Tag: South Africa

  • South African Affordable Luxury

    If you have been dreaming of a trip to South Africa, now is the time to start the planning and booking process! Whether it’s that bucket list item of the photo safari, or just hanging out in Cape Town savoring the amazing local food and wine, the Rand to US$ exchange rate is so much in your favor that you’ll be able to have that 5-Star trip for a 3-Star budget!

    The big draw for South Africa is obviously the photographic safari (sorry, we don’t promote recreational hunting here). While many visitors choose the Greater Kruger National Park area, there are a couple of other “Hidden Gems” that are two of Savvy’s favorites – The magical Tswalu Kalahari private game reserve and the Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge .  Combining visits to these two lodges will give you the perfect safari experience and something quite unique and authentic.

    The private game reserve owned by the DeBeers Diamond Oppenheimer family, Tswalu Kalahari has two beautiful hotel properties giving each guest “barefoot luxury amidst the wilderness.” Situated on 272,000 acres, South Africa’s largest private game reserve accommodates no more than 30 travelers at a time, allowing each guest’s experience to be customized. The pinnacle of my safari experience here a few years ago was tracking a Rhino on horseback! The main lodge, called “Motse” (“Village” in Tswana) camp has 9 suites, located at the foot of the Koannaberg Mountains. Each suite has private decks overlooking a watering hole that attracts a variety of animals, indoor/outdoor showers, a pool and fireplace.   When you are not enjoying the amazing wildlife you can relax in the award-winning spa or treat yourself to a romantic dinner under the stars.Tswalu at DuskOur other favorite lodge, the luxurious Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge, in the Malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, also offers an incredible safari experience. The Lodge itself has a colonial style with an African flair that is just naturally elegant. Each private suite has a view of a watering hole, a private rim-flow pool, expansive decks and outdoor showers. Indulge yourself and dine alfresco on the Best Safari Cuisine in Africa (2014 and 2015) prepared by their uber-talented chef. When out on game drives you’ll probably also see one of my favorites, Wild Dog (or Painted Dog, as they are now being called).Jamala Royal Madikwe SuiteAfter your safari, spend a few days down in the beautiful Cape Town at one of our favorite hotels there. If you’re into a colonial feel, the fabulous five-star Belmond Mount Nelson will be right up your alley. It is certainly one of the best luxury resorts in Cape Town with an amazing history, tranquil gardens, and an overall great buzz. With close proximity to downtown, it as also close to the gorgeous beaches and offers two beautiful pools on property. Views of the mountain or the spectacular gardens can be seen from most balconies. Don’t forget to enjoy a traditional high tea or relax in the luxurious spa.MNH-ACC-SUI-01With Breathtaking views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and the marina, the elegant One&Only is ideally located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This fabulous urban chic resort also offers a spectacular infinity edge pool with poolside dining and has great shopping and dining within safe walking distance. With all the excitement of the city it is also a perfect gateway to such exciting activities as shark cage diving, surfing lessons and whale watching! One of Savvy’s favorite restaurants in Cape Town is also located here in the hotel – Reuben’s, which is owned and operated by superstar chef, Reuben Riffel.one-and-only-cape-town-table-mountain-suite-balcony-breakfastIf a smaller boutique guesthouse is your preference, the luxurious Cape Cadogan Hotel is a boutique hotel housed in a National Monument building built in the early 19th century. It is the sister property of Lion Sands Game Reserve and offers the same exceptional five-star service. The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the exciting city of Cape Town with close proximity to the Waterfront. The personalized service offered by the staff is unparalleled and they will make sure you enjoy all that Cape Town has to offer! This hidden gem has never had a bad review!cape-cadogan-loungeWithout question, now’s the time to visit South Africa. And with our partners there in Cape Town to do all the heavy lifting for the planning, you’ll be in good hands. We’d love to show you these amazing properties – just CLICK HERE for more info.

    We’ll Show You the Way.

     

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • Mauritius Honeymoon Splendor

    Hello from Cape Town! We’re here in South Africa for a big pan-African travel show and are meeting some great folks from really interesting places. The highlight yesterday was an introduction to the team from the St. Regis Mauritius Resort, located on the island of Mauritius, about 1200 miles off the east coast of Southern African in the azure Indian Ocean.

    Swimming pool with deckchairs and Indian Ocean in Mauritius

    There are a few great things about this property. First of all, it’s off the beaten path for many American travelers (it’s always been popular with Europeans), and is the perfect place for a honeymoon or to wrap up an African Safari. Secondly, it’s a great location to use your SPG points, if you are a member of the Starwood Hotels loyalty program (one of the best in the industry, in our opinion). And finally, it’s just an amazingly beautiful beach resort, located on a very interesting island that is full of mufti-cultural heritage and interesting colonial history. And most interesting is the regional and local cuisine!

    May 6th

    It’s time for the American luxury traveler to check out Mauritius, and we’ll show you the way!

    Yes! I’d like more information about Mauritius!

    We hope all is well with you in your world!

    Jeff and Team Savvy

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • African Family Safari

    As you know, the Savvy Navigator founder and principal partner, Jeff, has deep roots in the African safari world. He was recently approached by a passionate animal enthusiast wanting to take his grandchildren on an African Safari next year. As they were discussing this very topic, Jeff notice that his former company and African partner, African Safari Consultants, had just published this great blog post about kids and safaris! Kids of any age will have a great time and some of our favorite lodges are perfectly suited for families.

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    Email us for more information and see if any of these safari camps and lodges appeal to you. We also have a lot more ideas, so let us how we can help you start planning the perfect family safari!

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    Interested in a family photo safari, click here and we’ll be in touch.

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • African River Safari Cruise

    We had a discussion today in the office about the popularity of river cruising in Europe, and how there don’t seem to be similar options on other continents. The segment is growing in Asia (especially Myanmar) and it’s getting some traction here in the USA with some recently-announced launches. But how about Africa? What’s there?mar7th

    A few years ago we took an African River Safari on the Zambezi Queen, a 14-cabin luxury river cruiser that’s based on the Botswana and Namibia borders. It was a very interesting trip and it felt more like a floating boutique hotel than a river cruising vessel. But the game sightings on the shore of the Zambezi River were excellent (especially the elephants) and the comfort level on the boat was sublime. Great cabins, good food and drink, and expert guides and activities made the trip a huge success.

    mar 7

    If you’d like to experience the Zambezi Queen yourself, we’ll show you the way. Get in Touch and our safari partners can hook you right up!

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • South African Winelands

    As Savvy Jeff continues on his adventures through Southern Africa, he just spent a wonderful weekend in the Winelands, just outside of Cape Town. He came across a wonderful five-star retreat in the university town of Stellenbosch – the boutique hotel, Majeka House. This amazing property is the perfect base from which to explore South Africa’s wine country. The 23-room property boasts a truly incredible spa, one of the country’s top up-and-coming restaurants, Makaron, and hospitality that is world-class and comfortable. Majeka House was luxurious without being fussy, which is the Savvy way of travel.

    And with the South African Rand exchange rate being so favorable at the moment, you get a five-star vacation here, but with three-star pricing!

    Premier-Room-17 majeka-house

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • Cape Town Wine Country

    As Savvy Jeff continues on his adventures through Southern Africa, he just spent a wonderful weekend in the Winelands, just outside of Cape Town. He came across a wonderful five-star retreat in the university town of Stellenbosch – the boutique hotel, Majeka House. This amazing property is the perfect base from which to explore South Africa’s wine country.

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    The 23-room property boasts a truly incredible spa, one of the country’s top up-and-coming restaurants, Makaron, and hospitality that is world-class and comfortable. Majeka House was luxurious without being fussy, which is the Savvy way of travel.

    mar 2nd

    And with the South African Rand exchange rate being so favorable at the moment, you get a five-star vacation here, but with three-star pricing!

     

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • Most Luxurious Rail Journey

    Even though I’m a huge airplane geek, I also love a good train ride. And if riding the rails in the most luxurious way possible appeals to you, then the historic Blue Train in South Africa is the way to go. This one-way, one-night trip between Cape Town and Pretoria/Johannesburg is the ultimate rail journey. It’s also a great way to see the countryside of South Africa, while experiencing the best food and wine the land has to offer.

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    Our good friend and partner in Cape Town to help us plan this trip is Liesl, and if you’d like her to put a trip together for you, click on this link and she can get the ball rolling:
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    Help me plan a Blue Train journey, Liesl

    Savvy’s heading to Cape Town next week, too, so you’ll be getting some updates from the Mother City! Have a great weekend!

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • Grace in Cape Town

    We’re having a blizzard here in NYC and the Savvy team just can’t help but think of those lucky souls in the Southern Hemisphere enjoying the peak of summer. We’re actually headed to Cape Town next month and will be once again enjoying our favorite hotel in Africa, The Cape Grace. Located in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred waterfront, the hotel is a great location for exploring and walking.

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    A couple of years ago, Savvy’s extremely discerning Aunt Harriet was a guest at the Cape Grace, and this luxury-travel enthusiast declared the hotel to be her favorite in the world (even better than some of the classic five-star properties in France and Italy).

    jan 27th

    Why don’t you escape this crazy winter weather and join us in Cape Town? We’ll show you the way.

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    Jeffrey Ward

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  • The Perfect Honeymoon

    Okay, you’ve got a few key items on the bucket list – the romantic getaway with your spouse or partner to celebrate a big event? Throw in something really exotic like an African safari? Or possibly just a luxurious, five-star vacation without busting the budget? I am often asked what I think the perfect romantic getaway or honeymoon itinerary is, and I always think of Southern Africa.  The US$ is incredibly strong there and you’ll get a five-star trip for a three-star budget.  The perfect trip includes three destinations in southern Africa– Cape Town, Safari in the greater Kruger National Park, followed by two nights up in the very romantic Victoria Falls. This trip is easily doable from any North American city for just 10-12 nights.

    Cape Town

    Let’s start the trip in Cape Town, the “Mother City” of South Africa. My favorite luxury hotel here is the One & Only, located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area. It’s luxurious, has high service standards, and is in a prime location for walking and exploring. It is also a terrific base for touring, with Robben Island (Nelson Mandela’s prison home for 20+ years), the Cape of Good Hope (where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic), Table Mountain, and the Cape Winelands (wonderful for your food and wine enthusiasts).

    Safari at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park

    Just about two hours by air from Cape Town, the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve sits right across the river from Kruger National Park. The reserve has two fabulous lodges and the most luxurious is Ivory Lodge. This private suite, complete with its own plunge pool, is unlike anything else in the bush. Not only are the accommodations luxurious, the food is excellent, the wine list will suit any oenophile, the game viewing is excellent. The lodge is all-inclusive with nonstop food, drinks, activities, and game drives. I’ve spent more time with leopards here that in any other location in Africa! And, for the truly adventurous, be sure to book one night in the heavenly Tree House Sky Bed, where you’ll sleep under the stars.

    Victoria Falls

    My favorite, most-romantic lodge in Victoria Falls is the Royal Chundu Lodge. Just a 1½ hour flight from Kruger, two nights here in luxury on the Zambezi River is the perfect way  to end this romantic getaway.  Whether it’s the River Lodge on the mainland, or the more intimate Island Lodge out in the river, you’ll bask in unbridled luxury of the only Relais & CHateux property in Zambia. The all-inclusive lodge is also a wonderful base for all of the Victoria Falls activities, including white-water rafting, helicopter flights over the Falls, and bungee jumping for the non-faint-of-heart. Best of all however, the owners of the lodge are giving a free 2-night stay to one lucky winner of YTI!

     

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    Jeffrey Ward

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