Ed and his wife Patricia recently enjoyed a nearly month-long southern Africa safari visiting Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in South Africa; Kwando Private Reserve and the Okavango Delta in Botswana; and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. They also spent time in South Africa’s Western Cape exploring Cape Town, the whale coast and the Winelands.
Even with such a long trip to so many locations, everything went great.
“I am impressed! We had 28 days scripted with flights, guides, drivers, etc. and I'm happy to say NOTHING went wrong! Every driver was prompt, every flight including bush drives were exactly as advertised. All of AAC's packing instructions were right on. I have definitely learned some things for the future that come with experience.”
They loved their safari accommodations including Kwando Lagoon and Kwara in Botswana and Dulini Moya in South Africa. Dulini Moya sits in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and has just six thatched suites with indoor and outdoor showers, along with private heated plunge pools. It has a notable wine cellar as well as a gym and wellness treatments. Game drives and walking safaris offer the chance to see the Big Five, large antelope herds and rare predators.
“Dulini Moya was FANTASTIC! Incredible rooms! Food was fantastic and the wines were over the top! I'm a wine guy and they were pouring great stuff included. On top of that they had the best SA wines in a cellar that I paid way less than in the US for! James became my personal sommelier - we picked great wines for every meal and I bought some special stuff for dinner.”
They found the vehicles, guides and staff on safari and in the Western Cape to be excellent.
“Justin S. in Cape Town . Turns out he is a home winemaker (like me) and loves photographing wildlife. He became more of a friend than a guide. We're keeping in touch. Tremendous! So glad we had him three days!”
They loved meeting the locals throughout their travels.
“Hanging with the local people who are SO friendly, nice, happy. My driver in Zimbabwe, Shingari M., was the nicest guy.”
They loved an off-the-beaten-path winery AAC recommended.
“If anyone wants a winery in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley out of Hermanus the Creation winery was excellent and they served a 4-5 course meal with wine for visitors.”
South Africa’s winelands are deservedly famous, and most travelers from North America that visit choose from the popular towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, or even Constantia, the wine producing area in Cape Town’s suburbs. Hemel-en-Aarde is a hidden gem just outside of Hermanus, the country’s whale watching capital, and is best known for its outstanding pinot noirs. Whales and wines are a favorite seasonal combination here at AAC – ask your Journey Specialist for details.
We are so happy to have been a part of Ed and Patricia’s safari. Are you ready for your own customized safari? Contact a Journey Specialist to start planning and subscribe to our newsletter below for more travel inspiration!
Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club member Edward L. and Creation Winery