Honeymoons in Africa

Queen Victoria Hotel - fit for a Queen (Waterfront, Cape Town)

2011-08-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to spend a weekend at the Queen Victoria Hotel in the Waterfront in Cape Town. After 2 full days at this 5 Star Hotel, I could not find fault with anything... not even 1 small thing.

I was soooo impressed... the food, the serivce, the accommodation, the facilities are ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!

This is the entrance area of the hotel:

It is situated within the Waterfront so you can easily walk to all the shops and restaurants.

The food exceeded my expectations by far. We had dinner in the Dash Restaurant the first evening and it was a lovely experience. At times we even forgot what we were talking about... the food was so nice. I had a beef fillet with mash and veggies, but it was HEAVEN... my tastebuds have never tasted anything like this before. For desert I had a chocolate fondant and it was THE BEST... I highly recommend you try this out. The service we received at the Dash Restaurant was also very good and very professional and on par with a 5 Star hotel.

Our breakfast each morning was also a feast in its own right... mmm - yummy. I can still taste everything I had to eat!!!

Here are pictures of our bedroom which was VERY luxurious and perfect in every way.

We also had our son with us for 1 night and had breakfast (or should I rather say our FEAST) in bed that morning.

I really could not find even 1 fault with this hotel... and I'm use to looking at hotels like a critic.

It was an awesome experience - I loved it.

I highly recommend this hotel for a weekend getaway or romantic honeymoon.

It's definitely one of my new favourite hotels in the Waterfront!

Trogon House - romantic treetop paradise in Plettenberg Bay

2011-08-07T22:14:00.001-07:00

This was one of the BEST surprises I had on my Inspection Trip along the Garden Route... A romantic treetop Paradise. Trogon House is a forest lodge with forest suites in the Tsitsikamma Forest and right next to Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. It's about a 15 minutes drive from Plettenberg Bay.

There are 4 deluxe suites of which I like room 3 and room 4 the most as they have glass walls all around and you therefore feel like you're in the forest. Room 3 and 4 have a shower only, but they also have a lovely spa room (close to these rooms) if you'd like to take a romantic bath.

The master suite is also the honeymoon suite which is bigger and has a bath and a shower. The pictures below are of the honeymoon suite:

The spa room at Trogon House can be pre-booked for R400 for an hour and then R200 for every hour thereafter. The spa room has a jacuzzi, sauna, daybed, fireplace, shower, and music. It is PERFECT for a very romantic time with your loved one.

This is the day bed and CD centre in the Spa room:

This is the jacuzzi in the Spa Room:

This is the sauna and shower in the spa room:

The lodge have beautiful swimming pools on the decks and lounging areas.

This is the deluxe suite with the shower only:

There are beautiful walkways between the lodges:

This is where you arrive at Trogon House:

This is surely one of the most romantic places in the Plettenberg Bay area.

It's perfect for a romantic honeymoon or just a romantic getaway AND the prices are very affordable.

I highly recommend Trogon House!!!

Elephant Hide Lodge in Knysna - great for honeymooners

2011-08-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Elephant Hide Lodge is situated on a hill and overlooks the Knysna Lagoon. I'm certain this is the BEST view of the Lagoon in Knysna. The view is really spectacular... I found myself staring out in the far all the time I was there.

The suites are stand-alone chalets and very beautiful. The picture below is the executive suite which is also used as the honeymoon suite. The bath is raised behind the bed and looks out over the Lagoon as well.

This bath is one of the Lagoon Suites' bath and it's also very romantic with great views.

This is a view from the suites:

As you can see... there are beautiful views all over. This is from the swimming pool area.

This is the view from one of the Lagoon suites:

We stayed in a lagoon suite and everything was perfect. Each suite has a lounge area (with beautiful views) and a private deck (with beautiful views) and a bath and shower (with beutiful views). The rooms also have all the amenities you'll need.

Elephant Hide is really a very romantic and beautiful place in Knysna. It's still close to everything, but also away from all the busstle of the Town. I highly recommend Elephant Hide to honeymooners and for romantic getaways; as well as for families as they also have a family unit.

The owners are very friendly and welcoming and will make sure that you have the time of your life. They will take really good care of you.

You will also love the breakfast menu... amazing!!!

I can't wait to go back.

2011-08-04T02:16:00.000-07:00

Emily Moon River Lodge... in Plettenberg Bay... WOW - what a beautiful place!!!

The view from the chalets and the restaurant is breathtaking - overlooking the Bitou river... it almost look like a very small part of the Okavango Delta.

The atmosphere at the lodge is vibey and relaxed and it feels like you just want to be there... being there is a destination in itself. They have this beautiful restaurant with food to die for. The restaurant is quite popular and reservations need to be made in advance. There is just such a 'lekker' feel to this lodge. All the furniture, decor and materials are from all over the world. The owner has been travelling a lot and he also has a furniture and decor shop in Johannesburg and at Emily Moon River Lodge... so you can even buy these beautiful things.

This is the beautiful view I've been talking about:

This is the entrance to the restaurant... you can also sit outside for lunch and dinner:

Here it is... the furniture shop at the lodge (lovely things):

They also have a sushi bar called Katy:

The owner's one daughter's name is Katy so the Sushi Bar has been named after her and his other daughter's name is Emily and the restaurant has been named after her. The name of the lodge also has a unique story behind it so be sure to ask your hosts if you get the change to visit them.

Each chalet has a private viewing deck and all the chalets are beautifully decorated with all the amenities you'll need. I highly recommend Emily Moon River Lodge for honeymooners, romantic getaways or even a long holiday in the Garden Route.

Beautiful!!!

African Oceans Manor on the Beach - Mossel Bay

2011-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

What a nice surprise... a beautiful Manor on the beach in Mossel Bay which is 4 hours from Cape Town and 2 hours from Knysna. African Oceans is a 5 Star Guest Manor with 9 luxury suites and it's right on the beach as you can see below.

The suites are super luxurious with only the best of everything. From the dining room to the lounge to the suites... everything is new, clean and very luxurious. The honeymoon suite is very romantic and all the suites are very well priced... good value for money.

You can find more information and pictures of the suites on the Lodges in Africa website:
http://www.lodgesinafrica.com/South_Africa/Garden_Route_Honeymoon/African_Oceans_Manor_on_the_Beach_-_Mossel_Bay_%285_Star%29/

Why would you go to Mossel Bay for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway or even a week's holiday? It's only a 4-hour drive from Cape Town and close to all the attractions of the Garden Route such as the Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma and Oudtshoorn. There is a lovely beach for swimming and lazing in the sun so it's surely a great beach destination.

The staff are very friendly and welcoming and will take really good care of you. I highly recommend African Oceans Manor in Mossel Bay for honeymooners and people looking for a romantic beach getaway or a beach holiday.

Elephant Back Safari at Addo Elephant Safari Lodge

2011-07-22T06:37:00.000-07:00

What an awesome experience... sitting bare-back on a gentle elephant giant and riding through the Zuurberg Mountains bush.

Addo Elephant Back Safari Lodge is a very special place - it's in the middle of nowhere and it feels like you're on top of the world. Wow, what a romantic place. It is definitely a romantic honeymoon spot, but also for anybody looking for an amazing experience with beautiful accommodation in a secluded place.

My pictures below definitely does not give this beautiful place justice. It is so much prettier.

We arrived late afternoon after a 1.5-hr nerve-wrecking drive up the Zuurberg Mountain pass. I would strongly suggest you avoid driving this road. It is a steap mountain pass with a very narrow road and lots of turns and bends. My sister and I were quite stressed along this road. I have to say that when you arrive at the lodge and see how beautiful it is, you feel the stress of the road is definitely worth it. There is however much better ways to get to Addo Elephant Safari Lodge. You can take their road transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport or Addo or you can fly with them from Port Elizabeth or Addo. They have an excellent deal where you get your transfers for FREE if you stay at the lodge for 2 nights. This is quite a good deal. You get a road transfer to the lodge and an air transfer out of the lodge. I would definitely recommend a 2-night stay at Addo Elephant Safari Lodge.

There is more than just the Elephant Back Safari that you can do whilst staying here. You can enjoy guided walks, game drives, medicinal plant walks, sundowners on the hill, bush dinners, elephant walks and bushman caves walks.

This is me riding on Thaba (it means happy) with Ignesuis (the Elephant Handler).

The elephant handlers at Addo Safaris are very professional and well-spoken. Their English is well and they can truly interact with the guest. They also know how to make you feel comfortable on this big animal. They have been working with Ellies for years and years. I was VERY impressed with them.

The chalets (built on stilts) are connected to the lodge with wooden walk-ways so it's really private. The view from the chalets are BEAUTIFUL and there's a jacuzzi on the deck that they will prepare for you once you return to your chalet.

The main area of the lodge is quite small with a dining room, lounge area and small bar area. It is however very cosy and comfortable and you get to meet other travellers and discuss your day's adventure. The owner of the lodge also eats with the guests in the evening and has a real hands-on operation. He made potjiekos the evening that we were there. I have to mention that it was also the best potjie that I ever had.

I highly recommend this lodge and it was certainly the highlight of my trip.

A weekend in Betty's Bay

2011-04-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

A weekend in Betty's Bay is surely worth while... we had a lovely weekend with friends and their children there last weekend. The Harold Porter Botanical Garden and the Penguins at Stony Point makes this destination worth a visit.... and not to mention the sand dunes which makes sure for some good fun.

Penguin Honeymoon couple at Stony Point in Betty's Bay:

It's only an hour's drive from Cape Town between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond in the Overberg region of South Africa. Betty's Bay also offers some great beaches. Silver sands and Hangklip dunes are to the west of Stony Point. The beach is good for picnics, swimming and surfing.

It's a great place for a weekend getaway...

Romantic Accommodation in Stellenbosch - Spier Hotel

2011-04-01T02:18:00.000-07:00

Dawie and I spent a lovely evening at the Spier Hotel on Friday 25 March. The hotel offers village-style rooms around 6 courtyards - it's beautiful and very tranquil and relaxed in the beautiful gardens. The superior rooms are next to the river so it's even more tranquil and very private. I would recommend the superior rooms for honeymooners. For other honeymoon accommodation in the Winelands, have a look at our Lodges in Africa website. The entire Spier Estate is really beautiful with the most amazing art all over and they also have very special restaurants... the famous Moyo's which is truly an experience and then also the famous Eight Restaurant which does not have a menu... you tell them what you'd like to eat and they make it for you. We also had a quick look at the Cheetahs they have on the Estate. This is an excursion that you can book and I think this would be nice for children or anyone interested in cheetahs. You can also enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawns. You don't have to order a picnic basket... you can just pop in to the Delhi and select a few items and then you're on your way... We had a lovely dining experience at Cape to Cuba in the town of Stellenbosch. The food was amazing and we were pleasantly surprized. I haven't been to Stellenbosch for quite some time and I really enjoyed the atmosphere and all the restaurants and terraces in the streets. We did not even get time for a wine tasting tour so we'll need to go back soon...

5 yr Wedding anniversary at Kirkman's Kamp in the Sabi Sands

2011-03-23T12:48:00.001-07:00

My husband and I spent our 5-yr wedding anniversary at Kirkman's Kamp in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Kirkman's is one of my favourite game lodges in this area as they offer a home-away-from-home experience and phenomenal Big 5 game viewing.

We went in January which is actually the rainy season and not that good for game viewing. During the winter months from May to October I've seen the Big 5 within the 1st hour of the game drive. In January we saw the Big 5 over a period of 2 days. So you will still be able to see the Big 5, but not just all in your first game drive. The bush is BEAUTIFUL in January - green and lush...

In the evenings we had lovely sundowners in the bush before continuing on our evening game drive. They also did a lovely romantic room turndown with champagne and rose petals, etc.

They also did a lovely breakfast in the bush for us as a surprise one morning.

The room was lovely - very old-style colonial with a victoria bath and the works.

I can't wait to return... it was surely a nice and very romantic getaway for such a special occasion.

4x4 Adventure Trip through Namibia

2010-12-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

We headed off to Botswana - leaving friends and family behind in Cape Town. We were sad to leave, but also excited about our new adventure ahead. Our first night was at Elephant Leisure Resort in the Cedarberg - about a 2.5 hour drive from Cape Town. This is where Dawie and I spent our honeymoon so it was very nice to go back there with Juan.

Beautiful Cedarberg

Chalet with jacuzzi at Elephant Leisure Resort

Our second night was spent on the Orange River in a river bungalo at the Felix Unite camp.

From the Orange River, we drove to Aus and on to Klein Aus Vista where we stayed for the evening. We did a 4x4 excursion to see the wild horses of Namibia. It turned out to be our wedding anniversary as well so it was quite nice having sundowners in the Namib and enjoying this special day.

Road to Aus

Wild Horses of the Namib

Sundowners in the Namib

More to come: Sossusvlei adventure and journey along Windhoek, Okahandja, Grootfontein, Rundu, Divundu to Botswana...

Nxamaseri Island Lodge - Okavango Delta, Botswana

2010-10-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Nxamaseri Island Lodge is situated on an Island in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It was one of the first lodges in that area about 30 years ago. My husband and I was so fortunate to manage this beautiful lodge for a while in 2009. We loved working and living there. I will never forget fallling asleep with the sounds of hippos in the background and waking up when all the birds start singing in the mornings. We were in Paradise... We loved meeting all the interesting guests at the lodge and hosting them so that they feel welcome and very at home... and leaving as friends.

This was the spot in the lounge area where you could sit forever and just look out over the nxamaseri channel. We had our management meetings here while we waited for the guests to return from their afternoon activity.

This is the lounge at Nxamaseri... the main area is under thatched roof and open on the one side which makes it very nice to look out and hear and feel all the sounds of the bush.

This is the dining room where we had lovely dinners with our guests.

This is the bar area where we also had very good times talking to the guests and listening to all their travel experiences...

We wanted to live in Botswana for about 3 - 5 years, but had to come back to South Africa as Juan needed special schooling. Juan was talking a lot, but he had his own language - one that even his parents could not understand. So in order to help Juan, we returned to Cape Town in September 2009.

Juan started his schooling at SNAP on 05 October 2009 and I started working for Go2Africa on 12 October 2009. SNAP is a wonderful school for children with special needs and all the tutors are doing an excellent job. Go2Africa is one of the leading Tour Operators in Cape Town and THE BEST company I have ever worked for. They motivate their staff, teach and grow them, award and recognise them - it's amazing. I have never felt this driven and motivated in my life. No wonder they are still around after 10 years and after the economic ressession. Dawie had to do his part in Juan's tutoring in the afternoons so he couldn't start with a job immediately. He soon started at Sybu Data in January 2010 and may I say - he is lovely it!!!!

So after spending an amazing year in the Okavango Delta, we were all back in Cape Town and settled before we knew it...

Our southern Africa travels in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbawe... more to come shortly.

Lodges in Africa & The Snymans - moving to the Okavango Delta in Botswana

2009-01-12T05:06:00.000-08:00

My husband, two-year old son and I are moving to Botswana the end of this month. We are going on an adventure!!! We’re going to work and live at the beautiful Nxamaseri Island Lodge as from 01 Feb 09. We are really looking forward to it and of course we’re also a little bit scared, but we trust everything will go well.

We are going to leave Cape Town on Monday 19 Jan 09 and then overnight at Elephant Leisure Resort – about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. We spent our honeymoon at this place 3 years ago so we are very keen to go back (and have Juan with us). We will probably just chill in the Jacuzzi on the stoep of the chalet – overlooking the Cedarberg mountains. Lovely!!!!

Tuesday 20 Jan 09 will be a longer stretch when we drive all the way to the Orange River. So we will leave SA on 20 Jan and enter Namibia at Vioolsdrift. Back in the days Dawie worked as a river guide on the Orange River for a River Rafting Company, Felix Unite. We are planning on pitching our tent on the banks of the Orange River this night.

I’m really looking forward to our adventure on Wednesday 21 Jan 09. I booked a guided sunset drive in Aus where we will go out to look for the Wild Horses in Namibia. We’ll be camping at Klein Aus Vista this night.

On Thursday 22 Jan 09 we’re off to Sesriem where we will be camping for 1 night. We will definitely try to visit the dunes at Sossusvlei.

We will spend the weekend (Friday & Saturday nights) at a Hot Spring – just north of Windhoek – camping at Gross Barmen Hot Springs. We hope to get some relaxing time here.

On Sunday we will drive all the way to Grootfontein where we will be staying at Ghaub Guest Farm. Apparently our closest church is in Grootfontein so we will try to get to church on Sun 25 Jan 09. One of our friends in Cape Town’s father is the Dominee in Grootfontein so we hope to meet him. Don’t think we’ll be able to drive 300 kms every Sunday, but at least we will belong somewhere. Will try to download Ds Reinder and Henning’s sermons every week.

For our last night of our trip, I’ve booked us in a lovely River Cabin at Popa Falls (right on the border of Namibia). Bed and breakfast – lekker!!!

On Tuesday 27 Jan 09 we enter Botswana in the north at the Caprivi. From here it’s only a few minutes’ drive to Shakawe – our closest shop and clinic (rural). From Shakawe it’s another 30-minute drive to Nxamaseri Island Lodge.

The LODGES IN AFRICA offices will be closed from Saturday 17 Jan – Sunday 01 Feb 09.

LODGES IN AFRICA is also re-locating from South Africa to Botswana.

New contact details (ph/fax) in Botswana will be available early February 09.

Email details remain the same: anza@lodgesinafrica.com / travel@lodgesinafrica.com
Website details remain the same: www.lodgesinafrica.com

Our new Lodges in Africa representative - Zanie Erasmus – will remain in our South Africa office in Durbanville.

South Africa Cell Phone: +27 (0)82 079 0449
South Africa Contact Person: Zanie Erasmus – personal assistant to Anza Snyman
South Africa Address: Unit 5, Rust & Vrede Office Park, 21 Church Street, Durbanville, 7550
Online fax number: +27 (0)86 615 9887

We will continue business as usual in February – working from Nxamaseri Island Lodge on the Okavango Delta.

Visit my Blog regularly for updates about our Namibia trip, our new lives in Botswana and the Okavango Delta.

Africa honeymoon safari destinations / South Africa honeymoon safaris / Romantic Getaway / Game lodges / Beach resorts - Home

2008-03-03T05:21:00.000-08:00

Africa honeymoon safari destinations / South Africa honeymoon safaris / Romantic Getaway / Game lodges / Beach resorts - Home

Win a 2-night Safari at Nyala Safari Lodge - South Africa

2007-06-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

You can win a 2-night Safari at Nyala Safari Lodge in the Kruger area, South Africa. Have a look at www.lodgesinafrica.com and click on the *** Win a 2-night Safari *** icon to enter this fabulous competition. The winner will be announced in on our website and in our July newsletter. There will be a special feature about Nyala Safari Lodge in our June newsletter.

If you would like to sign up for our newsletter, please send an email to webmaster@lodgesinafrica.com with 'subscribe' in the subject line. Thank you.

Nyala Safari Lodge - Kruger Family Safari Experience

2007-05-21T02:13:00.000-07:00

Nyala Safari Lodge is a family game lodge in the Mohlabetsi Private Game Reserve. This lodge is ideal for families or couples. You will have a wonderful game viewing experience in the private reserve and you have an optional ekstra to visit the Kruger National Park and/or Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre. The lodge offers accommodation in en-suite chalets. The staff is friendly and will make your stay worth while. The rates are also extremely good value for money as you pay 3-star rates for a 4-star experience. Do yourself a favour and visit this lodge for your Kruger Safari experience.

Juan is teething

2007-05-17T01:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a looooong week. Juan is teething and it is quite painfull. He doesn't sleep a lot during the evening so we are also not sleeping. And to think it is only 4 down and 20 teeth to go!!! I'm sure it gets easier after a while. For all mothers and fathers out there - keep faith and stay calm!!! It is difficult, but it will also pass. One day they won't even remember the pain of getting teeth. Just enjoy every day with your precious child...

Game Lodges in Zambia - Kafue, South Luangwa, Victoria Falls

2007-05-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

We are currently busy adding game lodges in Zambia to our website Lodges in Africa as there are quite a few good lodges in Kafue National Park and South Luangwa National Park.

We will be adding the following lodges: Busanga Bush Camp, Kapinga Camp, Lunga River Camp and Shumba Camp in the Kafue National Park; Kalamu Tented Camp in South Luangwa National Park; The River Club in Victoria Falls.

These lodges should be ready by next week so look out for these exciting new lodges!!!

Namibia Desert Game Lodges - Africa

2007-05-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of adding desert game lodges in Namibia on our website Lodges in Africa.

We are adding Damaraland Camp, Doro Nawas, and Palmwag Rhino Camp in Damaraland; Little Ongava, Ongava Game Lodge, and Ongava Tented Camp in Etosha; Serra Cafema Camp in the Kunene Region; Skeleton Coast Camp in the Skeleton Coast Park; and Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Camp, Little Kulala, and Sossusvlei Wilderness Camp in Sossusvlei.

These lodges should be available on our site by next week so look out for these exciting desert game and cultural lodges in Namibia.

Weekend away to Franskraal

2007-05-03T01:30:00.000-07:00

Dawie, Juan and I went for a trip to Franskraal over the long weekend and it was absolutely stunning!!! Franskraal is just 5 minutes past Gansbaai (where you can do the famous White Shark Cage diving) and about 30 minutes past Hermanus along the coast. My in-laws has a beautiful, little holiday home in Franskraal and a stone-throw away from the beach. The beach is awesome for swimming, tanning, kayaking, surfing, and fishing. Dawie loves to kayak in the sea and go fishing on a rubberduck boat. I love the walks along the beach. It was also Juan's first time playing in the sand. It was great watching him explore and feel the sand in his hands. I think he loved it. By the end of this year he will be able to run and play in the sand. I can't wait to see that. We also had a lovely fish-braai. We had geelstert fish while we were there. It is so relaxing and rejuvenating that we think it might be a good idea to move to Franskraal. We are also thinking of adding beach holiday homes along the coast of South Africa on our website as a lot of people would like to rather rent a home close to the beach and stay for a week or two. We will be looking into this and updating www.lodgesinafrica.com soon.

Honeymoon safaris in South Africa, Africa

2007-04-26T00:46:00.001-07:00

The most amazing experience in life is sharing a life with another person. Celebrating the start of your lives together is something special and something that you will always remember and treasure. In order to have such a memorable experience, I recommend a safari in Africa's bushveld. Sharing wildlife and the bush together is certainly a great way to start off and you will never forget this experience.

I highly recommend the lodges in the Kruger area, but the private game lodges in KwaZulu Natal is also great for a honeymoon. I suggest you have a look at our Honeymoon Packages for your dream honeymoon safari. You can also have a look at our website Lodges in Africa for more destinations to choose from.

Let us help you choose the best honeymoon safari or beach destination for you and your partner.

Honeymoon safaris in South Africa, Africa

2007-04-26T00:46:00.000-07:00

Falaza Game Lodge - Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal

2007-04-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Falaza Game Lodge is extremely good value for money. You will have a great game viewing experience, great tented accommodation and exceptional friendly and professional staff. It will feel like a 5-star experience, but you won't pay a 5-star price.

Falaza is privately owned and offers a Spa and wonderful bush experiences. Falaza is near the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park and next to the World Heritage Site of St Lucia. Falaza offers Big 5 game viewing.

Don't miss out on a safari at Falaza!!! The rate is about R1, 650 per person sharing per night - fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, and game viewing activities. Please send me an email to anza@lodgesinafrica.com for availability, rates and bookings. Thank you.

Family Safari at Akeru Game Lodge in South Africa

2007-04-23T00:14:00.000-07:00

Akeru Game Lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, South Africa, offers great family safaris. Tammy Mclintock owns this small, intimate camp and it is ideal for families. Akeru is a family orientated lodge and they offer an educational programme specifically for the children. Children receive a package (CD with games, quizzes, loads of information, colouring books and crayons). The lodge has a designated area where the children can sit with one of the Rangers and learn the secrets andsurprises about wildlife and their bushveld environment. The children also goes on short bushwalks around the waterhole. Your family safari will surely be an unforgetable experience!!!

Juan is becoming a little boy!!!

2007-04-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

It is really so amazing watching Juan develop and growing into a little boy. He is definitely not a baby anymore. I've made a space in our living room for him to play, but do you think he restricts himself to this space. No, he explores everything and anything!!! Besides from sitting, crawling and moving around quite a lot, he also pulls himself up against the coach. I wonder when he will start walking. I think he is going to be a quick walker. I have to say that I was a bit concerned due to the fact that he only started sitting late, but now he is developing at such a speed that I don't think he is behind with anything. He also claps his hands - it's so cute. He knows when we are watching and then tries to impress us with everything he can do - like clapping hands. I have to say that I feel very fortunate to be able to work from home. For you that don't know yet, I've started an internet-based tourism business www.lodgesinafrica.com in order to work from home. We represent a variety of game lodges and beach resorts in Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, and Tania). It is still very much work in progress, but we are getting there. I feel very positive about LODGES IN AFRICA and look forward to this very chanllenging process.

Decorex Cape Town - Bamboo Flooring

2007-04-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

It is time for the Cape Town Decorex at CTICC from 26 - 29 April 2007. The entrace fee is R45 per person. Interior designers, architects and the public are welcome to view products in the home building industry. My husband started his business - SNYMAN BROS - with a stall at the Cape Town Decorex. He and his brother showed their bamboo floors at Decorex 4 years ago and so introduced the product to Cape Town. They are still going strong today - importing, selling, and installing bamboo floors in South Africa. They have sold the most bamboo floors in the WesternCape as far as we know. You are welcome to have a look at www.zhulin-bamboo-flooring.co.za and www.madeiraclassica.co.za for detailed information about bamboo flooring. It is really as stunning and eco-friendly product.

Kruger Safari - Viva Safaris

2007-04-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend the Kruger Safari with Viva Safaris. The price includes your transportation from/back to Johannesburg. The accommodation is at Tremisana Game Lodge which is very neat, clean and comfortable. On this safari you will have the opportunity to view game in the famous Kruger National Park, as well as in the private game reserve where Tremisana is situated. For rates and more information, please visit www.lodgesinafrica.com and look under the Kruger Safaris section. It is really great value for money and worth your while. You can choose from 3, 4, 5 -day safaris as well as a fly-in safari. I suggest you book your safari for this winter (May - Sep) as soon as possible.

Elephant Plains Game Lodge - extremely good value for money

2007-04-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

Elephant Plains Game Lodge is situated in the northern Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and next to the world famous Kruger National Park. Elephant Plains is by far the best deal you would find in that area. Comparing to other lodges, you really get more for what you pay for. The staff is really very friendly and helpfull and the atmosphere at the lodge is warm and inviting. The accommodation is neat, clean and very comfortable. The game viewing is also very good in that area. I have been to Elephant Plains Game Lodge a few times as it is really one of my favourite lodges. They also accept children at the lodge and will do everything in their power to make it a wonderful safari for children as well. There are two types of accommodation - standard & luxury. The luxury accommodation is just a little bit more spacious and has a raised wooden verandah. Both accommodation options are good value for money. To have a look at rates for this lodge, go to www.lodgesinafrica.com and view the game lodges in the Sabi Sands South Africa section.

Ballet at Artscape Theartre Cape Town

2007-04-10T00:41:00.000-07:00

The 28th March was my 30th birthday and my husband spoiled me to go watch the ballet piece, Giselle, at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. It was performed by the Russian Ballet School and truly a lovely show. When I was younger (in school) it was my dream to be a prima ballerina. In the end it didn't work out that way, but I still love ballet - it is such a gracious dance. The Russian Ballet Group is also performing Swan Lake during their South African tour, but we will have to wait until next time before we see another show.

Meetings with God

2007-02-20T23:01:00.000-08:00

My husband dragged me with to a course offered by our church last night - 'Meetings with God' - and boy am I glad that I went. It was really an eye-opener for me.

I started understanding how important it is in all of our lives to have a purpose. We all have a calling and a greater purpose in life. This calling helps us understand the purpose of life, gives us energy and hope, helps us carry on during difficult times and helps us understand that our relationship with the Lord should be a personal relationship. We really need to know the Lord. It doesn't help if we only know of the Lord.

We are all called by our names to do something for the Lord. It is not necessarily church work, but work in our everyday lives - at work, at the gym, with friends. It is our responsibility to really meet the Lord and find out what our calling is.

It is my calling to be the best mother and wife that I can and to learn my little boy about the loving God that I know, but I am called for something more and I am yet to find out during the following weeks to come. I am really excited to really meet God and hear what He wants me to do for Him.

Juan's first outing to the Zoo

2007-02-18T22:30:00.000-08:00

We took Juan on his first outing to the Zoo yesterday. He is 6 months and really transforming into a little person now. He is adorable and a very friendly littly boy.

The Tygerberg Zoo is the only Zoo in the Western Cape and approximately 39 km from Cape Town and 20 km from Paarl. Stellenbosch is about 15 km to the south east.

They specialize mainly in the breeding of rare, endangered and seldom seen wild life. They have about 150 enclosures which vary in size from large antelope camps to small aviaries. They don't keep larger animals such as elephant and rhino and their largest hoofstock species are zebra. There are 61 mammal species - 307 specimens, 160 bird species - 800 specimens, 63 reptile species - 320 specimens. They also have a large collection of primates - 22 species, ranging in size from marmosets to chimpanzees.

We had a very nice outing at the Zoo and enjoyed the primates playing on the ropes quite a lot. Even Juan enjoyed them playing around with each other. It is sad though to see the king of the wilderness (the Lion) in a cage and not free to roam in his natural surroundings.

There is also a lovely outdoor restaurant where we had a scrumptious lunch. For the younger children there is a farm yard with sheep and chickens, etc. - Juan is still a little bit too young to have enjoyed the farm yard, but hopefully when he is a little bit older we will be able to take him to a true wilderness area and teach him to respect and love the wildlife.

Shinde Camp - The Okavango Delta

2007-02-07T01:42:00.000-08:00

On arrival at Shinde Camp, after a 2-hour power-boat ride from Camp Okuti, we were met by the singing camp staff. They gave us a warm wet hand towel and a glass of orange juice to freshen up and quench our thirst.

After settling in our en-suite tents, we had a scrumptious lunch in the main dining area - set high between the trees on a raised wooden deck. Lunch, as at all lodges, was more than sufficient and we got to meet the management couple of the camp.

I was very lucky to stay in the honeymoon tent. It is the tent furthest away from the main area. There is a local elephant that stay around that area and many honeymoon couples have seen this ellie from their tent. When I was there, the local ellie decided to come around at night time so I could hear him move and eat while I was laying in my bed - quite adventurous!!!

In the afternoon we could choose between going on an open vehicle safari or a boat ride on the permanent waterways. The guests who went on the boat ride could also catch fish in the delta on a catch-and-release basis. I ofcourse opt for the game drive.

When I go on game drives, I get quiet and absorb all the sights and sounds of the bush. It feels like moving into a different world - a world of peace and tranquility. A world where you can get close with the creator of nature. The Okavango Delta is also very special as there are no other game drive vehicles to be spotted on your game drives. All the camps are situated quite far from each other so you have a huge portion of the wilderness all for yourselve - no sharing with guests from other camps.

After our game drive, we returned to the camp for a boma dinner. We sat around the outside camp fire and exchanged stories of our day. Our rangers and the camp management couple joined in on the dinner and boy did they have some interesting bush stories. We could hear lions roar not too far away from the camp - there was a killing and the lions were feasting. The roar of a lion at night time is the most awesome powerful sound that there is in the bush!!!

The following morning I did a mokoro ride in a dugout canoe on the lilly-padded channels of the Okavango Delta. It was truly an amazing experience. The polar boy rowed us through the waters - pink, lilac, and blue water lillies were everywhere to see. The papyrus lined channels were still and quiet, but at times we were moving fast in order to avoid the crocs and hippos. Yes, a bit of adnrenaline flowing through the vains at these times. We could see all sorts of birds from the mokoro - it felt like a birders paradise.

Shinde is one of Ker & Downey's camps and high recommended. The camp offers land and water activities. I would recommend at least a 3 night stay at this lodge. Shinda Camp is a wonderful honeymoon destination.

The Okavango Delta - a true unspoilt wilderness

2007-02-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to spend a few days in the Okavango Delta - a place of ultimate serenity. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the world's largest inland delta. Botswana encourages low impact tourism and therefore the wilderness resource remains unspoilt and uncrowded - a true African wilderness!!! The perfect destination for a memorable honeymoon.

I visited the following camps: Shinde, Kanana, Camp Okuti, Chief's Camp, and Stanley's Camp. I will write about my experiences at each of these lodges in the following days. It was an unforgettable experience!!! All these lodges are perfect honeymoon destinations.

I will also share the most amazing experience in my life with you - a walk with the Elephants. I spent 4 hours walking and interacting with 3 elephants (Jambo, Tembi, and Marula) in the heart of the Okavango Delta.

Honeymoons in Africa / Honeymoon Safari / Game Lodges in Africa

2007-02-05T03:32:00.000-08:00

Lodges - the perfect way to luxuriously unite man with nature and where better to experience this meeting between creation and its keeper than Africa - the birthplace of Mother Nature

Exceptional year: Wedding, honeymoon, baby, and a new tourism business

2007-01-29T02:40:00.000-08:00

My husband and I had a spectacular year in 2006!!! The year was filled with many special days, happy occasions and wonderful memories. It was definitely the biggest year of our lives.

2006 started with our wedding in January. It was the most special day in our lives and the beginning of our lives together. We were blessed to share this wonderful day with our family and friends at a guesthouse in Durbanville. We had a lovely garden wedding and a real South African braai at our wedding reception.

We had the opportunity to go to the Cedarberg for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Elephant Leisure Resort and spent almost every day in the jacuzzi on our verandah overlooking the Cedarberg mountains. We ended our honeymoon in Franskraal in the Overberg region (close to Hermanus). My husband spent most of his time kayaking in the sea whilst I was lazing in the sun on the beach.

We were also fortunate to be blessed with an adorable little baby boy (Juan) in 2006. He has changed our lives for the better in so many ways. Just to see him smile and laugh brings warmth into our hearts. Every day we spend with him is a gift from God.

In order for me to stay at home and look after Juan, we've started an Internet-based Tourism business - Lodges in Africa. We sell honeymoon destinations within Southern Africa and represent a variety of game lodges and beach resorts. We have a passion and deep appreciation for nature and pride ourselves in selling the no. 1 honeymoon destination in the world - Africa!!! Imagine an African Safari Honeymoon or a Bush & Beach Honeymoon in Africa.

We look forward to the year 2007 and trust that it will be as exceptional as 2006. We will share our knowledge and expertise with our valued guests here at Lodges in Africa and help plan the most exceptional honeymoons in the world.