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Ampersand’s treasured travel memories from across Southern Africa

Ampersand’s treasured travel memories from across Southern Africa

Southern Africa specialist, Charmian Supra: ‘No better way to drink your morning tea!’ – Botswana

Namibia features heavily in my most treasured travel memories and it never fails to completely capture my imagination. On one particular trip I travelled the length of the Skeleton Coast up to the Kunene estuary where Namibia borders Angola. Here I was left completely dumbfounded by the otherworldly views: enormous whales splashing in the wild Atlantic Ocean to the one side and the largest desert in the world to the other. Africa never fails to thrill and amaze me, but as a seasoned safari-goer, for me nowhere on Earth compares to the wildlife experiences on offer in Botswana – which I was reminded of on my recent visit to my second home in the Okavango Delta. Having been woken up in my super-comfy and luxurious tent with a cup of tea and homemade biscuit, I was suddenly aware of a loud ‘bark’ at which point, with tea in hand, I wondered out onto my deck and saw an impala being chased by 2 wild dog! All of this a mere 10 feet from my feet! A rare and magical treat and one which will stay with me for a long, long time. 

PR & marketing, Sacha Smith-Laing: 'An island picnic on the Zambezi' – Zambia

I travelled across Southern Africa on my honeymoon and the really standout memories for me were from Tongabezi Lodge in Zambia. It is the perfect place to begin a honeymoon: a dreamy ‘Out of Africa’ oasis stretched along the Zambezi River, a short distance from the drop-dead-beautiful Victoria Falls. Straight after our wedding, minds buzzing with a whirlwind of memories, we wanted somewhere incredibly pampering to put our feet up and reminisce. After a few days relaxing at the lodge, we ventured out to historic Livingstone Island and summoned up the courage to take the plunge into Devil’s Pool – a natural pool perched 167m high at the edge of the Falls – even though my new husband could not swim! But it is the slower activities that stick in my mind as exceptionally romantic, particularly a private fishing trip we took upstream from Tongabezi ending in a private picnic on a pristine spec of an island in the middle of the Zambezi River, complete with a beautifully dressed table with a feast of delicious food and drinks, feet in the sand under the shade of a gnarly tree.

Founder & MD, James Jayasundera: 'A dip in the dunes' – Namibia 

This is as far from the 'gold-tapped' notion of luxury as it’s possible to get, and yet it felt like the most luxurious experience on Earth, and certainly one of my most memorable. I was on a walking safari in Namibia in the middle of desert, hundreds of miles from the closest village. I was camping under the stars in a dip in the dunes, but sleeping in a proper bed with a bedside table, rug and oil lamp – which had all been transported there to create this completely surreal experience. In the morning I was woken up by the camp chef with a delicious cup of tea and a canvas wash basin filled with hot steaming water to wash and shave. The water had been boiled downwind so that I would not be bothered by the smoke from the fire, and carried several hundred meters across incredibly soft sand so that it could be placed at the foot of my bed. It was so thoughtful, indulgent and pampering – the type of travel memory that really feeds the soul. 

To start planning your tailor-made holiday to Southern Africa please contact us:

info@ampersandtravel.com // +44 (0) 207 819 9770 



Client Testimonials

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

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