When I heard about Dine-with-a-Local, a Cape Town-based company that pairs travelers with local South Africans for a culinary and culturally enlightening experience, I squealed with joy! To say this type of experience is rewarding would be an understatement. It is truly one of the most unique and fulfilling concepts you can take part in as a traveler.

Dine-with-a-Local founder, Kim Evans, has been promoting South Africa for more than 10 years and is extremely passionate about introducing visitors to South Africa’s most exceptional elements. Specifically, Dine-with-a-Local sources regular South Africans whom love to entertain and cook, and pairs them with visitors to South Africa whom are looking for a more culturally enhanced holiday. They are then hosted for a delightfully interesting evening, while in a relaxed warm and hospitable environment.

Below is our exclusive interview with Kim Evans, discussing Dine-with-a-Local (NOTE: All image throughout this post are owned by Dine-with-a-Local):

1. We absolutely love the vision behind Dine-with-a-Local. Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to start this exceptional culinary and cultural program.

Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiasm! First an foremost, my inspiration comes from my own travels. I have always had a vested interest in cultural travel and local cuisines. Not much else gives me a thrill like sitting down to a traditional meal and exploring tastes that have never yet graced my palate! As a South African, I am also truly inspired by our local cuisine. I feel that we are incredibly fortunate to be living in this melting pot of cultures, where so many flavours and ingredients come together to form wonderfully interesting dishes. It is tremendously exciting for me to see others experiencing our country this way!

A Cape Malay stew dish.

Ostrich steak.

2. Do you have an example of a recent traveler’s experience with Dine-with-a-Local? If so, what did they experience?

A few months back we had an inquiry from two Danish ladies who were making their way through Africa. We were thrilled that they wanted to include a Dine-with-a-Local experience in their exciting itinerary. The ladies were in their early 30s and it was their first trip to Africa. They were very interested in meeting and mingling with the people of South Africa and I paired them up with a wonderful couple from Sea Point.

They arrived for dinner at 7 pm and were welcomed with a cool glass of crisp Rosé from a Wellington Wine Farm. They chatted and got to know one another over some canapés on the patio, enjoying a gorgeous Cape summer’s evening.  As dinnertime approached they moved indoors to enjoy their starters around a candlelit dining table. A delectable salad of roasted butternut and toasted sunflower seeds served with wild rocket was thoroughly enjoyed.

After starters it was time to open a very special bottle of a Pinotage from the Wellington Winelands. A true South African favourite was served as the main course, Cape Malay Bobotie with Macadamia nuts on a bed of cinnamon and raison yellow rice. Delicious!

Finally, dessert was a traditional home-made milk tart, served with sticky koeksisters and a warming cup of organic Rooibos tea from the Cedarburg. The evening ended with some more excellent conversation and an exchange of email addresses before a taxi arrived to take the contented guests back to their hotel.

It was a lovely night, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Many great stories were shared and both the hosts and travellers learned a lot about each other’s lives, interests, families, and even music.

3. How does the Dine-with-a-Local experience differ from other culinary tours and experiences offered in Cape Town and in the surrounding areas?

We offer a dining experience, not a tour. An evening with Dine-with-a-Local is a relaxed and casual affair, without strict time constraints and dress codes. It is about local cuisine and local people and their stories. South Africans are known for their wonderful hospitality and will make you feel like more than just a visitor. As we say, arrive as a guest, leave as a friend.

4. What do you hope that travelers and hosts, alike, get from a Dine-with-the-Local experience?

We want to give travellers an up-close and personal experience with real South Africans. They will share their home, their dinner, and their stories with you. We want the traveller to walk away from South Africa and say, “Wow…we really got to know the country and its people and can’t wait to return!” On the other side, hosting for Dine-with-a-Local is an incredibly rewarding experience, too. The hosts get to meet people from all over the world, and this can lead to many new friends and great networking opportunities. They also get to show off their impressive culinary skills and stay true to their reputation as fabulous hosts!

Traditional Braai cuisine.

Cape Malay cuisine.

5. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

As South Africa is such a culturally diverse country, we have hosts from various cultural backgrounds and we are able to cater for a wide variety of palates and dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, child-friendly meals, kosher, and halaal. We are always happy to take special requests, such as an outdoor braai or poitjiekos, a drumming circle, or even just a traditional indoor dinner with a local twist!

Our many wonderful hosts are eagerly waiting to meet and treat you to a truly memorable South African evening! Make time on your itinerary to Dine-with-a-Local.

Visit Dine-with-a-Local’s website at www.dinewithalocal.co.za or click here to view some of their amazing featured recipes.

More about Dine-with-a-Local and Kim Evans:

Image to the left taken from GoAfrica.About.Com.

They’re hairy. They’re creepy. And sometimes they’re even poisonous. The spiders of Africa are not critters you want to come across while on an African safari vacation, unless, of course, you’re an entomologist or other type of insect lover!

But if you’re like me, you’d rather read about these insects or view them with binoculars, rather than find one by surprise . . .

Below I’ve spotlighted just a few of the most frightening African spiders:

Baboon Spider (depicted in the image above): Commonly referred to as a tarantula, the baboon spider got its name from the appearance of its back legs, which strongly resemble the appearance of baboon fingers. There are more than 40 species of the baboon spider found throughout Africa, and all of these species are covered in hair that ranges in hues of brown, black, yellow, and gray.

These nocturnal hunters can grow up to three inches in length and females can live for nearly 25 years! These creepy critters are found lurking about the ground or in their silk web burrows. At night, baboon spiders await patiently at the mouth of their burrows, waiting for prey to approach before they strike. They can also sense the vibrations of the soil and silk web threads when prey is approaching.

The baboon spider’s diet consists of a variety of small insects and other creatures, including crickets, ants, beetles, cockroaches, cicadas, other spiders, reptiles, snails, frogs, and lizards.

In terms of its venom, the baboon spider does not have a deadly bite; however, a bite can be very painful and cause swelling and itching around the bite site.

Image to the right owned and shot by M. Kuntner and taken from GoAfrica.About.Com

Darwin’s Bark Spider: You’ll definitely want to watch where you’re going when you’re around this spider! Known for its skillful web architecture and for creating the biggest webs known to planet earth, Darwin’s bark spider is found throughout areas of Madagascar, as well as South Africa. These spiders create their world-famous webs using a tough biomaterial over rivers, spanning from one side of the bank to the other. The largest web ever recorded of Darwin’s bark spider was 30 square feet!

Another interesting element about this spider’s silk is that it’s approximately 100% tougher than all other silks known to man, which makes the Darwin’s bark spider’s silk the toughest biological material known to man.

The Ogre Spider: Although frightening to look at, the ogre spider is a harmless arachnid that is famous in the insect world for its unique web and two huge eyes (with a set of 6 smaller eyes). It’s also frequently featured on documentaries because of its fascinating hunting techniques.

When a prey comes in contact with this spider’s net-like web, the ogre spider grabs the edge of the net and pulls it over the victim to engulf the prey. And for flying prey, the ogre spider simply flings its web to catch the prey.

Image above owned and shot by Jurgen Otto and taken from GoAfrica.About.Com

Image to the left taken from GoAfrica.About.Com

The Six-Eyed Sand Spider: Arguably the most venomous spider in the world, the six-eyed sand spider can be found burrowed beneath sand in desert regions, including the Western Cape, Namibia, and the Northern Province. Its venom is hemolytic, which can cause tissue breakdown and cell destruction. Although it is feared for its venomous bite, this spider is extremely shy and there have been no recorded human deaths from this spider’s bite.

Which of these spiders seems the creepiest to you? My top choice is the ogre spider!

Guest post written by Johann Conradie of Rockwell Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa

Food-Dance-Sleep

Whether you’re an oil tycoon, a celebrity, have won the lottery or simply have saved some of your precious moola for a special occasion in the mother city of Cape Town, the top locations in the category of food, entertainment and accommodation below are sure to make you feel on top of the world.

Food

Cape Town has many restaurants which serve cuisine of the highest quality and standards. Depending on what kind of food you enjoy, various gastronomical experiences await you. One restaurant which stood out above the rest was La Colombe.

Image to the left taken from the EatOut.co.za website.

La Colombe

La Colombe was voted as the best restaurant in South Africa, including Africa and the Middle East. It has also been featured in the Top 50 restaurants in the world at 12th position and has received the highest 3 star rating for three consecutive years by the acclaimed Rossouw’s Restaurant Guide.

Started by executive Chef, Franck Dangereux of Provence, France, in 1997 and taken over by executive chef, Scot Kirton, in 2010, this restaurant has collected a long list of awards and accolades through sheer excellence and a decadent menu of the finest cuisine around.

Located in the Constantia Uitsig with an opulent setting of a glitzy indoor restaurant which spills out into a lush garden, you may have the feeling that you’re dining on the French Riviera.

Dance

What better way to feel like a millionaire than to enjoy the very best of the Cape Town nightlife. There are a couple of well-known hangouts in the beautiful city, where both local and international celebrities have been known to let their hair down.

Image to the right taken from The Reserve Club website.

The Reserve

The Reserve offers a truly executive night life experience in the city. The name of the club was taken from the original old Reserve Bank which used to occupy the building since 150 years ago. The décor is a mixture of posh velvet couches, antique handcrafted furniture and crystal chandeliers which give you a rather warm and inviting feeling as you mingle amongst the crowd inside. This club also features some of the finest DJ’s around and has played host to some corporate parties, one most recently being L’Oreal.

Sleep

After indulging in the finest cuisine on a warm evening and partying the night away like a star, we all need our beauty sleep, and what better way to do so by laying our heads down on some of the finest linen in the southern hemisphere.

Image to the left taken from the Starwood Hotels website.

Westin Grand Hotel

If money is no object, you will want to rest your weary head on the lap of absolute luxury in the Westin Grand’s Presidential Suite. At R40, 000 per night, you can expect only the best service that money can buy. Offering everything from your very own butler, to a fully-stocked bar in your own club lounge if you wish to impress guests, to a full buffet breakfast served every morning and all while having un-matched views of the mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Cityscape below. No amenity is left to spare.

It is only natural that one of the most beautiful countries in the world should be complimented by the very best of hotels, restaurants and nightclubs around. Cape Town has been called the “Gateway to Africa” by many and in summer, it is certainly one of the greatest getaways in the world, rivalling even the most extravagant tropical island destinations. Even if you are visiting for work purposes, Cape Town has some of the very best business accommodation options which will make your stay feel more like play than work!

About the Rockwell Hotel & Apartments:

Located in Cape Town’s trendy De Waterkant Village in Greenpoint, The Rockwell All Suite Hotel & Apartments offers an enticing blend of contemporary urban style and inner-city excitement, surrounded by the natural beauty for which Cape Town is famous. Inspired by Downtown Manhattan’s buildings of the early 1900s, the hotel’s raw-brick façade sets a fascinating contrast to its ultra-modern interiors, replete with every mod-con to satisfy the demands of today’s experienced traveller. This, coupled with the 4-star hotel’s intuitively attentive service, ensures that every guest is able to experience Cape Town’s warm and friendly hospitality right at their hotel doorstep.

Click here to learn more about the Rockwell Hotel & Apartments.

Logo to the left taken from ProjectNoah.org

Are you an explorer at heart and wildlife lover? If so, I might have found your next obsession: Project Noah. I equate this online and mobile community platform to a social media site, dedicated to exploring the world’s spectacular wildlife.

The platform allows you to document wildlife from wherever you are, as well as view photographs and information posted by other wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Whether it’s Washington state or Tanzania, you can use Project Noah to collect unique ecological data and share this information with the world. The model is genius, allowing wildlife enthusiasts from around the world to interact with others, discover fascinating life forms, and develop a holistic visual of Mother Nature. Not only does this online platform work to build wildlife awareness, but it also facilitates communication, conservation efforts, and education.

How to get the most out of Project Noah:

You can search the platform by Organisms (plants, mammals, birds, arthropods, fungi, reptiles, amphibians, fish, pets, and others), Map, and Missions to find creatures from all around the world.

Each result that you pull up on Project Noah has pictures of the creature, where it was found (illustrated on a Google Map), a description of the creature, as well as habitat information and pictures of other species found nearby. You can also leave a comment on each result, Like it on Facebook, share it on Twitter, or Favorite it on Project Noah. See how is works like a social media platform?

Using Project Noah prior to your travels: You can use Project Noah prior to trip to Africa (or other destination) to get an idea for some of the wildlife you might witness while abroad. And who knows, you might learn a thing or two about some exotic species that will help you impress your friends and family while traveling!

Using Project Noah during your travels: For any of our clients going on an African family safari, birding safari, photography safari, romantic honeymoon safari, or any other type of safari, I strongly suggest creating your very own mission on Project Noah! You can set up your mission and then during your trip, update your mission in real time as you’re out in the field, using the Project Noah smart phone app. It’s an excellent way to share your wildlife photographs and spread awareness for the delicate wildlife and wildernesses that are found in Africa (or anywhere else in the world, for that matter).

This tool is also extremely useful for individuals who are interested in a specific wildlife niche, such as birds, plants, fish, etc. You can document your discoveries from around the world all into one place and share them with other nature lovers. For example, let’s say you were an avid birder who traveled around the world exploring different bird species and habitats. You could document all of your discoveries into one mission that other bird enthusiasts could visit and interact with. Or, if you wanted to join another mission with other bird enthusiasts, you could post your images into that mission, instead of creating your own.

One of my favorite missions is the 2011 Best Wildlife Photo Mission. Travelers and nature lovers from around the world joined this mission and uploaded their amazing photographs for all to see. Check it out here: http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/5047016

Using Project Noah after your travels: Families going on safari can use this tool to help educate their children about the wildlife of Africa and to also encourage them to share their wildlife discoveries with school teachers and students.

Below, I’ve spotlighted some of my favorite missions and photographs on Project Noah that pertain to Africa:

So whether you’re in your backyard or on a trip to Africa, create your own mission on Project Noah and share it with the globe!

All images in this blog post are owned & copyrighted by Horizon Horseback Safaris.

Set amongst South Africa’s most dramatic backdrops, Horizon Horseback Safari’s world-class horseback riding holidays provide the perfect setting for adventurous game viewing and leisure rides.

Since 1993, Horizon Horseback Safaris has been guiding their journeys throughout the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in northern South Africa, which is renowned for its varying terrain and wildlife diversity. From river crossings to rocky outcrops and savannah plains, guests are stimulated by the subtle changes in the surrounding topography.

Get to Know the Horses

Horizon Horseback manages 85 horses (from thoroughbreds to Arabs, Boerperds, and even Welsh ponies for children on a South Africa family safari) as a free roaming herd, outside the constraints of stables. All of their horses have been hand-selected and nurtured over the years, and, although each horse has its own distinct personality, they all possess a calm demeanor and are at ease with the natural surroundings of the area.

Guests on one of Horizon’s horseback riding holidays have the unique opportunity to develop an intimate connection with nature and with their trusted new companion (their horse, of course!).

Horizon Horseback Safaris’ collection consists of a variety of different journeys (note that all of their safaris run from one of two lodges: the Classic Safari Lodge and the Signature Safari Lodge), which include:

• Signature Safari: Known as Horizon’s original safari, the Signature Safari immerses guests into the breathtaking surroundings of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in northern South Africa. During their adventures, guests can witness large herds of zebra, hippo, giraffe, antelope, leopard, hyena, crocodile, and aardvark, as well as more than 300 species of birds. For those who are interested in the Signature Safari, the itinerary is extremely flexible, catering to guests’ needs and desires. It is also an excellent option for all skill levels, whether your novice rider or a seasoned one.

• Family Safari: I cannot stress enough how perfect this horseback riding safari is for families! All types of rider levels are welcome on the family safari as there is no dangerous game in the area. If you have teenagers or children with you, Horizon Horseback hosts a variety of exciting activities for them, such as polocrosse, western games, cross country, and cattle mustering. They even have Welsh ponies for the younger children to ride. And if you wish to take a break from horseback riding for a day, Horizon can arrange for Big Five game-viewing drives, bush walks, and even fishing trips.

• Classic Safari: With an adventurous edge to it, the Classic Safari takes guests and their horses into game-rich plains at the foot of the Waterberg mountain plateau. Some of the animals guests run alongside with and witness include the endangered white rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, and a variety of antelope species. With long winding areas, full of game, to run the horses, this safari is truly an adrenaline rush that shouldn’t be missed.

• Big Five Safari: This nine-day safari immerses guests into South Africa and Botswana’s most wildlife-dense regions, providing the ultimate adventure vacation. Each area that guests ride through is characterized by a unique topography that provides a new perspective on the African wilderness. And the best part of this horseback riding holiday is that you get to view the Big Five (rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion, and elephant) on horseback. It’s also important to note that this safari is designed for experienced riders who are looking for an action-packed getaway.

• Wildlife & Winelands Safari: Just picture it: Riding through vineyards along the dramatic, mountainous backdrop of Cape Winelands as you head to a delightful wine tasting at one of South Africa’s most renowned wine estates. What could be better? During this nine-day horse riding holiday, you’ll come in contact with giraffe, zebra, and other large game, as well as taste some of the world’s most celebrated wines at their place of production.

• African Explorer: Ideal for individuals who want to combine culture with adventure, the eight-day African Explorer safari begins with three nights at Horizon Horseback’s Camp Davidson and is followed by four nights at Limpopo Valley Horse Safaris in Botswana. For the cultural portion of the trip, guests will visit local villages and markets to learn about the cultural history of the area, as well as the unique artwork created in these regions. It’s important to note that this safari is only for experienced riders.

• Surf & Turf: This eight-day safari combines the best of Africa’s sea and land, taking guests across unspoiled beaches, and through South Africa’s wildlife-clad Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. During the first portion of this horseback safari trip, guests ride along one of the most spectacular sea coasts in the world, Wild Coast. This deserted coast is home to the jacaranda wreck and neighbors the Kobonqaba River and quaint villages. The second leg of the trip takes guests to the Limpopo Province where guests can gallop alongside a variety of large and small game, including zebra, giraffe, buffalo, rhino, hippo, ostrich, leopard, and a variety of antelope species.

Horizon Horseback Safaris also offers an exceptional Indulgence Week itinerary, which is perfect for individuals who are looking to take their mind, body, and soul into a place of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. We’ve outlined this itinerary in detail in today’s newsletter.

Click here to subscribe to the newsletter for bi-monthly updates and view the Indulgence Week itinerary!

All images in this blog post were taken by and are shared by the Lederer family.

At the end of last year, we sent one of our clients, the Lederer family, on an African family safari and wanted to share with you a glimpse into their safari itinerary.

See below for their itinerary spotlight an dozens of amazing photographs!

Day 1:

The  Lederer’s arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport where they were greeted by a Hills of Africa representative. They then were taken to Kilimanjaro where their private guide met them.

NOTE ABOUT PRIVATE GUIDES: For the most personalized African safari vacation, we recommend using a private guide. A private guide will primarily “spot” wildlife and immerse you in a course of animal behavior, various cultures, dialect, history, paleontology, and many other fields. Most importantly, your trip will be topped with ample humor! Your guide can make a huge difference in your experience. The guide assigned to your safari is involved in the design of your itinerary. He or she will meet you at the beginning of your safari and accompany you throughout.

During their first night, the Lederer family stayed at the Shangazi House on, with beautiful views of the gardens and distant landscapes.

Day 2:

The next day, they took a journey to Lake Manyara National Park in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Here, the Lederers experienced jungle-like forests, views of baboons lounging along the roadside, blue monkeys, and ancient Mahogany trees. They then moved on to the grassy floodplains with expansive views across the alkaline lake and jagged volcanic peaks. The grasslands provide a habitat where you will spot large buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra herds, along with giraffes, birds, leopards, and lions.

The night was spent at the Plantation Lodge, just a short distance from the Serengeti.

Day 3:

Upon waking up and enjoying a nourishing breakfast, the Lederers were off to the Ngorongoro Highlands and Crater. Here, with its indigenous people, the Lederers saw a tremendous variety of wildlife and landscape, including the Big Five.

Day 4 – 7:

Today, the family was escorted across the Serengeti at game-drive speed to the Wilderness Mobile Camp. This is a private tented camp that moves with you to the middle of one of the best game areas in the world.

The family spent four days at the Wilderness Mobile Camp, tracking large herds and game.

Day 7 – 10:

Today, the Lederers drove to the Nomads Lemai, which offers a commanding view of large herds of game roaming the grassy plains.

Day 11:

The Lederers were driven back to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to connect with their flight home.

Create your dream African family safari with our downloadable PDF on Your Unique Guide to Southern & Eastern Africa. Click here to download.

Image to the left taken from eHow.com

Africa is known for its exotic species of reptiles that range from snakes to chameleons, geckos to lizards, and tortoises to turtles. I’ve just outlined a few of my favorites below:

Egyptian Cobra: Occupying areas that include northern Mozambique, eastern Botswana, and parts of northern Africa, the Egyptian cobra possesses potent neurotoxic venom that the cobra will release if threatened. In fact, they are one of the most venomous cobra species on the planet. The venom attacks the central nervous system of the bitten victim, destroying cells and tissue and causing difficulty breathing, moving, swallowing, and speaking. If gone untreated, a bite can kill its victim within less than a half hour. Adult of this species often grow to 3 – 7 feet in length with a hood that can reach 7 inches long.

As a nocturnal reptile, the Egyptian cobra will hunt for its food at night and has a diet that consists primarily of small critters such as toads, birds, lizards, and other snakes.

And legend has it that Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, committed suicide using the venom of an Egyptian cobra or asp (asp is a word commonly used for a venomous snake).

Image to the left of a helmeted terrapin taken from www.MaasaiMara.com

The African Helmeted Terrapin: Swamp dwellers, the African helmeted terrapin love moderately hot, muggy conditions and can be found throughout areas of southern Africa, as well as Madagascar. This species is also unable to bring it’s shell above its head and limbs when retracted—something that most other turtle species are able to do.

In terms of its appearance, the helmeted terrapin males have a long, thick tail, while the females tend to have a broader shell and shorter tail.

Meller’s Chameleon: Also known as giant one-horned chameleons, Meller’s chameleon is the largest chameleon that is NOT considered native to Madagascar. Nearly a half of all chameleons on this planet live in Madagascar, but these chameleons are actually found throughout eastern Africa.

In terms of their size, the Meller’s chameleon can reach up to two feet in length! It’s also distinguished by the horn on its snout and its color scheme, which is a vibrant green with yellow stripes. And, of course, it’s tongue is quite long, reaching up to 20 inches in length in order to snag prey at fast speeds.

And something that might shock you about ALL chameleon species is that they actually don’t change color for camouflage purposes. Rather, they change color in response to emotions. Color changes are also used for communication purposes!

Image above taken from National Geographic website.

Image to the right of a flap neck chameleon taken from www.KrugerPark.co.za

Flap Neck Chameleon: Adults, on average, are 5 inches in length and vary in color, which can include a combination of pale yellow and green to white

and brown. These chameleons can be found throughout tropical regions of Africa, including Kwa-Zulu Ntal, Mpumalanga, northern and eastern Botswana, as well as the northern Cape region.

One of the most interesting tidbits about the flap neck chameleon is its birthing process. Females can produce anywhere between 25 and 50 eggs at a time, which may not hatch for more than a year!

Image to the left of a boomslang taken from www.KrugerPark.co.za

Boomslang: A stunning emerald-colored snake, the boomslang is one of Africa’s most venomous snakes and can be found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Although these snakes tend to be a bright green hue, they can also be black or a rusted red color. Their diet primarily consists of small vertebrates such as small birds and other reptiles.

The venom produced by the boomslang is haemotoxic, which means that it prevents the body from producing natural blood clots. This can cause internal organs to bleed uncontrollably. Shockingly, victims might not have symptoms of being bitten for as long as 24 hours!

Aptly named, boomslang is the word used in the Afrikaans language to mean “tree snake,” which is where these reptiles dwell. Their average length in adulthood is 5 feet.

We publish fun facts like the above all the time on our Twitter account. Follow us at @hillsofafrica!

If authenticity and natural frontier is what you’re looking for then Tanzania is calling your name. With a handful of camps speckled throughout the country, Tanzania is truly a secluded retreat. It’s just you and nature when you visit this extraordinary wilderness. And to give you a little taste of some of the accommodations found throughout Tanzania, I’ve placed some photographs below that I am confident will speak for themselves:

Chada Katavi (a NomadTanzania property):

For more information about this property, click here.

Nduara Loliondo (a NomadTanzania property):

For more information about this property, click here.

Sand Rivers Selous (a NomadTanzania property):

For more information about this property, click here.

Greystoke Mahale (a NomadTanzania property):

For more information about this property, click here.

What property appeals to you most? We’d love to hear in our comments section!

Discovering Zambia on foot. There are very few experiences on this planet that are just as stimulating. With the soft earth beneath your feet, the harmonious sounds of nature, and the rich aroma of the Miombo woodlands, connecting with nature is no conscious task. The rhythm of Zambia’s unspoiled nature simply becomes a part of you.

And no one knows how to immerse visitors into the Zambia bush quite like The Bushcamp Company . . .

With six luxurious bushcamps, all located within the southern region of South Luangwa National Park, The Bushcamp Company offers a highly personalized and exclusive experience in the Zambia bush.

Below I’ve spotlighted just three of their properties (my personal favorites):

Chindeni Bushcamp: Situated on the edge of an enchanting lagoon, the Chindeni Bushcamp provides guests with an exceptional viewing platform for wild game. Each of the camp’s four lavish, canvas tents is spacious and equipped with wooden floors, four-poster beds, plush sitting rooms, en suite bathrooms, and private verandas that open up to the wildlife-bustling lagoon.

This camp is ideal for individuals who are eager to witness some of Zambia’s most astonishing game and birdlife. From exclusive walking safaris to exhilarating game drives, and mysterious night drives to breathtaking sundowner excursions, there is never a dull moment at Chindeni Bushcamp.

The camp is open between May 5 and November 30.

Mfuwe Lodge: Located right inside the South Luangwa National Park, the award-winning Mfuwe Lodge provides guests with an experience that is truly inside the action. Seriously. Elephants even walk through the lobby! With frequent sightings of giraffe, buffalo, crocodile, and antelope, it’s no wonder guests never feel the need to leave the lodge!

In addition to the spectacular game-viewing opportunities, the lodge is also known for its bewitching natural surroundings, which consist of tall ebony and mahogany trees and sprawling lagoons. And nestled within this fairytale-like setting are 18 charming, thatched chalets, each equipped with sitting rooms, en-suite bathrooms, private verandas that overlook the lagoons, and exquisite, nature-inspired décor.

Across the lodge’s neighboring grounds, guests can embark on first-class walking safaris and game drives, headed by a team of highly experienced safari guides. And, of course, no day is complete without afternoon sundowners!

For those in the mood for some deep relaxation and some mind, body, and soul rejuvenation, you might choose to visit the Mfuwe Lodge Bush Spa. This natural retreat provides an extensive menu of therapeutic treatments, including full body massage, hot stone massage, holistic body massage with herbal oils, African head massage, Zambian foot reflexology, and so much more. Not to mention, treatments can be provided indoors or on the spa’s private deck, overlooking the lagoon.

Bilimungwe Bushcamp: With a canopying mahogany tree as its centerpiece, Bilimungwe Bushcamp was designed with nature as its immaculate model.

The camp is characterized by its bush-inspired design, three waterholes, the neighboring Luangwa River, and, of course, the famous Manda Chisanga—an award-winning residential safari guide. There is no one more personable and skilled in the African bush than Manda. You’ll absolutely love being guided by him on walking safaris, game drives, and night drives!

In terms of Bilimungwe’s accommodations, there are just four raised thatched rooms that make up this highly exclusive camp. Furnished with handcrafted wood, colorful African textiles, and a private game-viewing deck, Bilimungwe possesses the uncanny ability to make any guest feel right at home.

Image above taken from The Bushcamp Company website.

Image above taken from The Bushcamp Company website.

Image above taken from The Bushcamp Company website.

Image above taken from The Bushcamp Company website.

Plan your very own African safari vacation by downloading Your Unique Guide to Southern & Eastern Africa.

Whether a trip to Africa is in your near future or distant future, you don’t have to wait to visit to start incorporating traditional African style into your wardrobe and home décor.

Below I’ve spotlighted several of my favorite African-inspired pieces from the stores of Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters:

From Anthropologie.com:

Rabia Slides (shown in orange), Kito Slides (shown in aqua), and Pinwheel Slides (shown in silver): These adorable, hand-beaded sandals are made in Kenya by the artisans of Agipsa and their production supports fair trade practices. Try the orange sandals, silver, or aqua sandals to add a splash of color to any outfit.

Find out more here.

Nakuru Necklace: One of my favorite pieces, the Nakuru Necklace, is also handmade in Kenya and is made with recycled Ankole cow horn. The design is reminiscent of the ceremonial collars worn by the Maasai people who predominantly live in Kenya. In addition to beautiful, beaded jewelry, their gorgeous red robes and deep respect for nature and their ancestors also characterize the Maasai people.

Everything from the homes they live in to their occupations, and the God they worship to the semi-nomadic and pastoral lifestyle they live, are all harmonious with their core beliefs, values, and respect for nature.

If you do happen to visit Kenya and are interested in learning more about the Maasai people, I suggest visiting the Masai Mara and embarking on a Maasai village cultural tour where you can learn about the Maasai’s culture, traditions, and witness their everyday life.

Find out more here.

Ankole Necklace: Similar to the Nakuru Necklace, the Ankole Necklace is handmade in Kenya using recycled Ankole cow horn and is wrapped in reused brass wire. One of my favorite elements about this necklace is its double chain.

Find out more here.

Greenside Planter, Antlers and Greenside Planter, Horns: Nestle your plants into earthenware, wood planters inspired by the creatures of the African bush. These handmade planters possess a unique design created by Marina Walsh—an extremely talented artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Find out more here.

Pink Fleurs Plate: Handmade in South Africa by the famous artist, Ruan Hoffmann, the Pink Fleurs Plate is made from earthenware, paper clay, and porcelain slip, and is a completely original design. For those of you who are not familiar with Ruan Hoffmann, his works of art are often inspired by mythical and mystical references that are designed to tell a unique story. The Pink Fleurs Plate piece is taken from his Much Love Me collection.

Find out more here.

Kalahari Vignettes Wallpaper: Although this wallpaper is made in the United States, I absolutely love its reflection of Africa and playful design. The paper explores a dream-like insight into the Kalahari, spotlighting personified giraffes, elephants, meerkats, birds, and antelopes.

Find out more here.

From FreePeople.com:

Tribal Rope Layering Necklace: Made in the U.S., the Tribal Rope Layering Necklace is reminiscent of traditional African jewelry in both its color and design.

Find out more here.

From Urban Outfitters:

Ecote Urban Safari Satchel: With superbright colors and prints, this bag is a great African accent to any outfit. It’s perfect for summer, too!

Find out more here.

Safari Mounted Head Hook: This colorful head hook is a playful way to hang jewelry, sweaters, scarves, and anything else you can think of!

Find out more here.