Read more about the article Peru: Amazon – Delfin 1 – Day 1

Peru: Amazon – Delfin 1 – Day 1

The Amazon River is located in South America and actually originates from a glacier in Colca Canyon, Peru. It's just south of Iquitos, where the Marañón River and the Ucayali river converge, that the Amazon River first shows up on a map. From there, it flows eastward. The spacious yet intimate river cruiser, Delfin 1 features only 4 oversized suites, all with private panoramic terraces, 2 of which offer a private whirlpool for the ultimate treat. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow nature to be part of the natural suite décor, and cabin service 3 times a day ensures that you enjoy the most personalised experience. On the top deck there is a lounge area, bar and entertainment centre which are perfect places to relax in while the jungle unfolds before your very eyes.

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Read more about the article SA: Kgalagadi – 2016, !Xaus

SA: Kgalagadi – 2016, !Xaus

Pronounced ‘kaus’, the lodge is a place to experience a unique desert environment, providing accommodation in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for eco-tourists and visitors to this wilderness area in the Kalahari. Set on the 91st dune off the Auob River Road, the lodge includes stand-alone accommodation units, with communal facilities accessed on a raised walkway. The setting is optimised for quiet contemplation of the desert, and magnificent star gazing at night.

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Read more about the article SA: Sabi Sands – Djuma – 2016

SA: Sabi Sands – Djuma – 2016

DJUMA (roar of the lion) is comprised of two separate lodges called Vyuatela (Vuyatela — the name means “come visit again” in Shangaan ) and Galago (Bushbaby) which each sleeps 10 people. An eclectic mix of Afrikaans, colonial and traditional African decor differentiate it from its competitors: a hybrid of traditional building methods, a touch of shack chic and colourful, modern South African, township-style art works. Swirling colourful mosaics, the work of Pippa Moolman (wife of owner, Jurie), brighten up everything from bland walls, plant pots and polished cement floors. And the chandelier in the main lodge’s dining room is made from Coke bottles. We loved Vyuatela as two of the chalets have their own plunge pool where we could relax, chill and watch elephants, rhino, buffalo, buck, warthogs etc from....DIVINE. Before it closed its doors to the public in January 2022 this was a self catering establishment however, Luzile was a fantastic cook and provided a feast with whatever menu you requested. Pick n Pay delivered on Wednesdays. There was a game viewing vehicle for each of the two lodges which shared traversing rights with Safari Live and Cheetah Plains. Taxon was an amazing guide who sadly passed away from Covid in 2020. Aubrey was the other guide and also a top chap. Michel is the lovely camp manager. Just wonderful staff. The leopard sightings here are phenomenal ... we have closely followed their lives via Wild Earth, had the privilege of seeing them in the wild and been saddened by their demise... Honouring the legends that were: Karula, Thandi, Hukumuri, Xongile, Hosana and more ... they may have been lost but their memories will live forever. The Nkhuma Pride of lions were looking great on this trip - sadly the cubs got mange and all died a few months after we photographed them. The male lions were part of the the Birmingham Coalition. The Birmingham males were expelled from their pride by the Matimba males in 2013. The male we photographed was Mfumo (which means authority). Our male leopard sighting here was of Tingana, know as the Duke of Djuma. A highlight was the newly born rhino calf with its umbilical cord still bloody - amazing. Quite simply a piece of paradise.

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Read more about the article SA: Kruger National Park – 2016 Highlights (Mjejane – Buffalo Brook, Oct)

SA: Kruger National Park – 2016 Highlights (Mjejane – Buffalo Brook, Oct)

A private Big 5 Game Reserve incorporated into the Kruger National Park. Perched on the banks of the Crocodile River and surrounded by thousands of hectares of raw African wilderness ... Paradise.... An amazing trip with Grandad, Judy and Andy, Lib and Sally. Buffalo Brooke is in the prime spot of Mjejane Game Reserve, which is the last extensive tract of pristine indigenous bush along the Crocodile River, forming the southern part of world-famous Kruger National Park. This self-catering lodge boasts 10 kilometres of undisturbed Crocodile River frontage, and guests have been lucky enough to view The Big Five, which are found throughout this region. Herds of buffalo and elephant frequent the riverine area and predators such as leopard, lion, hyena and often wild dog are seen here. Waterbuck and other antelope such as kudu, bushbuck and impala are common. Plain’s game such as zebra and giraffe come to the river to drink particularly in the dry months of the year.

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Read more about the article SA: Kruger National Park – Shingwedzi

SA: Kruger National Park – Shingwedzi

Associated first and foremost with Elephant, the world's largest land mammal. Breeding herds of 50 to 60 animals are common in this region. During the 1970s and 1980s some of the Kruger National Park's biggest tuskers roamed the region. These elephants were named the Magnificent Seven, and one, Shingwedzi who died near the rest camp in 1981, carried tusks which weighed in at 47 and 58 Kg respectively. His tusks, as well as those of his fellow giants, can be viewed at Letaba Rest Camp. It still remains uncertain from where the name Shingwedzi is derived, but it is believed that the early Tsonga named the rivers of this area after prominent local people. Shingwedzi is said to be a combination of Shing-xa-goli, the name of a prominent person and 'njwetse', which describes the sound of iron being rubbed together.

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