Hamilton
12 Texans, 2 Lear Jets, 2 Airbus helicopters, 1 wine maker, 4 of Africa’s most experienced and well qualified safari guides, 3 of Africa’s finest hotels and lodges. This equation equals a good time.
An epic journey, a day curated from a network of incredible people. A special journey with repeat safari goers, adventurers and friends.
The direct flights from Newark to Cape Town have made this a new option as a start or end point of safari. We had a blast in this epic city. Arriving in the early evening off a long journey the Silo Hotel is the finest place to be, located on the Cape Town waterfront, we enjoy cocktails before and after dinner, and a delicious meal at the hotel, for those who are jetlagged or short of sleep, the room is a step away.
Our 2 days in Cape Town are jam packed, Penguins! Icy ocean dips, seals, coffees, shopping, the southern tip of Africa, breathtaking drives, picnics, all in a day’s fun in Cape Town. Rooftop drinks and a 9-course fine dining dinner, paired with the very best of South Africa’s wines. Just a walk away from the Hotel, a fitting end to a beautiful day, but we can’t eat or drink too much as we are hiking up Table Mountain tomorrow morning!
Up at sunrise, which isn’t too early in Cape Town, for a tough hike up the Platteklip Gorge onto the top of the magnificent Table Mountain, fresh air, misty, cool, and clean. 360 views and some good exercise. What a way to start a day. And this is only the start. We surprise our guests with a scenic helicopter ride over the cape peninsula and land at a wine farm for a director’s reserve tasting. Then off to a private “braai” with a celebratory chef and world-renowned wine maker I can’t say more as it is a secret! An unforgettable day. Never done before, never to be repeated!
72 hours in Cape Town is a great way to acclimate. And get even more excited for safari.
Off we jet to the Sabi Sand game reserve for 3 nights and then to Thornybush, all prime game viewing destinations in the Kruger National Park.
World-class food, surprises around every corner, the thrill of the search for Big Cats, the joy of a baby elephant tripping over its own legs, hippos honking, monkeys watching. It is Safari time!
Singita Ebony overlooking the mighty Sand River – means there is always action from the viewing decks at camp. Buffaloes, Elephants and Giraffes entertained throughout the day.
But the action was happening out on safari game drives, and it was happening. We witnessed an incredible scene. Leopards mating, there were 2 lions in the area, we had seen earlier, they heard the commotion and came running in, predators are constantly at war, and want to eliminate competition, we witness this first hand, a lioness wanting to kill the male leopard, he managed to sprint to safety up a nearby tree, literally by the skin of his teeth, a heart stopping, and gut wrenching moment, all of us in silence and awe, a spectacle!
So much more happens out there, the sunsets just hit right, the smell of fresh elephant dung is pungent, the light glowing, the noises fascinating, sometimes noisy and sometimes silent.
Meals shared around fires, laughter and storytelling, this is where the friendships are forged, and the memories made.
Our safaris are designed and planned to every single tiny detail, combining meals in the wild, wine tastings showcasing the South African winelands, human interaction, conversation, thrills and adventure.
Logistical plans ensure the smoothest transition between the very best lodges. Destinations which complement each other. In every way. This time we return to Waterside Lodge, one of the very finest! Massages galore, espresso martinis, games, slowing down, the rhythm of safari takes over. Coffee with the sunrise, early morning safaris.
We watch a big male lion waking up in the early evening, Elephants walking by our jeep, a breaths distance away, Leopards rasping call – echoing, Leopards walking by camp, and even a Male Lion making a Kill. Dramatic, raw.
Waterside is the epitome of luxury, hospitality and immersion. The days roll into each other, and it is time to end with a banquet-style dinner, under candlelight in the African Bush.
A special safari, with special people, in the most special places. The sightings were unreal, and this is what it really is all about. Until next time. Creating memories. Living the Dream.