Sundowners with Lucille

The Lion World Travel Blog

Welcome to the blog of Lion World Travel's CEO, Lucille Sive. In this space, Lucille shares stories (both her own and others) as well as insight from her extensive adventures in Africa.

A sundowner, in colloquial British English, is an alcoholic drink taken at sundown. Think of "Happy Hour" while in Africa. It is common on the evening safari to stop for sundowners as the sun sets. Your guide stops at a scenic spot for everyone to enjoy drinks and snacks while enjoying the sunset and chatting about the day’s events, before continuing with a spot-lit night drive and heading back to camp. Stay tuned to this space for all you need to know about traveling to Africa, including casual chats with Lucille, expert travel tips, and recommendations.

Our Family

May 13, 2020

By Vicki Tollman

Dear Traveler and Treasured Guest,

Wherever you are, I hope you and your family are safe and in good health. This May is certainly different from ones we have known in the past, but one thing that remains the same is that numerous countries around the world will be celebrating Mother’s Day this month. Especially significant this year is the United Nations International Day of Families on Friday, May 15.

Top 10 Instagramable Experiences in Africa

May 10, 2020

Africa has and will always be a spectacular site whether it be visiting the many beaches or private game reserves, there is always something to share or watch on social media when it comes to this beautiful continent.

For more amazing travel inspiration, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Estelle Brand's Fruit Cake

May 10, 2020

We are proud to share the recipe of Nelson Mandela's favorite cake: Estelle Brand's famous fruit cake. The cake was smuggled into Robben Island prison by Christo Brand, who shared it with with Mandela and other political prisoners. It quickly became a sensation in the prison and was frequently requested by Nelson Mandela.

The Essential Cape Town Bucket List: 19 Experiences to Try in 2020

May 5, 2020

With the arrival of the new year, it’s a great time to start planning your dream vacation to South Africa. The Rainbow Nation is home to many exciting attractions, but Cape Town should absolutely be at the top of your South Africa travel to-do list.

To help get you started, we have compiled a list of 19 Cape Town experiences to try in 2020. Make your time in Cape Town as memorable as possible with these exciting bucket list experiences.

Top 10 Africa themed books

May 2, 2020

Looking for a good read to keep you company during these longer days at home, whilst also dreaming of your next trip to Africa.

Lion World Travel has put together our own Top 10 African themed books list, which includes everything from inspiring autobiographies to stories of heroism and overcoming systematic adversity.

Take a look and start reading!

Bea Tollman’s Meringue Layer Cake Recipe

May 1, 2020

Our guests often tell us that the food of South Africa is one of the things they miss most when they return home from their vacations. But just because you’re not in South Africa, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the delicious flavors that the country has to offer. In our latest recipe blog, you’ll learn how to create the divine Meringue Layer Cake that is a mainstay on the dessert menus at the 5-Star Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, South Africa.

Top 10 Africa themed movies

April 21, 2020

A little African movie inspiration for when you're at home, dreaming of Africa. Our Top Movies about Africa list includes everything from family-friendly animated movies, to romantic adventures, to thought-provoking movies on the people and history of Africa. Take a look and start streaming!

Related Safaris: Zambia, A Walk on the Wild Side

Meet Africa's "Little Five"

April 20, 2020

You've probably heard of the "Big Five" – a must-see list of animals to look out for whilst on safari: (Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Lion and Rhino), but did you know Africa also has a "Little Five"? Here is the other must-see list, the “Little Five”. They are the Elephant Shrew, Ant Lion, Rhinoceros Beetle, Buffalo Weaver and Leopard Tortoise.

Africa’s big game is awesome, but there is also a wealth of interesting smaller species including remarkable birdlife, small game and strange insects.

A bush walk is the best time to try to check these interesting creatures off your safari list.

April 14, 2020

By Lucille Sive

Africa is like no other place on Earth when it comes to the variety and majesty of its wildlife. The big five—lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, rhinos—famously call Africa home, but so too do other large animals including one of our guests’ favourites, the cheetah. It’s well-known that cheetahs are the world’s fastest land-based animal; they can reach top speeds of 75 mph during sprints, and it only takes them three seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. But beyond their incredible speed, there is much to learn and love about cheetahs.

Paradise Lost & Found: Reflections On Earth Month