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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
There's a New, Unexpected Reason to Visit One of the World's Ultimate Safari Destinations
Our guide, Dux Mareja, threw out his left arm like a shield. 'Step around,' he warned, ushering my family down the main pathway of andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge (from $1,850 per person, all-inclusive), a 12-suite property on the outskirts of Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve. Thirty seconds before, we had been gorging on pastries at base camp: a structure resembling a pangolin, with wood shingles for a coat of armor. 'What is it?' I asked, moving swiftly in a single file with Rob, my husband, and our nine-year-old son, Bobby. We peered into the dense thicket, which camouflaged plenty of creatures: some harmless, others not. 'A Mozambique spitting cobra,' he replied, boosting Bobby up into our Land Cruiser. 'One of the deadliest snakes in the world.' We never did get a good look at the cobra. But over two adrenaline-filled days, we did happen upon two leopards mating in a tree; a playful pack of hyena cubs; and a lion on the prowl, stalking a distant male competitor. He eventually sought shade, lying down with a dramatic flop. We followed suit back at the lodge in our suite, propped up on stilts and modeled after the nest of an African golden weaver. It's easy to be lulled into a false sense of security on safari: even in the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most untamed spaces. Covering 6,000 square miles—about half the size of Belgium—this UNESCO World Heritage Site is like a sponge, always ready to receive. Fed from both seasonal rainfall and water running down from the Angolan highlands via the Okavango River, the Delta and its series of floodplains, swamps, and islands are unbelievably rich in game, with 124 mammals and 464 species of bird on the spotter's checklist. Building, supplying, and staffing camps here has never been easy, something I noticed on my first visit over a decade ago. Function usually trumped form, in the name of sparsely furnished, tented accommodations. But change is afoot, in part due to the stylish, year-old Atzaro Okavango (from $1,850 per person, all-inclusive), a partnership between African Bush Camps and the co-owners of a luxe Spanish hotel company. Singita Elela, debuting in 2026, will further the area's high-design narrative by embracing an organic, airy aesthetic. The shift began with the 2014 rebuild of Sandibe, a crown jewel for luxury hospitality company andBeyond, which operates five properties in the country. 'When we designed Sandibe it was with a contextual background of what we thought to be pretty dull, cookie-cutter, and stagnant 1970s-style lodge design in Botswana,' said Joss Kent, the CEO of andBeyond, noting that all concrete and bricks were removed—250 trucks worth—to make way for more eco-friendly timber. A hybrid solar power plant now supplies 70 percent of Sandibe's energy, which was a first for the region. Sandibe's architectural bona fides aren't immediately apparent: a series of steps lead to a rather demure entrance, shaped like an upside-down U. But once through, the sense of grandeur grips you: huge beams, made of pine sourced from South Africa, implant themselves like ribs in the spacious deck. At the top level is a chic bar, which then gives way to an elevated walkway (the pangolin's tail!), where we dined under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere. 'Botswana is one of the rare places on earth that still belongs to its wildlife,' explained Mark Lakin, the founder of the Legacy Untold and an Africa specialist on the Travel + Leisure advisory board. Lakin, who coordinated our trip, insisted we try a doors-off helicopter ride for perspective (and the incredible photos). He was right: from up high, the lush landscape appeared like uneven moss, punctuated by circles of purple-black water, lines of trees, and dots of animals. Botswana holds Africa's largest elephant population, some 132,000. The optimist in me believed I could see all 132,000 from where we sat by the campfire later that day: herds were everywhere, like toys in a diorama. Dux would sometimes point out a solitary bull, tackling all that land with no one to talk to. But he was most excited by a sitatunga, an elusive species of water antelope: it stood half-submerged in a lagoon, like a lakegoer keen to keep their hair dry. Water influences everything here. Two lodges could be separated by a mere 30 miles, as the crow flies–yet entirely inaccessible to even the sturdiest SUV. And so, no sooner after touching down from one helicopter adventure, we were off on another to the famed Wilderness Mombo Camp (from $4,895 per person, all-inclusive), officially part of the Moremi. Opened in 1991, Mombo quickly earned a reputation for being the ne plus ultra of Botswana lodges due to its prime location on Chief's Island: game central. Over sundowners by the campfire, as darkness enveloped the floodplain before us, we could trace the outlines of several elephants, ambling on by. Black-and-white photos of Mombo's most famous animals, including Mmamoriri, a maned lioness, hung in the communal living and dining area, with its immaculate walk-in wine cellar and luxurious little pizza kitchen. Mombo and neighboring Wilderness camp Little Mombo were rebuilt from the ground-up in 2018, a reimagining by South Africa's Nicholas Plewman Architects (the firm also partly responsible for Sandibe) and U.K. design firm Artichoke Interior Design. Each tent is a go-big-or-go-home 2,700-square-feet, with an outdoor pool and an ample dressing room, the irony being that there is rarely the occasion to dress up. The decor, at times, leans vintage (note the deep copper tub), with the requisite modern touches of a luxury hotel. Another nod to the times? A new 8,826-square foot 'Sanctuary,' with meditation cocoons, two treatment rooms, an ice bath, a sauna, a gym, and a remedy bar spotlighting medicinal herbs, debuts at year's end. Wellness is descending upon the Botswanan bush–not long after world-class art. Our final stop was nearby Xigera (from $4,500 per person, all-inclusive), designed by architect Anton de Kock and landscape architect Philip Fourie to be a living museum for African creators, established and emerging. Priceless art sits side by side with Pel's fishing owls, hovering in trees, and the occasional leopard, strolling through camp. Once part of Wilderness Safaris, Xigera reopened in 2021 under the stewardship of the Tollman family, owners of Red Carnation Hotels. In partnership with the Cape Town-based art gallery Southern Guild, the family tapped 80 of the continent's artisans to bring color and craft to the stark wilderness. 'Nothing is generic; everything is intentional,' Toni Tollman, whose family is from South Africa, told me of the private collection, and her desire to create a place where 'African design would be celebrated as an expression of identity, place, and purpose.' Some of the Tollmans' ambitions are less evident to the guest eye, but still impactful: Xigera is also almost fully solar-powered and helping Habu, a nearby village, set up its own composting program. I was constantly scanning our surroundings–for the wildlife, but for artistic treasures that invited questions. In the main lounge, Bobby gravitated toward painted seats clustered around a chess table: the four chairs were carved by Andile Dyalvane, an Eastern Cape artist, the chess set was a beautiful metal board from Philippe Bouquet. Nearby, I discovered wood-panel paintings by the late Cecil Skotnes: a champion of diversity in apartheid South Africa. In the outdoor boma, where we feasted on chef Ziyaad Brown's grilled Namibian lobster, my eye kept returning to the firepit sculpture: a series of eight-foot sculptural spears by blacksmith Conrad Hicks. In our suite, fantastical porcelain lamps from Ardmore satisfied the maximalist in me; a black, geometric ceramic side table by artist Chuma Maweni became perches for our morning coffee. One evening, the Xigera team surprised us with biltong, popcorn, and sundowners at the Baobab Treehouse suite, a short drive from camp. The remarkable structure is inspired by a painting from landscape artist Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef; bronze-colored branches reach for the sky, surrounding a rooftop bed open to the elements (a screened-in bedroom and bathroom for the skittish is just below). Scanning the delta, wine glass in hand, I couldn't help but wonder if it was all a fantastical, architectural folly. The next day, we happened upon a pride of lions, comfortably ensconced around the tree house base: did they know about all those little luxuries, just within reach? Probably not. But they were content to lounge here for the day, an extension of the suite's magnificent design.
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Time Out
The Kenyan safari lodge crowned the world's best hotel
There are amazing hotels dotted all over the world which, whether they're historic city-centre boutiques or sprawling coastal resorts, encompass top-tier service, showstopping locations and really lovely places to rest your head. But which are the best of all? Well, that's all subjective, but Travel + Leisure 's 2025 World's Best Awards, which are based on a humungous survey of its readers who weighed in on the rooms, locations, service, food and value of hotels where they've stayed, is a darn good place to start. The publication has just dropped a list of the world's 100 best hotels, and the crowning champion for 2025 was (drum roll, please) andBeyond Bateleur Camp on the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The site is home to just 18 tented suites (plus a deluxe family suite) across its two locations, giving a seriously low-key ambience, and that paired with a highly experienced team – many of whom who have worked at the hotel for at least 10 years – means andBeyond has 'an air of confidence and camaraderie', according to Travel + Leisure. Whether you're on the north or south site, you'll be guaranteed stunning views over the Masai Mara plains, and wildlife even passes freely throughout the camps – though don't worry, apparently predators rarely venture so close. As for what you'll be eating, the site's chef 'Magic' Jackson designs a new menu every day for lunch and dinner – just tell him what you're craving after breakfast. Keen to read more? There's a full review here. In second place was Raffles Istanbul, and in third place was Mfuse Lodge in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia – but read on for the full top 10. These are the world's best hotels, according to Travel + Leisure andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Raffles Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye Mfuwe Lodge, the Bushcamp Company, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Fauchon L'Hôtel, Paris, France Kilindi Zanzibar, Zanzibar, Tanzania The Vines Resort & Spa, Mendoza, Argentina Joali Maldives, Raa Atoll, Maldives La Casa de la Playa, Playa del Carmen, México Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, Meadows of Dan, Virginia Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao Island, Philippines Plus: Europe's best wine destinations in 2025, ranked.
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Mountain fire in Gwent reported after ‘fifth fire' in area
In the Facebook group Blaenavon and Beyond local Stuart Baldwin posted: 'Looks like a fire at the old drift mine on the Coity, fire service are enroute hope they get to it before it spread.' Jane Rawlings said: 'Fingers crossed it's out quickly.' Tina Ann said: 'Oh no! Hope they manage to put it out quickly!' South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were contacted for further update. They said: 'There was a fire in the quarry. 'It's been left to burn as it's in an inaccessible area. There is no danger to life or property, but fire crews were unable to reach the area.' This is the fifth call out that the fire station has dealt with in the past two weeks. A fire at the old drift mine on the Coity (Image: NQ) Another fire was spotted earlier on June 26. South Wales Fire and Rescue service received the call to Llanover road to an extinguished fire at an unattended campfire. A spokesperson said: 'SWFRS received a call at approximately 21:00 on 26/06/2025 to reports of a fire near Llanover road. 'One crew and appliance from Blaenavon attended the scene and extinguished the fire, an unattended campfire, using a knapsack sprayer and two beaters. 'STOP message received at approximately 21:21.'
New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Ameya Dabli: Gratitude is the only attitude
Once upon a time, there lived a high-flying banker. He was enjoying the Indian dream: tailored suits, boardroom meetings, strategic deals, relentless deadlines, and a handsome paycheck. And then, after 15 years, he woke up…not to take the call of a client, but to finally heed the call of music. Today, Ameya Dabli is a 'complete entertainer', mesmerising people across the world with his devotional songs, ghazals, sufi music, folk songs, and English soft rock renditions. On June 28, he will be at Shilpakala Vedika to give us a unique musical experience called Krishnaa - Music, Bliss, and Beyond. While singers usually stick to one or two genres for most of their lives, Ameya clearly wears many hats. But the role that really stands out is the sutradhar — he orchestrates weddings while the purohit chants the marriage mantras. Ameya says, 'When I think of Hyderabad, I fondly remember how I conducted the wedding of Rana (Daggubati) and Miheeka (Bajaj) during COVID-19. The Bajaj family is close to us, and Miheeka's father reached out; since many people couldn't come, we conducted a live online wedding and it was a brilliant experience!' When you attend a wedding, do you sit through every ritual, or do you scurry away to gossip and eat biryani? You know the answer, and this is what Ameya seeks to change. 'As the sutradhar, I have to know the Sanskrit verses, keep the audience entertained, and involve everyone. And when people from both sides eagerly participate, the joy on the bride and groom's faces is heartwarming!' he expresses.
Business Recorder
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SOEs: experts raise alarm over ‘economic drain'
ISLAMABAD: Former Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Shahid Kardar, Wednesday, raised alarm over the economic drain and stressed the need for privatisation. He said that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are causing Rs1 trillion in losses annually to the national kitty. Speaking at an event titled, 'Numbers and Beyond Budget 2025-26', Kardar said that there is a dire need to control financial losses from SOEs as such huge resources can be diverted to other sectors with having potential to put the country on the path of economic development. He said that the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and global instability have further slashed Pakistan's investment rate. Economist Dr Manzoor Ahmad, speaking on the occasion, termed the budget a unique fiscal move for its historic subsidy cuts and added that this has provided economy a breathing space and the government must continue such policies in further, so that exports of the countries could be increased. The event was chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry and co-convened by Dr Nafeesa Shah, MNA, and Sher Ali Arbab, which brought together economists, senators, and provincial representatives to deliberate on fiscal priorities. In his keynote address, Barrister Chaudhry emphasised provincial fiscal autonomy as key to national developments and said that financial discipline and management is must for the economic growth. He said that the secret to real progress lies in provinces autonomously managing their resources and provinces must adopt fiscal vigilance. Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, speaking on the occasion, announced the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand Program (BHP) by terming it a timely and strategic intervention to address Pakistan's growing employment challenges and unlock economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. Highlighting the importance of skill development, she said with a rising young population and limited employment avenues, especially for marginalised groups, Pakistan urgently needs initiatives that provide sustainable solutions. 'BHP is not just a training initiative— it is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and decent work. By equipping low-income families with market-relevant, competency-based skills, we are investing in their future and in the economic progress of the country,' she remarked. She explained that the programme aims to train BISP beneficiaries and their family members in skills aligned with both local market needs and international demand—particularly in sectors like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and information technology. A key focus of the initiative is to prepare participants for employment opportunities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and beyond. Former Sindh Governor Zubair Umar spotlighted Karachi's paradox, saying that the metropolis was contributing 70 percent of national revenue, it ranks as the world's 4th least livable and 2nd most dangerous city as per 'The Economist'. While demanding urgent federal government intervention to remove the hurdles in resolving Karachi's problems, he said that the situation was worsening with each passing day. Mian Umer Masood, president of the Kissan Association, emotionally stressed agrarian distress and said that at present one and a half litre water bottle costs more than milk which reflects the plight of the agriculture sector. The government must address farmers' crises immediately, otherwise, the country will face serious food shortage crisis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
