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Tag: Accommodation

13 min read
Africa Destinations Reviews River Cruises

UNIQUE AFRICAN RIVER SAFARI – The Perfect Chobe River Boat Cruise

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Cruising Along the Chobe River Provides a Different Perspective on Wildlife Viewing Than a Traditional Land-Based Safari.   Gliding along the tranquil waters of the Chobe River, where Namibia and…

Cruising Along the Chobe River Provides a Different Perspective on Wildlife Viewing Than a Traditional Land-Based Safari.

 

Gliding along the tranquil waters of the Chobe River, where Namibia and Botswana meet, I embarked on a safari experience unlike any other. Onboard the Chobe Princess houseboat, I had a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife displays – without even stepping onto land. The river offered a unique vantage point for the thriving activity on the riverbank. From magnificent elephants and watchful hippos to resting crocodiles and playful baboons, my two-night Chobe River Safari left me with unforgettable memories. 

In this post, I share the highlights of my Chobe River safari, including how to reach the Chobe Princess, the best time to visit, and what makes this corner of Africa a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. I hope this post inspires you to embark on your own Chobe River adventure.

 

About the Chobe River

The Chobe River begins in the mountains of Angola, flows through the neck of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, forms the border between Namibia and Botswana, and then flows into the Zambezi River.

The Chobe River is the meeting point of four countries – Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. Read on to learn why this created an interesting triple border crossing for me to reach my river cruise boat.

The Chobe River flows for 60 kilometres through Chobe National Park. It serves as a lifeline for a variety of animals, drawing them in for drinking, bathing, and resting. The riverfront is famous for seeing large herds of elephants and Cape Buffalo, pods of hippos, lions, crocodiles, and many bird species.

I cruised the Chobe River with the Zambezi Queen Collection on the Chobe Princess houseboat.

Getting there

Zambezi Queen Collection’s houseboats officially cruise on the Namibian side of the Chobe River. However, because they are quite remote, the easiest access to them is from Kasane in Botswana.

I travelled to the Chobe Princess from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. I arrived in and/or left three countries in the space of one and a half hours: I left Zimbabwe, arrived in Botswana, left Botswana, and arrived in Namibia! Each border crossing required queuing for immigration, filling out forms, and paying for visas. I did wonder if I would have enough pages in my passport to accommodate all the stamps.

After crossing the border from Zimbabwe into Botswana, I was driven into Kasane to cross the border from Botswana to Namibia. Upon exiting Botswanan immigration, a Chobe Princess crew member took me by speed boat to Namibia’s border control and immigration on Impalila Island. Alighting from the speed boat, I had to walk up a hill to get to the Namibian immigration office. Luckily, I could leave my bag with the crew member in the speed boat! At one point, with the immigration building in sight, there was a sign that read, “Take a deep breath, you’re almost there”. At the gate to the immigration building’s enclosure, there was another sign, “Congratulations, you’ve made it”. I later learned that a Chobe Princess manager was responsible for the signs – to make the slog up the hill more bearable!

Having completed all my border crossings, we sped down the Chobe River for about half an hour to meet up with the Chobe Princess, which didn’t stop for me to board. But it was cruising very slowly, so I was able to transfer from the speed boat to the houseboat without mishap.

About the Chobe Princess houseboat

The Zambezi Queen Collection has a fleet of houseboats cruising the Chobe River – the luxury Zambezi Queen and three Chobe Princesses.

Two houseboats are moored to the riverbank.

Two moored Chobe Princess houseboats. I took this photo from the third Chobe Princess.

 

I cruised the Chobe River on the larger (five-cabin) Chobe Princess. My two-night package included all meals, soft drinks and water, local beers and wines, teas and coffee, and morning and afternoon river safaris (water-based game viewing).

I only took a two-night cruise instead of three nights because I had made a last-minute booking. I would have preferred a three-night cruise as I was sad to say goodbye to the Chobe River and my unique wildlife experience.

The houseboat looked tired and could have used some updating. (I understand the Chobe Princess houseboats have recently been upgraded.) My standard cabin was big enough for a king-sized bed, but that was all, and I couldn’t turn around in the bathroom. The electricity struggled and kept cutting out, which meant the cabin never really cooled down, and batteries took forever to charge. The meals were hit and miss, ranging from okay to delicious. However, none of this detracted from my wonderful cruising and game-viewing experiences, and the service was excellent.

The Chobe Princess offered an informal, relaxed, and intimate river cruise with a unique game-viewing experience. It traversed the Chobe River along the banks of Botswana’s Chobe National Park. How far you travel on the river will depend on water levels, as houseboats can get stuck if the river is too low. However, you travel further up and down the river on the Chobe Princess’ safari boat – a small open aluminium boat with an outboard motor (known as a tinnie in Australia).

My African river safari

While the Chobe Princess operates from the Namibian side of the Chobe River, I am sure we were more often in Botswana than Namibia when motoring up and down the river in the safari boat when viewing wildlife from the water!

Game viewing from the river offers a truly unique wildlife safari perspective.

What I learned and saw:

  • Elephants can’t swim. When they cross the river, they are walking on the riverbed. A baby elephant will hang onto their mother’s tail, and auntie comes behind, lifting the baby every so often for its trunk to go out of the water so it can breathe. It’s funny watching these little trunks and nothing else appear above the water. Something you won’t see on a land safari!
Only the trunks and tops of heads can be seen of these elephants crossing a river.

Elephants cross the Chobe River.

 

  • I saw a baby elephant drinking from the river with its mouth instead of its trunk. I learned that baby elephants cannot use their trunks until three months old.
Elephants stand in the river by the bank drinking from the river. A baby elephant is drinking with its mouth and not its trunk.

This baby elephant drinks with his mouth as he hasn’t learned to use his trunk.

 

  • I watched a baby elephant flapping its trunk around because it didn’t know what it was for or how to use it.
  • I saw elephants lying down with other elephants standing in a circle around them, guarding them. When I saw this for the first time, I asked my river safari guide if the elephant was lying down because it was giving birth or was sick and dying. I was assured the elephant was just resting. I later saw several elephants being guarded while lying down, so I had to believe my guide when he said they were just resting and not sick.
Several elephants stand around three elephants lying on the ground.

Elephants protect resting herd members.

 

Several elephants stand around a baby elephant lying on the ground.

Elephants stand guard over a sleeping baby.

 

  • I laughed as I watched a baby elephant make five attempts to get up a tricky part of the riverbank before succeeding.
  • I watched two juvenile male elephants playing at aggression.
  • Cape Buffalos look like a storybook Heidi, with a big bone across their foreheads and turned-up horns like pigtails.
A head and neck closeup shot of a Cape Buffalo.

A Cape Buffalo.

 

  • The hippopotamus is the most dangerous land animal in Africa, killing about 500 people per year. They are massive, fiercely territorial, aggressive, agile in and out of the water, have long sharp teeth in a huge jaw, and can run up to 30 kilometres an hour on land. So, you can understand why hippos are such a fearsome animal to encounter!
A hippo is walking on the riverbank heading for the river.

A hippo heads for the river.

 

  • Hippos don’t poop on land. They poop in the water and use their tails to fling it as far as up to ten metres away.
A hippo stands in the water pooping and flicking it around with its tail.

A hippo pooping in the water and flicking it around.

 

  • Crocodiles were resting on the riverbank, and one was sitting on her eggs.
A closeup, side-on head shot of a crocodile with its eye open and mouth closed but still showing its sharp teeth.

A crocodile rests on the riverbank.

 

  • A social group of baboons down by the river were feeding their young, eating, preening, and playing.
Four baboons of various ages sitting on the ground. One is preening another and a baby is hanging onto its mother's arm.

Baboons on the riverbank.

 

  • Waterbucks are easily distinguishable because of the ‘target’ (white ring) on their rump.
A waterbuck is grazing on a grassy plain.

A waterbuck.

 

  • Giraffes must spread their front legs to drink or eat grass. This makes them highly vulnerable to predatory animals because they can’t get up quickly.
A photo of two giraffes. One has spread its legs to eat the grass while the other is stand close by.

A giraffe spreads its legs to eat grass while another stands watch.

 

Why I recommend a Chobe River Safari on the Chobe Princess

A cruise on the Chobe River offers a unique wildlife safari experience that differs from traditional land safaris. Here are some compelling reasons why I recommend a multi-day Chobe River cruise:

  • Intimate and comfortable accommodation: The Chobe Princess is a small houseboat that accommodates a maximum of ten passengers. While my cabin was sufficient, the service was personalised, the sundeck was furnished with comfortable lounges, and the cruising was relaxed.
  • Abundant wildlife: The Chobe River is known for its dense wildlife population, especially during the dry season when animals amass along the riverbanks. You can spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and various bird species. Since the river provides a natural water source, it’s a prime location to observe animals in their natural habitat, often at close range.
  • Convenient and comfortable game viewing: A river cruise offers a leisurely and comfortable way to see wildlife instead of driving around in a vehicle for hours. You can relax on the Chobe Princess’ sundeck with a drink while enjoying panoramic views as the boat drifts along the river.
  • Unique water-based perspective: Seeing animals from the water as you cruise along the Chobe River provides a different perspective on wildlife than a traditional land-based safari.
An elephant walks along the riverbank while three hippos immerse themselves in the water.

Where else would you get this wildlife perspective except on a Chobe River safari cruise?

 

  • Exclusive and peaceful: Being on the water, you escape the crowds and busy roads often found in popular safari parks. As such, you experience a quieter and more intimate encounter with nature, especially on a smaller vessel like the Chobe Princess.
  • It’s an adventure: Getting to the Chobe Princess (described earlier in this post) was an adventure I wouldn’t miss.

If you love wildlife and an unforgettable safari experience, a Chobe River cruise on the Chobe Princess is definitely worth considering.

A note on when to go

I cruised the Chobe River in early November when the dry season, described as “Lots of wildlife on the riverbanks”, had just ended. The dry season is a time when many animals gather around and stay close to the main water source, and you can watch them as you cruise by.

November is generally the start of the wet season. However, I experienced no rain and wildlife viewing along the riverbank was exceptional, especially for herds of elephants, pods of hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, and monkeys, which were drawn to the water.

 

My two-night wildlife safari cruise on the Chobe River was an unforgettable experience. The combination of the river’s natural beauty, the abundant wildlife, and the comfort of the Chobe River houseboat created a truly magical journey. If you seek a unique safari experience – one where the wildlife comes to you – this is it! 

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a nature enthusiast, a safari cruise on the Chobe River promises an adventure like no other – one that I can’t recommend enough. The memories made during this trip will stay with me for a lifetime.

 

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2024.

 

Where was your favourite river cruise?

I love hearing from you and look forward to reading and responding to your comments. Please join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

 

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The image has two photos: a herd of elephants coming down to the river to drink and a closeup head shot of a Cape Buffalo.

The image has two photos: elephants crossing a river with only their trunks above water and a hippo walking towards the water.

 

Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.

 

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Africa Botswana Destinations Reviews

A WILDLIFE SAFARI ADVENTURE AT SANCTUARY STANLEY’S CAMP, OKAVANGO DELTA

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Luxury Glamping Meets Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters in Botswana’s Okavango Delta: My Honest Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp Review.   Nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp offers an…

Luxury Glamping Meets Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters in Botswana’s Okavango Delta: My Honest Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp Review.

 

Nestled in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp offers an exceptional safari experience where luxury and nature blend seamlessly. Glamping takes on a new meaning at this exclusive camp with spacious, beautifully appointed tents that provide the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. My time here was filled with exhilarating wildlife encounters during unforgettable game drives, where elephants, leopards, lions, giraffes, and other animals roamed freely. What truly sets Stanley’s Camp apart, though, is the personalised hospitality that made me feel like part of the family, ensuring an unforgettable stay in the African wilderness.

Join me as I unveil the charming appeal of this wilderness sanctuary and relive moments of wonder, awe, and connection with nature.

 

Sanctuary Retreats owns and operates luxury safari lodges and camps in Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Namibia. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp, named after the explorer Henry Stanley, is one of two Sanctuary Retreats’ camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.  It is in a large private concession on the southern tip of Chiefs Island and shares a border with the Moremi Game Reserve.

Stanley’s Camp is accessible by air. A flight from Maun takes about 15 minutes, and a flight from Kasane takes about 90 minutes. The camp itself is about a 20-minute drive from Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp’s private airstrip.

I flew to Maun in Botswana from Johannesburg in South Africa – a two-hour flight. For the first time in my extensive travels, check-in at Johannesburg Airport weighed my carry-on bag. Luckily, my two bags were under 20 kilograms when weighed together – the maximum limit for my light aircraft flights to and from Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp.

From Maun, I took a Mac Air flight to Stanley’s Camp. The plane was a six-seater – seven if you account for the pilot, and he probably should be included! The flight took ten minutes, and I had fantastic aerial views of the Okavango Delta.

Three of us got off the plane at Stanley’s Camp airstrip, which was simply hard, packed earth (like baked clay) but well maintained. At the airstrip, a Stanley’s Camp staff member met us in an open-sided 4X4 game drive vehicle. Before we could drive away, we had to wait for the plane to be airborne to ensure it took off okay.

About ten minutes from the airstrip, we stopped for a welcome ‘picnic’ in the bush, which included champagne, juice, soft drinks, and nibbles. I was grateful for the cold washer, and we were each given a water bottle with our name on it, which we were allowed to keep. These bush picnics would become a regular event over the next several days.

The advised 30-minute drive to the camp took 50 minutes, as we had to keep stopping to take photos of the elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest we encountered.

Arriving at the camp, the staff welcomed us with a song of greeting, a cold washer, and more drinks. In the meantime, the female staff (housekeeping) took our bags to our tents, carrying them on their heads. For my housekeeper, that was 12 kilos on her head! We had arrived at the camp in time for high tea (4.00 pm), which we had while checking in.

Check-in was more of a safety briefing:

  • We can walk around the camp on our own during the day but never at night.
  • Our guide must always escort us to and from our tent at night. Guests are allocated a group guide for the duration of their stay.
  • We must never use the pool at night.
  • Drink lots of water.

These safety precautions are necessary because wild animals – hyenas, monkeys, elephants, etc. – regularly enter the camp area.

After our safety briefing, a staff member showed me to my accommodation. The accommodation at Stanley’s Camp is glamping at its best. For those unfamiliar with the term ‘glamping’, it is a glamorous alternative to traditional camping. Stanley’s Camp has ten tents, all with views over the floodplains. ‘Tent’ does not adequately describe the accommodation. The tent is a luxurious, spacious room with a king-sized bed, an ensuite bathroom that doesn’t lack any facilities, and a large veranda with a daybed; it just has canvas for walls and roof. There’s no air conditioning, but the room has a ceiling fan and a standard misting fan, and the canvas walls roll up to allow the breeze to flow through.

A tent is furnished with a bed, mosquito netting, chairs, and des. The tent has a chair and travel bag on the porch.

Glamping at Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp. (Courtesy of Sanctuary Retreats’ Trade Image Library)

 

My housekeeper pointed out the essential facilities in the room:

  • Insect spray (called Doom – appropriate name!),
  • personal mosquito spray (called Peaceful Sleep – I hope so!),
  • torch,
  • alarm horn (to scare intruding predators away),
  • emergency radio (walkie-talkie – hope I don’t need that!), and
  • WiFi is only available in our tents.

After settling into my tent, I met my guide for a mokoro safari through the waterways of the Okavango Delta. A mokoro is a traditional canoe that is propelled through the water by standing in the stern and pushing with a pole. While lazing in the mokoro was very relaxing, I was disappointed with this activity as I saw nothing but water lilies and reeds. I am not sure what I expected, but a few water buffalo or birds would have made the experience more interesting. I needed to remind myself that wildlife sightings are, to a great extent, unpredictable. However, on the drive to the mokoros, we came across a leopard sitting under a tree and spent some time taking photos before he left the shade of the tree, checking us out as he left the area.

A leopard walks in the long grass as he faces the camera.

A leopard checks us out as he walks past our safari vehicle.

 

After the mokoro safari, drinks and nibbles were served in the bush by Stanley’s Camp staff before returning to camp.

Two men prepare tables of food beside a waterhole with trees behind them.

Stanley’s Camp staff set up our mokoro safari ‘picnic’.

 

Back at camp, there were more drinks and the essential cold washer before being escorted to my tent to get ready for dinner.

Later that evening, my guide escorted me to the central tent for dinner. The food was excellent, as too was the coffee. During dinner, staff informed us that the plan for the following morning would be a wake-up call at 5.15 am, breakfast at 6.00 am, and leave for a game drive at 6.30 am. I questioned how staff managed a wake-up call given there was no phone in our tents – thinking the call might come via the emergency radio. One of the other guests informed me that a ‘wake-up call’ meant tea or coffee brought to your tent by staff. Now that’s civilised!

At dinner, I was given a handmade reed bracelet with my name woven into it. Such a nice gesture!

In addition to having all our meals in the central tent, it proved to be an idyllic place to socialise with the other camp guests.

A tent is furnished with couches, chairs, a dining table and chairs, and a bar.

Stanley’s Camp central tent. (Courtesy of Sanctuary Retreats’ Trade Image Library)

 

I was sorely tested during my first night’s sleep, as I am sure I slept with every insect known to man. I sprayed myself in Peaceful Sleep and sprayed the bed in Doom, but it made no difference! And it was hot! I learned to encase my bed in the mosquito netting BEFORE leaving for the afternoon game drive.

On the morning of my first game drive, I was not only woken by my coffee wake-up call but also by several small monkeys making a racket in the trees outside my tent.

My Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp four-night package included accommodation, all meals, and game drives (morning and afternoon). I had come for the game drives, especially to see elephants and hippos, and I wasn’t disappointed. The excellent accommodation, delicious meals, and attentive staff hospitality were an added bonus – the icing on the cake!

On that first morning’s game drive, we saw so much wildlife. In the first hour, there were warthogs, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, impalas (easily distinguished from other antelope because of the black stripes on their rear end), and one lone bull elephant. There was no more wildlife for the next three-quarters of an hour, and I thought that was it. Then we came across a couple of saddle-billed storks, soon followed by a group of elephants. More wildlife quickly followed: different types of antelopes, four or five herds of elephants, a large flock of stocks fishing in a pool of water (different to those seen earlier), baboons, more warthogs, lots more buffalo, and cross it off my bucket list, a pod of hippos in a waterhole. The zebras had several foals in the herd, while the elephant herds had elephants of differing sizes (ages).

An image with four photos of African wildlife - a herd of elephants, hippos in the water with just their eyes visible, a herd of zebras, and impalas with their backs to the camera.

Wildlife seen on the morning game drive – elephants, hippos, zebras, and impala.

 

An image with two photos: three giraffes of differing sizes and a red-billed black and white stork.

Wildlife seen on the morning game drive – a giraffe family and a saddle-billed stork.

 

At 9.30 am, we stopped in a clearing in the bush for coffee/tea and muffins. There’s that picnic again! Always welcome after such an early breakfast.

Usually, a game drive lasts three hours, but this one lasted five hours as we had to take a couple of guests to the airstrip for their flight out of Stanley’s Camp. The plane had to abort its first attempt at landing because there were impalas on the airstrip. Once again, we waited for the plane to take off before continuing our game drive.

As I lay on my bed resting between lunch and high tea, I watched monkeys darting around outside my tent and heard antelope (at least I hoped it was antelope) munching on the grass on the other side of my canvas wall.

We spent most of the afternoon game drive looking for lions. Lion tracks could be seen, but there were no lions or any other wildlife, for that matter. However, after two hours of nothing, we came across impalas and giraffes, several warthogs (nature’s ugliest animal?), a lone wildebeest, kudus with their distinctive white stripes down their backs and pink colouring inside large ears, and a large herd of elephants (the largest I have seen so far).

An image of four photos: a baby elephant peeking out between two adult elephants, a warthog, an elephant up close, and a kudu.

Wildlife seen on our afternoon game drive – a baby elephant peeking out between two adult elephants, a warthog, an elephant up close, and a kudu.

 

As the sun lowered in the sky, a hippo suddenly emerged from the bushes and ran across in front of the vehicle. They can run very fast – no wonder hippos are Africa’s most dangerous animal, with the most human deaths attributed to them. When we rounded the corner of a clump of trees, there was a lagoon with many hippos in it. I was thrilled. Hippos and elephants were what I had come to Botswana for. We stopped by the lagoon for our game-drive coffee and snacks, which I barely had time to consume because I was taking so many photos of the hippos in the lagoon.

Several hippos are looking towards the camera while submerged in the water. One hippo has his mouth wide open.

A pod of hippos – seen on a game drive in the late afternoon.

 

Four hippos have just their heads above water while one of the hippos has his mouth wide open, exposing his teeth and jaw.

A male hippo shows his domination by displaying his teeth and jaw.

 

What I learned today:

  • The darker the patches on a giraffe, the older the giraffe. The giraffes seen this afternoon were very old according to the colour of their patches.
  • The patches on a giraffe are like human fingerprints – the patch patterns are unique to each giraffe, just like the stripes on zebras.
  • Wildebeests are herd animals; seeing one by itself means it is old and has been kicked out by the herd.

Back at camp, I bought a beautifully carved wooden hippo at the camp’s shop to celebrate seeing hippos in the wild. The staff wrapped it tighter than a sausage, binding it in sticky tape to protect it from damage. Customs in Australia will have a hard time opening it to check the wood.

We had dinner tonight under the stars, around the campfire. The sky is unhindered at Stanley’s Camp, and the night sky is a mass of stars.

My second morning’s game drive started with a wake-up call at 5.15 am and leaving camp at 6.00 am before breakfast. The early start was because we were driving to Moremi Game Reserve for our game drive. Since we missed breakfast, the staff had packed extra food for our mid-game drive picnic. So, instead of morning tea, we had brunch.

The game drive through Moremi Game Reserve was uneventful. However, we did see a couple of honey badgers, which is rare.

This day, lunch was not back at camp but was set up in the veld by staff who had brought everything from the kitchen. It was a lovely setting, with zebras roaming in the distance, and a unique experience.

I spent the afternoon reading on my veranda’s daybed while watching two elephants getting closer and closer to my tent.

I must admit that after a couple of days of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, game drive picnics, and high teas, I started skipping meals. We were fed so often at Stanley’s Camp that I just wasn’t hungry by the evening meal.

On my final game drive, I saw elephants, kudus, and heaps of impalas. But the highlight was photographing a leopard chilling out in the branches of a tree.

A leopard hangs over a tree branch with his feet and tail dangling down.

A leopard relaxes in a tree as he surveys his territory.

 

Why I recommend Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp

  1. The accommodation at Stanley’s Camp is glamping at its best. The ‘rooms’ are comfortable and beautifully fitted out, and they are an ideal place to relax and wind down after a game drive when you want time to yourself.
  1. Stanley’s Camp feels intimate, with only ten tents (‘rooms’).
  1. Your tent is situated on the edge of a vast, open plain (veld), offering an uninhibited view of wildlife roaming across it.
  1. The attention provided by the staff was individual and personalised. Having the same guide throughout my stay ensured my needs were met, even when they didn’t have to be! When I opted to forego an afternoon game drive for a rest, my guide arranged for high tea to be brought to my tent. I believe he went above and beyond – meeting my wants rather than my needs. I could not fault the staff and management.
  1. The game drive vehicles at Stanley’s Camp were open-sided, making spotting wildlife much easier. As Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is on a private concession, we could get up close to animals (always when safe to do so).
  1. Staff care about your welfare. When I got sunburnt (pack the sunscreen!), a staff member phoned its sister camp in the Okavango Delta for sunscreen for me. Unfortunately, there was none to be had! We were travelling on dirt roads on game drives and could be tossed about in the vehicle. When going over particularly rough sections, our guide would turn around and ask if we were all still in the vehicle.
  1. Wherever I travel, I will always seek out high tea venues. When I booked Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp, I was unaware that high tea was included. That it was served every afternoon was a delightful bonus.

Ask yourself, why would you not stay at Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp? From a seasoned traveller and someone who lived in Namibia for several years, I highly recommend a wildlife safari holiday at Stanley’s Camp.

A note on when to go

I travelled to the Okavango Delta in early November. In hindsight, it was not the ideal time to go, as it was very hot and humid due to the late start of the wet season. There was no escaping the heat, something I usually thrive on. My guide told me the temperature over the three full days of my stay had been 38, 41, and 43 degrees Celsius, respectively, with the humidity at 88%. What rain I did see (on my final evening) lasted five minutes and didn’t even wet the ground.

While the timing of seasons can be unpredictable, perhaps it is best to take your African safari in Botswana at the beginning of the wet season rather than at the end!

See here for the best time to visit the Okavango Delta. My trip to Botswana had been a last-minute decision due to an unforeseen need to change travel plans, and I did not consider the weather!

 

My stay at Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta was nothing short of extraordinary. From the luxurious comfort of glamping under the African sky to the thrill of witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat, every moment felt magical. The attentive and warm hospitality from the staff only enhanced my experience, making it feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-timer, Stanley’s Camp offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. It’s a place where nature and luxury harmonise, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

I highly recommend Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp as your destination of choice.

 

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. Unless specifically stated, all photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2024. All rights reserved.

 

Where was your favourite African safari?

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This is an image with two photos: the furnished interior of a luxury tent showing a bed, chair, and desk and a leopard hanging from the branch of a tree.

This image has two photos: a large tent furnished with couches, dining tables and chairs, and a bar and a giraffe family (mum, dad, and baby).

 

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A wide waterfall cascades down the escarpment into the gorge below.SEE THE POWERFUL VICTORIA FALLS BY LAND AND AIR – My Photo Guide (2024 Updated).    See my landscape and aerial photos to inspire you to visit Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. A bucket-list destination!

 

A large herd of elephants come down to the riverbank to drink.UNIQUE AFRICAN RIVER SAFARI – The Perfect Chobe River Boat Cruise. Join me on my unforgettable two-night Chobe River safari cruise. Experience incredible wildlife encounters that are only possible on a water-based safari.

 

An image with three photos of a pool surrounded with lounge chairs and umbrellas, an elephant throwing dust over itself, and morning teas served on the bonnet of a jeep.STAY AT LUXURY ZAINA LODGE IN GHANA FOR AMAZING WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS. Looking for a unique African safari experience? Zaina Lodge is a luxury safari destination in Ghana’s Mole National Park. Explore how to get there, when to visit, and what makes Zaina Lodge stand out. Get inspired for your next journey!

 

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Asia Destinations Reviews Sri Lanka

HOW TO SPEND ONE PERFECT DAY IN GALLE FORT – Your Ultimate Guide! (2024 Updated)

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See Sri Lanka’s Colonial Galle Fort – a Must-Visit World Heritage Site Best Explored on Foot.   Welcome to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic landmark…

See Sri Lanka’s Colonial Galle Fort – a Must-Visit World Heritage Site Best Explored on Foot.

 

Welcome to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic landmark on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Galle Fort is a living testament to the island’s rich history and cultural fusion, offering visitors a unique and immersive e experience. Its cobblestone streets, ancient ramparts, intriguing museums, and vibrant markets make it a must-visit destination for any traveller to Sri Lanka.

This comprehensive guide takes you on a leisurely walk around Galle Fort. You’ll discover its historical sites and hidden gems, including the iconic lighthouse and historic Dutch Reform Church. As an ‘ultimate’ guide, I have included personal suggestions on where to eat, where to stay, and when to go.

From walking atop its well-preserved ramparts with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean to exploring its maze of streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and museums, Galle Fort captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural heritage.

So, whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing walk around a beautiful, quaint city, Galle Fort is perfect for you. Follow my guide and spend one perfect day in Galle Fort, exploring the best of what it has to offer.

 

Why visit Galle Fort?

Galle Fort is rich in history, with 400 years of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonialism. Built by the Portuguese in 1589, the Dutch seized the Fort in 1640 and extended its fortifications, which survive to this day. The British modified the Fort after the Dutch handed it to them in 1796. Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains the best example in south and southeast Asia of a fortified town built by Europeans.

Galle Fort is protected by a wall (ramparts) with 14 bastions that have seen little change since the Portuguese completed it in 1729. The fortifications run for 3 kilometres and are over 1 metre thick. Inside the Fort is a mixture of architecture, with Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, and grand mansions. Here, you will find cafés, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and hotels. It is also a thriving commercial centre.

With a relatively flat area of only 0.52 square kilometres within the fortifications, Galle Fort is easy to walk around and see everything. It is also a good base for day trips to the southern beaches, gardens, tea factories, rain forests, and nature walks. 

Sri Lanka holds some memorable highlights for me, such as walking the railway line between Ella and Demodara, our visit to Geoffrey Bawa’s garden, and a perfect day exploring Galle Fort.

Galle Fort location and getting there

Galle Fort is a historically fortified town, with the New Town of Galle outside the walls. The Fort is on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 126 kilometres (78 miles) down the west coast from Colombo (Sri Lanka’s capital).

I travelled to Sri Lanka with my sister and brother-in-law for a three-week trip around this teardrop-shaped island. Ours was a private tour with a personal driver, the most comfortable way to get around. However, given its size, travelling around Sri Lanka by taxi, bus, and train is also possible as distances between sights are relatively short.

For a comprehensive guide on getting around Sri Lanka, check out Nerd Nomads’ travel blog post.

We took the coast road to Galle rather than the expressway at our driver’s suggestion. While taking the expressway would have been quicker (approximately 1.5 hours as opposed to approximately 3 hours), the coast road, according to our driver, is more interesting and scenic. And it was! Hugging the coastline, we passed through many small villages that provided a glimpse into local daily life, where farmers and fishermen continue to live and work as they have done for generations.

The drive down to Galle was our first real experience of driving in Sri Lanka. I have been in many countries where I thought the general population were terrible drivers, but Sri Lankan drivers take the prize. Their idea or practice of passing is downright scary.

Picture this: You have a two-lane road barely wide enough for two cars, with one lane for each direction. Suddenly, your lane has three vehicles side-by-side (including your own, with your driver on his mobile phone) as two vehicles want to pass one, and a bus is coming in the opposite direction. No one gives way as all four vehicles come level with each other, and all you can do is close your eyes and hold your breath. And yet, I never saw an accident!

I learned a valuable lesson on this drive – don’t ever think of doing a self-drive holiday in Sri Lanka, as you may never survive the experience. Their driving and use of the roads are, for these foreigners, positively frightening. My brother-in-law was never able to relax when we were driving. For some reason, he always managed to get the seat with a clear view out of the front windscreen, causing him to remain transfixed on the traffic and in a perpetual state of anxiety.

Galle Fort walking guide

We decided on an early start for our walk around Galle Fort, its bastions, ramparts (walls), and landmarks so that we would be finished before the day got too hot. In hindsight, it makes no difference in April, heat-wise, what time of day you venture out, as it is always very hot and wet (humidity, not rain).

After a leisurely breakfast at the Fort Bazaar (our hotel) of fresh fruit, bacon and eggs, and freshly ground coffee, we set off on our self-guided tour (walk) of Galle Fort. Following our route, you will visit all the major attractions and more.

A colourful tourist map of Galle Fort showing the rampart bastions and major attractions.

Gall Fort tourist map (Courtesy of Fort Bazaar)

 

Walking up Church Street (Galle Fort’s main thoroughfare) towards the main gate and the Clock Tower, we passed All Saints Anglican Church with its distinctive stumpy steeple and the Maritime Archaeological Museum.

Two people view colonia buildings, including a brick church with a short steeple.

All Saints Anglican Church with its distinctive stumpy steeple.

 

Our first stop on Church Street was at the Dutch Reform Church (corner of Church and Middle Streets). Originally built in 1640 and completed by the Dutch in 1755, the church is still in use. Tombstones removed from Dutch cemeteries are laid on the floor of the Dutch Reform Church – the oldest date from 1662. There are more tombstones in the church’s grounds.

Street view of the front of a white church next to another low-lying building.

Street view of the Dutch Reform Church next to Galle Fort’s library.

 

Tombstones are inlaid in the floor of a church.

Tombstones on the floor of the Dutch Reform Church.

 

Leaving the Dutch Reform Church, we continued up Church Street, making our way to the Clock Tower, our starting point for our walk along the Fort’s ramparts.

Heading east and past the Main Gate, we walked up onto the ramparts at the Moon Bastion, with its large Clock Tower built by the British in 1882.

Moon Bastion has an unhindered view of the ocean and is considered one of the main bastions of the Fort. It was built by the Portuguese in 1620 and strengthened by the Dutch in 1667 with a strong firepower base, including 16 canons. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of National Heritage has converted Moon Bastion into an art gallery with statues, sculptures, and art that depict people and events that mattered in the past.

From here, you can see the length of the northern ramparts (east to west) to the Star Bastion and Sun Bastion.

The northern ramparts are the most heavily fortified section of the ramparts as they protect the most vulnerable side of the Fort – the landward side. The Indian Ocean surrounds Galle Fort on three sides.

For those cricket fans: These northern ramparts, especially at the Sun Bastion, provide a good view of the Galle International Cricket Stadium outside the Fort. This massive, 30,000-seater stadium has hosted more than 100 one-day international matches. Australian bowler Shane Warne claimed his 500th Test wicket at the stadium in 2004. In 2010, Sri Lanka’s legendary cricket player, Muttiah Muralitharan, played his last match at this venue. However, as of July 2018, Galle International Cricket Stadium was at risk of losing its UNESCO World Heritage status due to the unauthorised construction of a 500-seat pavilion.

Turning south at the Sun Bastion, we came to the Fishmark Bastion, built to protect the local fishing boats.

Two fishermen are cutting up fish on the beach with a boat behind them and one man buying fish.

Fishermen sell their catch of the day below Fishmark Bastion.

 

We left the ramparts at Fishmark Bastion to walk through Court Square, where we stopped at the Old Gate. This gate was the original entrance to the Fort and the only section of the Portuguese fortification that remains. The Fort side of the Old Gate is inscribed with the Dutch East India Company’s coat of arms, while the port side of the gate is adorned with a British coat of arms (which replaced the original Dutch crest).

Court Square is shaded by magnificent, massive banyan trees with branches that seem to spread forever. The Square houses the law courts (with the lawyers standing around in their black suits) and the Old Dutch Hospital (the white, two-story building on the left in the photo below). The Old Dutch Hospital is now home to shops and cafes.

Colonial buildings surround a large square with massive banyan trees. Two people on a motor bike and three people walking are in the Square.

Court Square with its massive banyan trees.

 

Heading south down Hospital Street, we found ourselves at the Point Utrecht Bastion, which is dominated by Galle Lighthouse. The British built the current lighthouse in 1939 after the original was destroyed by fire. With the lighthouse standing 26.5 metres high (87 feet), the light has a range of 47 nautical miles (87 kilometres / 54 miles) and is still in use. Galle Lighthouse is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station.

A group of people stand in front of a stone and cement lighthouse. The photo is in black and white.

Galle Lighthouse on Point Utrecht Bastion.

 

We climbed back onto the wall at the lighthouse and walked along the southern rampart towards Flag Rock. Along this south section of the wall, families gathered on the shaded grass, picnicking and playing cricket.

Walking past the Meeran Jumma Mosque, which looks very much like a European Baroque church, we came to Flag Rock, located on the southernmost end of the Fort. People dive from Flag Rock into the ocean – described as daring free-style divers. I saw a young man run along the top of the rock and dive from it. “Idiot” might be a better description than “daring”. “Clearly potty” is how one guidebook describes these jumpers. Perhaps they have insider knowledge of exactly where the submerged rocks are.

The top of a white mosque

Meeran Jumma Mosque

 

A boy dives off a rock into the ocean while other boys look on.

Local boys dive off Flag Rock.

 

We finally headed north as the ramparts hugged the west coast. We ended our ramble along Galle Fort’s ramparts near the army barracks, just before the Clock Tower where we had begun. Here, we cut across the village green past the Army Barracks, as I had thrown a hissy fit, being upset that we were still walking in the heat. This was a shortcut back to our hotel and a welcomed decision.

The guidebooks and tourist brochures inform you that the walk along the ramparts will take 90 minutes. We took almost twice that length of time due to the heat and constant stopping to take photos. It’s surprising how hard it is to lift your feet when weighed down by heat and humidity!

We made a couple more stops before returning to our hotel for a well-earned rest in our air-conditioned rooms.

We felt a long, cool drink on the wide veranda of the luxury Amangalla Hotel was warranted before visiting the Historical Mansion Museum (at 31-39 Leyn Baan Street – entrance is free). This museum has an extensive private collection of antiques and miscellaneous objects (described by one guidebook as “outright junk”). The collection belongs to Abdul Gaffar, a local gem merchant, and is displayed in an old Dutch mansion. In my opinion, Gaffar has a serious hoarding problem, with rooms and cabinets stuffed full of old typewriters, cameras, telephones, crockery, spectacles, jewellery and old Chinese memorabilia. To describe this collection as bizarre is to be very kind and generous. It was just downright weird! For that reason alone, it is worth the visit. The museum does provide insight into some traditional crafts with presentations of lace embroidery, gem cutting and jewellery making. However, be cautious if you have asthma because the museum is very, very dusty.

Where to eat

Lunch on our walk was at the Serendipity Arts Café (65 Leyn Baan Street), which one guidebook recommended. The food was good. I had a delicious chicken club sandwich, which was not very imaginative of me.

Our first night’s dinner was in the restaurant at the Galle Fort Hotel (at 28 Church Street), which was recommended by guidebooks.

The Galle Fort Hotel was a former gem merchant’s mansion. The restaurant’s setting was picture-perfect, with the tables on the wide veranda overlooking the pool and garden.

We had dinner at The Fort Printers (39 Pedlar Street) on our second night in Galle Fort. This elegant, small private hotel (a restored 18th-century mansion) was a printing facility in its former life. The original printing press is on display in the hotel lobby. We discovered this hotel on our morning walk. I found the menu limiting as I am allergic to seafood, which was the restaurant’s specialty. My sister and brother-in-law have no such allergy and loved the menu choices. However, the menu included chicken, lamb, and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant is in a lovely setting in a courtyard around a small pool. We were tucked into an alcove at the side of the courtyard that afforded a good level of privacy, which was just as well as our conversation became quite lively and animated. Even so, our waiter did not forget us. The staff were friendly, attentive, knowledgeable about their menu, and ready to answer any questions. The food was so good we went back a second night.

Where to stay

We stayed three nights at Fort Bazaar inside Galle Fort’s fortified walls.

Fort Bazaar (at 26 Church Street, Galle Fort) was formerly a 17th-century merchant’s townhouse. Opening in 2016, Fort Bazaar is a small, luxury boutique spa hotel. Its 18 rooms are spacious, cool, and contemporarily furnished with comfortable four-poster beds. It is in a central location within the Fort, and complimentary tea and cakes are served daily between 3.00 and 4.00 pm on the terrace. My kind of hotel! I could not fault the staff, who were friendly, attentive and helpful. It was Sri Lankan hospitality at its best!

When to go

The weather can significantly affect your travel experience and will probably be one of the most important factors in your decision when to visit Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with a dry season and two wet (or monsoon) seasons.

With its rich history and stunning colonial architecture, Galle Fort offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty throughout the year. However, certain seasons may be more suitable depending on your preferences and travel goals.

Galle, and subsequently Galle Fort, experiences the following seasonal patterns:

  • Dry Season: December to March – lowest rainfall and most days of sunshine
  • First Inter-Monsoon Season: April – a transition in weather patterns with relatively dry days and occasional rain
  • Southwest Monsoon (Yala Monsoon): May to September – more frequent rainfall, particularly in June and July
  • Second Inter-Monsoon Season: October to November – more rain than the dry season but less than during the Southwest Monsoon

I recommend you refer to the World Weather site for Galle for a comprehensive list of daily average minimum and maximum temperatures per month, average total rainfall per month, and average number of rain days per month.

On a personal note, the humidity was 80% during our walk around Galle Fort, which caused havoc with our DSLR cameras – fogged-up lenses and constant error messages that prevented photos from being taken. While I have never conclusively found out if these problems were due to the humidity, it is certainly something to be aware of.

The humidity also impacted my clothing. I wasn’t just perspiring; I was completely wet! I was wearing a dark pink T-shirt that I had washed several times before this trip. However, the pink dye was coming out of my T-shirt. It stained my body, camera strap, and camera where they touched the T-shirt. To top it off, the colour was bleached entirely out of the T-shirt where my backpack was touching it – to the point where my T-shirt looked as though it had been tie-dyed.

 

As your day draws to a close, you’ll find that this historic town has offered more than just a walk through time. From the majestic views atop the ramparts to the charming streets lined with Dutch colonial buildings, every moment spent in Galle Fort is a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped this unique destination. Whether you’ve indulged in the local cuisine, explored iconic landmarks and hidden gems, or simply soaked in the laidback atmosphere, Galle Fort leaves an unforgettable memory on every traveller.

But Galle Fort is not just a destination; it’s a journey through history, culture, and beauty, all within a day’s walk. So, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure you add Galle Fort to your itinerary. You won’t regret it.

 

Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog post in April 2019 and have updated it for accuracy, relevance, and comprehensiveness.

 

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and unsponsored. Unless expressly stated, all photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2024.

 

Have you been to Galle Fort? What other tips, information, and resources might you suggest for my readers?

I love hearing from you and look forward to reading and responding to your comments. Please join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

 

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a Pinterest pin with two photos - one of a stone wall a palm trees on the ocean foreshore and the other of a white dutch-colonial church.

A Pinterest pin with two photos - one of statues of soldiers with firearms between bastions and the other of a boy diving off a rock into the ocean with other boys looking on.

 

Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.

 

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Learn where to find the best wildlife encounters, discover the natural beauty of the Hill Country, explore six World Heritage sites, wander through untamed gardens, and so much more.

Escape the crowds and visit Geoffrey Bawa’s garden. It is largely undiscovered by tourists, being something different from the ‘usual’ tourist attraction. Organise to have lunch while you are there.

Do as a local and walk the 6.5 kilometres along the railway line from Ella, across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, and onto Demodara Railway Station. Catch the train back to Ella to complete your experience.

Read my review of my stay at Wallawwa in Sri Lanka – luxury accommodation in an 18th-century colonial manor house.

Who said climbing Little Adam’s Peak was easy? The guidebooks don’t always get it right. Know before you climb!

 

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Africa Ethiopia Postcards to Home

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS ETHIOPIA: When “Plastic Card” Means Warmth (Not what you think!) (2024 Updated)

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Lost in Translation! Discover How a ‘Plastic Card’ Becomes a Hot Water Bottle in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains     Dear Pip, Having travelled as much as I have, I should…

Lost in Translation! Discover How a ‘Plastic Card’ Becomes a Hot Water Bottle in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains

 

The sun set behind the mountain with several round huts used for accommodation.

Simien Lodge – sunset over the Simien Mountains

 

Dear Pip,

Having travelled as much as I have, I should no longer be surprised by how easily things can get lost in translation. But on this occasion, my physical comfort, or more precisely, my physical discomfort, enabled me to create my own meaning to communication.

I have arrived at the Simien Lodge in the Simien Mountains National Park. The Lodge is on an escarpment, and the mountain landscape is stunning. However, it was cold, and I needed to find my jacket from the bottom of my bag. This was the first time I needed my jacket since arriving in Ethiopia. It could have something to do with the Simien Lodge being 3,260 metres above sea level – the highest lodge in Africa.

The rooms in the Simien Lodge are spacious, with a good-sized bathroom, including a shower that I was actually able to turn around in (an issue in Ethiopian hotels). But the room was cold, and after a thorough search, I couldn’t find any means of heating it.

Due to arriving at the Simien Lodge after a very long drive (getting anywhere in Ethiopia involves a long drive), I decided a nap was in order. I would worry about the heating when I went down for dinner. Given the altitude and my hut being on top of a hill, I wasn’t going to walk up and down unless I absolutely had to.

Grabbing the blankets and quilts from the spare bed onto mine, I climbed into bed, thinking that at least I would be warm while I slept. How wrong could I be! I was still cold, even with an extra layer of clothes and my jacket. Needless to say, I went down for dinner as soon as the restaurant opened.

My first stop was at reception, where I asked how to heat my room. I was advised that the staff would provide me with “a plastic card for the bed” after dinner. I assumed this would be like a hotel room key card that you slot into a device to activate the room lights; I would slot this card somewhere in the room that I hadn’t yet located, and it would activate an electric blanket. An electric blanket would be most suitable. That it would be an electric blanket I hadn’t seen yet did not register. I should have known – don’t ever assume! The ‘plastic card for the bed’ was a hot water bottle. That I was disheartened by this method of heating my room was an understatement. How was I going to be warm? However, the hot water bottle worked a treat. I was snug in bed all night and had a great night’s sleep. That the room itself was cold mattered not one bit.

Tomorrow, I leave for Gondar, where, I am assured, it will be warmer.

Love,

Joanna

A view of a mountain range with green, brown, blue, and pink colours.

Simien Mountains National Park

 

Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog post in April 2019 and have updated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

 

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2024. All rights reserved.

 

Please share your ‘lost in translation’ experience in the comments below. I love hearing from you and look forward to reading and responding to your comments.

 

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A round stone hut with a straw thatched roof set in the mountains.

Several round accommodation huts set in a dip in the hill.

 

Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.

 

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A panel of text telling the story of Ethiopian coffee culture and a woman's hands using a pestle and mortar.UNVEILING THE ETHIOPIAN COFFEE CEREMONY: Experiencing a Perfect Cultural Delight (2024 Updated)

Journey to the birthplace of coffee – Ethiopia – where coffee isn’t just a drink but a ritual steeped in tradition and social significance. Learn the ritual steps of Ethiopia’s coffee ceremony.

 

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Asia Reviews Sri Lanka

WALLAWWA – a tranquil luxury boutique hotel in Colombo City [2021 UPDATED]

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Wonderful Accommodation in an Oasis of Tranquility in Sri Lanka Wallawwa is luxury accommodation at its best. It is all character and serenity. Read on to see why I recommend…

Wonderful Accommodation in an Oasis of Tranquility in Sri Lanka

Wallawwa is luxury accommodation at its best. It is all character and serenity. Read on to see why I recommend you experience Wallawwa for yourself.

Picture yourself relaxing by the secluded pool and being able to buzz for bar staff to attend to your needs. Imagine playing croquet on the manicured lawns before partaking in complimentary tea and cakes at 3 o’clock on the wide veranda. This was my reality of Wallawwa, a luxurious, boutique hotel whose former life was an 18th-century colonial manor house.

Set in acres of lush gardens scattered with daybeds and couches strategically placed around the main lawn, Wallawwa manages a feeling of intimacy.

Wallawwa’s 18 spacious rooms include two family suites and a two-bedroom suite with a pool. All rooms open onto a secluded veranda and tropical garden. My ‘Wallawwa Bedroom’ was comfortable, cool, and tastefully furnished. There was no missing the magnificent king-sized four-poster bed (twin beds are available). A large, polished concrete-lined bathroom with a rain shower, plush towels, and luxurious toiletries completed the room. The room amenities included tea/coffee making facilities – always a winner for me.

The staff were friendly, efficient, attentive and helpful.

The Verandah is Wallawwa’s open-sided restaurant serving top class Asian cuisine, with much of the produce used in the cooking coming from the hotel’s organic garden. Make sure you leave room for dessert because they are to die for.

For those looking for personal pampering, Wallawwa’s Z Spa offers a collection of relaxing treatments. Unfortunately, my stay at Wallawwa was only one night, and I could not treat myself to one of their signature massages. Next time.

If you must leave this piece of tranquillity, Wallawwa can arrange excursions for you.

Wallawwa, on Minuwangoda Road, Kotugoda, is just a 15-minute drive from Colombo International Airport and 30 minutes to the city.

Rooms start at USD390 per night, including à la carte breakfast.

Wallawwa is one of seven Teardrop Hotels across Sri Lanka. I also stayed at Fort Bazaar (another Teardrop Hotel) in history-rich Galle Fort.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and non-sponsored.

Comment below to share your thoughts on this blog post. Would you stay here?

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Still in Sri Lanka, check out these other posts:

Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip, and always follow government advice.

 

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