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More from the journal

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge exterior patio with pool in the Sabi Sand

Lodge Review

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.

Sian Loehrer

A safari Land Cruiser at predawn, headlights cutting through dust and mist

Stories

The smell of the bush at 5am

Why we still get up before dawn after twenty years in the bush. The case for the early game drive, written from the back of a Land Cruiser at five in the morning.

Vikki Jackson

Madikwe Safari Lodge is set on a ridge above the open plains of Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province

Lodge Review

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.

Sian Loehrer

A qualified guide and tracker scanning the bush from an open game drive vehicle in South Africa, mid-morning light over dry savannah

Safari Planning

How safe is an African safari?

African safaris are safer than most people assume. Here is what to actually pay attention to.

Vikki Jackson

Rovos Rail luxury train moving through golden South African countryside with a dramatic mountain backdrop

Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail: an honest look at South Africa's luxury train

We've spent time aboard Rovos Rail. Here's our honest take on the cabins, the routes, the food, and whether it's worth the price.

Vikki Jackson

Kosher drinks and snacks on a game drive

Guides

Kosher safaris in South Africa: how a bush kitchen actually works

The honest guide to keeping kosher on safari in South Africa. Three tiers of catering, real pricing, Shabbat in the bush, and how we put one together.

Vikki Jackson

Boat in Mozambique, blue ocean

Guides

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.

Sian Loehrer

Aerial view of Mont Rochelle hotel and vineyards in the Franschhoek valley with mountain backdrop

Lodge Review

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.

Sian Loehrer

A luxury safari lodge at night with lanterns around the pool

Guides

How long should a safari actually be

Seven nights minimum, ten nights ideal: a plain guide to safari length

Sian Loehrer

Aerial view of the Lower Zambezi river at sunset, with sandbars and the escarpment.

Zambia

Zambia by birdsong

A field journal on birding in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. Carmine bee-eater season, African skimmers, Pel's fishing owl, and what birds do to a safari when you let them.

Vikki Jackson

Two women on a private terrace in Cape Town at golden hour, Table Mountain rising softly behind, sharing chilled white wine and laughter

LGBTQ+ Travel

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.

Sian Loehrer

Two women on the deck of the Kingston Treehouse at Lion Sands, golden-hour light over the Sabi Sand bush, a sundowner set on the wooden table in front of them.

Voices

Safaris designed around the people travelling

Safaris built around the people travelling, not the brochure. How we plan for LGBTQ+ guests, dietary needs, family configurations and accessibility in South Africa.

Vikki Jackson

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Prefer to write to us directly? sian@marulahill.com · WhatsApp +27 82 459 0648