by Editor | Nov 1, 2006 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
: Baia was near full when we arrived for dinner around 8 p.m. We had discovered the restaurant, tucked inside the large mall, on a previous visit and wondered how it faired in our absence. We sat at a comfortable table in the outer deck facing the waterfront with a sigh of relief (glad we had thought to make reservations in advance). Having spent the day driving to Cape Town and running errands in preparation for our departure on safari we had no time for lunch. Dinner, when it arrived, was most welcome – and delicious.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2006 | Africa, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
A trip on South Africa’s famous The Blue Train is the dream of a lifetime for many. On board, travelers celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons or just long planned trips to South Africa. The 1,600 kilometer train ride affords guests the opportunity to see some of the South African countryside while basking in luxurious accommodations and enjoying appetizing meals and premium service. The Blue Train offered guests an out of the ordinary ride in luxurious comfort and style that they could reminisce over for years.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2006 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
We found Tokara 60 kilometers from central Cape Town, high atop a mountain pass known as the Heights of Hell (Helshoogte in Afrikaans) named perhaps because of how tough it was to get an ox-wagon up over the pass in the old days. It was one of those strikingly beautiful, sunny and hot Cape Town days.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2006 | Africa, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
In the early 1900s, several attempts were made to substitute Mala Mala’s wildlife with cattle farming. A losing battle with lions and a constant struggle with wildlife, diseases and drought proved that it was not a viable option. Established in 1929 by Wac Campbell as a preservation area and legacy for his children, by the 1950s it had become a game viewing property. In 1964, the Rattray family purchased the property and upgraded the accommodations to a 1950s style luxury standard. Now part of a conservation gene pool of 5.5 million acres of South African lowveldt, it shares 19 kilometers (12 miles) of border with the Kruger National Park in one of the prime game viewing areas of the world.
by Editor | May 20, 2006 | Africa, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
This small family owned luxury lodge in the heart of South Africa’s prime game viewing private reserve set a standard of excellence other properties should strive for. At Rattray’s the total was greater than the sum of the parts. In addition to elegant, comfortable, new and spacious suites, top notch facilities, remarkable Big Five game viewing and excellent service Rattray’s also offered modern conveniences. Service was personalized and attentive, head and shoulders above the norm.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Our 45-minute drive from Sandhurst to Lanseria International Airport on the northwest outskirts of Johannesburg was straightforward and uneventful. We found parking easily and entered the small airport looking forward to a panoramic flight. We cleared airport security in the company of our affable pilot Alistair and walked across the tarmac to a five-seat Squirrel helicopter. Minutes later, after a safety briefing, we were airborne and heading into Johannesburg with a platter of snacks and a carton of fruit juice for each of us. Hot air caused the flight to be bumpy so we had to eat the snacks later when our stomachs had settled.
