At 630 AM on our first morning at Bushman’s Kloof, our ranger Martin was waiting at the gate of our villa, the beautiful Cederberg House, with a big smile and two yoga mats in hand.

We’d created a full itinerary for our stay at this wilderness retreat, famous for its impeccably planned experiences and flawless service. So our days were booked from early morning to midnight with the kind of activities that Hollywood movies are made of and that most people only dream about.

In this sense, Martin was part of the seamless scenery at this multi-awarded retreat, considered among the best in South Africa. He always met us on time with a cheerful countenance, unfazed by the Herculean task of executing at least three or four events each day with no-fail precision as we simply basked in the good energy of the Cederberg Mountains and eagerly awaited the next surprise.

YOGA IN AFRICA

“Good morning!” He boomed as we trudged out still half asleep. “Are you ready for yoga?”

Eager to jumpstart our wellness journey, we’d signed up for a series of private yoga and meditation sessions. That day, Martin drove us to the most perfect spot possible. There, on an open-air landing with some shade and a 180 degree view of part of the Cederberg mountain range, we were to practice yoga.

TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS

Here yoga instructor Stephanie guided us through the motions. Then at my request she even performed a quick therapy treatment with her Tibetan singing bowls as I lay on my back. I remember marvelling at the clear blue skies of Africa and the surreal feeling of my morning so far.

A cool wind blew, trees shuddered with a comforting sound, and chirping birds flew overhead as I advanced towards inner tranquility in 90 minutes. By then I was ready to make peace with myself and with anything that breathed.

When my personal reverie was over, fresh juices and eggs cooked-to-order awaited me. The chefs had arranged breakfast in a garden next to a shallow river bed where monkeys played.

The menu is simply semantics, though, because the chefs at Bushman’s Kloof, a member of the Red Carnation Hotels, are actually willing to create anything guests fancy. Everything here is done on a best effort basis simply because it’s the kind of place that seriously likes to make its guests happy.

ABOUT CEDERBERG HOUSE

After breakfast, I had some time to read a book back at Cederberg House before our scheduled massage. Our villa, set amidst spacious gardens within a fenced enclosure, was straight out of a design magazine.

Decorated in the classic country style with masses of flowers everywhere, it was elegant and inviting, with decorative items and artworks chosen by the owner herself.

The personal touches of Beatrice Tollman, the self-made travel magnate behind Red Carnation Hotels and The Travel Corporation. She reportedly selects presents for every employee in her vast business empire herself at Christmas, are also evident elsewhere on the estate. These include items on the lunch menu, where her favourite lemon pie is offered for dessert.

Because it was so comfortable, Cederberg House was difficult to leave even for a moment. We loved the thoughtfully stacked bar and the sketch books and paintboxes in the bedrooms. I especially liked the most interesting books arranged artfully on every table.

One or two always caught my eye and I instantly felt like sitting down and reading it. I fact, I’d picked up a book on South African writers as soon as I entered. This book almost never left my side.

THE SPA OF BUSHMAN’S KLOOF

Temping as it was to just stay in and enjoy our beautiful villa, however, the spa beckoned. It was recently chosen the best spa in Africa and the Indian Ocean. So how could I miss this?

We booked the Bushman’s Kloof signature massage and requested for these to be done in the spa gazebo. This treatment room opened up to an old river bed of wild grass.

In this pretty cottage, two cheerful therapists kneaded the knots out of our backs. Meanwhile Martin arranged a picnic lunch in a cave ten minutes away by jeep. By the time our treatment was over, it was noon and he was back at the spa. Then he drove us to a lagoon on the game reserve where he’d already set a canoe and two paddle boards on the water.

PADDLING A CANOE IN THE CEDERBERG MOUNTAINS

When he stopped by the shore, we’d looked at him inquiringly as there was no sign of food and it was 1230 PM. “I thought you guys might want to go paddling on our lagoon first,” he said. “If you follow the route to the right, you’ll find lunch waiting for you somewhere along the way.”

I wasn’t convinced this was a good plan but I got in anyway and we paddled along with Martin waving us off encouragingly from the shore. Paddling was surprisingly enjoyable and easy. It was especially so in this lagoon without waves. Then just as we entered a narrow canal and I was preparing myself for an hour of effort with the boat, we saw a beautiful picnic spread on a ledge.

READ ABOUT THE BEST NEW HOTEL IN SPAIN

PICNIC IN AFRICA

A large mat had been laid out with giant pillows. Meanwhile, even from the water I espied a silver bucket brimming with champagne, wines and juices. Upon alighting and making our way up to the spot, we were treated to the wonderful spectacle of a quintessential South African picnic hamper. Everything was all laid out, ready for photographs.

We had roast beef sandwiches, boiled eggs, salads and fruits, and a cheese
plate. We even had a basket of assorted biltong. Not forgetting my sweet tooth, Martin had even included little pudding pots for dessert.

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON WELLNESS AT BUSHMAN’S KLOOF

It’s not everyday one has such a lovely picnic in the great outdoors. So this one truly delighted me. In fact, our entire stay was full of such wondrous experiences. Afterwards, I realized why so many people undertake the trek from all over the world to Bushman’s Kloof. You’re taken out of your own world and suddenly you find yourself in a place where nothing else really matters but your bliss.

Read more about the best safari lodges in the world in Travelife Magazine.

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THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE JOBURG is by hop-on, hop-off bus. Buy a ticket for the day so that you can use it as many times as you want. You can hop off and spend as much time at an attraction then hop on again when the bus is scheduled to come around. This gives you the opportunity to decide which landmarks you want to explore at your own pace.

THE BEST WAY TO START A DAY is “from the top.” Joburg is the brunch capital of the world and it has rooftop restaurants and hotels that offer brunch. And because it’s a flat and big industrial city, you can see the whole of Johannesburg over breakfast. It’s so beautiful. You won’t believe you’re in such a big city that’s just so green and peaceful.

ANOTHER GOOD SPOT TO ADMIRE THE JOBURG SKYLINE is from the decks of Sandton Sun.

ONE LOCAL ACTIVITY I NEVER MISS is the bungee jump in Joburg. It’s only 100 meters but it’s in the middle of the city. You jump off a water tower. After I did it the first time, I had such an adrenaline high. I got a sense of empowerment, I said to myself, “I made such a good decision.” That’s the kind of city Joburg is – it’s got so much color and vibrancy. It’s loud and has a very continental Africa feel to it. It’s very “in your face.”

TRENDY JOHANNESBURG

THE MOST UNUSUAL PLACE TO SEE is Maboneng which they call “The Inner City Revival Project.” They’ve revived this area after all the big businesses moved out. Entrepreneurs and young designers are given access to markets here. Even if you’ve only got four or five clothing items, you can put these on a rail that has your name.

Maboneng has everything from clothes, shoes, and handbags to furniture and household items. There are also restaurants and food stalls as well.

It’s the greatest place to shop in Johannesburg because of all these unique things nobody else has. It has a cool temperament because the interior design is interesting, and there’s good food and music spilling out.

TOURISTS SHOULD ALSO NOT MISS little-known Liliesleaf Farm in northern Johannesburg for a bit of history and mystery. The farm was secretly used by African National Congress activists in the 1960s. It’s where many prominent African National Congress leaders were arrested. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OUT, go to Teatro where international performances are showcased in its massive theaters. Or to the Back O’ the Moon in the Gold Reef City. This is one of the best jazz clubs.

AFTER A LONG DAY, I LIKE TO UNWIND AT the Four Seasons in Westcliff which is up on the hill in Joburg. When you sit at the Four Seasons, you actually look over the Joburg Zoo.

CULTURE CLUB

I LIKE LISTENING TO LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES at Tanz Café. It has an electric atmosphere every night. Its gig guide features the South Africa’s best musical talent. This venue has hosted artists such as Jesse Clegg, Arno Carstens, and Civil Twilight.

AFTER TOURING THE TRADITIONAL ART MUSEUMS, I TELL MY FRIENDS TO GO TO the Johannesburg Art Gallery in Joubert Park. It is the largest gallery on the subcontinent with a collection larger than that of the Iziko South African National Art Gallery in Cape Town.

I book an early morning meditative session in the garden of Satyagraha House in Orchards TO CONNECT WITH MY INNER SELF.

The MOST STRIKING ARCHITECTURE IN JOBURG IS CIRCA on Jellicoe in Rosebank, a gallery renowned for featuring the works of top South African artists like Dylan Lewis and Zwelethu Mthethwa.

INSIDER INFORMATION

MY SECRET SPOT FOR A PICNIC IN JOBURG  is across the road from the Johannesburg Zoo. It’s right next to the lake, on one of the massive lawns. It’s really quiet, but since you’ve got the zoo literally in front of you. You can hear the animals from a distance. On weekends, amateur artists, sculptors, and painters display and sell their works there.

The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is also an inspiring mix of open spaces. It includes marshlands, grasslands, trees, and cultivated gardens. It’s the world’s biggest man-made forest, with over 10 million trees.

MY FAVORITE BOUTIQUE HOTEL is 10 Bompas Hotel, because all the rooms look different and special. Even their menu changes daily as they only serve what’s in season.

WHERE TO GO OUTSIDE JOHANNESBURG

Maropeng is the site of the Cradle of Humankind. This is where you’ll discover the bones of our ancestors. It’s the place where we all come from. If you want an anthropological adventure, you can actually go to the caves themselves. It’s still an active dig, so visitors put on hard hats and everything to go further.

At the Maropeng Visitor’s Center, there are interactive exhibits and programs for kids that show the animals that lived in each particular period. They’ve taken paleoanthropoligism and made it into a science. It’s such a special way of explaining where we come from. Kids will also learn how much damage we’ve done to the earth and how we need to be careful and change the way we do certain things. They’ve taken
science and made it human.

WHAT TO EAT IN JOBURG

One must indulge in boerewors. This is a traditional South African sausage made from beef mixed with either pork or lamb and a
mixture of spices. Also, traditional Joburg street food is a must try. It’s healthy, fresh, and yummy.

For a traditional meal, don’t miss going to an African restaurant like Moyo. Or you can try a traditional Soweto township restaurant. Or, better yet, get yourself invited to a braai (barbecue).

WHAT’S THE BEST SOUVENIR A VISITOR MUST BRING HOME FROM SOUTH AFRICA?

Sidewalk art made from recycled items. You can get these at the Art Market in Zoo Lake, full of stunning local artifacts and craft work.

Read more about traveling around Africa in Travelife Magazine.

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On my first visit to South Africa many years ago, I spent two weeks in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kruger National Park. Over two weeks, I got to strike at least two things off my travel bucket list: a safari to see the Big Five at Kruger National Park, and sunset from the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town.

I didn’t even know then that I had a lot of other bucket list items, but happily I got to strike them off as well. These included visiting the Cape of Good Hope, driving along the coast of Cape Town, and doing a trip around the wine lands. 

It’s funny how I thought that a trip to South Africa for two weeks would finally fill my curiosity for this part of the world — an area, by the way, I’d always passed up for one reason or another.

I’d long been wanting to go, but, most of the time, it just seemed so far to travel all that way. At least until I recently and finally looked at airline timetables and did the maths.

DOING THE DISTANCES

I always thought South Africa was far, in the same way that I find New York too far from Manila or Hong Kong (which would be the usual jump-off point for a direct flight).

This is why I’ve been so reluctant to go in the last few years; even if I happily fly off to Europe when I can find the time and a good excuse, and that’s at least a 12 hour plane ride or more.

So what a shock it was to realize that South Africa is way nearer than Europe in terms of distance. Had I bothered to do the maths before, I would have set foot in this country earlier.

TWO WEEKS AND NO TIME

Interestingly, we had two whole weeks to do as we pleased in South Africa; and although we decided the destinations to visit in South Africa together in a very roundabout way, I basically had the fun of deciding where to stay and how many days we would be in each place.

So I made the basic route for where to go in Africa and chose all the hotels I’ve always wanted to stay in. Or, at least, I chose many of them. We didn’t have enough time to stay everywhere I wanted, unfortunately.

And except for one dinner with some industry contacts in Johannesburg, we said no to every invitation or suggestion of meeting up because there didn’t seem to be any time to do so.

As for getting two things off my bucket list with this South Africa trip, well, having been to Africa has instead resulted in about two dozen more things for my never-ending bucket list.

WHERE TO GO IN AFRICA

Africa as an entire continent looks absolutely amazing, and I now want to do two dozen things I’d never even considered doing before.

Here are some of them, for Africa and the Middle East in general:

• Visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
• Go on the Orient-Express safari in Botswana
• Explore Namibia
• Follow the Karen Blixen route 
• Sign up for a period safari in Kenya
• Take a road trip around Lebanon
• Holiday in Mozambique
• Book a proper beach holiday in the Seychelles
• Take Rovos Rail from Pretoria to Victoria Falls
• Spend a week in Bushman’s Kloof in the Cederberg Mountains
• See the Great Migration in the Serengeti of Tanzania

And so on.  The list for where to go in Africa is truly endless in our never-ending, and never-endingly eventful Travelife.

The post Where to go in Africa appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

We had just arrived at the MalaMala Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands of South Africa, and that same afternoon, we set out on our first game drive.

“What would you like to see?” Craig, our ranger asked, before we set off along the rocky path that led across the river. We planned to drive away from the lodge towards the border with Kruger National Park. The MalaMala estate consists of thousands of kilometers of privately owned bush land filled with wild animals. 

GAME DRIVES AT MALAMALA

MalaMala is famous for its animal sightings so I immediately went for the gold. I said: “The Big 5 and the leopards. And especially the leopards.”

Craig smiled confidently. He probably received this request often from eager holidaymakers. The Sabi Sands is one of the most famous private game reserves for viewing the Big 5, after all. Within this area, MalaMala is especially well-known for its leopard sightings.

HOW TO SPOT A LEOPARD ON SAFARI

I myself was fairly sure we would get up close to the leopard sometime during our three-day safari. It was just Day 1 and we had six game drives to go. At three hours per drive, that was at least 18 hours of searching for animals. And leopards never really stray far from a favorite home.

Admittedly, there were some challenges. It was late summer and the grasses were tall and greenery was abundant. This actually gave MalaMala an ethereal atmosphere of prettiness. It was like driving through paradise with the colors, smells, and sounds rushing past me. However this also made animal sightings harder.

TOP ANIMAL SIGHTINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA

To our surprise, we bumped into our first leopard that same afternoon. He walked nonchalantly out of some tall bushes in front of our parked jeep without even a glance at us. 

We followed him breathlessly on his stroll around a pond before finally losing him to the darkness. Perhaps he was looking for prey or a place for the night. Elated, we headed back to the camp. With such success, we were ready to celebrate with a really good dinner.

LARGEST SAFARI PROPERTY

It was low season but Sable Camp had four other couples enjoying a three-course meal on the terrace that night. We all compared notes on what we’d seen and why we’d chosen MalaMala out of all the amazing nature holidays in this world.

Everyone had been lucky with the Big 5. In fact, two out of five tables had seen the leopards so far. As for the reasons for choosing MalaMala, one of the guests explained its advantages most accurately. “MalaMala has the largest property and a river runs through most of it. That’s like a magnet for animals,” he said. 

THE BEST LUXURY SAFARI LODGES IN AFRICA

Some luxury safari lodges are all about the complete experience, and animal sightings star in this movie set in the wilderness. They offer champagne sundowners, rose petals in the bathtub, and gourmet meals. 

Some travelers want to star in their own version of Robert Redford’s Out of Africa, so there is a market for safaris with these scenes straight out of Hollywood. 

Then there are other lodges mainly focused on the wildlife. Here, the animals are clearly the superstars and the guests are just the temporary extras in this never-ending story. These game reserves strive to bring guests into their sanctuaries in as comfortable and yet also as natural as possible. So guests are happy but the environment and the animals are never disturbed.  

MalaMala firmly belongs to the latter. In fact, it’s the gold standard for upmarket lodges that straddle the fine line between nature immersion and entertainment. I like to call it the real safari lover’s safari.

Read more about safaris in Africa in Travelife Magazine.

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In South Africa recently, we stayed at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. Finding ourselves in a mild state of inebriation after numerous drinks at the Leopard Bar, we were in the mood for anything. Fortunately, the casual mention of a gin-making class prompted us to book a session with Angus van Aarde, the resident mixologist.

It turned out that he was free that afternoon; and this class on the first day of our stay ended up being one of our most enjoyable experiences in South Africa. Moreover, we became gin lovers forever.

FORAGING AT 12 APOSTLES

Angus van Aarde, officially bar manager but in reality part chemist and part entertainer, met us at the bar. We had just enough time to change clothes. So from seasoned flyer wearing yoga pants and a black shirt on an overnight Singapore Airlines flight, I’d metamorphosed into fashionable traveler in a slinky dress. I was ready for sunset cocktails on the terrace of of one of the best bars in Cape Town.

“I hope those shoes are comfortable for walking,” Angus said, by way of greeting, glancing at my sandals. I’d brought these precisely because they seemed perfect for a stylish summer in South Africa.

HOW TO MAKE GIN

“Aren’t we making gin?” I asked, confused. He nodded and said, “But first we must gather the ingredients for the gin, and they’re all on the mountain.”

Backtracking out of the bar, we climbed the walking trail winding around the base of the 12 Apostles mountain range. “We’re going to pick some of these fine bush plants to flavor your gin,” Angus said, identifying the edibles and clipping the branches of random plants as we walked along.

DANCE LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING IN CAPE TOWN

Foraging is surprisingly satisfying. Yes, paradise can be a rocky terrain of edible foliage. After 30 minutes I was skipping up and down the mountain in my cocktail outfit. There is something about picking one’s own food that fuels creativity because I’d suddenly found my zone.

While we were on the mountain, the Leopard Bar team created a scene out of Architectural Digest for the next part of our private master class.

The center table facing the outdoor terrace featured glasses, bottles of gin, and plates of dried fruits and leaves displayed like art, along with our freshly harvested herbs. To top things off, the sun was setting at exactly that time and a local band was playing feel-good songs; it made me think of the colorful houses of the Bo-Kap neighborhood on a summer weekend.   

Then we were off to botanical nirvana, right there in the Leopard Bar. To start us off, Angus pointed to several ingredients and said: “We usually put these in our gin. But actually you can create new flavors for yourself.” We spent a good hour engrossed in experimenting with flavors; I wanted to capture the feeling of this perfect day in a bottle to take back home.

FLAVORS OF SOUTH AFRICA

Our original gin mixes completed, we headed to the Azure restaurant for a gastronomic dinner cooked by Chef Christo Pretorius and his team. The restaurant is known for its inventive cuisine of local ingredients and stylish plating and we were not disappointed.

We began with a platter of Saldanha Bay oysters and yellowfin tuna tartare. The chef partnered these with intriguing side dishes such as spaghetti of pickled sea lettuce and edamame beans. The Azure sommelier was ready too with glasses of Bouchard Finlayson sauvignon blanc reserve 2018 to wash down our seafood.

Then we had ostrich smoked in rooibos tea and drizzled with buchu herb oil and blackberry vinaigrette. Next came a duck that was served three ways: crispy duck breast, duck leg confit, and roast duck broth accompanied by slow roasted tomatoes and broccoli.

LAMB FROM THE KAROO REGION

The finale was a superb lamb loin inspired by the arid Karoo region, with harissa barbecue glaze and turmeric couscous on the side.

“We had a wonderful dinner,” I said to the maitre’d as we walked out of the restaurant at the end. “This can easily become a hard habit to break.”

The maitre’d smiled and replied: “Well, please make sure to join us for breakfast then. The weekend breakfast at 12 Apostles is a beloved Cape Town tradition.”

WEEKEND BRUNCH AT AZURE RESTAURTANT 

Intrigued, we heeded his suggestion and started our Saturday just like well-heeled locals in the know. When we reached the Azure restaurant, the terrace was already full save for a table in the shade because a local’s life here is meant to be lived under the sun. Fortunately, coming from bright lights and a big city, any table with a view was fine with us.

Table secured, we inspected the buffet, impressed by the feast that awaited us, including oysters in champagne buckets, plates of fresh berries, and sparkling wine to start. We had triples of everything and then we ordered Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon — our own beloved tradition for breakfast in every city we visit.

“We could make a tradition out of this, you know,” I said to my companion, without going into details because all at once I meant everything and anything, including the wonderful breakfasts, the movie nights at the hotel’s cozy theatre room, floating in the salt bath of the spa, and afternoons spent reading books by the pool. And until our next visit, we have our bottles of gin to remind us of this hotel by the sea in Cape Town.

Read more articles about traveling around Cape Town in Travelife Magazine.

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“This is a local favorite,” the waitress said, setting an elaborate stand of afternoon tea treats in front of us as we sat under the sun with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. She added: “Our chefs created originals — you won’t find these elsewhere.”

We had just landed in Cape Town that morning and from the airport we’d driven straight to the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa for an early afternoon tea on the outdoor terrace without bothering to check in first.

SUMMER IN CAPE TOWN

The day was so fine and the ocean was calling out to us so we set aside the formalities for later. Also, we were eager to sit by the sea and to start our wonderful holiday at the edge of the world with a proper toast.

This was South Africa, after all, land of amazing nature and excellent wine, so drinks should always be within reach. Luckily a table was available; and soon flutes of sparkling wine and an ornate tray of treats arrived, just too beautiful to eat.

This experience, aptly named “Tea by the Sea” by the 12 Apostles came highly recommended and we were grateful we heeded someone’s advice.

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE 12 APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA

Even now, it gives me an adrenaline shot to write about this moment full of expectations at the very start of three amazing weeks in Africa. Everything was just perfect. The skies were clear and the sea was an intoxicating cerulean hue, and all around us were happy people celebrating something on a Friday at noon.

Perhaps they all had birthdays or anniversaries; or maybe Cape Townians do this all the time and need no excuses for a mid-day party ahead of the weekend. In any case, their joy was infectious, so by the time we’d put away our mobile phones, made the exuberant toasts and were ready to eat, I felt on top of the world in spite of the fact that I was geographically at the bottom of it.

AVOCADO SANDWICHES AT THE 12 APOSTLES

To break the ice between us and our elegant afternoon tea tray, from the tantalizing selections we chose the avocado sandwiches covered in crushed almonds. Perfectly formed, the initial mouthfuls of goodness left us wide-eyed with wonder.

The taste is simply impossible to describe; but we were in heaven and I’m sure the location had something to do with our elation as well.

We savored these rich finger sandwiches — crunchy on the outside and all mushy with avocado inside — as slowly as we could manage between sips of bubbly; and then we quickly ordered another round.

“Life is short and when else will we ever have these again?” My companion said, in the form of a rhetorical question. We both knew that I felt exactly the same way, and this is how we threw our calorie counts to the wind that afternoon at the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa.

CLASSIC HOTEL BY THE SEA IN CAPE TOWN

There are many lovely places to stay in Cape Town, but the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa is one of a handful that directly take you not only to a hotel of luxury, but also to a time of genteel and unrushed travel for a proper holiday. It’s a destination hotel full of quirks and personal touches; including winding corridors and narrow stairs that lead to picture-pretty landings.

Meanwhile, the interiors are about classic furniture, memorable art, stripes and flowery prints that create a country house atmosphere. Everything slowly grows on you so that eventually you feel like calling this hotel a home. Not a few guests return every year for this familiar and wonderful holiday.

DRIVING ALONG CHAPMAN’S PEAK

The main attractions are the ocean views, the famous 12 Apostles mountain range, and the nearby Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the loveliest road trips in the world. These alone, along with the hotel’s wild garden of botanical, offer the perfect combination for down-time in Cape Town.

Here, you will wish for a book or sketchpad; or at least a playlist of your favorite music; once you sit down, you won’t want to get up, let alone go to the V&A Waterfront.

The need to have a busy sightseeing list will turn into a distant memory. Most guests at 12 Apostles purposely want to leave the world behind. So they end up enjoying what is in front of them instead of following the tourist trails around the city.

Read more about luxury hotels in South Africa in Travelife Magazine.

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This week in the city of Szeged in Hungary, I went for a night tour to see the town squares and the university. Walking in front of the university I chanced upon an exhibit of beautiful animal and safari photographs.

The photographs are actually on display all day, but they are lit up wonderfully at night. So these photos are especially interesting to see in the evening, as they look so colourful compared to the darkness all around.

ABOUT HUNGARIAN PHOTOGRAPHER BENCE MATE

The photographs were taken by a young Hungarian named Bence Mate. National Geographic has used many of his photos. Moreover, he has received many awards around the world for his works. A professional photographer, he lives in a nature reserve near Szeged.

He took these animal and safari photographs over several years. Many of them capture the life of wild animals with amazing accuracy. He took many of these photographs under hard conditions, as well, and he spent lots of time. He achieved some of the photographs only after taking thousands of photos over four or five days.

These kind of photographs involve patience, technical skill and a capacity for working in harsh environments. However, the results speak for themselves. The photographs are breathtakingly beautiful.

EXHIBIT OF ANIMAL AND SAFARI PHOTOGRAPHS

The residents of the city of Szeged have enjoyed this photo exhibit immensely. In fact, Bence Mate spoke at a lecture last night and many citizens attended to hear more about his works. “In the future, I would like to teach photography to children,” Bence said last night.

I took this photos straight from the exhibit boards so the quality will not be as good as the originals. But even with these copies, you will already confirm the immense talents of Bence Mate.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF BENCE MATE

Bence Mate photographed this in February 2011 in Lake Kerkin, Greece. The exposure was 1/320 seconds with the following specifications: f18 / ISO500 / 15mm.

He took 10,326 photos over five days.

Bence Mate photographed this in December 2015 in Santa Rita, Costa Rica. The exposure was 1/320 seconds with the following specifications: f18 / ISO500 / 280 mm.

He took 381 photos over three days.

Bence Mate photographed this in November 2008 in Santa Rita, Costa Ricsa. The exposure was 1/1600 seconds with the following specifications: f18 / ISO500 / 300 mm.

He took 726 photos over 13 days.

Bence Mate photographed this in December 2008 in Santa Rita, Costa Rica. The exposure was 1/250 seconds with the following specifications: f18 / ISO400 / 105 mm.

He took 76 photos over 20 minutes.

Bence Mate photographed this in April 2010 in Dallas, Texas. The exposure was 1/6500 seconds with the following specifications: f18 / ISO1000 / 500 mm.

He took 84 photos over ten minutes.

Bence Mate photographed this in June 2009 at the Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary. The exposure was 100 seconds with the following specifications: f7 / ISO400 / 17 mm.

He took 7,548 photos over 22 days.

Bence Mate photographed this in June 2009 at the Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary. The exposure was 200 seconds with the following specifications: f13 / ISO200 / 13 mm.

He took 7,548 photos over 22 days.

Bence Mate photographed this in February 2017 at the Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary. The exposure was 320 seconds with the following camera specifications: f9 / ISO1600 / 15 mm.

He took 5,469 photos over 31 mornings.

Bence Mate photographed this in April 2005 at the Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary. The exposure was 1/350 seconds with the following camera specifications: f4 / ISO320 / 200 mm.

He took 8,366 photos over 17 days.

Bence Mate photographed this in April 2005 at the Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary. The exposure was 1/1000 seconds with the following camera specifications: f4 / ISO320 / 200 mm.

He took 8,366 photos over 17 days.

Bence Mate photographed this in January 2017 at the Kiskunsag National Park in Hungary. The exposure was 1/25 seconds with the following camera specifications: f5 / ISO500 / 400 mm.

He took 222 photos over 3 days.

Bence Mate photographed this in April 2018 at the Baile Tusnad in Romania. The exposure was 1/160 seconds with the following camera specifications: f6 / ISO1000 / 364 mm.

He took 1,296,000 photos over 6 days.

Bence Mate photographed this in August 2018 at the Zimanga Reserve in South Africa. The exposure was 5.5 seconds with the following camera specifications: f11-2.8 / ISO800 / 15 mm.

He took 50,000 photos over 32 nights.

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On a recent visit to Bushman’s Kloof in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa, we booked an afternoon of wellness treatments at their spa, recently chosen the best spa in Africa. Temping as it was to stay in and enjoy our beautiful private villa, the newly opened Cederberg House, the spa beckoned.

The spa of Bushman’s Kloof was recently chosen the best spa in Africa and the Indian Ocean — so how could I miss this? We booked the Bushman’s Kloof signature massage in the spa gazebo, which opened up to an old river bed of wild grass.

THE BEST SPA IN AFRICA

In this pretty cottage, two cheerful therapists performed the Bushman’s Kloof signature massage and successfully kneaded the knots out of our backs. We actually fell asleep because it was so relaxing.

After the massage was over, they gave us cups of Rooibos tea and left us to relax in the open-air terrace. It was surreal to be having wonderful spa treatments in the middle of the wilderness.

PICNIC LUNCH AT BUSHMAN’S KLOOF

Meanwhile Martin, our ranger, arranged a picnic lunch in a cave that was ten minutes away by jeep. By the time our treatment was over, it was noon and he was back at the spa, ready to drive us to a lagoon on the game reserve.

While we were having our spa treatments, he’d been busy setting up a canoe and two paddle boards on the water.

CANOEING IN AFRICA

When he stopped by the shore, we looked at him inquiringly; although it was already 1230 PM, we did not see any food.

“I thought you guys might want to go paddling on our lagoon first,” he said.

Read about a journey across South Africa on The Blue Train

Then he added: “If you follow the route to the right, you’ll find lunch waiting for you somewhere along the way.” 

I wasn’t convinced this was a good plan but I got in anyway. We paddled along with Martin waving us off encouragingly from the shore.

SURPRISE PICNIC ON SAFARI

I actually enjoyed paddling as it was easy in this lagoon without waves. Then, just as we entered a narrow canal and I was preparing myself for an hour of effort with the boat, we saw a beautiful picnic spread on a ledge. 

DELICIOUS FOOD AT BUSHMAN’S KLOOF

A large mat had been laid out with giant pillows. Also, from the water, I espied a silver bucket brimming with champagne, wines and juices. Upon making our way up to the spot, we enjoyed the wonderful spectacle of a quintessential South African picnic hamper, ready for photographs. 

We ate roast beef sandwiches, boiled eggs, salads and fruits, and a cheese plate. We even had a basket of assorted biltong. Not forgetting that I had a sweet tooth, Martin also included little pudding pots for dessert. This lovely picnic in the great outdoors truly delighted me.

In fact, we had so many wonderful travel experiences here. I guess this is why so many people from all over the world travel to the Cederberg Mountains, to stay at Bushman’s Kloof.

Bushman’s Kloof is a member of the Red Carnation Hotels and the Relais & Chateaux group. It’s considered one of the top wilderness retreats in Africa. You’re taken out of your own world. Then suddenly you find yourself in a place where nothing else really matters but your bliss.

Read more stories about spa treatments and outdoor adventures in South Africa in Travelife Magazine.

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Last March, we took the Blue Train of South Africa from Cape Town to Pretoria. It’s a relaxing two-night journey on beautiful train. If you have the time, this is the best way to get to Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, from the Western Cape. Moreover, you get to see Kimberely, the capital of the beautiful Northern Cape as well.

I’ve been on the Blue Train twice and every moment has been interesting and also relaxing. I love the long meals and the cozy cabins, and the endless amazing views.

EXPERIENCES ON THE BLUE TRAIN

The Blue Train is elegant and old-fashioned. The private suites are spacious and each suite has an ensuite bathroom. In the day, the suites function as comfortable living rooms where you can sit and read, or watch the passing scenery. I so enjoy doing this, and I never tire of the views of South Africa.

Meanwhile, while guests are enjoying a delicious three-course dinner, the train butlers are busy turning the suites into cozy bedrooms. It’s amazing how well planned the suites are because the bedrooms on the Blue Train are just like hotel rooms. In fact, I have had some of my best sleep on this train.

FOOD ON THE BLUE TRAIN

The food on the Blue Train deserves special mention, especially as I have taken this journey twice now. The quality on both trips has been the same.

Breakfast is a nice elaborate meal that invites you to relax and enjoy the morning. It starts with sparkling wine, if you wish, and fruits and cold dishes on a sideboard in the restaurant car. Then you can order your hot dishes from a menu. It’s a wonderful way to start the day on a train.

LUNCH ON A TRAIN

Lunch is also relaxing, and you can choose to sit with other passengers or to have a table to yourselves. Again, it’s a three-course meal accompanied by wines and digestifs at the end. The train is usually moving during lunch so it’s really a nice experience to view South Africa from an elegant restaurant car while having lunch and lots of good South African wines.

SIGHTSEEING IN KIMBERLEY

On this last trip, we arrived at Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape, just after lunch. So we had the afternoon to explore the town. The Blue Train organised an interesting excursion to The Big Hole, which is the famous diamond mine of South Africa. It is perhaps the top attraction in Kimberley, if not in the entire Northern Cape.

The Big Hole in the Northern Cape used to be owned by the De Beers diamond company and now it is a museum. You can also still buy diamonds from a shop on the premises in Kimberley.

RELATED CONTENT : THE BEST WILDERNESS RETREAT IN AFRICA

DINNER ON THE TRAIN

We returned to The Blue Train after sightseeing in the Northern Cape just in time for afternoon tea. The bar car is set up prettily for afternoon tea with cakes, fruits and scones. Then there’s just enough time after tea to relax a bit and then start dressing up for dinner.

Dinner on The Blue Train as it passes through the rest of the Northern Cape is formal so most of the guests come in elegant attire. The men are in suits while the ladies are in dresses or long gowns. The meal is formal as well, and everything is delicious.

READ ABOUT THE LAW OF ATTRACTION IN HUNGARY

After dinner, you can retire to the lounge for drinks and music, or head on to the end of the train where there is a quiet sitting area and a casino that uses play money. Making bets at the casino was surprisingly enjoyable — after all, how many people can say they gambled on a train?

WHERE HAS ALL THE TIME GONE?

All too soon, the journey on The Blue Train comes to an end. At the start of the trip, some guests worry about making such a long trip on a train.

“What will we do with all this time?” They say to each other. But time really goes so quickly and soon the train is pulling up to its final stop and passengers are all bidding each other farewell and safe journeys.

Read more stories about traveling by train in South Africa in Travelife Magazine.

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Of the four lodges, Bush Lodge is the one most suitable for family safari experiences.

GETTING TO SABI SABI

The Pilatus jet flew from Johannesburg to the air strip of the private game reserve. In a little over an hour, we’d landed and our ranger Michael was driving us to Bush Lodge.

I knew this routine quite well as I’d already been at Sabi Sabi two years ago. I still remember how we’d seen giraffe and zebra from the airstrip. And from that instant, I’d become enamored with the safari experience.

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

SEEING THE BIG 5 IN SOUTH AFRICA

This time, we were even luckier. Within the first 15 minutes, we’d seen the Big 5. And this was such a shock to us that even Michael could not contain his surprise. “We can go home now,” I’d teased him; for spotting the Big 5 is the ultimate objective of most safari goers.

But, of course, we were here to stay. A group of us had flown to Africa to bring our children on their first safari; and for this special trip, I’d chosen two famous game reserves within the world-famous Kruger National Park because they offered excellent programs for children.

THE SABI SABI SAFARI EXPERIENCE

The Sabi Sabi Game Reserve is considered one of the best safari experiences in the world. Among its four lodgings, Bush Lodge is the only one that accepts young visitors.

Bush Lodge is a sprawling contemporary camp with spacious and well-designed public facilities. It also includes a 1920s-inspired living room and a covered terrace where you can watch animals approach a watering hole.

There’s also a child-friendly dining restaurant that serves buffet meals. If the weather is fine, dinner is outdoors in an enclosed area with a big bonfire in the middle.

As with Sabi Sabi’s more intimate adults-only camps, service is conducted flawlessly. Additionally, you can always expect that friendly South African vibe.

FAMILY SAFARI EXPERIENCES AT SABI SABI

However, for families on safari, the piece de resistance of Bush Lodge is a large compound named the Elefun Center. This is probably the most well-equipped and best-maintained children’s center in a safari camp.

Complete with coloring books and personalized materials, it functions as a school, a daycare, and a creative place for young travelers. And it definitely offers parents significant and much-needed “me” time.

It also has its own dedicated “school” building, a secure outdoor play area and a large playground. And its walls are filled with the happy scribbles and colorful hand prints of the young travelers from all over the world.

CHILDREN ON SAFARI IN AFRICA

There is also a Junior Tracker program for children from ages 4 to 8, and the Junior Ranger program for ages 9 to 12. Bushveld-themed educational and entertainment activities can include specially-planned children’s game drives, games, contests, and walks and talks on animals, bugs and birds, tracking, and map-reading.

Children can be dropped off after breakfast for a morning session, and then again after lunch for an afternoon session, to be picked up just in time for the late afternoon game drives.

WONDER WOMAN AT WORK

When we were there, the Elefun Center was manned by an energetic young lady who taught the children to swing on a zipline, decorate bags, make animals out of paper cups, and even how to spell correctly.

Single-handedly, she ticked off everything on the wish list of the kids and their parents, with a good balance of age-appropriate children’s games, outdoor fun, crafts and school lessons.

Wild animals at the game reserve

The Elefun Center enables an excellent balance of activities for families, including enough time for mom and dad to relax, enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea or a morning of spa treatments between meals and drives.

This is exactly what I did, taking advantage of several free mornings to sample the offerings at the spa of Bush Lodge just before sitting down to a long lunch of salads and kebabs with everyone.

It’s a testament to the game reserve’s success that everyone in our group wanted to do a re-run next year – including the parents.

With the Elefun Center as an anchor – or more accurately, as a lifeline – we all realized that a safari with children need not be stressful after all. There were long faces everywhere as we reluctantly said “See you again soon” – not goodbye – to our new friends at the wonderful Sabi Sabi Game Reserve.

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