THREE MORE TO TRY

Top Tips For Your First Safari

Keep quiet on game drives so that you don’t scare away the animals or distract your fellow riders. Do not smoke

Avoid using apps or sound bites that may sound like other wild animals.

&Beyond Tengile River Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa

On the serene banks of the Sand River, guests at this luxury lodge will count leopards, buffalos and elephants among their neighbours. There are just nine secluded suites at Tengile River Lodge, each offering pictureperfect river views, a private lap pool with sunken lounge for prime wildlife watching, and an inviting tub for recovering from an exhilarating day exploring Sabi Sands. andbeyond.com

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania

Cleverly arranged overlooking a watering hole in the heart of a reserve that needs no introduction this Four Seasons safari lodge is a luxurious immersion into life on the wild side. Watch the wildlife below wake up as you drift across the savannah in a hot air balloon, spot the Big Five going about their business on an afternoon game drive, then sip a sundowner on your terrace while watching an elephant herd rehydrate right infront of you. fourseasons.com/serengeti

Angama, Masai Mara, Kenya

For scenes that are literally Out Of Africa (parts of the beloved 1980s movie were actually filmed here) book a stay at Angama. Perched on the edge of The Great Rift Valley, spacious tents are split between two camps: hilltop abodes that stretch across two kopjes on the edge of the escarpment, and classically African canvas tents dotted among the Masai Mara. angama.com

STRAIGHT FROM THE EXPERT’S MOUTH

Q&A with Mike Mpuche, a field guide at Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe.

How did you become a safari guide?

I was born in Zimbabwe, on the shores of Lake Chivero National Park, where my Father used to work. I spent most of my school holidays with him at one of the first luxury safari lodges in Zimbabwe, so I went on many game drives as a youngster where I fell in love with bush and the seed was planted. In my family of five boys and one girl, all my brothers are safari guides, and my sister is married to a guide. It runs in the family!

What is the wildest thing you’ve ever seen on a game drive?

A brown snake eagle teaching its juvenile how to hunt and kill a snake. It was fascinating to watch the parent teaching it how to attack the snake.

If you could be any animal for a day, what animal would you be?

I would be an elephant. I think they are the king of the jungle, an intelligent herd animal; very good communicators; family-oriented with sophisticated family structures and you can observe them being kind to each other.

Set realistic expectations. Some days you might see plenty of animals and other days less.

Be prepared to be around creepy crawlies – you are in the wild, after all.

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Bliss

Switzerland is known for chocolate box mountainscape, but at the heart of it all Zurich is the city that keeps the country ticking…

Words: Miles Buckeridge

Zurich in the summertime

Winter sports enthusiasts are likely well acquainted with such sophisticated Swiss slope situs as Zermatt, St. Moritz and Grindelwald. They’re home to some of the world’s best known and most exciting ski experiences, as well as glitzy-ritzy off-piste apresski opportunities. Less well known however, are the native charms of Zurich in the summertime. Between June and August, the lakefront city blossoms under the sun and fresh mountain air, giving way to one of Europe’s best kept secrets.

Alfresco disco

Held in multiple locations, across a variety of musical genres – Zurich transforms into an open-air auditorium in the summer months. Hosting festivals such as June’s Blues’N’Jazz Rapperswil sessions at Lake Zurich, the free-to-see Stadtsommer series in July, and Werdinsel Openair on Werd Island in August. Because beats just bang that bit harder in the great outdoors.

Grape escapes

Take a hike pal

Zurich may be a city, but within its surrounds there are many ways to reconnect with nature in a visceral wholesome way. Head to one of the local ravines – we’d recommend Elefantenbachweg, accessible by the Burgwies tram stop. Here you can soak up the endless serene greens, leaf through books under the shade of trees, leap across melt water streams, or saddle up for an appropriate use of your mountain bike.

Switzerland’s F&B reputation is largely built on a mountain of chocolate, with strong supporting roles from fondue and raclette. But you’re missing out if you don’t trace their wine producing story back to its source. Many of the world class vineyards are open to the public, and offer tasting experiences so you can wax whimsical on what notes of honey and juniper you’re getting. Zweifel Winery is a family run business with a 600-year-old legacy and its vines enjoy some absolutely vintage views.