Shelley on Safari in South Africa: A Journey of Elegance and Discovery
In a land where the wild meets luxury, Shelley embarked on a safari so enchanting that it felt like pages from a Vogue Travel Magazine brought to life. Nestled in the heart of South Africa, this extraordinary adventure unveiled secrets and splendours that beckon the soul. Let’s now take you on a journey of Shelley’s experience.
Favourite Hotel Aesthetically: La Residence Franschhoek
At La Residence Franschhoek, aesthetics become poetry. With panoramic valley views and a private 30-acre estate adorned with vineyards, olive groves, and rose gardens, every moment here feels like a verse of serenity. The Mont Rochelle mountain range stands sentinel, creating a backdrop of breathtaking beauty. It's a place where luxury merges seamlessly with nature, offering a true escape into opulence.
Favorite Hotel Service Wise: Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Manyeti Nature Reserve offers more than luxury; it's a warm embrace. The essence of "Tintswalo" meaning peace, love, and gratitude, is woven into every staff member's welcome. From the moment you step foot in this sanctuary in the Greater Kruger region, you're enveloped by a sense of belonging. The lodge's warm family welcome is not just a formality; it's a heartfelt invitation to experience the intangible feeling of peace, love, and gratitude that this place bestows.
Favorite Hotel Embodying a Key Y Factor: Singita Lebombo Lodge
Singita Lebombo Lodge in Kruger National Park is a sanctuary for sustainability, culture, and community. Beyond its jaw-dropping luxury, this lodge has a profound commitment to preserving the environment. Singita's vision includes protecting 33,000 acres of pristine land, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the wonders of Africa. Additionally, the lodge runs a Community Culinary Cooking School, where local residents are taught hospitality skills, creating employment prospects and fostering a sense of belonging. The lodge's design, inspired by the eagles' nests built into the cliff face of the river bank, blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious retreat.
Best Hotel for Families or Multi-Gen: Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town isn't just a hotel; it's a spacious oasis for families and multi-generational travelers. Its sprawling grounds and gardens host a pool, tennis court, gym, spa, and a dedicated kids' club, providing endless entertainment for all ages. The colonial-style architecture and diverse room options make it the perfect base to explore Cape Town and beyond. While the city beckons with its vibrant culture, Mount Nelson Hotel offers a serene escape for families to reconnect and create cherished memories.
Most Unsuspecting Hotel (What Were You Most Surprised By): Tintswalo Safari Lodge
Tintswalo Safari Lodge left Shelley pleasantly surprised with its exceptional experiences. The staff went above and beyond to create magical moments. Whether it was a surprise bush breakfast set up outdoors in a dry creek bed after a morning game drive, an evening campfire with an outdoor bar and snacks in the middle of nowhere for stargazing, or the sheer wonder of elephants stopping at the waterhole while enjoying lunch on the lodge deck, every moment was filled with delightful surprises.
Favorite Nature Experience: A Giraffe's Grace
The highlight of Shelley's journey was her first-ever morning game drive on safari. The 5 am sunrise marked the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. As the sun bathed the landscape in golden hues, the savannah came alive. And then, the magical moment arrived—a close encounter with a graceful giraffe. It was a testament to the wild beauty of Africa, a moment of awe that will forever be etched in Shelley's memory.
Most Memorable View or Natural Setting: Matetsi Victoria Falls River Lodge
At Matetsi Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe, Shelley was treated to breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. The lodge's prime location allowed her to witness the sunrise over the river and the majesty of wildlife from the comfort of her bed. A sunset river cruise further immersed her in the splendor of this natural paradise. The beauty of Africa unfolded before her eyes with each passing moment.
Top Packing Tip for Africa: Travel Light, Layer Right
Shelley's Africa wisdom: Travel light with 15-20kg baggage allowance on small planes. This tip proved invaluable as she hopped from one safari destination to another. Additionally, packing layers of clothing for chilly morning game drives followed by sunny hot conditions at lunchtime ensured that she was comfortable throughout her journey.
Summary of Trip in Five Emotive Words: Spiritual, Out of the Ordinary
Shelley's journey was an odyssey of the spirit, a tale beyond the ordinary, a safari that unfolded the extraordinary. Each moment, each encounter, was a testament to the magic of Africa and the allure of Livingstone Safaris. It was a spiritual experience, a journey into the heart of Africa that left Shelley forever touched by its enchantment.