It has been one of the most amazing times on safari this year – East Africa totally shone for us in June, July and now again in November. We have had some amazing guests enjoying the Gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda, some incredible game viewing of the massive Zebra and Wildebeest Migration in both Tanzania and also Kenya and have enjoyed unparalleled SCUBA diving in Mozambique.
The lodges and operations are returning to pre-COVID levels, and business is looking good for the safari industry. One of the most notable events that was noticed was the difference between southern and eastern Africa. We are literally in one of the wettest cycles in southern Africa – all the rivers and waterfalls are full and it is utterly lush and green everywhere. East Africa and Kenya in particular, is the opposite, bone dry. Flying over Kenya was absolutely heart-wrenching; some of the climatologists have stated it is the worst drought in 50 years! We so hope that they get rain soon over the ‘short rainy season’ (now).
The corollary of the drought is that even in November, we were in the middle of the Great Migration – very late for November, but the game viewing was unparalleled. We are also seeing our guests and some of the enquiries on coming back to Africa planning their safaris with much less of a ‘lead time’. This has put a lot of strain on reservations systems, please do stay in touch with us if you are planning coming back to Africa in the coming months.
Not many people know the difference between sincerity and authenticity. Authenticity is being true to oneself and sincerity is constantly backing up one’s core values – to be able to walk-the-talk. We have found the perfect partner to feature both.
We are utterly thrilled on a huge breaking announcement from our company for the end of this year! After lengthy negotiations, we are proud to announce that Conrad has accepted an offer from one of the most exciting new expedition ship companies – Swan Hellenic. On top of which, his role will now be Senior Expedition Leader on board their three ships and will be looking at least three years ahead at various ground-breaking expedition departures. And you can now plan ahead in joining Conrad!
This new company ticks all the boxes. Small, purpose-built expedition ships – around 120 passengers (this is becoming more and more important); Brand new custom-designed and Swedish-built expedition ships with every single amenity imaginable; stunning 5 star suites even boasting faux-fireplaces for an amazing atmosphere, Michelin-star-designed restaurants and F&B offerings and state of the art technology on board (for instance Dynamic Positioning and ultimate interactive and friendly Bridge).
The philosophy of Swan Hellenic will be to emphasise their incredible ships, yes, but also to be able to feature the best possible staff and be utterly people-centric. More emphasis on truly delving into the ‘real’ expedition itineraries and less on peripheral fluff. Hence Conrad took this opportunity to be part of the team growing this business and will be an ambassador for this amazing new company.
We are involved in three incredible and extensive expeditions already for 2023. Obviously safari add-ons to any of the ports are a priority for Starry Starry Nights and we are here to help make these journeys absolutely unforgettable. We are working closely with Swan Hellenic for add ons to African ports of changeover.
Conrad was very fortunate to be able to travel on the Silver Cloud all around the Mediterranean and also out to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to visit some of the most gorgeous islands – Portugal’s Azores. So unbelievably lush and green, full of hiking, forests, volcanoes and amazing wines! We tried and tried to see their famous Sperm whales which congregate in October through December throughout the archipelago, but alas, to no avail. But what stunning islands, the highlight for me was possibly the most west of them all, Flores, which is literally equidistant from Newfoundland, Iceland and the Portuguese coast – literally in the middle of the North Atlantic. One can get there with flights from the USA and Lisbon, but to be able to have visited the islands, by Expedition ship was very special…
In the past six months, we have stayed at some absolutely incredible places! Some of the new camps and lodges that are going up in Africa are utterly stunning. It is great to see commitment and huge capital going into some of the wildest places in Africa. Great for commitment to the surrounding communities and creating employment, but also for the conservation of Africa’s wild places. By now, dear Starry-eyed traveler, you know that we have our dedicated favourites and especially certain lodge vendors that we support. However, we could not agree on just one in this edition of The Orion’s Belt. So we have to give you two of our very favourites of the year! For very different reasons!
& Beyond are very much stepping up on all their offerings in Africa. They have upped the ante in the past years and we are really loving their reinvented camps and lodges, F&B, guiding and conservation ethos. And one of the ones that stood out for us was their amazing island getaway of Benguerra Island, Mozambique. It is like a Robinson Crusoe luxury barefoot escape, but with the legendary service and amenities that characterises this great company.
The seafood offering was out of this world! And the SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Now that was special. It has absolutely amazing reefs and wildlife which are part of the World Heritage Site of the Bazaruto Archipelago. We had so many great sightings on our dives, a highlight would have been that Conrad spotted his first ever Dugong (like an African Manatee, just rarer). What a place to put up one’s feet after a safari! We can not recommend this lodge highly enough.
The second place of significance we love and would like to feature is the amazing Legendary Lodge in Arusha, Tanzania. It is the ultimate and perfect place to either start or end a safari at in Tanzania. Situated in the most gorgeous setting surrounded by an extensive coffee plantation (they do sell and feature their own coffee, and it is truly great), the service and food at this lodge is truly astounding. Again, we can not recommend this lodge highly enough for our intrepid safari-goers in East Africa. It is breathtakingly lovely.
