Breakaway - Luxe Africa Is Calling!

The World Cup does nothing for me, I’m afraid. But I’ve always wanted to do safari in Africa…despite that story my old uni friend from Kenya told me about a couple staying in a luxury safari lodge who was woken one morning by something crashing through their window, only to find a lion at the foot of their bed killing some antelope creature for brekkie!! But I don't think (cross my fingers) that this will happen in any of the hotels were are talking about here....

There are lots of swanky hotels making their presence felt over in South Africa to cater to our luxe holidaying needs, and offering deals to make things more tempting.

The relatively new urban chic resort One and Only Cape Town, with its views of Table Mountain, is offering complimentary nights for guests who are o booking big game safaris at the exclusive Singita lodges. What’s the deal? Four nights for the price of three at both properties - One&Only Cape Town and Singita Kruger National Park. Valid from July 12 - December 15, it includes a couples’ Swedish massage at Singita Kruger National Park, with game drives, walking safaris (don’t eat me!) and all meals included with all the alky you want. One&Only Cape Town sweetens the deal with room upgrade and breakfast at maze, a Gordon Ramsay restaurant. You may like to know that Nobu is also there. Singita Kruger National Park on the other hand is a 33,000 acre concession with the highest concentration of wildlife in Kruger National Park – that includes the Big 5.

Email reservations@singita.com for Singita Kruger National Park and reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com for One&Only Cape Town.

Leading Hotels of the World is also offering a good deal – 30% off some of the fanciest hotels and resorts in Africa from September 1-November 30, 2010. We'll just let the pictures do the talking….

The deal gets you into in Zululand’s Thanda Private Game Reserve, one of the most awarded reserves in Africa, voted South Africa's leading safari lodge and Africa's leading luxury lodge at the World Travel Awards 2008 & 2009. Thanda Private Game Reserve has also been involved in land rehabilitation in KwaZulu-Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into game viewing land and reintroducing species that used to freely roam the area, including the Big Five.

Or how about The Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe, for some history and spectacular views? Steeped in history, the hotel overlooks the Victoria Falls Bridge and gorges below. Ask for deluxe rooms and suites in the original section of the hotel as they offer views across the Zambezi River gorge to the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Falls.

When you’re done drinking in the view, watch Makishi dancers and an indigenous choir who will entertain every night, and amuse yourself with elephant-back safaris and guided walks. There are lots more in their portfolio, so it's really worth logging into their website (see below) to check things out.

Visit www.lhw.com/africa or quote L14 for the deals.