A family horseback safari in South Africa
Riding through the Waterberg on horseback, with kids in the saddle and giraffes in the distance.
4 min read
The people behind the planning
Sian Loehrer
Co-founder. She runs the planning desk and writes the guides and lodge reviews.
Her beat Guides & lodge reviews
A note from Sian
Vikki writes about why you should go. I write about how. The month that makes or breaks a water-based lodge, and the quote that looks light until you read what it leaves out.
I was born and raised in South Africa, and I know the reserves by season and the lodges by feel. When we recommend a property, it's because we would send our own family there. When we don't, I'll tell you why.
If you write to us about a trip, you are probably writing to me first. Bring me the tricky briefs: the honeymoon that has to be quietly perfect, or the grandmother who wants the whole family under one roof.
Sian
Co-founder, Marula Hill
From the journal
Everything Sian has written
AtholPlace Hotel and Villa in Sandton, Johannesburg: our review
We spent a night at AtholPlace Hotel and Villa in Sandton, and it turned out to be a far better start to a safari trip than we expected.
3 min read
Kapama Karula: our review of the Greater Kruger's flagship lodge
Kapama Karula is the flagship lodge in the Kapama Private Game Reserve, positioned on the Klaserie River with its own airstrip, 12 villas, and serious Big Five game viewing.
5 min read
Choosing a gay-friendly travel agent in South Africa
We plan LGBTQ+-friendly trips across South Africa, from Cape Town to the Winelands and beyond.
4 min read
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: our review
Our honest take on Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, the architecturally remarkable, art-filled camp buried in a Sabi Sand hillside.
4 min read
Madikwe Safari Lodge: our review
We spent time at Madikwe Safari Lodge in South Africa's malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Here is what the lodge does well, who it suits, and why the conservation story matters.
4 min read
When to go to Mozambique: a month-by-month read on weather, water and wildlife
A month-by-month read on Mozambique weather, water and wildlife. Whale sharks, humpbacks, mantas, cyclones, dry season.
7 min read
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyard: our review
We spent a few days at Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek. Here's an honest account of the rooms, food, wine, and what makes this Richard Branson property worth the detour.
4 min read
How long should a safari actually be
Seven nights minimum, ten nights ideal: a plain guide to safari length
4 min read
The best gay city in South Africa for visitors
Cape Town is South Africa's most welcoming city for LGBTQ+ travellers. Here's what to know before you go.
5 min read
Malaria-free safaris in South Africa
Big Five reserves in South Africa where no malaria prophylaxis is needed
5 min read
Waterside at Royal Malewane: our review
Our honest review of Waterside at Royal Malewane. Six bold suites, outstanding guiding, exceptional dining in the Greater Kruger.
4 min read
The slow letter
A quarterly note from the bush
No noise, no marketing. Just the letter we'd write to a friend who asked what it's really like out here.