Sky Bed
‘Sky Beds’ offer a unique and romantic experience like no other and Namibia is one of the best locations to do this. A stay at Little Kulala Lodge in the Kulala Wilderness Reserve will not disappoint. This lodge is the closest to Sossusvlei and has amazing views of the stunning red dunes that it’s renowned for. The accommodation here blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings and offers just 11 thatched villas, each complete with a private deck and plunge pool. The highlight of the villa is the private rooftop ‘Skybed’ accessed by an internal staircase, where star gazing will have you mesmerised. Fall asleep under beautiful African skies counting infinite stars whilst listening to the sounds of the night.
Hot Air Ballooning
Where better to experience the thrill of soaring above the open plains, than in the world famous Masai Mara Reserve. An early morning start sees you glide through the air at sunrise where you will enjoy peace and tranquillity as you watch the world awaken and unfold beneath you. Spot the wildlife as you glide over the treetops and enjoy a sumptuous bush breakfast when you land. One of the best places to stay is Governors’ Camp which is set in a forest on the banks of the Mara River and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Reserve.
Luxury Train Travel
There are many countries in the world that offer luxurious rail experiences and South Africa is one of them that is definitely worth considering. There are two choices of luxury trains offering memorable journeys, the world-famous ‘Blue Train’, or the legendary ‘Rovos Rail’. Whilst both offer the same luxuries and world class service along with superb cuisine, they are quite different. The Blue Train offers two different types of suites – Deluxe and Luxury – and the train is equipped with WiFi. The Rovos Rail takes inspiration from a bygone era and offers three types of suites – Royal, Deluxe and Pullman. On some routes the Rovos Rail operates with a vintage steam locomotive, giving a unique and unforgettable experience. In keeping with tradition, the Rovos Rail does not have WiFi aboard its trains.
Devil’s Pool
If you’re up for a challenge, and don’t mind a bit of a thrill, Devil’s Pool is certainly not for the faint hearted! Located on the Zambian side of the magnificent Victoria Falls, this natural rock pool has been eroded and formed over thousands of years and provides a completely different view. Devil’s Pool can only be reached by a rocky walk and a swim, and once you’ve reached the pool and jumped in, the force of the water will push you towards the rock lip bringing you to a halt where you will feel the rush of the water flowing past you before cascading over the precipice. You will only be able to do this when the Zambezi River is low enough to swim there safely, which is usually between mid-August to end-December. The flow is at its weakest during October and November, so these are the most reliable months to enjoy this adventure!
Mokoro trip in the Okavango Delta
Enjoy a safari experience in the world famous Okavango Delta like no other. A ‘mokoro’ is a wooden dug-out canoe used by the Bushmen thousands of years ago, and today’s eco-friendly fibreglass versions are used for game viewing. Local expert guides stand at the back of the mokoro and propel you silently through the waterways and reed-lined channels as you gaze out into the wilds with your eyes just above the water level. The expert guides will get you up close and personal with the wildlife but will also ensure that a safe distance is kept between the larger species such as crocodile and hippo!
