As we are heading into our Spring and your Autumn seasons, it is perhaps one of the best times of the year to visit the spectacular continent of Africa. In this issue we go on magical journeys to showcase the diversity of the types of experiences and accommodation you can find in southern Africa.

We begin in Johannesburg, South Africa for a five-star stay in the fabulous Sandton City hotel in the heart of the city's leafy northern suburbs. In what is known as the wealthiest suburbs in Africa, this hotel has become an icon over the years, situated within the Sandton City shopping mall complex which is literally sprinkled with world-class fashion, jewelry, accessories and designer shoe stores to rival any shopping experience in Milan, Paris or New York.

The hotel itself is elegance and taste personified so whether you are in the city for business or leisure, I urge you book your stay here - you won't regret it!

Then we venture about four hours further northwest for some African safari luxury, indulgence and tranquility. Marataba Safari Lodge is one of the last words in bush magnificence. Bathed in the beautiful surrounds of the Waterberg Mountains, the lodge is a study in understated superfluity, as is their sister lodge, Marataba Trails Lodge. At one with the environment, Trails Lodge has one objective - to make you completely switch off to white noise and tune into the shades of the sounds of the bush - all in magnificent style and comfort with service and gourmet food to match.

In this issue we also meet the very important communities that for part of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated in the world-renowned 65,000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Now guests can discover more than just wildlife on safari here, where community engagement is increasingly a part of the experience. Recognizing a growing desire for guests to truly understand a destination when travelling, there is the chance to visit and learn more about the local communities and culture during a stay.

And last but not least we travel to the pristine southern African country of Zambia to marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the incomparable Victoria Falls.

Contrary to what some believe, there is semi-luxury accommodation to be found here for a very reasonable price and we found it in the form of the Waterfront Lodge, situated right on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The animals interaction experiences we had here will forever stay with me. In the next issue we focus on a truly five-star accommodation experience, also at the Victoria Falls.

So until then, enjoy the month of September in Africa and bon voyage!

Jo Kromberg,

Travel Editor