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Author Archive for Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a freelance travel journalist who enjoys connecting people and experiences through word, image, and social media. He's proud to have Cape Town as his home base from which to explore South Africa and further abroad. He's also a tour guide, and helps curate holidays for those visiting South Africa. See more at www.jaredincpt.com or @jaredincpt on Instagram.

South Africa’s first varietal-based wine route

By Jared Ruttenberg on May 17, 2021 in Accommodation, Africa, Food and Drink, Hotels, Regions, South Africa, Travel Miscellany

At the tip of a continent, at the birthplace of winemaking in the Southern Hemisphere, the Constantia Wine Route is proud to launch a South African first – a varietal-based wine route. At this elegant confluence of ancient soils and a unique microclimate comes a celebration of the noble Sauvignon Blanc. The brand new Constantia

7 luxury South African villas to isolate in

By Jared Ruttenberg on Feb 01, 2021 in Accommodation, Africa, Regions, South Africa, Vacation Rentals

As exclusive-use properties become even more sought after in a post-pandemic landscape, these are my top seven villas in South Africa for a luxurious and scenic breakaway. Kubili House The Kruger National Park remains South Africa’s Mecca for wildlife visitors, and in a quiet corner of the reserve waits one of its best-kept secrets. Kubili

5 unique South African safari experiences

By Jared Ruttenberg on Jan 14, 2021 in Africa, Regions, South Africa

With a plethora of enticing safari and game lodge options available in South Africa, why not opt for a unique experience for your next trip. Here are five of my favorites to whet your safari appetite: Explore wildlife waterways at Marataba Luxury Lodge Although sitting on a boat watching wildlife is an experience usually associated

Xigera: A sneak peek at one of Africa’s most anticipated lodges

By Jared Ruttenberg on Sep 07, 2020 in Accommodation, Africa, Botswana, Hotels, Regions, Resorts

Victoria can’t help but come alive when she speaks of Xigera: “My whole family love the bush and wilderness and have been going on safari for the last 25 years… it’s been a lifelong dream and vision of my family to have our own lodge under the ethos and DNA of a Red Carnation Hotel

Wilderness in waiting: Safari by the book with 8 important African reads

By Jared Ruttenberg on Jun 29, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Regions, Speciality Travel

‘Wilderness in waiting’ is a four-part weekly series, highlighting Africa’s proud heritage during the COVID pandemic. As African countries are slowly beginning to open to inbound travel, it won’t be too long before you’ll be able to enjoy a social-distancing safari and breathe deeply in the fresh wilderness air. To whet your appetite for upcoming

Wilderness in waiting: Bringing safari home

By Jared Ruttenberg on Jun 22, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Regions, Speciality Travel

‘Wilderness in waiting’ is a four-part weekly series, highlighting Africa’s proud wildlife heritage during the COVID pandemic. The good news is that we’re starting to see movement in African countries opening up tourism again. In South Africa, various tourism bodies are working around the clock to ensure that we have the right protocols frameworks in places to safely

Wilderness in waiting: Conservation during COVID-19

By Jared Ruttenberg on Jun 15, 2020 in Africa, Namibia, Regions, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

‘Wilderness in waiting’ is a four-part weekly series, highlighting Africa’s proud wildlife heritage during the COVID pandemic. Without the regular revenue-flow from tourism, many of the conservation and community projects caring for Africa’s most vulnerable wildlife and people are themselves, now under threat. I spoke with several luxury lodges around Africa to hear their reflections, what

Wilderness in waiting: 5 unmissable wildlife documentaries

By Jared Ruttenberg on Jun 08, 2020 in Africa, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Videos

‘Wilderness in waiting’ is a four-part weekly series, highlighting Africa’s proud wildlife heritage during the COVID pandemic. Many of Africa’s most critical pressing conservation victories have been won because either an individual or group of like-minded people have dedicated their lives to a critical cause. Many of these are first of their kind projects and thanks

Gourmet experiences in New Zealand’s boutique wine town

By Jared Ruttenberg on Dec 19, 2019 in Accommodation, Food and Drink, Hotels, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, Travel Miscellany

Gone are the days when holidays were for just kicking back. Yes, we all love to wind down on a beach for a day or two with a good novel, but recent trends such as volunteer-tourism and educational-tourism have grown in popularity, showing that hands-on experiences are now a vacation must. And It’s not only

Bespoke wine experiences in South Africa’s Robertson Valley

By Jared Ruttenberg on Nov 26, 2019 in Accommodation, Africa, Food and Drink, Hotels, Regions, South Africa, Travel Miscellany

Only a two-hour’s drive from Cape Town, is the picturesque Robertson Valley, traditionally known for its wine and roses. Thanks to a generous range of tantalizing wine and food offerings, Robertson is emerging as an exciting destination for travellers. In every direction ridges of the various mountain stand proudly welcoming you to the valley. From

7 unmissable luxury hotels in South Africa

By Jared Ruttenberg on Feb 11, 2019 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Regions, South Africa

As a travel writer based in South Africa, I have the privilege of visiting some of the country’s finest hotels and lodges. Here’s a short-list of seven of my most memorable stays from the last year, all offer uncompromising luxury, food & wine experiences, and of course set in stunning locations. 1. The Old Rectory,

5 luxury escapes near Cape Town

By Jared Ruttenberg on Jan 31, 2018 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Regions, South Africa

Although the Mother City has a dazzling array of luxury accommodation offerings, and continues to collect a string of international awards, the coastal towns, winelands and mountains that surround her also have some wondrous hidden gems. Here are my top five luxe stays, all within a 90-minute drive of the city. 1. The Marine Hotel