Real estate guru Dale Sorensen shares his African travels with us

ENTREE asked Dale Sorensen, the genius realtor in Vero Beach, Florida and founder of that city’s finest realty company, to share his notes on a recent trip to Africa. We have admired Dale and his wife, Matilde, for decades not only for their real estate expertise but for their discriminating approach to life and travel. Here are some thoughts and observations from their trip:

Dubai: The Sorensens travelled on Emirates Business class but sadly it was not up to the hype and expectations. On their last trip they flew Qatar Business and found it superior to Emirates. They stayed at One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai’s newest hotel (opened earlier this year) and found spacious rooms, excellent service, and a good variety of restaurants.

Dale continues: “One of the restaurants is La Dame De Pic–at the time a Michelin one star restaurant. Anne-Sophie Pic is chef and owner and she is considered the most famous of all female chefs with 11 stars from her various restaurants (the family restaurant is Pic in southern France). She was in Dubai that week as her restaurant there was nominated for a second star and she was there in case it was awarded. Luckily, we had dinner there the night before the award. She was there and spent some time with us. Food was incredible and she is very humble. She did receive the second star the next night. Dubai is interesting and a clean, safe vibrant city worth going to. We will go back.”

South Africa: “We stayed overnight in Johannesburg at the Saxon Hotel. This is a converted mansion in the wealthy part of town. This a grand hotel that lives up to “grand” part in every way.”

South Africa Safaris:

1. Singhita Sweni Lodge—”Located in the Kreuger National Park. The Lodge is tucked into the banks of the Sweni River about 50 yards or so above the river. This is quiet luxury–sit at lunch and watch crocodiles swim lazily by and the hippos frolicking in the water right in front of you. If you go (and you should), request Brian and Charles as your spotters–they are the best! This would rank very high if not highest of all lodges we have been to in Africa. If you like leopards, this is the place. We did get to see the Big Five (lions, leopard, rhino, buffalo, elephant).”

2. Tswalu Game Reserve–Lopai Tented Camp—”You have never been in a tent like this. We had a two bedroom “tent” that had to be between 2000-2500 square feet plus . our own house manager and chef.

Ask for Rey as your guide; he is as entertaining as he is good. This is the largest privately owned reserve in Africa (owned by the Oppenheimer Family) and exceptionally well run. We especially wanted to see rhinos up close and we did so on two of the three days we were there. They have a restaurant on the property that is a must. Cannot describe it because that would ruin the experience and it is an experience.”

Botswana Safaris:

1. Selenda Camp—”Located on the Selinda Spillway close to the Okavango Delta.

A totally different topography. Unfortunately, the area was experiencing a drought so there was not a lot of water. We witnessed a wild dog hunt, more leopards and a variety of wildlife. Our two bedroom “tent” looked out over a small river and there were hippos, crocs and everything from elephants to antelope coming down to the river to drink.”

2. Tuludi—”Another great experience. Located in the Khwai Private Reserve closer to the Delta. Fortunately, there was more water here and we were able to do a kayak excursion through some of the unspoiled delta.

Here we also visited a local village and then went out into the bush and watched as they harvested straw to use primarily for thatched roofs. They spend 4-6 months in the bush in small tents and primitive conditions harvesting the straw. When you go, request Tony as your guide. He is great at finding animals and also catering to your every need. A wonderful staff, many of whom came from the local village and learned English and made a real effort to improve their lives. They are truly wonderful and attentive in every way. We were surprised with a special lunch in the bush on one of our drives. They think of everything. You are so close to nature that we had leopards hunting near our tent two of the nights we were there.”

We want to thank Dale for his report. And we also want to sing the praises of Dale Sorensen Real Estate if you’re looking for a home in Vero Beach, John’s Island or any property in Indian River County. They will always put your interests first. Dale Sorensen Real Estate, (772) 231-4712, www.sorensenrealestate.com.