WELCOME TO THE TRIBE: MADE FOR WALKING
There are plenty of ways to explore Africa: sail, ride, hot air balloon, drive, paddle – you name it. But if you want to really experience the Motherland, sometimes you can’t beat the feel of her soil beneath your feet – something these three brand new exhibitors know only too well.
NAME: Spirit of the Masai Mara
LOCATION: Kenya
WHAT’S THEIR STORY? Located in the Siana conservancy in its own secluded valley overlooking the Masai National Reserve, Spirit of the Masai Mara offers incredible game-viewing opportunities, not least the annual great wildebeest migration. To make the most of its prime location, each luxury suite is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows – so you won’t miss a moment, even from the bath!
Alongside community visits, hot air balloon tours and game drives, guests can pull on their walking boots for a walking safari in the Siana Conservancy (bush walks and hiking tours are strictly prohibited in the Masai Mara Game Reserve). Take the time to feel, smell, hear and touch wild Africa, accompanied by specially trained guides who’ll explain the traditional medicinal uses of different shrubs and trees, as well as the tracks and spoors of the animals. We’re told the smaller creatures are the real stars of this show.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Spirit of the Masai Mara also offers bespoke extended walking safaris through the Greater Mara ecosystem in partnership with Secret Compass, where 10 to 12 guests embark on a five-day journey of discovery (but don’t worry: there’s vehicle support for the tents and luggage!).
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:
https://www.instagram.com/p/8BTxIGRWK3/
NAME: Feline Fields
LOCATION: Botswana
WHAT’S THEIR STORY? Feline Fields is the fulfilment of Marjan Blom and Raphael Real del Sarte’s lifelong dream to create a pure and beautiful African safari lodge that will support the realisation of a much vaster project: the conservation of the majestic but vulnerable wilderness and wildlife of Africa.
The wood, thatch and clay-made suites are adorned with custom-made furniture, king-sized beds and romantic, freestanding baths. Outdoor types can sleep out at night on the woven daybed, with only a mosquito net between you and the breathtaking savannah.
If you feel like stretching your legs, Feline Fields’ skilled guides will escort you through the bush on foot, introducing you to the small wonders of the Kalahari. They say that once you alight from your vehicle and your feet touch the earth, you’ll discover a whole new world – mysteries that most visitors never have the privilege to see.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:
NAME: North Island
LOCATION: Seychelles
WHAT’S THEIR STORY? Located amongst the inner granitic islands of the Seychelles, North Island is a place of contrasts: rough and smooth, old and new, wet and dry, casual and refined. The island literally changes colour from day to night, from cool hues of sage, blue and turquoise through to warmer shades of orange, red and coral.
The setting and natural beauty of the Seychelles has inspired the design of the eleven private guest villas, which are created from local materials and decorated in marine tones, balancing luxury and simplicity to form a signature architectural style dubbed “barefoot luxury”.
To really appreciate the results of the effort that has gone into rehabilitating this natural idyll, take a stroll up Spa Hill with a guide to take in the best views of the island and learn about the island’s rehabilitation programme, the indigenous wildlife of the Seychelles, and maybe even meet a tortoise or two. If you’re really lucky, you might unearth one of the rumoured troves of undiscovered pirate treasure, plundered in the country’s lawless past…
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGZf23Ij_tZ/
Think you have what it takes to join the tribe? Tell us your story and why you belong with We Are Africa using the application links below.
READ MORE POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
