THE PLACES WE LOVE AND WHY WE LOVE 'EM!

Cara and Sian share some of their all-time favourites...

In this blog we're focussing on the places that blow our hair back, rock our world and blast socks off feet! With selections from our very own Cara Lloyd and Sian Bester - the gorgeous gals behind the Zafaris brand - we'll be telling you where we love and why. Kicking off with...


Cara loves...

 

Kapamba, South Luangwa, Zambia. "Perched on the banks of the Kapamba River in one of the most far-flung corners of this legendary safari destinations, I just dig the remoteness and simplicity of Kapamba," says Cara.


So, remote and simple. Tick. Super wildlife? Yup. Another big tick. Awesome rooms? You bet - especially with the metal latticework that creates an open front and awesome views! Tick! Fab experiences? Absofreakinglutely! Don't miss sundowners IN the river! 

 

Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe. "If you're going to do the falls, do them in absolute style at this fab lodge, which although it's close to them still feels private and remote. The guest areas are drop dead gorgeous, as are the rooms and the gym has one of the best views I've ever seen," says intrepid explorer and Earth mother Cara.


We're not going to argue because this is a superlative Vic Falls experience and one that's hard to beat!

 

Amanzi, Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia. (Main pic, above) "This is one of Zambia's best-kept secrets, set on towering banks overlooking the mighty Zambezi beneath a canopy of tall jackalberry and apple leaf trees, where you're instantly made to feel at home by a team of incredible staff and really experience the magic of the wilderness all around you," says Cara.


The game viewing is outstanding, the four rooms super-duper and the location out of this world. So that's a big thumbs-up then. Why aren't you packing?

 

Ngala Safari Lodge, Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. "This place is a bit of a legend really, with awesome guest areas, fab rooms, top notch guiding and game viewing, and that hard-to-replicate old-world charm that just sets it apart," says Cara.


She's right, of course. Ngala is in a class of its own and has the sustainability chops to match its safari credentials, working hard for people and planet!

 

Gomoti Plains Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana. "On the Gomoti River, surrounded by wide floodplains, in the heart of the legendary Okavango, this is a truly outstanding option for exploring one of the most productive game viewing regions in Botswana," says Cara, who knows her Okavango onions like no other Okavango onion enthusiast.


The location is second-to-none, the guiding superb and the camp just jaw-droppingly gorgeous. You have to go. Seriously. HAVE to. 

 

Sian loves...


The Highlands, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. "The views are totes insane, the accommodation is unique and the activities are off the charts, especially hiking the Olomoti Crater. Add the amazing cultural experiences and the proximity to the Ngorongoro and you've got safari gold," says our very own version of Sporty Spice.


She's right, of course. The domed canvas and glass suites are pretty much up there with the best in clever design and like our leader says, the vistas are gob-smacking and stretch all the way to the Serengeti. Just go. It's a winner. 


Muchenje, Chobe, Botswana. "You don't have to do the crazy hustle that is the town of Kasane to say you've been to Chobe. Rather escape to this cute little bush camp with oodles of authenticity that showcases the best of this glorious part of Botswana," says renowned recluse Sian.


Muchenje is on the (much) quieter western side of Chobe, on an escarpment overlooking the national park. It's a relax, kick back, unwind and chill sort of place that goes all-in on making sure you have an exceptional safari. 


Tintswalo Atlantic, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa. "It's just perfect in every way - beautiful location, close to town and all the attractions South Africa's Mother City offers, gorgeous rooms, fab food, awesome people and fantastic vibe," says local gal and CT aficionado Sian.


She's pretty much nailed it. This is defs one of THE best places to stay in Cape Town. Trust us. We know these things.


Shumba Camp, Kafue National Park, Zambia. "Overlooking the Busanga Plains in one of the most remote areas of Zambia, this place is an absolute gem with some of the most intriguing and special game viewing in Southern Africa and a birding tick list that's got some of the rarest endemic species south of the equator," explains Sian.


She knows what she's talking about, does our Sian. Shumba enjoys unrivalled access to a salivatingly good,  unique wilderness environment for just five months of every year, making it uber exclusive and an absolute must-visit safari destination.

 

Shongwe Oasis, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. "Finally, an adults-only retreat in one of the best locations in Vic Falls that's combined the best of everything in the area - great food, awesome wifi, an amazing spa, wonderfully comfortable accommodation and no screaming kids (can you tell I don't have any?)," says the totally non-mumsy Sian.


She may be sans rug rats but her safari instincts are bang on the money, because sometimes breeders and non-breeders alike just need to be as far away from anyone under 18 as possible. And in safari paradise. Which this is, of course.

 

If any of the above sound like they were made for you, then you seriously need to talk to usa bout getting you there. Like now. We're waiting. 


Text: Sharon Gilbert-Rivett

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    Shumba Camp



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    Shongwe Oasis

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