Simply Safari
In our culture, the wordsafari--which meansjourneyin  Swahili--conjures exotic images: romantic treks across desert plains rife with  wild animals, journeys through dense jungles and down winding rivers, and the  stylish indulgence popularized by early explorers like Captain William  Cornwallis and depicted in movies likeOut of Africa. Nowadays, Africa still attracts adventurous travelers who want to experience wilderness in  the style of these early explorers. Lucky for them, many camps and lodges  perpetuate these traditions, adopting the decorative style and offering many  creature comforts to provide at once a romanticized way of "roughing it" and an  experience of great luxury.InSimply Safari, Swaziland-based wildlife photographers Daryl and Sharna Balfour illustrate a broad spectrum of architectural and decorative  styles--from the more traditional to the most modern, and from the original  tented safari style to motifs more reminiscent of a luxury hotel in the wild.  The authors take readers on a photographic tour of 26 lodges in seven southern  African states, including Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe,  illustrating the dynamic combination of primitive architecture and the high  decorative style of European explorers. They depict romanticized versions of  safari life ranging from a tree-house camp in Zambia, high on the banks of the  Zambezi River, to the air-conditioned luxury of South Africa's Shamwari Lodge.Botswana's Abu Camp on the Okavango Delta offers lavishly furnished tents with  polished teak floors, a custom-made mahogany sleigh bed, and solid brass and  copper bathtubs imported from Italy. Sossusvlei, Ongava, and Skeleton Coast  safari camps in Namibia avoid competing with the stunning setting by relying on  the simplicity of raw materials and natural textures. Combinations of vibrant  earth tones and natural materials such as canvas, wood, stone, and thatch blend  effortlessly to delight the eye without detracting from the views beyond.Sumptuous photographs and inspiring text will entice those who want to transform  their homes--whether city apartments or rambling country spreads--into exotic  retreats that call to mind these breathtaking African locales. A handy source  list is included to make it easy for readers to find many of the home  furnishings pictured. Contact information for the featured lodges is included  for those inspired to experience safari life firsthand.--Robin Donovan