This was a Signature Horizon Club trip for STN top producers. The Capetown and Kruger portion was created by African Travel – the post trip to Namibia was created by A&K. We were with about 120 people for the first part then just 5 of us in Namibia.
We enjoyed the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa in Capetown; although not downtown it was lovely with excellent views. With only 70 rooms it was intimate, service outstanding, rooms very comfortable, great spa and small fitness area. Our group took over the whole property so it was great fun.
Our dine-around was at Signature’s Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel https://www.more.co.za/capecadogan/ With only 15 rooms, located near Kloof Street within walking distance of the downtown and V&A Waterfront area. It has both a spa & gym. The property was full so we could not see the rooms but dinner at the Upper Union Restaurant was excellent.
Kapama River Lodge https://kapama.com/kapama-river-lodge/ was our home while visiting Kruger. Located in a private game reserve, the river lodge has 62 rooms. Larger than we would choose for a personal trip but it could accommodate the whole group. Morning and evening game drives were ok but with so many vehicles, it felt somewhat staged with vehicles taking turns to see the wildlife . . . not a typical private game reserve experience. We looked at Kapama Karula (Jani’s favorite), Buffalo Camp (John’s favorite) and Southern Camp. Would not sell Southern Camp – very old and tired.
Logistically, Namibia is a challenge to get to. Requires an overnight in Windhoek then a private small plane to Purros Airstrip next to Okahirongo Elephant Lodge https://www.abercrombiekent.com/stays/safari-lodges/okahirongo-elephant-lodge. We loved this place! With only 7 private suites and one private villa (2 adjoining suites), it was very intimate with amazing views. There were 40 staff attending to just the 5 of us, doing their best to spoil us rotten.
Important note, Namibia is for people who have done the other areas of Africa and are looking for something new (this was our 10th trip to Africa). It is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa. It has not rained in 6 years at the Elephant Lodge so game was hard to find but the scenic drives were interesting. We visited a Himba village, one of Namibia’s last remaining semi-nomadic tribes, a very poor but surprisingly happy people living in mud huts with no electricity, no vehicles and their water source a distant walk away. Our guide was from that village and returns frequently.
We never tire of African adventures!
