Although the anticipation began long before, the excitement finally culminated on 25 November at the long-awaited reveal of Ellerman House’s Villa Two & Wine Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa.

Incomparable levels of design, decor and art wade throughout the villa to showcase some of South Africa’s most flourishing talents. Designed by up-and-coming architect Michael Dennett, Villa Two is the brainchild of collaboration between Dennett’s creative energy alongside artists Angus Taylor and Conrad Hicks, industrial designer Brian Steinhobel, and interior designers Trevyn & Julian McGowan.

The 2-story villa comprises three bedrooms, spacious entertainment area, a formal dining room, stand-alone kitchen, and infinity pool. Saturated in light, the villa overflows seamlessly outdoors onto private terraces with and on warm days, fold-away glass doors blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Natural stone, airy textiles and nude wooden floors accentuate the astonishing panoramas seen from its floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the aptly named Clifton. Walking through its sun-drenched halls, one feels simultaneously calmed and overwhelmed by the villa’s ability to attain lightness and drama – to be organic yet completely unnatural.

The seemingly inaccessible level of contemporary style achieved by the villa is met with vigor by the wine gallery on its ground floor, which is home to Ellerman House’s award-winning collection of more than 7,500 bottles of South African wine. The concept behind the Wine Gallery was to deliver more than just a tasting room, rather an interactive wine experience that would reveal the history of South Africa through innovative, custom-designed artistic features and displays. Exemplary of Ellerman House’s ability to offer their guests an unparalleled level of unique experiences, the new wine gallery is an intimate experience only open to guests of the property.

Villa Two and the Wine Gallery effortlessly blend into Ellerman House’s overall atmosphere  - one of luxury, exclusivity, elegance, and a clear appreciation for beauty in one’s surroundings. To view more about Ellerman House's Villa Two & Wine Gallery, or to inquire about booking the space for your next visit to Cape Town, CLICK HERE.

Last month, ROAR AFRICA board member and African-bush expert Henry Smith revisited some of his favorite safari spots - namely, Londolozi. His pictures, included below, attest to the amazing game viewing in Sabi Sand Game Reserve - he even spotted the elusive leopard! 

Sabi Sand is the birthplace of sustainable wildlife tourism in Southern Africa, and is the oldest of all the private reserves in South Africa. Although it is not a part of the Kruger National Park, it does share its eastern border with the park, and animals pass unhindered between the reserves.

Its incredible game isn't the only thing that sets Sabi Sand apart - some would say the lodges in the region set the national standard for level of design, decor and service. Its 5-star lodges along with second-to-none game viewing create at incomparable experience for visitors that is certain not to disappoint - perfect for first-time safari-goers.

Last week ROAR AFRICA had the privilege of attending "An Evening with WildAid", hosted by Peter Knights and Rand Rosenberg, for a presentation on WildAid’s unique approach to stop the illegal trade in endangered species including elephants, rhinos, sharks & tigers.

A privilege it truly was.  It was both heartening and humbling to witness the positive effect and reach of a few people at WildAid.  The genius here is leveraging the fan-base of celebrities such as Yao Ming, David Beckham, and The Duke of Cambridge to to tackle the demand side of the equation.  180 celebrities and counting are reaching millions and millions of fans.

We need to protect wildlife itself (the supply side), but every USD/CNY/EUR spent on reducing demand seems to go so much further towards solving the crisis. Generous donations of peoples' time, pro-bono media support, and the right message has reportedly curbed the demand for shark fin soup by 50-70%.  That's phenomenal!  This is simplified, but if 73 million sharks are finned per year then this campaign could have already saved 36 to 51 million sharks in one year.

WildAid showed us some drafts of new video campaigns targeting Rhino horn consumption.  With enough support perhaps we can see rhino horn consumption drop 70% next year.

ROAR AFRICA intends to get more involved with WildAid and we encourage you too as well.

"When the Buying Stops the Killing can Too"
http://www.wildaid.org/