly unforgettable. The rhythm of the African drum will beat in your heart long after your departure.

Although I am a huge fan of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy I think perhaps it has had enough attention for one week and so in this post I have decided to take a closer look at some of Africa’s, other, luxurious lodges; alternatives if you will, to the William and Kate experience. Perhaps someday soon you might be sharing your own special moment, with bended knee or not, in a luxury African Lodge.

Shambala Game Reserve, South Africa – Tucked away in the stunning Waterberg Mountains, Shambala consists of 10,000 hectares of pristine South African countryside; a place that, though relatively small compared to other reserves, still boasts the chance to see Africa’s elusive ‘Big Five’, (Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffalos). As well as its animal interests the reserve also has a human heart at its core, a family run cultural village which acts as a living, breathing information centre where visitors can learn all about South Africa’s incredible history. The accommodation is preoccupied with authenticity and tradition, the Zulu camp, consisting of six fantastically appointed Zulu Huts, offers five-star accommodation but with a real sense of cultural legitimacy. All of the huts come with spacious double bedrooms and full shower facilities, providing all the comfort you might need to create some magical memories.

Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana – The only permanently fixed lodge within the Chobe National Park, the site is perfectly located along the Chobe River to observe the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. The sleek lines and elegant qualities of the lodge’s Moorish architecture create a sense of light and space; the typical features which include high arches, barrel-vaulted ceilings and tiled floors all contribute towards a clean and classic aesthetic. The 47 rooms are adorned with original African paintings and carvings, retaining a real sense of place as well as boasting all of the comforts of modern living; the accommodation’s considered design also makes it ideal for families and children.

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia – Sossusvlei is quite literally a desert oasis, nestled between the spectacular dunes of the Namib Desert and the jagged outcrops of the rocky escarpment. You’ll feel like you’re really part of the African experience when you stay at Sossusvlei, where the ten individual villas constructed out of stone and glass offer the perfect symmetry between modern minimalist design and traditional African design. All are air conditioned to keep you fresh during the day and cosy fireplaces have been installed for those cooler winter nights. Despite being located on the periphery of a desert there is still an incredible array of wildlife to be seen, including the iconic oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, antelopes, springbok and smaller mammals such as the bat-eared fox, aardwolf and porcupine.

Thanda Game Reserve, South Africa – Thanda, a word derived from the Zulu for love, was awarded the prize of ‘World’s Leading Luxury Lodge’ at the recent World Travel Awards. Thanda offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, from the opulence of the royal private villas or the warmth of the main lodge to the rugged refinement of the tented camp. Located 23 kilometres north of Hluhluwe in Zululand, the reserve is a tribute to South African cultural heritage, and as a romantic sanctuary of peace and tranquility, many would consider it peerless in all of Africa. Catering for adults and children alike, it boasts fine dining and a wellness centre, were natural holistic approaches to treatment will leave you feeling revived and refreshed. Let’s not also forget the wildlife, the big five are at your doorstep and because the reserve is so close to the Indian Ocean, horse riding on the nearby beaches or a trip to the Isimangaliso wetlands are also a must.

Greg Fox is a Director at luxury travel specialists Mahlatini.

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With all eyes on the Royal couple following the announcement of their engagement, many people are asking when the wedding will be, where the ceremony will be held and where Prince William and Kate Middleton will honeymoon.  Here I’ve taken a step back to bring you details of where they got engaged. Rutundu is the mountain log cabin where it all happened. (In fact, the proposal took place actually by Lake Alice – about a 45 minute walk from the cabin.)

Rutundu can be found on the slopes of Mount Kenya. Very remote, very romantic and very James Bond. You get a chopper in and then stay in the secluded cabin, hiking and fishing in the nearby Lake Alice. Images also will show this very clearly. This one is very off the beaten track and only for those in the know.

Located on the edge of Lake Rutundu, overlooking the north-eastern face of Mount Kenya, these rustic yet chic cabins are the perfect mid-safari break or escape from the bustle of Nairobi. The elevation (10,200ft) results in vegetation and wildlife entirely unique to the area.

Activities include:

Walking: The area surrounding Rutundu is a paradise for those who love nature and hiking. We are currently finding and creating the best trails in the area. There is a beautiful walk around Lake Alice through giant groundsel and heather forests. In contrast to this moorland terrain, the Cedar and Podo forest, half an hour’s drive below Rutundu, is full of lovely walks and beautiful spots to have a picnic.

Fishing: Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice, a 2-hour walk further up the mountain, are stocked with rainbow trout and provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The average catch is 2-3lbs with larger fish reaching up to 6lbs. A boat/punt is provided and there are three casting platforms. Previous fly-fishing experience is not necessary. Next to Lake Rutundu is the Kizita River Gorge, a crystal clear river with small brown trout to catch. Please read the ‘fishing rules’ displayed in the sitting room.

Bird watching: Rutundu’s unique location allows for ample opportunities for birdwatchers, and most mornings scarlet- tufted malachite sunbirds (Nectarinia Johnstoni) are seen from the breakfast table.

Horse riding: There is an option of riding to Rutundu from the neighbouring Kisima Farm, across the moorland and all the way up to Rutundu. Overnight stays are advisable for this trip as the ride takes at least four hours. The horses are well- schooled polo ponies and you need to be an experienced rider.

Rates start at just $300 a night as this is an adventure. You catch the fish and the staff cook it up for you – lots of fun!

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Leleshwa Camp is an intimate tented camp situated on the Siana Community Conservation area on the north-eastern ridge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Resting along a stream valley, overlooking picturesque hills and rolling plains dotted with resident game, Leleshwa Camp is a peaceful haven. You’ll love the wide range of activities on offer: cultural village and school visits, digital photography workshops, hiking in the Loita Hills, bush meals and even balloon rides.

The only camp in a 280,000 acre Maasai reserve and with room for only 16 guests, Campi ya Kanzi offers true African wilderness in exclusivity. At the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Campi ya Kanzi is a luxury Maasai community eco-lodge offering a profound engagement with the local community and a timeless safari experience.

Serena Hotels will commence construction of a new luxury tented camp in Kenya this month.  The New Lake Elementaita Serena Camp, will be located along the shores of the flamingo and pelican fringed Lake Elementaita within the Soysambu Conservancy, which is approximately 120km from Nairobi and 30km from Lake Nakuru National Park.  Offering a blend of exclusivity and adventure, the new camp will comprise 25 luxury tents, a dining and lounge area, spa and swimming pool enjoying magnificent views of the Lake.

I know it’s a little difficult to believe, but  ”Luxury yachts offer pirate hunting cruises” is  a headline  currently emanating from  the Ananova news site.  Shiver m’ timbers… is this serious?!   Here’s the full article:

Luxury ocean liners in Russia are offering pirate hunting cruises aboard armed private yachts off the Somali coast.

Wealthy punters pay £3,500 per day to patrol the most dangerous waters in the world hoping to be attacked by raiders.

When attacked, they retaliate with grenade launchers, machine guns and rocket launchers, reports Austrian business paper Wirtschaftsblatt.

Passengers, who can pay an extra £5 a day for an AK-47 machine gun and £7 for 100 rounds of ammo, are also protected by a squad of ex special forces troops.

The yachts travel from Djibouti in Somalia to Mombasa in Kenya.

The ships deliberately cruise close to the coast at a speed of just five nautical miles in an attempt to attract the interest of pirates.

“They are worse than the pirates,” said Russian yachtsman Vladimir Mironov. “At least the pirates have the decency to take hostages, these people are just paying to commit murder,” he continued.

Link to the Wirtschaftsblatt is here but my Austrian isn’t good enough to even find the relevant article, let alone provide a translation.   Perhaps someone reading could help with that?

Our latest interview is with Suzanne Aaronson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder  of Suzanne’s Files, a leading quality lifestyle resource. Suzanne’s  Files provides expert picks on under-the-radar getaways, hidden gems, wow services, truly unique gifts, lifetime experiences, and niche experts around the world.

What is it that  you do exactly?

Everyday is different – that’s for sure! Throughout everyday there is a mix of our insiders, people I meet, things I read that help keep me and our team well informed about special finds all over the world. My days are mixed with business meetings and “checking things out” time. The mix is perfect for me!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Everyone I know, almost everyone I meet is interested in Suzanne’s Files – super flattering. People are so curious how they can tap the ever-growing site; the way it can help them navigate through the noise out there- the clutter. The time-saving benefits they get from the e-Newsletters; the insight and personal voice is like a friend would tell you!

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Little Kulala Lodge, Namibia: an intimate desert retreat on a private Namibian wilderness reserve. It felt like Fred Flintstone’s house meets chic stylish.   A real wow when you can sleep under the stars on your rooftop.

St. Regis in Singapore: imagine the most well serviced and most eclectically designed city hotel – now multiply by 2!

Cap Estel, Eze, Cote D’Azur, France: exactly what the Med should be. Surrounded by the sparkling sea, provided with great sporty activities on property.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

Hmmm… that’s a fun question! So, I’d have to say when I was 16 years old, out to dinner in New York at a great Indian restaurant and I saw Bill Cosby (whom I grew up watching of course and adored). I walked over to him and said hi and asked if I could have a hug.   He hugged me tight!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

I like to keep celebrities’ anonymity as there are quite a few that tap me for my suggestions of wonderful experiences to have, places to visit and go… I’ll share one non-work related story which is that years ago Christy Turlington entered the same elevator I was in in NYC.   She turned to me and complimented my jacket – which I had designed myself from an old military jacket I bought in a Washington DC thrift store.   I felt very stylish to say the least…

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

No question – these places: Atacama Desert in Chile, Mozambique, Madagascar, Wild Fitness bootcamp in Kenya, Croatian Coast, Tokyo….and I’d like to learn how to video document to better share my perceptions and finds via the web.

Thank you, Suzanne, for a great interview. And apologies on me having to be chased to get  it published… it’s been a busy time here at A Luxury Travel Blog!