by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
When was the last time you washed your hands with rosewater and had your face painted at your dining table? For us our visit to Moyo provided the first opportunity and it was lots of fun. Smiling staff, slightly shy, welcomed us to our corner table on the entertainment level, one of five levels at the 500-seat restaurant in the heart of a swanky Johannesburg neighborhood. Scant minutes passed before a pleasant lady in African garb took our drinks order. A server soon followed with a pitcher and bowl in hand. She poured rose water over our hands and provided a towel for us to dry them. A few minutes later she returned and painted our faces (cheeks and foreheads) following a Masaai Mara tradition. She drew small flowers and dots with black and white water soluble paint; another, the more masculine design was made with dots only. Moyo, which means soul or life in Swahili, was one of four such restaurants in South Africa serving African food (ranging from North Africa Tagines to South African Boboties) to one million guests.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Luangwa, Zambia
Located within the borders of South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge Tented Camp had a traditional safari feel with modern comforts and amenities. Each tent was built on a concrete slab for a sturdy yet sophisticatedly rustic feel. The décor was simple and romantic, highlighting a beautiful sunken bathtub. The camp was situated on a ridge overlooking the African veldt (a field), which had abundant wildlife and beautiful sunrises in the mornings. Because the camp was inside park borders, animals wandered through as they pleased.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Products, Safari Gear, Simon and Baker Travel Review, Travel Luggage
We chose the RedOxx Safari-Beanos Bag PR6 because it was spacious enough to be used as a main check in luggage bag, yet narrow enough and tall enough to still fit into a charter plane luggage space for our trip to Africa. It is a soft sided bag made of durable 1000 weight urethane coated Dupont certified Cordura nylon. We particularly liked that all zippers are self-locking and the seams are double stitched. Our khaki colored bag was easy to carry and to handle.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Named for a combination of the
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Botswana, Chobe, Simon and Baker Travel Review
One of our fondest memories of Savute Safari Lodge was bathing with elephants – well almost. A bachelor herd frolicked in the waterhole immediately in front of our room while I showered. Thanks to the glass windows and sliding glass door I could see the waterhole and the elephants from the shower. They went on drinking and spraying themselves with water long into the afternoon allowing Gary to observe them while he took his shower a little while later. We continued watching them delightedly from the living area of our room for several hours.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2005 | Africa, Johannesburg, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Well-known as the temporary home of former South African president Nelson Mandela when he was released from prison, the all-suite Saxon had a homey yet sophisticated feel. At the same time, we felt safe inside the compound-like grounds which blended in discreetly with the neighborhood of heavily guarded upscale properties. From a tourist perspective, it was a convenient location. We were minutes away from Sandton City, one of Johannesburg’s best known malls, and many popular restaurants.
