Elephant seal in Cape Town finds its way into suburbia, stops traffic
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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
£1,400 lodges short drive from city you need to book months ahead
An outdoor bath with a side table for a glass of fizz awaits guests at a set of new lodges opening. Chester Zoo is gearing up to launch its long-awaited safari-style lodge resort, The Reserve. The resort, made up of 51 lodges, is set to transform how travellers experience conservation in the UK by combining luxurious accommodation with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the zoo's world-renowned wildlife. The Reserve features beautifully designed lodges, some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras and blesbok antelope roam, and others nestled beside a peaceful lake. READ MORE: Dad 'blessed' to lose both legs does something most people wouldn't even consider READ MORE: I went to a stunning pub surrounded by scenery everyone should visit The new spot will welcome its first guests on Monday, August 18. However, as Chester Zoo CEO Jamie Christon told the ECHO, if you are looking for an overnight stay here, you will need to wait months, and, on occasions, even longer for the VIP suites. The ECHO was invited to experience the Hibiscus lodge, which includes two single beds, a double sofa bed, an outdoor bath, and a floor-to-ceiling tiled shower. It also includes the giraffe feeding experience zone. Jamie said: 'These lodges have their own private giraffe stations. They have a huge terrace with a copper bath for everyone to enjoy, while looking at the animals. All these lodges are sold out for the rest of the year, and some even to next summer. 'In the main room, you have a large king-size sofa bed, two separate beds in a separate room and then a steam shower. All the lodges are very different with all different views. They are totally unique in the UK and totally unique for Zoos. It is something we have been thinking about for years, but now we have managed to do it.' At the time of writing, prices to book on the website were showing at £1,488.62. This was for two people staying at the VIP giraffe lodge for a minimum of two nights. What does the VIP package include? Two-night lodge stay Breakfast each morning Arrival Drink Three-day extended hours access to Chester Zoo Three-course dining experience per person, per stay in the Amboseli Restaurant (excludes drinks) Campfire Stories is an evening event set around the firepit on the lakeside terrace. You'll hear from expert conservationists from the field, plus activities to keep the children entertained. Slots are bookable on arrival. Ranger-guided evening Heart of Africa Safari tour, Giraffe Keeper Kitchen Experience, where you'll get hands-on with enrichment creation and learn all about giraffe care. Giraffe Wake-up experience where you join the keepers to rouse the resident giraffe herd from their slumber, carry out morning preparations for breakfast and make their habitat ready for the day before releasing them into the morning air. The Conservation In Action Experience, where you'll enjoy an interactive behind-the-scenes look at the vital conservation and animal care work that goes on in the zoo, including an insight into live projects happening during your stay. Valet Parking Jamie added: 'The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a game-changer - not just for luxury travel but for conservation. Born from our long-standing commitment to protecting African wildlife, we've created a truly immersive, safari-style experience right here in the UK. "Guests may wake up to giraffes on their doorstep, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and relax in beautifully designed lodges surrounded by nature. But what makes The Reserve truly unique is its purpose. Everything we do at Chester Zoo - now including The Reserve - supports conservation. "As a not-for-profit, every single stay directly funds our groundbreaking work, here in the UK and around the world. That includes protecting black rhinos in Kenya and Rwanda, using AI to fight poaching of giant pangolins in Uganda and working with communities in Madagascar to save precious species like the golden mantella frog. 'Guests at The Reserve aren't just going to enjoy a luxury break - they're going to power our conservation movement for generations to come. "This new venture will help strengthen the zoo's role as one of the country's most loved and most impactful conservation charities. We believe this is the future of travel, where unforgettable experiences and real conservation impact go hand in hand.'
Travel Weekly
4 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Private flight elevates Virgin luxury camps in Kenya
Soaring just 1,000 feet above the ground, I peered down at large families of elephants ambling through the lush green landscape of Kenya's Amboseli National Park. We circled one more time in our small, private charter plane to marvel at the gentle giants before making our way down to the remote landing strip just outside the Finch Hattons Luxury Camp. We had taken off from the recently reopened Mahali Mzuri, located in a private conservancy within the famed Masai Mara National Reserve, and made our way south as part of a new flight package connecting Virgin Limited Edition's two luxury camps in Kenya. We had been late for the flight, distracted by a warthog darting through tall grass and a herd of buffalo we came upon on the way to the dusty runway, but the beauty of a private flight means the plane waits for you. And it was that same over-the-top level of luxury that extended to every moment of the trip. "By facilitating a direct flight between Tsavo West and the Masai Mara, we've eliminated the traditional transit time via Nairobi, ensuring a seamless and luxurious transition," said James Bermingham, CEO of the Virgin Hotels Collection. "This means more time for unforgettable wildlife encounters and less time traveling, solidifying our commitment to providing an exclusive, 'beyond-expectations' vacation where every moment is curated for pure indulgence and discovery." Bermingham called the new flight package "a game-changer" for "guests seeking the ultimate, over-the-top Kenyan safari." Looking out over the conservancy from the deck of the Mahali Mzuri camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Photo Credit: Alison Fox And he wasn't wrong. The private charter flights from Mahali Mzuri to Finch Hattons start at $4,900 each way on Scenic Air Safaris for the 95-minute journey when both camps are included. But these private flights, which can accommodate up to 10 people, include not just the transportation but all the perks of flying private, including accommodating our request for one more loop around the national park to spot more elephants. Alternatively, travelers who start their trip at Finch Hattons can also book flights to Mahali Mzuri starting at $405 per person on local carriers Safarilink and starting at $466 on Fly ALS. The new flight connections are only available during the Great Migration season, which typically occurs between July and October. On a game drive with Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park. Photo Credit: Alison Fox Wild encounters There's no right way to do a safari, but beginning our journey at Mahali Mzuri proved a uniquely special way to start. From the second we arrived, greeted by a curious rock hyrax that called the property home, I could tell it would be extraordinary. Set atop a hill overlooking the Great Migration route, the 12-tent luxury camp offered the chance to spot animals from the 39-foot infinity pool and enjoy elaborate multicourse meals with endless views, all with a warm, come-as-you-are attitude that made me feel all the more welcome. In my room, intricate Masai-inspired beadwork adorned the side table, while a modern aesthetic was complemented with splashes of red and black, celebrating traditional Masai dress. At night, I was lulled to sleep by the sound of hippos grunting in the distance and awakened in the morning by the sun slowly rising over my expansive deck. We hung out with a family of lions, fawned over a baby giraffe just a couple days old, enjoyed coffee while watching elephants and passed by dozens of zebras on the twice-daily game drives through the more than 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy that were included in our stay, ending the day with a glass of red wine by the fire pit while a lone wildebeest looked on in the distance. The view from the private deck of a tent at Finch Hattons. Photo Credit: Alison Fox When we finally got to Finch Hattons in Tsavo West National Park, I was immediately struck by a much different landscape. The wide-open expanse of the Masai Mara had been replaced by thick brush and volcanic rocks piled high on both sides of the dusty road as the dramatic, inky Chyulu Hills rose in the distance. While we drove to get close to wildlife at Mahali Mzuri, here we trekked across leaf-strewn paths and around stocky trees led by Finch Hattons' on-site conservationist in search of hippos, whispering as we went so as to not disturb the fascinating but dangerous animals. We ended the day on the elevated viewing deck, enjoying small bites and watching Mount Kilimanjaro come into view, its peaks backlit by the deep orange sunset. The next morning, we awoke before dawn to climb those same towering Chyulu Hills. I watched the sky turn a dusty pink as the sun strove to peep through a thick cover of clouds before hiking back down to the car, rewarded for my efforts with a breakfast of egg sandwiches and warm coffee while overlooking the expansive park. A tent at the luxury Finch Hattons Luxury camp. Photo Credit: Alison Fox Back in my tent, I wrapped myself in the sounds of birds chirping as I looked out at the natural spring, the camp's resident monkeys dancing across my private deck with seemingly boundless energy. I would head to Nairobi the next day, prepared to board the 15-hour flight back to New York. But in that moment, all I could hear was the peaceful hum of nature, knowing I had enjoyed a special experience between the two unique camps I wouldn't soon forget. Travelers who plan a trip combining both Virgin Limited Edition camps can book starting at $2,500 per person, per night at Mahali Mzuri and starting at $1,405 per person, per night at Finch Hattons. In addition, guests who stay for at least four nights at either camp will receive an extra night for free.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Four children rescued on popular Island beach
Four children were rescued this morning (Saturday, August 16) on a popular Isle of Wight beach. The children, reported to be in difficulty off Shanklin beach at around 10.55am, were brought to shore by members of the public, HM Coastguard said. Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ventnor and Bembridge were sent to the beach and the children were passed into the care of the ambulance services.
