WORDS by KATIE JACHOLKE | IMAGES by FEATURED BRANDS
Whether you’re braaing a crayfish on the beach or enjoying frosty strolls through the countryside, there’s always room for a touch of khaki at Christmas. We’ve put together our favourite African inspired gifts to delight the safari-lover in your life, for use in the bush or even at home. And you might find a little something for yourself in here too…
FOODIE
If you’re hankering after some home-grown South African goodness to complete your festive indulgences, have a peek into Babylonstoren’s Christmas hamper. Packed full of sensory treats from the oh-so-trendy working vineyard in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, unwrap organic olive oil, award-winning wines, Rooibos tea and even handmade bath oil from its beautiful Delft packaging.
GADGET-LOVER
Sometimes an iPhone doesn’t quite cut it for capturing those never-to-be-forgotten moments in the bush and that’s where this gorgeous Leica C compact camera comes in. Small enough to squeeze into a pocket and hardy enough to withstand a rumbling game drive, it’s also powerful enough to catch the glint in that elusive leopard’s eye. Your safari-going loved ones will be delighted.
FASHIONISTA
Bring a little Swahili-style to your Christmas with one of Lalesso’s stunning dresses or tunics. Inspired by the exotic prints of the Kenyan coast, all pieces are ethically made in Kenya and South Africa. Exquisite hand-carved coconut buttons and swathes of gauzy silk – just perfect for swishing from sun-lounger to beach bar, even if you’re not by the Indian Ocean.
More info
www.lalesso.com
MEN
What to buy the safari-going gentleman that has everything? A leather travel bag of course. Try one of Alex & Thatch’s stylish, male-friendly creations, all made from sustainable leather and hand-stitched in the workshop in KwaZulu-Natal. And as they just get better with travel, you should really book a safari to go with it too…
WILDLIFE FAN
Any twitcher will tell you that alongside a whole lot of patience, a good pair of binos and a bird book are bird-watching essentials. Add a bit of flair to their kit with Melvill & Moon’s canvas Ornithologist’s Bible Bag. Specially designed to hold car keys, GPS, notepad as well as the trusty basics, we guarantee it will become an essential in itself.
JEWELLERY MAGPIE
Even safari-lovers go weak at the knees for all things sparkly, and even more so when they are as pretty as Anna Rosholt’s African-inspired gems. Collections include the tribal Ndebele Bow range, rhino rings (with proceeds going to the Black Mamba anti-poaching unit) and our favourite, the Beetle Collection, inspired by none other than the humble African Dung Beetle. Impress friends at home or wear them on safari and fit right in with the wildlife.
ECO-WARRIOR
Give something back by fostering an orphaned elephant at the David Sheldrick orphanage in Nairobi. Every penny donated by foster parents goes straight towards looking after the babies and re-integrating them back into the Kenyan wild. If your giftee is more of a green enthusiast, then gift a tree with Greenpop and help reforest the planet, one tree at a time.
More info: David Sheldrick; Greenpop
www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
BEAUTY AFICIONADO
Sometimes scents can be just as memory-inducing as sights (we defy you not to think of Africa with a whiff of citronella) and now the clever ladies at Azimai have come up with a range of soap and candles that will have you dreaming of lazy days in the bush. Scents include frangipani and cassia, and wild thyme and jasmine – all handmade in the South Luangwa valley in Zambia. Dreamy.
KIDS
Africa is a fairytale world for kids; a place where lions roam and colourful birds chatter in the treetops. Even if they’ve yet to go on safari, spark their dreams with one of these cute animals prints by Cape Town artist Lauren Fowler. We can think of a few adults who might enjoy them too!
DECOR ENTHUSIAST
Bring a little African spirit to your Christmas table with a bespoke table runner from Cape Town-based textile company, Handmade by Me. Choose from pretty pink proteas, striking tribal prints or giraffe inspired patterns that are guaranteed to have you reminiscing about safari over the Brussels sprouts.
