Keeping travel alive

13th May 2020

A Kenyan safari, a South African safari and a wine tasting from the vineyards of Franschhoek

It was only last month that Virgin Limited Edition announced its hugely successful sofa safari episodes live from the Sabi Sand in South Africa, but now it is planning on bringing even more live experiences to our homes.

While virtual experiences may be flooding our social media feeds right now, the luxury hotel collection is seeing increasing demand for its weekly live safari episodes; so is set to be one of the first to offer live game drives from the majestic Maasai Mara and a one-off wine tasting lesson from the beautiful vineyards of Franschhoek in South Africa.

With the help of some of the very best Rangers in the world, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve has been showcasing live game drives in the African bush with some phenomenal sightings that have included a female leopard and her two new cubs, the rare sightings of wild dogs (also known as painted wolves), elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions and even a golden orb web spider.

Now Virgin Limited Edition, who own a collection of luxury retreats around the world, is set to take this one step further as viewers will be able to experience the contrast of a safari live from Mahali Mzuri in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, as well as a wine tasting lesson at its stunning Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard.

Home to the famous Great Migration, Kenya’s landscape offers never-ending savannah plains and a completely alternative viewing experience, compared to that of its sister property Ulusaba. Live game drives from Mahali Mzuri will offer a front row seat in the heart of the Mara and an almost guarantee of seeing at least one of the big five.

In a first for Mont Rochelle, its live virtual wine tasting will be led by its expert Head Winemaker allowing viewers to get a sneak peek of the stunning Franschhoek surrounds, ask questions and learn how to get the most from your wine in a real-time authentic wine-tasting experience.

Vanessa Neal, Group Director of Sales and Marketing of Virgin Limited Edition said: “We are more than aware that there are many other virtual experiences out there at the moment, but we truly believe ours stand out and are among some of the best – and our viewers are asking for more. Our weekly live game drives from South Africa have given many something to look forward to every week, at a time when they can only dream of traveling and it’s incredibly important, we continue to inspire.

“Both Mahali Mzuri and Mont Rochelle will offer their own unique experiences and it is a great opportunity to help show the contrast from a safari in Kenya compared to that in South Africa – both with their own incredible selling points. Or, show viewers that they can combine a safari in the South African bush with a stay in the lovely winelands region of Franschhoek.

“The thrill of a game drive is never knowing what might appear around the corner. So, who knows – if travel restrictions continue to be in place, we may even have a glimpse of the first virtual Great Migration as it crosses through the path of our beautiful Mahali Mzuri.”

Virgin Limited Edition’s Lives:

Live game drive from the magic of the bush at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

When: Every Monday at 3:30pm BST

Where: Instagram - @VirginLimitedEdition

Live game drive from the majesty of the Maasai Mara at Mahali Mzuri

When: Every Wednesday at 3:00pm BST – starting 20th May

Where: Facebook - @VirginLimitedEdition

Live wine tasting lesson from the stunning vineyards of Franschhoek and home to Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard

When: Friday 22nd May at 4:00pm BST

Where: Facebook - @VirginLimitedEdition

Hashtag: #Travelfromhome #Sofasafari

The videos will showcase a series of live videos and inspirational ideas from across its properties, that will inspire and allow us to still dream of travelling.

For more information on Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Mahali Mzuri, Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard or Virgin Limited Edition call T: 0800 716 919 (UK toll free). Alternatively e-mail enquiries@virginlimitededition.com.

For further information please contact:

Naomi Moreno-Melgar – naomi.moreno@virginlimitededition.com / Tel: +44 (0) 208 600 0468
Or
Charlotte Devenish - charlotte.devenish@virginlimitededition.com /Tel: +44 (0) 208 600 0472

Notes to Editors:

Virgin Limited Edition is an award-winning collection of unique retreats, chosen for their beautiful locations and magnificent surroundings; each offers a sense of fun, style, luxury and exceptional personal service. The group includes Necker Island in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier, Mahali Mzuri, a tented safari camp in Kenya, Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyard in South Africa, and the Son Bunyola Estate in Mallorca.

Please visit www.virginlimitededition.com for more details.

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