The big five of Christmas gifts
Christmas is right around the corner and finding that perfect gift for a loved one can be a bit difficult year after year. So, this year why not surprise the family, the romantic, the foodie or the adventurer in your life with an African escape they will always remember – dive into our top suggestions below.
For the family: Go on safari in Kenya
Home to more than 25,000 species of animals, a luxury safari in Kenya is an experience that will quickly enter into family folklore – a story to be told again and again. Everyone from grandparents down to the newest family member will be in awe when they witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, or spot the big five, in the Masai Mara game reserve.
At some camps kids can enjoy junior ranger programmes and learning how to shoot with a bow and arrow, and getting everyone up before dawn means you can escape on a hot air balloon safari as a family – an experience for which the Mara is famous.
Perhaps, most enriching of all is the opportunity for children to interact with the red-robed Maasai warriors as they perform their customary dances, act as guides on walking safaris or welcome you into their traditional homesteads on visits to neighbouring Maasai communities.
Recommended stay: &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
This magnificent lodge has three family suites, a pool, interactive kitchen and vegetable garden and a WILDChild programme – perfect for little explorers. Adults can relax in the massage tent or enjoy a refreshing sundowner at Tusker Bar. With day and night game drives, hot air ballooning and Maasai dancing you won’t need to make much guse of the WI-FI available throughout the property.
For the romantic: Relax on a beach in Mozambique
Known for its desert dunes and sandy savannahs, Africa’s pristine beaches are often overlooked. But, Mozambique’s 2,500km of sparkling coastline is the perfect place to rest up and reconnect before or after a safari adventure.
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Mozambique’s relatively untouched and crowd-free beaches are lined with a range of resorts that can provide everything you need for an idyllic luxury island getaway. You and your partner can while away the days beachside with cocktail in hand, enjoy diving with humpback whales, game fishing off the coast, or go horse riding along the shore. Your romantic oasis awaits.
Recommended stay: &Beyond Benguerra Island
Sheltered within a canopy of indigenous pine forest overlooking the Indian Ocean on Mozambique’s famed Bazaruto archipelago, this island lodge has 10 casinhas (little houses), two cabanas, and one three-bedroom casa, all with private plunge pools and outdoor showers. Coppers, creams, royal blues and emerald greens merge to create a dreamy and romantic Afro-Portuguese aesthetic – you will never want to leave.
For the adventurer: Embark on gorilla trekking in Rwanda
A close encounter with a mountain gorilla is a heart-stopping experience…in a good way, of course. After trekking through dense rainforest for one hour, or maybe two, depending on how your allocated gorilla family feels that day, you can spend one whole hour viewing them interact, play, feed and rest. And the best part is you get to do it all again on day two.
An overwhelming, and for some life-changing, experience, gorilla trekking is incredibly safe, but is definitely an activity for the more adventurous soul. The chance to photograph these majestic creatures and take home priceless memories is a gift that will always be cherished.
Recommended stay: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is opening in 2019 in Africa’s oldest national park, and eight local mountain gorilla families live in the surrounding foothills of the breathtaking Virunga Volcano range. When not visiting your primate friends, a spa, fitness centre and nine-hole golf course can help you relax and enjoy your modern mountain retreat.
For the foodie: Indulge in restaurant hopping in Cape Town
Africa’s number one restaurant, and the 50th best restaurant in the world, can be found in South Africa’s harbour city. The Test Kitchen is helmed by chef Luke Dale-Roberts and his industrial-style restaurant has two dining areas – one ‘dark’ and one ‘light’. The food is based on popular global dishes with a South African twist, such as stand-out dish pig head with smoked apple salad.
But, The Test Kitchen isn’t the only innovative fine dining option in the city, with other heavyweights such as La Colombe, Aubergine and Nobu waiting to be discovered. We suggest at least three days in Cape Town with your favourite foodie to really savour the world-class dining on offer.
Recommended stay: Cape Grace Hotel
The décor of the Cape Grace Hotel is inspired by the city’s rich maritime history and its position on the harbourfront – antique furniture, blue and white Dutch pottery and luxurious fabrics can be found throughout. The design of each of the 120 rooms and suites is unique, and a gastronomic feast at Signal Restaurant followed by a world-class whisky in Bascule Bar will have you falling into the plush beds in no time.
For that once-in-a-lifetime experience: Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
For that once-in-a-lifetime experience: Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe When Scottish missionary David Livingstone first glimpsed the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya falls in 1855 he proclaimed that the “scenes [were] so lovely they must be gazed upon by angels in their flight”. As the first Westerner to look upon the falls he had the privilege of naming them after his queen, and a visit to the imposing Victoria Falls is now an essential experience for any Africa holiday.
Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the dividing line between the countries in the middle of the Zambezi River. The local name translates to ‘the smoke that thunders’ due to the mists that can be seen from 20km away.
While viewing the falls from below by boat is mesmerising, there is no better way to see the falls in all their spectacular glory than on a scenic helicopter ride. A ‘flight with the angels’ is a breathtaking experience you will remember long after you leave Africa behind.
Recommended stay: Great Plains Mpala Jena Camp
Newly opened, the Mpala Jena Camp in Zimbabwe is an exclusive luxury retreat only 16km from Victoria Falls town. A maximum of eight guests can share four tented suites and a two-bedroom private villa. The eco-conscious camp is constructed entirely of recycled hardwoods and canvas, and the opulent interiors, private viewing deck and private plunge pool offer a relaxing hideaway at the end of a long day game viewing or soaring above the falls.
Start your journey
Let us help you design the perfect Christmas gift this holiday season – talk to us today to start planning your African holiday.
e: curious@forthandwonder.com.au
p: +61 3 9045 9819
