Africa Archives - Page 4 of 14 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

You book like a million pounds

12th October 202312th October 2023 funtime65

Because we’re worth it Destinology, who promote themselves as tour operator to the stars and Premier League, like to flatter us by saying… you book like a million pounds.

So sit back, bask in the compliment, and pore jealousy at what you could have won if you had brains in your feet rather than your head.

Destinology has only launched a three-month long once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa, India, Asia, Australia and Dubai.

Costing a million pounds for a family of four.

The perfect ten

Of course it’s the highest of high end and activities including off the beaten track wildlife and wilderness excursions.

And explorations of some of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Accommodation has also been carefully picked to include fancy shmantzy hotels, wilderness lodges, rainforest cabins and glamping.

While air travel is business class or by private helicopter charter.

You’ll take in ten different countries… so that’ll be 100,000 worth of each.

Animal magic

Cool for cats… in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

You’ll kick off in Kigali, Rwanda, including three nights in a Forest Villa in Volcanoes National Park with a gorilla trekking excursion.

Guests are then transferred by private charter helicopter to Akagera National Park for safari… and we’re past masters here.

Sunset Champagne cruises, helicopter tours, a stay at Gorse Elephant Camp, explorations of the Cape Winelands and Treetop villas await in South Africa.

Before travelling to Mauritius for nine nights at the One&Only Le Saint Géran.

And then the Seychelles archipelago for an eight-night stay in a private villa at the secluded Six Senses Zil Pasyon.

Asia major

Most trips to India are rushed but Destinology offers 12 nights.

Plenty of time to explore the heritage, glitz and glamour of Mumbai.

A private culinary walking tour of New Delhi, a visit to Agra – home to the Taj Mahal and the 16th century forts.

Followed by an exploration of Jaipur, famed for its spice markets and Rajput architecture.

The Shangri-La hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, is what you’d expect it to be.

And you’ll be treated to a private Grand Palace tour.

There is a two-night stay in Elephant Hills in a lake view villa and guaranteed Dumbos.

Before heading off on jungle trek and canoe excursions.

And then taking in seven nights in the tranquil Devasom Khao Lak Beach Resort & Villas on the island of Khao Lak.

Singapore is noted for its tasty street food.

So dig in, and be sure to take in the private City and Bay of Gardens Tour.

Before retiring to a Premier Harbour View Room at the Swissotel The Stamford.

Out of the city is the enchanting heart of Bali, Ubud.

With adventures await in the lush oasis including a Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

Plus a full day tour of Bali’s lakes and temples.

Seven nights at the refreshing Alila Seminyak follow where the emphasis is on the pristine beaches and spa facilities.

Oz-some

Destinology are all over Australia, of course.

And you’ll get to do Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiking and wildlife in the Blue Mountains, Ayers Rock.

The world’s oldest rainforest at Daintree, and an eco-snorkeling adventure at the Great Barrier Reef.

And if you’re pooped at he end of all that then don’t fret.

Golden Dubai

You’ll finish up with seven nights in Dubai, the ‘City of Gold’.

Now just to get those lottery numbers right.

Because we know you and Destinology are right you book like a million pounds.

So check out the full itinerary here.

Africa, America, Countries, Culture, Europe, UK

Living art in leading hotels

5th October 2023 funtime65

I might well have been in a time warp seeing Oscar Wilde getting arrested in Cadogan Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge but then that’s living art in leading hotels for you.

Oscar, as we know don’t we, had rooms at the hotel around the corner from his marital home…

And his next abode would be less fancy, a cell in Reading Gaol.

It was all there in glorious colour as I descended the stairs for my breakfast.

And I flirted with being arrested too after arguing about the price of the food with the staff worried I’d do a runner.

Leading the way

Now not all hotels have such history but clearly the more prestigious have and our friends at the The Leading Hotels of The Word’s have compiled the hotels with the best artwork ahead of art week next week.

The collection offers a variety of hotels which house numerous contemporary and traditional pieces including one with similar lineage, we assume. L’oscar in London.

While the Dolder Grand in Zurich is home to around 100 works of art by 90 renowned artists.

And Le Negresco in Nice has a collection of artwork spanning over five centuries.

Hôtel Swexan takes influences from Texas and Switzerland, whereas The Saxon stays true to its South African roots.

Dodder around the Dolder

Dolder Grand, Zurich: Around one hundred works of art by ninety celebrated artists are on display throughout the hotel with most accessible to all guests.

With others reserved for hotel guests on particular floors.

The diverse mix of artists includes Ferdinand Hodler, Urs Fischer and Max Bill.

While at the entrance to the ‘The Restaurant’ lies “Femmes métamorphosées – Les sept arts” by Salvador Dalí.

And “Le Monde” by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, can be seen en route to the hotel spa.

L’Oscar goes to…

L’Oscar, London: And that’s not the only connection with the effervescent spirit of Oscar Wilde vividly captured in the portraits that adorn the walls in this central London hotel.

While there is a prized picture here of Frank Cadogan Cowper and his “Venetian Ladies Listening to the Serenade”.

Equally enchanting is the original 1861 painting by Jules Joseph Lefebvre, “Diva Vittoria Colonna”, a work of art that radiates grace and timeless elegance.

Oil paintings of Virginia Woolf further enrich the ambiance with a sense of literary history.

Nice decor

Le Negresco, Nice: It feels much like entering a museum.

One in which artists’ Picasso, Dali and Chagall were regulars.

A Baccarat chandelier with over 16,000 crystals hangs in the Royal Lounge, commissioned and in later years gifted by Czar Nicholas II.

Modern sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle are juxtaposed with historic works from Louis XIII’s reign, including a portrait of King Louis XIV.

Swanky Swexan

Hotel Swexan, Dallas: The Swiss/Texas art story of Hôtel Swexan began over a century ago.

With the first of what is now four generations of the Barbier-Mueller family art collection.

The hotel’s Samurai Art Collection is also the largest of its kind in the world outside of Japan.

With more than 1.5 million visitors worldwide.

In addition, Hermès scarves designed by Aline Honoré for the family’s Samurai Collection are on display throughout the hotel.

Saxon call

Saxon Hotels, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa: The collection has been selected from both established and emerging artists from across Africa, Europe and the East.

The hotel also offers guests suggested itineraries.

With an art focus that encourage them to explore whilst visiting the city of Johannesburg.

This includes visiting well-known South African art galleries.

Along with giving them the chance to meet with local artists in person.

Africa, America, Countries, UK

250 years of the Black Bard

4th October 20234th October 2023 funtime65

Back in the day I penned a paean to rap poet Benjamin Zephaniah so it’s time for another, this time for 250 years of the Black Bard, Phillis Wheatley.

Phillis being a traveller like ourselves, entranced by London’s bright lights.

But as a black teenager of her time, Phillis was a slave, from West Africa via Boston, Massachusetts.

The young poet had arrived in Britain’s capital in 1773, the same year as the Boston Tea Party.

As the chattel of Nathaniel Wheatley, the adult son of the family who had bought her in Boston in 1761.

To see her collection, Poems on various subjects, published by Archibald Bell.

All of which came about through the family’s connections with Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon.

A Bostonian abroad

Educated as they were Phillis had clearly learned well her Homer, Horace, Virgil, Pope and Milton.

And had been writing poetry from the age of 12.

With her first published poem appearing in the Rhode Island in 1767.

Although she was unsuccessful in getting her collection published in Boston in 1772 which brought her to London.

That Phillis loved and was inspired by London (and who wouldn’t be?) we know from her letter to a Connecticut acquaintance, Colonel David Wooster, dated October 18, 1773.

Where she goes into some fine and excitable detail about the charms and attractions of London.

Tour of London

‘Grenville Sharp Esqr. Who attended me to the Tower & Show’d the Lions, Panthers, Tigers, &c. the Horse Armoury, small Armoury, the Crowns, Sceptres, Diadems, the Font for christening the Royal Family.

‘Saw Westminster Abbey, British Museum, Coxe’s Museum, Saddler’s wells, Greenwich Hospital, Park and Chapel, The royal Observatory at Greenwich, &c. &c. too many things & Places to trouble you with in a Letter.’

What the humble Phillis didn’t mention though was who she met among the great and good, among them Benjamin Franklin.

While she was beckoned to see King George III, only she was on her way home by then.

Free, free at last

sunset skyline boston dusk — Our cup of tea: Boston Photo by Kristin Vogt on Pexels.com

The said Grenvill Sharp Esqr was an abolitionist who was involved in a test case, the Somersett case.

Where The Lord Chief Justice ruled that enslaved African James Somersett brought to England from Boston by his owner, could not be legally forced to return to the colonies.

All of which helped our heroine and she was freed on her return to Boston.

She went on to marry, but died of chronic asthma at the tender age of 31.

Alas, as is the way with prophets in their own land, Phillis was not published in her adopted city of Boston until the 1830s.

While she remains relatively anonymous, and untaught, in Britain.

As do many black authors as I discovered when I asked in a bookshop if they had any Zepheniah…

All of which sparked me as I prepared for my Forth Stanza poetry show into penning my Ode to Zephaniah.

Ode to Zepheniah

I searched for Zepheniah

I searched lower I searched higher

Along the rows of shelves

Past Wordsworth, Yeats did I delve

Until I reached the Z,

And behind me poets dead,

But it all runs out at Y,

And so deflated, with a sigh,

I went over to reception,

To confront the shop’s deception,

And ask what happened to the Z,

And this is what she said,

‘There’s no-one with that letter,

‘And would you not be better,

‘To try a different author,

‘She didn’t want the bother,

‘Of spelling Zepheniah,

‘And so she did enquire,

‘If I’d read Andrew Motion’

Of him I had no notion.

‘The Poet Laureate I was told.

‘And how many copies has he sold’

‘I’ll check the other store.’

And as she hung on the blower

I thought about the others,

Perhaps Benjamin’s sisters, brothers,

Deleted from the alphabet,

Because poets’ names don’t start with Z.

A word or two from Phillis

On a pedestal: Phillis honoured in Boston

I’d like to think I stand comparison with Phillis… I’d like to.

Judge for yourself with this offering from ‘One Being Brought From Africa to America’.

‘TWAS mercy brought me from my Pagan land,

‘Taught my benighted soul to understand

‘That there’s a God, that there’s a Saviour too:

‘Once I redemption neither sought now knew,

‘Some view our sable race with scornful eye,

‘Their colour is a diabolic die.’

‘Remember, Christians, Negroes, black as Cain,

‘May be refin’d, and join th’ angelic train.’

So, in this Black History Month, a mark of 250 years of the Black Bard, Phillis Wheatley.

Africa, Countries

Mandela Manor

8th September 20238th September 2023 funtime65

When you’ve spent 25 years in a tiny prison cell as a freedom fighter you deserve to come out to something of a Mandela Manor.

We all, of course, became familiar with news of The Great Man‘s false incarceration in Robben Island.

Hands across the world: Me, Siseko and The Great Man in Gqeberha

But less about his life in the quarters he then relocated to back in Johannesburg.

His primary place of residence was in the leafy surrounds of Houghton.

Sanctuary Mandela

If it felt like a hotel to Mandela after all those years mucking out then it most definitely is now.

Sanctuary Mandela is now a re-envisioned residency, a boutique hotel with nine rooms.

Each room is dedicated to an aspect of his personality.

While the lush gardens reflect the South African icon’s love of nature.

With retreat spaces filled with perfectly curated exhibits that pay tribute to Mandela.

Every corner of the boutique hotel is envisaged to provide the combination of tranquillity, heritage, and mindful experiences.

Invictus victorious

And if you think Sanctuary Mandela looks familiar then it was used in the filming of Invictus.

All in our minds just now as the Rugby World Cup kicks off and Siya Kolisi’s Springboks attempt to retain the trophy.

While in memory of Mandela’s love for food, the fine-dining restaurant serves as a tribute to his favourite dishes.

As they were previously prepared by his long-time personal chef of 20 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

Of course you can walk in Mandela’s footsteps across South Africa.

And feel his presence particularly in his home province of the Eastern Cape.

We found three nights from the start of next month for under £500 at £493 for two.

Where you can live like an icon in Mandela Manor.

And we picked out British Airways return flights for two for under £3,000 (£2,982.82).

Africa, Countries

Holiday Pics on World Photography Day

20th August 202320th August 2023 funtime65

I’ve an advantage over everybody else… I’ve an award-winning snapper to showcase her holiday pics on World Photography Day.

And that makes it all a treat for y’all when we get the piccies out when we get home.

So without further adieu here’s a taster of what fills our albums at home.

And we’ll even throw in a photography vacation offer to tease you.

Portugal’s a picture

And you can keep your Algarve amateur poolside and beach lounger snaps this is one from Aveiro.

A stunning fishing town in Portugal Centro it is known as the Portuguese Venice.

It’s Portugal’s big secret but heck now it’s out thanks to an award-winning writer, and a snapper.

Hamburger and shots

And we did both in the Reeperbahn and further afield and photographic shots and shoots.

We’ll leave our bed pics to your imagination, though actually we have shared those Hamburg city beach bar snaps.

My Fjord Lady

And my Little Mermaid followed us from Kiel in Germany through Copenhagen and up the Norwegian fjords.

And captured it all from aboard her MSC cruise ship and on our land excursions.

Amsterdam dame

And in the City of Tulips, my photographic pal was the prettiest flower.

And when I was motioning towards their famously tall, narrow bars she was capturing the delightful Amsterdam architecture.

No pic like Rome

And with all roads famously leading to Rome it took me some time, until I was 40, to visit La Citta Eterna.

Sadie the Snapper had been here before and was excited to show me the sites, among them the Trevi Fountain.

The superstition is right and I’ve been back and we will be too.

Snap up Morocco

Sahara bumpity: Two Tuareg nomads in the Sahara

While any and all travellers can always do with Travel Department to hold our hands.

TD Active Holidays offers a guided holiday with an array of photographic opportunities.

From the impressive mosques and markets of Marrakech.

To the busy fishing port of Essaouira and the rocky, barren Agafay Desert.

Where you’ll learn to develop your documentary, street and landscape photography skills.

On this holiday, you’ll not only get to experience Moroccan culture through a camera’s lens.

But also through traditional Moroccan food and live music.

As well as an exhilarating camel ride across the dunes… I hope you get my old friend Larsson to hump you along.

You’ll be accompanied on your journey with an additional tutor from the Dublin Photography School.

They’ll provide tutorials, demonstrations and tips to your small group.

So that you get the most out of the images you capture.

This trip departs on 13^th October from €1,099pp.

Including return flights, transfers, four nights’ half-board in a three-star hotel, plus expert guide.

And when you get back your friends will be begging you to share

Africa, Asia, Countries

World Sand Dune Day

24th June 202324th June 2023 funtime65

It’s World Sand Dune Day so let’s get ready to rumble.

If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea then you could have sand dunes next to you.

Ours are a 9km circular trek, part of the John Muir Way, the West Bay in North Berwick, east of Edinburgh and Gullane Bents.

Of course, the quickest route and the one we all first took was a forward roll down dunes.

Over the dune

We were fortunate to spend those summers in Ireland and play in the Portsalon Dunes in Co. Donegal.

And the biggest in the country is another stomping ground, Tramore in Co. Waterford, at 85ft high.

Big, but not as big as the Great Dune of Pyla.

Head just over 37 miles from Bordeaux, and you’ll find the tallest dune in Europe.

It’s more than a mile and a half long and stands over 360ft above sea level.

Come one, camel

Or as towering as the 500ft tall, 30-mile long Erg Chebbi Dunes in south-eastern Morocco.

Now I’m not sure which part of the desert Larsson (I kid you not) the camel took me to.

But, of course, I did the roly-poly thing down a dune.

Moroccan rollin’

Only to feel my tummy really rumble, on account of a dodgy tagine up in the Atlas Mountains.

But don’t let my mishap put you off, sand dunes are to be played among.

And while the camel is, of course, the ship of the desert.

If you want to get there quicker and like a thrill, you can hit the Jeeps as we did in Jordan.

Sand surfing

Of course wherever there’s sand, or you can build sand, then you can go sand boarding or sand surfing.

So islands here, like Britain, are framed by dunes.

With our friends in the duning club pointing us towards Balmedie, near Aberdeen as Scotland’s best.

Of course, as there’s a World Championships for everything and a world day too…

Then check out the Sandboard World Cup in Peru.

So get on a roll this World Sand Dune Day… just be careful what you eat first.

And insure yourself with Imodium… and InsureandGo.

Africa, Countries, Culture

Sidecar around the dastardly Atlas Mountains

17th June 202317th June 2023 funtime65

It conjures up the image of Dick Dastardly and Muttley, a sidecar around the dastardly Atlas Mountains.

So picture, if you will, a biblical deluge, and a Moroccan guide fasting for Ramadan.

He’s only driving a minibus around windy cliff roads with rain and the mountain falling around the vehicle.

Yes,Wacky Races had nothing on this… and now someone wants to sidecar around the Dastardly Atlas Mountains!

Now what is it about Morocco and the Moroccans?

Concierge a votre service

Our guide that day in the mountains would have nothing of us cancelling the trip to the desert because of the weather.

And we suspect, the end of the world apart, neither will the Royal Mansour Marrakech.

Because they boast a concierge service of which their royal family would be proud.

And what bigger thrill than to discover the Atlas Mountains off the beaten path aboard a vintage style sidecar?

While if you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground then they know the best centuries-old, shepherds’ paths to hike.

Right, you reach the desert, past the pleading brown-eyed kids who get pushed towards you with their little palm camels.

Weaving between remote Berber villages, mountain pastures and craggy massifs to venture over panoramic passes.

Before you feast on Moroccan culinary delights in the Agafay Desert beneath a Bedouin tent.

The big tent

And stay overnight at eco-luxe lodge La Pause to indulge in an evening of stargazing, next to tributary river with spectacular views.

Better than staring at the skies from an outdoor, open-roofed toilet, because you’ve eaten a tagine from a fly-ridden barbecue up thar mountains… but then that was just me.

The feasting doesn’t stop there – the 30^th of July commemorates the crowning of the King with the Feast of the Throne, a celebration filled with delectable feasts, fireworks displays and parades.

And how to get around… well, what about quad bikes or in a buggy, a guided hike or cycling tour, or discover the desert on horseback (I preferred a camel).

Elsewhere, watch the sun rise over the Sahara from a hot air balloon, accompanied by a champagne picnic on board.

Marvel at dancers, snake charmers, fortune-tellers, acrobats and more at the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival taking place in the city’s palaces, streets, and squares between July 2-6.

While the city’s Oasis Festival takes place between September 13 and 15.

With three days of electronic music, surf trips, yoga sessions and swimming at the base of the Atlas Mountains.

All of which adventures and peregrinations will mean that you’ll be wanting some R&R back in the Royal Mansour.

Live like a royal

Well, their specifications bills the Royal Mansour as:

Just steps from the Medina, showcasing an open-air courtyard and nearly four acres of lush gardens.

These have recently been extended to incorporate a beautiful kitchen garden Atelier d’Artiste and an elevated, private dining space.

And they encourage us to stay in private multi-story riads dotted along pink pathways. No carts; no rooms; no crowds.

And they’re not finished there…

Because the property’s crown jewel is the three-story, 2,500 square-metre Spa Royal Mansour which is accessed through a private citrus grove.

The elaborate white birdcage atrium is bathed in natural light and offers multi-day wellness programmes to soothe the body, mind, and soul.

And for the creatives there’s art therapy sessions in the Atelier d’Artiste.

Situated within a glass-panelled greenhouse surrounded by the quiet serenity of the property’s gardens.

So whether it’s pottery, photography, calligraphy or embroidery, art therapists encourage guests to reconnect with their inner selves.

And a pool day at the hotel’s 30-metre-long, 20-metre-wide pool offers serenity.

With seven, air-conditioned, private pavilions allowing poolgoers to relax and refresh.

That’s a deal

And best of all they are offering a four nights for the price of three summer offer meaning one-bedroom riads start from £1,200 per night.

And that includes breakfast, immigration fast track service + airport transfers in Marrakech.

Africa, Countries

South Africa Get Me Into There

2nd May 20232nd May 2023 funtime65

The Celebrities were happy enough to scream South Africa Get Me Into There… so why not us?

Well, our friends at Cassidy Travel in Ireland have been thinking about us and, of course, they never stop.

So they’ve hoved in on SA and safaris as somewhere you’d be glad to set up camp.

Now where Gillian McKeith, Shaun Ryder, Carol Vorderman, Janice Dickinson et al have gone they have followed us.

And all the trials and tribulations and tricky treats are as nought compared to our travails in the Eastern Cape.

Safari travails

When we put ourselves in the hands of Alan of Alan Tours out of Gqberha, or Port Elizabeth, as we then knew it.

Into Baviaanskloof Reserve with its monkeys, baboons, antelopes and springboks.

And were diverted though through Alan’s local knowledge we got back at 1am.

But lived by our wits in the South Africa back woods eating South African/Scots biscuits and playing party games.

Cape crusaders

Cassidy’s, of course, have everything covered on their eight-night Cape Town & Safari Package for travel on October 2.

Including flights with Qatar Airways, private transfers and accommodation.

You’ll have five nights B&B in Cape Town at the Pepper Club Luxury Hotel and Spa.

Where you’ll naturally want to check out Table Mountain National Park.

And Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was robbed of 25 years of his life.

Safari so good

And then three nights safari on Aquila Game Reserve in a Premier Lodge Room on a full room basis.

Prices from €2149pp based on two people sharing.

Something to think on when you’re watching Z-list celebs and shouting South Africa Get Me Into There.

Africa, Countries, Sustainable Tourism

The Riad to Marrakech

8th April 2023 funtime65

I’ve been saving all my money just to take you there, I smell the garden in your hair. It’s the Marrakech Express… or what I like to call The Riad to Marrakech.

With apologies to those Sixties hipsters Crosby, Stills and Nash (and sometimes Young) who were, of course, far more lyrical about the Red City.

We dare say that they would have stayed at some hippy hang-out.

But I suspect that Stephen and Graham, and RIP to David, would now frequent the Royal Mansour Marrakech.

Situated at the foot of Marrakech’s ramparts, in the western part of the medina are the lush, landscaped gardens at Royal Mansour Marrakech.

Spanning four acres, it is the vision of award-winning Spanish landscape designer and Bonsai curator Luis Vallejo, drawing on Arab-Andalusian tradition into play.

And going off on a tangent, my green-fingered pal here is doing so well with her bonsai garden that she’s thinking of downsizing.

Festival of flowers

Back to Souk City and the The Jardin’art Festival over the spring unfolds in the city’s Jardin des Arts.

To offer a variety of botanical events, concerts, and gorgeous floral displays for all to enjoy.

And thanks to our friends in Marrakech, and believe me you need all the pals you can get in this bustling city with false guides round some of the souk corners, we have these gardening tips to share.

Straight from Luis’s mouth.

Incorporate a water feature (or several –as is the case at Royal Mansour Marrakech, home to 150 water fountains)

‘Like constant background music, a small stream of water in movement’.

Plant fruit trees and aromatic plants, to elevate the senses. At Royal Mansour Marrakech, the garden features several species of palm tree, citrus fruits (spanning lemon, sweet and bitter orange).

As well as various fruit trees (inclusive of olive, pomegranate, fig, persimmon, carob, quince, guava, medlar and more).

Various aromatic herbs are also grown for use in the spa, from marjoram to rosemary.

Choose plants of varied colour, texture, and volume – select seasonal plants that inspire your imagination and offer a link to Morocco.

Vallejo chose multiple species of trees, from conifers and coral trees to tamarisk and mahogany trees, offering a textural variety.

Choose from decorative foliage, ground cover plants and climbers to create dimensional levels.

In addition, he intentionally selected native and naturalised flora allowing for year-round flowering – meaning vibrant colour all year round!

Add a coloured rug or cushions into a cosy corner, and sip a Moorish tea, for an authentic Moroccan experience.

Mansour manor

Royal Mansour is a palatial oasis exquisitely crafted by over 1,500 local artisans.

As an ode to traditional Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship.

It’s a perfectly peaceful, private retreat just steps from the Medina.

Showcasing an open-air courtyard and nearly four acres of lush gardens.

These have recently been extended to incorporate a beautiful kitchen garden Atelier d’Artiste and an elevated, private dining space.

Stay in private multi-story riads dotted along pink pathways. No carts; no rooms; no crowds.

One–bedroom riads start from £1,200 (includes breakfast, Immigration Fast Track service + airport transfers in Marrakech).

And we found sample flights for a three-night return for next month from £356.21.

Get on that riad to Marrakech then.

Africa, Countries

Above the Serengeti

6th April 20236th April 2023 funtime65

Every morning as sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti the Africa song would ring out.

In the lobby of the Boardwalk Hotel in Port Elizabeth (now Gqberha) in South Africa.

Just like the band Toto at the time they wrote the classic song, I’ve yet to enjoy the pleasures of the Serengeti in Tanzania.

But I too have it in my mind’s eye.

And so for the rest I rely on my friends who are experts in all things Africa.

And they tell us that their name translates to ‘welcome’ in Swahili, Karibu Camps and Lodges.

It offers four distinctive luxury properties, all situated in the most iconic locations on what is known as the Northern Circuit.

To the four

Food for thought: And you’ll never go hungry

Serengeti National Park Sametu Camp: And they boast the perfect balance between a safari in the wild and the comfort of a permanent luxury tented camp.

It is situated in a secluded part of the eastern edge of Central Serengeti.

And that’s a short distance from the Ngare Nanyuki River, Sametu Camps’ position has a wondrous horizon.

It is silhouetted by grazing wildebeest, zebra, and various antelope species, as well as numerous bird species.

Float on: Over Masai Mara National Reserve

Serengeti National Park River Camp:

This resort is surrounded by Acacia trees and grasslands just a few metres from the Mara river.

And it is ideally situated for the river crossing of the Great Migration which occurs from June to October.

Serengeti National Park Woodlands Camp: And this one is a special treat between December and March.

The mobile luxury tented camp rests within the Nabi Slopes, in proximity with Lake Ndutu, Moru Kopjes, and the Hidden Valley.

And all specifically set up during the emotion-stirring calving season.

Panorama: And the outdoors is extra room

Ngorongoro Crater Rim Ngorongoro Lions Paw: The view of the cradled Lake Magadi in the crater’s base is a sight to see.

From the lounge areas of our Eastern Rim Ngorongoro Crater accommodation.

And this is where you can see large tusked elephants and endangered Black Rhinos with your binoculars.

So it’s all from the comfort of the bar and lounge area. Lions Paw is ten minutes away from the entrance to the crater floor.

Yes, as Toto said: hurry boy (and girl) it’s waiting there for you above the Serengeti.