HOT TO TROT Ker & Downey’s Vice President of Sales & Business Development, Nicky Brandon, shares what she’s most excited about on her next trip to Africa. By Vanessa Niven
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lthough I count myself among the lucky few over the past 18 months who have been able to travel to Africa and see firsthand how local communities have overcome the many pandemic-related challenges, there are still many places on my seemingly endless list that I have yet to visit. Here are two of the experiences that I am most looking forward to having in 2022.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa In addition to launching a sleek new website and smartphone app, this dreamy hotel in the cozy Sandton suburb of Johannesburg underwent extensive renovations during its pandemic closure before reopening on May 1st, 2021. Many readers will know the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa for its connection to former president Nelson Mandela, and the hotel’s exquisite fine dining venue, Qunu, is named in honor of the small rural town he loved to call home. Qunu underwent a variety of upgrades in its redesign, all of which were intended to amplify the indoor-outdoor atmosphere that is such an intrinsic part of the African experience. With a gorgeous new mural by artist Justin Badenhorst, aka Nomad, and pieces of the hotel’s extensive African art collection interspersed throughout, guests can enjoy the sumptuous ambience while dining on meticulously prepared modern African cuisine paired with the perfect wine from the hotel cellars’ extensive collections.
Victoria Falls River Lodge Have you always wanted to experience the magic of a safari sleepout adventure in the secluded African bush but felt a bit too nervous about being alone in the wilderness, away from the main lodge facilities? Look no further than the two stunning starbed treehouses nestled amid the exclusive island treehouse suites on Victoria Falls River Lodge’s private Kandahar Island. These two-story treehouses, suspended over the Zambezi River, feature all the creature comforts one would expect from a five-star luxury property on the first story, which encompasses an elegantly appointed indoor bedroom and bathroom with sliding glass doors and ample windows. The private deck offers a seating area and plunge pool for guests to cool down during the hot afternoons. Head upstairs to the rooftop sitting area for evening sundowners, and then spend the night under the stars on the signature starbed.
Photo courtesy of Victoria Falls River Lodge
