The Southern Africa Travel Luxury Travel Blog

Uthando South Africa - An update on their year

As you know, Southern Africa Travel is a big supporter of Uthando South Africa and we were pleased to receive an update on their very busy year

Jack Hanna’s “Into the Wild” film crew coming to Africa

Renowned animal-expert and conservationist, Jack Hanna, is taking his “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” (“Into the Wild”) film crew to Africa. Southern Africa Travel - operated by Giltedge Travel, together with Mantis Collection - have organized an amazing adventure!

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

My husband and I were lucky enough to spend two nights at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. This lodge is designed in such a way that it completely blends into the surroundings. 

Arathusa Safari Lodge and Lion Sands River Lodge

Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Northern section of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is a very well-priced safari option and I can definitely recommend it! Read more about my experience at Lion Sands River Lodge too.

The Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town

The Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town made our stay so incredibly relaxing ...

TOP TRAVEL AWARD

Cape Town based Giltedge Travel, who operates Southern Africa Travel, has been singled out as South Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator for the second consecutive year

African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa

I would definitely recommend the African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa for any conference group, large or small, due to its proximity to both Cape Town International Airport as well as the famous coastal town of Hermanus.

Azura at Quilalea Private Island

On 1 November Azura will be opening a new luxury retreat on a private island in Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago. Having already opened the country's first eco retreat on Benguerra Island, the group is moving ahead with the next project on this deserted piece of private-ownly paradise. Read on for details of the launch...

We are proud supporters of Greenstuff

Southern Africa Travel is a proud supporter of Greenstuff, a company founded by Lorraine Jenks, family friend of one of the Southern Africa Travel owners Sean Kritzinger.

Cape Town Evening Cycle Tour

Richard and Rhynhardt enjoyed an Evening Tour with Bike & Saddle and discovered Cape Town from a different perspective.

Cape Malay Experience

The Giltedge Team were lucky enough to be invited to the Cape Malay Experience at the Cellars Hohenhort Hotel in leafy Constantia…

Guest Feedback - Lam Family

We are extremely proud to share feedback received from one of our younger guests. Alarisse Lam, from San Diego, travelled to Southern Africa with her older brother, parents and grand parents in June.

World Travel Awards - Vote for us

The regional nominees for the 2011 World Travel Awards has been revealed and Giltedge Travel has made the nomination list in the category South Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator. Online voting is now open. 

Waterford Wine Drive

The Giltedge Team experience the Stellenbosch Winelands from a rather unusual perspective… atop a 10-seater safari-style vehicle.

Paternoster - West Coast Winter Escape

Paternoster has become a popular weekend getaway for weary city dwellers and travellers looking for that off-the-beaten-track experience. Charlotte went to investigate…

Lauren’s African Bucket List

Ever since the movie “The Bucket List” hit (where two terminally ill men make a wish list of things to do and see before “kicking the bucket”) it’s got us all reaching for our pencils and making a list of our own. Here is mine…

Family Escape to Franschhoek

Stephanie and her family recently escaped the city for a weekend breakaway to the beautiful town of Franschhoek. While staying in this incredible part of the Cape Winelands, they re-discovered the delights of this scenic area.

Africa’s Gentle Giants

Walking with elephants or an elephant back safari offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the fascinating nature of these gentle giants.

Kariega Game Reserve

Richard and Rhynhardt spent a few days at Kariega Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Exploring Pumba Game Reserve

Rhynhardt and Richard recently spent some time exploring the Malaria-free game reserves of South Africa’s Eastern Cape province and Pumba Private Game Reserve is a firm favourite.

L’Ermitage Chateau & Villas

The five-star L’ermitage Chateau and Villas is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of Franschhoek in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

Cape Grace’s Signal Restaurant

Although I have been to the Cape Grace several times, I hadn’t ventured into the Bascule Bar or Signal, so when the hotel offered to host us for dinner last Friday, we decided to make a night out of it…

Livingstone Island Experience

You see the pictures and hear the stories, but nothing truly prepares you for the awesome sight that is the Victoria Falls. David Livingstone exclaimed in 1855 that “scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” and he wasn’t exaggerating!

The Royal Livingstone Express

Fine dining is redefined when the venue is the dining car of a 1920’s steam train, in the middle of the Zambian bushveld.

Tongabezi Lodge and Sindabezi Island

Tongabezi Zambia recently invited me to a weekend away at their luxury lodges on the banks of the Zambezi River. Having never been to Livingstone, I happily accepted.

Love is in the air…

February (and Valentine’s Day) is coming up and with Cape Town being one of the most spectacular cities in Africa it is no wonder that I immediately think of this dazzling city as number one on the list of romantic African vacation spots.

Experience Cape Town in a BMW Z4

My love for sport flows into a love for sports cars, and I can honestly say I have found the best way to experience Cape Town and its magnificent surrounds!

The Grand Dedale

Priding myself on knowing the best that the Winelands has to offer, since the opening of the Grand Dedale near Wellington I have been itching to get there!  So when the opportunity arose to head there for a romantic night out of the city, we were in our car faster than you can say “I do”.

The Colourful Spier Estate

Situated in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, the Spier Estate really is a destination in itself.  Not only do they offer award-winning wine, luxury accommodation and a variety of dining experiences but guests are able to touch a cheetah, stroll through the craft market, get up close and personal with an eagle, go for a walk, ride a horse or simply marvel at contemporary South African art in all forms.

Mount Nelson’s Planet Restaurant

The Mount Nelson’s newly launched Planet Restaurant is simply out of this world! Richard and the Giltedge Travel team attended this glamorous affair…

Shamwari - Soul of the Earth

Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa truly is a place of scenic beauty, luxury accommodation and unforgettable experiences. Rhynhardt recently spent some time discovering this magnificent reserve.

Rhynhardt relaxes at the Oceana

Rhynhardt recently spent a few days at the magnificent Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve and he is hooked! Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve truly is the epitome of luxury relaxation on the South Eastern coast of South Africa.

Golf in the Wateberg

Warren and Murray recently spent a few days in the magnificent Waterberg (250 kilometres north of Johannesburg) visiting some of the new golf courses in the region , they were pleasantly surprised with the quality of courses on offer!

Playing the Extreme 19th at Legends

Murray and Warren recently visited Legends Golf & Safari Resort and one of the highlights was definitely the Extreme 19th, the longest par 3 in the world!

South Africa - A Country of Surprises

With more than 300 days of sunshine, 21 national parks, eight World Heritage sites, and more than 2400 kilometres of coastline, South Africa has so much to offer.  Below are just 12 of the 1001 little-known facts SA Tourism has compiled about our extraordinary country.

Robyn in Botswana and Vic. Falls

Giltedge staff member, Robyn Leatherby, tells us the story of her unforgettable trip to Botswana hosted by Sanctuary Safaris.

She visits Stanley’s Camp, Baines’ Camp, and Chiefs Camp in the Okavango Delta, Chobe Chilwero in the Chobe Game Reserve, and Sussi and Chuma next to the Victoria Falls in Zambia; where she was pampered by lodge staff, relaxed by the Chobe River, saw lion on a zebra kill, slept in tree houses, and played with elephants - all normal, everyday events on a safari to Botswana and Victoria Falls.

Cape Royale: Southern Africa Travel staff review

Our family stay at the Cape Royale was one to remember.  I decided to take my two small children with on this occasion. Butterflies in tummy and hoping that the kids would behave, we travelled to the Cape Royale.

My African Relish…

If I were older, I would certainly consider quitting the travel world and retire to Prince Albert!  May have to wait a few years though, or retire young perhaps…?  The Friday drive through the dry Karoo was fairly long and uneventful, except for a short drinks stop at Matjiesfontein. Certainly worth it though, to reach this peaceful, quaint, soulful little Karoo town, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Swartberg Pass.  It has all the best attractions of small town, country living - wide streets, absolute stillness (save the occasional rooster!), quaint antique shops with friendly proprietors who have time to chat, no traffic, clean air, traditional irrigation canals running along the streets and best of all stress free living!

Pamela’s Kenyan Safari

I was privileged to go on Safari with ClassicAfricaSafaris from the 2nd to the 12th of August this year and still have not recovered from this wonderful experience.

Newspapers for Trees – Arbor Week

From 1 to 7 September every year, South Africans are encouraged to participate in tree-planting events to improve the health of our environment. This week, in support of Arbor Week, the Giltedge Team collected newspapers to swap for trees at a local garden centre.

Jock Safari Lodge

A 3 hour drive from Kruger Airport this luxury lodge is situated in the southern area of the Kruger National Park.  It is a 6000 hectare, private concession in the world-renowned Kruger National Park

Hippo Hollow

After just a 60 minute drive from Kruger Airport to Hippo Hollow we were welcomed by their warm and friendly staff with some of their fine jungle juice to quench our thirst.

African Relish - Africa’s Culinary Spirit

The fact that we extended our stay with an extra night says it all - we did not want to leave… African Relish’s cottage, Akkedis is pure heaven on earth!

A trip down the Cape Peninsula…

Up at the crack of dawn for a scheduled full day peninsula tour, the morning was chilly with the promise of warmer weather to come. We were collected from the Southern Sun Waterfront by Thompsons Touring.  The reception was warm and welcoming which bode well for the remainder of the day.

The Banhoek Experience

The Banhoek Experience to be held on the 25th of September 2010 at the MolenVliet and Zorgvliet Wine Estates, promises to be a boiling pot of creativity, with a bubbly vibe and a French street atmosphere.

Kensington Place

Who would have thought one could find such a peaceful oasis in the bustling city bowl, along with views of the mountain and the scent of fruit trees?  Kensington Place offers all of this and more.

Rovos Rail

I had the pleasure of spending 3 days and 2 nights on The Rovos Rail. It was one of the best experiences I have had and I have never been so happy and relaxed in my life.

Southern Africa Travel’s 2010 FIFA World Cup

Well it certainly came, we all saw “the games” and we conquered the critics! South Africa came out shining after delivering the World Cup to the World on 11 June -11 July 2010.

Elephant Whispers

Interacting with these majestic gentle giants was truly an unforgettable experience and a touching one. In just over an hour we learned so much about these elephants background (they were saved from culling operations), anatomy, habitat, nature and so much more.

Nkomazi Private Game Reserve

We had the amazing opportunity to experience Nkomazi Game Reserve. We were not quite sure as to what to expect, but we were very much surprised by this very special place.

The Southern Africa Travel Cocktail Party

The Penthouse at Cape Town’s trendy Pepper Club Hotel played host to Giltedge’s cocktail party, celebrating our winning of ‘Leading Luxury Tour Operator in South Africa’ at the World Travel Awards, as well as to thank staff for their dedication over the Football World Cup. 

The One&Only Cape Town…

What an exceptional experience to be able to spend my birthday at The One&Only Cape Town. I had never been to the property before and was really blown away from the time I arrived until the time I left.

Franschhoek Country House

I was invited to spend last Saturday night at the 5-star boutique Franschhoek Country House & Villas…what a treat!

Giltedge Wins At World Travel Awards

Giltedge Travel has been singled out as South Africa’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator at a glitzy Gala Presentation Dinner held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 7 July 2010.

Savuti Safari Lodge, Chobe

I was starting to get used to my early mornings; in fact I was starting to enjoy them. Today we were off to the Savuti Safari Lodge. This lodge is situated in the North of Botswana, in Chobe and has the most amazing game viewing as it overlooks a watering hole. There is almost no need to go on a game drive; the game literally comes to you.

Xugana Island Lodge, Botswana

Today we where off to Xugana Island Lodge, which is situated on an island in the middle of the Delta.

Jan Harmsgat Country House

We enjoyed wonderful country indulgences at the charming Jan Harmsgat Country House just outside Swellendam.

A Quick Guide to KwaZulu Natal

KwaZulu Natal has always been a difficult place to sell to people who have never visited, but as the second and third generation visitors come back to our shores, it seems to be getting more popular and for that I am glad!

Singita Lebombo Lodge

My impression of Singita’s luxurious Lebombo Lodge in the Kruger National Park.

Singita Sweni Lodge

Of the two Singita lodges in the Singita Kruger National Park concession, Sweni Lodge is my favourite.

Last Day at Singita Kruger National Park

Steph was fortunate enough to enjoy a weekend on a luxury safari at Singita in the Kruger National Park - this is the final day in her safari journal.

2nd Day at Singita Kruger National Park

The second day of Stephanie’s weekend at Singita in the Kruger National Park - relaxation, game viewing and spa treatments.

Singita Kruger National Park

In December 2007, Steph enjoyed a luxurious weekend at Singita in the Kruger National Park. While she was there, she visited the Sweni and Lebombo Lodges

Camp Moremi and the Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Day 3 of 6 in the Okavango Delta. After a lazy start at Duba Plains, Richard departs for the Moremi Wildlife Reserve and Camp Moremi.

Walking with the elephants & Duba Plains

Day 2 of 6 - Meeting three African elephants and going on a walk in the bush with them is quite a surreal experience, and not one you will easily forget!

Journey to the Okavango Delta

Journal of the first day of six in Botswana’s Okavango Delta - Day 1

Honeymooning at Gorah and Shamwari

Elaine and her husband enjoyed a fantastic safari honeymoon in the Malaria-free Eastern Cape. They stayed at Gorah and Shamwari.

Great Cape Town Accommodation Options!

We visit three stunning accommodation options in and around the Cape Town CBD - Mandela Rhodes, Les Cascades de Bantry Bay and the opulent Ellerman House.

Wilderness Camps in Kafue National Park

A quick review of the four luxury camps I visited while I was in the Kafue National Park in Zambia.

Kafue National Park - Zambia

Unbelievably vast, Kafue National Park is about the same size as Wales!  And the landscapes are very diverse ranging from riverine to wooded to the huge Busanga Plains.

South Luangwa National Park - Zambia

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is worth a visit - if not for the game, then just the sheer vastness of it. I also visited a new luxury tented camp in the park, Kalamu.

Wilderness Safaris Zambia

In October, I had the opportunity to explore Zambia as part of a recce to check out the new Wilderness safari camps.

Wilderness Safaris Zambia is a fairly new operation and Zambia itself is not yet as well known or requested as much as many of the other southern African destinations. This of course has its pros and cons - on the one hand it is unbelievably pristine and has an ‘undiscovered’ air about it and on the other it can be a little pricey. Still, it?s well worth exploring just for the sheer magnitude and diverse scenery and wildlife.

Welcome to the Southern Africa Travel Blog!

Welcome to the Giltedge Travel Blog!

We’ve been arranging tailor-made travel in Africa for over a decade. Over the years, our consultants have travelled extensively to all the destinations we sell to our clients in southern and East Africa. Now, we’d like to take this opportunity to share some of our personal experiences and photographs with you on our travel blog. We invite you to comment and contribute, and if you have any questions about a travel related matter in Africa we’d love to hear from you.