The weather is cold and gloomy in Cape Town today, so I thought it was the perfect time to initiate a little something I like to call Fantasy Friday – armchair travelling to somewhere far more beautiful and exotic than a desk and a computer!

Today, ladies and gentlemen, we’re off to a little place called Solar Da Ponte Verde, in a small town called Petropolis a few hours outside Rio de Janeiro in Brazil…

The views are breathtaking, the rooms are comfortable and cozy, and the food will leave you feeling energized and delighted. Really – you might think that’s a lot of adjectives, but wait until you’ve stepped into this place. Pure heaven!

Read the full account of a magical experience here.

And for more Fantasy Friday wanderings, read up on some of the Just the Planet Hidden Gems. *sigh!*

There’s something so deeply relaxing about spending a few days in a holiday town. Oh, I know some people live in Knysna, but as opposed to the fast pace of Cape Town (and the simply frenetic pace of Joburg), Knysna is deliciously laidback.

We’ve spent our first few days here wandering around the various entertainment on offer for the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival (many of them, no surprise, involving oysters!) Highlights for me include:

* The Wade Bales Wine Tasting on Monday night – over 40 of South Africa’s top wine makers offering unlimited tastings to go with the cheese and biscuits or fresh oysters on offer.

* Taking a ride on the Carnival ferris wheel with stunning views of Knysna laid out on all sides.

* Checking out all the incredibly well-organised kids events (Cooking classes! Colouring in competitions! Pavement art contests! Sport!)

* Watching the Oystercatcher Oyster Shucking Contest (presented and surrounded by Tabasco to spice up the fresh oysters), while listening to a live band in a tent on the waterfront.

* Going on an oyster bed / Knysna Heads / mampoer tasting boat ride around the lagoon (fun except for the somewhat-terrifying ‘oyster shot’ – a raw oyster, a dash of lemon and some strawberry chilli mampoer. Yikes!)

* Indulging in an absolutely heavenly massage at Pezula… Absolutely heavenly. Followed by some down-time in the post-treatment room on a (wait for it) heated water bed that massages different sections of the body one at a time. And a deliciously fresh berry smoothie to bring me back to life. I’m still floating in a happy haze from that one.

Still to come is the PnP Knysna Oyster Festival Mardi Gras (apparently a highlight!)

I’ll let you know what it’s like… For now, though, what’s keeping you? Head to Knysna for a festival that manages to be both entertaining and relaxing. A rare and lovely combination!

For those who need a bit of a break from all the soccer-soccer-soccer of the World Cup (and let’s be honest, even the most diehard fans have to eat, and if you have to eat, why not eat oysters?) the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is happening this week.

In fact, they’re claiming it’s the best 10 days of your 2010 (quite a claim!)

We’ve been here all of four hours, and so far it is simply delightful. A Whisky and Jazz Cruise started the evening off in a beautiful way (throw in the Lindt chocolate that was served with almost every whisky and you have a perfect combination)… Lindt, sunset, the beauty of the Knysna Lagoon – simply lovely.

I’ll post updates during the week, but to find out allll about the festival, visit http://www.oysterfestival.co.za

Photo: Allerina & Glen MacLarty

If you haven’t read this letter yet, you’re in for a treat.

Peter Davies, one of the Supersport World Cup presenters, wrote an ‘Open Letter to our Foreign Media Friends’ that really just says it all… What do you think?

OPEN LETTER TO OUR FOREIGN MEDIA FRIENDS

by Peter Davies 09/06/2010 09:09

Dear World Cup visitors,

Now that you are safely in our country you are no doubt happily realising you are not in a war zone. This may be in stark contrast to what you have been bracing yourself for should you have listened to Uli Hoeness or are an avid reader of English tabloids, which as we all know are only good for wrapping fish ‘n chips and advancing the careers of large-chested teens on page three.

As you emerge blinking from your luxury hotel room into our big blue winter skies, you will surely realise you are far more likely to be killed by kindness than by a stray bullet. Remember that most of the media reports you have read, which have informed your views on South Africa, will have been penned by your colleagues. And you know what journos are like, what with their earnest two thousand word opuses on the op-ed pages designed to fix this country’s ills in a heartbeat. Based on exhaustive research over a three-day visit.

Funnily enough, we are well aware of the challenges we face as a nation and you will find that 95% of the population is singing from the same song-sheet in order to ensure we can live up to our own exacting expectations.

We are also here to look after you and show you a good time. Prepare to have your preconceived notions well and truly shattered.

For instance, you will find precious few rhinos loitering on street corners, we don’t know a guy in Cairo named Dave just because we live in Johannesburg, and our stadiums are magnificent, world-class works of art.

Which is obviously news to the Sky TV sports anchor who this week remarked that Soccer City looked ‘ a bit of a mess’. She didn’t realize the gaps in the calabash exterior are to allow in natural light and for illumination at night, and not the result of vandalism or negligence.

The fact that England, the nation which safely delivered Wembley Stadium two years past its due date, is prepared to offer us South Africans advice on stadium-readiness should not be surprising. The steadiest stream of World Cup misinformation has emanated from our mates the Brits over the past couple of years.

If it’s not man-eating snakes lurking in Rooney’s closet at the team’s (allegedly half-built) Royal Bafokeng training base, then it’s machete-wielding gangs roaming the suburbs in search of tattooed, overweight Dagenham dole-queuers to ransack and leave gurgling on the pavement.

In fact what you are entering is the world’s most fascinating country, in my opinion. I’m pretty sure you will find that it functions far more smoothly, is heaps more friendly and offers plenty more diversions than you could possibly have imagined.

In addition to which, the population actually acts like human beings, and not like they are being controlled by sinister forces from above which turns them into bureaucratically-manipulated robots.

Plus we have world’s most beautiful women. The best weather. Eight channels of SuperSport. Food and wine from the gods themselves. Wildlife galore. (Love the Dutch team’s bus slogan: “Don’t fear the Big 5; fear the Orange 11”).

Having said all that, Jo’burg is undoubtedly one of the world’s most dangerous cities. Just ask those Taiwanese tourists who got out of their hire car to take close-up snaps of tawny beasts at the Lion Park a few years back. Actually, ask what’s left of them. And did you know the chances of being felled by cardiac arrest from devouring a mountain of meat at one of our world class restaurants has been statistically proven to be 33.3% higher in Jozi than in any other major urban centre not built upon a significant waterway? It’s true. I swear. I read it in a British tabloid.

Having recently spent two years comfortably cocooned in small town America, I’m only too aware of how little much of the outside world knows about this country. The American channel I used to work for has a massive battalion of employees descending on World Cup country. It has also apparently issued a recommendation to its staff to stay in their hotels when not working.

Given that said corporation is headquartered in a small town which many say is “best viewed through the rear-view mirror”, I find the recommendation, if it’s true, to be utterly astounding. In fact I don’t believe it is true. Contrary to the global stereotype, the best Americans are some of the sharpest people in the world. The fact they have bought most tickets in this World Cup proves the point.

Of course I have only lived in Johannesburg, city of terror and dread, virtually all my life, so don’t have the in-depth knowledge of say, an English broadsheet journalist who has been in the country for the weekend, but nevertheless I will share some of my observations gleaned over the years.

Any foreign tourist or media representative who is worried about his safety in South Africa should have a word with the Lions rugby fans from last year, or the Barmy Army cricket supporters (lilywhite hecklers by day, slurring, lager-fuelled lobsters by night). They managed just fine, just like the hundreds of thousands of fans who have streamed into the country over the past fifteen years for various World Cups, Super 14 matches, TriNations tests and other international events. Negligible crime incidents involving said fans over said period of time.

Trivia question: which country has hosted the most global sporting events over the past decade and a half? You don’t need me to answer that, do you?

In addition. Don’t fret when you see a gaggle of freelance salesmen converge on your car at the traffic lights (or robots as we like to call them) festooned with products. You are not about to be hijacked. Here in Mzansi (nickname for SA) we do a lot of our purchasing at robots. Here you can stock up on flags, coat hangers, batteries, roses for the wife you forgot to kiss goodbye this morning and a whole host of useful merchandise.

Similarly, that guy who runs up as you park the rental car outside the pub intends no malice. He’s your car guard. Give him a buck or two and your vehicle will be safe while you refuel for hours on our cheap, splendid beer. Unless someone breaks into it, of course.

We drive on the left in this country. Exercise caution when crossing the road at a jog-trot with 15 kilograms of camera gear on your back. Exercise common sense full stop. Nothing more. Nothing less. If you want to leave wads of cash in your hotel room like our Colombian friends, don’t be surprised if it grows wings.

Bottomline. Get out there and breathe in great lusty lungfuls of this amazing nation. Tuck into our world-class food and wines. Disprove the adage that white men can’t dance at our throbbing, vibrant night-clubs. Learn to say hello in all eleven official languages. Watch at least one game in a township. You will not be robbed and shot. You will be welcomed like a lost family member and looked after as if you are royalty. Ask those Bulls rugby fans who journeyed to Soweto recently.

With a dollop of the right attitude, this country will change your life.

It’s Africa’s time. Vacate your hotel room. Join the party.

Waka waka eh eh.

Photo: Shine 2010

I saw a headline in a community newspaper the other day that read ‘Soccer Eclipse!’ and I didn’t even need to read the rest of the article, because I understood exactly what they meant.

If you’re a South African (I would guess even if you’re a South African living overseas), the last 2 weeks have been about nothing but soccer-soccer-soccer. Food? Only if it’s boerewors rolls or available in front of a large screen TV. Sleep? Only if it doesn’t interfere with any of the matches being played that day. Work? Only juuuust enough to keep employed, while 90% of brain power is on that day’s games.

I kid you not – soccer fever has taken over the whole country. It’s as if a giant soccer ball eclipsed the sun, and everything is being seen through a black and white hexagonal haze.

Not that I’m complaining! Not at all, not in the slightest. The last two weeks – since the World Cup began on the 11th of June 2010 – have been undeniably, non-stop exciting. The goals! The losses! The refs! The players! The fans from all over the world who have descended on our lovely country and found it – surprisingly for some – to be hospitable and friendly.

I think that’s one of the things I’ve enjoyed most of all about the last two weeks… The sense of South African pride that has crept into every part of the country. I lived overseas for four years, and came back infected with this pride (sometimes you have to leave to realise just how extraordinary home really is). In general, though, there are an alarming number of naysayers in South Africa, so many who would rather point out our long list of problems than our even longer list of opportunities and quirky eccentricities that make this country one of the most vital and exciting places to live.

So this month – this month of South Africans flying flags from their cars and homes and bodies, has been simply thrilling. South Africans and foreigners alike have joined together for the love of a game – the beautiful game. And we’re only halfway through!

All this soccer madness has most definitely taken its toll on my To Do list, though, which is why I’m quickly typing up this blog before the USA vs Ghana match in an hour and a half (I do love the USA, but I’m rooting for Ghana as the only African country to have made it this far). I’ll be blogging regularly from here on in, about travel and home, beautiful places to stay and beautiful things about staying right here, and all manner of other lovely international snippets. We’ll also be having lots of giveaways, so keep your eyes peeled on this page!

And now? Time to gobble down some food before the soccer begins once again…

Photo: babasteve

I’m thinking about the film ‘Sliding Doors’ and how one’s life can be lived in duality. The ‘what if I chose that path instead of this one’… if I’d just married the footballer when the opportunity arose (it didn’t but this is my story)… I too could’ve lived a life of  handbags, shoes and spa holidays. Instead, I am very much living the life of a normal person who doesn’t get to step from a private jet into a waiting Hummer only to be whisked off to the latest spa-du-jour. So when the opportunity arises, instead of being smugly in-the-know, I’m like a small child at Christmas: too excited to be cool… and hell bent on making the most out of it.

So herewith Part Deux of the Karkloof Spa story.

After being so graciously received by the staff at the lodge, I was pointed in the direction of the spa and handed my keys to the kingdom of leisure. In reality it was only a locker key and, for one that isn’t prone to exaggeration (ha!), in it was a robe I can swear was hand-woven by Aphrodite. The staff at the spa are hand-picked from all over the world for their talents and I noticed a fair number of Thai therapists – globally renowned for their magical sensory powers.

As a first-timer at Karkloof, I was taken on a walk around the spa and shown the spacious treatment rooms (17 in total – two of which are for couples). The rooms, like the villas, have extensive views over the gardens and sweeping vistas of the bush. I particularly loved that the design of the place is so in touch with the surrounding landscape and that because it has been built with natural materials (thatch and living grass roofs), animals graze in blissful ignorance overhead whilst you sip on organic green tea.

Spa views (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

I had a look into the luxurious Manicure/Pedicure and Rassoul rooms… gasped at the sheer size of the Flotation Pool (guaranteed to send any stressed recipient into orbits of relaxation) and then tried for myself the Kneip Pools (those hot and cold ones), Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam rooms. At this point, I believe I felt my first twang of smugness.

Floatation Room (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

Spa pools (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

Kneip pools (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

At my allotted time I was fetched to the treatment room by my therapist and given a ceremonial foot cleanse with salt scrub. I had to look incredibly serious even though having my feet kneaded with salt made me want to burst out laughing and run around in circles. So not how a footballer’s wife would behave.

I was then shown to the massage table. I don’t know about you but I mostly approach these beds with caution… knowing that lying face down on some of them there’ll be a bit of tissue sticking into my eyeball or suffocating towelling covering a necessary airway… or worse, a bit of metal digging into my temple. And I dare not move lest I disturb the mood of my spa journey. But I am pleased to say that this one was wonderfully comfortable – and I arose after my hour-long massage feeling delightfully sleepy, relaxed and at peace with the universe.

Massage heaven (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

These therapists really do know what they are doing. At no point did mine make a sound (in fact I remember filling in a form at reception asking me whether I wanted a chat to which I firmly ticked the ‘no’ option) – and it was as if a lone pair of hands was in the room with me softly but firmly soothing away my every stress and strain. It was so good that I almost burst in to tears when she had finished. To me that’s always the mark of a successful massage.

I was interested to see that the spa uses Pevonia, an internationally acclaimed member of the American Organic association – and wondered why they didn’t go for a more local African product… but they must have their reasons.

I was horrified to have to give back my robe… and changing back into my clothes did bring me back down to earth a little (they should possibly think about transporting you back to your room in a wheelchair). The entire experience was perfect. From reception to the point I was delivered into the darkness for the walk back to my villa where, I believe, I ‘floated lonely as a cloud’ – albeit a happy, pampered one.

Tatler has just awarded Karkloof Spa ‘Most Exciting Discovery 2009’ and it’s one of Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Hot List Spas’ of the year. International applause for this fabulous South African destination spa… and definitely a reason to visit and see for myself.

I went in autumn when the late afternoon light lay golden over the winding rivers, pale orange over the lush landscapes and warm yellow on the road that wound up to the lodge. A white rhino gazed at us lazily over his grassy munchings and a few warthogs, tails on high alert, sprinted into the bushes.

Autumn light and warthogs (image: Robyn Hodson)

Lunching white rhino (image: Robyn Hodson)

The best part of the drive up to the lodge is that the whole place is barely visible… and the spa is set into the hillside with thatched and flat grass rooftops camouflaging any human activity from the wild animals that wander around the property (all vegetarians you’ll be pleased to know).

Hidden spa (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

The main lodge is huge, stylish and comfortable – cozy with generous fireplaces and heated floors for winter and then bright and cool in hot weather with large doors flung wide open to let in light summery breezes. The spacious outside balcony and comfortable setting is brilliant for sunset watching, champagne or G’nT drinking and romantic comfy couch snuggling!

Main lodge deck (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

Pool at main lodge (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

I loved my private villa – the best of the sixteen I thought! A lot of planning, intuition and skillful designing went into it. Perched on a hillside looking out at the best of the views it also had wrap around doors that could be fully retracted to make the most of the stunning scenery. I slept with the doors open all night and watched the sun rise from my bed, camera in hand.

Villa - lounge and view (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

I’l get back to you on the animals, walks, spa and food but suffice to say… I can’t think of anything negative. Start saving! And if you’re considering a private, relaxed, gourmet honeymoon… look no further!

We know that you’re all hungry for news, so now that our blog is up and running, we’re giving you a taste of our recent travels and discoveries. First up from me is the Durban Travel Indaba – the biggest travel show in Africa, held annually in Durban. Traditionally, it’s surprisingly hot and humid so I packed pretty sandals and summer clothes for what I thought would be a perfect escape from the Cape winter. Capetonians were experiencing icy cold winds when I left, but I religiously packed only for summer, hoping for the humid heat I’d experienced over the past three years and leaving space for at least 10kgs of brochures, business cards etc to come back.

What we didn’t expect were monsoon-esque rain showers and brisk winds that blustered for two days… and we’d already booked ahead for a table on the outdoor terrace at the lovely Harvey’s restaurant at 465 Innes Rd, Morningside. Our Travel Editor, Robyn Hodson, was out from London so we were hoping for a balmy evening outdoors. Instead, turn-on-the-tap downpours on the awning above, sent doormen with large umbrellas dashing to and from cars. My beautiful leather and lace pumps were safer out of the deluge that was sending rivers down Innes Road, so we savoured our meal and lingered, enjoying the vibe. Definitely a ‘Little Black Book’ favourite for me (love the décor) and I hope to be back…although I’ll be checking the reviews before I do. Rumour has it that service hasn’t been so good of late, but we certainly couldn’t fault the food and ambience – even if it was a little brrrr sitting outside!

Business at Indaba was not as brisk as last year, there was more time for real conversations, hatching ideas for great travel features and getting to know new properties. My notebook is bulging with highlights but these top the scales:

1. The Best of KZN launch: for those who don’t yet know KwaZulu-Natal, I suggest you look at the 6 owner-run establishments in this new group http://www.bestofkzn.co.za/ – all of them are, without doubt exceptional and unique in their own right. And did I mention the food? It was extraordinary. All the chefs worked together to serve 800 gourmet dishes to 100 guests in just over an hour with wines to match.

2. Catching up at cocktails at Classic Retreats and hearing how Joburg’s gorgeous boutique hotel, Athol Place, is stealing the hearts of discerning travellers. And the launch of another real beauty: the Zambezi Queen – Tony Stern’s sleek new baby – a contemporary houseboat moored on the banks of the Chobe River and offering a Luxury African River Safari.

3. Listening to Rob Ferguson of andBeyond (previously Conservation Corporation Africa) talk about their plans for Latin America…still very hush, hush but wonderfully exciting so watch this space. And have you been to The Homestead at Phinda? If you can’t bear the thought of leaving, you can now buy your very own African Homestead too. Email me for more info…on michelle@justtheplanet.com

4. Meeting Vanie Padaychee again, the chef from Fu.shi in Plett who has now moved to the hottest cookery school in Prince Albert in the Karoo. It’s called African Relish. Watch this space as I’m driving 5 hours into this arid landscape tomorrow to see it in person.

5. And meeting another foodie hero, celebrated chef, Bruce Robertson (ex The Showroom), who has embarked on a new project called the ‘afro-gastronaut’. Be sure to email me quickly if you want to book a gastronomic highlight that you’ll remember forever.

6. Hearing that Karkloof Spa had just won a second award in quick succession – we tested the spa a day later and couldn’t agree more. Tatler voted it ‘Most Exciting Discovery of 2009’ and Indaba voted it Best Lodge at the Welcome Awards. And speaking of awards: Jack’s Camp walked away with The Good Safari Guide Award for the ‘Best Camp in Africa’. There’s good reason why gorgeous couple Ralph and Catherine make it to the top: the experience they offer is unique. Mmmmm… we also have our sights set on the really wild and authentic Selous Project, part of the Great Plains safari group. Watch this space.

7. Meeting Alexandra Otto from Coral Lodge 15.41 Mozambique. This luxury lodge with interiors by Dutch Designer, Edward van Vliet, is right near the UNESCO Heritage Site, Ilha de Mozambique. Opening in September.

8. Relais & Chateaux’s new and stylish stand, designed to match the equally high standard, warmth and character of all its establishments.

9. Chatting to Andy Payne at Wilderness Safaris – always a pleasure to listen to someone so passionate about conservation. He believes that ‘businesses with soul will thrive’ – we couldn’t agree more.

10. And what about the hottest news of all? Singita is creating yet another exquisite masterpiece on a private island in the Seychelles. I’ll be keeping you posted!

A generalisation I know (but it works as a comparison) – most Americans don’t ever leave their own country and travel abroad and many don’t ever leave their own state. It is also true that many Capetonians are as hopeless when it comes to travelling in South Africa. We live in the most beautiful city in the world… so why bother checking out KwaZulu-Natal or Gauteng except to head straight for the bush? So I am pleased to announce… drum roll… that this Capetonian has not only discovered the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands (all by herself)… but is going to wax lyrical about it right here (please don’t blow my cover if you discovered it years ago).

What an incredible place to go on holiday. The route from Johannesburg into the Midlands is quite extraordinary. From the dry, red and largely barren route through the Highlands of Gauteng and the Free State, the road takes a beautiful deep dive over Van Reenen’s pass (with gorgeous sweeping views of the Drakensburg Mountains and Anglo-Boer War Battlefields Route) down into the valley below. Nostalgia is born to any African as the landscape changes and the long green grasses peppered with flat-topped Thorny Acacia trees stretch out far into the distance.

KwaZulu-Natal's Thorny Acacia (image: Robyn Hodson

Grassy Battlefields Route (image: Robyn Hodson)

Morning in the Drakensburg (image: Robyn Hodson)

Once in the Midlands, the best place to head off the big highway and start a gentle meander is Nottingham Road. And there you simply must meander… slowly, peacefully and bearing in mind that you don’t want to miss a thing. There are wonderful craft shops, places to stop for good food, country hotels, farms selling home-made cheeses, meats and baked goodies… a CHOCOLATIER… and two pretty impressive boarding schools : Hilton College and Michaelhouse. (NOTE to self: Please PLEASE read “SPUD” – written by home-grown J.H. van de Ruit. I think it’s one of the funniest books ever written and gives a marvellous character-study of the area and boarding schools in general). It really is all a little reminiscent of leafy England.

View from Swissland Cheese Tasting (image: Robyn Hodson)

I promise to go into more detail next time about the Meander… and I can hardly wait to tell you about Karkloof Spa.

Karkloof Spa (image: Courtesy of Karkloof Spa)

In this seasoned traveller’s opinion (and the reason I love my job so very muchly)… it’s one of the best spas I have ever had the pleasure of visiting… and probably the only one that has a grass roof and the truly surreal sight of a giraffe grazing on top.

NOTE : The giraffes are up to something. See blog below.

In December I decided to take a break from London living (the dreaded winter and the relentless blah of the BBC and their terminal view of the economic situation) and decided to work on JUST THE PLANET with my partners in Cape Town. The best decision I have made in years ! So much to do… and a Cape Town summer to do it in. Not a hard choice, obviously!

My first trip back home was to a wedding in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands via a new safari lodge outside of Ladysmith on route from Johannesburg to Durban called Nambiti Plains. Partly sponsored by the wonderful Status Luxury Vehicles (see http://tinyurl.com/ktwd8r) my friend and I drove the Landrover Discovery all the way. What a car – almost like driving a spaceship and so comfortable.

We arrived at Nambiti Plains in time for lunch and were received by the staff with cold drinks and cool hand towels… mmmm… there’s nothing like being taken care of after a long drive. We had a look around the place – particularly liking that each room was its own private villa. We had an uninterrupted view of the landscapes and at one stage had an inquisitive giraffe flutter her eyelashes at us from about 100 metres away. Quite something to behold whilst brushing your teeth!

Nambiti Plains: Peeking giraffe (image: Robyn Hodson)

The lodge was vast and comfortable… huge decks, sweeping views of the bush and waterhole and comfy deckchairs in which to relax and read.

Nambiti Plains: Outdoor lounge (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)

I won’t go into the food – suffice to say that it was five star all the way with a wonderful mix of African and European tastes.

The safari drives were beautiful – there’s nothing like a good local guide to make even the smallest plant or animal interesting… and then there were the cheetahs – six of them in total, a band of brothers, long tails steering them into the twilight.

After G’nTs on the patio, a delicious dinner with our enthusiastic and entertaining hosts and then time for bed under a royal canopy of draped mosquito nets (which incidentally we didn’t need in the slightly cooler winter air).

Nambiti Plains: Decadent dinner (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)

Oh how I long to go back… I suppose what I loved most was that due to the intimate size of the place the visitor is king. There isn’t a single wish that isn’t granted. Staff are always on hand to help. The guide is your own and there aren’t large groups of people to spoil your fanciful musings.

Nambiti Plains: Pool at dusk (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)

I also LOVE having an outdoor shower… it’s all so ‘Out of Africa’!

Nambiti Plains: Outside shower (image: Kim Thunder & Nambiti Plains)