Visiting South Africa? Yes, absolutely! But please don’t make these 5 Common Mistakes.

Feature Photo by George Brits on Unsplash

See the Cape Winelands, enjoying Jacaranda season on an October day in Pretoria or Johannesburg, and visiting Kruger National Park are things to put on your list when traveling to South Africa.

Are you considering visiting South Africa in the near future? South Africa is filled with beautiful landscapes and animal life. Which is why it is so important to book your trip to South Africa now.  Why wait as it could add on too much stress. At the end of the day, that is the last thing you want when touring Nelson Mandela’s homeland. Read on to learn five more!

———————————————————————–

1) Not Photocopying Your Passport

In general, we highly recommend that you make two photocopies of your passport. You’ll want to keep one with you, but separate from your actual passport (perhaps in your hotel?). In addition, give the other copy to a trusted family or relative. Should it get lost while you are enjoying the beautiful wildlife of South Africa, you won’t be stressed out.  

———————————————————————–

2) Not Visiting Nelson Mandela’s House

Located in Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela’s House is one tourist attraction not to take off your list. Even if you are only in South Africa for a short time.

Nelson Mandela moved into the house in 1946. He spent his time there during the earlier years of his life. Only then later, after being released from Robben Island, did Nelson Mandela make a short visit (11 days).

Long story short, with its rich history, this definitely is a tourist attraction you don’t want to miss out on!  

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

———————————————————————–

3) Not Bringing a Money Belt

This common mistake applies to traveling in general. This doesn’t mean you have to clutch your purse and constantly be on the lookout for thieves.

Simply stash your money, documents, and other valuable in your money belt (which should be secured beneath your clothing). That will do the job.

Meanwhile, carry goods that are easily replaceable in your purse or your pockets—like sunscreen or chapstick.

That way, should your purse get taken, you’ll still have your money and valuables on you. As a result, you are worry-free. Plus you won’t need to spend the extra time trying to locate your costly goods. That will be a big relief.

———————————————————————–

4) Taking Out Large Sums of Money at the Airport

Take out money before you travel to South Africa so you don’t have to find an ATM immediately when you land.

This is important since, in general, ATMs at the airport have a higher exchange rate and fees. That is especially true if the ATM is not contracted with your bank. Not to mention, airport ATMs tend to be a hotspot for pickpocketing. (Travel wise – consider taking a private jet charter services. Our suggestion is to check up here about how to organize your transport by the private jet company, and what would be the price for your next trip)

———————————————————————–

5) Not Claiming Value Added Tax (VAT)

The European Union states that VAT is a general, consumption-based tax on goods and services. According to USA Today, you can claim VAT on goods that you are taking from South Africa, which means extra money in your pockets!

To ensure you make the most of VAT, always ask for (and keep) invoices. For goods over R2,000, USA Today specifies that your name and home address must be on the tax invoice.

———————————————————————–

Final Thoughts:

No matter where you travel – be it South Africa, Ocean City, or Germany … research the area. Be sure to include common tourist destination sites and local customs and culture. That way, you don’t stick out as a tourist.

In general, we advise that you speak with reliable guides about tourist-friendly restaurants to go to.

On that note, plan ahead, go to popular tourist destinations, and take a commonsense approach. Lastly, enjoy your luxury travels and be safe! When visiting South Africa, what other common mistakes do tourists have? Please let us know!

Make your dream of visiting South Africa a reality. Contact us today to help you plan and book your luxury vacation. Please visit our luxury blog again for the best, luxury industry news and insight.

Have you dreamed of taking a luxury safari vacation to Africa? Botswana is a magical place to see nature up close and personal. Exotic wildlife and majestic surroundings await that lucky traveler who decides to visit this amazing country.

Offered by the the Blueflower travel company, who offers magnificent and pure travel experiences around the world. Botswana offers unique wildlife traversing both the desert and delta. The country can be found in southern Africa. About three quarters of this African country is comprised of the mighty Kalahari Desert.

But deep in the the bush, you can discover a camp like no other. In the middle of the Khwai Private Reserve, there are platforms from which you can see the wildlife everywhere you turn. But for a real VIP experience, Skybeds put you in the middle of the wild. Nowhere else can you get this close to nature.

After dark, guests are escorted to their skybed by expert guides. Animals roam through the camp. The raw sounds of nightlife engulf you. This is no ordinary Safari, but are part of it. Wow!

For many years, Botswana has captured the imagination of explorers and pioneers. You will be taken on a journey you will never forget. Discover the great expanses of the Kalahari. Within its vastness, you will be part of intimate proximity of the Skybeds. These skybeds are your key to the wild, but are not mere platforms. They are comfortable and stylish accommodations. You will be in the middle of quite literally, all that Africa offers.

Safely in your lantern-lit Skybed, the starry sky of Botswana opens up. As a result, the song of wildlife will provide the entertainment for the evening. It’s a luxury vacation you have always dreamed of. Therefore don’t wait any longer. Time has come to take action and stop just dreaming.

The great expanses of the Kalahari are home to some of the world’s most exciting wildlife. Seeing the variety of animals is impressive. Lions and elephant and much more! What better vantage point, but from a raised platform in the middle of a private reserve.

In addition, night drives in Botswana are a great way to see carnivores and more elusive species. Your expert guides will be your interpreters. Their knowledge is impressive as your navigate this excursion to the wild. Safety is the top issue 24/7.

Are you ready for an Africa safari in Botswana? It’s a VIP experience you will ever forget. Let us know if you are redy to book your dream vacation. Our luxury blog brings the best in luxury travel to you. We hope you will enjoy!

Photos: Blueflower

The sad death of Cecil, the famous male lion in Zimbabwe has shocked people all around the world. Although big-game trophy hunting for big cats and other wildlife is legal in Zimbabwe, the activity is still very controversial.

But luxury safaris are quite popular in Africa as tourists get the chance to go stealth and observe big cats such as lions, leopards, tigers, jaguars and cheetahs in the open. The thrill of seeing a magnificent animal in its native habitat is incredible.

For example, spotting a cheetah is usually a matter of sheer luck, since a cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. Your best bet to seeing one is in Namibia, but your odds are also high in the Sabi Sands area of South Africa.

So you want to see big cats on an African safari, what should you do? There are so many safari tour companies and individual guides to choose from. We want to share a few for you to consider. Make your African safari a VIP experience and be sure to do your homework. Understand what your safari will include such as accommodations, meals and so on so you won’t be disappointed.

Namiri Plains – Tanzania
This area camp can be found in the famous Serengeti region of Africa. For two decades the area was exclusively used by a research team from the Frankfurt Zoological Society to study big cats. This area is ideal for watching big cats such as cheetahs roam free. After an exhilerating day of animal watching, sit around the campfire and learn interesting facts from local researchers. Namiri camp offers only six tents, so you can enjoy an uncrowded experience to last a lifetime.

Serengeti Safari Camp – Tanzania
Also located Tanzania is the Serengeti Safari Camp. This is like a mobile camp as it repositions during the epic, annual wildebeest migration. It’s a great opportunity to see the various big cats since they closely follow the wildebeest migration, looking for a kill. Just the chance to observe the incredible wildebeest migration up close is a thrill. Enjoy the local beauty and view Africa’s amazing wildlife.

Chitwa Chitwa – South Africa
If you want to see leopards, then one of the best areas is the Sabi Sands in South Africa. Chitwa Chitwa is recognized as one of the best private game lodges in Kruger and the Sabi Sands area. The experienced safari guides know the terrain and how to optimize wildlife viewing, including the big cats such as lions. The camp is well run with great tasting food and excellent accommodations.

Have you dreamed of watching big cats in their natural habitat of Africa? Consider taking an African safari. The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your entire trip. If you enjoy reading about the best luxury travel destinations around the world, then please come back to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Namiri Plains Camp

Located in Kenya, the luxury Mara Plains Camp was recently named the Africa 2015 Grand Award winner as the Most Memorable Safari Experience in Africa. The award–winning Kenyan safari camp received this prestigious honor from the editors of renowned travel organization Andrew Harper.

Mara Plains Camp can be found in the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the north.

Offering the widest range in the incredible Mara ecosystem, this luxury safari camp also provides access to the Mara North Conservancy.

Reopened in 2013 after a comprehensive remodeling project, Mara Plains Camp has morphed into one of Africa’s top ecological camps. The safari camp is also proud to be member of the distinguished group of hotels – Relais & Châteaux.

Designed to resemble a grand 1800’s safari expedition, Mara Plains Camp offers guests an endless array of luxury amenities. You’ll be amazed at the abundant Kenya wildlife heritage, which can literally walk right up to your doorstep for unbelievable VIP nature experience.

The camp’s decor features ancient Swahili culture and utilized in large wood doors from the coastal town of Lamu, in addition to the bright fabrics of the Maasai people provide accent.

Mara Plains Camp is more than a safari camp. It is designed and built as a home away from home, with the comforts you might expect of a lavish residence yet carried out in the style of a grand 1800’s safari expedition. Kenya’s wildlife heritage is on your doorstep, and often wanders freely through the camp; while the magic of the Maasai and Arab culture is reflected in the decor.

Proud of the most recent award, Dereck Joubert who is the Great Plains Conservation CEO and respected conservationist was quoted, “camps need to have stories deeply embedded in them. East Africa has a history of railway lines, so we found some antique chandeliers from the romantic era of rail travel across Africa. Touches of history and storytelling with every object brings the camp alive with legend and myth, and casts a romantic spell on our guests.”

To book a magical vacation to Kenya, Africa and stay at the luxury Mara Plains Camp, contact us today. We can help plan and make all your travel reservations. Return often to our luxury blog and keep up with the latest luxury travel news.

Photograph courtesy of Great Plains Conservation / ©Beverly Joubert

The amazing Samara Private Game Reserve is located in the Greater Addo region, found in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Samara Private Game Reserve provides an incredible opportunity to enjoy unique wildlife and stunning Karoo Mountain scenery.

The Samara Private Game Reserve is the ideal way to explore the South African Eastern Cape and embrace the wide open spaces and beautiful African terrain as far as you can see. The abundant wildlife makes it perfect for observing some of the most amazing animals found anywhere in the world.

This family-owned reserve provides an expert ranger to guide you and educate you on the area’s diverse endangered species, birds, other animals, plus a wide variety of flora. The in-depth knowledge of the reserve’s rangers is invaluable.

This family-owned reserve offers modern colonial living in three elegant locations – The Manor House, The Mountain Retreat and Karoo Lodge.

Maanor House

The Manor House provides exclusive use for up to 8 guests. The Manor House was built by Mark and Sarah Tompkins. The original house on the property had a title deed that dates back to Lord Charles Somerset. Somerset was Governor of the Cape Colony until his died back in 1831.

A stay at the Manor House is the ultimate in luxury. The unobtrusive staff is available to handle all of your vacation needs. Enjoy swimming in a 21 meter infinity pool, located near a waterhole where you can view wildlife you stop to drink during the early morning and late afternoon.

Relax in VIP style and enjoy this luxury travel destination  in four spacious and luxury air-conditioned suites. Each of the beds include soft linen lulling you in to a perfect night’s sleep. All four suites also feature large en-suite bathrooms that come with free standing baths and separate showers.

If you ready to make that dream vacation to South Africa and stay at the Samara Private Game Reserve, please contact us today. We can help plan your luxury vacation and handle all travel reservation needs. Come back again to read our luxury blog and learn about other exciting vacation destinations.

The Maasai Mara in southwestern Kenya provides tourists one of the Greatest Wildlife Reserves in all of Africa. Stay at the Mara Plains Camp to enjoy the incredible wildlife and natural beauty that Kenya offers.

Mara Plains Camp is a safari experience in Kenya that should not be missed. Developed by the Great Plains Conservation, the African camp takes advantage of the area’s incredible wildlife numbers, in addition to one of the highest densities of predators found anywhere else in the world.

Maasai Mara reserve is split by the mighty Mara River, which runs north to south. The Mara River is the home to numerous crocodiles and hippos. During the impressive, annual migration, one can see over a million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of zebras try to cross the Mara. The stunning images have been captured and shown on various media channels.

Taking after the very successful Zarafa Camp in Botswana, Mara Plains Camp follows suit with many of the same design values and ethics that has made Zarafa very successful.

Mara Plains Camp consists of only seven tents and is located among the trees of the Ntiakatek River. It overlooks the plains of the scenic Maasai Mara Reserve, in addition to the 35,000 acre, private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Staying here is a true VIP experience.

Designed by CEO of Great Plains Conservation, Dereck Joubert and his wife who is the renowned photographer Beverly Joubert, Mara Plains Camp is a stunning accomplishment. Much care and planning was done to ensure the ultimate enjoyment of its guests, along with minimizing any impact to the Maasai Mara ecosystem and its abundant wildlife.

But don’t think you are roughing it in an old style camping tent. The Mara Plains camp was carefully designed and built to be your “home away from home.” It’s VIP luxury travel all the way with luxury amenities aplenty. Step back in time and feel like you are participating in a high-end 1800’s safari expedition.

The wooden floors at Maasai Mara Camp are over 70 years old and recycled from old African railroad ties. The luxury decor features deep reds and purples that are meant to honor the area’s great Maasai chiefs and warriors. The gorgeous furniture consisting of deep leather, brass and copper represent the region’s colonial exploits.

The wildlife is what draws visitors each year to Kenya. You’ll receive top notch safari hospitality, plus participate all day game drives in custom–designed open vehicles and bush walks.

Each guest tent at Maasai Mara Camp includes a complimentary set of professional Canon camera and lenses in addition to a pair of Swarovski 42×10 HD binoculars to be used during a guest’s stay.

If you are interested in visiting Kenya and staying at the Maasai Mara Camp, please contact The Life of Luxury. Experience VIP access to the beauty of Africa and its rich wildlife. If you enjoy reading about other luxury travel destinations around the world, follow our luxury blog to learn more.

Hwange National Park – African Travel

Today’s travelers are seeking an experience of a lifetime. African Travel, Inc. knows just how to make that happen. Winning distinction as the Top Safari Outfitter in Travel + Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Awards, African Travel, Inc. will assist you in selecting a safari, accommodations and travel routes that match your adventurous needs. They offer personalized service, expert knowledge, and will commit to making your African Safari a truly unique experience.

This journey offers amazing archaeological sites, including the ancient ruins of the Medieval Trading Center of Great Zimbabwe, considered the most significant ancient monument south of the Sahara.

The ruins for which this country is named are just one of the fascinating sights on this adventure. Enjoy the scenic views of the misty plains of Nyanga and Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest mountain, and the magnificent Victoria Falls.

You will be welcomed as you explore Zimbabwe’s historic towns and villages. And be sure to keep a look-out for the Big Five as you safari on thrilling game drives in wildlife-rich Hwange National Park.

After 35 years in the business and with more than 100,000 past travelers, African Travel, Inc.’s Small Group Journeys were developed for those looking to share each day’s adventures with family, friends, or within a group as you make your way to popular safari destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

With a maximum group size of 12 guests, you will travel in comfort and style in top-range vehicles complete with a highly qualified guide, and the chance to share in your experience with other like-minded travelers.

Save up to $600 per Person on Select Departures. No Single Supplement!

To create your dream safari, call African Travel, Inc. at (800) 421-8907, or visit www.africantravelinc.com for more information.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your African Travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

Zambia Bat Migration – African Travel, Inc.

Halloween can be a scary experience for many people with eerie tales of ghosts, demons and goblins.

Bats have long been associated with Halloween. How about an unforgettable experience viewing literally millions of bats? Well you can in the Kasanka National Park of Zambia, Africa.

Each year between October and December, around eight million fruit bats fill the skies of Zambia as arrive from the Congo to feed on the wild musuku fruits in Kasanka National Park.

Africa has long been a desired destination for all the incredible array of wildlife. Africa offers so much, such as the great migration in the Serengeti, tracking mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, gliding silently along the Zambezi River viewing wildlife from a canoe, learning desert survival skills from a bushman in the Kalahari in Botswana or sipping champagne while watching the sun descend into the Atlantic from a private balcony in Cape Town.

This amazing annual bat spectacle event has been called the world’s largest mammal migration. The fruit bats arrive every year in massive numbers looking to settle in the Zambian fruit trees and cover the tree trunks like a thick blanket.

But once the sun sets, it’s time to take flight. The fruit bats fill the skies to go forage.

African Travel, Inc. has been in business since 1976 and has sent over 100,000 adventurers and safari guests on their dream Africa experience. The truly are safari specialists.

So it doesn’t matter if you want to experience bats in Zambia, wine tasting in Cape Town, hot air ballooning in Namibia, snorkeling in Mozambique, or a special family safari to amazing Kenya where you can feed the giraffes, African Travel, Inc. will help you create your ultimate dream vacation.

To learn more about the Zambia bat migration or to book a reservation, please contact us below:

Kapama Southern Camp

One of the most amazing things a person can do is go on an Africa safari. Every African safari is a new and accelerating adventure – abundant wildlife and awe-inspiring, scenic landscapes.

Lion World Tours has just been honored as the Top Producing Tour Operator by South African Tourism for North America in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

They have created a memorable 10-day safari vacation, traveling between November and December 2012 and February and March 2013.

You’ll be staying the Kapama Southern Camp – offering two game drives each day in open safari vehicles, led by highly skilled game rangers and trackers. Your guides will provide interesting information and anecdotes about the inhabitants of the world-famous African bush. Africa game drives offer amazing photo opportunities of Africa’s most incredible animals.

The Africa Safari “Kapama in Suite Style” is priced form USD $2,995 per person for this 10-day trip, including:

– Domestic US flights from Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Charleston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Raleigh
– Round trip international Economy Class airfare from New York (JFK) or Washington, DC to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg, on South African Airways
– Domestic flights within South Africa: Johannesburg/ Cape Town/ Hoedspruit/ Johannesburg
-Four nights at The Commodore Hotel, in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
– Three nights at the five-star Kapama Southern Camp in a suite
– Twice daily open-vehicle safari drives with the chance to see the Big-5 up close
– Seven Breakfasts / three Lunches / four Dinners
– Lion World Tours representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
– Transfers

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your Africa travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

Located amongst the Western corridor of Tanzania’s incredible Serengeti National Park, the luxury Singita Grumeti Reserves was just named “best hotel in the world” for the second consecutive year by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World Best 2012 Awards.

Other Tanzania resorts fared very well too. In total, five luxury Tanzania properties were named in the “Top 20 Lodges and Resorts in Africa and the Middle East” category. Those properties were: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge; Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp, Serengeti National Park; Serengeti Sopa Lodge, in addition to Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

Offering 15 National Parks and 31 game reserves, Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. Tanzania’s government has protected 28% of its the land (largest percentage of any country in the world) as it strives to be a leader in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism.

For 17 years, Travel + Leisure magazine readers have voted on the World’s Best Awards to rate their preference of the top hotels, destinations, airlines, cruises, outfitters and transportation companies.

Boasting an impressive readership of over 1.5 million people, *Travel + Leisure* has the largest audience of any travel magazine in the world.

You can read about all of the “World’s Best Awards 2012” from Travel + Leisure at the following website: http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest. The awards will also be published in the magazine’s August issue.

Honorable Ambassador Khamis S. Kagasheki, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, was quoted, “Tanzania is especially proud that Singita Grumeti received this honor two years in a row because of the luxury property’s efforts on behalf of sustainable tourism development through its Grumeti Fund.”

It’s time again for the greatest animal show on Earth! A visit to Africa between July through October present a once in a lifetime experience as the Great Migration takes center stage.

This is your opportunity to see millions of zebra, wildebeest, and Thomson’s Gazelle as they migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s sprawling Maasai Mara National Reserve. This annual animal migration is clearly one of the most amazing natural spectacles in the world.

Kenya offers a variety of viewing options to see firsthand this annual wonder. From the supreme luxury of
Kichwa Tembo Camp to the intimate safari experience of Little Governor’s Camp, and the world-class safari drives at the Kicheche Mara Camp, Kenya boasts a myriad of accommodations ideal for game viewing.

The Life of Luxury wants to present five amazing African properties for you to enjoy the Great Migration:

1. THE CLASSIC SAFARI ESCAPE – Royal Mara Safari Lodge
Located directly on the wildebeest “Great Migration” route, near two world famous wildebeest migration Mara River crossing points, including the popular Hippo Bend Lagoon, the Royal Mara Safari Lodge is ideal for an unforgettable safari experience. With eight intricately carved riverfront suites, Royal Mara offers a blend of the classic tented safari camp with all the amenities of a lodge.
For more information, visit www.royalmara.com.

2. THE ‘OUT OF AFRICA’ EXPERIENCE – Kichwa Tembo Camp
Located in the heart of the Maasai Mara, this 40-tent luxury camp is ideal for first time travelers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Made famous by Robert Redford and Meryl Streep who stayed here while filming ‘Out of Africa,’ Kichwa Tembo Camp features a swimming pool, fine-dining restaurant, and specialist guides fully equipped to offer guests an exhilarating safari experience.
For more information, visit www.kichwatembo.com.

3. THE INTIMATE GETAWAY – Little Governor’s Camp
With just 17 luxury en-suite tents tucked around a large watering hole, Little Governor’s Camp offers travelers a friendly respite for game viewing. The camp is reachable by boat across the Mara River and a quick escorted walk through the Riverine Forest. Its recently renovated guest tents feature beautiful wooden decks with large verandahs, ideal for constant game viewing around the camp.
For more information, visit www.governorscamp.com.

4. THE HEART OF AFRICA – Mara Serena Safari Lodge
The Mara Serena Safari Lodge offers a ringside seat to the Great Migration. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill with sprawling views of the savannah and the hippo-filled Mara River, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas. The lodge features 74 traditionally Maasai-decorated rooms, a swimming pool, bar, and a restaurant.
For more information, visit www.serenahotels.com.

5. THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S PARADISE – Kicheche Mara Camp
Hidden in a beautiful acacia valley overlooking the Olare Orok stream, Kicheche Mara Camp features eight stunning luxury tents amidst serene surroundings. Renowned for its excellent food and guides, the camp is very popular with photographers, especially during the Great Migration season.
For more information, visit www.kicheche.com.

To make reservation, please contact us at: