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What to Expect on the Plate When on Safari in Africa

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What you are served while on safari will depend on which part of Africa you are visiting (in Namibia for example, expect a hugely carnivorous menu), if it’s a luxury or budget experience and what your own meal restrictions and preferences are. Vegetarians are catered for with advance notice, but on many nights the braai or barbecue buffet is composed of grilled meats, seafood, starches and a few obligatory leaves and corn on the cob. Those with specific restrictions should always inform the safari camp when you book – sometimes it takes days to get new ingredients to the more remote areas.

Depending on the type of safari you opt for, you’ll either be waited on hand and foot, or expected to prepare the meals yourself or in turns for your fellow campers. Both types of meal experiences have their place and drawcards. Eating under the magnificent African star- strewn sky, next to a roaring fire, after a successful day of game watching or tracking is something rather special, and all who have been on an African safari will attest to it.

Here’s a list of some of the items you can expect to enjoy on safari in Africa:

Rooibos (redbush) tea – perfect for chilly mornings. Gin & tonic – quintessential bush break drink. Your ranger probably mixes a good one. Witblits – a raw spirit that makers need a permit to distil. Potent, so be warned! Amarula – sweet, creamy liquor made from the amarula fruit that elephants adorably get drunk on. A tip, order it with a shot of whisky to reduce the sweetness and add a little warming jolt. Local coffees

You usually can drink the water and enjoy ice in your drinks (made from filtered water where necessary). If this isn’t the case your camp or lodge will either tell you in advance or provide water for you to drink each day.

Starches such as fufu, ugali, pap, sadza or mealie meal – a stiff maize meal similar to thick polenta, as well as rice and breads. Vegetables  - expect the local herbs similar to spinach, butternut squash or similar, and a spread of salads. Though fresh lettuce and cucumber can be rare at times. Again, it depends where you are. Game meat - a variety of game is served, usually grilled medium rare because the meat does dry out easily – for example gemsbok, springbok, impala, ostrich, kudu and warthog. The meat comes from farms, and not the reserve you are visiting, in case you feel wracked by guilt about eating Bambi. In colder weather expect oxtail stews, lamb shanks in red wine, butter pastry meat pies, Cape Malay or Indian curries and plenty of heavy root vegetables. Game birds such as guinea fowl and quail Crocodile – popular around the lower Zambezi. Tastes like a cross between chicken and calamari. Can get tough quickly and benefits from fast cooking and a good sauce. Seafood – local fish, prawns and sometimes other shellfish. Fine dining meals – If the idea of eating warmed canned beans at a fire leaves you fearful, it’s best you consider another safari lodge options. Exclusive camps like Sabi Sabi offer refined menus including dishes such as “crisp bass with porcini mushrooms and oxtail crust on wilted greens with red wine mushroom sauce”. Fruit - served at your safari lodge, even if cut is safe to consume.

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• United States

North San Diego

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Great for scenic views

Great for outdoor dining

• Good for special occasions

Make a reservation

Dining areas.

• Open View Dinning

Additional information

• Dining style Casual Dining
• Price $30 and under
• Cuisines Gastro Pub, African, Fusion / Eclectic
• Hours of operation Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:00 pm
• Phone number (760) 796-5654 ext. 5397
• Website https://www.sdzsafaripark.org/dining
• Payment options AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress code Casual Dress
• Location 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027-7017
• Neighborhood Escondido
• Cross street San Pasqual Valley Rd
• Parking details None
• Additional Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Popular dishes

Wedge salad.

baby iceberg ranch dressing bacon roasted tomatoes blue cheese crumbles green onions

Chicken Club

Chicken Breast bacon sliced tomato arugula jack cheese guacamole brioche bun

creamy refried beans nacho cheese pico de gallo guacamole sour cream jalapenos cotija tortilla chips

Nachos $16.00

creamy refried beans | nacho cheese | pico de gallo | guacamole | sour cream | jalapenos | cotija | tortilla chips

Burrata and Marinated Olives $15.00

basil pesto | banyuls vinegar | garlic-rubbed levain toast | roasted tomatoes

Roasted Garlic Hummus $13.00

crudité | garlic oil | side of pita bread

Salads & Pasta

Field green salad $15.00.

spring mix | arugula | thin sliced red onion | cherry tomato | cucumber | house dressing

Wedge Salad $17.00

baby iceberg | ranch dressing | bacon | roasted tomatoes | blue cheese crumbles | green onions

Watering Hole Caesar $15.00

hearts of romaine | caesar dressing | garlic croutons| shaved parmesan

Pulled Pork $17.00

braised pork shoulder | barbecue sauce | classic slaw | pickle chips | spiced mustard | brioche bun

Chicken Club $18.00

Chicken Breast | bacon | sliced tomato | arugula | jack cheese | guacamole | brioche bun

Beef and Cheddar $17.00

smoked roast beef | horseradish sauce | beer cheese | hot sauce | brioche bun

Mac 'n' Cheese $11.00

Chicken strips $11.00, specialty cocktails, macaw michelada $15.00.

Modelo | Tabasco Bloody mary mix | lime | Tajin rim

Serval Strawberry Mule $15.00

Grey Goose Vodka | ginger beer | strawberry syrup | lime juice

Serengeti Sunset $15.00

Coconut rum | orange juice | pineapple juice | grenadine

Margarita Flight $21.00

Ask server for flavor offerings

Wildebeest Watermelon Margarita $15.00

Jose Cuervo Silver | agave | watermelon puree | lime juice | Tajin rim

Shoebill Spicy Pineapple Margarita $15.00

Jose Cuervo Silver | agave | pineapple juice | lime juice | fresh jalapenos | Tajin rim

Cheetah-Rita $15.00

1800 Reposado tequila | Grand Marnier | margarita mix

Passion Fruit Mojito $15.00

Bacardi Rum| passion fruit puree| lime juice| club soda| mint

Prickly Pear Margarita $15.00

Jose Cuervo Silver| prickly pear syrup| margarita mix

White WInes

La Marca Prosecco, Veneto, Italy | Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Label Brut, France

Decoy Rose by Duckhorn, California, 2021

Pinot Grigio

Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling, Washington, 2021

Sauvignon Blanc

Kim Crawford, Marlborough, 2022

Decoy by Duckhorn, California, 2021

Meiomi, California, 2021

Conundrum by Caymus, California, 2020

Decoy by Duckhorn, Sonoma, 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon

Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles, 2021

Draft $11.49

Modelo | Carlsbad Crush

Pliny the Elder $12.49

Safari flight $16.00.

Three draft beer flights | Cheetah-Rita taster

Canned Beer $11.49

Corona Extra | Bud Light | Stone IPA | Stella Artois

Fountain Drinks $5.00

Coke | Diet Coke | Coke Zero | Sprite | lemonade

Iced Tea $5.00

Coffee $5.00, sparkling water $4.00, kid's drink $4.00, flourless chocolate torte $10.00.

caramel drizzle | chocolate drizzle

Sugar-Crusted Bruleé Cheesecake $10.00

tall sliced bruleé cheesecake | fluffy whipped cream red berry sauce

Warm Brownie Sundae $10.00

chocolate chunk brownie | vanilla ice cream | chocolate and caramel drizzle | whipped cream

What 1,096 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews.

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• 4.2 Service
• 4.8 Ambience

Noise • Moderate

Best Ambiance

Kid-friendly

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How is The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park restaurant rated?

The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park is rated 4.4 stars by 1096 OpenTable diners.

Is The Watering Hole- San Diego Zoo Safari Park currently accepting reservations?

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027-7017

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I went on a budget and a luxury safari in Africa. Here's how they compare — and the one thing you really need to look for when booking.

Posted: March 14, 2024 | Last updated: March 14, 2024

• I have been on two glamping safari trips in Africa on two very different budgets.
• My all-inclusive stay was great but my cheaper glamping experience was fine, too. 
• Private game reserves are actually the most important thing to splurge on, not accommodations. 

I've been on two African safari trips . Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.

My first more affordable trip, a lodge in South Africa with separate safari excursions, cost me about $1,100. My second, an all-inclusive lodge in Tanzania, cost me about $4,000 after a 50% off deal.

Here's how the two compare and what I think you should look for before you plan an African safari .

My affordable safari experience was at Jackalberry Ridge, where some tents cost $80 a night.

The first time I went on a safari, I went to Kruger National Park in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.

I stayed five nights near Kruger and one night in Johannesburg before my flight home. I spent around $1,100 for lodging, safari tours, a rental car, and food (not including flights).

After landing in Johannesburg, I rented a car ($130 for five days) to drive to my lodging in Marloth Park, a town bordering the edge of Kruger National Park.

I was staying at Jackalberry Ridge , a self-catering accommodation with no on-site restaurant, no room service, and limited housekeeping.

The one-bedroom tents at Jackalberry Ridge go for as low as $80 a night, and two-bedroom tents go for $135.

When I checked in late, there was no one at the reception desk — just an envelope with my name on it containing my keys and a map.

My main tent felt pretty spacious, with a king bed and a living-room area.

I had booked a two-bedroom unit (two tents), but my friend couldn't come at the last minute. Since I couldn't change the reservation, I still stayed in the two-bedroom unit and my friend paid her share.

The campsite came with a small pool to dip in, but it was covered as the weather was pretty cold.

Each unit had a private bathroom and kitchen in a building separate from the tents, so I needed to leave my tent to use the bathroom at night.

The bathroom was standard, with a tub, shower, and toilet.

This is glamping, so I had access to running water and a flushing toilet. I had hot water, but I found it went from scalding hot to cold in a few seconds.

I ended up taking quick showers and just washing my hair with cold water, which wasn't ideal since it was a little chilly in the morning.

It's also worth noting that Jackalberry Ridge was renovated recently, so the issue I had with hot water may have been fixed now.

I also had access to a kitchen in the same building as the bathroom.

The kitchen was well-equipped with things like pots, a microwave, and a sink, so I could cook meals or heat up leftovers.

I signed up for a couple of day safaris and did one at night.

Although I had a rental car and could've done a self-drive safari around Kruger, I didn't trust myself to spot animals while focusing on the roads.

Instead, I signed up for a couple of day safaris and one night safari. The safari tour prices often don't include the park entrance fee (about $25 per person per day), which I paid when I got to the entrance.

My three safari trips and park fees came to around $280.

I got to see zebras, giraffes, and more.

I saw a lot on the safari, including zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes. I saw lions and a leopard, although only from afar with binoculars. I even got a glimpse of the elusive rhinoceros.

I also spent one day taking another popular day trip in the area, the Panorama Route. This scenic road goes past Lisbon Falls and the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. The guided tour was $110.

As far as my very first safari trip goes, it was great. I got to see the Big Five , even though some of them were pretty far away.

For my next safari trip, I leveled up.

I saw a Travelzoo deal for an all-inclusive safari at Taasa Lodge , a five-star luxury safari in Tanzania.

The deal was $6,000 for two people for a whole week — the lodge is usually $12,950 for two for seven nights. It was still a splurge, but I'd be saving more than 50% on a bucket-list experience.

The package came with seven nights of lodging, two safari activities a day, three daily meals, and drinks.

Still, we spent more than the original advertised price. There are obligatory "daily government park fees" and "daily concession fees" that added about $893 per person to our bill.

We also had to take a regional flight to get to Taasa, which was more expensive than my rental car in South Africa.

To redeem the Travelzoo deal, we had to complete our booking through a specific travel agency.

We ended up opting for an all-inclusive add-on package which includes the $893 fees above, domestic airfares from Arusha to Taasa (which would already cost around $600), and our agency arranging our Tanzanian tourist visa and airport transfers. The add-on also included extra activities at the resort (more on that later).

Overall, we paid $1,715 per person on top of the $3,000 each for the lodge stay.

I hadn't anticipated paying so many extras, but it was nice to have someone take care of the logistics of getting to the resort.

My tent was luxurious and equipped with a comfortable king bed and a large living room.

When I arrived at the lodge, the staff greeted me with a glass of juice and a wet towel to refresh myself.

My tent was quite spacious. I especially liked that it had a desk and plenty of outlets I could use to charge my electronics. Our bathroom was behind our bed, and I was glad it was inside the tent this time.

We also got a butler who kept track of our schedules and made sure we had what we needed.

The bathroom felt spacious, with two sinks and a shower.

The shower's hot water was great and we had double sinks we could get ready at.

Another perk of the lodge is that we could have staff do our laundry every day, which meant we could pack less clothing.

There's a main lodge with a communal living room, dining area, and bar.

We got breakfast at the buffet in the main lodge unless we were going on a morning safari.

Most people ate dinner in the dining room, but we could've requested to have food brought to our tent.

We also passed a small pool next to the main lodge.

The pool was on the small side, but certainly had great views.

I didn't end up using it as my afternoons were filled with safari, and the mornings and evenings were chilly.

On the mornings with an early safari, we had a simple breakfast next to our Land Cruiser.

Safari breakfasts consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, doughnuts, bacon and sausage, fruits, and orange juice. Staff also made French-press coffee, which we could spike with cream liqueur.

Our Land Cruiser had a cooler of beers and sodas in the back, too.

At the private game reserve, we got pretty close to wildlife.

Taasa is located inside a private game reserve, which means staff can pretty much drive anywhere within it. This was a huge leg up from my day trips in Kruger National Park on my last safari.

Inside national parks like Kruger or Serengeti, you're only allowed to drive on designated roads for safety reasons (both for the tourists and the animals).

But in a private reserve, guides can drive offroad. Plus, the guides communicate with each other when they find something special.

We saw a bunch of animals in the private reserve and Serengeti.

We also left the reserve to spend a couple of days going into Serengeti National Park, as there were things you could only find there instead of within the private reserve.

For example, I'd planned my trip to take place during the Great Migration, and I wanted to see wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

We also went to Serengeti to find rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Every dinner at the resort consisted of three courses: soup, an entrée, and a dessert.

The main course was usually some type of Western food, and there was always a vegetarian option.

It would've been nice to be offered more typical Tanzanian dishes, though. For me, part of the fun of traveling is learning about different countries' cuisines.

I also had access to an open bar in the main lodge. Staff could make simple cocktails, and there was lots of beer and wine. The drinks were all included with the price of the stay (except for fancy Champagnes and select wines).

One morning, we had a special breakfast on the plains.

On one day of the trip, we had a special bush breakfast. It was one of the extra activities we got with that special add-on package.

Instead of our usual safari breakfast, we had freshly prepared omelets in the wild.

We also got another special treat in the bush that morning — a toilet!

When you're offroading looking for wild animals, you can end up pretty far from a proper toilet.

On most safari days, the car stops (when guides think it's safe), and people go behind the car to do their business.

This was the only time we had this portable toilet while out on a safari. On my budget safari day trips at Kruger, we'd have to wait until we reached a rest-stop facility.

Again, we spent a lot of time watching lions.

After breakfast, we were back in safari mode.

We found a family of lions, and as we were in the private reserve, we were able to stay and watch the cubs play for quite a while.

At Kruger, when lions are spotted, traffic starts backing up on the road as all the safari cruisers stop to look, so you can't stay too long.

Here, we knew no one else would be coming.

On a different morning, our guide got a tip that another car had found a leopard sleeping.

The communication between guides in the private reserve paid off when one spotted a sleeping leopard.

When our group arrived, the leopard was napping on the tree next to his catch. Eventually, it came down, and we got a better look.

Our trip ended with a great happy hour and outdoor dinner.

Other activities that were part of our add-on package included a visit to a Maasai village in Kenya and a special happy hour and barbecue dinner.

And, for our journey home, the travel agency took care of everything, including transfers, until we boarded our international flight.

My big takeaway is that it's really worth paying to be inside a private reserve.

In my opinion, the difference between these two safari trips that's the most worth paying for is being in a private reserve.

After all, the main reason I fly to Africa is for the safari, not the glamping.

I much preferred my lodging at Taasa, mostly because of the bathroom. But if I hadn't had the 50% off deal, I'm not sure the full price would've been worth it.

Still, it was a wonderful experience, and if I had more money, I may feel differently. Even so, the budget glamping was pretty comfortable and just fine for a week.

But again, as far as the safari experience goes, the private reserve is hard to beat. Being able to go offroading and get closer to the animals is quite the experience.

And if luxurious lodges are out of the question, private reserves can also be visited more affordably. Some lodges inside private reserves, like Shindzela or Rhino River Lodge, can cost around $250 per person per night.

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Places For Pleasant Recreation in Moscow Region

We suggest you a review of sanatoriums, hotels, lodges and guesthouses around the capital. Moscow region has a big variety of places for rest and these are the most noteworthy of them.

YAKOR GUESTHOUSE

Almost like an American motel, but situated at the Oka River

There are: equipment for winter sports, a massage salon, a beauty shop, a bath-sauna with a sweating room and a font, billiards, karaoke. Things to do: go to Tarusa, visit the House-Museum of Tsvetaeva’s family, the Musatovsky slope, memorable places connected with Paustovsky.

Yakor is arranged by principles of an American motel. Rooms are clean; there is a shower, TV, towels, and heat if it is necessary. In some rooms, you will also find a refrigerator. Almost full size wooden fishes act as key charms. In warm season, you can buy cheap fruits, vegetables and flowers in a nearby shop.

If you want to have some cultural adventures, you can go to Tarusa or visit a place where Marina Tsvetaeva wanted to be buried. In addition, there opens a wonderful view over Oka River with its fogs and plains.

Tarusa, Decembrists Street, 4 +7 48435 2 55 81 tarusa-yakor.ru

The price of a double room starts from 1250 rubles (€12.55).

NIKOLA-LENIVETS

«Beaubourg», «Lighthouse» and other land-art objects in the park: romanticism in a spirit of «The True Detective»

There are: a kitchen-dining room with three meals a day, sledges, ice-boats, skis and snow-scooters, a Russian bath, hootch and other gifts of local farmers. Things to do: walk around art objects.

It is ok to go to Nicola-Lenivets in any tome of the year. In winter, art objects look differently, than in summer. Houses in Koltsovo are very warm; you will find valenoki in each of them- to change your footwear in case of a bad weather. Directly near the porch of the house, guests can take sledges and iceboats and go riding to «Lighthouse». It is possible to order skis. The bathhouse costs 1500 rubles (€15.06) per hour.

Kaluga region, Kiyevskoye Highway, Nikola-Lenivets +7 499 504 43 33 www .nikola-lenivets.com

Prices start from 1300 rubles (€13.05) for a place in hostel; double rooms in Koltsovo cost about 1600 rubles (€16.06).

A health resort, turned from the XIX century estate into the President’s Office Health Resort with unexpectedly democratic prices

There are: a Russian bath and a modern Spa center with pearl bathtubs and other delicacies, medical services with a decent choice of experts and procedures, massage, a pool, a fitness club, a sports hall, a skating rink, a music hall where classic musicians perform from time to time. Things to do: go to the New Jerusalem Monastery, the Museum of Wooden Architecture or find a park grotto in Rozhdestveno that looks exactly like a hobbit dwelling.

The place has gone through some repairs recently and became very modern. It has fine communications, billiards, a big beautiful dining room, summer outdoor café and a beautiful view of local architecture. It is possible to order lunches previously in a day in the dining room. However, service is a little Soviet. To diversify food, you can go to one of four restaurants at the territory. Besides, it is possible to prepare a barbecue on coals. For entertainment, you can ride a bicycle through the paths or go to a swimming pool – an outdoor one during summer or indoor during cold season. The most important winter entertainments are tubing (there is a hill with an elevator), skis and skating. Pleasantly, that Snegiri’s territory is huge, so the place does not look crowded even in high season.

Moscow region, Istrinsky district, Rozhdestveno village, Southern Street, 20 +7 495 994 76 32 www.do-snegiri.ru

The price starts from 1500 rubles (€15.06) for a room.

BEKASOVO SPA HOTEL

The new cottage territory at the old rest house — it is ideal for team buildings, but will also be good for a romantic weekend

There are: a Spa center, a wellness-center, a skating rink, a pool, table tennis, a sensor room, a gym. Things to do: examine squirrels in the wood, participate in cultural actions and master classes on decoupage or barbecue; there are also special programs on holidays.

Rooms here are usual, with an easy Soviet fleur. The main surprise is food – a buffet with a great variety of Russian dishes: Russian salad, coulibiac, ‘Herring under a Fur Coat’. There is a nice pool and a good choice of different cosmetic procedures. The territory is really big, beautiful and worth having long walks – there is a wood and a lake.

Moscow region, Naro Fominsk +7 495 992 04 37 www.bekasovo.ru

The price of a double room starts from 2400 rubles (€24.10).

VERETYEVO ART ESTATE

Eight hectares with a river and a wood, installations, taiga lodges, Russian bath with a view. All that is situated at the place of a former pioneer camp for difficult teenagers

There are: breakfasts at a fireplace with Lenin’s portrait in the only survived building of a former camp; rabbits, squirrels and rams at the territory; a Russian bath with a glass verandah hanging over the Dubna River. It is possible to admire the river from the bridge, and it is possible to roll down into it from the verandah by a trench, which leads directly to the river (obviously not in winter). Things to do: go to the science city Dubna, look at the Lenin’s second-large monument in the world and a hydroelectric station reservoir.

Here you can enjoy races on snowmobiles, a sit-round gathering at a fireplace, pajama parties, dances — and music. There is wonderful nature with dogs barking and mosquitoes flying in the garden near the house. The purest air can be literally eaten with spoons. Veretyevo is made with taste rural cluster that has ideology and style.

Taldomsky district, Veretyevo village +7 916 956 28 82 www.artveretevo.ru

The price starts from 2500 rubles (€25.10) for a room; Russian bath costs 10 000 rubles (€100.40) for a company.

HELIOPARK SUZDAL

Old Russian styled place with a bathing complex at the suburb of Suzdal

There are: 11 types of Russian baths — from country blackly to imperial on hay with opportunity to jump in the ice-hole; horse walks, billiards, fishing. Things to do: walk to the center of Suzdal, sightseeing on the way — the trip will take no more than 20 minutes.

Heliopark is a hotel with good restaurant and a number of different Russian baths. Some rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi bathtub— directly in the bedroom. There is the Shchurovo Ancient Settlement complex nearby, where Lungin’s «Tsar» was shot. Here you can taste food, prepared according to Old Russian recipes.

Vladimir region, Suzdal, Korovniki, 14 +7 492 312 40 00 www.heliopark.ru/hotels/suzdal

The price of a double room starts from 2700 rubles (€27.11).

Hotel with country-style rooms and ‘all-inclusive’ system

There are: a restaurant complex, Spa, a Russian bath, a grill bar, an outdoor warmed-up pool, a gym, animation and a cigar rooms. Things to do: walk around nearby Zhivaginsky ponds.

This place has European all-inclusive system, rare for Moscow region hotels, and a great view over the river. The most interesting thing at the territory is an outdoor pool with warm water whole year round. High quality breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served in huge and unlimited quantity. There is animation in the hotel— live music, competitions, concerts. Very small rooms are one of a few downsides of the hotel.

Moscow region, Solnechnogorsky district, Dulepovo village +7 925 922 42 00 www.sunnyhotel.ru

The price of a double room starts from 3100 rubles (€31.12).

KONAKOVO RIVERCLUB

A hotel complex with a view over wakeboarding and other fashionable sport

There are: slopes for driving on anything: from snowboards to tubing, skiing and over-snow runs, a skating rink, baths, a zoo, the Moscow sea —Ivankovskoye Reservoir. Things to do: ride from mountains, master winter windsurfing and other extreme sport in winter, enjoy sandy beaches, water skis and other active water pleasures in summer.

The place offers many different activities – skating, fishing, water skiing and many more. The most impressive place at the territory is an island with a tent for two: it looks like a usual tarpaulin tent, but inside it has a toilet, a plasma TV and a terrace. in addition, there is landing-stage house to rent for a big company.

Tver region, Konakovo, Suburban station +7 495 626 23 33 konakovo.com

The price of a standard double room starts from 3150 rubles (€31.63), a lodge with a bath — from 40000 rubles (€401.60) per day, the landing-stage house— from 44000 rubles (€441.76).

ROMANOV LES ECO HOTEL

Silent haven at the bank of the Volga River is a good place for lonely rest with many opportunities for personal care

There are: a Spa center, baths, a sauna and hammam, hydro massage bathtubs, detox-programs, massage, therapist and cosmetologist services, a pool, a ski track, a skating rink, a zoo, horse walks, flights by plane over Kostroma. Things to do: walk through the wood and along the lake near the hotel and visit Kostroma.

It is a quiet place simply to have some rest, sleep, take a walk. The rooms are purely cleaned, silent, surrounded by beautiful forest and the Volga River. The Volga riverbank is a great place for long walks.

Kostroma region, Lunevo village 50 +7 499 704 41 47 www.romanovles.ru

The price of a double room starts from 3600 rubles (€36.14).

A small hotel with wooden lodges on the way between Vladimir and Suzdal

There are: a bathing complex, Spa, a pool, a bowling, billiards, possibility of accommodation with pets.

Things to do: walk in the wood and if you came by car — go sightseeing in Vladimir.

The territory of the hotel consists of beautiful wooden constructions – from reception to summer arbors with an equipped place for a brazier. There is a river and a great pinewood. The air is so pure that you fall asleep instantly as your head touches the pillow. Besides, beds in the cottages are very comfortable. Generally, this a good place as for cheerful rest with friends and for having some romantic rest.

Vladimir region, Kameshkovsky district, Dvoriki village +7 495 796 21 35 www.club-veles.ru

The price of a double room starts from 4000 rubles (€40.16).

SVEZHIY VETER

Numbers and lodges surrounded by beautiful landscape and situated near skiing places

There are: rent of snowmobiles and other winter equipment (skis, skates, sledges, snow-scooters and so forth), Finnish saunas, pools, a restaurant complex, etc. Things to do: to ride from slopes at Sorochani.

The hotel is stuck between a village from one side and a break from the other. The landscape here is stunning — each lodge is situated at a hillock. Inside the lodge, you will find everything necessary to spend a couple of days. Free pass to the pool and sauna is a pleasant bonus for renting a lodge.

Moscow region, Kurovo village +7 495 777 26 65 www.freshwindhotel.ru

The price of a double room starts from 4600 rubles; a cottage will cost about 9000 rubles (€90.36).

A boarding house that looks as drawn on a gift card: stucco molding, pines, horses

There are: a beer restaurant and a pizzeria, a library, Spa, sports equipment, bowling, etc. Things to do: walk in a pine forest and ride horses at the territory.

The name (‘Bor’ means ‘Pinewood’) corresponds to reality- the boarding house is situated in a large pine forest. Rooms are accurate and a little Soviet. Food is rather good and divertive. There are many opportunities for entertainment – horses, Russian baths and pools.

Moscow region, Domodedovo district, Odintsovo-Vakhromeevo +7 495 565-37-05 www.pansionat-bor.ru

The price of a double room starts from 4600 rubles (€46.18).

YAKHONTY NATURAL RESORT

Beautiful and well-groomed hotel near Moscow

There are: an indoor pool with a panoramic view and a bar, a fitness center, Spa, a skating rink, a zoo, horse walks, billiards, bowling and night clubs. Things to do: walk in the wood and along the coast of the Koversha Lake, go horse riding.

The territory of the hotel is very well groomed; rooms are clean and spacious, with panoramic windows and a view over the lake. In the evening, the territory is beautifully highlighted. The pool has large windows and a mirror on a ceiling. Food is one of the main advantages of the hotel – very tasty Russian dishes.

Moscow region, Noginsk district, Zilino village +7 496 515 19 40 www.yahonty.ru

The price of a double room starts from 4800 rubles (€48.19).

ISTRA HOLIDAY

A quiet place for private rest in nature’s lap

There are: Spa, billiards, a disco, a fish-Spa (small fishes that clear skin, as in Asian resorts), a salt cave, a Finnish sauna, a Russian bath etc. Things to do: walk in the forest decorated with touching small lamps in Scandinavian style.

The hotel is situated in the wood far from any settlements therefore, it is secluded and pleasant. There are wooden ‘izbas’ and big housings with rooms. It is a nice place with many activities for any season.

Moscow region, Solnechnogorsky district, Trusovo village +7 495 988 70 62 istraholiday.ru

The price of a double room starts from 5500 rubles (€55.22) a day.

Two-day retreat practice in a modern wooden lodge on the bank of the Pleshcheev Lake

There are: thrice vegetarian feeding, yoga practices 2 times a day, a Russian bath. Things to do: practice yoga (a pranayama daily, asanas in the morning and in the evening), walk along vicinities, and discover ancient monasteries and other beauties of Pereyaslavl-Zalessky.

Yoga-Dacha is very modern wooden building with modern bathroom equipment. However, conditions in rooms are rather Spartan — only a bed and lighting. The price includes two days of accommodation with thrice vegan feeding and two yoga practices a day.

Pereyaslavl-Zalessky +7 916 408 40 01 www.mos-yoga.ru/Pereslavl

The price of a two-day program is 6000 rubles (€60.24).

Two-level rooms in a building made by a unique design project at the bank of a lake

There are: helicopter excursions, indoor and outdoor shooting galleries, Spa, a safari center, Red Deer restaurant with delicacies from wildfowl. Things to do: enjoy flying in helicopter over vicinities.

The place suits excellent for a family holiday: fathers can do some shooting, mothers can take a walk and children can breathe fresh air and play. The territory is very pleasant. Lodges are comfortable, light and clean. There is a lot of additional services and entertainments, such as a mini zoo.

Moscow region, Dmitrovsky district, near Ignatovo village +7 495 995 13 83 www.foxlodge.ru

The price of a 40-square-meter room starts from 6500 rubles (€65.26).

RADISSON ZAVIDOVO

A luxury hotel in the Tver region near aqua club «Summer Aquatorium»

There are: a pool, Spa and wellness center, a nursery, concierge services, a fitness club, hunting. Things to do: go to «Summer Aquatorium» where you will find numerous entertainments for any season.

An advantage of world network hotels is being confident in a certain level of service. The hotel is located directly at the bank of a reservoir. It has equipped beach and a wood around. A pool, a Russian bath and hammam are free for visitors. The restaurant serves European cuisine: meat, fish, potato, salads. There is also the second restaurant with dishes a la carte.

Tver region, Varaksino village +7 482 42 78 0 78 radissonblu.com/ru/hotel-zavidovo

Prices start from 6400 rubles (€64.26).

TAIGA DACHAS CHALET-HOTEL

Interpretation of a four-stars hotel situated near Moscow: izbas, studio apartments and apartments with huge mushrooms, skins and chandeliers

There are: craft master classes, home cuisine, a Russian bath, massage, Spa, an indoor pool. Things to do: study neighbors’ eclectic lodges and rooms. Lodges of different degree of elitism are situated at quite big and picturesque territory. Design of rooms and cottages is a courageous fusion from the Soviet heritage, Provence, Alpine chalets with a curtsey towards the ninetieth. The food in the dining room is simple and nourishing, the service is strict, as in a Soviet sanatorium.

Zvenigorodskoe Schosse, Rakitinskoye village +7 495 411 99 72 www.shalerus.ru

The price of a double room starts from 6800 rubles (€68.27) a night.

Chic place with an emphasis on Spa procedures — a couple of hours of Ayurveda or in hammam are included in the price

There are: numerous body and spirit care services, a bathing complex and a pool with a little aquapark, a cigar room with a fireplace, a children’s club, a restaurant of Armenian cuisine, a restaurant-theater with the eclectic dishes from five continents and dietary menu. Things to do: lie and think about eternal in an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The territory is wonderful; it is pleasant to walk among pines to a pond with ducks. Cottages are nice and have spacious rooms. The restaurants serve tasty food. A sauna with an outdoor Jacuzzi are good opportunities for recreation.

Moscow region, Mytishchi district, Larevo-Lyskovo village 3, build 1 +7 495 644 41 21 www.arthurs-hotels.ru

The prices of a double room starts from 6900 rubles (€69.28).

VELEGOZH-PARK

Expensive tidy country houses at the bank of the Oka River and near lokavore restaurant «Mark and Lev»

There are: a skating rink at the lake, a horse club, a Russian bath; there is free Wi-Fi, a six-string guitar and a brazier in each country house. Things to do: try all dishes at «Mark and Lev» and visit local farmers who deliver products for the restaurant.

The main reason for going there is the first and only Russian lokavore restaurant «Mark and Lev» – a place where dishes are prepared only from local products. The restaurant has its own kitchen garden, uses products only from Tula region, bakes bread and invents new Russian cuisine. Not to spend all the time in the restaurant, you can leave the territory of the Park and reach a wild beach at Oka; it is also possible to go sightseeing to Polenovo’s estate.

Tula region, Zaoksky district +7 495 664 83 69 resort.velegozh-park.ru

The price of a country house with two bedrooms starts from 5000 rubles (€50.20) per day.

This is our translation of Afisha-Gorod article.

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1 Day Lake Naivasha – crescent island – Hell’s gate

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Tour details.

Lake Naivasha safari: We’ll pick you up from your hotel for a private journey to three beautiful parks. Your full-day safari is in the comfort of a pop-up roof top jeep.  Ringo Adventure Safaris will transport you to three special parks.

A guided walking safari and one of the most unique safaris in Africa, a bicycle safari!. You can’t get any closer to the wildlife than this. Imagine riding alongside a gazelle – that’s a story you’ll never forget and love to share. So, get ready for a fun, animal-filled adventure.

Lake Naivasha safari

We will pick you up at 7:00 am to begin the short (little over 2 hours) drive to Hell’s Gate Park. Along our route we’ll pass the majestic Rift Valley escarpments, towering above us. Hell’s Gate has two gates that are used by visitors – the main Elsa Gate and the Olkaria Gate. The latter also serves the Olkaria Geothermal Station that is located inside the National Park.

Our first park is named for the great steamy clouds and geothermal hot pools that distinguish this unusual place. You’ll marvel at  Hell’s Gate National Park’s  stunning cliffs, rock towers, extinct volcanoes and breathtaking gorges.  Hiking  and  cycling  are encouraged here, and we’ll do a bit of both.

Hells gate national park

We’ll trek through Hell’s Gate Gorge, a steep, red sandstone formation cut by water and time. Walking through this narrow canyon, we’ll spot the unique volcanic remnants called Fischer’s and Central Towers.

Amazing scenery will surround you thanks to Fischer’s Tower, the Central Tower, and the park’s gorge. Fischer’s Tower came to be as a result of volcanic activity that occurred 35 million years ago. It was later named after a German explorer named Gustav Fischer, and it is now one of the park’s many popular rock climbing sites.

 we’ll go on a  cycling safari . Riding over the savannah, past towering cliffs we’ll look for giraffe, buffalo, zebra, hartebeest, gazelle and possibly hyena. What a fun way to experience the wildlife!

Then we’re on to Lake Naivasha for a buffet lunch at the Naivasha Sopa Resort.

Arriving at Lake Naivasha you’ll appreciate the park’s rich contrast of forest, dormant volcanoes, spectacular gorges and, of course, the mountain lake. After lunch we’ll take a water safari and enjoy views of Hippos and the nearby wildlife grazing at the shore. Don’t be surprised to see buffalo, zebra, eland and impala look up as you sail by.

The lake and its forests also delight visitors with a rich display of birdlife. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, cuckoos, shrikes and raptors such as hawks and the African fish eagle. The nearby papyrus swamps host jacanas, herons and kingfishers.

Crescent Island Sanctuary

Our final park is a private game sanctuary where we’ll take a guided walking safari. Crescent Island Sanctuary boasts more animals per acre than any other park in Kenya.

You are certain to trek by diverse herds of wildlife – wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, giraffe and gazelle amongst them. Hippos are also known to graze all about the island and you’re sure to spot pelicans, cormorants and fish eagles as well.

The island is not fenced, and the animals are free to roam to and  from the mainland… much like yourselves. It’s been a full day – three parks, three safaris and dozens of animals. Now relax as your driver/guide escorts you on the quick trip back to Nairobi.

Tour Highlights:

• Atmospheric Hell’s Gate Park
• Spectacular Hell’s Gate gorge walk
• Bicycle safari past diverse wildlife
• Lake Naivasha boat safari
• Nature trails
• Varied birdlife
• Buffet lunch
• Crescent Island guided walking safari

PRICE PER PERSON

US$.100.-p.p

Price includes

• Transport and game drives in a Standard Customized 4WD Jeep. 
• Services of an English speaking driver guide. 
• Park entry permits
• Boat safari at Lake Naivasha
• Guided walking safari at Crescent Island
• Bicycle hire for hell’s gate tour
• Walking Safari
• Buffet Lunch
• Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
• Pick up / drop off at Nairobi hotel or residence.
• Government taxes and local levies

Price does not includes:

• Alcohol & Soft Drinks,
• Items Things of a personal nature,
• Tips & Gratuities.

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