Dear Traveler

There are countless scary moments in the African bush as many a seasoned traveler to this amazing continent will tell you. I had one such moment in a place called Welgevonden Game Reserve in South Africa recently. Heart-stopping I believe the words are.

We were hosted at two beautiful lodges and a run-in with a moody elephant reminded us that Africa is not to be trifled with. The two lodges themselves provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience though. Surrounded by magnificent rock outcrops, Tshwene Lodge is a secluded oasis in the rugged valley of the Taaibos River. The Chacma baboon, after which the lodge is named, echoes around the surrounding hills eerily. The five strategically located suites all offer exhilarating views of the valleys below and the hills beyond.

In keeping with our bush theme, we traveled slightly further to the world-famous Sabi Sabi Game Reserve for a breath-taking 5-star experience and a stay at one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, Earth Lodge. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, almost invisible in the landscape, Earth Lodge uses texture, light and space to present a lodge like no other. Taking its cue from the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa.

The wildlife and environment at Sabi Sabi – as well as the people – will remain with you always, believe me.

Next we venture even further to one of South Africa's most beautiful neighboring countries Mozambique. We take you on visit fit for royalty to the iconic Polana Hotel in Maputo, one of Africa's most famous and historic Grande Dame hotels.

Last but not least we announce the opening ofBisate Lodge, a 12-room lodge adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which will boast breath-taking views of the dormant Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno Volcanoes. A new standard of forest lodge luxury will be set in this area, as well as offering the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking. In addition, Bisate Lodge will also be a visionary conservation and community project with its first phase focusing on indigenous re-forestation of a core 26-hectare site.World-renowned luxury lodge management group Wilderness Safaris recently announced its investment in the construction of two lodges here, adding a new country to its African portfolio and aiding in further sustainable conservation economies on the continent.

So enjoy the July issue of Africa Travel and until next time, Bon Voyage!

Jo Kromberg,

Editor