What makes us different to any other travel company? You can expect the essentials:  from recommending and booking guest accommodation close to your wedding venue, to creating individualised itineraries for your honeymoon. Our guest programme also allows us to conceptualise and plan itineraries for your guests who wish to explore Southern Africa after your wedding.  Rest assured that our insider knowledge ensures they are looked after and get the same level of personal attention as you do. Our travel team guarantee unparalleled personal attention, invaluable insider tips, plus essential “locals-only” knowledge of our favourite places.

In the latest itinerary we have developed we organised an African inspired holiday and first ever safari experience for the Cano family from Columbia. As this was the family’s first time to Africa we wanted to create something unique and memorable for them.

We chose to start off their journey at the luxurious Sussi & Chuma Lodge in Zambia.  Built on a dramatic bend in the Zambezi River, just a short drive away from the world-famous Victoria Falls, this exclusive haven consists of a main lodge with twelve tree houses connected by stilted wooden walkways. Each tree house enjoys superb views over the river and is an open plan space with shower, bathtub and private toilet. 

Next up on the family’s trip was four nights’ accommodation at Sausage Tree Camp, which is set in the most stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River.  The camp overlooks an expanse of narrow channels and low set reed islands teeming with game, with the magnificent Zambezi escarpment forming the perfect backdrop.  Accommodation consists of unique Bedouin-style white canvas tents furnished in luxurious fabrics and Zambian Teak.  The open air bathrooms and expansive decks with Zambezi River views are a signature of the camp. 

The family were delighted to report back that they had amazing game sightings in this area which varied from elephants to hippo, zebra, leopard, hyenas and even giraffe.

For three nights the family then stayed on at the quaint Sanctuary Puku Ridge Camp.

Puku Ridge is an intimate camp consisting of seven tents which are spacious and comfortable. The central dining area produces gourmet meals, despite being so far away from a city! The camp has also been designed to leave no trace on the environment and has embraced a very natural kind of African chic in its decor.  The South Luangwa is known as the home of the walking safari and it remains the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the bush here.

Next stop was to the Cape Winelands in the beautiful Franschhoek area where the family relaxed for three days at Le Quartier Francais.

Spend your days here exploring Franschhoek, the most charming French-influenced village boasting beautiful mountain scenery, brilliant wine estates and top gourmet restaurants.

The family also made time for a full day of shark cage diving which is a popular and exciting activity for many tourists who visit the Cape!

They then rented a car and drove into Cape Town where they spent four days at the trendy POD Hotel in Camps Bay.Cape Town is an amazingly beautiful and diverse city.  From taking the cable car up Table Mountain, to walking around the city and soaking in its architecture, museums, the famous Castle and flea markets, the family were spoilt for choice.

From the Cape Town International airport the family then took a flight to Nelspruit and then a transfer to Mala Mala.

Here they spent a few nights at the exclusive Mala Mala Camp which is situated in the game reserve.  One of the largest private Big Five game reserves in South Africa, Mala Mala comprises over 33 000 acres of unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve.

The camps here embody an authentic safari experience, with sweeping plains, the African sky and the bush in all its majesty.

On the final stop in the family’s busy itinerary, the family took another transfer to Benguerra Island, in Mozambique.  Here they spent four sun-filled days on the island enjoying a variety of activities from sea kayaking, to sunset dhow cruises, Land rover safari picnics, guided walks, snorkeling, and even horse riding.

They stayed at the small but intimate Benguerra Lodge which has an expansive lounge, bar and dining room – all with large wooden decks and indoor and outdoor seating areas. Traditional Moçambican cuisine, Portuguese flavours and a variety of delicious dishes make up the daily menus.  Each room embraces Benguerra’s unique blend of safari chic and Arabic style, and with the turquoise blue waters as your view this seaside resort would make a truly unforgettable experience for any visitor.

So what did the Cano’s have to say about their African adventure?

“We had an unforgettable vacation and everything went smoothly with your advice and recommendations.   Thank you for everything, you have a paradise of a city.  We enjoyed very much our stay in Cape Town.
Many friends have asked us about our trip and we will of course pass on all our experiences, as well as your information to them so that they can contact you themselves.  Best wishes, Patricia, Eduardo, Samuel and Luis.”

Hopefully this wonderful itinerary has given you many ideas for your next African trip; contact us at Travel Concepts to help you with the final details!

Arriving in the surfer town of Plettenberg Bay, known to locals as Plett, the family made their first stop at Fynbos Ridge, where they spent two days here among the magnificent gardens and fynbos.

This Cape Dutch style country house is spacious and well appointed, and is only a few minutes away from the pristine beaches of Plettenberg Bay.

Secluded, tranquil and relaxed are the only words to describe this lovely lodge.  And apart from the freezing weather, the family had an amazing time here, marking the highlights of their trip as the wonderful gardens, views of the valley below and fynbos, perfect for the kids to roam free!

There are so many things to do in this amazing part of the Southern Cape that the family just didn’t have time to experience.

So here is a list of our top must-see and do activities:

-      Treetop canopy tours over the Tsitsikamma forest

-      Take a ferry on the Knysna Lagoon to the dramatic lagoon heads

-      Bungy jump off Africa’s largest bridge

-      Skydiving and scenic flights from the air

-      Visit the Birds of Eden aviary

-      Pop in at the Elephant Sanctuary and Knysna Elephant Park

-      Learn about the monkeys at Monkeyland

-      Ocean safaris of the surrounding bay where you can see dolphins, whales and seals

Their last stop on the route was at the villa at Hog Hollow in Crags near Plett.

The villa here is about 400 metres from the main lodge situated on the edge of an indigenous forest in a private nature reserve.  With panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Tsitsikamma Mountains this really is one of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of the Garden Route.

The family absolutely loved this luxurious three bedroomed villa with open plan kitchen and comfy furnishings; there is even a nice covered pool area outside where the kids can swim and you can enjoy breakfast in the morning African sun. A big games area also allowed the family to enjoy more time together where table tennis matches where played daily.

The villa was very relaxing and with all the mod cons and service from the hotel, a real special treat for the family!

Mandi’s advice – this villa is perfect for families and groups of friends traveling together as one can enjoy the common areas here to socialize.

The family really had one unforgettable road trip, confirming the statement that local is indeed lekker!

If these lovely reviews from the past weeks have inspired you to visit any of these stops mentioned on Mandi’s trip, please contact us so we can help you plan it!

9 nights experiencing Kenya’s Safari and Beach life.

You’ll love the vast plains and animal spotting opportunities as much as you’ll enjoy kicking back on the Kenyan south coast.

On arrival in Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to Ngong House, your tree house styled accommodation, overlooking the Ngong Hills. Spend one night in this luxurious and private setting.
Insider tip: Feed the Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre and visit the nearby snake park too.

Located on the Western Border of the Masai Mara National Park is Kilima Camp. This eco lodge overlooks the Mara River and plains. Discover local wildlife and learn about the Masai customs and traditions, for three days. With excellent game viewing options and scenic walks of the area you will see this National Park from all sides.
Insider tip: Book a hot air balloon excursion for the ride of a lifetime.

After your exhilarating safari, you will end your honeymoon with relaxation at the beach. Located on the Kenyan South Coast, Msambweni Beach House is in a quiet, unique setting on the beach, surrounded by 28 acres of natural land. Guests have access to their own private beach. Spend five days snorkeling, wind surfing and playing beach volleyball.
Insider tip: Make the most of your time here and let us book a treatment or two for you at the spa. 

So if you’re still deciding where to stay for your honeymoon, why not choose the African coast on this side of the equator for something unique and extraordinary.

Contact us to help you plan it now!

Now our city of Cape Town is scenic enough from the ground, but from up high on a stunning winter’s day, Richard was blown away by the different view of his adopted city and surroundings. From the beauty of the mountain and the beaches of Clifton and Camps bay, where he saw whales swimming just off shore, to the majesty of the dramatic Chapman’s Peak cliff top drive and the peninsula shoreline, the trip gave him a completely new perspective of this wonderful part of the world. Flying back over the Constantia valley and its vineyards they even hovered for a few minutes over Chez Holt.

Enjoy some images of his exciting chopper ride and contact us to find our more about tailor-making your own Cape Town ride in the sky.

Mandi and her family made their first stop at the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve at the elegant Uplands Homestead. This beautifully restored 1905 homestead exudes charm and farmhouse hospitality.

With only four bedrooms and being one of the newer lodges at &Beyond Kwandwe, its perfect for individual attention, Mandi and her family had the lodge all to themselves!  Situated in a remote and tranquil valley, surrounded by magnificent hills, it is the perfect place for a private safari.

With a very experienced game ranger name Marcelino as their tour guide, they had a magical safari here and Marcelino proved to be an instant hit with the kids.  His style of lecturing is fun and informative; he brought the game viewing experience totally to life!  And apart from the bad weather the family was lucky enough to track down a pride of lions eating a warthog for breakfast so it was a good experience all round!

The family had no time to waste and was off yet again on to their next stop. Prana Lodge Private Beach Resort and spa is situated on the Wild Coast, just 40 minutes north of East London.

This five star luxury boutique hotel and spa is located on 21km of unspoilt stretch of beach within a private estate surrounded by an indigenous dune forest. Mandi says that they were pleasantly surprised by its beautiful setting and gourmet dining.

Large suites are set far apart with their own plunge pool and outside shower and one nice touch for such a small lodge is the brilliant Thai spa offering a range of treatments for the wearied traveller.

The property is also large in size with wonderful gardens, it almost feels like you are staying at some beautiful resort in Asia, with Vervid monkeys running around and Knysna’s Loerie birds flitting about, trying to take cover in the nearby forest.

They also have lovely wooden walkways which connect the lodge to the beach through the forest, which lead onto a dramatic deck that showcases the magnificent views of the white beaches below.  Surf lessons and horse riding on the beach can be booked among a range of other low-key activities, which Gabriella took full advantage of.

Lovely for kids and honeymooners Prana is a definite gem on the Wild Coast, the perfect combination of game lodge and beach!

The last stop on the Wild Coast route was in Kokstad, which sits on the border between the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal, called Willowdale Lodge.

Again this was a lovely surprise for the family, and according to Mandi is the only place to stay in this area! This homely manor house is family run and set up in the middle of nowhere but offers wonderful features and accommodation, and the dinner the family had was out-of-this-world, totally unexpected for such a small town in a remote setting.

With 10 rooms the manor house is small providing the visitor the comfort of modern living with historic ambiance, including scores of interesting artifacts, family photos and antiques that are showcased around the homestead for added interest.

It has a very casual feeling about it which is nice when you have kids and the fact that there was a huge espresso machine working on overdrive in the morning to provide fresh coffee, was an added bonus for the Aliverti’s!

Interested in finding out more about these little gems on the Wild Coast? Contact us to help you find out more!

  Stay tuned for our final blog post on Mandi’s trip titled “Going Gaga on the Garden Route!”

Mandi’s first stop was at the five-star country house and stud farm of Hartford House, which is near Mooi River on the Midlands Meander and the only hotel located on a world-class racehorse stud. Apart from the horse riding there is much to do on this picturesque homestead estate but the Aliverti’s where on a mission here – lunch! Regularly voted as one of South Africa’s top ten restaurants, they had targeted their stop specifically and were not disappointed.

From here they took a lazy dive through the Midlands Meander, a route near the Mooi River which offers visitors wonderful hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings. For miles and miles hectres of farmland extends on where you can stop off and see anything from local events to fabulous restaurants, take part in a variety of outdoor activities and adventure sports, view historic landmarks, wildlife and the best of all “shop-till-you-drop” at arts and craft spots.

Next up on the family’s busy itinerary was a two night stay at Fugitives Drift Lodge in the heart of the KZN battlefields.

With intense and emotional stories from the battles between the British and the Zulus, as part of your visit experience, Mandi highly recommends this stop for anyone interested in South African history.  

But for the most part the family where definitely looking forward to the tours of the area.  Led by the finest battlefield guides in SA, tours are conducted daily to Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. And they have also especially introduced a kid’s tour called Battlefield Kids which was wonderful for Mandi’s two kiddies.  They were taken to explore a Zulu village, learnt about the culture and battles of the area, and got to view the reserve and see its plain game like zebra and giraffe.  This is a once in a lifetime experience for kids to be educated on their country’s history and have fun at the same time!

From the battlefields the family then made their way on to Pakamisa Private Game Reserve, near Pongola in northern KZN.

This lodge is situated in 2500 hectres of pristine wilderness, allowing guests to enjoy an exclusive out-of-Africa experience in the bush. With Spanish and African influences, the lodge is small; offering eight beautifully maintained suites. 

The family who are avid horse lovers especially chose this lodge as if offers horse-back safaris at this predator-free reserve, where guests are invited to take rides on the Arabian horses that are bred on the farm.  Gabriella enjoyed some horse riding lessons and Mandi, who is a little fearful about getting on these beautiful four-legged creatures, even managed a ride or two! The family was also lucky enough to spot some game while riding, from ostrich, to warthog, bush buck and even impala. With stunning views of the estate and stables, where kids are encouraged to be involved in the cleanup of, the family really had an amazing time at this one-of-a-kind game reserve.

Their last stop was at another game reserve close to Hluhluwe. Voted as one of South Africa’s leading safari lodges, Thanda Private Game Reserve is a five star luxurious African lodge with large suites each with their own private plunge pool, tsala and deck.

The family especially appreciated the fact that kids are a well catered for priority at this lodge, with a kiddie’s ranger programme that encourages each child to participate on safari through a varied and fun activity book.

Apart from the friendly service, the family also enjoyed excellent game viewing, spotting not only lion, leopard and cheetah, but also a pack of wild dog!  The lodge also has a waterhole which is a lovely opportunity to again spot some of the reserves’ game, there are almost always warthog’s there and the family managed to spot three elephants coming to drink! A magical experience for them all and one that the entire family will definitely not soon forget.

Keep a lookout for our next blog post which will cover the Wild Coast part of the Aliverti’s trip!

Looking for a tailormade African family getaway just like Mandi’s? Contact us to help you make it happen!

After three weeks, 5,000 kilometres travelled (and twelve tanks of petrol!) on South Africa’s roads sometimes less travelled – our Head of Travel Mandi is back from her latest voyage of discovery, filling the office with exciting stories of her families adventures along the way.

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing some of her impressions and highlights on our blog, so keep posted for stories of great game viewing and new stylish safari lodges, secluded and romantic beach spots, elegant country lodges, fabulous food and fun filled family surprises along the way.

Watch out for our first post next week entitled Beauty, Battlefields and the Big 5 -  Welcome to the Zulu Kingdom!

Top Aussie Bridal magazine Modern Wedding have already featured many of our real life weddings and when they wanted to do an online article on dream honeymoons they knew just who to turn to for the lowdown on Africa.

Our MD Richard Holt was proud to share tips and advice on why honeymooning in Africa is unbeatable and why we are the best people to contact to help Australian couples enjoy the most memorable and romantic vacation of their lives here in Southern Africa.

Click on the link to enjoy the full article.

We take our Designer Decadence feature to new levels this month after a stay at Cape Town’s newest Boutique hotel: the uber swanky Queen Victoria Hotel. 

Our MD Richard reports,

“The last time I stood in this very room, it was a concrete shell, with wires hanging everywhere and workmen in full swing, banging and hammering feverishly at everything in site. 

But now six months later here I was tipping the hotel porter whilst Mrs. Holt made a bee line for the champagne, already cooing to herself over the stylish decor and furnishings.

We had been invited to stay in the new Queen Victoria Hotel  just a stones throw from Cape Towns’ famous Waterfront, the latest addition to the stable owned by Newmark Hotels. Our visit six months earlier was to see how their vision of classic elegance meets contemporary design was taking shape. At the time they had promised awe inspiring design and now on first glance they had delivered to that promise. The huge white marble spiral staircase, glass lift and crystal chandeliers in the triple volume foyer was a hint of things to come and our room delivered to the same standard.

Big and spacious, with huge comfy beds and full of designer touches, classic sophistication is the word that springs to mind.

So first impressions were very good but they got considerably better when we went for dinner at Dash, the hotel’s super cool looking restaurant. A very intimate setting with intriguing artwork adorning the walls, the experience was truly spectacular and that’s coming from someone who thinks of himself as a bit of a foodie. The dishes delivered the same awe inspiring design as the hotel itself, totally unexpected but a real highlight.

With 35 rooms we think the Queen Vic is a great addition to the Cape Town hotel scene, small enough to be intimate and individual, big enough to provide facilities of a larger hotel, its sure to be a hit with international visitors. Close to the action of the Waterfront and all the attractions, but tucked away creating a relaxing haven of calm, luxury and understated opulence. The only downside is it’s so tucked away that it’s not that easy to find for those not familiar with the area, but that’s not much of a detraction from what is a truly spectacular hotel.”

It’s a name recognised the world over as synonymous with South Africa’s wine industry. Stunningly beautiful it’s an area rich in heritage and culture and has South Africa’s oldest wine route. This year also sees the 40^th anniversary of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, a membership organisation set up to promote and showcase the region’s winemakers, their world class wines and the whole Stellenbosch experience.

They are also responsible for the 10th Annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival taking place from the 28^th to the 31^st of July this year and the combination of both will ensure a special celebration in the town. Ahead of the event we decided to catch up with Wine Routes CEO Annareth Bolton to find out more of what’s in store for this year and also asked her to share with our readers some of her favourite things to do in Stellenbosch.

So Annareth, tell us a bit more about some of the highlights of this year’s festival

Coinciding with our 40^th anniversary this year’s festival is going to be bigger and better than ever before, with 150 farms, 500 wines and 15,000 visitors expected, wine and foodie enthusiasts will be overwhelmed with the choice.  Gourmet delights will be on offer from top local chefs, educational wine and food workshops and local entertainment will keep visitors entertained for hours on end.  The preceding Stellenbosch Wine Week will kick off on the 22^nd of July, where many of the farms in the Stellenbosch area will open up their cellar doors for a week of entertainment and activities. Two things that I definitely won’t be missing out on are dinner with the legendary winemaking family the Ratcliffe’s at Warwick wine estate and breakfast with Ken Forrester, maker of some of our best Chenin Blancs.

Talking of food, what are your favourite places to eat in the Stellenbosch?

Wow, a tough one as we are in an area of real gourmet excellence and for fine dining – three of SA’s top restaurants Rust En Vrede, Overture and Terroir are in Stellenbosch. They are all truly fantastic, but one that might be less well known to international travellers and my current favourite is Umami in Dorp Street. They prepare and serve food with one overriding objective in mind – to unlock and accentuate each dish’s “deliciousness” and I keep going back time after time for the Pork Sirloin. I also love my casual dining and the traditional Sunday lunch at the Towerbosch restaurant on the Knorhoek wine farm is not to be missed. 

What about the best place to sample some cake and coffee?

Take a stroll through the centre of Stellenbosch, where you definitely need to stop and try De Oude Bank Bakkerij in Church Street. It’s the old bank building where they make delicious homemade cakes, chocolate and cheeses served with great cappuccino!

For a romantic overnight stay, where would you suggest?

Clouds Estate, a small boutique guest house at the top of the Helgshoogte pass outside Stellenbosch is an intimate and stylish venue with stunning views and big comfy white beds – the perfect place for some alone time. It is also situated just a few minutes away from the best wines and greatest restaurant options around. It’s just great for a weekend getaway.

Where can one visit and best sample Stellenbosch’s rich history?

I think start by taking a historical walking tour through the Town. I was here 10 years before going on one of these walks, and I saw many things I had never seen before, it was so interesting and a real eye opener. The tree lined streets are amazing, the old museum, the university, the architecture, the stories and the historical characters that have influenced Stellenbosch are all so interesting. From a wine perspective definitely visit our oldest estates like Meerlust, Simonsig and Delheim to see where it all began.

Where’s a great place to take the kids in Stellenbosch?

Middlevlei wine farm is the perfect place for kids, with great wines for mum and dad to try with a traditional South African braai or farmer’s lunch. At the same time the kids can play with the farm animals or take tractor or donkey rides that are on offer – children even get to braai their own “stokbrood”. It’s a real family affair there!

Where would one find an “off the beaten track” experience not to be missed?

Take the nature walk in the Jonkershoek valley – the scenery and the peacefulness are absolutely breath-taking, one hike that you would not easily forget!

So onto wine, what’s your favourite local wine of the moment?

I represent over 150 farms and hundreds of different wines so this is a tough one. My favourites are constantly changing: whites in the summer and reds in the winter. So if you ask me right now I would say the Stark Condé 2007 Syrah or the Pinot Noir from Vriesenhof.

What about the sparkly stuff – when you drink bubbles what do you drink?

That’s an easy answer as I am a real bubbles girl!  I love Kevin Arnold’s MCC from Waterford Estate but it is a limited release and pretty rare. For something more accessible right now I really like the “Duel”, a Brut Methode Cap Classique from the Mooiplaas wine estate located in the Bottelary Hills on the edge of town.

Which young winemaker should we be watching out for at the moment? 

There are so many innovative and new up and comers in the industry but I am very intrigued by Morne Vrey from Delaire at the moment.

 For more information on the wine festival visit the Stellenbosch Wine Routes website here.