| There's a fascination with the unique | | | | typically remote and elegant, providing |
| wildlife of Africa that dates back at least | | | | excellent accommodations and amenities plus |
| to Roman times when ferocious lions inhabited | | | | fine dining generally offered with |
| the Coliseum. With modern transportation, | | | | spectacular views of the local landscape or |
| South Africa is only hours away from major | | | | out of doors. Tranquility and quiet abound, |
| cities of the world and world-class | | | | appealing to savvy travelers who desire an |
| adventurers appreciate the opportunity to | | | | extraordinary change of pace and opportunity |
| experience the wonders of Africa by modern | | | | to soak in all the peace and beauty that |
| luxury safari. The mystique of Africa began | | | | Africa has to offer. For a truly memorable |
| in the 1800's when Africa was first called | | | | holiday in the grand nineteenth century |
| The Dark Continent because of its remoteness | | | | tradition, consider a luxury tent safari. |
| and impenetrable vegetation. The mystique | | | | Forget everything you ever knew about a |
| remains today in the modern 21st century in | | | | scout's tent or an army bivouac tent. For a |
| spite of worldwide state-of-the-art satellite | | | | semi-permanent safari camp, these tents are |
| communication, bustling cities and thriving | | | | large, sturdy dwellings with 8-foot ceilings, |
| businesses scattered throughout the | | | | erected on a concrete floor and are equipped |
| continent. One way to capture the essential | | | | with real beds, comfortable sitting chairs, |
| and enduring romance of Africa is to travel | | | | closet space, and usually "en-suite" shower |
| up close and personal to its landscapes and | | | | and toilet facilities. On a tent safari, the |
| its fascinating creatures by taking a luxury | | | | camp staff is ready to please and accommodate |
| eco-friendly safari. There's no better place | | | | visitor's needs even in the remote locale. |
| for this amazing adventure than the country | | | | Expect fine dining to a high standard at both |
| of South Africa, positioned at the tip of the | | | | casual outdoor meals and elegant dinners in |
| continent. Luxury safaris have their roots in | | | | the well outfitted dining tent or native |
| Africa's colonial heritage when nobility and | | | | boma. A luxury South African adventure is the |
| upper class British colonials brought their | | | | perfect means for experiencing safely the |
| traditions and social protocols to the new | | | | unique ecosystems and extraordinary wildlife |
| territory. Refined British ladies and | | | | of the region. Safaris originating from |
| gentlemen had definite customs for proper | | | | lodges and tent camps alike provide daily |
| tea, for example, and even picnics. These | | | | wildlife viewing excursions from a variety of |
| traditions carried over to safari excursions | | | | vehicles. Trained guides who know the local |
| into the African bush. The safari of the late | | | | wildlife accompany visitors at all times and |
| 1800's and early 1900's was an elaborate | | | | take any necessary precautions to protect |
| affair accompanied by proper attire, meals, | | | | visitors and wildlife alike. South Africa |
| and social protocols. The luxury safari of | | | | abounds with first-class opportunities for |
| today provides even more creature comforts | | | | luxury travel to remote and fascinating |
| and amenities than what the early safari | | | | destinations that cater to individuals in |
| participants from Europe and North America | | | | search of eco-friendly adventures. With so |
| required a century ago. Today the term luxury | | | | many options to choose from, consider seeking |
| safari applies to adventures in the bush at | | | | the advice of a travel consultant who is |
| first-class lodges or at custom tent camps. | | | | experienced with luxury travel when you're |
| Visitors can choose from a wide variety of | | | | ready to discover the mystique of Africa for |
| elegant lodges that meet the needs of the | | | | yourself. |
| discriminating traveler. Many of the lodges | | | | |
| are in or near game reserves or national | | | | Justine has been a journalist for 20 years |
| parks, providing unparalleled access to the | | | | and is a contributor to Just The Planet, the |
| African wildlife, the essential component of | | | | online luxury travel magazine for independent |
| any African safari. These lodges are | | | | travellers. |