Singita Castleton

Day 10

Another 5AM wake up call at Singita Boulders. Although a short night sleep it was a restful one as I am in the middle of paradise. Only a few animals we haven't seen yet...hippos! Right away we found their favorite watering hole. A male and female were resting in the water, taking a nap and protecting their sensitive skin against the sun.

As we were winding down we were fortunate to see an animal that most wouldn't normaly think of – The African Wild Dog. In all of the greater Kruger area there are only 6 packs left and we were fortunate enough to see one of them. Out of all of the animals to choose from this is our tracker's favorite.

For the bush they are so unique as they are very social and packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members. Unfortunately, they are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their domestic animals and they are now endangered.

They are true “team” animals as they hunt together, stick together and make sure the weak gets food.

Our group then headed to Singita Ebony for a tour, their beautiful gift shop (coming home with a true treasure) and then to Singita Castleton for our last night in South Africa. We were greeted with homemade lemonade and as I look up a herd of elephant walk by – I am in a fairy tale right now. Castleton is formerly the family home of Singita founder Luke Bailes’ grandfather. This is an exclusive use lodge. Set within 45,000 acres of private reserve, Singita Castleton consists of a main house with communal living spaces, and accommodation located in six individual cottages within the grounds, catering for up to 12 people. I'm not sure what my favorite aspect is between the decor, the grounds, pool, view of elephants walking by or the in-ground

trampoline (have to get one for Joey). Castleton could not be more perfect for family & friend gatherings. This is one of the most tranquil & serene places I have ever been and just hope I am fortunate to return here with my family someday. 

Singita Boulders Sabi Sand

Day 8 & 9

 

The rest of day 8 was completely amazing with elephant sightings. For such a massive animal they are incredibly quite and graceful. It was a fabulous way to end our game drives.

 

Day 9 starting with a 5:00 wake up call – which is no issue when you are greeted with a tray of coffee.  I had one last look out of my tent and headed for my final drive in the Timbavati region. The temperature drop was incredible. The day prior it was almost 100 degrees and I was freezing in this drive. The morning started out a little slow and then... the most fabulous leopard sighting. I didn't think it could get better than our first sighting but seeing this leopard on the prowl was insane! We were so incredibly close and I have to say a bit nervous for the first time. A fantastic way to end our time at Tanda Tula.

 

So like most Travel Agents we were then off to do sight inspections. Although.... I have never done them by helicopter before. We met our pilot at the air strip and then flew to Royal Malewane and Tintswalo – both so special. We made our final flight to Singita Boulders which is nothing but spectacular. We had time for one more game drive of the day. It was amazing how different the topography was so different in just a few hundred miles. This area has had some storms and is becoming green. 

Our first major sighting was two incredible lionesses. The females are absolutely stunning and regal.  For me, more impressive than the males.  We watched them rest, hunt, rest, hunt... and we left them. They were too exposed to the impalas that they were hunting so they decided to take a nap. I like the way they think.

 

 

We moved on to spot a massive heard of buffalo (amazing) and then another (OMG) leopard sighting. This leopard was lying in the tree for a lazy rest. Then our tracker noticed the zebra carcass in the same tree that she brought up to the top to protect from hyenas and other prey stealing her catch. She was happy and full and was just a perfect way to call it a night for this drive. Driving back to the camp we saw the same to lionesses looking for “dinner”. I have a feeling it probably happened tonight.

We had about 30 minutes to freshen up for a fabulous wine tasting (now you really feel bad for me). They only serve South African wines here which of course is very fitting and of course now I have my new favorites. The night ended with an amazing dinner, great company and memories of the most surreal day of my life.

 

Tanda Tula - Day 7 & 8

We departed from Johannesburg after a restful night at the Intercontinental. It is by far the best airport hotel I have stayed at. We then departed on our nine passenger plane to Tanda Tula which is a tented camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve that opens up to Kruger National Park.

The camp consists of just 12 secluded tents. Each are in an East African style with its own en-suite bathroom, victorian bathtub, outdoor shower and a deck overlooking the riverbed and African bush.

This was my my first experience in an African tented camp. Luckily the temperature dropped and I was able to get a restful night sleep listening to all of the animals surrounding me. When you leave your tent you have to make sure to lock the zipper so the monkeys don't get in!

The game drives have been absolutely amazing. In just three drives I have seen the big five – Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion and Leopard. Our very first sighting was a Leopard feeding after a kill. She was stunning and spectacular. The lions are cousins who are off on their own and don't belong to a larger pride. It was all so amazing but I have to say watching the giraffes come down to the water hole was one of the most serene moments of my life. Such a feeling of calm and serenity.

Our group had the opportunity to visit another camp – Kings Camp which is an excellent four star great value lodge (and good for those who need their air conditioning!) Kings Camp also has a private villa for exclusive use only called Waterloo. Both properties are in a Colonial African decor which I found extremely authentic and appealing.

Amazing Azura

Days 3, 4 and 5 were spent on the extraordinary island called Benguerra in Mozambique. I flew from Cape Town to Johannesburg and then to Vilankulos where we met our helicopter to whisk us to Azura. The island is incredibly unique and special. In places it reminded me of the Galapagos and others parts like Hawaii. We experienced an island tour which was very fascinating and humbling at the same time. We saw how the local villagers live and we got to stop at the school and meet the children. The locals are incredible warm and genuine and I just fell in love with them.

The sand on the beach is so soft and the colors of the water are brilliant colors of blue. When the tide goes out you can walk for just about a mile. The locals will go out in the morning and walk to where the tide ends and dig for oysters and crabs.

Azura is an amazing resort. It reminds me a bit of Le Taha and The Viceroy Rivera Maya but certainly unque and special in its own way. We spent a day snorkeling and climbed enormous sands dunes (I need to get back into shape). We had excellent visibility snorkeling and saw a huge variety of colorful fish and coral. The resort had a gorgeous private lunch on an amazing beach near where we snorkeled.  The set up was just incredible.

My last activity was riding Vumba – a beautiful white horse. He was such gentle and sweet boy. I haven't ridden

in years and it was the perfect place to get back in the saddle.

Tonight our group is spending the night at the Intercontinental Johannesburg and then off to Tanda Tula!

Day 2 - Cape Town

I'm just in awe writing day 2, sitting outstanding on my balcony looking at the magnificent Table Mountain. The day started with rain but luckily the clouds are clearing and I have a fantastic view. Having a massage at the One & Only doesn't hurt putting you in that relaxed “zen” mode.

I wasn't sure what to expect today. I left this morning for a full tour of the Cape Peninsula. It reminded me of a mix between the Road to Hanna in Maui and the Amalfi Coast – two destinations I would never think to compare. What was really surprising was the wildlife I saw on the drive – Ostriches by the sea, Penguins, Seals and Baboons! I stopped by an Ostrich farm and of course a winery to taste some delicious wines. The highlight of the winery was a sparkling Pinot Nior which unfortunately they do not ship to the United States – darn!

 

One of the major highlights of the day was standing at the Southern Most Point of Africa. I just hope someday I can return to this fabulous city and share with my family.

Africa - Day 1 - Cape Town

I arrived my hotel, Belmond Mt. Nelson, about 10:30PM last night. After a very very very long journey being greeted with warm hospitality, a glass of champagne, a hot bath and a very comfortable king bed was extremely welcoming. After a lovely breakfast today I had a fabulous driver who took me to the best hotels in the city – Cape Grace, 12 Apostles, Taj and Ellerman House. All are warm and friendly. The hospitality has been extraordinary.  Despite being an overcast and rainy day the views of Table Mountain and the Ocean are extrodenary. I feel like I'm on the edge of the world.