Commendable Rentals LLC

Classic South Africa

ariel.cardozo@bookt.com

The Classic South African tour offers a blend of cities, countryside, and varied

wilderness eco-systems showcasing a land of many splendors. South Africa has seldom been out of the headlines in our lifetime.

This complex country has 11 official languages and is a first, second and third-world country rolled into one. It has a mix of races, tribes, religions and cultures matched by few other countries. The arrival of the dominating European culture with The Dutch East India Company in 1652, followed by the English and the French Huguenots set the stage for cultural conflict for the following 350 years......not all of it based on colour, however. The Boer/Brit struggles were as significant to the history as was the Zulu domination of large numbers of black tribes. The White/Black cultural clash was more notable primarily because the numbers involved were greater, and the cultural gap was wider.

The absurdity of the apartheid policy was a desperate reflection of the agony felt by the dominant white culture in attempting to find a solution that did not involve their domination by the culture of the majority black population. Extraordinarily, cometh the hour, cometh the men. The change in political control required not only a generosity of spirit, exemplified by Nelson Mandela, but a courageous repudiation of pseudo-religious dogma among the Afrikaner people by Frederick de Klerk. South Africa today faces enormous problems, but there is a spirit in the land that reflects that the people have been to the precipice, and have turned back from it to the broad uplands of hope. We want you to experience this ambiance, but above all we want you to understand this land better, so that your brief sojourn in it will in turn make the country better understood in the world.

There is a spirit in the land that reflects that the people have been to the precipice, and have turned back from it to the broad uplands of hope. We want you to experience this ambiance, but above all we want you to understand this land better, so that your brief sojourn in it will in turn make the country better understood in the world.

JOHANNESBURG

The natural landscape around Johannesburg gives no hint as to why the most important business centre on the African continent should be here. It is only the "mine dumps", the residue of deep underground mining, that gives the game away.The richest gold deposits in the world were the reason for the existence of Johannesburg, and while today gold is relatively unimportant in the economic life of South Africa, its legacy lives on in this thriving metropolis that remains the commercial capital of the country. As an essential element to understanding the foundation and the challenges of today’s South Africa, we have a organized a two night and one day program. First arrivals, and first event, a casual dinner with local friends. We will be staying at the Westcliff Hotel,a 5 star-hotel set in gardens on a hillside

Our activities the the first full day will include a visit to some of the Apartheid Museum, to the Hector Peterson Museum in Soweto, to the Constitutional Court and Exhibit Hall, some Art Galleries, and maybe friends’ famous private garden....Read More

KWAZULU NATAL - CLEOPATRA LODGE

We travel together on a mid-morning plane from Johannesburg to Durban. We arrive in Durban and are off to discover the varied facets of beautiful Kwa Zulu-Natal, from the rugged mountains of the Drakensberg to the unspoiled coastal dunes, both World Heritage Sites.You will be exposed to the history and culture of the Zulus, the largest of South Africa’s varied tribes. World class game viewing with all the "Big Five" is also on the agenda. We will include some great hikes, a bit of horse-riding, some swimming and beach-combing, some historical sights; and Adrian has agreed to allow a small amount of time for shopping for lovely local crafts. We will again arrange for you to meet some interesting South Africans, here too.

Durban is set in lush sub-tropical hills on the coast. It is the third largest city in the country and its port is the busiest on the continent. We will take time for a light lunch adjacent to an African Art Gallery with unique Zulu works before heading inland in a chauffeured minibus to the beautiful “Midlands”. This is an agriculturally rich area set in rolling hills. We will continue to climb in elevation into the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains and to our destination, Cleopatra Mountain House, owned by Richard & “Mouse” Poynton....Read More

KWAZULU NATAL - KOSI BAY

We will depart Cleopatra after breakfast on Tuesday and maybe stop in Durban for a visit to its colourful Indian Market. and a recommended Zulu Art Gallery with excellent Zulu baskets. There are over a million people of Indian extraction in Durban, adding yet another dimension to the ethnic patchwork quilt that is South Africa. Many in this now thriving community trace back their origins to the indentured labour brought in by the British to work the newlyestablished sugar farms.

Our destination, after Durban, is to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Area, where we will head to the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve; we fly over the beautiful coast and over the sugar cane plantations that are one of the important agricultural activities in the province. The unspoiled Kosi Bay Nature Reserve surrounds the rare and beautiful Kosi Bay lake system. It is a tropical paradise of crystal clear water, marshland, swamp...Read More

KWAZULU NATAL – THE WILD LIFE

Once inside Phinda reserve all movementt is by Land Rover, or on foot accompanied by an armed ranger. Award-winning Phinda comprises 23 000 hectares (57 000 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard,elephant, black and white rhino,buffalo) and over 380 bird species,while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

We will be staying at the Rock Lodge, a stunning lodge nestled into a hillside. The first Phinda “Game Drive” will start around 5h30 p.m. and will last approximately 3 hours, and including “Sundowners” in the bush as the sun is setting. Returning to the lodge, dinner is taken either at the lodge or in the “Boma”, the traditional outdoor dining around a camp fire in a structure protected from wild animals...Read More

THE FAIREST CAPE

We depart Phinda after breakfast on Sunday and drive back to Durban, past sugar cane fields and sub-tropical vegetation. We will stop en-route for a lunch and then see a bit more of Durban before boarding our afternoon plane for the two hour flight to Cape Town. From The Cape Town airport, we will be taken by our chauffeured minibus to our Cape Town accommodation, the beautiful Constantia Uitsig Hotel and have a relaxing but delicious dinner there.

We will have three nights at the Constantia Uitsig, set in the vineyards of Constantia, but minutes from the city. “Uitsig” is known for not one, but two excellent restaurants and we will dine the second night at “La Colombe” in a private gazebo...Read More

THE KALAHARI SEMIDESERT - TSWALU

We depart Cape Town by private plane in late morning, arrive at the Oppenheimer family’s Tswalu Kalahari Game Lodge, where we will be staying at Tarkuni or Motse Lodge. When Nicky Oppenheimer acquired Tswalu, his overall goal was "to restore the Kalahari to itself" and to make Tswalu one of the premier wildlife destinations in Africa as well as a premier South Africa game reserve. The area had previously been farmed with little regard for the environment, and as a result the very essence of the authentic Africa it once was had been almost completely destroyed. However, thanks to the destruction of dams, removal of houses and fences and reestablishment of indigenous game such as cheetah and lion, it is now on the road to resembling the real Africa that nature intended.

Activities here include serious game drives in our private Land-rover with tracker and guide, guided bush walks, game viewing on horse, archery, star gazing, sun downers, Meerkat viewing and fantastically soothing massages and spa. The schedule will be similar to that at Phinda, but here, horses are an alternative...Read More

Namibia

ariel.cardozo@bookt.com

For the first time we are adding a trip to Namibia to the South African trips that have now become annual events.

History and geography have combined to ensure that Namibia is less populated and less developed economically than South Africa. It is a rugged land where both animals and humans have had to adapt to the environment, and not vice versa. South Africa's influence on the country has been considerable, given League of Nations' Mandate originating after World War I, and ending in 1966. Today, Namibia's currency, the Namibian dollar, is tied to the South Africa Rand. The objective of the trip is to learn about this extraordinary land, its people, its flora and fauna.

It will be as comfortable as desert conditions allow, and above all should be fun, as we hope all of our trips are.

The trip starts and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa, international gateway to Southern Africa and the country that ruled Namibia under the League of Nations’ Mandate for much of the last century. Our first event is a Welcome dinner followed by a good night’s sleep in preparation for the trip to come. The following morning, we fly to Namibia, where we will begin by exploring Windhoek, the capital city, followed by 1) the major wildlife area at Etosha National Park, 2) the dramatic Fish River Canyon in the south, 3) the NamibRand desert area with its amazing Dunes, also in the south, and 4) the extraordinary Skeleton Coast area in the North West.

JOHANNESBURG

For the first time we are adding a trip to Namibia to the South African trips that have now become annual events. History and geography have combined to ensure that Namibia is less populated and less developed economically than South Africa. It is a rugged land where both animals and humans have had to adapt to the environment, and not vice versa. South Africa's influence on the country has been considerable, given League of Nations' Mandate originating after World War I, and ending in 1966. Today, Namibia's currency, the Namibian dollar, is tied to the South Africa Rand. The objective of the trip is to learn about this extraordinary land, its people, its flora and fauna. It will be as comfortable as desert conditions allow, and above all should be fun, as we hope all of our trips are The trip starts and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa, international gateway to Southern Africa and the country that ruled Namibia under the League of Nations’ Mandate for much of the last century. Our first event is a Welcome dinner followed by a good night’s sleep in preparation for the trip to come. The following morning, we fly to Namibia...Read More

Etosha

On Tuesday morning, 1 March, we will depart from the Westcliff for Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo Airport and our two hour flight to Windhoek. With 250,000 inhabitants, Namibia's capital is the largest city in the country. The town is set at an altitude of 1650 meters in a beautiful valley. Once there, we will be staying at the Olive Grove, a small boutique hotel Everyone will be free to stroll and visit the not numerous sights of Windhoek before dinner. Much of the town’s interesting architecture dates back to German colonial rule. Places to visit include the "Tintenpalast" ("Ink Palace"), which houses Namibia's parliament, the Christuskirche (Christ Church) of the Lutheran parish from the year 1896, the "Reiterdenkmal" from 1912 and the "Alte Feste" (Old Fort); former headquarters of the Schutztruppe and today, Namibia's National Museum. Since 1997, the monumental Supreme Court building has overshadowed the historical buildings of Windhoek. On Wednesday 2 March we will board a private aircraft for a 1½ hour flight to the area of the Etosha National Park, one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves. Etosha Game Park, covering an area of 22 270 square km, was declared a National Park in 1907. If you like either statistics or animals, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, as is much quoted "only one species of fish", which no one seems to be able to identify... Read More

Fish River Canyon: Gondwana Canyon Park

We will fly out from northern Namibia and head southwards. After brief stops at Swakopmund and Luderitz, two coastal towns, we will arrive near the Fish River Canyon, to stay at the Canon Lodge. The Fish River is, at 650 kilometers, the longest river in Namibia. The canyon, situated along the lower reaches of the Fish River, is one of the most impressive natural beauties in the southern part of Namibia. It developed predominantly during the pluvial times - a rainy, climatic epoch about 500 million years ago. With a depth of up to 550 metres, the Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, before the Grand Canyon in America. The enormous gorge meanders along a distance of approximately 160 kilometers through the fissured Koubis massif all the way down to Ai-Ais. The gorge was created both by water erosion, and by the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth's crust. In winter, during the dry season, the river bed is often completely dry or reduced to only the occasional puddle. However, after rainfalls in summer the river can become a raging torrent. The canyon is part of a Nature Conservation Park, the Gondwana Cañon Park at the Fish River Canyon, which now covers an area of 1,120 square kilometers, this concept has been implemented successfully since 1996 by private enterprise....Read More

A Tour of Namibia

Namibia is an awesome land, arid, rough, desolate, but incredibly beautiful, in its vast, moon-like landscapes and endless horizons. It is a photographer's dreamland, a land of contrasts and earthy colours. It is not the place for those who like busy beaches and the social whirlwind, but for those who are drawn to nature, stillness, the romance of the grandiose landscape, desert and expanses. Namibia, is one of the least populated countries on earth for good reason. Survival is difficult for plants and animals; for man and beast. Survival is for the fittest and depends on adaptation to this arid environment, to all the tricks that nature can throw. A Bit of History: Because of its barren coastline, Namibia was one of the last parts of Africa to be colonized by Europeans. In 1883 a German merchant and adventurer, Adolf Luederitz from Bremen, bought the Bay of Angra Pequeña from Nama Chief Joseph Fredericks from Bethanien. He also bought the area in a 20 mile radius around the bay...Read More

NamibRand Nature Reserve

We will fly over the Canyon before heading off northwards to the remarkable Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, owned and operated by the “&Beyond” Group that some of you will know from your experience at the Phinda Reserve in Kwa Zulu-Natal. Here we will experience the haunting beauty of the Namib Desert situated in the foothills of the private NamibRand Nature Reserve. Thanks to conservation efforts, the NamibRand spans 180 000 hectares (445000 acres) of pristine desert wilderness, and is the largest private nature reserve in Southern Africa. In the language of the Nama people of Namibia, the word 'Sossus' means a place where water collects. The word 'vlei' is an Afrikaans word meaning a depression where water collects. Loosely translated, Sossusvlei means 'the place where water collects'. The Namib – known as ‘The Living Desert’ – is a world of vast space, endless horizons, dramatic desert-scapes and jagged mountain heights. Led by Sossusvlei’s expert rangers and naturalists, explore the desert by quadbikes (allterrain four-wheeled motorcycles) or open 4x4 vehicles. An all day excursion to the famous Sossusvlei sand dunes, the highest in the world, and Sesriem Canyon will add to this unforgettable desert-safari experience....Read More

The Skeleton Coast: Flying with the Schoemans

The highlight of this trip is just beginning. Now we embark on the thrilling Skeleton Coast Safari. Much of the area we will cover is National Park to which there is limited access. Louw Schoeman, a lawyer by profession and pioneer of eco-tourism in Namibia, came to know and love the Skeleton Coast and surrounding areas. This led him to take a leading role in its conservation and in the proclamation of the Skeleton Coast National Park in 1971. He then started the well known Skeleton Coast Safaris, the enterprise that his four sons continued and expanded upon. Today, middleaged and wiser for it, the Schoeman brothers are rated as the top experts on the Skeleton Coast and semi-desert areas of Namibia, and have privileged access to the Park. Everything is planned to surprise and delight adventurous souls. The Schoemans use their own aircraft as safari vehicles to transport you from one place of special interest to another, flying at "see" level to give you a breathtaking view before we land and explore by Land Rover or on foot, and later even by boat. You will experience fascinating bird's-eye views of shipwreck remains along the coast, diverse and ever-changing geological formations and the refuges of desert-dwelling animals such as the endangered black rhino and desert-adapted elephant...Read More

European Holiday Rental Professionals Seminar hosted VRMA

susan@commendablerentals.com

Susan Doull, Commendable Rentals’ founder, is to speak at the inaugural European Holiday Rental Professionals Seminar hosted by the Vacation Rental Managers Association

Susan has been selected to speak at the upcoming inaugural Holiday Rental Professionals Seminar hosted by the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), 4-5 December 2012 at the Barceló Atenea Mar Hotel in Barcelona, Spain. “The holiday rental industry is evolving, and this event will bring together, for the first time, holiday rental professionals from across Europe and beyond who are at the leading edge of the industry,” Susan said. “It is an honour to have been selected to speak at this event, and I look forward to sharing the experiences that we’ve had at Commendable Rentals ".

There will also be sessions by noted industry figures, Javier Delgado Muerza of Google Travel on “Internet & the Digital Era” and by Jordi Schoenenberger of Deloitte on the outlook of the European travel industry. Concurrent session speakers from a half-dozen countries will cover a variety of other subjects. The event promises to offer un-matched business and educational tools to help vacation rental managers deliver superior guest and homeowner experienceA committee of industry leaders from around the globe selected her because of her expertise in the vacation rentals industry. Susan, who has been in the tourism, hospitality, and the holiday rental industry for 25 years, will present a session entitled, “Dealing with Complaints in the Age of Internet Reviews”. This session will focus on the practical issues involved in both avoiding, and responding to, complaints.

About Susan Doull

ABOUT Commendable Rentals : Created in 2005 to market internationally, privately-owned attractive properties in Italy, Commendable Rentals’ has grown consistently ever since. That growth has been almost entirely due to word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied owners and from happy travellers. In 2010, the company began to include a limited number of boutique hotels and lodges which it considers complimentary to its rental properties. Today, Commendable Rentals markets some 50 properties in Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, the USA and South Africa, all of which have been visited. Commendable Rentals only deals with properties of character in both major cities and rural areas, provides a up to date marketing effort for the owners of the properties, and seeks to develop long term relationships with the renters of the properties.

ABOUT VRMA: Founded in 1985, the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) is an international, professional trade association of the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Membership includes hundreds of professional holiday rental manager and supplier members representing tens of thousands of holiday rentals.

For more information on the conference visit www.vrma.com or contact Jill Curtis, Director of Membership in the U.S. by phone at +1 (317) 454-8315 or email membership@vrma.com.

The South Africa Trip 4 February to 22 February 2013

giuliana@commendablerentals.com

Commendable Travels

Hands Up for Africa in 2013

The South Africa Trip : 4 February to 22 February

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Hands up for South Africa 2013! We are excited to show you a collection of new places and new South African experiences; half of the 2013 trip will be in new territory for our travellers. This means if you came with us before, and have thought of returning, you will experience much that is completely new. If this is your first trip to South Africa, you will get a wonderful survey of the country. South Africa, of course, is an important country, both historically and prospectively. It's political experience is unique in the world, and its move from apartheid to a free democracy, though exhilarating, has not been without problems.

We endeavour to ensure that you, as our guest, will learn almost everyday, not just about the country's nature and its animals, but also about its history, its peoples, its politics, its opportunities and its problems, and that you will leave with an in-depth understanding of the "Rainbow Nation". As always, we will offer you the opportunity to meet and talk with knowledgeable South Africans deeply involved in the fabric of the nation, as we invite them to join us at various moments during the trip. This is what sets our trips apart from even the best of other tours, and has been so lauded by past guests.

We start as usual in Johannesburg, where International flights arrive. We stay a couple of nights at a new architect-designed and owned boutique hotel, The Residence. We loved The Residence when we visited in May, and think it will offer the perfect blend of exclusivity, relaxation and sophistication for our stay there. There is a pool, of course, tennis courts, a spa, and dining both indoors and out. In Johannesburg, we will visit the Apartheid Museum, the Constitutional Court, a famed private garden, Art Galleries, and Craft Markets, attend a theatrical performance, and meet some interesting (and even famous) South Africans over meals.

From Jo'burg, we fly to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province, and take a charter aircraft for the short flight to Samara where we will stay for three days. Home will be the Mountain Retreat at Samara, where we can savour a life in the African "bush country" while seeing wildlife in stunning landscapes. Our viewing will combine walks and game drives.

Next, we will take another charter flight to the chic Plettenberg Bay and Knysna area on the Indian Ocean coast for a couple of days, staying at the Kurland Hotel, a 12 room "Relais & Chateaux" country hotel set among polo grounds outside of Plettenberg Bay. For those who ride, horseriding is an option, in addition to exploring the coastal Fynbos, and some of the myriad beautiful sites of the famous “Garden Route” (including an Elephant Park).

We then continue westwards, to stop at The Views Hotel at Wilderness, with its spectacular beach. That afternoon, the choice will be the beach or a one hour drive to Oudtshoorn in the Karoo, the "Ostrich Capital" of the World ! The following day we will drive toSwellendam for lunch, before heading to the Grootbos Nature Reserve, near to the favourite coastal resort of Capetonians, Hermanus. The reserve boasts some of the world’s most distinct and unique plant, bird and animal species, in a glorious setting.

After two nights at Grootbos, we head to the wonderfully scenic wine area of Franschhoek. On the way, we will visit the early 18th century national heritage site of Vergelegen, with its Manor House, Gardens and winery. Vergelegen was created by the second Dutch East India company Governor of the Cape Colony. We will also have lunch and a wine-tasting of it's award-winning wines. In addition to being the place where French Huguenots settled and brought their wine-making skills, Franschhoek is considered the "gastronomic capital" of South Africa. Its location in a spectacular valley, with the notable "Cape Dutch" style architecture and the eminently consumable wines, make it an unforgettable experience. We will stay at Le Quartier Francais, a long-established "Relais & Chateaux" right in the town, and thus convenient for strolling to shops and sights.

Then on to the “Mother City” of South Africa, glorious Cape Town, certainly one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world, where we stay at the The Vineyard Hotel under the slopes of Table Mountain. We will choose among visits to the spectacular Cape Peninsular all the way down to Cape Point, the top of Table Mountain, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela spent many of his 27 years in prison), and various sites and museums in the city. Excellent dining will be on offer.

The trip culminates with three days at the Openheimer family-owned “Tswalu Kalahari Reserve”, in the semi-desert Kalahari, arguably the best Game Lodge experience in the country. This is a truly African experience, albeit in a "Relais & Chateaux". Tswalu offers a private lodge where you will feel truly spoiled, the entire big-five, brilliant rangers, horse-riding, and some surprise experiences. From there, we fly directly to Johannesburg to enable our guests to catch their international flights.

We have been able to keep the costs at a reasonable level. The cost of this 18 night trip is Rand 68,200 per person, sharing, (currently about U.S.$8,500, CDN $ 8,400, €6,750) payable by bank transfer to our U.S.$ account. Ask us for single rates. Accommodation at hotels is included on a bed and breakfast basis, while the lodges of Samara, Grootbos and Tswalu are all-inclusive, i.e. with all meals, wine, and activities. All commercial and charter air travel is included, as is road transportation via minibus (except road travel in Johannesburg). Thus the only additional expenditures will be for lunches and dinners at some hotels and restaurants, the shared costs of vehicles in Johannesburg, and discretionary expenditures for shopping, taxis, drinks, etc. International flights are not included. A deposit of 25% is due by 15 October 2012, and the balance is due by 15 December 2012.

We need confirmation of participation by the end of September 2012. There is a minimum group size of 8 people, so if you would like to come with some friends, just let us know. For those committing to this trip, we will provide a detailed itinerary, along with information about visas, climate, clothing etc.

Any questions? Call Adrian at the numbers below on the dates indicated, or email to adrian@comm-inc.com.

We'd love to have you along!

Adrian and Susan Doull

Tel: +33 6524 999 22 (from 11/9/12 to 13/9/12, and 19/9/12 to 13/11/12)
Tel: +39 338 453 7665 (from 14/9/2012 to 18/9/2012)
Tel: + 1 347-257-6674 or +1 843 545 7553 (from 13/11/12 to 2/12/2012)

The East of Africa Trip 25 February to 16 March 2013

giuliana@commendablerentals.com

Commendable Travels

Hands Up for Africa in 2013

The East of Africa Trip : 25 February to 16 March

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Combine the best of African Wildlife, a healthy dose of the sophistication of South Africa, and the bitter, but fascinating taste of the history of the Slave Trade on the East Coast of Africa for a spicy mix and a great African tour. Keep reading to learn more...

The Tour takes off from Johannesburg Airport with a less than an hour’s flight to the east, in the province of Mpumalanga, an area of extraordinary natural beauty adjacent to the Kruger National Park and to Mozambique. Here, we explore by car, on foot, and possibly on horseback for those so inclined, visiting the the remnants of the old towns of the first gold rush in South Africa in the early 1880s, as well as the Jane Goodall Ape Sanctuary

South of the Kruger, the unique and dramatic private golf course Leopard Creek is our home for the first two nights. Guests may play golf on this amazing course frequented by wildlife, but cleverly landscaped to protect the golfers, unlike errant golf balls that may disturb slumbering hippos and crocodiles. Non-golfers may instead chose to visit the Kruger Park and see the wildlife in their more natural habitat. The next two nights will be in the beautiful forest surrounds of Cybele Forest Lodge, a long-established country house for the cognoscenti of Johannesburg. With an impressive spa, excellent cuisine, and great walks in its grounds, we will need to be motivated to to leave the property for the visit to the dramatic Blyde River Canyon, by some measures, the second largest canyon in the world, but in a lush environment, and well worth the trip.

We return to vibrant Johannesburg for three nights, to stay at The Westcliff, an Orient-Express Hotel, that we find irresistible. Our program here includes the remarkable “Cradle of Humankind”, an UNESCO World Heritage Site north west of the city, where our oldest human ancestors have been found. The name Cradle of Humankind reflects the fact that the site has produced a large number, as well as some of the oldest, hominid fossils ever found, some dating back as far as 3.5 million years ago. Here the Sterkfontein Caves alone have produced more than a third of the early hominid fossils ever found. The following day, we will have the opportunity to observe, and acquire, the creative artistic output of South African art at galleries and crafts fair, and in the evening to attend an African performance at a Johannesburg theatre. At least on one evening here, we will host some interesting and well-known South Africans which will elicite some informative discussions.

We leave the affluence of the “City of Gold”, and fly to Nampula in Mocambique, followed by a drive to the historic and tiny “Ilha de Mocambique”, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. An island linked to the mainland by a causeway, this was the capital of the Portuguese colony of Mocambique for four centuries and is one of the rare repositories of historical architecture in the country. The island is a magical mix of colonial Portuguese and old Swahili architecture, and was a major fort for the Portuguese Slave Trade. We will stay in a 6 bedroom Guest House, the Terraco de Quitanas in the “Stone Town” part of the Island, which overlooks the sea.

After a day and two nights exploring there, we fly to Dar-Es-Salaam, the Capital of Tanzania, connecting immediately via a 25 minute flight to the Island of Zanzibar, forever associated with sultans, harems, slaves and spices.

The capital of Zanzibar, Stone Town, is also an UNESCO World Heritage site, and we will spend two nights there in a lovely boutique hotel, Jafferji House, owned by a renowned photographer. We explore the fascinating history of the town and the island, with its curious melange of Arab, Indian and Swahili architecture. We will spend a morning visiting the town on foot, and in the afternoon will visit the ruins of the some of the Sultans' nearby palaces.

After Stone Town, we will visit a Spice Farm, to see and taste the spices that made Zanzibar so famous. After a good lunch, it will then be time to relax for three nights at a 6 villa luxury resort, The Palms, on the eastern side of the Island, but with numerous optional activities like scuba diving, visiting a reserve for the unique “Red Colobus” monkey, taking lunch at The Rock, on an island the size of the restaurant itself, in addition to being spoilt by the wonderful meals and service at The Palms. Think “Lobster”, grilled and served on the beach !

Finally, we fly to Arusha in Tanzania, the central airport for Tanzanian safaris, to spend four days in the Serengeti, possibly the most famous wild life reserve in the world. Operated by &Beyond (the creators of the “Phinda Reserve” in South Africa, inter alia), who acquired some of the best wildlife lodges in Tanzania many years ago and returned them to their former glory, along with a focus on sustainability.

We will stay four nights with the fabled tented "Serengeti under Canvas", following the thundering herds of the Great Migration. This is the best possible viewpoint for this extraordinary annual spectacle. Our camp will move to a variety of private campsites throughout the national park depending on the path of the migratory herds. This is spectacular. Imagine arriving into the midst of moving masses of wildebeest and zebra! Get ready to witness the natural drama as herds brave obstacles and predators to reach rich grasslands.

However, you will not be staying in your average boy scout tents! Comfort and luxury are assured, while in the evening, we will relax under the night sky and sample African cuisine served on sparkling crystal and silver that reflects the sparkling light of millions of shining stars. We'll cluster around a roaring campfire to share stories of the day’s magic and listen to the African night come alive.

In combination with "Serengeti under Canvas", we have negotiated an additional two nights at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, offering something completely different. Nestled in dense forest between the lakeshore and the steep Rift Valley escarpment, this lodge is perfectly positioned to explore the park’s wealth of habitats. Its stilted tree-house suites cradled in the boughs of a mahogany forest are the perfect spot to relax and unwind after the excitement of the Serengeti migration. The Manyara Park is famous for its tree climbing lions, large herds of elephants, as well as flamboyant flocks of flamingos, and amazing bird life, so there will be plenty of wildlife to see.

The trip ends back at Arusha and from there you will head to either Nairobi or Dar Es Salaam airport, for your chosen international return.

This trip will give you one of the greatest wildlife experiences in the world, with unique wildlife and birdlife. You will also get a flavour of the history of the Indian Ocean trade between Africa and Asia, of the Arab influence in Sub-Saharan Africa, of French, British, German and Portuguese colonial activities in Africa and the Indian Ocean, of the slave trade and how it differed from the West African/Atlantic experience, and a perspective on the political and economic changes of these places in the last decade. We aim in all of our trips to provide a blend of history, wildlife, stupendous scenery, exercise and relaxation. These three weeks will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

International flights before arrival in Johannesburg and after Arusha, Tanzania are not included. A deposit of 25% is due by 15 October 2012, and the balance is due by 15 December 2012. If you are constrained for time, it is possible to participate in just part of the tour - just ask us for the pricing.

We will need confirmation of participation in this trip by 15 October 2012. There is a minimum group size of 8 people, so if you would like to come with some friends, just let us know. For those committing to this trip, we will provide a detailed itinerary, along with information about visas, climate, clothing, baggage, etc.

If you would like to put together your own group of friends or family, we can put together a trip like this one, or a 100% South African one, or our Namibia trip, or even a custom designed one. We would be happy to book, organize, and send you on your way; or even to act as your guides if you choose.

Any questions? Send them to info@commendablerentals.com.

We'd love to have you along!

Commendable Travels

Zanzibar!

susan@commendablerentals.com

Zanzibar!

Greetings from highest Africa! That is, from a jet; we are returning from Zanzibar to Johannesburg, flying over Mozambique mountains that peak through clouds, large lakes, and meandering rivers (probably filled with crocs). It looks like fertile exploration ground for a future trip. But for now we are excited about Zanzibar where we have just spent a few beautiful days, exploring Stone Town, the countryside and it’s paradisiac seaside with some of the most beautiful beaches and azure waters anywhere. We were inspecting boutique hotels and lodges for the Commendable Collection and putting together a program for a small group for February 2013, as well as for independent travellers seeking our aid. Zanzibar is a spectacular and lush tropical island set in pale aqua waters, but that is not all. Unlike so many islands designed only for lazing, this one is fascinating. Its history is intertwined with the Sultans of Oman, harems, Arab Princesses, merchants from India, colonisers from Portugal, Germany and England, greedy Slave Traders, English explorers, like Stanley and Livingstone, and the Spice trade, all making a spicy mix indeed. Zanzibar was already a thriving commercial centre in the middle ages and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Seyyid Said bin Sultan, the 19th-century sultan of Oman, made Zanzibar his home and the capital of the Omani Empire in the early 1800's He built magnificent palaces in and outside Stone Town and instilled Muslim traditions, while the clove, ivory, and slave trades made Zanzibar rich.

Stone Town, as the Capital city and also an Unesco World Heritage site, is definitely worth a visit. Its architecture dates back to before middle ages (it s earliest visitors came in 150 AD), when its Swahili civilisation merged with visiting traders and pirates from India, Arabia, Persia and China, criss-crossing the Indian Ocean, bringing metal tools, weapons, and jewellery, and departing with heart-breaking quantities of ivory tusks, tortoise shell, and captured human cargo to be sold as slaves. Zanzibar’s name is derived from the Arab Zinj el Barr, or “Land of Black People”. The African people of the coast intermixed with the visitors creating a distinct Swahili society of language arts, and culture. Swahili is today's official language.

Stone Town reflects this mixture of cultures. Stroll its rather chaotic streets, and see coral and stone houses, with intricately carved wooden doors with script from the Quran, and others studded with pointed brass from India, historically used to fend off elephants. Internal courtyards, and high balconies were part of the Arab tradition.

In Stone Town we received a wonderfully warm welcome at Jafferji House, a recently restored boutique hotel that is deliciously romantic, yet luxurious, taking us back to the 1001 Arabian nights, with antique Sultan’s beds, sensual reds, oranges, and earth colours on its plastered walls, mahogany carvings, brass lanterns internal courtyards, and exotic bathrooms with large sunken tubs. The owner, Javid Jafferji, is a famous photographer and his photographs offer an artistic and anthropologic lesson. We stayed in the bedroom named for Princess Salme, the daughter of Seyyis Said, which delighted us, as we had just finished reading an excellent account of the history of Zanzibar, The Sultan’s Shadow, by Christiane Bird, in which her fascinating and somewhat tragic story featured significantly. If you want an authentic Zanzibar experience, this is the place.

Then we were spoiled royally at three magnificent beach-side resorts, Breezes, Bazara and The Palms, all part of the "Zanzibar Collection". Our time was spent strolling indolently along beaches of fine white powdered sand, and enjoying spas suitable for Sultans. We also visited a local village, its children, and its schools, a , mangrove swamp, and a rare habitat of red Colobus Monkeys who delighted us at close range.

On arrival at Breezes we were offered a fresh coconut to sip with a straw, and were led to see the beach, which is beautiful indeed, but so was the surprise that awaited us. Under a palm frond canopied table set for lunch just some meters from the sea, we sat with our feet in the sand and feasted on fresh grilled fish and lobster and perfectly chilled white wine.

Zanzibar Cuisine: Throughout our stay, we were delighted by the abundant seafood and fresh local fruits, blended with the pungent perfumes of Zanzibar’s famed spices, amongst them clove, ginger, cardamom, lemon-grass, punctuated with the flavour of fresh coconut milk and curry. Lobster in Zanzibar is plentiful and served grilled in the company of prawns and local fish, but we were treated to a cooking lesson by Chef Alan of the Bazara Lodge and learned his recipe for Bahari Lobster, i.e. Zanzibar style. After we watched, we lunched by the sea on this local lobster sautéed with cumin, ginger, julienne of courgette, and blended with fresh coriander and coconut milk. It was served with spicy Zanzibar rice and accompanied by crisp South African Sauvignon Blanc. This was definitely a 10 out of 10 experience.

More about The Palms and Zanzibar will be coming soon. For immediate information contact: susan@commendablerentals.com at Commendablerentals.com

Susan Doull, 22 May 2012

I love Paris in the Winter.....

susan@commendablerentals.com

I Love Paris in the Winter..........

Paris simply thrills, whether you are a first time visitor, or you have lived here a lifetime. We have arrived on a cold night in January, this time staying on the Ile St. Louis, which has a timeless neighborhood feel and is a stroll away from the little bridge that leads to the Cathedral of Notre Dame on the neighboring Ile de la Cité. I cannot imagine anything more beautiful than the intricate stone tracery of those flying buttresses, set off, lace-like against the blue-black night. Or I could not until I entered. No matter what your beliefs, the Cathedral is breath-takingly glorious, and the combination of its soaring arches, massive monumental columns in the chiaroscuro of candlelight, the wavering perfume of incense, and the voices of a choir, is an evocative experience not to be missed.

When Vernon Duke composed "April in Paris" in 1932, he chose not to call it "January in Paris". But while January may not be the acclaimed time to be in Paris, it is still wonderful. Paris charms and seduces at any time of the year. And in January, the bistros seem cozier, the Museum Expositions more irresistible, and the oysters are in season. And besides, its when they have the best sales! If you are a shopper you won't want to miss out.

While France, in a gesture of Franco-American solidarity, has just lost its Triple A rating at one of those fine rating agencies that were so prescient about the financial crisis that they helped precipitate, no evidence of the consequences are immediately visible. There is still an accordionist playing "La Mer" at the bridge connecting the Ile St.Louis to the Ile de la Cité, the Louvre is still packed with visitors, the restaurants are still serving delicious food, and Carla Bruni is still feeding her baby at the Elysée Palace.

With the French Presidential election only 4 months away, politics is in the air and on the air, but for a visitor to Paris, it is possible to be unaware of all of that. What you cannot be unaware of is the cornucopia of culture available in this city. Whatever your interest, and whatever your French language skills, Paris has something fascinating for you. From museums devoted to even the most arcane activities, to performances of every kind of art, Paris doesn't just have it, it flaunts it. And this is January ! Exhibitions at the Grand Palais alone currently include (i) the fascinating exhibition devoted to Gertrude Stein's and her brothers' influence and relationship with the great painters of her period, with many works of the likes of Matisse, Picasso and Cezanne on display, (ii) La France en Relief - From Louis XIV to Napoléon III - Relief maps and models of fortified towns were produced for military purposes from the reign of Louis XIV to the end of 19th century. These incredible objects of quality and size shed light on a range of historical phenomena, including the development and setting of borders, siege warfare and fortifications, map-making, and the transformation of the town planning and the landscape, (iii) Hair & Science - Hair is at the same time familiar and mysterious, revealing its secrets and multiple facets in this exhibition. These are followed by further fascinating events over the coming months. At the Louvre, in addition to its unsurpassed permanent collections, special exhibitions include (i) Georgio Vasari - Drawings from the Louvre - to mark the fifth centenary of his birth, the Louvre pays tribute to Giorgio Vasari, Italian painter, architect, and writer, with an exhibition of the finest of his drawings in the museum’s collection, (ii) Fantin-Latour, Manet, Baudelaire: the Hommage à Delacroix - It was 1863, a seminal moment in the history of art in France: the year Manet sparked a scandal with his Déjeuner sur l’Herbe, and the year of Delacroix’s death. Shocked by the lack of official recognition, for the next Salon, Fantin-Latour created his Hommage à Delacroix. At the Musée d'Orsay, special exhibitions include Degas and the Nude and Imressionism and Fashion.

This is the tip of Paris' cultural iceberg. We cannot spend too much of our time investigating the iceberg further as we have been adding to the Commendable Rental's portfolio of Paris properties. Andelightful addition is an exceptional property in the 7th arrondissement, a penthouse we have christened, l'Orchidée. It's close to Les Invalides, and a stroll from the Eiffel Tower. On the 7th floor of an elegant 1932 building, this apartment has balconies over a wide boulevard with a close up view of Les Invalides itself, and a distant view of Sacre Coeur on Montmartre. It is wonderfully decorated, with quality furnishings, refined taste, and stunning modern art. It offers impressive principal rooms with picture windows on both sides, two gorgeous large bedrooms with elegant bathrooms, and an open plan kitchen to die for.

Also,a wonderfully cosy apartment at Le Marais, we've called Le Rose Violet. Just two minutes from the magnificent Place des Vosges, this is a charming and attractive romantic hideaway with a library/study that is so comfortable that it might keep you there reading instead of seeing the attractions of Paris.

As the charms of winter give way to the glories of spring, and as the chestnuts begin to blossom, and asparagus fills the markets, so do the Paris activities reach full flower. Vernon Duke's song will soon be timely. Stay tuned, we will keep you up to date.

30 January, 2012, Susan and Adrian Doull

Ski Time Pleasures, Chalet Treasures

susan@commendablerentals.com

Ski Time Pleasures, Chalet Treasures

........ Rediscovering Klosters

I have to confess that I am a ski addict and have been since I first buckled into a pair of skis some unnamed years ago. When the first snow comes, I want to tone-up, pack-up and head for one of my favorite mountains.

This year I rediscovered an old friend, Klosters, in Switzerland.The quality of the mountain infrastructure, its lifts, its ski terrain, its snow should put it at the top of anyone’s list as a great ski spot. Klosters earns top marks with its kilometers of pistes and trails, and its endless off-piste possibilities, and its breath-taking high mountain scenery that makes the Alps such a sought-after destination. But Klosters has so much more.

Klosters is a that rare Alpine location where traditional alpine charm, privacy if you want it, a village ambiance, great food, and night life, plus fantastic skiing all come together. The snow this year is extraordinary. Think 5 meters! The variety and extent of the ski terrain is truly stupendous. You will find many days of opportunities for sedate skiers looking for some sun and lunch along with some fresh air and exercise. But there is also plenty of truly challenging off-piste adventures for the experts, who ski anywhere at anytime! We skied with some of those experts, in the company of local ski guides who exchange their summer farming activities for this more sporty and social pastime. The guides were interesting characters themselves, entertaining and of course, so impressive not only in their skiing, but in their knowledge of where every tree and rock might be lurking, and as important, where a cosy restaurant could be found at lunch time !

We skied fast,carving racing turns with Kurt to lunch at the Gotschna Restaurant at Serneus and slightly,frightening powder runs through the trees with Georg to the restaurant at the Parssen Hotel near Kublis. These are charming eateries, thoroughly comfortable and atmospheric family-run places with delicious food. It is understandable that Klosters is and has been a preferred site for European royalty. However, habitués William and Kate were not spotted on this trip.

There is a vibrant social life at Klosters, even in the low season mid-January weeks. We went to see flood-lit Polo in the Snow. Dressed in warm coats, we found flowing champagne and delicious food in a heated tent added to the pleasure ! We enjoyed dinner at the “Wynegg”, a Klosters’s standby with a great Vegetarian platter for non-meat eaters), and typical Austrian dishes, like schnitzel for carnivores. Another night, we ate at the Alpenrosli, which requires a serious taxi drive up the mountain, but results in a gorgeous view over the village. We abstained from sledding down the mountain after dinner - an activity we had undertaken in earlier, less prudent years!

However the highlight of our evenings was dinner at Chalet l’Ours as the guests of its charming and talented owner. She has created what must be one of the most beautiful and delightful private chalets in the Alps, (and its available to rent, fully staffed, to families and small groups, through CommendableRentals. Though steps from the center of Klosters, we enter through a Lantern-lit, snow flanked passage. The chalet offers four luxurious bedrooms, with large, beautiful bathrooms, and inviting details, like fur coverlets. We were charmed. Despite the fascinating guests, one's eyes could not resist wandering to observe the countless little touches that only someone with talent and taste would have imagined. With knotty-pine paneling throughout, cozy fires, and a delicious dinner cooked and served by the chalet staff, it was a truly luxurious Alpine experience. Dinner started with Champagne and “amuse-bouche” Thai Prawns and a crème of cauliflower and truffles served in front of the fire, and continued to a beautifully laid dining table with candle-lit and picture windows displaying the snowy mountain landscape. The chef was truly talented, and the dinner perfect.

Situated on a slope that is in the town, Chalet l’Ours,with its dark wood and red-shuttered exterior, has lovely views over the Klosters village and valley, and is just minutes walk from the Gotschna Cable Car. The Chalet is available for rent; it is difficult to imagine a better place anywhere in the Alps. See it now in the CommendableRentals portfolio.

On our last day we were able to see another of the very few private chalet rentals available in Klosters - the Chalet Marmot. This too has been lovingly decorated in an alpine idiom, and is the perfect spot for a large extended family or a group of friends, as it sleeps up to 11. We are very pleased that this too will soon be in the CommendableRentals portfolio.

20 January, 2102, Susan Doull,