Suzanne's Monday Minute

South Africa

WHAT WE LOVE: Many of our team are South African and we are all extremely passionate about the country, its people, wildlife and scenic beauty – who would not be with an office in the Cape winelands! But most of all we are proud of what South Africa has achieved and the challenges we have overcome. It is a country that has diversity as its hallmark. From lush forests, vast savannahs, beautiful beaches, arid semi-desert, dramatic mountain ranges to its cosmopolitan cities, ‘Big Five’ wildlife reserves, winelands, gourmet restaurants and colourful shanty towns: South Africa has all any visitor could ask for. Strong on adventure, sport, nature and wildlife, it is also a pioneer and global leader in responsible tourism.

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Blue Safari Seychelles

Situated in the heart of the Indian Ocean in one of the last, untouched frontiers, Blue Safari Seychelles pioneers a new style of experiential travel while actively conserving this pristine region. Of the 72 islands and atolls that form the remote outer islands, they have selected the most pristine and enchanting four as their base. From here you can discover, experience and protect the surrounding natural wonders.

An hour's flight from the main island, Alphonse Island is the headquarters of Blue Safari Seychelles. With 22 Beach Bungalows, 5 Beach Suites and 2 4-bedroom Beach Villas, and welcoming children of all ages, this is family paradise. Enjoy a private family channel snorkel or plant a tree, giving it your family name. Visit the uninhabited islands of Bijoutier and St Francois, explore Alphonse Island by bicycle, or enjoy a secluded picnic on the beach. 

Hop on the plane southwestward and a 2-hour flight later you are on Astove Atoll. Stay in the 6-bedroom Coral House from where incredible snorkelling experiences await. The “Wall” is a breathtakingly beautiful sheer drop and is best described as looking down into an underwater Grand Canyon. It consists of the flat and reef dropping a vertical 90 degrees from ankle-deep water to more than 1000 metres over a short distance. The “Wall” is known as one of the best snorkelling and dive sites on this planet. The terrain varies from hostile shore breaks on the windward side, to flat calm coral flats on the outside and snow-white sand flats inside the lagoon. Its unique lagoon system is home to countless aquatic seabirds as well as the Caspian turn, dimorphic egret and red-tailed tropic bird along with a population of over 150 giant Aldabra tortoises.

Just over 1000 km southwest of Mahé lies Cosmoledo Atoll, an hour by boat from Astove (and the only way to access it). Cosmoledo comprises a larger white sand lagoon surrounded by vast sand flats dotted with over 20 islands, islets, and cays of various shapes and sizes. The remote location makes Cosmoledo a place of wild natural splendor. Habitats include sand dunes, expansive flats, mangroves, grassland and a dramatically fluctuating lagoon. This unique combination creates a hotspot of biodiversity. The atoll with its scattered islands is home to large populations of endemic birds like boobies, terns, and frigate birds. The lagoon and its sandy beaches are favoured by large populations of hawksbill and green turtles for nesting and a host of feisty fish species on the flats. Here, on Wizard Island (or Grande Isle) is a single Eco Camp where nature meets creative, eco-friendly hospitality. The Camp consists of eight double/twin en-suite Eco Pods with a central communal dining and entertainment area - large tent with bare sand floors.

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