by Editor | May 1, 2004 | Africa, Botswana, Chobe, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We were amazed by the quality of the game viewing near the Chobe Safari Lodge. During our first private river boat ride we saw three of the big five, including a teenage leopard on the bank of the river. Our patient, knowledgeable and able private hire driver/guide Flores led us to one impressive viewing after another, including a sitting buffalo less than 20 feet from our boat; an elephant family with young; a large hippo pod of 20 or more adults and pups; two spectacular African eagles; a 70 year old crocodile and more.
by Editor | May 1, 2004 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
If Sides Restaurant was near our home, we would be regular diners. Set in a cozy hotel in a desirable residential area of Johannesburg , Sides was the kind of restaurant we return to regularly. It offered attentive and accommodating staff, delicious home style food, an attractive setting with a large fireplace in one corner of the room and a view to the hotel’s garden, a huge selection of fine South African wines and a comfortable dining room.
by Editor | May 1, 2004 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
For years we heard how wonderful the Mount Nelson was. We left our extraordinary waterfront accommodations early to sample the historic Mount Nelson . We need not have bothered. We found droopy, dated, and at times smelly, common areas, poor food, indifferent staff with an attitude; and a less than desirable location for our Victoria & Alfred Waterfront oriented visit.
by Editor | May 1, 2004 | Africa, Botswana, Kalahari, Simon and Baker Travel Review
We found Deception Valley Lodge, the only photographic safari lodge in the Central Khalahari Region, graceful, charming and fun. A specialized boutique property situated on a former cattle ranch, the Lodge afforded us the opportunity to enjoy small group outings; and share time and experiences with guests and staff in a convivial environment. There was a quiet and unspoiled beauty in the area which we will miss.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Once again we were pleased with the Emperor at Caesars Gauteng, part of a large 1.3 billion rand hotel and entertainment complex. Its location near Johannesburg International Airport , Italian Empire décor, gate and hotel security, quiet and elegant style and welcoming staff were a winning combination for us. An added bonus was the access to a health club, spa, casino, and exhibition and business center in the adjacent Emperor complex.
by Editor | Apr 1, 2004 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
After four weeks of game viewing in Southern Africa , we still found De Wildt amazing. Seeing cheetahs, king cheetahs, wild dogs, Egyptian vultures or honey badgers in the wild is rare. During our safari trip we were very fortunate to see cheetahs two or three times. We treasured each brief viewing. Visiting De Wildt was like going through a working laboratory, where the staff were the animal caretakers looking after these precious creatures from birth until their reintroduction into the wild or delivery to a zoo. At De Wildt we had a chance to see the wild dogs interacting in a pack, eating and playing; we saw cheetahs and king cheetahs up close next to their fence; we also went inside the caged area where they ran loose, fed and prepared to mate.
