Back in "varsity days" when I was at the University of Cape Town (U.C.T.) in South Africa I was a member of the gymnastics club where I was more enthusiastic than skilled. It was a fun club that attracted a small crazy group of real gymnasts as well as adventure sports enthusiasts particularly rock climbers and surfers. We got on well with our rival club at the University of Stellenbosch and great ideas were born whilst drinking beers and doing hand stands above the braai (barbecue). Someone had heard of bridge jumping or bridge swing and bungee jumping and before long a couple of our more crazy members were off with climbing ropes to test the idea. Destination Gouritz River Bridges (also Gourits, Gouritsrivier) about 350km (a few hours) east of Cape Town towards the famous Garden Route.

Early Days:
We didn't have bungee ropes in the late 80's but we did have climbing ropes which stretch about a third of their length and climbing harnesses. That's not enough to risk a straight fall without injury but Gouritz had a unique layout. The new highway bridge is next to the road bridge and the old railway bridge. They are slightly closer together than the depth of the valley. We could tie climbing ropes to the new bridge and jump off the old one (65m or 213ft high). After a chilling 50m (164ft) free fall you'd take up the slack and enter and incredible swing/flight down the valley and under the other bridge. Before long we were making regular trips up to Gouritz sometimes leaving Cape Town directly from a party with some new recruits who'd wake up in the car alarmed at what had seemed like a good idea at the time. The bonus was that they soon found an instant cure for their hangovers.

Today:
Today the first "official" operation we used to jump with in 1989 still exists: Wildthing Adventures. Over 83,000 jumps later and with a sophisticated operation with accommodations, jumping platforms and so on it looks very different from the pioneering days but you can bet the effect is the same. And there are other options now too. Bungee ropes didn't take long to reach South Africa and other venues have opened up as well.

The Highest Commercial Bungee Jump in the World!
A few hours east of Gouritz in the Garden Route is the fantastic 216m (yes- that's over 708ft) Bloukrans Bridge. Bloukrans is the highest and largest bridge in Africa; the third highest in the world and the largest single span concrete arch bridge in the world. This absolutely dizzyingly high bridge is a beautiful arc across the forested valley within sight of the ocean. A bungee jump is different to a bridge jump in that the rope is more elastic. It's a giant elastic band and you fall and recoil as opposed to fall and swing. Face Adrenalin runs a professional operation there and if the jump seems a bit too much there are thrilling but less intense adventures like the 200m (663ft) Flying Fox "foofie slide" (zip line) and the bridge walk.


Further afield: Victoria Falls Bridge, Zimbabwe/Zambia
The bridge across the gorge just below one of the seven natural wonders of the world has to be about as spectacular a place to bungee jump as you could possibly find. The bridge connects Zimababwe and Zambia and is effectively in no man's land. At 111m (364 ft) is was until fairly recently the highest commercial jump in the world. You jump almost into the Great Zambezi River. In fact you are collected by a boat just a stones throw from where the world's greatest white water rafting trips begin. This is a jump that Roar Africa Founder Deborah Calmeyer tested herself years ago and much to her own surprise.
So the question is.....are you ready for Roar Africa to add some adrenalin to your trip?

If you’ve done any research on a luxury trip to Southern Africa you have probably come across the world famous Singita Lodges. Singita means 'place of miracles' in Shangaan (Tsonga) and the Lodges are living up to their name. Our Roar Africa clients continually return from Singita raving about their unique and unforgettable experience. The only downside might be that their expectations for future travel are forever raised sky high. Singita has once again won numerous major awards in 2008. It was named Best Hotel in the World, Best Small Hotel in the World and Best Hotel in Africa and the Middle East in the US Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2008.

Luke Bailes’s Singita properties comprise of a number of low impact high-end lodges. There are nine Singita Lodges in all. Five in South Africa, one in Zimbabwe, and three in Tanzania. We’ll focus on Southern Africa Lodges since that is where Roar Africa operates. Here is a little description of each of them in one place mostly summarized from the website for your convenience and to whet your appetite.


South Africa:

Singita’s South African Lodges are located in the Greater Kruger National Park which is a national park about the size of Whales. There are three lodges in the private 18,500 hectare Sabi Sands reserve on the western edge of Kruger National and two lodges in the Private Kruger Concession on the eastern border near Mozambique.

Singita Ebony Lodge, Sabi Sands Reserve:
The founding Lodge of the Singita brand is on the banks of the Sand River. The design is earthy but luxurious with interiors offering a bohemian take on bush décor. The secluded thatched suites are the epitome of elegant comfort, with cosy rooms styled with an eclectic mix of colours, fabrics and textures. The decor has an African colonial theme, lending a somewhat homey sensation to the overall design. Most of the accommodations here overlook the Sand River. Traditional English linen, African throws, antiques and modern luxuries combine to create the homely, lived-in feel. All twelve private suites have private heated swimming pools, en suite bathroom and shower, outside shower, double-sided fireplace, air conditioning, private lounge, and game-viewing deck. The main lodge has lounge and timber deck dining areas overlooking the Sand River, a bar area and traditional open boma, gymnasium, health spa, library and wine cellar.The library has two computers and direct internet links.
Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sands Reserve:
Boulders Lodge is also on the Sand River. The design is organic and embraces nature. All twelve suite interiors are as spacious as a small house and luxurious using earth colours , wood, and stone. They feature massive Balu teak decks and private rim-flow plunge pools, sliding floor-to-ceiling glass walls, stone fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms with Victorian-style baths with uninterrupted views, and beautifully furnished lounges. Our guests have claimed "the most comfortable beds they have ever slept in". Boulders Lodge has an air of tranquility that honours Africa in an authentic way. Named so after it was impossible to remove an enormous boulder without disturbing the environment, Boulders is literally built around the elements. Guests can enjoy wrap-around views from most parts of the coarse stone lodge and lookout deck.
Singita Castleton Camp (Private Camp), Sabi Sands Reserve
Singita Castleton Camp lies between the Sabi and Sand rivers, in the Sabi Sand Reserve. This is a comfortable hideaway that exudes timeless charm, in lush grounds overlooking a waterhole, where buffalo, antelope and lion prides are regular visitors. The colonial homestead offers accommodation in six charming en-suite rooms in a garden setting, with fascinating memorabilia and artifacts that create an ambiance of understated luxury. The camp is booked as an exclusive villa and can accommodate up to twelve guests at a time. Guests can enjoy sublime cuisine prepared by an executive chef, vintage wines, fireside dinners in the boma and sundowners out in the bush, while children can have fun at the tennis court, swimming pool or trampoline.

Singita Lebombo Lodge, Private Concession
The pristine and remote location offers the gift of splendid isolation, yet with every luxury imaginable. Poised over one of Africa’s most dramatic landscapes, the design of the fifteen glass-walled suites with contemporary finishes at Lebombo Lodge was inspired by the nests of wild eagles that view the world from heightened perspectives. Like the Lebombo Euphorbia tree, the design of Lebombo Lodge is one of a kind. The sweeping wooden decks provide the perfect vantage point from which to watch the theater that unfolds before you. The lap pool that lines the dining area reflects the beauty of the nearby N’wanetsi River, while large sunbeds beckon you to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Inside, the romantic beds are dressed with Egyptian cotton bedding, silky-soft throws and a layered lattice ceiling. Enjoy dinner in the boma, with the sounds of the bushveld as background music, and then spend the evening sleeping under the stars on the bed of your private terrace – complete with mosquito net. All suites are en-suite with an inside and outside shower, air-conditioning, and game viewing deck with a day bed. The main lodge boasts an open-plan lounge and bar area complete with a library and internet and computer facilities. There is also a gymnasium, health spa, wine cellar, traditional boma and a swimming pool on the property.
Singita Sweni Lodge, Private Concession
Sweni Lodge was influenced by the structures of dens, warrens and lairs found in the area. Flanking the Sweni River, this tranquil sanctuary is elevated on stilts with decks of timber. Even when you’re indoors, you’ll have the sensation of being close to the river and trees. The six secluded suites, with tactile furnishings, have been carefully created to bring in the textures and shades of the bush. Designed with open-plan living in mind, your suite flows from the bathroom area, through to the lounge and into the bedroom – yet if you wish, each area may be sealed off by curtains. Try the outdoor shower overlooking the river or – for a magical experience – ‘camp out’ under the stars on the day bed out on your viewing deck.


Zimbabwe:

Singita Pamushana Lodge, Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve:
One of Africa’s best-kept secrets, Singita Pamushana Lodge is found within the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe. Nestling beneath the trees, the lodge incorporates the natural environment and the forest-like architecture enhances views of the pool, the lush gardens and lake below. Pamushana Lodge comprises six luxury suites and one five-bedroom villa, each offering incredible views of the lake. Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is teeming with birds and wildlife, including rare and endangered species – such as the rare Roan antelope and Sable, and the black rhino. Famous for its cathedral Mopane forests and majestic ‘upside-down’ Baobab trees, Malilangwe is an area where you will also find over 100 rock sites with paintings that date back more than 2,000 years.

Tanzania: The remaining three Singita Lodges are in the Grumeti Reserve which is part of the Serengeti Mara (350 000 acres of untouched wilderness). They are the Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, and Faru Faru Lodge.

Pictures courtesy of Singita.

On Saturday evening (August 9th) Roar Africa attended the Sunflowers After Hours fund raiser event for Henry Buhl's A.C.E. Foundation. The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (A.C.E.), is a not-for-profit organization founded by Henry Buhl. Their mission is to enable New York City’s homeless men and women to re-enter the workforce and to achieve long term, economic self-sufficiency.

Sunflowers After Hours was hosted by Kirstin Cole of CBS 2 News at Henry's home in Southampton. Honorary Chairs Henry Buhl, Susan Sarandon and Larry Leeds. The elegant clam bake, auction and dancing was held in Henry's garden which was planted with thousands of sunflowers.

We are proud to share that the 15-day luxury Southern Africa safari donated by Roar Africa and partner lodges was the largest ticket item of the live auction which was conducted by Sotheby's Eliza Osborne. The trip will take the generous winners to some of the world's most luxurious Lodges and hotels from Kruger Park in South Africa, to Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and Mozambique. Business class flights were donated by Henry himself.

Henry Buhl with Deborah Calmeyer & Rob Breen of Roar Africa

Partner donors:
Lion Sands Safari Lodge, Singita Safari Lodge, Royal Malewane Safari Lodge, Cape Cadogan Hotel, La Residence, Londo Lodge

Adding to the already attractive list of hotel guest experiences currently on offer, is the arrival of “Spirit of the Cape” - available for the exclusive use of Cape Grace guests. A 56ft Aicon fly-bridge luxury motor yacht berthed in the marina in front of the hotel's Bascule Bar with private access for hotel guests.

Excursions on the yacht include gourmet picnic lunches prepared by Cape Grace's team of chefs whilst anchored at the world famous Clifton or Camps Bay beaches, or Champagne and oyster sundowners down the Atlantic seaboard whilst comfortably accommodated on the teak covered deck. The five star charter vessel holds a maximum of twelve guests with two crew members ensuring a genuine sense of exclusivity and offering the highest standards of hospitality. The sleek interior is beautifully crafted by Sicilian designers creating a truly luxurious experience. The Aicon 56ft is a motor yacht distinguished by its elegant silhouette and high performance hull, whose design earned international recognition right from the first launching.

Chat to us about other exceptional excursions for your trip.