The Villas at Benguerra

Benguerra, Mozambique
The Villas at Benguerra is an extension of the award winning Benguerra Lodge, which is an established luxury lodge that has been around for over 20 years. The fantastic addition to the property embraces Benguerra's unique blend of safari chic with Arabic flair and grandeur, while emphasizing privacy, warm intimate hospitality, fine service and pristine beauty. The Villas offer their guests sophisticated barefoot luxury on secluded white beaches in an unspoilt natural environment all infused with the classic East African safari experience.

Nestled in the privacy and seclusion of a natural milkwood forest each 900 m² luxury Villa is fringed by swaying palm trees and commands exquisite views of the sea and the tropical island environment.

Each luxury Villa features:
Four romantic, elegantly appointed en-suite bedrooms, a central living area with sala, lounge, bar and dining room, a private rim-flow pool overlooking Benguerra Bay, and enclosed lounge with satellite television, audio system and book collection, a rooftop terrace with Bedouin shade, a fully-equipped kitchen.

From your private deck, the beautiful white beaches of Benguerra Island are only a step away.

Singita's 2010 Professional Photographic Safaris

South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania
Led by world-renowned wildlife photographer Adrian Steirn, Singita will next year once again offer Professional Photographic Safaris at their lodges in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. These safaris cater for small groups and all skill levels. The first 4-day safari will take place at Singita Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe's pristine Malilangwe Game Reserve from 3rd - 7th March 2010. Rates are fully inclusive.

FIFA World Cup 2010

2010 World Cup
With 15 days to go, fans all over the world are holding their breath in anticipation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Draw. Taking place on December 4th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the 32 teams that have qualified to participate will receive dedicated schedules and locations for their matches. For fans wanting to be close to the hub-bub of activity, some Classic Retreats properties still have availability - we will send a detailed update in next month's newsletter. For those wanting to escape the crowds, lodges and bushcamps in Zambia, Kenya and elsewhere offer great value and exceptional experiences.

Weddings abroad - Island Style

Benguerua Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Marlin Lodge is located amidst pristine island shorelines and idyllic dhow sails of Mozambique’s Benguerua Island. Comprising 17 chalets, it provides the ideal location for an intimate wedding abroad. The private, en-suite chalets each have their own veranda and a wooden walkway leading to the beach in front of each unit. The wedding ceremony can be held on the beach or in the lodge’s dining area. Weddings are tailor-made and there is no additional charge, apart from additional or specific requests that the lodge does not stock or cater for.

The Waterberg Meander

Limpopo Province, South Africa
The Waterberg Biosphere recently launched the new Waterberg Meander. The 350km route across the Waterberg plateau guides guests to accommodation in the area such as Makweti Safari Lodge, as well as self-drive visitors through the Waterberg. Visitors will enjoy the scenic landscapes while also having access to environmental, geological and historical information, referenced by signed sites along the route. The investment in conservation over the past 15 years and the area’s status as a UNESCO designated biosphere reserve establishes it as an international destination.

Interest in Zimbabwe on the increase

Malilangwe Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
Local ground handlers are reporting that overseas travel agents and tour operators are increasingly encouraging travel to Zimbabwe. This is attributed to numerous factors: the country’s conversion to US dollars, making trade easier; the lifting of travel advisories by the USA, UK and Germany; improved political stability after the implementation of a power-sharing government and the efforts of Zimbabwean tourist bodies. Singita's Pamushana Lodge in the protected Malilangwe Trust has reported an increased interest from agents, especially as a honeymoon destination.

The migration returns to Singita Grumeti Reserves

Serengeti, Northern Tanzania
Sabora Tented Camp, located in the wilderness plains of Singita Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania, is yet again in the midst of an annual migration! Enormous wildebeest herds are returning from the northern Serengeti to join existing populations of zebra, Thompsons gazelles and topi. At this time of the year the herds are typically further north. East Africa has however been experiencing an extended dry spell and last month's early rains in the Grumeti Reserves created a spectacle more reminiscent of the migration seen during the months of June and July. On the left is the view from Sabora Tented Camp across the plains.