My colleague Colin has been busy exploring South and Southern Africa on an inspection adventure. As a former safari guide with decades of experience in the field, Colin takes us beyond marketing and evaluates a property through the lens of guest experience, guiding quality, and sense of place. Below is his Third Dispatch, from the Ngamo Concession, Zambezi National Park, and Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe.
“From the Winelands, I made my way north to Victoria Falls, a destination that many travelers visit for the famous waterfall but often leave talking about so much more. What struck me during this visit was how diverse the experiences can be. Within a relatively small area, you can combine wildlife, river adventures, luxury lodges, and one of the natural wonders of the world.
The property that stood out most to me was Matetsi Victoria Falls.
I arrived late in the evening and departed early the next morning, so I did not have much opportunity to photograph the rooms. What I did experience, however, left a lasting impression. Dinner was served in a beautiful bush setting beneath the stars, creating the kind of atmosphere that reminds you why a safari is about much more than just wildlife sightings.
Matetsi’s location is one of its greatest strengths. Set within a private reserve along the Zambezi River, the property offers the feeling of being deep in the wilderness while still allowing guests easy access to Victoria Falls. Being closer to Botswana also puts it in an area known for productive wildlife viewing. The guides were excellent, the safari vehicles first class, and the service throughout was seamless. For travelers who want the best of both worlds, meaningful game viewing alongside a visit to the Falls, Matetsi delivers an experience that is difficult to beat.
Another property I visited was The Elephant Camp.
One of the highlights here is the opportunity for guests to enjoy the elephant interaction experiences for which the camp has become well known. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the elevated setting provides wonderful views across the surrounding landscape.
What I liked most was how easy it is to combine all the activities around Victoria Falls from here. Guests can spend the morning exploring the Falls, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, and return to a peaceful lodge environment in the evening. For travelers looking to experience everything the destination has to offer, The Elephant Camp provides an excellent base.
A little further along the Zambezi is Old Drift Lodge.
This is one of those properties that captures the spirit of the river beautifully. Positioned within the Zambezi National Park, guests wake up surrounded by nature while remaining close enough to enjoy all the classic Victoria Falls excursions.
The rooms are thoughtfully designed and blend naturally into the environment, while the location allows visitors to combine safari activities with time at the Falls. As someone who has spent a lifetime traveling to wildlife destinations, I particularly enjoy places that allow guests to experience multiple sides of a destination without having to compromise.
Perhaps the property that surprised me most was Mpala Jena.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The journey begins with a speedboat transfer up the Zambezi River, weaving through channels and navigating rapids. By the time you arrive, there is already a sense that you have left the bustle of town behind and entered a much more remote corner of the river.
The camp itself is elegant, intimate, and beautifully positioned along the banks of the Zambezi. Although I only stopped for lunch rather than spending the night, the warmth of the staff made an immediate impression. Everyone I met was welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the property.
The food was excellent, the atmosphere relaxed, and the river setting creates a wonderful sense of tranquility. For families and groups traveling together, the private villas offer an outstanding option and make the property particularly appealing for multi-generational travel.
Back in Victoria Falls town, I also had the opportunity to visit Palm River Hotel.
This property occupies a unique niche, allowing guests to stay right on the banks of the Zambezi while remaining close to the attractions, restaurants, and energy of Victoria Falls itself.
The hotel is exceptionally well maintained and offers a relaxed riverside atmosphere. During my visit, I spent some time getting to know the general manager and was impressed by his hands-on involvement and enthusiasm for the guest experience. It is always encouraging to see that level of personal commitment, as it often sets the tone for the entire property.
One of the standout experiences here is the evening barbecue along the riverbank. As the sun begins to set over the Zambezi and the sounds of the river take over, it creates one of those simple but memorable African moments that guests tend to remember long after their journey has ended.
From Victoria Falls, I continued toward Hwange National Park and the Ngamo Concession, an area renowned for its impressive wildlife and conservation efforts.
Hwange remains one of southern Africa’s great safari destinations. The landscapes feel vast and untamed, and throughout my visit there was always the sense that something could appear around the next bend in the road. Large elephant herds, productive waterholes, and excellent guiding combine to create the kind of safari experience that keeps drawing visitors back year after year.
I spent time learning more about the Bomani and Camelthorn camps, both operated by Imvelo Safari Lodges in the wildlife-rich Ngamo area. What makes these camps particularly interesting is that they offer far more than traditional game drives.
One of the signature experiences is the famous Elephant Express, a uniquely Zimbabwean adventure that transports guests through the heart of the concession by rail. Guests can also take part in rhino tracking experiences and visit community projects supported by Imvelo’s long-standing conservation initiatives. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of both the wildlife and the people who share the landscape.
As someone who spent many years guiding in India, I have always believed that some of the most memorable wildlife experiences happen when guests gain a deeper appreciation for the story behind a destination. Wildlife sightings are always exciting, but understanding the conservation work, meeting the people involved, and seeing firsthand how tourism supports local communities often leaves the greatest impression.
As I continued through Hwange, I found myself reflecting on just how fortunate I’ve been to spend much of my career exploring some of the world’s great wildlife destinations. While my guiding years were spent in India, they taught me lessons that have stayed with me wherever I travel: slow down, pay attention to the details, and remember that the best wildlife experiences are rarely just about the wildlife.
Whether you’re tracking a tiger through the forests of Ranthambore or watching elephants gather around a waterhole in Hwange, the anticipation is often as rewarding as the sighting itself. It is the sounds of the bush, the changing light, the stories shared by local guides, and the sense of connection to a landscape that create lasting memories.
Returning to southern Africa always reminds me why the region remains one of the world’s premier safari destinations. I’ve visited many times over the years, yet every journey seems to reveal something new. Sometimes it is a remarkable wildlife encounter. Other times it is meeting a passionate guide, hearing about a successful conservation initiative, or simply discovering a fresh perspective on a place I thought I knew well.
What stood out during this visit was how naturally Victoria Falls and Hwange complement one another. Victoria Falls delivers one of the continent’s most spectacular natural wonders, while Hwange offers the kind of authentic safari experience that has drawn travelers to Africa for generations. Together they showcase the incredible diversity of the region, from the power of the Zambezi River to the vast wilderness and wildlife of Zimbabwe’s largest national park.
The camps and lodges I visited each offered their own perspective on these landscapes, but the common thread was the quality of the people behind them. Great guides, attentive staff, dedicated conservationists, and passionate managers all contribute to experiences that go far beyond simply providing a place to stay.
After decades of travel, I’ve come to appreciate that the destinations I remember most are not necessarily those with the biggest wildlife sightings or the most luxurious accommodations. They are the places that leave you with a sense of connection: to the landscape, to the wildlife, and to the people who call these remarkable places home. This journey through Victoria Falls and Hwange was a wonderful reminder of exactly that.”
My colleague Colin has been busy exploring South Africa and parts of Southern Africa on an inspection adventure. As a former safari guide with decades of experience in the field, Colin takes us beyond marketing and evaluates a property through the lens of guest experience, guiding quality, and sense of place. Below is his second dispatch, now from the Western Cape.
“After Pilanesberg, I arrived in Cape Town late in the evening and spent the next several days visiting a number of hotels throughout the city and surrounding Winelands. As is often the case, some properties didn’t quite live up to expectations, but a few stood out for all the right reasons.
One of the first hotels worth mentioning is The Winchester, part of the V&A Collection, located in the upscale seaside neighborhood of Sea Point. Its location is one of its biggest strengths. With ocean views directly across from the Sea Point Promenade, guests have easy access to one of Cape Town’s most popular places for walking, running, or simply watching the Atlantic Ocean roll in. It is a solid option for clients looking for a stylish stay outside the busy V&A Waterfront area.
My personal favorite in Cape Town, however, is Mount Nelson. The property has always carried a strong reputation, but experiencing it firsthand reminded me why it remains such an iconic hotel. The grounds are beautiful, the rooms are elegant without feeling overdone, and the setting beneath Table Mountain is hard to beat. More importantly, the service feels genuine and effortless. If I were choosing a hotel for myself in Cape Town, this would be it.
Moving into the Winelands, two properties stood above the rest.
Leeu Estates, located just outside Franschhoek, delivers exactly what many guests imagine when they picture South African wine country. The estate feels private and tranquil, yet it’s only a short drive from town. The rooms are excellent, the service is polished, and the surrounding vineyards and mountains create the kind of scenery that makes guests slow down and stay a little longer.
A short drive away, near Stellenbosch, is Delaire Graff Estate. This is luxury done right. The rooms are exceptional, the views across the vineyards and mountain ranges are spectacular, and every aspect of the guest experience feels well thought out. It is one of those properties I would book without hesitation. Simply put, it delivers on every level.
For more active travelers, Babylonstoren offers something completely different. Set on a vast working wine estate, it encourages guests to get out and explore. Each accommodation unit includes bicycles, making it easy to ride through the vineyards, orchards, gardens, and around the property’s lakes. There are walking trails, farm experiences, wine tastings, and enough activities to keep even the most energetic guests occupied. It’s also an excellent option for multi-generational families thanks to its larger villa accommodations. Located about 15 to 20 minutes from Franschhoek, it offers a unique blend of luxury and outdoor living.
From the Winelands, I continued on to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, another property that falls firmly into the “sell with confidence” category. Everything here operates at an exceptionally high level. Owner Michael Lutzeyer remains actively involved in the property, and that attention to detail is evident throughout the guest experience. The staff are outstanding, the activities are varied and meaningful, and the overall atmosphere feels both luxurious and authentic. One of Grootbos’s greatest advantages is its location overlooking Walker Bay, one of the world’s best places for land-based whale watching. Between now and October, guests have the opportunity to witness Southern Right whales gathering in the bay, often visible directly from the property. Combined with the reserve’s natural beauty and exceptional hospitality, it becomes a destination in its own right rather than simply another lodge on an itinerary.”
Stay tuned for Part III with Colin, from the interior of Zimbabwe, beyond the falls.
My colleague Colin is currently in South Africa on an inspection trip before heading into Zimbabwe to explore a concession that remains largely under the radar. As a former safari guide with decades of experience in the field, Colin has a unique ability to look beyond marketing and evaluate a property through the lens of guest experience, guiding quality, and sense of place. Below is his first dispatch from the road.
“I’ve spent the last several days inspecting properties across South Africa, and a few stood out immediately. There are a handful of camps in Africa that operate at a different level. The clear standout for me in Madikwe was Molori. Having visited numerous camps throughout my career, Molori is among those rare properties where everything simply comes together. The service, guiding, dining, and overall guest experience reminded me of some of the continent’s most respected brands. There is a quiet confidence to the operation that doesn’t need to announce itself. It simply delivers. What also impressed me was the quality of the game viewing in this section of the reserve. During a previous stay near the eastern boundary, my experience was noticeably different. Here, wildlife encounters felt more consistent and reinforced something I’ve long believed: where a camp sits within a reserve can be every bit as important as the camp itself. I had the opportunity to experience one of Molori’s larger villas, but what struck me most was that the standard suites lose none of the charm. They are beautifully designed, intimate without feeling small, and provide every comfort without crossing into excess.
In a completely different setting, I spent time at RockFig. What stood out immediately was the feeling that this wasn’t a place designed to impress you, it was designed to make you comfortable. Rather than shaping every moment of the day around a traditional hospitality model, RockFig allows guests to settle into their own rhythm. There is a residential quality to the property that creates an immediate sense of ease. The accommodations feel less like hotel rooms and more like spaces you could happily inhabit for an extended stay. Thoughtful design, generous living areas, and fully equipped pantries contribute to that feeling, but it’s more than the physical space. There is an authenticity to the experience that feels increasingly rare. For travelers who appreciate having the freedom to decide how they spend their time, RockFig offers something genuinely refreshing. Nothing feels overly choreographed or curated. The experience is relaxed, comfortable, and grounded, allowing guests to connect with their surroundings at their own pace. After spending weeks moving between camps and lodges, I found that sense of independence particularly appealing.
Back in Johannesburg, I stayed at Four Seasons Westcliff. Part of the reason for the visit was simple: I wanted to make sure the Four Seasons benchmark was still firmly in place. It was reassuring to find that nothing was out of place. The service was exceptional, the team genuinely engaged, and the property delivered that rare combination of polish and warmth that defines truly great hospitality.
An added bonus was spending time with the General Manager, who will soon be relocating to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda. As is often the case in travel, relationships matter. Building connections with people who share a commitment to exceptional guest experiences ultimately benefits our travelers as much as it benefits us.
Stay tuned for my next stop.”
South Africa is often described as a “World in One Country”, a phrase that hints at its extraordinary diversity and ecological depth. Long regarded as the cradle of wildlife, the destination takes on a quieter, more compelling identity during April and May, emerging as the “sleeping giant” of seasonal travel. To appreciate South Africa’s autumn allure, one must first understand the rhythm of its landscape, where the intensity of summer softens into a period of calm, reflection, and transformation.
For decades, conventional travel wisdom dictated that peak summer or dry winter were the ideal times to visit. Today’s luxury traveler, however, is increasingly drawn to the subtlety of the autumnal shift. In the Western Cape, the Winelands transition into rolling waves of copper, russet, and gold, while across private reserves the bushveld thins and warms into rich amber tones, a visual transformation as striking as it is serene.
Beyond the comfort of cooler safari conditions, autumn delivers two defining rewards: visibility and harvest. As foliage recedes, the landscape opens, creating an unparalleled stage for wildlife viewing and revealing nature’s most intimate moments with remarkable clarity. In the Cape, the harvest season aligns seamlessly with the KM 0 philosophy – an approach centered on sourcing ingredients from as close to their point of origin as possible.
The result is a marriage of world-class, hyper-local vintages and seasonal produce, presented in sophisticated, design-forward settings. This philosophy is also central to sustainable travel: by minimizing transportation and refrigeration, lodges and estates significantly reduce carbon emissions, helping preserve the landscapes our clients seek to experience.
Autumn in South Africa is the sleeping giant because it does not attempt to replicate the energy of peak season. Its luxury is quieter, more authentic, and defined by crisp morning game drives, golden-hour light that paints the savanna, and a willingness to embrace change. For travelers who believe they have “seen it all,” this season represents the ultimate modern indulgence.
Enjoy this week’s video.
As we do each year around this time, our annual trending destinations video is ready. Every month, we track a range of key indicators including buying habits and destinations at the time they are booked, not just where travelers are going right now. It’s amazing how much purchasing behavior can shift in a 12-month period, and how often top destinations change.
The locations that rise to the top seem to follow a common thread, they represent destinations that offer more experiential, more remoteness, more authenticity, and most importantly, more time beyond comfort zones. This reminds me of a something I read from a study at Cornell University and a second study from Harvard and Yale about the correlation between the types of destinations that are trending and the style of luxury travel Big Five has long pioneered.
I’m pleased to share a brief overview of those findings below, along with an inspiring video for you to enjoy.
The Mechanism: Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Research from Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology (specifically the work of environmental psychologists like Dr. Nancy Wells) supports Attention Restoration Theory.
The Physiology of “Planetary Health”
The “One Health” Framework
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health promotes the concept of Planetary Health—the understanding that human health is dependent on the health of natural systems.
Stress Reduction & Biophilia
Yale School of the Environment has long championed the Biophilia Hypothesis (popularized by Harvard’s E.O. Wilson).
What trend are you following?
We started off the year sharing my father’s work, an alphabet he was working on at the time of his passing. At the end of 2024, we found his complete work and are releasing each letter throughout the year. This week, we share the next letter.
E – Empathy: Connect with others through understanding and compassion.
Empathy is a powerful and essential aspect of human connection. It involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, showing compassion and support in various situations.
Active Listening: Empathy begins with actively listening to others. It involves giving our full attention, avoiding interruptions, and truly understanding what the other person is expressing. Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. These can provide valuable insights into someone’s emotions and feelings. Acknowledge the other person’s emotions. Let them know that their feelings are understood and accepted, even if we may not fully agree with their perspective. Try to see things from the other person’s point of view. This helps in understanding their emotions and experiences, fostering a deeper connection. Communicate that we understand the other person’s feelings. Show that we care by offering support. This could be in the form of words of encouragement, practical assistance, or simply being there for someone in times of need.
Avoiding Judgment: Empathy involves suspending judgment and accepting the other person without criticism. It’s about creating a safe space for them to express themselves. In conflicts, empathy can be a powerful tool for resolution. Understanding the underlying emotions and concerns of all parties involved can pave the way for finding common ground.
Empathy involves understanding diverse perspectives and being open to learning from others with different backgrounds and experiences.
In summary: In personal and professional settings, Empathy contributes to a positive and supportive environment. It builds bridges between individuals, fostering cooperation, understanding, and a sense of community. Cultivating empathy is a continuous process that can lead to stronger connections and a more compassionate world.
Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.
– Alfred Adler.
Stay tuned for letter F
If you are looking for a fascinating and unique place to visit, South Africa is for you! It is home to a wide range of climates, landscapes, and a very diverse population. This destination is world famous for its gorgeous national parks, abundance of gold and an emerging wine industry. South Africa is one of those rare destinations that offer something for everyone who has a sense of adventure.
The major problem with visiting South Africa is the abundance of things to do. Among all of the great activities available, one of the first things you will want to do is eat. South African cuisine is every bit as diverse as its people. You will notice various influences from indigenous tribes, as well as German, Dutch, British, Malay, Portuguese, and Indian cultures. If you enjoy meat-based dishes, definitely try the Braaivleis or the spicy Boerewors. No South African meal is complete without a fine glass of South African wine to compliment it.
If you are a fan of wine, you will definitely want to pay a visit to Stellenbosch or Constantia. Constantia is home to gorgeous views, relaxing breezes and of course, delicious wines. The white wine offerings of Constantia include Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay and Semillon. If you are more of a red wine lover, you will be delighted by the selection of Bordeaux, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The experience of the South African wine regions is something that your taste buds will never forget.
Once you are done wining and dining in South Africa, what is left to do? Many Things! If you are an animal lover, you will fall in love with the parks, private reserves, and farms of South Africa. They are all home to a huge variety of wildlife. For instance, Kruger National Park is home to 114 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds, 34 species of amphibians and 147 species of mammals.
When traveling to South Africa, you will definitely want to give yourself enough time to take in everything it has to offer. Food, wine and wildlife all come together to form the romancing essence of South Africa.
The Kalahari Desert is a vast desert that is majorly located in Botswana, but also extends into smaller areas in Namibia and South Africa. While one would think that a desert is devoid of life, the Kalahari is home to antelope, lions and meerkats. These animals have specially adapted to live in the unforgiving Kalahari and are a sight to see! There are various viewing platforms in which you can safely view these incredible animals up close and personal. This is a wonderful experience for anyone who marvels at African wildlife.
In order to stay comfortable in the Kalahari, it is ideal to stay in a camp for travelers. There is a luxury tented camp called Jack’s Camp, which is located on what once was one of the world largest super-lakes, the Makgadikgadi. This prehistoric lake dried up thousands of years ago due to the continued shifting of the Earth’s crust, so staying at Jack’s Camp provides a unique opportunity to camp out in the Kalahari and still stay comfortable as its accommodations include ten Bedouin-style canvas tents with en suite bathrooms and spacious bedrooms with Persian rugs and cool cotton sheets. It is a mix of old world and new.
For those interested in traveling to Africa, the Kalahari in Botswana is a must see destination. This is one of the few places in the world that will allow you the opportunity to have personal experiences with African wildlife and stay at the edge of a thousand year old super-lake. Make sure you bring your camera, as there will definitely be moments that others will have to see to believe!
Everyone knows that Africa is a premiere destination for travelers who are hoping to see the Big Five and explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. A lesser known fact is that South Africa is becoming more popular as a luxury destination. Wine lovers from all over the world travel to South Africa to tour vineyards and sample wine. This is not a new fad as South Africa has been cultivating grapes and making wine for over 350 years!
When you hear about the South African winelands, this refers to the vast vineyards which are located approximately 45 miles from Cape Town. Over 97% of the wine produced in South Africa comes from the area. If you are interested in excellent wine, food and culture, the Cape winelands are definitely worth the trip.
A particularly special region you might want to consider visiting is the Franschhoek region. Here you will find a wide selection of reds, whites and sparkling wines. To go with this vast wine selection, there are also many fine restaurants as well. After visiting Franschhoek, you also might want to consider paying a visit to Paarl and Stellenbosch. Paarl is home to a wide selection of wines but is renowned for their Shiraz. Stellenbosch also has some great wine and boasts excellent Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
It’s possible to visit the Cape winelands all year long, however many tourists elect to visit in the summer months. Visits can be tailored to your needs. A trip to the winelands can be a fun family getaway or a romantic retreat.
One major reason why South Africa continues to grow as a tourism destination is because it constantly defies perceptions. One might expect wildlife in this area to be bout wild game and nocturnal animals, but South Africa has so much more to offer. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg offer visitors a more modern take on nightlife. Bars, clubs, restaurants and live music are all available for travelers on a nightly basis.
New York might be considered the city that never sleeps, but Johannesburg is a close competitor. Its bars, pubs and clubs are open until the early morning hours. You can find both live music and DJs at these venues. Stop by the trendy Movida, where the Moulin Rouge meets South Africa. This popular place is known for its full-throttle parties and private VIP lounges. If the upscale crowd is not your scene, consider stopping over to St. Tropez where the clientele is younger and the music is louder. From bohemian to R&B to jazz, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are among the elite jet set, then you will want to visit Cape Town as it is home to a number of excellent, upscale options. Here you can sunbathe during the day and enjoy cold drinks while dancing at night.
Port Elizabeth is another great city you will want to check out. It is known as “the Friendly City”, and you will see why once you experience its great nightlife. Hotspots like Aqua, News Cafe’ and 9 Yards are all places you will definitely want to go.
Africa has an abundance of natural beauty that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, but its man-made attractions can be just as exciting. To see a different side of South Africa, investigate the nightlife. You definitely won’t be disappointed
