Tour of the Week: Extraordinary Journeys’ Cape Town Pride Week/Safari

http://www.flickr.com/photos/capetownpride/

This is the first of its kind I’ve ever seen: A mainstream but gay-friendly tour company is offering an 8-day safari to coincide with Cape Town, South Africa’s Gay Pride Week, which is scheduled for February 24 through March 4, 2012. Guests will spend  the first part – February 27-March 1 — in  Cape Town at the fabulous Kensington Place, and the second par – March 2 to 4  – at the Madikwe Game Reserve ~ Jamala Royal Safari Lodge

From the organizers:

Extraordinary Journeys Africa, specialists in bespoke customized safaris to Africa, is offering an 8-day safari in honor of Cape Town’s Gay Pride Week that will take place February 27-March 4, 2012. The first four nights are spent in Cape Town where guests will have the opportunity to see the exciting Gay Parade in action, attend the wildly elegant yet funky Pink Ball and experience all of the Gay Pride events this pulsing city has to offer including adventure activities, shopping and more! For the last three nights, a flight from Cape Town to the Madikwe Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands will transport guests to a five star luxury lodge surrounded by fierce wildlife. This luxury safari is masterfully created to combine the urban city excitement of Cape Town with the rare wildlife viewing in Madikwe.

Andrew Mersmann, writing for PassPort Magazine (a gay travel publication) wrote about it. Click here for the article.

For more information about the tour, contact Extraordinary Journeys, 345 West 58th 3M, New York, NY 10019; 1-800-403-6012; 917-325-3342or, visit www.ejafrica.com.

Tours of the Week: VentureOut’s “Cats, Convents, and Casbahs”

Don't mess with her calf!

Here are three alliterative tours offered by the fabulous folks at VentureOut in 2012. There’s even a deal on “Cats” (African safari, not the show!), so click away and start your joyful journey.

• “Cats” – Southern Africa Trifecta - pictured above (with discount offer)
• “Convents” – Medieval Hilltowns of Italy
• “Casbahs” – The Sands & Souks of Morocco

TOUR OF THE WEEK: AFRICA WITH VENTURE OUT

 

If you haven’t been on safari in Africa, you haven’t traveled. Just sayin’

Here’s your golden opportunity. There are only two rooms left on Venture Out’s Southern Africa Trifecta: Cape Town + Botswana Wildlife Safari + Victoria Falls

Dates: September 7 to 15, 2011

Check after the jump for more info.

This tour offers an optional Extension to Hwange National Park from September 15 to 18, 2011In the words of Robert Driscoll, Venture Out’s founder and owner:

“This fantastic tour that blends a splendid sampling of African culture, incredible wildlife, other outdoor activities, great food and wine, and gorgeous  scenery — beginning in Cape Town, one of the world’s  most beautiful cities. The itinerary will cover a vast, majestic land, and this is sure to be a trip of a lifetime! A luxury “camp” in Botswana’s  famed Okavango Delta complements the wildlife safari  activities. And you’ll witness the majesty of Victoria Falls  — the greatest show of its kind on the planet! For those who have a  little more time and want a more in-depth safari experience, there’s  a wonderful extension to nearby Hwange National Park  — the size of Connecticut and one of Africa’s premier game viewing  regions!”

Information: http://www.venture-out.com/africa.htm

 

Tour of the Week: Gay2Afrika

This isn’t a gay tour, per se, but it is an outstanding value. It’s from the folks at 2Afrika.com, a gay-owned and gay-operate tour operator.

This 5-day/4-night tour starts from $499 per person and is an incredible value.

The “CAPE TOWN” package includes

• 4 Nights’ accommodation at your choice of one of these premier Cape Town Hotels (see below)
• Round trip Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Half day Cape Town City Sightseeing Tour
• Optional Excursions (not included in the price) to Cape Point, Robben Island and ‘Cultural Tours’
• Discount Coupon Offers for shopping and activities at the V&A Waterfront

NOTES:

• All prices shown are in South African Rand currency. The US Dollar amount is dependent on the prevailing rate of exchange.
• The prices shown are converted from South African Rand currency to United States Dollar currency at the rate of 6.9 and are subject to change without notice. At the time of payment, invoices will reflect the accurate price based on the prevailing rate of exchange!

Click here for more information.

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

Suite Dreams: Londolozi Private Game Reserve

By Jeffrey James Keyes; Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

Let go of everything that keeps you from the wilderness as you fly over the Kruger National Park and into the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Located on over 36,000 acres of Sabi land, Londolozi is everything you want South Africa to be. This privately owned game reserve was built on a solid foundation of partnership between the Varty and Taylor families, who arrived in 1926. Today the adorable and stylish Brownyn and Boyd Varty, with their team of rangers and friends welcome lucky guests to the unbelievable safari paradise.

Kudu and impala peek through the bushes as green Land Rovers full of gorgeous rangers arrive to escort you to camp. Freshen up in your chalet (we recommend the popular Varty Camp) and prepare for your first safari drive. Bring an extra jacket, binoculars, sunglasses, and your camera and get ready to see the “Big Five” and so much more. Catch up with the local pride and watch as hyenas and wild dogs stalk Zebra in the wild. Londolozi is famous for it’s leopard visibility, so plan on getting up, close, and personal with a few big cats.

Safaris take place at sunrise and sunset, be sure to swirl a little Amarula in your coffee in the morning and your ranger will be more than happy to fix a Gin and Tonic for you as the sun sets in the bush (if you’re not hunting with one of the lions or following a leopard to the watering hole). As Graeme Marais, one of the charming rangers can tell you “Most visitors to Londolozi never miss a game drive”.

Back at camp the Varty family knows how to throw a feast and pamper their guests. Feel like a member of the Swiss Family Robinson as you explore the expansiveness of the main property or treat yourself to a poolside massage in the middle of the afternoon. If you’re desperate to wander the wilderness, join one of the expert trackers and a giraffe or two on an unforgettable walking safari. At night, your glass of Pinotage will always be half full and the company extraordinary.

Londolozi has become a gathering place of perhaps the most special, free spirited people in the world.  There’s an uncanny energy in the air, you might never want to leave. If you must go, pick up a copy of Dave Varty’s The Full Circle in the gift shop to read on your comfy South African Airways flight back home.

On assignment for GPS, intrepid travel writer and photographer Jeffrey James Keyes made his way through South Africa recently. He visited many hotel properties and presents his “Big Five” picks for lodging most suitable for gay and lesbian visitors.

Suite Dreams: Birkenhead House & Villa

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

By Jeffrey James Keyes

When you finally make it to South Africa, a dip in the Indian Ocean is a must. From May to December, not only are the beaches at Hermanus great for swimming, the coastline boasts the premiere whale watching site in South Africa — Walker Bay.

The World Wide Fund for Nature has even acknowledged this quaint holiday destination as one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world. If you’re on the hunt for a seaside room with a view for an upcoming gay honeymoon, Birkenhead House  & Villa is your choice.

Named after the Royal Navy vessel, HMS Birkenhead, which sank back in 1852, this property has risen above the pack of touristy Hermanus accommodation options. Just off the terrace, the aquamarine Indian Ocean fans across the horizon. The beach just below the property is Voëlklip, perfect for a dip in the surf. The friendly staff at Birkenhead is more than happy to pack a picnic basket for your beach adventure. Be sure to lather on the sunscreen, because the African sun will sneak up on you like a Southern Right Whale spouting water from the Hermanus coastline.

Back on the main property, Birkenhead House & Villa lays out the red carpet for its guests. The dual-level courtyard swimming pool is the best place to see and be seen. There is an eclectic attention to detail throughout the property, with a fun collection of seaside antiques in each of the 10 suites and continual rotation of lush, fresh local flowers everywhere. The cuisine in the restaurant is a careful blend of African modern with incredibly fresh seafood and creative dishes inspired by the Ocean. Be sure to have plenty of champagne, reapply that sunscreen, and take a nap next to your beau in the sunshine.  You’re on vacation, after all.

On assignment for GPS, intrepid travel writer and photographer Jeffrey James Keyes made his way through South Africa recently. He visited many hotel properties and presents his “Big Five” picks for lodging most suitable for gay and lesbian visitors. Check back next Thursday to discover another.

Suite Dreams: The Delaire Will Delight

Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

Story and photo by Jeffrey James Keyes

Waking up at the Delaire Graff Estate is just about as good as it gets.

Imagine the sun rising across an expansive vineyard as you splash around in your private heated infinity pool. Sure, there are plenty of things to do in Cape Town but cancel the sightseeing for a few days and recharge in wine country. Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds dreamed big when he reopened the property, situated in the crest of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass just outside of Cape Town where the scent of fresh jasmine fills the air, and the sun always seems to be out.

The 10 unique lodges of Delaire swing around a decadent main lodge that features the first-class Indochine Restaurant, a private cinema, meeting facilities, gymnasium, Pilates studio, and luxury spa. Pierre Bories designed the property, with interiors by the remarkable David Collins.

Morne Vrey, the resident Winemaker at Delaire, sets the scene for a wine lover’s passion play. The high altitude vineyards, excellent soils, and cooling breezes matched with their high-tech 230-ton wine cellar make for wine you will most definitely sneak through customs. The Delaire Sauvignon Blanc, with underpinning layers of gooseberry and asparagus, is one of the most delicious and flavorful glasses in the region. If you’re in the mood for red, the intense and aromatic Delaire Red Blend is a must.

After a tasting, be sure to explore the grounds and the gardens, peppered with sculptures and works of African art by the likes of William Kentridge, Sydney Kumalo, Dylan Lewis, Robert Hodgins, and Deborah Bell. Even if you don’t leave the property with a shiny new Graff diamond, a weekend at the Delaire Graff Estate will make you feel like you’ve struck it rich.

Suite Dreams: The Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa

Story by Jeffrey James Keyes. Originally published in GPS.OutTraveler.com

The Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa in Johannesburg, South Africa was the private residence of insurance giant Douw Steyn until 2000. It boasts countless famous regulars including Oprah, Shakira, Kevin Spacey, and the Black Eyed Peas. Nelson Mandela, another frequent guest, edited his Long Walk to Freedom at the Saxon after his release from prison. Three new villas containing twenty-nine new suites have more than doubled the capacity of the luxurious hotel, ensuring their rightful claim to the World’s Leading Boutique Hotel title for the ninth year at the World Travel Awards.

Saxon Suite

Designed with the luxury and exclusivity for which the Saxon brand is known, each of the new stand-alone villas has its own private pool, terrace, and lounge. The villas were initially tailored for celebrity guests in Jo’burg for the World Cup, but will certainly make for a posh welcome for your first stop in a big gay South African vacation. That’s the Saxon Suite to the left. Sweet!

Join the cute boys splashing and bouncing under the fragrant jacaranda trees on the Pool Terrace and get a glimpse of the colorful Koi on the Koi Terrace. A visit to the Saxon Spa and Studio is a must: Venture out of your comfort zone with an Elemental Massage Therapy, inspired by Earth, Fire, Water, and Air.  By the time the masseur gets to air, your jet lag will already be on safari.  Be sure to grab your first glass of Pinotage at the Terrace and Olive Bar and take in an inaugural African sunset before retiring to your suite or the Oprah room (yes, the Oprah room) for a little reading.

For more information, visit Saxon.co.za.

On assignment for GPS, intrepid travel writer and photographer Jeffrey James Keyes made his way through South Africa recently. He visited many hotel properties and presents his “Big Five” picks for lodging most suitable for gay and lesbian visitors. Check back the next four Thursdays to discover the others.