Another To Escape To secret is out after the final episode of safari vet school was shown on ITV last week. Amakhala is our favourite malaria free safari in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and the show really highlights the beauty of the reserve, the abundance of wildlife and the passion of the staff there.

I was fortunate enough to stay in the Amakhala twice last year so seeing the programme brought back many happy memories.

Safari Vet School

For those of you who didn’t get the chance to watch, the show followed a group of British Vet students who experience their first up close and personal contact with wild animals in the Amakhala under the watchful eye of resident vet Will Fowlds. They have an eventful time doing everything from capture of giraffe and Zebra for re-location , micro-chipping rhino horn, sedating lion and treating injured buffalo.

As well as being home to some fantastic luxury game lodges, the reserve is committed to wildlife protection and conservation, one of the many reasons that this reserve is on our favourites list. If you want to see some of the episodes they are still available on ITV iplayer

Why not go and check it out?

Or why not go one better and spend a few nights on safari as part of a South Africa holiday. Stay between May-September for 3 nights fully inclusive at either Bukela Game Lodge or Hlosi and only pay for 2 prices start at just £499 per person inclusive of car hire from Port Elizabeth airport to the reserve.

View Virtual Itinerary

We are offering a special over the festival to get you into the heart of the action at the islands only lodge Ibo Island Lodge followed by the island Paradise of Azura on Quilalea. Includes 2 FREE NIGHTS. Save £600, $950 combing the two islands over the festival.

“A sense of community penetrates you. A sense of belonging surrounds you. Your heart sinks into this festival, a festival that brings families home. You find yourself, a visitor to the island yet dancing with abandon with the locals.”

A not to be missed experiance.

It has been said that the day of the annual Ibo festival is held in higher regard than Christmas Day by its current and past residents. Should a son, born upon Ibo soil, fail to attend the festivities, he is doomed to anguish the feeling of that like a fish out of water. Discussions when they all return home will be of ‘Kueto Srirwala’, which in the local Mwani language is English equivalent of ‘home is where the heart is’. The 24th of June is a day which annually lures its sons an

Todays Festival:d daughters back the mystical Ibo Island.

As the day approaches, a gathering will commence on the 23rd June each year with procedures dating back to 1773 being followed the next morning through until midnight, with performance of traditional Ibo Island

dances highlighting artistic cultural in the form of ‘Dunfo’ (or ‘Tufo’ in Portuguese) displaying spears being spiralled before

the crowds, ‘Nyoka’ a snake like dance, ‘Dhamba’ or Arabic origin and the ‘Tara ‘bo’ originating from Tanzania. And just as in colonial era’s past, a bonfire illuminates the Town Square, but does not bring an end to festivities; the entire nation then

comes together in a celebration of Mozambique’s Independence Day on the 25th June each year.

The celebration continues through to the morning of the 26th when a closing of proceedings is indicated only by individuals making their way to the beach to wait for the tide to allow them to leave the island through the mangrove forests…their minds filled with nostalgia and their bodies with ambition.

A Festival Steeped in History

The festivities were ignited on the very first day of her inauguration, on the 24th June 1773. During the period of Ibo Island’s ‘golden years’, when it held the status of provincial capital, the island was inhabited by numerous provincial authorities and a bustling and vibrant population, this all until the days her natural harbour failed to accommodate the modern ships of the 19th century and she lost her title of capital to Port Amelia (now Pemba). These golden years, however are still celebrated today and are remembered fondly by present day inhabitants of the island.

The colonial Portuguese government facilitated a merriment attended inhabitants from all corners of the Ibo district as well as significant government officials spread across the country. The invitation extended to all of these attendees included free transport to and back from Ibo Island. The day was filled with an abundance of spectacles, from bicycle races to dug-out canoe and dhow events. School children presented poems and drama performances and football, dancing and singing pieces also formed part of the festivities.

The Governor arrived from Pemba by plane to crowds aligned along the roadside from the airport to the town square, a sign of great respect and welcoming by the attendees. On his arrival at the town square, the crowds gathered at the ex-administration block (now the administrative office for The Quirimbas National Park) to raise the national flag while both the national and district anthems resonated through the streets. An opening speech was delivered, after which all of the activities were performed before the officials and the crowd far into the evening. At midnight the masses were lured to the Town Square to witness the lighting of the bonfire or ‘fogueira’ in Portuguese. This was an indication of the end of the festival.

The festival remains alight in the souls of today’s Mozambican’s, with preparations for an annual gathering starting at the beginning of each year. During colonial years, all procurements were provided for by the Portuguese Government. The current government is unable to provide the same service for this large event, but local contribute with what they can afford in the forms of maize meal, rice, fish, chickens or goat, sometimes even with cash. Organisations such as Fundacao do Ibo and Ibo Island Lodge also play a significant role in helping Ibo Island authorities in organising the event. Even local schools contribute by providing accommodation facilities in their classrooms to accommodate non-residents of Ibo Island.

Ibo Island – An Historical Island:

Ibo Island represents the figurative cultural epicentre of the Quirimbas Archipelago in Northern Mozambique. The Island supports one of the oldest towns in Mozambican and African history; it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and atmospheric towns of the entire country. Mozambique’s recorded history dates back numerous centuries and the country has been subject to conquest and exploitation since time immemorial. As early as AD600 Arab traders had established contact with the local inhabitants and subsequently established fortified trading posts along the coastline. Via these trading posts slaves, gold and ivory were shipped to the Arab world.
The specific history of Ibo Island can be dated back to at least the year 1600 – Chinese grave stones still bear their readable dates, though Arab influence dates earlier. The Fort of Forma de Cisterna was constructed by the Arabs even before the Portuguese occupation. Ibo Island as well as the minimal others in the Quirimbas Archipelago that were able to supply their

inhabitants with fresh water, have always supported human habitation; this important feature has formed an integral part of their social significance in Mozambican history.
By 1590 seven out of the nine largest islands were ruled by a Portuguese Christian lord, and merely two by Muslims.  Ibo Island traded in amber, jet, ivory, ambergris and turtle shell.  The local inhabitants had to pay 5% of their produce to the islands lord – as well as a contribution to the Catholic Church. On Ibo the Portuguese built large rainwater cisterns that enabled them to raise cattle, pigs and goats. Meat, millet, rice, beans and palm products were all exported and even Ilha de Mozambique seems to have been supplied from Ibo Island. By this time Ibo Island had become the most important centre of all the islands.
Ibo Island gained municipal status in 1763 and by the end of the 18th century, is regarded to have been the second most important Portuguese trading centre after Ilha do Mozambique. Throughout the 18th and 19th century the population of Ibo Island and the adjacent regions were consistently under attack from Dutch and Madagascar forces.  As a result of the attacks the Fort of São João Batista (St. John Baptist) was completed in 1791. It wasn’t until 1897, when Ibo Island was integrated into the administration of the Niassa Company that the island and population enjoyed relative safety and peace.  In 1902 the capital District of Cabo Delgado was transferred from Ibo Island to Port Amelia, currently the city of Pemba.  What is left of the once great trading power on Ibo is an island steeped in history, and mystery.
Ibo has remained all but forgotten to the outside world for almost a century, leaving a ghost town of crumbling forts, old 17th century mansions, and many fascinating stories just waiting to be told.

Visit the Festival this June with our special offer that also includes the latest luxury private island in the area Azura on Quilalea the perfect tonic after 3 days of festivities.

Special Offer Saving: £600, $950 per person: Prices from £1,850, $2,920 person sharing including: 

Full Details Click Here

- 3 nights Ibo Island Lodge on a full board basis -  All Meals, Teas and Coffees, guided island historical tour, Non-motorised water sports (unguided kayaking & use of snorkel gear), 1 Transfer daily to private beach.)

- 4 nights at Azura on Quilalea on a on an all-inclusive board basis (all meals & local drinks)

- Charter flight from Pemba to Ibo Island

- Boat transfer Ibo Island – Quirimba Island

- Return boat transfer Quirimba Island – Azura on Quilalea

Can’t Travel in June? Contact Us about other great savings to Ibo Island and the other Islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago

For more inspiring travel ideas to Mozambique go to our webiste. Click for Inspiration

Beks owns two of the camps we use in Zimbabwe and runs our whole operation there. He recently hosted Conde Nast USA who got to see first hand the rebirth of tourism in the Country.

Conde Nast travel writer Joshua Hammer, and professional photographer, Hakan Ludwigson recently travelled to Zimbabwe to
see for themselves if the ‘re-born hype’ surrounding Zimbabwe as a tourist destination is well founded. In an interesting yet honest reflection of Zimbabwe Joshua Hammer titles his article ‘A New Day for Zimbabwe?’ and writes, “For many years travelers have avoided Zimbabwe, aware that the country was ruled by a brutal regime. But Robert Mugabe’s time is growing short, safari lodges are filling up, and the spectacular wildlife is flourishing again.”

During their ten day trip of the country, Joshua and Hakan had the opportunity to visit Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park , where they interviewed Beks Ndlovu, Founder and CEO of African Bush Camps and labeled him one of the country’s most successful black safari operators and one of the most enterprising new players emerging in the Tourism Industry today.

Encouraged, new players are emerging in Hwange. Among the most enterprising is Beks Ndlovu, a thirty-five-year-old former guide who owns Somalisa Camp. Somalisa is in a grove of acacia trees at the edge of a pan that draws a steady flow of animals throughout the day, including a breeding herd of elephants which appear at sunset to drink. I chat with Ndlovu, one of the country’s most successful black safari operators, on a teak deck leading to a small swimming pool, where guests sip drinks while bobbing in the chilly water, waiting for the elephants to arrive. In 2005, Ndlovu, who grew up near Hwange, saw an opportunity. “The white tour operators were put out of business. They left and went to Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, other neighboring countries,” he says. “The parks department was desperate to revive tourism in Hwange and bring in some revenue.” With a handful of European investors, he put in an offer for a concession in Hwange. He’s now turning a profit and operates another tent camp in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park and two more in Botswana.

Ndlovu tells me he believes the unity government as provided the economic stability to attract tourism. As we sit talking on the deck, I hear a rustle in the trees, and a procession of elephants approaches the pan. The animals—mothers and calves, including two wobbly infants—crowd around the water hole. A few braver ones approach the swimming pool, where the water apparently tastes better. They’re so close that I could lean forward and touch them, but I sit frozen in place, silently observing the spectacle.

Having visited the country several times during both its hay-day and the turbulent political and economic situation, Hammer states , ‘This time, everywhere I go on my ten-day tour, I’m struck by the beauty, the abundance of wildlife, and the optimism that’s taking hold.’

Positive publicity on Zimbabwe as a tourism destination continues and increased interest and travel to the country is being noted country-wide, with evidence provided in the increased occupancy levels at all major hotels and lodges. Offering competitive pricing compared with that of neighboring countries, whilst providing visitors with exceptional and unique safari and wilderness experiences, Zimbabwe is fast becoming the sought after destination it once was, and remains the unrecognized gem of Africa.

To review Joshua Hammer’s full article in the Conde Naste Traveller, please visit Conde Nast Traveler Magazine article “A new day for Zimbabwe”.

For More Information on Visiting the Camps Mentioned and Travel to Zimbabwe please contact us.

Or got to our website Click Here

• South Africa is home to 93% of all White and 30% of all Black Rhino.
• Rhino’s have been on the planet for 50 million years.
• Only 18,000 are left on our planet.
• Rhino are being ruthlessly slaughtered for their horns.
• Black Rhino Horn has surpassed the value of gold largely thanks to heavy funding of traditional medicine in China.
• Rhino poaches are increasingly sophisticated and funds are needed to tackle organised criminals who use night vision goggles, AK-47’s and even helicopters.
• It is a complete myth that Rhino horn offers any medical or aphrodisiac Powers in their horns
• ‘You’d do just as well chewing on your own finger nails’ Raj Amin, Zoological Society of London.
• A Rhino is killed for its horn EVERY 24 hours in South Africa alone!

Get involved take on a charity challenge with one of our fun(d) raising initiatives to stop this madness. Below are some charities you can support and we will add more as we find out about them.

http://www.savingprivaterhino.com/

www.wildernessfoundation.co.za

http://www.savetherhino.org/

The Power of Facebook to make a Difference.

How exactly did this Rhino take over happen? This was a great example of the power of Social Media and something we can take no credit for what so over it was a forced take over by Saving Private Rhino. As a recap we ran a competition on our facebook page to vote for your favourite fancy dress costume from the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. This is the largest timed cycle race in the world and quite possibly the most scenic with 35,000 people setting off on 110KM cycle around the Cape Peninsular. Within hours of putting the photo’s live despite some hilarious pictures including 2 lads who cycled the whole race on BMX’s, near naked in nothing but Mankini’s! Saving Private Rhino crashed onto our Face Book page. Peta Kobrin and Dom Chennels rode the whole route on a tandem cleverly adapted into an almost life sized white rhino. They were cycling for Saving Private Rhino and the picture got over 500 likes. With Rhino lovers from all over the globe liking the picture and spreading the word. You can donate yourself in South Africa by SMSing 48757 to donate 10 Rand or visiting http://www.savingprivaterhino.com/. We’ve made a 500 Rand donation to the cause (and hoping to up this if we hit 400 Likes for our page).

Do your own Fun(d) Raising.

Dom and Peta obviously went to a lot of effort but if cycling is not your thing there are no end of challenges you can take part in. Just make it fun! Check out our African Fun(d)! raising ideas. Africa is a land of adventure come and have yours and do some good at the same time.

You don’t need to run a marathon to make a difference. Last year Hazel our Southern African and Indian Ocean product manager and Sheena our Financial Manager ran a 5 km race at the 2 Oceans Running event in Cape Town. Being polite this is equivalent to a marathon for both ladies given the lack of (i.e. Zero!) running history! They ran for Save The Rhino proving it’s not how far you go but standing up and getting involved that counts.

Thank You

A special mention also to Lucia Sugden a local photographer in Cape Town who has the uncanny knack of capturing the real atmosphere of any event she attends (and never missing the opportunity to snap the old bare buttock!). Check out her website : www.luciasugden.smugmug.com for more of her professional work.

Thank You Peta and Dom, Saving Private Rhino, Lucia Sugden, but mostly to Carol Harnwell and 100’s of people who like her used the power of a click to raise awareness for the plight of the rhino.

The End!

We spend our time out of the limelight searching the back roads for inspiring travel ideas around Africa and South America. In the past we’ve tried our hardest to keep the places we find a secret from the masses. However in 2012 we are taking a new approach. The places we feature do such a great job in the local communities and offer a sustainable alternative to big chain hotels we want to help them get noticed and stand up ourselves as a Tour Operator that makes a difference.

We’ve targeted 2 discerning travel awards to get the word out there. By Entering you stand the chance to win one of 10 holidays.

Click Here to enter the Conde Nast Traveller Reader Awards 2012 

1. Quick: It takes no longer than 6 minutes.

2. Easy: You can skip sections that are irrelevant.

3. Hotels: When you vote for a hotel add the name of smaller hotels in the other section.

4. Us: To Escape To falls under the Tour Operator and Specialist Tour Operator sections again add our name in the ‘other section’.

Win  with Conde Nast: By entering you stand to win one of 9 holidays.

Win with Us: To stand an even better chance of winning each person that votes and e-mail us to let us know they have voted (no obligation to vote for us) we are offering a 4 night Kenyan Safari for 2 people worth over £2,500. (Vote for both awards and double you chance).

Thanks for taking part and making a difference.

Nkwichi Lodge, tucked away on a beautiful sugar white beach on Lake Malawi, has just opened its ‘Lake of Stars Bed’ sleep out, offering guests the opportunity to experience the lake as never before. This ultimate African sleep out is set on a private rock island, 10 minutes by boat from the main lodge and accommodates just two guests at a time – a superb addition to a honeymoon and a truly unique beach night for any traveller or stargazer.

The star bed evening starts with sundowners on the rocks, followed by dinner served under the stars before guests settle down for the night under the glorious African skies.  Early morning coffee and tea precede a bush breakfast which will be set up under a baobab tree a short boat ride away. The rest of the morning can be spent exploring the rock islands which are lovely for swimming, snorkelling and canoeing.

Guests will benefit from an amazing sense of privacy whilst under the reassurance that a Guest Management Team and boat are always stationed only 2 minutes away and remain permanently contactable by radio.

A canvas shower and portable toilet (hidden from view) are also provided to make for a comfortable and undoubtedly magical night under a stellar canvas on the Lake of Stars.

Standard rates apply so make the most of this option now. Subject to weather and availability.

Nkwichi Lodge itself  is a perfect spot for honeymooners, families and authentic African seekers offering romantic, castaway beach living at its finest.  It’s part Flintstone, part barefoot luxury style means open rooms, tree-trunk four poster beds, swinging  hammocks, giant baths hewn from boulders and showers crafted into overhanging trees. The surrounding rocky coves, pristine forests and empty beaches are perfect to explore.  Activities include snorkelling, canoeing, sailing, birding, game walks, fishing in local canoes and guided tours of local villages.

More Details on Nkwichi

More Inspirational Travel Ideas to Malawi

Other Stunning Star Beds:

Zanzibar: Fundu Lagoon

Kenya: Loisaba Safari Lodge (the orginial and best!)

South Africa Kruger:  Tanda Tula, Garonga, Ivory Lodge

South Africa Karoo: – Samara

Nambia: Little Kulala

Heading off down the whale route to check out some great places for whale spotting in preparation for the new season was our mission, including the well-known stop offs in Hermanus and some places a bit more off the beaten track, after all discovering hidden gems is To Escape To’s speciality.

Hermanus vs De Kelders

45 minutes past Hermanus is the small village of De Kelders. For those wanting out and out Whale viewing we prefer the villages outside of Hermanus as they are less touristy and offer some of the best cliff top whale watching in the world. It’s easy to find your own spot on the cliffs to enjoy the whales. The local restaurants offer good food  have far more of a local feel, however choice is limited and you generally need to get a taxi. The other big benefit if you fancy doing some shark diving or boat based whale watching the boats leave from the neighbouring village Gansbaai. However if you prefer a bit more action and want to walk to a good range of restaurants and cafe’s Hermanus still boasts 1st class whale watching and lovely cliff top walks.

Best Family Option – Grootbos

45 minutes along the pretty coastal route towards De Kelders, bypassing the centre of Hermanus (that was for exploring later) and our 1st stop was Grootbos.

Grootbos has everything you could want for a relaxing getaway in nature, each of the small cottages is designed to make the most of the view and you can see right down to the sea. Choose to relax at one of the 2 lodges, or get involved in the activities where knowledgeable guides really help you appreciate your environment. We unfortunately couldn’t stay for one of the activities that include beach walks, Fynbos walks and horse riding. We were lucky enough to sample the food at the restaurant though where we had a fantastic cooked lunch with a beautiful view.

Best for Value and Whale Watching – Cliff Lodge

Just a few kms from Grootbos in the centre of De Kelders is Cliff Lodge, a real To Escape To favourite, right on the ocean front, in a sleepy village its million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Hermanus. As we relaxed in the Ocean Suite the direct views of the sea from the full length windows almost make you feel like you are in a ship. Gill and Gideon are the perfect hosts, leaving you in peace to relax but magically appearing if you need anything. They know the local area like the back of their hand and they booked us in for dinner at Kloeks at home a small restaurant only used by the local guesthouses, a short 10 minute walk from Cliff Lodge.

Kloeks at home is the perfect option after a day on the road. Very simple, run from a local house and you take your own wine. There are just 7 tables, a small menu, but good food and friendly service.

Good Value Family Option off the Beaten Track

Blue Gum Country Estate (contact us for details) is in a tranquil spot about 7kms from the small town of Stanford. A good value get away with spacious rooms all with large terraces to enjoy the pretty gardens and surrounding views. They have their own restaurant there, so no need to worry about going out and about in the evening and for families the 2 bedroom family accommodation is perfect, the baby listeners even reach to the restaurant so in the evening mum and dad can enjoy dinner without worrying.

Hermanus

After exploring the quieter spots it was time to head to Hermanus. Still not a big town by many people’s standards but it’s certainly the busiest place in the area and a real hot spot during whale season. Of the hundreds of guesthouses on offer (we’ve visited most of them!) we have narrowed it down to our tried and tested favourites and a couple of new recommendations. It was interesting to see the differences in style, with each suiting a different kind of guest.

Beach vs Cliff Top

Hermanus accommodation can be split into two. Either stay in the centre where it’s busy you can walk easily to all the restaurants and walk along the high cliff tops for your whale viewing or go for the outskirts and stay more at beach level where you can stroll onto sandy beaches but need to do a longish walk or short drive to get into the hub of Hermanus and her restaurants.

Best Value Boutique Beach Hotel: Mosselberg.

Located on Grotto Beach a long beach on the outskirts of Hermanus. The Mosselberg is a contemporary beach villa remodelled as a 5 bedroom boutique hotel. This gives it a personal feel. They accept children but also the sea facing rooms make a good romantic option. A bit far from the centre of town to walk to restaurants etc. however made up for by being on the beach.

Best Value Town Hotel: Harbour House

The Harbour House Hotel (contact us for details) could not be more central so you have more people around but, fantastic views, right by the cliff tops with and warm and friendly service. Split into two the main hotel and the Manor House we personally thought the Manor House was the best option as it has more character than the main hotel which sits behind the Manor House.  The main hotel less expensive and more of a place for people who want to a place to crash for the night. The Manor House House on the other hand has the location and views.

Best Luxury : Birkenhead House (A place that tops them all!!)

After a whistle-stop tour of Hermanus (we visited 15 other hotels) it was time to check out the luxury option (this job is tough sometimes!). On arrival we were met with friendly smiles and a glass of bubbly.

If anywhere has the wow factor then Birkenhead House is it.  It’s the stuff of style magazines, beautiful décor and jaw dropping sea views. Even the lunch was a work of art.

There was a wedding the night before but by the time we arrived the only signs were the remnants of wedding cake. The staff seemed so calm and unruffled you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d spent their Saturday relaxing on the beach.

After a beach walk and despite tightening of waistbands it was time for dinner, another extravagant affair with a large choice of inclusive wines. It was a very peaceful night’s sleep and the sea air must have played a part as we were almost embarrassed to admit we were hungry for breakfast.

We still had work to do though and visited the adjoining Birkenhead villa which is ideal for families who like their luxury or for a larger group looking for a wow place to rent out in it’s entirety.

Best of the Rest

Ocean 11 is close to the centre of town and a boutique hotel right on the cliff top. The hotel has a classic feel with beachy white wash and dark wood throughout.

Lavender Manor, a comfortable, small and friendly option for the more budget conscious traveller. (contact us for more information)

138 Marine a small beachfront guesthouse in Sandbaai just 3kms outside Hermanus. If you want to peaceful escape but want to know
everything is close by this is a good place to base yourself. (contact us for more information)

Turn Right for the Undiscovered Wine Route

Turning off the main road just outside Hermanus you wouldn’t expect to find a whole wine route relatively undiscovered and producing exceptional wines. Hemel en Aarde wine valley (also known as Route 320 Wine Route after the road up the valley) may be a favourite spot for locals but the tourists happily drive past into the centre of Hermanus with no idea it’s there.

We stopped off at a couple of wine estates including Hamilton Russell and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect as on the 22 year anniversary of the day Nelson Mandela was released we are told that at a reception at Buckingham Palace after his release he asked for a glass of Hamilton Russell.

They only produce one 1 white and 1 red but really concentrate on making sure these are top quality.

Now for Something Completely different.

Our final stop was a long and winding drive off the N2 highway at Elgin on the way back to Cape Town. We’d heard a lot about Old MacDaddy, as something new and different and it did not disappoint. Used mainly by Cape Town locals at the moment if you want something fun and quirky it ticks all the boxes.

It pitches itself as part trailer park and part designer farm lodge, with the accommodation being a collection of vintage Airstream Trailer suites. Each suite has its own theme so you could find yourself in surrounded in gold in King Midas suite, be in a Yellow Submarine or find yourself in the popular Dirkie Sanchez suite where your bed is a Mexican wrestling ring (they even provide you with the outfits!). (contact us for more information)

Finally back in Cape Town a great weekend over, I realised that this picturesque area really sums up what a great range of accommodation
South Africa has to offer in addition to some beautiful scenery. From 5 room family run B&Bs to 5* boutique hotels we are spoilt for choice.

Contact Hazel and the rest of the To Escape To to plan your next trip to watch the Whales: Contact Us

Read About our favourite South African Boutique Hotels.

Visit our South Africa page for more inspiring travel ideas.

Experienced babysitters begin by signing up with Nanny in the Clouds, providing at least two verifiable references. Then they can list upcoming flights they’ll be taking on which they’re willing to serve as a babysitter in exchange for some extra cash. Parents planning a trip, meanwhile, can search for registered nannies on their flight; it costs USD 10 to get matched with a nanny, or they can buy an annual subscription for USD 50. Either way, hourly rates and expectations for the nanny are negotiated individually once parents find a good match. It’s then up to parents to contact the airline to arrange for their new nanny to sit with them.

Website: www.nannyintheclouds.com

Here are the places chosen to feature in the guide book and a great starting point for anyone planning a trip to South Africa as it really does focus on the best places to stay in each region.

 Johannesburg and Malaria Free North West Safari Options

Ants Nest (Best for Horse Riding)

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge (Best Community Based Experience)

Tuningi Safari Lodge (Best Luxury Safari)

Fairlawns* (Best for Luxury Johannesburg) *New not featured in Guide

Kruger

Royal Malawane (Best for Luxury)

Imagine walking around the grounds of your resort and stumbling across an inviting area that wasn’t featured on the resort map.

Perhaps it’s a white-washed wooden shed with brightly coloured open shutters or even an old dresser whose doors invite one to “Open me, please”.

On entering, you discover that this place is a bar. There are local beers, rums and a basic range of spirits. There are glasses and cocktail shakers. Even a chilled container filled with sliced lemons, orange and limes.

But where’s the barman? How does one order a drink? On close inspection, the audience discovers a small notice offering further guidance. “Feel free to help yourself to the drink of your choice and don’t forget to note down what you’ve taken in the bar book.”

This is a secret bar – only open to those who find it. It charges cost price only for the drinks that guests help themselves to.

It won’t be in the same place every day but should you stumble across it you’ll know that you’ve found the Secret Bar.

This is just one of the many surprises created by Lux Resorts:

Mauritius:

Lux Belle Mare 5* Hotel 

Lux Beau Rivage Private Villas

Lux Le Morne 4* with a real Mauritius flavour and stunning scenery

Grand Gaube Great value 4* with lots of facilities

Maldives:

Lux Maldives