Posted on

Severin Safari Camp

Sometimes you just need to getaway to a safari camp in Kenya. Severin Safari Camp is an easy recommendation to give. It doesn’t get more authentic or close than Severin. Guests of Severin experience a unique combination of adventure, recreation and wellness. Few people have seen the dazzling display of colors that you get while watching the sun set near Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Severin Safari Camp is hidden in the remote Kitani Wildlife area of Tsavo West National Park overlooking Mt. Kilimanjaro. The eco-friendly luxury camp offers a unique combination of adventure, wellness and relaxation for the sophisticated traveler who loves romantic pampering and unique wildlife experiences. The camp is unfenced to allow wildlife to crossover to the waterholes. No need to worry though, Masai warriors guard the ground 24-hours per day and escorts accompany guests to and from their tents. Experiences of being so close to nature like this are a rare treasure in our modern world. And, safari camps definitely fit into the glamping style of traveling.

 

6ad7ea2f5b97acf2dd1aa18ff8169561 Photo: Severin Safari Camp website

Severin Safari Camp has an elegant natural design. The tents and suites feature handmade wooden furniture in a traditional African style. The camp is perfectly integrated; the lounge and restaurant area is open and provides a wonderful panoramic view. Severin’s octagonal tents come fully equipped with running hot and cold water, shower, toilet, comfy beds, and private terrace.

In addition to tents, the Kitani Lodge is located in nearby and offers 8 Bandas for self-caterers. The Bandas are equipped with kitchenette, own bathrooms and beds. The mosquito nets give you a feeling of the authentic Africa. From the covered patio guests have a direct view on their private campfire from where they can watch the passing animals. A large variety of wild animals seek the floodlit waterhole at night providing amazing wildlife viewing experiences.

SPhoto: Severin Safari Camp website

Tsavo National Park is recognized as the third largest national park in the world and rich with great herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras and impalas. The park’s 22,000 square kilometers offer a lot to explore on game drives. The camp is very sensitive to preserving the ecosystem and ensures that the camp does nothing to interrupt the fragile system. Solar cells and strict waste management systems top the list of Severin’s efforts.

In rugged safari vehicles driven by Severin’s experienced guides guests see the “real Africa.” The drives take guests closer to wildlife than most have ever been. The panoramic views from the vehicles are breathtaking. The animals are surprisingly active after the sun sets. Night drives equipped with spotlights illuminate the secrets of the African wilderness. Severin’s Masai guide will even take you around on foot for a unique experience.

c92c9ec1a11a5ec3996e785c28a3633cPhoto: Severin Safari Camp website

Severin is informal and it is recommended that you pack for comfort. Don’t forget the sunscreen, binoculars, and sunglasses. Occasionally Tsavo can get cold at night and the early morning, so be sure to pack a light waterproof jacket.

Learn more about Severin Safari Camp and start planning your glamping vacation!

Posted on

Spotlight: Marataba Safari Company

There are few places that can be described as mystical and unparalleld, Marataba is one of them. Marataba Safari Company is a place of dreams where the plains touch the mountains deep in the heart of rhino country in South Africa. Marataba is a contemporary, luxurious game lodge surrounded by a world of vibrant color and nature. This magnificent tented safari camp sits at the base of the Waterberg Mountains.

The secret recipe behind Marataba’s success is the intelligent design that combines nature and architecture. Stone, glass, and canvas are used to create a surprisingly comfortable camp in the African wilderness. What could be more enticing than enjoying contemporary comforts in one of the last really raw places on earth? After a day of adventure, it’s a great feeling to crawl into a king-size bed with 300 thread count cotton sheets.

suites-2Photo: Marataba website

There are 15 luxurious tented suites that will live up to anyone’s glamping expectations. Each tent is secluded and blends in with the surrounding environment enhancing the experience and connection with nature. The tents have a main bedroom that overlooks the river and African bush. The en-suite bathrooms have stone baths and showers. The private deck overlooks sweeping plains and twisting river below. The views of the scenic landscape are simply spectacular.

Marataba game drives take you to see the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) and most other large mammals synonymous with Africa. Look for cheetah, white and black rhino, hyena, kudu, impala, and many other species. It’s amazing what you will learn from your guide about the behaviors and habitats of the animals. There is an abundance birdlife. Chacma baboon and vervet monkey can be seen here especially around the lodge. You may even have the opportunity to spend time with a professional wildlife photographer and learn skills for taking great photos.

marataba-3Photo: Marataba website

Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and sunblock. On particularly hot days, you can venture with a guide to swim at naturally formed rock pools. A sumptuous picnic and fully stocked bar will accompany you so you can either frolic and splash in the water or relax with drink in hand.

experiences-2Photo: Marataba website

Marataba is a malaria-free 23000 hectare private concession at the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains and forms part of the Marakele National Park in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Marakele National Park is a haven for an impressive variety of wildlife, thanks to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and wetter eastern regions of South Africa. Contrasting majestic mountain landscapes, grass-clad hills and deep valleys characterize this spectacular park.

Marataba is the perfect destination for a variety of occasions including family vacations, weddings, and honeymoons. Some kids dream of being astronauts while others dream of being a game ranger. Guides take special care in spending time with children to spark their interest in Africa’s natural wonders. Make a wedding magical by hosting it at Marataba. The experienced staff understand the importance of this special day and tailor all arrangements as you like them. Marataba is an unrivalled destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Whatever your reason, Marataba will set the scene for an unforgettable adventure.

marataba-2Photo: Marataba website

Plan your trip with Marataba Safari Company. Get more information about Marataba.

Posted on

Glamping with Gray Giants – Gorah Elephant Camp

Gorah Elephant Camp recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic safaris of centuries past. Gorah is steeped in history, tradition, and opulence. This exclusive safari tent experience brings you into the breathtaking natural world of Africa. Many adventurers before you have rated Gorah as an unforgettable five-star adventure. Glamping is new word for what safaris had already perfected.

“My discovery of this incredible place began in July 2002. Through my journey with her, I discovered that Gorah is the link between the enigmatic spiritual world that abounds in the wild; and the ancient song in our hearts that we silently ache for every day we are away from it.” – Nicola Schwim, South African game ranger and writer of the History of the Gorah.

Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxury tent camp, with an elegant manor house overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife. Sheltered under thatched canopies, Gorah’s 11 tented suites are luxurious and spacious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s. Each tent has a private deck offering a panoramic view of the endless Savannah plains. The posh interior of the tent is simple and authentic. Solar power lights the tent and turns the ceiling fans. The en-suite bathroom with vanity and shower is discreetly situated providing for complete privacy. Relax and unwind with a book on the comfy couch, or take an afternoon nap on the king-size bed.

Gorah Elephant Camp Tent Suite InsidePhoto: Gorah website

The Gorah House retains its historic magnificence and imparts a magical dining experience. Great attention to detail was given in creating Gorah’s dining experience. Warm fires and paraffin lanterns set the mood for a delicious meal while the open veranda invites the evening breeze. Wines are carefully chosen to enhance and elevate the meal and, to top it off, there is a grand selection of decadent desserts.

The 5,000 hectare private concession of the camp is located deep in the heart of the Addo Elephant National Park. Addo is home to the densest population of elephants on earth. Today these gentle gray giants are safe to roam in peace. Here, you can experience the thrill of quietly watching a herd stroll by. Gorah is also home to the Big Five Game that is touted about in all safari experiences. In case you’re not already in the know, the “Big 5” are the lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Addo is an incredible ecosystem from the large to the small. Watch your feet, you’ll probably see a dung beetle rolling by with its prize.

People have been living and visiting the land of Gorah for an estimated 250,000 years. The indigenous tribes relied on the water known as ‘de Goras’ or natural spring, and created a sense of place and spiritual presence to the area. Colonial settlers moved in, changing the landscape and the history, while the characters played out the drama. There was love, sorrow, and tragedy here, but above all, the peace and guardianship lived on and never changed. The gracious Gorah Manor House, a National Monument built in 1856, is now immaculately restored and period furnished. Gorah Elephant Camp has actively dedicated itself to the conservation of the Addo National Park.

Gorah Elephant Camp Manor HousePhoto: Gorah website

Gorah is a year-round destination. During the summer months from September to April the weather is warm to hot with wonderful balmy evenings. Temperatures can fluctuate from 25ºC – 35ºC in the daytime and there is a chance of rain. The winter is chilly at night and early in the mornings but the daytime temperatures can be pleasantly warm. Every now and then a cold front does pass over the lodge at which time daytime temperatures can be slightly cooler.  Games drives at Gorah are expertly led by passionate and professional guides and are a testament to the noble safaris of old. They intrepidly search the vast terrain for animals; this is the essence of the experience. Excitement lingers long after arriving back at camp from seeing elephant, rhino, and lion in their natural habitat.

See more of what Gorah has to offer by visiting the Gorah Elephant Camp website.