Edition 44: Autumn 2008

Albee Yeend of Steppes Africa, one of The Good Safari Guide’s judges, tells us what makes a great safari property. The more luxurious the better? Simply, no.

For me, as lovely as a safari lodge or camp looks in a brochure or on a website, it’s actually the people who are running it and working there that make the place. If the staff aren’t happy and don’t take pride in their work, then forget it. This is why owner-run properties tend to work well as the management is generally consistent. It’s also a good sign when the staff have worked there for a long time.

I feel that first impressions are extremely important, and upon arrival there must be that ‘wow factor’, whether it be the location, the view or the welcome from the staff, or ideally a combination of all three!

Then comes the wildlife viewing and – more importantly – the guiding. It’s also an added bonus for the property if it offers a tracker for safaris. A guide should be extremely knowledgeable and always gauge the safari experience of the guests, chosing their game drives accordingly. The better properties should have comfortable safari vehicles, with ideally no more than six seats for guests. A variety of activities is always a bonus, and I particularly love a combination of wildlife drives, walks and water activities. Although safety is paramount, it’s also exhilarating to have a bit of excitement.

The meals are an extremely important aspect of the safari, and high marks are given for delicious, fresh local food. It’s also good to have the flexibility to eat at different times, either in a group or privately. The best properties are also able to meet the varied dietary requests of their guests.

The décor of the property should be simple, yet stylish and clean. Comfortable beds, crisp cotton sheets and down pillows all help towards a comfortable night’s sleep. Decent lighting is also important when trying to get ready to go on a predawn wildlife drive! I like rooms that are not only spacious, but are also well spaced apart, as you don’t want to be able to hear your neighbours. I always say that when you go on holiday your stay should be as comfortable as your own home, or, ideally, more so.

Properties that host children should offer enough activities to keep them occupied. The experience of the staff in this regard is also key.

Finally, it’s the little touches that make the difference between a good safari property and a really great one. One of my favourite of these is a staff with a sense of humour – it goes a long way to making a holiday a truly memorable one.  

What's new?

Cape Town cascades 
Opened last month, this stylish boutique hotel is just a few yards from Les Cascades de Bantry Bay and offers breathtaking views over the Atlantic. Consisting of just seven rooms, each with king size beds, plasma TVs, iPod docking stations and internet access, Cascades on 52 flows over four floors. Benefiting from its location on the foothills of Signal Hill, the hotel sits in the wind shadow of Lion’s Head, meaning it’s protected from the often-merciless South Easter winds. Bantry Bay is centrally located, just 10 minutes away from the city centre, V&A Waterfront, the Table Mountain cable car station and the amazing beaches of Camps Bay. If you feel like a stroll, the heralded Clifton Beach is within a kilometres’ walking distance.
See www.lescascades.co.za for more information

What’s the manor? 
The Manor is a stylish homestead, designed for the exclusive use of eight guests. Set in the 28,328ha Samara Private Game Reserve, its air-conditioned en suite rooms offer sweeping views over the Karoo mountain landscape in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Upon entering the Manor, guests can’t help but notice the views immediately unfolding over an infinity pool. While taking a dip in the early morning or late afternoon you can observe wildlife at the natural waterhole, which sits below the pool. Prices include two open Land Rover safaris and guided walks each day, both in the company of your personal ranger. For those who stay behind, there is a full-time chef and butler at your disposal. There is no shortage of atmospheric places to eat at the Manor – choose to eat under the stars in the boma or on the veranda, or venture inside to the dining room or breakfast room. Opened this August, it welcomes children of all ages and can accommodate up to four of them when there is a maximum of six adults in the party.
For further details visit www.classicretreats.com

Changes at Chindeni 
The Bushcamp Company have recently re-opened their Chindeni camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. It’s four new en suite chalets are tucked amidst a shady ebony grove, which rests along the bank of a permanent ox bow lagoon. While the immediate surroundings are stunning, it’s the expansive views of the Chindeni hills that set it apart. Each chalet has its own raised deck, providing round-the-clock views of the diverse wildlife that congregates along the bank to drink. With all the amenities one would expect from 5-star accommodation, Chindeni tries to authenticate the bush experience without sacrificing any of the comforts of home. Chindeni ideally sleeps six, but can accommodate a maximum of eight people in the four tents.
More information can be found at www.bushcampcompany.com