What a year it’s been. It is hard to look back on it without mixed feelings. The start of 2021 was one of the toughest periods for Leopard, filled with a lot of doubt and uncertainty about the future. July to November, in contrast, was filled with new team members, new suppliers, new destinations (Rwanda and
Green is the colour of spring and the sign of new growth in tourism. The first signs of travel recovering coincided perfectly with spring in South Africa. I particularly love spring here because after the first rains, the trees start getting fresh green leaves, grass reappears on bare ground and most special of all, many
Leopard can now design your dream French holiday. It’s been a while crocodiles! I didn’t manage to get an August newsletter out to you because it has been crazy busy around here. I hope this one makes up for it! One of the projects we have been furiously working on is the launch of Leopard
The Richtersveld is an adventurous wilderness escape like no other. The Richtersveld is not easy to get to. It is at least two long days of driving from Cape Town, or three days if you would like to take it slower. Our overnight stop was just outside Springbok but stopping in Springbok meant that the
Namaqualand, a place of desolation and magic. The Northern Cape is the largest and most sparsely populated of South Africa’s provinces. The arid climate and huge driving distances mean few visitors venture this far afield. On a recent trip to the area I discovered it is a place where the inhospitable climate is contrary to
Mapungubwe, a place of cultural and geographic significance, and incredible scenic beauty. I recently took a trip to the northernmost part of South Africa. Mapungubwe National Park is located at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. From the lookout deck in South Africa you can see where the two rivers meet and you can peer
In South Africa, our diversity is our greatest asset. Nowhere else on the continent can you visit world class vineyards, go on safari, and encounter penguins in the beautiful city of Cape Town in the same holiday. Our diversity also extends into our food, art & culture, and people. In the first season of the
The ultimate wildlife experience, Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the most treasured wildlife experiences of my life. Earlier this month, after a briefing at park headquarters, a short drive to the entrance of the park and a vigorous hike through dense bush,
The Eastern Cape, a journey into my 333 year family history in South Africa. Last month we took a family holiday to the Eastern Cape. We had planned it at the beginning of last year, and wanted it to include some time relaxing at the beach and some time exploring the Karoo heartland. It unexpectedly
Let the old year end and the New Year begin with the warmest of aspirations. As this year comes to a close, and I reflect on the year that was, or more accurately, the year that wasn’t, I find that I have very little to say. In my newsletters through lockdown, I shared my thoughts
