Ulusaba : Trip of a Lifetime

June 15, 2017 Allison Graham

Some of the highlights from my incredible trip to South Africa

Cape Town & Stellenbosch

June 6, 2017 Allison Graham

Cape Town became a huge factor when deciding the location for our safari trip. We have had several friends visit the region, for various occasions, and all the feedback was positive. Located right on South Africa's southwest coast, with one of the greatest wine regions in the world, and one of the world's seven wonders of the world: Table Mountain.

We ended our trip to South Africa in Cape Town, visiting the Stellenbosch region, staying in the harbor, steps away from the V&A Waterfront, and overlooking Table Mountain. Cape Town is filled with excursions if you want to explore:

Table Mountain
Robben Island, Nelson Mandela
V & A Waterfront, Shopping
Cape Point
Camps Bay
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Seal Island, *Think Shark Diving

But if you are looking to relax and enjoy your surroundings, there is much of that as well! The ocean is too cold to swim in (I think) but it is beautiful. There are also several hotels with nice pool layouts as well.

Our sleeping patterns were a bit off most of the trip. We were waking up at 5:30am every morning for the game drives on the safari and staying up fairly late. By the time we got to Cape Town, we were still getting up early and eager to take advantage of the day. We decided to head up to Table Mountain first thing. It was a beautiful and clear view. I suggest a wide lens if you are bringing a camera.. just so you can capture more of the landscape. If not, fear not, my iphone took some incredible photos as well.

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in South Africa. It was named the world's new seven wonders of the world in 2012. The hotel we stayed at overlooks the harbor and the mountain. If you are looking to get a closer look, you are able to hike the mountain and also take a cable car to the top.

*Tip If you are planning on taking the cable car, arrange to buy tickets prior so you don't need to wait in the line. Also, plan on going when the weather is going to be clear so you have the best view of Cape Town. There is an additional hike to Lion's Head, which is a peak in-between Table Mountain and Signal Hill that may be worth for the view as well.

The Back Side of Table Mountain overlooking Camps Bay.

After Table Mountain, we headed to Camps Bay. This may have been my favorite spot in Cape Town and reminded me of a beach community with beautiful summer homes and restaurants along the beach.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch, with crispy calamari and rosé, gazing out at the ocean. As we finished up our lunch we noticed, this chic, boutique hotel just steps away. I first noticed the infinity pool overlooking the beach, then the gate to the Bay Hotel.

We had to go inside and take a peak. If and when we return to Cape Town, this will be a spot I need to stay at, at least one night. They also have a sister hotel down the road: Camps Bay Retreat Boutique Hotel.

The owner of Bay Hotel has a fine appreciation of cars! I love cars...so we could be friends!

Our hotel was the One & Only Cape Town located footsteps from the V&A Waterfront and right next to the harbor. Rooms overlook Table Mountain and the harbor with one of my favorite restaurants located right inside: Nobu. Justin Bieber was in town the first night we arrived. We sat on our balcony and could see the sky light up with fireworks from his concert.

May is the start of the "winter" season in South Africa, it was beginning to feel like fall in the states. The weather was still warm when we were there and dry! We enjoyed a few days by the pool and walking around the area with only a light sweater needed at night.

Cape Town is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Fresh & local ingredients, with wine pairings off the charts from their own back yard. Cape Town has some restaurants that will make foodie wish lists. (Think* Test Kitchen)

Notable restaurants in Cape Town:

Aubergine, near the gardens, centrally located to several hotels
Beluga, sushi, dim sum, African fusion
Atlantic Grill (At the Table Bay Hotel), V & A Waterfront, enjoyable location, nice for drinks
Pot Luck Club, chic tapas in a cool atmosphere
Nobu, world class sushi, with restaurants all over the world
Test Kitchen, *Top Restaurant in the world, with a reservation list booked months in advance.

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine Country

The wine lands make a great day trip, or mini getaway from Cape Town as there are several boutique hotels. You have two options: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second oldest town and perhaps the most beautiful. It came to be farm land for the growing needs of the boats passing through from Europe. The manors are Cape Dutch inspired with oak lined streets. Stellenbosch is much larger than Franschhoek with many different options for wineries. Some vineyards you may have heard of from this region: Rust en Vrede, Overture, and Thelema Mountain Vineyards, just to name a few. Regardless of your wine route, I highly suggest having lunch at Delaire Graff Estate (also a hotel.) This location is absolutely beautiful, situated between two peaks.

Yes, this name may ring a bell. It is the same Graff as... Graff Diamonds, home to the most fabulous jewels in the world. There is, in fact, a jewelry store right inside the main building.

Franschhoek is a village and a bit smaller than Stellenbosch. The name means French Corner, and there are monuments honoring the French Settlers. Just like Stellenbosch, this is the food and wine lands. Both are lovely, and you should speak with your driver on which vineyards and routes may suit you best. But, Do not miss out on lunch at Delaire Graff Estate.

Wineries on our Trip to Stellenbosch

De Toren Private Cellar was a winery suggested by a very good friend. We were able to get a private visit and tasting of the property. This is a smaller vineyard with exquisite wine. Black Lion & Book XVII are two limited edition wines from smaller wine blocks we sought them out for. Black Lion only produces 5 barrels a year, and Book XVII produces 4 barrels: which equates to a little over 1,000 bottles individually numbered.

We knew in advance that we wanted to purchase some wine and bring it back for our wine cellar. De Toren Private Cellar allowed us to choose the exact bottles to bring back, as all of the 1,000 bottles are numbered! This is a fairly unique, and special gift to bring back home to celebrate in years to come. We were able to choose important dates in our life to remember the bottles.

De Toren Book XVII: The Four Barrels of Book XVII for the 2016 production.

Next Stop: Rust en Vrede

Rust en Vrede only produces red wine and one of South Africa's largest exported wines. Rust en Vrede was chosen by President Nelson Mandela to be served at the Nobel Peace Prize dinner and they were the first South African wine to be ranked in the Top 100 wines of the world.

Our last stop was closing, so we were just able to get in for a quick tasting. If you hire a driver, they will be able to make a wine route of your liking based on the type of wine you prefer. My husband and I both prefer red wine, which is why we chose this route. Most of these vineyards specialize in red or white. Pinotage, which sounds like Pinot Noir, is a red wine grape found in South Africa and their signature variety. It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, with a dry result.

After a full day of exploring Wine Country, it was time to head back to Cape Town. We headed to the V & A Waterfront and enjoyed the sunset with some cocktails. It was Friday night, and everyone was getting ready to celebrate. Bands played in the streets, rooftop bars flooded with people ready to throw their heels up, and everyone posed for the "Cape Town" Photo opp.

..I too indulged, because.. why not?!

The markets and shops are located all around this area, so if you are looking to buy some African Souveniers, this is where you will want to do so. Just remember to save your receipts to get the tax back when you leave South Africa.

As this was our vacation, we decided to relax on the final day in South Africa. Instead of another excursion, we soaked up the sun by the pool and did a bit of shopping for our friends and family back home. The flight home was fairly painless. We took a short flight from Cape Town to Joburg, then a direct flight back to JFK. Fortunately, it is a direct flight, most of the U.S. needs a connection.

Will be heading to Block Island next weekend, then most of July and August. Stay tuned to see my adventure in London, Bordeaux, & Paris in the next few weeks. I hope everyone enjoys the start to their summer (Or Winter for you on the southern hemisphere!)

Until Next Time, Safe Travels!!

Planning My Safari Adventure!

April 6, 2017 Allison Graham

Planning a Safari not only requires strategic planning on a location basis, but also medical. So, if this is the type of trip you are looking to take, make sure to do some research and connect with your local infectious disease specialist for required shots. Every region is different in Africa.

There are many different great places in Africa to observe and experience a Safari, but it is important to understand the migration process in Kenya, as well as the weather patterns in South Africa before choosing a date.

Originally, when we started planning the trip, we thought of Kenya. One small problem: It was September when we started planning... and the best times to visit Kenya are January, February, March.... and then not again until July, August, and September. We didn't want to rush a trip this major for January, and our Spring was already fairly booked. We thought about the summer months, but again, we were already booked.

Hmm... what are we going to do? We took a step back and thought, "Why rush a trip like this?" So, we started to think of the trip a bit differently and pulled out our calendar to map out the whole year. When is the best time for US to travel somewhere? There it was... May! Voila! OK, step 1 completed: May is the month we plan this expedition.

Now step 2: What location?

I read several blogs, articles...and my monthly subscriptions of Conde nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure searching for a May destination. All of a sudden, there it was in bold, on a very helpful site www.safaribookings.com : The best time to visit South Africa is May, June, July, August, & September: Bingo. I've always wanted to visit South Africa. Growing up, our family hosted two exchange students from there: this was a sign we must go! Step 2 Complete: South Africa is our destination.

Where are we going to stay? I narrowed my list from the "best of's" of Travel & Leisure, Conde nast Traveler, and Trip Advisor. We read all the reviews and decided, this is a trip of a lifetime We are doing this Luxuriously, All-Inclusive, and through a Highly Reputable Company. Immediately, Scott & I both thought: Virgin Limited Edition by Sir Richard Branson. He doesn't accept anything mediocre and this is a trip we aren't going to either. Previously, when looking in Kenya we came across Mahali Mzuri, so the next natural step was to look for a property in South Africa.

Ulusaba South Africa "Place of Little Fears"

This is not only a "hotel" or "resort" but this is Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve in South Africa. Immediately, I started following them on instagram and searched for other's "tags" and "location." The pictures were incredible. If Ulusaba provided the lodging we hoped for, this was basically a done deal.

Not only did it look perfect, but it was above and beyond both our expectations for safari lodging. Ulusaba offers rooms in the Rock Lodge, overlooking the reserve, or (what we chose) Safari Rooms, that literally overlook the reserve from ground level. Ulusaba was named the Number 1 resort by Conde nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards and quickly became our first choice.

The rate at Ulusaba includes: accommodation, 2 game drives a day, and all meals and drinks *including a top quality wine list and sparkling wines from their private wine cellar! The mini bar is also restocked daily with drinks and snacks!! Ok , is there anything else I'm missing?? Oh right... if we want to play tennis, they provide protection for us to play in the middle of the reserve! For me, it doesn't get too much better than this.

As this is a special trip, we opted for the Safari Room with a plunge pool: Can you imagine dipping in the pool and watching Elephants drinking from the river? Or Rhinos' bathing? I can't either.... but I cannot wait!

Getting to and from: We are flying from NYC, so the best option is to fly into Johannesburg and take a small, private plane to Ulusaba (via Federal Air.)

Shots & Vaccinations required:

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetnus (Make sure you are up to date)
Typhoid (oral or shot)
Malaria (start two days prior to trip and follow directions)
Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to take when in Africa in case of any side effects of travel and food change.

** South Africa requires blank pages in your passport, so please look at any updates for South Africa entry requirements. Scott needed to expedite a new passport!!

What to Pack: *Make sure to pack light, as the small, private planes don't have the storage major airlines offer.

Linens & Layers, light weight rain coat, pants, shorts, and comfortable walking clothes, sweaters or light jacket for morning and night.
Colors: neutral colors, avoid red, navy, and black
Camera: wide lense, zoom lense, maybe a tripod, and extra memory cards, don't forget the charger
Binoculars: We did a ton of research on the best models and splurged on the Swarofski brand, but this website was helpful: https://www.travoge.com/blog/5-best-safari-binoculars-to-take-on-a-trip-to-africa/
Polarized Sunglasses
Large Hat: the sun can be hat, so protect your face!

This is our planning guide for Ulusaba and our Safari adventure. I will post a follow up post on Cape Town, where we will be headed to after Ulusaba. You can't go to South Africa without visiting Wine Country!

Source: http://www.virginlimitededition.com/en/ulu...

Blog

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine Country

Wineries on our Trip to Stellenbosch